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AI is threatening science jobs. Which ones are most at risk?

Critical risk identification in construction projects using 2D and 3D risk matrices

Construction projects are exposed to numerous risks that may adversely affect project cost and duration. The purpose of this study is to identify and prioritize key construction risks by combining a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) with a Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) and analyzing these risks using two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) risk matrices. In total, 63 risk factors were identified and categorized into five main areas of the work breakdown structure: earthwork, concrete, finishing, mechanical, and electrical. The questionnaire was designed based on each risk category and then sent to engineers, who were asked to estimate the risk probability and its impact. In total, 378 engineers responded. The respondents data were analyzed by using the risk matrix method. Two separate 3D risk matrices were made: one was based on multiplying all three data points, and the other was based on combining both impacts. The results clearly show that the 3D matrix, which combines cost and time impact, yields more accurate results than the matrix that multiplies cost impact and time impact.

Alcohol use and environmental factors: A cross-sectional study exploring health risks and social implications among Myanmar migrant workers

Alcohol use poses unique challenges for migrant workers. Existing literature is limited in understanding how various determinants interact to influence health, family relationships, and social outcomes in this population. This study aims to determine the prevalence of alcohol-related impacts and examine relationships between alcohol use, environmental factors, and their broader effects among Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand. This cross-sectional study surveyed 610 Myanmar migrant workers in Thailand (Sep 2023–Mar 2024) using multi-stage sampling approach. Paper-based questionnaires were utilized, and alcohol use was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), with scores categorized as low-risk (0–7), risky (8–19), and probable dependence (≥20). Alcohol-related outcomes were also assessed, and generalized linear mixed models identified associated factors. Of the 610 participants, the majority were male (73.93%), with a mean age of 34.80 years (SD = 10.61) and an age range of 18–73 years. The study found that 38.20% reported a moderate level of alcohol-related impact (95% CI: 34.41–42.12), while 0.82% reported a high level (95% CI: 0.34–1.95). While alcohol addiction significantly increased adverse outcomes (AOR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.61–1.79), environmental and occupational factors demonstrated stronger associations, with rural residency being the strongest correlate (AOR = 6.52, 95% CI: 4.35–9.77), followed by housing problems (AOR = 5.00, 95% CI: 2.70–9.24). Other significant factors included longer work hours (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.02–5.60), daily work schedules (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.64–3.49), poor sleep quality (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.51–2.90), moderate/poor health (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI: 2.02–2.22), and strained co-worker relationships (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.88–1.90). These findings highlight that environmental and occupational factors are more strongly associated with alcohol-related impacts than alcohol dependence itself, supporting public health strategies that address structural conditions alongside individual-level interventions.

Therapeutic effect and mechanism of different doses of aspirin on preterm delivery in pregnant mice

Background Preterm birth is a major cause of perinatal mortality and complications, with inflammation being a key contributing factor. Current treatments, like uterine contraction inhibitors and antibiotics, are unsatisfactory. Aspirin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, shows promise in treating infectious preterm labor but has limited in vivo studies and an unclear mechanism. Methods In this study, a mouse model of infectious preterm birth was established via lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection, and the aspirin doses used in these animals were converted from the recommended human doses by the body surface area method, with the high-dose and low-dose groups set at 0.78 mg/kg and 0.21 mg/kg, respectively. ELISA detected inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 in serum, amniotic fluid and placenta. WST-8 kit and TBA method measured serum SOD activity and MDA content, respectively. DTNB colorimetric method analyzed glutathione content in liver and placenta. Western blot detected MyD88, IκB, p-IκB and nucleus NF-κB p65 protein expression in uterine tissues. Results Results showed the 75 μg/kg LPS group had a 91.7% preterm birth rate and 4.67% stillbirth rate. Low-dose (66.7%) and high-dose (41.6%) aspirin reduced preterm birth and increased live birth rates, with significant intergroup differences (P < 0.05). Aspirin lowered LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 in serum, amniotic fluid and placenta, regulated oxidative stress, reversed MyD88/p-IκB overexpression and reduced p65 nuclear translocation. TLR4/NF-κB inhibitors downregulated these factors and nuclear NF-κB p65/p-IκB. Additionally, we found that inflammatory LPS induced abnormal fetal mouse skeletal development (e.g., malformation and deficiency), which was ameliorated by aspirin exposure. Conclusion Aspirin may ameliorate preterm birth by up-regulating TLR4/NF-κB pathway, laying theoretical basis for aspirin clinical application in preterm birth.

Where talent flows: Trends and determinants of Chinese students’ city preferences

Employment location preferences offer critical insights into how students evaluate opportunities across cities and drive early-career spatial sorting. This study examines Chinese college students’ employment city preferences from 2016 to 2020, focusing on the evolving influence of campus performance, family background, and university characteristics. Using five waves of nationally representative longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Chinese University Students (PSCUS), we apply multinomial logistic regression and relative importance analyses. Our results show that university characteristics as the primary predictor: students from Double First-Class universities favor first-tier cities, even as second-tier cities attract the largest share of students. Strong campus performance allows students to be more flexible in their location choices, whereas family background plays a moderate, compensatory role. Temporal patterns suggest that students’ preferences reflect the combined influence of institutional prestige, personal merit, and family resources. The findings provide insights into early-career mobility and inform policies for balanced regional development.

Biotech investor set to lead US National Science Foundation

Enhanced lung volumes and pressures in traditional wind instrument musicians: The case of the Mejwez

To evaluate pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in Mejwez players compared to predicted norms, and to assess the influence of smoking behaviours on these outcomes. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving adult Mejwez players. Spirometric parameters (forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV₁/FVC) and respiratory pressures (maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP)) were measured and compared to predicted values. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the impact of smoking behaviours on respiratory outcomes. Mejwez players demonstrated significantly higher FEV₁ (+0.38 L, p < 0.001), FVC (+0.24 L, p = 0.001), MIP (+7.7 cm H₂O, p = 0.014), and MEP (+7.1 cm H₂O, p = 0.017) compared to predicted norms. Waterpipe smoking was significantly associated with reduced MIP (β = –9.3, p = 0.024) and MEP (β = –8.6, p = 0.025), while cigarette and vaping use showed no significant associations. This is the first study to characterise respiratory adaptations in Mejwez players, revealing enhanced pulmonary and respiratory muscle function. Waterpipe smoking was a significant negative predictor of respiratory strength. These findings highlight traditional music as a culturally relevant tool for respiratory health promotion and underscore the need for interventions addressing waterpipe use in the Middle East.

Meningococcal carriage and transmission dynamics in college students in Louisville, Kentucky

Background Neisseria meningitidis is a cause of meningitis and outbreaks of it among young adults, especially college students. Rates of nasopharyngeal colonization and prevalence of specific capsular groups vary with age, geography as well as time, and may be influenced by meningococcal vaccination. The objective of this study was to measure the change in colonization rate, and define which meningococcal genogroups were present, in college students over a 3-month semester. Methods This was a prospective, longitudinal cohort study with sequential oropharyngeal swabbing among college students at the University of Louisville (UofL) in Louisville, Kentucky from August to November 2022. Participants were ≥18 years of age and were enrolled within 48 hours of moving to campus-affiliated housing. Oropharyngeal swabs were collected at enrollment, one month and at three months. Samples were screened for N. meningitidis , and isolates were characterized using phenotypic and genotypic methods. Behavior questionnaires were obtained at each visit to identify risk factors for N. meningitidis colonization. Results A total of 1047 participants were seen initially, of whom 821 attended all three visits. The baseline colonization rate was 3.5% followed by 3.9% after one month and 5.7% after three months. The genogroups of recovered isolates were capsule null (48%), B (38%; of which 11% were expressing capsule) and E (12%). No genogroup ACWY isolates were recovered. A total of 36% of participants had a history of receiving at least one MenB vaccine dose and 74% had a history of receiving at least one MenACWY vaccine. Risk factors for N. meningitidis nasopharyngeal carriage included being a second-year student, living on campus for the second year, smoking/vaping, kissing and sexual contact. Conclusions An increase in N. meningitidis colonization over the 3-month semester was observed from 3.5% to 5.7%. The overall proportion of student carriers was significantly lower, and there were no genogroup A, C, W or Y strains isolated compared to studies conducted prior to the availability of meningococcal vaccines and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, genogroup B carriage, transmission and acquisition were almost identical to pre-COVID pandemic studies. This study reinforces the importance of periodic epidemiological monitoring of carriage as well as disease.

Characterization of the TREM-1 signaling landscape in human neutrophils

The Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells (TREM)-1 is a member of the Immunoglobulin superfamily, and an activating receptor mainly expressed on myeloid cells. Beyond its role in acute and chronic inflammatory processes, TREM-1 is also involved in cancer emergence and progression probably by alteration of the tumor-associated neutrophils (TAN) and macrophages (TAM). Advanced information about the TREM-1 signaling cascade may reveal novel targets for treating inflammatory and cancer diseases. As many specific kinase inhibitors are approved for treating various diseases, targeting kinases being active after TREM-1 ligation serves as a promising approach. Therefore, we investigated the protein tyrosine kinome (PTK) and serine threonine kinome (STK) by kinome activity profiling of purified human neutrophils after TREM-1 activation. As TREM-1 interacts with Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 signaling, we used TLR4-activation by LPS to define TREM-1 specific pathways. We found an increased kinome activity after receptor ligation and could predict individual kinases. To gain further insights into the signaling cascade, we additionally investigated the transcriptomic profile that made us available to link the kinome activity to the resulting transcriptomic profile. In sum, we revealed several signaling pathways being active after TREM-1 ligation that are associated with various biological processed and diseases. This study facilitates selecting kinase inhibitors for further validation with the aim of targeting TREM-1 signaling in various inflammatory or cancer disease conditions.

‘An AlphaFold 4’ — scientists marvel at DeepMind drug spin-off’s exclusive new AI

Re-examining hidden fitness: Female preferences for long-path songs in zebra finches

Female songbirds can evaluate male quality from secondary sexual characteristics such as songs. Studies have shown mixed findings on which acoustic features contribute to song attractiveness. In a 2024 study, Alam and colleagues introduced a holistic measure of song called “path length” and found that female zebra finches ( Taeniopygia guttata ) prefer long path length songs as compared to short path length songs. The original female-playback study was criticized for design limitations, notably its small sample size, and pseudoreplication. Here, we conducted a preregistered replication and extension study of the female preference for long vs. short path length songs. Our study will evaluate the robustness and generality of this preference.

Going wild in banana breeding enables Fusarium-resistant hybrids with improved fruit quality

Social engagement and depressive symptoms in Korean older adults: The potential moderating role of employment status

Background Social engagement is known to alleviate depressive symptoms among older adults, and continued employment in later life may serve as a key mechanism for sustaining social engagement. However, the impact of employment on mental health can vary depending on job quality and socioeconomic conditions. This study aims to examine the association between social engagement, employment status, and depressive symptoms among older adults in South Korea. Methods This study utilized data from the Korea Community Health Survey conducted biennially from 2017 to 2023, excluding 2021. The analytic sample consisted of 199,205 adults aged 65 years and older. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The effects of social engagement, categorized by informal and formal engagement, were analyzed in subgroups based on employment status. Associations were examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results All types of social engagement were significantly associated with depressive symptoms, with the strongest associations observed for contact with friends and participation in leisure or recreational activities. Employment status served as effect modifier of these relationships, with employed older adults generally showing a lower likelihood of depressive symptoms compared to their unemployed counterparts. The negative association with employment was particularly pronounced in the domains of friend contact and all types of formal social engagement. Discussion Our findings highlight the importance of promoting formal social engagement as a potential intervention strategy for preventing depression among older adults and emphasize the need to consider appropriate forms of employment as part of this strategy.

General and selective ruthenium-catalyzed hydrogenation of primary amides to primary amines under mild conditions

Twenty years of ungulate disease surveillance by the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (2003–2022)

Free-ranging wild ungulates are integral to the health and well-being of Canadian socioecological systems, contributing various One Health benefits (e.g., nutrient cycling, sustainable food resources) to the people and other animals that coexist with them. In North America, ungulates face a range of threats to their population health. To address knowledge gaps surrounding the health of Canadian ungulates, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 20 years of ungulate morbidity and mortality data collected through passive disease surveillance conducted by the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) and through submissions from collaborative partners. In total, 2525 cases across 12 species were assigned a category of diagnosis (COD) by a CWHC veterinary pathologist. Infectious/ inflammatory/ transmissible CODs accounted for 53.0% of all cases, with two diagnoses made most frequently: chronic wasting disease (CWD) and Parelaphostrongylus tenuis ( P. tenuis ) infection. We identified a significant increase in the proportion of cervid cases diagnosed with CWD in Saskatchewan that was consistent across species, with the odds of an individual cervid in Saskatchewan being CWD positive increasing by 22% per year. We also detected a significant increase in the proportion of moose ( Alces americanus ) cases diagnosed with P. tenuis , and this trend was consistent across endemic regions in Canada. Emerging diseases were also detected for the first time through our surveillance approach (e.g., the first Ontario cases of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus, detected in white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus )). Trauma (15.3%) and emaciation (8.9%) were the most frequently assigned non-infectious CODs. We highlight potential disease threats to SAR that may emerge secondary to changing distributions of sympatric ungulate species and the pathogens they carry (e.g., CWD positive deer/elk within known caribou ranges in Saskatchewan). Our results highlight the strengths of passive disease surveillance, as well as the need for an integrated, holistic wildlife surveillance approach in Canada.

Plastic deformation in nanodiamonds

Retraction: Image-guided procedures in the hybrid operating room: A systematic scoping review

Genetic variations interact with polybrominated diphenyl ether exposure to alter lipid homeostasis

Glycemic trajectories of fasting blood glucose on the pathological responses in breast cancer women with and without concomitant diabetes

Background Most existing studies have predominantly examined the impact of single blood glucose measurements without considering how fluctuations over time may influence clinical outcomes. Moreover, no studies have yet explored the effect of blood glucose trajectories on pathological responses in breast cancer patients undergoing neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), highlighting a significant gap in the current literature. Purpose To determine the impact of dynamic changes in blood glucose during neo-adjuvant chemotherapy on the pathological responses in women with breast cancer, with and without concomitant diabetes. Method This prospective cohort study was conducted among women with locally advanced breast cancer receiving treatment at GINUM Hospital in Gujranwala, Pakistan. Data for the prospective phase were collected from 20 January 2023 to–13 May 2024. Clinical data were obtained using a structured data collection form. Diabetes status was confirmed at baseline using Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and Fasting blood glucose (FBG) tests. Patients were classified into glycemic trajectories based on the values of their FBG values during the treatment period. Results Five blood glucose trajectories were identified from the start of breast cancer treatment to the post-treatment period: normal glycemic trajectory (23 patients, 4.1%), erratic glycemic trajectory (130 patients, 23.2%), consistently hyperglycemic trajectory (127 patients, 22.7%), controlled diabetes (130 patients, 23.2%), and uncontrolled diabetes (150 patients, 26.8%). All glycemic trajectory groups demonstrated a non-significant increase in the odds of achieving Pathological partial response (pPR). Similar to pPR, the various categories of blood glucose trajectories were associated with a non-significant increase in the odds of Pathological no response (pNR). Among nondiabetic patients the group I(normal) and group III (consistently hyperglycemic) trajectories showed no significant interaction with pathological responses, as indicated by repeated measures ANOVA. Conclusion Our findings indicated that fluctuations in FBG levels among individuals with diabetes were not associated with pathological responses to neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. This suggests that the rise in blood glucose levels in diabetic patients are more likely driven by their pre-existing metabolic dysfunction rather than their chemotherapy related pathological responses.

A gut microbiome-kidney-heart axis predictive of future cardiovascular diseases

Abstract Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain a major global health challenge. Early markers of disease initiation and progression are urgently needed. We, and others, have previously shown changes in the gut microbiome in association with metabolic and CVD. Here, we demonstrate that gut microbiome-related changes can be detected in association with subclinical variations in heart and kidney function. Markers related to gut microbial metabolism of aromatic amino acids, phenylalanine and tyrosine, associate with circulating pro-atrial natriuretic peptide and estimated glomerular filtration rate in a metabolically healthy European population. Observational and genetic evidence further identify microbiome-related metabolites as mediators of this gut microbiome-kidney axis, with their baseline levels associating with incident CVD in an external Canadian population. Altogether, our work suggests that the gut microbiome interacts with the cardiorenal axis and participates in an interorgan crosstalk affecting host physiology and risk of CVD.