It’s possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way (K.Marx, Letter to F.Engels on the Indian Mutiny)
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) supplements may harm male bodybuilders' fertility
A new study published in Zygote, a journal from Cambridge University Press, reveals that common over-the-counter supplements popular with male bodybuilders and athletes may impact their fertility. This study comes amid a world global decline in male fertility.
In this study, BCAAs clearly impacted the reproductive function of male mice, causing significant changes in sperm concentration and a decline in fertility. The study pointed out that among BCAAs, valine in particular had a powerful effect on male reproductive function, although all BCAAs showed negative effects.
This preliminary research suggests that it could also have an impact on human fertility. Men who consume large amounts of animal proteins (whether from meat or dairy products), known to be rich in BCAAs, particularly leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), and valine (Val), as well as men who take BCAA supplements, may be harming their sperm quality. In this regard, bodybuilders, who increasingly use BCAA supplements to build muscle mass, are particularly at risk.
Author Roya Kamali, from the Royan Institute, said that the link between BCAA supplements and declining male fertility warrants further investigation as “the unrestricted use of dietary supplements for bodybuilding by athletes and consumers in general could be a public health concern. “In bodybuilders in particular, given that the vast majority of these consumers are young men of reproductive age, it is important to study in more detail the impact of such a choice on their ability to have children.”
Co-author Joël R. Drevet, from Clermont Auvergne University, said that if the data obtained from an animal model could be confirmed in humans, it could help explain the global decline in male fertility recorded in recent decades, for which environmental factors, including diet, are suggested as major culprits.
Richard (Drew) Marcantonio is an assistant professor of environment, peace and global affairs at Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs. His research explores connections between conflict and the environment.
The world's largest polluters are also the safest from the environmental damage they help create — while the countries least to blame face the greatest threats, including the increased possibility of violent conflict.
These findings, from a new study co-authored by a University of Notre Dame researcher, challenge conventional understandings of the relationship between conflict and the environment, highlighting inequalities that disproportionately harm countries in the Global South. The study was published in Communications Earth & Environment, a Nature series journal.
The new findings underscore the need to reimagine the conversation around the environment and conflict, with an eye to helping countries that contribute the least to climate change and yet suffer the most from resource extraction, environmental risks and conflict, said co-author Richard (Drew) Marcantonio, assistant professor of environment, peace and global affairs at the University’s Keough School of Global Affairs.
“Our study highlights the gap in current research evaluating the connection between ecological sustainability and peace,” Marcantonio said. “This is crucial for designing evidence-based policies that address global inequalities and support human dignity.”
The link between environmental risks and conflict is well documented, Marcantonio said: Conflict often leads to environmental deterioration and depletes resources; and environmental risks like climate change or resource scarcity can trigger or worsen conflicts by displacing people or creating competition over limited resources.
Overall, Marcantonio said, greater environmental risks are associated with higher levels of conflict, and social norms and institutions play an important role in this connection.
Previous research had suggested that the inverse might also be true — that high levels of ecological sustainability and peace were similarly correlated. But the new study found just the opposite, Marcantonio said.
A key difference in the new research lies in how it measures both sustainability and peace. Previous studies have used conventional measures of sustainability and peace, Marcantonio said, and these measures overestimate both characteristics in wealthier countries. But the new study used more holistic measures that account for total ecological footprint and participation in intrastate conflicts that harm other countries.
The result was a more thorough and accurate assessment that highlighted pressing global inequalities, Marcantonio said.
“In evaluating where peace is most prevalent, our results reaffirm the need to ask and answer the question of how to achieve a good life for all within planetary boundaries — or, in this case, comprehensively sustainable peace for all,” Marcantonio said. “And, although our results suggest that ecological sustainability and peace are not positively correlated, this relationship is not a necessary one. Ecologically sustainable peace is possible.”
Marcantonio, who is affiliated with the University’s Environmental Change Initiative, co-authored the study with Sean Field, an assistant professor in the School of Computing and Department of Anthropology at the University of Wyoming. The research was funded by the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, part of the Keough School.
The study’s findings suggest directions for additional work that can provide further evidence for effective peace and sustainability policies, Marcantonio said.
“Future research should focus on how comprehensively sustainable peace can be attained and sustained for all to enjoy without potentially externalizing conflict risks,” he said. “As rates of conflict and environmental risk continue to rise globally, exploring and determining how to effectively address this paradox is essential.”
Contact: Tracy DeStazio, Associate Director of Media Relations, tdestazi@nd.edu; 269-769-8804
Credit: Ying LIU1, Natasha MANZOOR1 , Miao HAN1 , Kun ZHU1 , Gang WANG1,2
Under the dual challenges of the rapid increase in the global population and the intensification of climate change, the traditional agricultural model is facing severe tests. The production mode that overly relies on chemical fertilizers and pesticides not only exacerbates environmental pollution but also leads to the imbalance of soil microbial communities, further reducing the nutrient utilization efficiency. As an emerging green technology, bio-based material amendments offer new ideas for enhancing soil health and crop productivity. So, how do bio-based material amendments improve nutrient utilization efficiency and boost crop yields?
The research team led by Professor Gang Wang from China Agricultural University systematically summarized the synergistic effects of bio-based material amendments such as microbial inoculants, nanomaterials, and biochar in improving soil health and crop productivity through a review article. The relevant research has been published in the journal Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering (DOI: 10.15302/J-FASE-2024586).
Studies have shown that plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPB) significantly enhance nutrient utilization efficiency through functions such as nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and potassium solubilization. The combined inoculation of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria can increase the nitrogen and phosphorus uptake of wheat. The extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) secreted by them can also enhance the soil's water retention capacity, increasing the biomass of tomatoes in a high-salt environment. In the remediation of heavy metal pollution, PGPB can increase the removal rate of chromium (VI) through bio-adsorption and transformation, while reducing the application amount of chemical fertilizers.
Nanomaterials have demonstrated unique advantages in precision agriculture. Fe3O4 nanoparticles can promote biological nitrogen fixation in leguminous plants and increase soybean yields. Silica nanomaterials can inhibit the invasion of pathogenic bacteria through a physical barrier, reducing the incidence of tomato stem blight. Nano slow-release fertilizers can improve nitrogen utilization efficiency by controlling the nutrient release rate and reduce the application amount compared with traditional fertilizers. It is worth noting that under drought stress, nanomaterials can also reduce the malondialdehyde content in wheat by regulating the plant's antioxidant system.
As an efficient carbon carrier, biochar has a porous structure that can adsorb heavy metals and provide habitats for microorganisms. Corn straw biochar loaded with phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria can increase the available phosphorus content in the soil, promote the formation of soil aggregates, and increase the organic carbon storage in black soil. In the remediation of mine soil, the combined application of biochar and manganese-oxidizing bacteria can increase the removal rates of lead and arsenic, and its carbon sequestration effect is remarkable.
The synergistic application of these three shows significant advantages: the combination of microorganisms and nanomaterials can improve the nitrogen utilization efficiency of rice, and the combined remediation of biochar and microorganisms can restore the enzyme activity of mine soil. The research points out that biochar, as a microbial carrier, can extend the survival time of microbial agents, and the targeted delivery characteristics of nanomaterials can enhance the remediation efficiency of biochar.
Although bio-based material amendments show significant potential in improving soil health and crop productivity, their large-scale application still faces multiple challenges. In the future, researchers need to reduce the production cost of materials through process optimization, improve the environmental risk assessment system, and promote policy coordination to achieve the field application of bio-based material technologies.
Credit: GREEN ENERGY AND INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION
The global push toward sustainable transportation has made electric buses (E-buses) a key solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, their widespread adoption faces challenges, particularly in cold climates where battery efficiency drops significantly. Canada, with its harsh winters, presents a unique case study for optimizing E-bus operations, yet existing energy consumption models perform poorly in such conditions. A new study addresses this gap by developing advanced machine learning models tailored to Canadian data, offering precise predictions for E-bus energy use under varying climates and heating systems.
The research compares multiple data-driven approaches, revealing that tree-based models—particularly Random Forest—deliver the highest accuracy in predicting energy consumption, with a mean absolute error of just 0.09–0.1 kWh/km. Notably, the study highlights stark differences in performance between bus types: while some models rely solely on battery-powered heating (leading to higher winter consumption), others use auxiliary diesel heaters, which stabilize energy use across seasons. SHAP analysis further identifies key influencing variables—weather conditions dominate for battery-heated buses, whereas operational factors (e.g., speed, acceleration) are critical for diesel-assisted systems.
These findings empower transit agencies to optimize fleet deployment and charging strategies, reducing operational costs and minimizing range anxiety. For instance, cities can prioritize diesel-assisted buses for extreme cold or adjust schedules based on seasonal consumption patterns. The models also avoid reliance on hard-to-measure variables (e.g., driver behavior), making them practical for real-world planning.
This research paves the way for smarter, climate-resilient E-bus networks. Potential applications include: (1) Regional Customization: Adapting the framework to other cold climates like Scandinavia or Northern Europe. (2) Policy Support: Helping governments set emission targets by quantifying energy savings from different heating technologies. (3) Technology Integration: Guiding manufacturers in designing next-gen batteries or hybrid heating systems. Further studies could explore AI-driven real-time adjustments for routes and charging, enhancing efficiency dynamically.
By bridging the gap between theoretical models and real-world challenges, this study marks a significant leap toward sustainable urban transit. Its interpretable machine learning approach not only boosts predictive accuracy but also provides actionable insights for policymakers and operators. As cities worldwide accelerate their shift to electric mobility, such innovations ensure that cold climates are no longer a barrier—but a manageable factor—in the journey to zero-emission transportation.
Reference
Author: Kareem Othman ab, Diego Da Silva a, Amer Shalaby a, Baher Abdulhai a
Title of original paper: Interpretable machine learning models for predicting Ebus battery consumption rates in cold climates with and without diesel auxiliary heatingc
Interpretable machine learning models for predicting Ebus battery consumption rates in cold climates with and without diesel auxiliary heating
Atlanta teen wins 2025 USA Brain Bee Championship
After winning the Atlanta Regional Brain Bee, cosponsored by Georgia State's Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Atlanta high schooler Claire Zhou took first place at the national competition and will represent the United States at the International Brain Bee
After winning the Atlanta Regional Brain Bee, cosponsored by Georgia State's Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Atlanta high schooler Claire Zhou took first place at the national competition and will represent the United States at the International Brain Bee.
ATLANTA/NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — The 2025 USA Brain Bee National Championship has crowned its champion. Claire Zhou, a high school student representing the Atlanta Regional Brain Bee, took first place in the national neuroscience competition May 3 at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, N.J.
The Center for Behavioral Neuroscience (CBN) at Georgia State University is a co-sponsor and organizer for the Atlanta Regional Brain Bee. CBN collaborates with Emory University and the Atlanta chapter of the Society for Neuroscience to host the annual neuroscience competition for high school students ages 13 to 19.
Lolo Iddrisu is Georgia State’s graduate student co-chair of the program. She said it’s rewarding to be part of the annual event and witness how opportunities like these can open doors for young people.
“Regional Brain Bees like Atlanta’s are important because they help foster interest in science among students who might not have the same access or exposure as those in larger or more well-funded areas,” Iddrisu said. “They also introduce students to a wide range of career paths and research topics they may never have encountered otherwise.”
Zhou will go on to represent the United States at the International Brain Bee World Championship in November, competing against champions from more than 50 countries.
The USA Brain Bee is the national championship of the International Brain Bee. During the months leading up to the national competition, regional Brain Bee chapters around the country host competitions to identify winners who advance to the national competition. This year, 48 regional champions from 26 states gathered to compete in three intensive rounds of competition focused on the human brain and brain disorders.
Zhou described the win as “a complete shock.”
“It felt like a dream honestly, like I could just suddenly wake up and vaguely think: ‘Well that was crazy,” she said.
Zhou is a rising senior at Northview High School in Johns Creek, and says studying for the competition was no small feat.
“Going through Brain Facts challenged me the most, especially in remembering all the details. There’s so much content and breadth in that seemingly unassuming book,” she said. “I’m proudest of my growth in neuroanatomy because I still remember not being able to identify the basic lobes not too long ago.”
Zhou’s father added: “Claire has always been a curious learner, and it’s been wonderful to watch her dive into neuroscience with such excitement and commitment. We’re so proud of her and so grateful for the Brain Bee for creating this platform for young minds to thrive.”
In round one, students were asked neuroscience facts and concepts. In round two, students completed a practicum, identifying neuroanatomy, reflecting on patient diagnosis vignettes and responding to questions about the scientific method. The top 12 performing students advanced to participate in the live elimination round, where students answered rapid-fire neuroscience questions live on stage in front of a panel of expert judges. In addition to the competition, students attended two keynote lectures and connected with graduate students during a poster session over lunch.
The USA Brain Bee was founded in 1998 by Norbert Myslinski at the University of Maryland and is directed by Manuella Oliveira Yassa of the University of California, Irvine Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. The competition aims to inspire teens to learn about the brain and pursue careers in neuroscience and related fields. The 2026 competition will take place at UC Irvine.
“The Brain Bee is about more than just knowledge, it’s about sparking a lifelong connection to science," Oliveira Yassa said. “These students are tomorrow’s scientists, physicians and leaders. The Brain Bee gives them a community and a platform to dream bigger and to know that they belong in science.”
The championship was hosted by Michael Matise and his team at Rutgers University. “Programs like the Brain Bee provide the fertilizer that encourages the seeds of curiosity to germinate and grow into a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and service through research and medicine,” Matise said. “It’s a rare and valuable opportunity to share our passion for neuroscience with young talented high school-age students — to provide a window into this unique scientific pursuit where ‘the universe can know itself,’ to paraphrase the late Dr. Carl Sagan.”
Claire Zhou, winner of the Atlanta Regional Brain Bee, displays her trophy from the 2025 USA Brain Bee.
Credit
Photo courtesy: Steve Hockstein/HarvardStudio.com
About the USA Brain Bee
With more than 25,000 students participating globally each year, the Brain Bee is the world’s leading neuroscience competition for high school students. It is part of a global initiative to inspire the next generation of scientists, clinicians and innovators working to understand the human brain and combat neurological disease. Find a local chapter at usabrainbee.org.
