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Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on September 4, 2024 at 8:35am

Eye movements can create different versions of the same film in our heads

Picture two people sitting in a movie theater, both watching the screen: Are they seeing the same thing? Or is the movie playing out differently in each of their minds? Researchers from the Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) have found that it's the latter, and they've published their findings in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. It turns out that viewers experience different versions of the same film in their brains, and these differences can be predicted by their unique eye movements.

Just like our bodies are made up of the same basic parts but vary from person to person, the same is true for our brains and their activity patterns. Neuroscientists use functional magnetic resonance imaging and machine learning to make these brain activity patterns comparable across individuals. For about a decade now, these techniques have allowed researchers to "translate" activation patterns among different brains.

Researchers  used this technology to explore how individual eye movements affect our perception. They examined how well one person's brain activity could predict another's while 19 volunteers watched the same movie—either freely or while passively staring at the center of the screen. Compared to passive viewing, natural eye movements led to much stronger activation in the brain's visual centers. However, these activations were also more individual, making it harder to match one person's brain activity to another's.

Recent research shows that eye movements are as unique as personality traits. Some people focus more on faces, while others are drawn to text or other elements.

These individual viewing habits might create a unique 'world' in each person's mind. Now we know that's true. We could even predict how different the brain activity patterns would be between people by measuring the similarity of their eye movements in a separate experiment conducted days apart.

It's fascinating that while eye movements lead to stronger neural activity, they also make these activity patterns less comparable between individuals. Usually, a stronger signal means clearer data, but here the signal—the brain's representation of the movie—is different for each person, like a director's cut prepared by the individual brain.

The research  team is now exploring how eye movements develop over a person's lifetime and how they affect our understanding of scenes and daily tasks.

It makes you wonder—next time you're in the cinema, you might want to ask the person next to you, 'Which movie did you see?'

Hmmm! Now I know that you are not seeing what I am really doing! 

Petra Borovska et al, Individual gaze shapes diverging neural representations, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2405602121

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on September 4, 2024 at 8:26am

Colorful, melodious birds at risk from poor urban planning

 Recent research reveals how urban areas  are losing bird species with characteristics that people find most "aesthetically pleasing."

The study found 82 different bird species across 42 different landscape types in Brisbane, but the variety of smaller, colorful, "melodious" bird species decreased in areas where there were not enough green spaces and fragmented landscapes. 

The findings are published in the journal Landscape Ecology in a paper titled "Landscape structure influences the spatial distribution of urban bird attractiveness."

These outcomes highlighted the importance of designing urban landscapes in future developments that increased opportunities to find colorful and melodious birds and favor people's connection with nature.

Beauty can be subjective, but several studies have demonstrated that traits such as color, size and shape favor positive feelings and perceptions of species as beneficial. Attractive' traits could even influence human preferences toward conserving species and support education and fundraising.

The results show that some species like the Scarlet Honeyeater (Myzomela sanguinolenta) and the Yellow-faced Honeyeater (Lichenostomus chrysops) were lost in highly urbanized environments.

When the number of species was low, landscapes could support some species that are considered "attractive" based on their traits, such as the (Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus and Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys).

However, the overall attractiveness of a variety of different species could decline, as small-bodied, colorful and melodious species were negatively affected by built infrastructure and fragmentation.

It corresponded with the loss of species with high attractiveness values, such as small-bodied forest-dependent species that tended to be more vulnerable to urbanization (White-throated Gerygone Gerygone olivace and Australian Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis).

Urban planning should consider how to bring back vibrant, colorful birdlife to our cities, enriching our daily lives and reconnecting us with nature in the very places we live and work, say the researchers.

There are relatively easy fixes like creating green corridors and adding diverse vegetation in parks and gardens. These strategies can provide key habitats for many colorful species with a high diversity of calls."

This information could help to track the success of initiatives that seek to achieve wins for both biodiversity and human well-being, and it could lead to greater support for conservation and positive human health outcomes.

Andres F. Suarez-Castro et al, Landscape structure influences the spatial distribution of urban bird attractiveness, Landscape Ecology (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s10980-024-01950-9

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on September 4, 2024 at 7:14am

The mission will cover the Himalayan regions in India, from Kashmir and Ladakh in the north to Arunachal Pradesh in the northeast, many in areas bordering China.

Climate change is driving the disappearance of glaciers, with half the Earth's 215,000 glaciers projected to melt by the end of the century, even if warming can be capped at 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

The volume of glacial lakes has jumped by 50 percent in 30 years, according to a 2020 study based on satellite data.

A study, published in Nature Communications, found that 15 million people live within 50 kilometers (31 miles) of a glacial lake and within one kilometer of potential flooding from a breach.

The risk was greatest in the "High Mountains Asia" region across 12 countries, including India, Pakistan, China and Nepal.

That is partly because more people live closer to glacial lakes in the region than in other parts of the world, making warning times even shorter.

Last month a glacial lake outburst in neighboring Nepal's Everest region sent a devastating flood of frigid water through the village of Thame, sweeping away buildings.
Source: News agencies

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on September 4, 2024 at 7:13am

India launches flood warning systems at Himalayan glacial lakes

India is setting up high-tech warning systems at nearly 200 Himalayan glacial lakes at risk of bursting their banks, a deadly threat exacerbated by climate change, disaster officials said this week. 

India's Himalayas contain at least 7,500 glacial lakes, many of which pose risks of dangerous flash floods.

Teams from India's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) are targeting 190 high-altitude lakes deemed to be the most dangerous in a mission slated to take three years.

A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) is the sudden release of water that has collected in former glacier beds. These lakes are formed by the retreat of glaciers, a naturally occurring phenomenon turbocharged by the warmer temperatures of human-caused climate change. One expedition is currently working to install early warning systems around six high-risk lakes in the northeastern state of Sikkim.

The project will also include "lowering lake levels" of accumulated water and ice slush in lakes. Teams include experts from the army and multiple government agencies, including the Indian Space Research Organization, geologists, hydrologists, computing engineers and weather specialists. India's air force is also expected to join the mission later, flying heavy equipment into remote sites.

Part 1

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on September 4, 2024 at 7:08am

The researchers have identified several important weather patterns that make it more likely for typhoons to cluster:

Monsoon Trough: This pattern forms when the subtropical high pressure system interacts with the monsoon trough,. Typhoons often develop along the monsoon trough and its surrounding areas.
Confluence Zone: This occurs where different wind currents meet. Here, the southwesterly and southeasterly winds come together. Typhoons can form at this meeting point, influenced by surrounding high-pressure systems.
Easterly Waves: These are large, slow-moving waves of wind that travel from east to west. Typhoons often form along these easterly waves.
Monsoon Gyre: This pattern involves a large, spinning system of winds called a monsoon vortex. Typhoons can form within this spinning system" .

The study also looks into how these patterns create the right conditions for  typhoons to develop. For instance, the Monsoon Trough pattern is driven by certain wind and moisture conditions, while the other patterns rely on different atmospheric factors.

This study provides a theoretical basis for improving the predictability and early warning systems for these complex events.

 Yining Gu et al, Environmental Conditions Conducive to the Formation of Multiple Tropical Cyclones over the Western North Pacific, Advances in Atmospheric Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s00376-024-3237-4

Part 2

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on September 4, 2024 at 7:05am

Why do typhoons like to cluster? Researchers identify key weather patterns

This August, Japan and South Korea, particularly Japan, have experienced a dramatic surge in typhoon activity. From August 8 to August 13, within just six days, Typhoons Maria, Son-Tinh, Ampil, and Wukong consecutively formed over the waters east of Japan. Among them, Tropical Storm Maria caused record-breaking rainfall in parts of northern Japan, while just a few days later, Typhoon Ampil arrived during Japan's Obon holiday week, causing significant damage in Japan.

This sequence of storms is a striking example of a phenomenon called multiple tropical cyclone (MTC) formation, where several typhoons either occur at the same time or follow one another in quick succession. The region typically sees about five of these clustering events each year, and their combined impact can significantly increase disaster risks and cause extensive damage.

So, why do typhoons seem to group together?

A recent study  by researchers sheds light on this puzzling question. Their research, published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, explores the key weather patterns that contribute to this clustering of tropical cyclones.

Part 1

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on September 4, 2024 at 7:01am

Self-healing hydrogel microparticles: A smart solution for advanced wound care

Chronic diabetic wounds are prevalent in patients and are difficult to heal, presenting a significant medical challenge. The development of multifunctional hydrogel dressings with a well-designed morphology and structure can enhance their flexibility and effectiveness in wound management.

Researchers have developed a self-healing hydrogel dressing based on structural color microspheres for wound management. Their research is published in the journal Nano-Micro Letters.

These microspheres are composed of an inverse opal framework with photothermal responsiveness, constructed from methacrylated hyaluronic acid, methacrylated silk fibroin, and black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs), and further embedded in dynamic hydrogels.

The dynamic hydrogel filler is formed through the Knoevenagel condensation reaction between cyanoacetate and benzaldehyde-functionalized dextran (DEX-CA and DEX-BA). Notably, the composite microspheres can be freely applied and, by utilizing the BPQD-mediated photothermal effect and the thermoreversible stiffness change of the dynamic hydrogel, can adhere to each other under near-infrared irradiation.

In addition, the microspheres are co-loaded with melittin and vascular endothelial growth factor, with a release behavior that can be regulated through the same mechanism. Additionally, the drug release process can be effectively monitored through visual color changes. This microsphere system demonstrates ideal capabilities in controlled drug release and efficient wound management.

Researchers also  evaluated the in vivo wound healing efficacy of composite microspheres (CMPs) in a full-thickness chronic diabetic wound infection model.

Statistical analysis of wound closure areas and regenerated epithelial thickness revealed that the group treated with the dual-drug-loaded CMPs combined with near-infrared (NIR) irradiation exhibited superior wound healing outcomes, significantly outperforming other groups. These results suggest that the synergistic effects of NIR-controlled irradiation and the intelligent responsiveness of CMPs play a crucial role in enhancing wound healing.

 Li Wang et al, Self-Healing Dynamic Hydrogel Microparticles with Structural Color for Wound Management, Nano-Micro Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01422-4

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on September 4, 2024 at 6:55am

Hydrogel developed for use in slowing or stopping early stages of osteoarthritis

A team of material engineers and orthopedic specialists affiliated with several institutions in China has developed a hydrogel for slowing or stopping the progression of osteoarthritis. Their research is published in the journal Advanced Materials.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease—it presents as a breakdown of the cartilage and the cushion-like tissue within the spaces where joints meet. The result is a reduction in lubrication and an increase in friction, preventing easy movement of the joint, and oftentimes, pain. It is due to multiple factors, such as an autoimmune response or poor exercise habits. The WHO has labeled the disease a global health crisis, affecting more than 528 million people in 2019.

Prior research has led to the development of therapies such as saline or corticosteroid injections, but neither fully reduce friction or pain, and the injections must be repeated every few months. In this new effort, the team in China developed a hydrogel that, once injected, performs much better than other treatments, according to the researchers.
The researchers made the hydrogel by mixing hollow spheres with polymer to create a slippery substance—the spheres are a mix of gelatin methacrylate and a poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate). Then, to get the hydrogel to stay in the joint where it is injected, they added a targeted antibody—one that binds to both the microspheres and damaged cartilage.

To test their hydrogel, the research team induced osteoarthritis in rats. They then injected the rats with their hydrogel and put them through exercise routines to measure the impact of the hydrogel on their ability to move normally.

The researchers found that injection of the hydrogel led to an increase in lubrication coinciding with a reduction in friction and reduced symptoms in rats. They also found that while present in the rat joints, the hydrogel prevented new joint damage.

The team also found that the hydrogel outperformed traditional therapies—they suggest it offers a promising approach to treating osteoarthritis during its early stages.

 Xiangming He et al, Precise Lubrication and Protection of Cartilage Damage by Targeting Hydrogel Microsphere, Advanced Materials (2024). DOI: 10.1002/adma.202405943

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on September 3, 2024 at 9:40am

Researchers built an AI scientist
Machine-learning researchers have developed an ‘AI scientist’ that can perform the full cycle of research, from reading the existing literature on a problem and formulating hypotheses, to trying out solutions, writing a paper, and evaluating its own results. The output is not earth-shattering: the system can only do research in the field of machine learning, and it can’t do laboratory work. But the results feed into a debate amongst researchers about how AI fits into their work, says computational social scientist Jevin West. “It does force us to think [about] what is science in the twenty-first century — what it could be, what it is, what it is not.”

https://arxiv.org/abs/2408.06292?utm_source=Live+Audience&utm_c...

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-02842-3?utm_source=Live+...

Comment by Dr. Krishna Kumari Challa on September 3, 2024 at 9:29am

When the rice fields were flooded, and arsenic was taken up, the researchers noticed methanogenesis happening, which is when organisms in the soil produce the potent greenhouse gas methane and emit it into the atmosphere. Meanwhile, the excess water reduced sulfate in the soil to sulfide, causing cadmium to precipitate out with the sulfide.

When they dried the soil out, the researchers decreased the levels of arsenic and methane. Sulfide in the soil was oxidized and became sulfate, which is no longer a solid phase, allowing cadmium to easily filter through and escape into the plant easily.

By drying out the soil, you can put the brakes on the microorganisms that breathe with iron oxides and with arsenic.

Then we actually increase the amount of cadmium because we oxidize the sulfide to sulfate. When it becomes sulfate, it's no longer a solid phase with the cadmium, and the cadmium can then be free.

Drying the soil out introduced oxygen into the soil pores, which slowed down the microorganisms that dissolve iron oxides and create methane and changed the chemistry.

Once you introduce oxygen, the iron oxides that dissolved are solid again.

What they found—one metal or metalloid increasing with the other decreasing depending on the level of moisture in the soil—presents a bit of a puzzle.

 researchers have also reported, in a review paper they published in the journal GeoHealth, that producers are willing to take any action needed to reduce levels of metals in their crops, but they need incentives, testing and education in order to do so.

Matt A. Limmer et al, Controlling exposure to As and Cd from rice via irrigation management, Environmental Geochemistry and Health (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-02116-x

Angelia L. Seyfferth et al, Mitigating Toxic Metal Exposure Through Leafy Greens: A Comprehensive Review Contrasting Cadmium and Lead in Spinach, GeoHealth (2024). DOI: 10.1029/2024GH001081

Part 2

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