Researchers target spermidine production to combat emerging drug resistance in Salmonella
Food-borne diseases like typhoid, caused by Salmonella Typhimurium, are a severe threat to public health, especially in India. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics has allowed this bacterium to become resistant, posing a major hurdle in treating infections. ⌘ Read more

NASA and JAXA XRISM spot iron fingerprints in nearby active galaxy
After starting science operations in February, Japan-led XRISM (X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission) studied the monster black hole at the center of galaxy NGC 4151. ⌘ Read more

Using AI to predict grade point average from college application essays
Jonah Berger and Olivier Toubia used natural language processing to understand what drives academic success. The authors analyzed over 20,000 college application essays from a large public university that attracts students from a range of racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds and found that the semantic volume of the writing, or how much ground an application essay covered predicted college performance, as measured by gr … ⌘ Read more

Few tenure-track jobs for engineering Ph.D.s, study finds
A study finds that most engineering Ph.D. graduates will never secure a tenure-track faculty position. Over the past 50 years, the number of full-time faculty positions in US universities has steadily declined while production of science and engineering Ph.D. graduates has nearly doubled. ⌘ Read more

World extends run of heat records for an 11th month in a row
April was the Earth’s 11th consecutive month of record-breaking heat, with warmer weather already sweeping across Asia and a hotter-than-usual summer expected in Europe. ⌘ Read more

Bird flu is bad for poultry and dairy cows: It’s not a dire threat for most of us—yet
Headlines are flying after the Department of Agriculture confirmed that the H5N1 bird flu virus has infected dairy cows around the country. Tests have detected the virus among cattle in nine states, mainly in Texas and New Mexico, and most recently in Colorado, said Nirav Shah, principal deputy director at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at a May 1 event held by the Council on Foreign Relations. ⌘ Read more

Boeing’s first astronaut launch is off until late next week to replace a bad rocket valve
Boeing’s first astronaut launch is off until late next week because of a bad valve in the rocket that needs to be replaced. ⌘ Read more

Study exposes alarming risks to Scotland’s food delivery couriers
A new study highlighting the risks encountered by food delivery couriers reveals a majority feel ‘unsafe’ when at work with every woman surveyed having experienced sexual harassment or abuse. ⌘ Read more

New patent for bio-based polymer to be used in piezoelectric devices
UD engineers are the lead inventors on a new patent for making piezoelectric devices, such as sensors and actuators, using Nodax, a biodegradable, bio-based polymer. ⌘ Read more

The quantum theory of gravitation, effective field theories and strings: Past and present
Gravity is one of four fundamental interactions. The most precise description of this force is still provided by Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, published in 1915, an entirely classical theory. This description sets gravity apart from the other three forces—strong, weak, and electromagnetism—all described by quantum fields. Therefore, any attempt to unify the four forces must depend on a descr … ⌘ Read more

Researchers establish commercially viable process for manufacturing with promising new class of metals
Nanostructured high entropy alloys—metals made from a chaotic mix of several different elements—show a lot of promise for use in industries such as aerospace and automotive because of their strength and stability at high temperatures compared with regular metals. ⌘ Read more

In Brazil, 76% of deforestation in three Amazonian states occurred in a planned agricultural development zone
The Brazilian government is discussing the creation of an “agricultural development zone” at the confluence of three states in the Amazon region—Amazonas, Acre, and Rondônia (hence the proposed acronym AMACRO). ⌘ Read more

White House environmental official tours PFAS-site in Minnesota
A member of President Joe Biden’s administration stopped in the city of Lake Elmo, Minnesota, on May 6 to talk PFAS with local officials, visiting an area that’s been at the forefront of contamination just three weeks after the Biden administration released the first-ever drinking water standards for the so-called “forever” chemical. ⌘ Read more

Researchers explain how following the dietary guidelines is smart—for you and the climate
For the first time, Norwegian researchers have calculated what effect the average Norwegian diet has on the climate and environment and have studied the potential benefits for the climate and environment if we start following a diet in line with existing dietary guidelines. ⌘ Read more

Unraveling isopods’ culinary secrets and why it matters for ecosystems
New research on desert isopods’ dietary preferences is the revelation of the complex factors influencing their food choices. By understanding how these animals meticulously regulate their nutrient intake and prefer biological soil crusts over plant litter, the study highlights the intricate dynamics of trophic interactions. ⌘ Read more

Contradictory thoughts lead to more moderate attitudes, psychologists find
Researchers from the Leibniz Institute for Psychology (ZPID) and the University of Hohenheim present rhetorical tools that can help to reduce the polarization of discussions. ⌘ Read more

Researchers develop bioinspired Bouligand structure for enhanced mechanical properties
Bouligand structures, found in natural materials like fish scales, lobster peritoneum and bones, are known for providing exceptional mechanical properties to biomaterials. While progress has been made in creating bioinspired materials, most research has focused on putting the fibers together. A deeper understanding of how the fibers interact to enhance the mechanical functions is needed now. ⌘ Read more

Rich molecular language guides tiny liquid droplet formation in cells
Peering into a biological cell reveals a bustling microscopic world. The workhorses within this realm are specialized structures called organelles that perform vital cellular functions. Curiously, some organelles defy accepted convention: Instead of being enclosed within a protective membrane, they are without membranes and take the form of isolated liquid droplets. The rules that govern the formation of these droplets, a proces … ⌘ Read more

Why parrots sometimes adopt—or kill—each other’s babies
Infanticide and adoption in the animal kingdom have long puzzled scientists. While both males and females of many species are known to kill the babies of their rivals to secure sexual or social advantage, other animals have been observed caring for the young of dead or missing comrades. ⌘ Read more

Team describes MXene-supported PtCo bimetallic catalyst for hydrogen evolution in acidic conditions
Hydrogen energy is considered a promising solution with high energy density and zero pollution emissions. Currently, hydrogen is mainly derived from fossil fuels, which increases energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, hindering efforts to achieve carbon neutrality goals. ⌘ Read more

Scientists directly measure a key reaction in neutron star binaries
An X-ray burst (XRB) is a violent explosion that occurs on the surface of a neutron star as it absorbs material from a companion star. During this absorption, increasing temperatures and densities on the surface of the neutron star ignite a cascade of thermonuclear reactions. ⌘ Read more

Attosecond core-level spectroscopy reveals real-time molecular dynamics
Chemical reactions are complex mechanisms. Many different dynamic processes are involved, affecting both the electrons and the nucleus of the present atoms. Very often, the strongly coupled electron and nuclear dynamics induce radiation-less relaxation processes known as conical intersections. Such dynamics, which are at the basis of many biological and chemical relevant functions, are extremely difficult to detect exper … ⌘ Read more

Boaters dumping trash in South Florida’s waters? Teens face felony charges
Two teen boaters are facing felony charges for pollution after they were caught on video dumping trash into the Atlantic Ocean during a South Florida boating party. ⌘ Read more

Boeing faces critical launch ferrying astronauts to the International Space Station
Ferrying astronauts to the International Space Station has almost become routine—but not for Boeing and not on Monday, when after years of delay it’s finally set to launch two crew members to the orbiting platform on a critical test flight. ⌘ Read more

Calif. state Sen. Blakespear says coastal railroad is at a climate crossroads
A coordinated, multiagency effort is essential to save Southern California’s coastal rail corridor from sea-level rise and erosion, state Sen. Catherine Blakespear warned last week. ⌘ Read more

Want to show teachers appreciation? This top school gives them more freedom
When teachers at A.D. Henderson School, one of the top-performing schools in Florida, are asked how they succeed, one answer is universal: They have autonomy. ⌘ Read more

Cellphone ban won’t address mental health, classroom concentration issues, say experts
While a ban on cellphones in Ontario classrooms will temporarily keep them out of students’ hands, the move will do little to support the mental health of youth across the province, say Brock University experts. ⌘ Read more

First steps toward a whole-body map of molecular responses to exercise
Research definitively confirms that muscle-moving, calorie-burning activity slows the advance of disease, improves cognitive function, boosts the immune system, and reduces rates of mortality from all causes. ⌘ Read more

Opinion: Why women would prefer to be alone in the woods with a bear than a man
Would you rather find yourself alone in the woods with a bear or a man? This is the question currently dividing social media. Based on the responses online, it looks like most women answering the question say they would choose the bear, a decision that is shocking many men. ⌘ Read more

Nanotech opens door to future of insulin medication
An international team, led by researchers from Australia, have developed a system using nanotechnology that could allow people with diabetes to take oral insulin in the future. The researchers say the new insulin could be eaten by taking a tablet or even embedded within a piece of chocolate. ⌘ Read more

Saturday Citations: Parrots on the internet; a map of human wakefulness; the most useless rare-earth element
We field a torrent of science news updates every week and on Saturday morning, we highlight three or four of them based on the observed preferences of a panel of dogs as shown by the Paired-Stimulus Preference Assessment, a standardized evaluation of preferred stimuli. This week, the dogs selected stories about parrot-to-parrot video calling, loud human noises, and a new neural map of … ⌘ Read more

Boeing’s Starliner joins select club of crewed US spaceships
Throughout the annals of American space exploration, a select few spacecraft have had the distinction of carrying human beings beyond Earth. ⌘ Read more

Vietnam temperature records tumble as heat wave scorches
More than 100 temperature records fell across Vietnam in April, according to official data, as a deadly heat wave scorches South and Southeast Asia. ⌘ Read more

Rising mercury levels may contribute to declining Steller sea lion populations
A team of researchers from Texas A&M University and other institutions has made a surprising discovery about rising mercury levels in Steller sea lion pups that may have detrimental effects on the endangered species. ⌘ Read more

Five-day work week builds work–life balance in construction
Construction workers typically work six days a week but research tracking a five-day work week in the industry shows flexibility is key to improving worker well-being, with minimal perceived impact on productivity. ⌘ Read more

New mirror that can be flexibly shaped improves X-ray microscopes
A team of researchers in Japan has engineered a mirror for X-rays that can be flexibly shaped, resulting in remarkable precision at the atomic level and increased stability. ⌘ Read more

Research quantifies ‘gap’ in carbon removal for first time—shows countries need more awareness, ambition and action
New research involving the University of East Anglia (UEA) suggests that countries’ current plans to remove CO2 from the atmosphere will not be enough to comply with the 1.5ºC warming limit set out under the Paris Agreement. ⌘ Read more

Research shows bumblebee nests are overheating due to climate change, threatening future populations
As a result of the climate crisis, global warming is driving up temperatures around the world—and bumblebees, like humans, are struggling to cope with homes that can’t beat the heat. ⌘ Read more

Coastal hurricanes around the world are intensifying faster, new study finds
Hurricanes are among the world’s most destructive natural hazards. Their ability to cause damage is shaped by their environment; conditions like warm ocean waters, guiding winds, and atmospheric moisture can all dictate storm strength. ⌘ Read more

Researchers develop near-chromosome-level genome for the Mojave poppy bee
Scientists at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and university research partners have developed a near chromosome-level genome for the Mojave poppy bee, a specialist pollinator of conservation concern, according to a recent paper published in the Journal of Heredity. ⌘ Read more

Long-awaited Chicago policy doesn’t do enough to protect migrating birds, advocates say
Annette Prince peered between glossy downtown buildings: “There’s a bird in that grate.” ⌘ Read more

Why do male chicks play more than females? Study finds answers in distant ancestor
Play is widespread, but far from ubiquitous, across the animal kingdom. Especially common in mammals, play is also known to occur in taxa as diverse as birds, fish, octopuses, and even insects. But what is its function, given that natural selection never selects fun for its own sake? One prominent hypothesis is that play is beneficial to individuals because it allows them to practice skills needed later in life. ⌘ Read more

Precipitation may brighten Colorado River’s future, says modeling study
The Colorado River’s future may be a little brighter than expected, according to a new modeling study from CIRES researchers. Warming temperatures, which deplete water in the river, have raised doubts the Colorado River could recover from a multi-decade drought. The new study fully accounts for both rising temperatures and precipitation in the Colorado’s headwaters, and finds precipitation, not temperature, will likel … ⌘ Read more

Survey: Most workers feel that AI can’t replace soft skills
A new survey from Wiley suggests workers do not feel artificial intelligence (AI) will be replacing the art of communication in the workplace. ⌘ Read more

Horizontal running could help lunar astronauts retain physical conditioning
A small team of pathophysiologists and human locomotion specialists at the University of Milan has found that it should be possible for astronauts on the moon to prevent muscle and bone deterioration by running horizontally in a cylinder. In their study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, the group mimicked the effects of the moon’s gravity on volunteer runners inside of a borrowed “wall of death. … ⌘ Read more

Study says El Nino, not climate change, was key driver of low rainfall that snarled Panama Canal
The climate phenomenon known as El Niño—and not climate change—was a key driver in low rainfall that disrupted shipping at the Panama Canal last year, scientists said Wednesday. ⌘ Read more

New observatory in Chile—the highest in the world—aims to reveal origins of planets, galaxies and more
How do planets form? How do galaxies evolve? And ultimately, how did the universe itself begin? A unique astronomical observatory that researchers hope will unravel some of the biggest mysteries out there marks its opening on April 30, 2024. ⌘ Read more

Gum arabic from Africa’s acacia trees in the Sahel is used in hundreds of products: What’s worth knowing
The conflict in Sudan has turned attention to a rarely discussed commodity: gum arabic. This product, the dried sap of certain species of acacia trees, is used mainly as an additive in the soft drinks industry. Sudan accounts for about 70% of global gum arabic exports. Asgar Ali, an expert in sustainable food systems, answers questions about the commodity and its prospects. ⌘ Read more

JWST uses interferometry mode to reveal two protoplanets around a young star
The JWST is flexing its muscles with its interferometry mode. Researchers used it to study a well-known extrasolar system called PDS 70. The goal? To test the interferometry mode and see how it performs when observing a complex target. ⌘ Read more

Astronomers significantly impact the climate by traveling to conferences, say researchers
In 2019, global travel to international academic conferences in the field of astronomy caused the equivalent of 42,500 tons of climate-damaging CO2 emissions. This equates to an average of one ton of CO2 per participant and conference. The total distance covered adds up to a truly astronomical sum: one and a half times the distance between the Earth and the sun. ⌘ Read more