Scientists warn of links between soil pollution and heart disease

Pesticides and heavy metals in soil may have detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system, according to a review paper published today in Cardiovascular Research, a journal of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

Adolescents more vulnerable than adults to cannabis addiction, but not other mental health risks

Adolescents are over three times more vulnerable to developing a cannabis addiction than adults, but may not be at increased risk of other mental health problems related to the drug, finds a new study led by UCL and King's College London researchers.

COVID-19 vaccine protects people of all body weights from hospitalization and death, shows study of 9 million adults

COVID-19 vaccines have greatly reduced the number of cases of severe COVID-19 disease for everyone regardless of their body size, according to a new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. Vaccine effectiveness was similar for those with a higher BMI and of a healthy weight, but slightly lower in the underweight group, who were also the least likely to have been vaccinated.

The art of getting DNA out of decades-old pickled snakes

Two levels underground, Chicago's Field Museum has a secret bunker. The sub-basement Collections Resource Center houses millions of biological specimens for scientists around the world to use in their research, including countless bottles and jars containing pickled fish, lizards, and snakes, arranged like a library. Many of these specimens are decades or even centuries old, near-perfectly preserved by a combination of formalin and alcohol. But the process that preserves tissues often destroys or at least makes acquiring DNA for modern studies very difficult, which is bad news for scientists who study genetic relationships between organisms. A new study in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, however, reveals new approaches for getting and maximizing usable DNA from decades-old pickled specimens, and uses these techniques to solve a long-standing mystery about a small snake from the island of Borneo.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/the-art-of-getting-dna-out-of-decades-old-pickled-snakes

Researchers caution beachgoers ahead of white shark season

Great white shark researchers on Cape Cod are reminding visitors that warmer weather signals not just the start of the busy tourist season, but also the arrival of the region's famous predators.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/researchers-caution-beachgoers-ahead-of-white-shark-season

Webb telescope: NASA to reveal deepest image ever taken of universe

NASA administrator Bill Nelson said Wednesday the agency will reveal the "deepest image of our universe that has ever been taken" on July 12, thanks to the newly operational James Webb Space Telescope.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/webb-telescope-nasa-to-reveal-deepest-image-ever-taken-of-universe

Eligible younger US adults less likely to meet colorectal cancer screening guidelines; face greater disparities

Younger adults living in the U.S. are less likely to be screened for colorectal cancer than older U.S. adults, despite now being eligible under new screening guidelines, and face greater disparities than older U.S. adults who are eligible for screening, according to research from UTHealth Houston.

Dissolving the problem: Organic vapor induces dissolution of molecular salts

It has long been known that when salt is kept in a humid environment, it absorbs water, dissolving some of the salt and making it clump. Now, researchers from Japan have discovered that water vapor isn't the only agent that can do this.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/dissolving-the-problem-organic-vapor-induces-dissolution-of-molecular-salts

Researchers describe new kangaroo fossil from Papua New Guinea

Australian paleontologists from Flinders University have described a new genus of giant fossil kangaroo from the mountains of central Papua New Guinea.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/researchers-describe-new-kangaroo-fossil-from-papua-new-guinea

Limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius would reduce risks to humans by up to 85%

New research led by the University of East Anglia (UEA) quantifies the benefits of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and identifies the hotspot regions for climate change risk in the future.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/limiting-global-warming-to-1-5-degrees-celsius-would-reduce-risks-to-humans-by-up-to-85

Atrial fibrillation after surgery is linked to an increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure

People who develop an abnormal heart rhythm after surgery have an increased risk of subsequently being admitted to hospital with heart failure, according to a study of over 3 million patients, which is published in the European Heart Journal today.

Whale entanglements drop, but remain major threat, feds say

The number of whales entangled in fishing gear has declined recently, but the entanglements remain a critical threat to rare species, the federal government said in a report released Tuesday.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/whale-entanglements-drop-but-remain-major-threat-feds-say

Parental depression screening beyond the postpartum period has the potential to identify families needing support

Screening both mothers and fathers for depression beyond their child's first birthday in pediatric offices—the current standard practice—could identify families in need of mental health and other critical resources, according to a Rutgers study.

Robotic arms connected directly to brain of partially paralyzed man allows him to feed himself

Two robotic arms—a fork in one hand, a knife in the other—flank a seated man, who sits in front of a table, with a piece of cake on a plate. A computerized voice announces each action: "Moving fork to food," and "Retracting knife." Partially paralyzed, the man makes subtle motions with his right and left fists at certain prompts, such as "select cut location," so that the machine slices off a bite-sized piece. Now: "Moving food to mouth," and another subtle gesture to align the fork with his mouth.

Interrupting treatment of patients on immune-suppressing medicine doubles antibody response to COVID-19 booster

A major clinical trial, led by experts at the University of Nottingham working in partnership with several universities and NHS hospitals, has found that interrupting the treatment of vulnerable people on long-term immune-suppressing medicines for two weeks after a COVID-19 booster vaccination doubles their antibody response to the booster.

Cannabis use linked to heightened emergency care and hospital admission risks

Recreational cannabis use is linked to a heightened risk of emergency care and hospital admission for any cause, finds research published in the open access journal BMJ Open Respiratory Research.

Heart failure deemed less important than potholes in public discourse

Heart failure, a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide, is deemed less important than potholes in roads and pavements, on the evidence of its role in public discourse, finds research published in the open access journal Open Heart.

USDA-ARS releases genome of the voracious desert locust

The first high-quality genome of the desert locust—those voracious feeders of plague and devastation infamy and the most destructive migratory insect in the world—has been produced by U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service scientists.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/usda-ars-releases-genome-of-the-voracious-desert-locust

Canada's COVID-19 response in first 2 years of pandemic compares well with other countries' measures

Compared with other G10 countries, Canada handled the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic well by most measures, according to an analysis in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

Predicting the future: A quick, easy scan can reveal late-life dementia risk

Late-life dementia is becoming increasingly common in people after 80 years of age.

Abortion pills to become next battleground in US reproductive fight

As conservative US states rush to enact abortion bans following the Supreme Court's bombshell decision, the fight over reproductive rights in America is poised to shift to a new battleground: abortion-inducing pills.

Despite strong summer start, Europe's aviation industry frets

Air traffic is booming this summer, but after European vacations are over will passenger demand hold up?

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/despite-strong-summer-start-europes-aviation-industry-frets

WHO panel: Monkeypox not a global emergency 'at this stage'

The World Health Organization said the escalating monkeypox outbreak in more than 50 countries should be closely monitored but does not warrant being declared a global health emergency.

European festivals should not be scrapped due to monkeypox: WHO

The World Health Organization said Friday that European summer festivals should not be cancelled due to the monkeypox outbreak but should instead manage the risk of amplifying the virus.

Shanghai reports zero COVID cases for first time in months

China reported zero new COVID-19 infections in Shanghai for the first time since March on Saturday, as the country's latest outbreak subsides after months of lockdowns and other restrictions.

New study offers insight into past—and future—of west-side wildfires

When the 2020 Labor Day Fires torched more than 300,000 hectares over the span of two weeks in parts of western Oregon and Washington, they devastated communities and put the threat of west-side fires squarely into focus. A new study led by the USDA Forest Service's Pacific Northwest Research Station examines the context surrounding the fires and offers insight into the historical role of large, high-severity fires—and the future of wildfires—west of the Cascades.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/new-study-offers-insight-into-past-and-future-of-west-side-wildfires

Juul can keep selling e-cigarettes as court blocks FDA ban

Juul can continue to sell its electronic cigarettes, at least for now, after a federal appeals court on Friday temporarily blocked a government ban.

Treponema denticola found to induce Alzheimer-like tau hyperphosphorylation in mice

A study investigating the role of Treponema denticola (T. denticola) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis will be presented by Zhiqun Tang of the West China Hospital of Stomatology at Sichuan University, China at the 100th General Session and Exhibition of the IADR, to be held in conjunction with the 5th Meeting of the IADR Asia Pacific Region. The Interactive Talk presentation, "Treponema Denticola Induces Alzheimer-like Tau Hyperphosphorylation in Mice", will take place on Saturday, June 25th, 2022 during the "Biological Impact of Ageing" session.

Experts endorse Moderna COVID-19 shots for kids ages 6 to 17

An expert panel backed a second COVID-19 vaccine option for kids ages 6 to 17 Thursday.

Apple, Android phones targeted by Italian spyware: Google

An Italy-based firm's hacking tools were used to spy on Apple and Android smartphones in Italy and Kazakhstan, Google said Thursday, casting a light on a "flourishing" spyware industry.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/apple-android-phones-targeted-by-italian-spyware-google

Indonesian designer's wheels behind leaders' bamboo bike bromance

As Indonesian President Joko Widodo led Anthony Albanese around the lush gardens of a presidential palace south of Jakarta earlier this month, he presented the new Australian prime minister with an unusual gift: a bamboo bike.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/indonesian-designers-wheels-behind-leaders-bamboo-bike-bromance

Toyota recalls electric car for faulty wheel that may detach

Toyota is recalling 2,700 bZ4X crossover vehicles globally for wheel bolts that could become loose, in a major setback for the Japanese automaker's ambitions to roll out electric cars.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/toyota-recalls-electric-car-for-faulty-wheel-that-may-detach

Chinese electric car brand NIO says 2 killed in vehicle fall

Two people involved in testing for the electric car brand NIO died when one of its vehicles fell three stories from a Shanghai parking structure, the company said Friday.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/chinese-electric-car-brand-nio-says-2-killed-in-vehicle-fall

Climate change negatively impacting bumblebees, study finds

Temperature changes have negatively impacted most species of bumblebees over the past 120 years, according to new research published this week in Biology Letters. The researchers note that changes in temperature had more of a negative impact than other factors—such as precipitation or floral resources.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/climate-change-negatively-impacting-bumblebees-study-finds

Developmental dyslexia essential to human adaptive success, study argues

Cambridge researchers studying cognition, behavior and the brain have concluded that people with dyslexia are specialized to explore the unknown. This is likely to play a fundamental role in human adaptation to changing environments.

China's Xi calls for stronger fintech oversight, security

A high-level Chinese government meeting led by President Xi Jinping has called for stronger oversight and better security in financial tech, state media reported, with the sector hit hard by a regulatory crackdown.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/chinas-xi-calls-for-stronger-fintech-oversight-security

Loss of nature is pushing nations toward sovereign credit downgrades and 'bankruptcy'

The world's first biodiversity-adjusted sovereign credit ratings shows how ecological destruction affects public finances—driving downgrades, debt crises and soaring borrowing costs, according to a team of economists led by Cambridge University.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/loss-of-nature-is-pushing-nations-toward-sovereign-credit-downgrades-and-bankruptcy

Largest study reports long COVID symptoms in children up to age 14

The largest study to date of long COVID symptoms in children aged 0-14 years confirms that children who have received a COVID-19 diagnosis can experience symptoms of long COVID lasting at least two months. The study, published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, used national level sampling of children in Denmark and matched COVID-19 positive cases with a control group of children with no prior history of a COVID-19 infection.

Local economic data encourages legislators to open emails—but only Democrats

Personalizing outreach to legislators to include the local economic impact of an issue can increase engagement with research among Democratic, but not Republican, legislators.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/local-economic-data-encourages-legislators-to-open-emails-but-only-democrats

How is pharmaceutical pollution affecting the world's rivers?

During their production, use, and disposal, pharmaceutical ingredients in prescription and over-the-counter drugs are released into the environment, especially in surface waters. Results from a recent study published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry indicate that pharmaceutical pollution is a global problem that is likely negatively affecting the health of the world's rivers.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/how-is-pharmaceutical-pollution-affecting-the-worlds-rivers

Feelings of detachment predict worse mental health outcomes after trauma

Results from the largest prospective study of its kind indicate that for individuals who experience trauma, the presence of dissociation—a profound feeling of detachment from one's sense of self or surroundings—may indicate a high risk of later developing severe post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, physical pain, and social impairment. The research, which was led by investigators at McLean Hospital, is published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

There is no 'safest spot' to minimize risk of COVID-19 transmission on trains

Researchers have demonstrated how airborne diseases such as COVID-19 spread along the length of a train carriage and found that there is no "safest spot" for passengers to minimize the risk of transmission.

The secret lives of mites in the skin of our faces

Microscopic mites that live in human pores and mate on our faces at night are becoming such simplified organisms, due to their unusual lifestyles, that they may soon become one with humans, new research has found.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/the-secret-lives-of-mites-in-the-skin-of-our-faces

Nuclear industry hopes to expand output with new reactors

The U.S. nuclear industry is generating less electricity as reactors retire, but now plant operators are hoping to nearly double their output over the next three decades, according to the industry's trade association.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/nuclear-industry-hopes-to-expand-output-with-new-reactors

Modern phoenix: The bird brought back from extinction in Japan

Every day for the past 14 years, 72-year-old Masaoki Tsuchiya has set out before sunrise to search for a bird rescued from extinction in Japan.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/modern-phoenix-the-bird-brought-back-from-extinction-in-japan

Females more likely to suffer with long COVID, underscoring a critical need for sex-disaggregated research

A new study published today in the journal Current Medical Research and Opinion reveals that females are "significantly" more likely to suffer from long COVID than males and will experience substantially different symptoms.

Lack of diversity of microorganisms in the gut or elevated gut metabolites implicated in heart failure severity

Some people who experience heart failure have less biodiversity in their gut or have elevated gut metabolites, both of which are associated with more hospital visits and greater risk of death, according to a systematic review of research findings led by Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Study researchers and colleagues.

Shaky oasis for some polar bears found, but not for species

With the polar bear species in a fight for survival because of disappearing Arctic sea ice, a new distinct group of Greenland bears seem to have stumbled on an icy oasis that might allow a small remote population to "hang on."

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/shaky-oasis-for-some-polar-bears-found-but-not-for-species

The battle to build a child-friendly metaverse

As a young woman straps on her vest and headset and becomes immersed in a virtual world, Mainak Chaudhuri talks excitedly about the potential of the technology.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/the-battle-to-build-a-child-friendly-metaverse

Store workers vote to form first US Apple union

A majority of employees at a US Apple store have voted to form the tech giant's first union, in the wake of similar unionization drives at Starbucks and Amazon locations.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/store-workers-vote-to-form-first-us-apple-union

Verizon, AT&T delay some 5G service over airlines' concerns

Federal regulators say Verizon and AT&T will delay part of their 5G rollout near airports to give airlines more time to ensure that equipment on their planes is safe from interference from the wireless signals, but the airline industry is not happy about the deal.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/verizon-at-t-delay-some-5g-service-over-airlines-concerns

Europe braces for blistering June weekend heat

France, Spain and other western European nations braced on Saturday for a sweltering June weekend that is set to break records and sparked concern about forest fires and the effects of climate change.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/europe-braces-for-blistering-june-weekend-heat

White House: Florida doctors can order under-5 COVID shots

Florida doctors will be able to order COVID-19 vaccines for children under 5 from the federal government, the White House said Friday, after Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said the state would not order and distribute the shots in the state.

41 dead, millions stranded as floods hit Bangladesh, India

Monsoon storms in Bangladesh and India have killed at least 41 people and unleashed devastating floods that left millions of others stranded, officials said Saturday.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/41-dead-millions-stranded-as-floods-hit-bangladesh-india

New pediatric obesity program makes treatment more accessible

Pediatric obesity remains a serious health problem in the United States, where one in five children are affected. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends that pediatricians screen for obesity during primary care visits and refer families to behavioral intervention programs. While there is growing interest in providing these services, accessibility continues to challenge their success.

New research delves into the contributors to obesity-related health disparities

Obesity increases the risk of health conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, and diabetes. Recent findings have also revealed that obesity is a risk factor for hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. In a new supplement to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, published by Elsevier, researchers identify the complex contributors to obesity and obesity-related health disparities and propose strategies for improving the well-being of populations impacted by these disparities.

Up to 80% of athletes who die suddenly had no symptoms or family history of heart disease

Recommendations on how to use gene testing to prevent sudden cardiac death in athletes and enable safe exercise are published today in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, a journal of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

Life expectancy in the US increased between 2000-2019, but widespread gaps among racial and ethnic groups persist

From 2000-2019 overall life expectancy in the United States increased by 2.3 years, but the increase was not consistent among racial and ethnic groups and by geographic area. In addition, most of these gains were prior to 2010. This is according to a new study that examined trends in life expectancy at the county level. The study was led by researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington's School of Medicine, Seattle, in collaboration with researchers from NIH and published on June 16th in The Lancet.

Armed Forces personnel who are injured in combat are at greater risk of poor mental health

New research from the King's Centre for Military Health Research (KCMHR) at King's College London has found that members of the British Armed Forces who were physically injured while fighting in Afghanistan are more likely to experience poor mental health compared to their colleagues who did not experience a physical injury during deployment.

Long COVID risk less from omicron variant than from delta

The omicron variant is less likely to cause long COVID than the delta variant, new research has found.

Medicalizing menopause may be unhelpful for some women

Treating menopause as a hormone deficiency requiring treatment is inaccurate and fuels negative expectations which might be harmful to women, argue experts in The BMJ today.

Poor sleep among African Americans associated with diminished cognitive function

More fragmented sleep and longer periods of wakefulness after bedtime among a group of low-income African American adults were associated with lower cognitive function such as poor attention, according to a new study.

Veterinary: Urgent action needed on English Bulldog breeding

English Bulldogs must be bred with more moderate physical features, as a new study reports that the breed is significantly less healthy than other dog breeds. English Bulldogs are at increased risk of breathing, eye, and skin conditions due to their extreme physical features, including shortened muzzles, folded skin, and a squat body, reports the paper published in the journal Canine Medicine and Genetics. The authors advocate that the English Bulldog breed standards should be redefined towards more moderate characteristics, without which there may be a risk that the breeding of this type of dog is banned in the UK.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/veterinary-urgent-action-needed-on-english-bulldog-breeding

Nordic walking improves functional capacity in people with heart disease

Researchers identified a greater increase in functional capacity, the ability to perform activities of daily living, as a result of Nordic walking in patients with coronary heart disease compared to standard high-intensity interval training and moderate-to-vigorous intensity continuous training. The results of their randomized clinical trial are published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology.

Moth wing–inspired sound absorbing wallpaper in sight after breakthrough

Experts at the University of Bristol have discovered that the scales on moth wings act as excellent sound absorbers even when placed on an artificial surface.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/moth-wing-inspired-sound-absorbing-wallpaper-in-sight-after-breakthrough

Native bee key to social evolution: Bridge between flying solo or as a colony

Studying the unusual social behavior of an Australian native bee has enabled Flinders University researchers to obtain a clear understanding about the earliest stages of social evolution.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/native-bee-key-to-social-evolution-bridge-between-flying-solo-or-as-a-colony

Age 40 is when busy Americans get the least sleep

A graph of how long Americans sleep forms a U-shaped pattern across our lives, with age 40 being the low point and hours of sleep starting to creep back up about age 50, Medical College of Georgia investigators report.

Intensive training linked to heightened asthma risk in cross-country skiers

An intensive training schedule is linked to a heightened risk of non-allergic asthma in competitive cross-country skiers, finds research published in the open access journal BMJ Open Sports & Exercise Medicine.

Serious injuries more likely for kids using trampoline centers than home trampolines

Children who use trampoline centers are more likely to be seriously injured and require hospital admission than those who use trampolines at home, finds a pooled data analysis of the available international evidence, published online in the journal Injury Prevention.

Extreme weather, climate events may lead to increase in violence towards women, girls, and sexual and gender minorities

As the climate crisis leads to more intense and more frequent extreme weather and climate-related events, this in turn risks increasing the amount of gender-based violence experienced by women, girls, and sexual and gender minorities, say researchers.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/extreme-weather-climate-events-may-lead-to-increase-in-violence-towards-women-girls-and-sexual-and-gender-minorities

More than 14% of world's population likely has (had) tick-borne Lyme disease

More than 14% of the world's population probably has, or has had, tick-borne Lyme disease, as indicated by the presence of antibodies in the blood, reveals a pooled data analysis of the available evidence, published in the open access journal BMJ Global Health.

Gaia sees strange stars in most detailed Milky Way survey to date

Gaia is ESA's mission to create the most accurate and complete multi-dimensional map of the Milky Way. This allows astronomers to reconstruct our home galaxy's structure and past evolution over billions of years, and to better understand the lifecycle of stars and our place in the universe.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/gaia-sees-strange-stars-in-most-detailed-milky-way-survey-to-date

Many baby formula plants weren't inspected because of COVID

U.S. regulators have historically inspected baby formula plants at least once a year, but they did not inspect any of the three biggest manufacturers in 2020, according to federal records reviewed by The Associated Press.

Study shows people 'right size' portions of high-calorie foods

New research has revealed that humans moderate the size of energy-rich meals they eat, suggesting people are smarter eaters than previously thought.

Researchers develop reusable gown that eases supply chain and environmental impact issues

The Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) shortages brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be an opportunity for a Virginia health system to not only address supply chain issues, but also to improve their environmental footprint.

Healthy human brains are hotter than previously thought, exceeding 40 degrees C

New research has shown that normal human brain temperature varies much more than we thought, and this could be a sign of healthy brain function. In healthy men and women, where oral temperature is typically less than 37°C, average brain temperature is 38.5°C, with deeper brain regions often exceeding 40°C, particularly in women during the daytime.

Low-tech—just what the doctor ordered

Medical equipment that can be manufactured at low cost, is simple to use and can be easily maintained will help extend surgery to the 5 billion people worldwide who currently cannot get access to it, say researchers.

Asteroid samples contain 'clues to origin of life': Japan scientists

Asteroid dust collected by a Japanese space probe contains organic material that shows some of the building blocks of life on Earth may have been formed in space, scientists said Friday.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/asteroid-samples-contain-clues-to-origin-of-life-japan-scientists

Is AI the future of art?

To many they are art's next big thing—digital images of jellyfish pulsing and blurring in a dark pink sea, or dozens of butterflies fusing together into a single organism.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/is-ai-the-future-of-art

'Soul relief': Bees help mentally ill on Greek island

On a hillside overlooking the azure blue waters of Greece's Leros island harbor, a small group of workers in protective gear are busy smoking beehives.

Rare wetland plant found in Arizona now listed as endangered

A rare plant that depends on wetlands for survival is now on the federal endangered species list, a designation that environmentalists say will boost efforts to protect the last free-flowing river in the desert Southwest.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/rare-wetland-plant-found-in-arizona-now-listed-as-endangered

Canada to require a warning be printed on every cigarette

Canada is poised to become the first country in the world to require that a warning be printed on every cigarette.

Tesla proposes a 3-for-1 stock split; Ellison to leave Board

Tesla proposed a three-for-one split of its stock on Friday, a move that will make a single share of the electric car maker more accessible to investors but not affect the company's overall market value.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/tesla-proposes-a-3-for-1-stock-split-ellison-to-leave-board

Binge drinking raises risk of developing alcohol problems, even for moderate drinkers

Moderate drinkers who binge alcohol are at a significantly higher risk of developing alcohol problems than those who drink the same amount overall but don't binge, according to a new study from researchers at The University of Texas at Austin appearing in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Unvaccinated children mount COVID-19 immune response, but vaccination may be key to strengthening immunity

Unvaccinated children mount a rapid immune response to SARS-CoV-2 which may contribute to less severe symptoms, but which may also limit the development of an immune "memory" response to ward off future infections, a study led by the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute) has found.

The largest ever series of phage therapy case studies shows a success rate of more than half

The number of reported cases using viruses to treat deadly Mycobacterium infections just went up by a factor of five.

PCR test for Okinawa mozuku could increase yields and lead to climate-tolerant strains

A simple PCR test could be used to improve cultivation of the edible brown seaweed, Okinawa mozuku, and even aid attempts at generating heat-tolerant strains, reported scientists from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST). The PCR test, described in a new study published June 9, 2022 in Phycological Research, detects nine genes that reveal the mozuku algae's lifecycle stage, as well as its sex.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/pcr-test-for-okinawa-mozuku-could-increase-yields-and-lead-to-climate-tolerant-strains

Set targets to cut inhaled anesthesia greenhouse gas emissions, urge doctors

Clear, measurable targets are needed to cut potent greenhouse gas emissions from inhaled anesthesia and minimize their impact on climate change, insist doctors in The BMJ.

Most comprehensive analysis of COVID-19 data reveals previously unattributed deaths

A study published in The Lancet Digital Health has used health data from 57 million people in England to build the most complete picture of the pandemic in a single country to date.

Little evidence testosterone treatment increases the risk of cardiovascular events, most in-depth analysis suggests

Testosterone replacement therapy appears safe in the short-to-medium term to treat a condition caused by deficiency of the male sex hormone, according to the most comprehensive analysis of the treatment to date, published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity journal.

Higher rate of COVID-19 death before vaccination linked to certain common inflammatory immune conditions

People with certain inflammatory immune conditions affecting the joints, bowel and skin, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may have been more at risk of dying or needing hospital care if they got COVID-19 before vaccination, compared with the general population, according to a new study published in The Lancet Rheumatology.

Multiple heart-related conditions linked to triple dementia risk, regardless of genetics

Having multiple conditions that affect the heart is linked to a greater risk of dementia than having high genetic risk, according to a new large-scale study.

How will climate change affect the geographic range of salamander species in the U.S. and Canada?

In a study published in the Journal of Wildlife Management, investigators predicted the geographic range restriction of several different species of salamanders in eastern Canada and the United States under future climate scenarios in 2050 and 2070.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/how-will-climate-change-affect-the-geographic-range-of-salamander-species-in-the-u-s-and-canada

How are environmental chemicals affecting vultures?

Vultures are long-lived birds, and because they are scavengers, they're vulnerable to chronic chemical exposure through the food chain. An article published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry reviews the primary chemical hazards faced by Old World vulture populations, which are undergoing rapid declines in Africa. 

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/how-are-environmental-chemicals-affecting-vultures

Does media exposure influence an individual's risk of radicalization?

A recent analysis in Campbell Systematic Reviews examined the effects of media on two aspects of radicalization: the support of the use of radical violence in the name of a cause or ideology (called cognitive radicalization) and the actual involvement in such violence (called behavioral radicalization).

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/does-media-exposure-influence-an-individuals-risk-of-radicalization

Do optimists live longer?

In a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society that included a racially diverse group of 159,255 women, higher levels of optimism were associated with longer lifespans and a greater likelihood of living past 90 years of age.

New study finds 19th-century wooden shipwrecks to be thriving habitats for deep-sea microbiomes

Historic wooden shipwrecks alter seafloor microbial communities, reports a recent study. There are millions of shipwrecks in the world's oceans, each providing a potentially new habitat for sea life. Microbes form the foundation of ecosystems and this is the first evidence of how human structures impact their distribution in the deep sea.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/new-study-finds-19th-century-wooden-shipwrecks-to-be-thriving-habitats-for-deep-sea-microbiomes

Higher socioeconomic status linked to increased air pollution exposure in China

In some countries, including the United States, socioeconomic factors such as higher income and education correlate with less exposure to outdoor air pollution. But this isn't the case in China. In fact, it's the exact opposite.

Otters learn from each other—but solve some puzzles alone

Otters learn skills from each other—but they also solve some mysteries alone, new research shows.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/otters-learn-from-each-other-but-solve-some-puzzles-alone

App boosts preschoolers' motor skills

Preventing childhood obesity could soon take a major "hop" forward with an app that teaches kids to do just that, and to skip, run and throw a ball.

EXPLAINER: Is Elon Musk's deal to buy Twitter falling apart?

Elon Musk on Monday threatened to walk away from his $44 billion bid to buy Twitter, the latest sign that his plan to overhaul the social media platform may really be starting to fray.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/explainer-is-elon-musks-deal-to-buy-twitter-falling-apart

Nano-sensor detects pesticides on fruit in minutes

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden have developed a tiny sensor for detecting pesticides on fruit in just a few minutes. The technique, described as a proof-of-concept in a paper in the journal Advanced Science, uses flame-sprayed nanoparticles made from silver to increase the signal of chemicals. While still at an early stage, the researchers hope these nano-sensors could help uncover food pesticides before consumption.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/nano-sensor-detects-pesticides-on-fruit-in-minutes

Bacterial cellulose in kombucha enables microbial life under Mars-like conditions

An international research team including the University of Göttingen has investigated the chances of survival of kombucha cultures under Mars-like conditions. Kombucha is known as a drink, sometimes called tea fungus or mushroom tea, which is produced by fermenting sugared tea using kombucha cultures—a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast. Although the simulated Martian environment destroyed the microbial ecology of the kombucha cultures, surprisingly, a cellulose-producing bacterial species survived. The results were published in Frontiers in Microbiology.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/bacterial-cellulose-in-kombucha-enables-microbial-life-under-mars-like-conditions

Scientists produce chimp genetic map to combat trafficking

Scientists have produced the first genetic map of chimpanzees in the wild, offering a detailed reconstruction of the endangered species' past migrations, and a new tool to combat illegal trafficking.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/scientists-produce-chimp-genetic-map-to-combat-trafficking

World's largest plant is a vast seagrass meadow in Australia

Scientists have discovered the world's largest plant off the Australia coast—a seagrass meadow that has grown by repeatedly cloning itself.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/worlds-largest-plant-is-a-vast-seagrass-meadow-in-australia

Why US gun violence spikes in warm weather

From the Texas school massacre to a Tulsa hospital shooting and many less-reported incidents, a recent spate of gun violence across America bears out a trend police departments have long sworn by: murders go up in warmer weather.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/why-us-gun-violence-spikes-in-warm-weather

Research sheds light on why not all obese patients develop type 2 diabetes

Researchers at Oregon State University have invented a new analytical method that sheds light on an enduring mystery regarding type 2 diabetes: Why some obese patients develop the disease and others don't.

Dutch port's rooftop walk shows post-climate future

As one of the world's most densely populated countries grapples with climate change, the Dutch are taking to their rooftops.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/dutch-ports-rooftop-walk-shows-post-climate-future

Why the mystery hepatitis in children may have been here all along

The children typically show up at hospitals scattered across the country, one or two at a time, with symptoms like unexplained vomiting, diarrhea and jaundice. These are the classic signs of hepatitis—inflammation of the liver—yet in many cases, no cause is ever identified.

A neurobiological model to better understand creative processes

"Many believe that creativity is assigned to a single brain region. But that is not the case," says Radwa Khalil. Together with scientists from South Africa and Australia, the neurobiologist at Jacobs University Bremen has proposed a computer-based model that assigns creative processes to neural networks in the brain. Depending on the type of creative activity, these networks can be designed differently. The research results have recently been published in the journal Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews.

Vaccination of mother also protects the unborn baby

The risk of getting COVID-19 is lower in the first four months of life if the mother is vaccinated during pregnancy. This is shown by a new study from the Center for Fertility and Health at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

Researchers identify new pneumococcal vaccine candidate that may protect against multiple strains

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a new vaccine candidate against pneumococci, bacteria that can cause pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. The vaccine molecules comprise nano-sized membrane vesicles produced by the bacteria and provide protection in mice, a new study published in PNAS reports.

Time crystals 'impossible' but obey quantum physics

Scientists have created the first "time-crystal" two-body system in an experiment that seems to bend the laws of physics.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/time-crystals-impossible-but-obey-quantum-physics

10 dead, around 20 missing after Hurricane Agatha hits Mexico

The toll from Hurricane Agatha climbed to at least ten dead and around 20 missing in southern Mexico, where heavy rains triggered landslides and flooding, local officials said Tuesday.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/10-dead-around-20-missing-after-hurricane-agatha-hits-mexico

Microgravity analog culture profoundly affects microbial infection process in 3-D human tissue models, a new study finds

Infectious microbes have evolved sophisticated means to invade host cells, outwit the body's defenses and cause disease. While researchers have tried to puzzle out the complicated interactions between microorganisms and the host cells they infect, one facet of the disease process has often been overlooked—the physical forces that impact host-pathogen interactions and disease outcomes.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/microgravity-analog-culture-profoundly-affects-microbial-infection-process-in-3-d-human-tissue-models-a-new-study-finds

Food waste cement: A gingerbread house-style building option

Ever dreamed of having a gingerbread house like Hansel and Gretel?

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/food-waste-cement-a-gingerbread-house-style-building-option