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Science News Archive 2023 - Page 3


Page 3 of 444

Signed orders sent via mail nearly doubled liver cancer screening rates

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that mailing signed orders to patients with cirrhosis led to a significant increase in liver cancer screenings. The study involved over 500 patients and showed that 55% completed their screening within six months, compared to just 27% in the control group.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalHepatology Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 22, 2023

Reindeer sleep while chewing their cud

Researchers found that reindeer spend more time ruminating and less time in non-REM sleep, suggesting a possible restorative function of rumination. The study suggests that reindeer may be able to save time by resting during rumination, allowing them to cope with limited sleep time during the arctic summer.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2023

Texas A&M team develops polymers that can kill bacteria

A Texas A&M University-led collaboration has developed new polymers capable of killing bacteria without inducing antibiotic resistance by disrupting their membrane. The researchers tested their polymers against two main types of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with promising results.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2023

Big impacts from small changes in cell

Researchers at Göttingen and Warwick Universities studied the structure and mechanics of cytoskeletal networks composed of actin isoforms. The study found that gamma actin forms rigid networks near the cell apex, while beta actin preferentially forms parallel bundles with distinct organizational patterns.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2023

Fewer hospital admissions when people are fitter

A study by the University of Gothenburg found that maintaining aerobic fitness is linked to a 7-14% lower risk of hospitalizations for any reason. Increased fitness also reduces hospital admissions due to cardiovascular disease. The findings suggest potential benefits for individual health and healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateDec 22, 2023

Evolution of tuberculosis – in new light

Recent studies published in the Tuberculosis journal reveal the earliest confirmed presence of tuberculosis' causative agents in human remains, pushing the timeline back by tens of thousands of years. Researchers have also discovered evidence of TB infection in Neanderthal specimens from Hungary, dating back over 32,000 years.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalTuberculosis·DateDec 22, 2023

Like kids in a candy store

Researchers at Kyoto University analyzed queries on Yahoo! Chiebukuro and found that users were seeking information on overdosing from OTCs to alleviate physical pain or experience psychosomatic changes. The study highlights the need for reliable information on OTC abuse to be effectively disseminated.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJMIR Formative Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 22, 2023

Novel catalyst system for CO2 conversion

A team of scientists from Ruhr-University Bochum and the Fraunhofer Institute has developed a novel catalyst system for converting carbon dioxide into raw materials. The system, which uses homogeneous electrocatalysts, can efficiently convert CO2 under industrial conditions and maintains stability over 100 hours without decay.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateDec 21, 2023

KIMM develops real-time multimodal tactile detection system applicable to robots and wearable devices

Researchers at KIMM develop a real-time and multimodal tactile perception system capable of detecting various types of tactile stimuli in real-time. The system consists of four three-dimensionally stacked tactile sensors and has successfully distinguished between different surface textures and complex motion.

Sniffing women’s tears reduces aggressive behavior in men

New research reveals that exposing men to women's emotional tears can lower aggression and reduce revenge-seeking behavior. The study found that sniffing tears leads to reduced brain activity related to aggression, resulting in less aggressive behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

New material allows for better hydrogen-based batteries and fuel cells

Researchers have developed a solid electrolyte that allows for efficient hydride ion conduction at room temperature, enabling the creation of safer, more efficient hydrogen-based batteries and fuel cells. This breakthrough provides material design guidelines for the development of next-generation energy storage solutions.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateDec 21, 2023

Researchers map how measles virus spreads in human brain

Mayo Clinic researchers used genetic sequencing to study the measles virus's spread in a human brain. The study found that the virus acquired distinct mutations that drove its spread from the frontal cortex outward. This knowledge may help develop effective antiviral drugs to combat SSPE, a rare and lethal brain disease caused by measles.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 21, 2023

Doxycycline prophylaxis use low and did not prevent STIs among cisgender women

A recent study found that doxycycline prophylaxis did not prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among cisgender women, despite being prescribed to 18% of participants. The study also revealed high rates of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea, which may be due to low adherence and limited treatment options.

SourceHennepin Healthcare Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 21, 2023

Role of enzyme SMYD3 clarified in prostate cancer progression

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the enzyme SMYD3's involvement in prostate cancer's progression to a more aggressive stage. The study found that adding methyl groups to the MAP kinase protein is likely SMYD3's role in driving metastasis, and compounds that can inactivate SMYD3 are already available

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

Pancake stack of films on a balloon most accurate gamma-ray telescope

Kobe University researchers have developed a pancake stack of films on a balloon that takes the world's most accurate picture of a neutron star's gamma ray beam. The setup uses a novel, automated data capture and analysis process to track the trajectory of particles produced by gamma rays, achieving an accuracy of 1/10,000 millimeters.

SourceKobe University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

Delivering the bad news right: report says Parkinson’s disease diagnoses must include a message of hope

A new report by UCLA neurologist Dr. Indu Subramanian recommends that doctors delivering Parkinson's diagnoses use correct terminology and provide guidance on treatment options, lifestyle choices, and coping strategies to give patients hope and agency.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalParkinsonism & Related Disorders·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 21, 2023

A KAIST team develops selective transfer printing technology for MicroLEDs​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a micro-vacuum assisted selective transfer printing (µVAST) technology to improve the transfer of microLED chips. The technology uses laser-induced etching to create micro-hole arrays on glass substrates, allowing for precise alignment and higher adhesion switchability.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 21, 2023

New study reveals perfluoroalkyl acids accelerate DNA degradation, highlighting potential ecological risks

A new study reveals that perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) significantly expedite the enzymatic degradation of DNA, even at low concentrations. The findings have critical implications for understanding the ecological risks posed by PFAAs and highlight the urgent need for more comprehensive environmental monitoring.

SourceNanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE·JournalEco-Environment & Health·DateDec 21, 2023

Henan Agricultural University researchers review on jujube witches’ broom, fruit tree disease associated with phytoplasma

Jujube witches' broom disease is a fruit tree disease caused by phytoplasma, leading to altered plant development and severe yield loss. The review highlights the importance of understanding the interaction between phytoplasma effectors and plant target proteins to develop effective prevention and cure strategies.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalFruit Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

Kessler Foundation study of cognitive fatigue across different tasks and populations provides new insights

Researchers investigated cognitive fatigue across multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and controls using two tasks, finding that fatigue was consistent across participants regardless of task. Cognitive fatigue correlated with longer response times and activation in the caudate nucleus and thalamus.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

Artery calcification more common in night owls

A new study from the University of Gothenburg reveals that night owls are more likely to develop artery calcification than early risers. The research, which examined data from over 771 middle-aged participants, suggests that circadian rhythms play a crucial role in cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalSleep Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

Astronomers detect seismic ripples in ancient galactic disk

Researchers used ALMA to study the motion of gas in ancient spiral galaxy BRI 1335-0417, detecting seismic waves that reveal the galaxy's dynamic growth. The findings suggest that gas was streaming into the galaxy or colliding with smaller galaxies, fueling star formation at a rate hundreds of times faster than modern galaxies.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

First high mountain settlers at the start of the Neolithic already engaged in other livestock activities apart from transhumance

Researchers analyzed animal remains and isotopes to understand livestock practices in high mountain regions during the Early Neolithic. The study found that flocks were small and used for meat and milk production, with pigs gaining economic importance during this period.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Archaeology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

JCEHP supplement aims to disrupt assumptions about continuing professional development

A new supplement in JCEHP examines conceptual shifts in continuing professional development, proposing a person-focused, practice-informed approach that considers context, subjectification, and socio-material dimensions. This approach aims to generate meaningful advancements and transform the health professional-as-a-person.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions·DateDec 21, 2023

Structures of Parkinson’s disease-linked proteins offer a framework for understanding how they work together

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have determined the complex structure of Parkinson’s disease-related proteins LRRK2 and Rab29, revealing how they work synergistically to cause the disease. The structures provide an atomic-scale map to trace how different mutations affect function within this complex, with implicatio...