Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2023 - Page 366


Page 366 of 444

‘Lyft’ vs. ‘Lift’: Consumers are less likely to support brands with unconventional spellings, study shows

A new study from the University of Notre Dame reveals that consumers are less likely to support brands with unconventional spellings, compared to those using conventional spellings. The research found that unique spellings can lead to a perception of a brand as less sincere, but sincere naming origins can mitigate this effect.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Marketing·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2023

Annual tap water scald burns in US exact high personal and financial costs

The study estimates that tap water scald burns result in significant healthcare costs, with average costs of $572 per emergency department visit and $28,431 per hospital stay. Thermostatic mixing valves could reduce the risk of these burns by mixing hot water with cold water.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalInjury Prevention·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2023

Revolutionary new bone cancer drug could save children’s lives

A new drug called CADD522 blocks a gene associated with driving bone cancer's spread, increasing survival rates by 50% in mice implanted with human bone cancer. The breakthrough treatment shows promise in all main bone cancer subtypes and has the potential to save lives and reduce disability.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Bone Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2023

WormAtlas expanding beyond C. elegans with support from NIH

The Center for C. elegans Anatomy is receiving $2.6 million in funding from the NIH to expand WormAtlas, a resource for researchers studying C. elegans and other nematodes. The expansion aims to incorporate new nematode species into the atlas, enabling comparisons between C. elegans and less-studied species.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateMar 7, 2023

Flat, pancake-sized metalens images lunar surface in an engineering first

A Penn State-led research team developed a flat, pancake-sized metalens telescope that can capture clear images of distant objects, including the lunar surface. The innovation uses deep ultraviolet photolithography to produce larger pattern sizes and reduces manufacturing costs.

SourcePenn State·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2023

Novel porous materials are ideal for metal-air batteries, researchers report

Researchers have reviewed novel porous materials called metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for their potential to advance metal-air batteries. These frameworks exhibit unique molecular structures that enable high porosity with uniform distribution of catalytic sites, making reactions more predictable.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research Energy·DateMar 7, 2023

Cited1 links sex and metabolic hormones to protect against obesity

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich discovered a new protein called Cited1 that plays a crucial role in regulating energy homeostasis and sensitivity to satiety hormones. The study found that females are better protected against obesity due to their higher levels of estrogens, which regulate energy metabolism through the hypothalamus.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 7, 2023

An internal thermometer tells the seeds when to germinate

Researchers at UNIGE discovered that seeds have an internal thermometer-like mechanism to delay or block germination if temperatures are too high. This mechanism is implemented by the endosperm tissue, which controls germination and seedling growth.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateMar 7, 2023

COVID-19 infections raise risk of long-term gastrointestinal problems

Researchers found that COVID-19 infections are linked to an increased risk of developing liver problems, acute pancreatitis, and other GI disorders. The study analyzed over 14 million medical records and estimated that SARS-CoV-2 infections have contributed to over 6 million new cases of GI disorders in the US.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 7, 2023

Splicing deregulation detected and targeted in type of childhood leukemia

Researchers detected and targeted a type of childhood leukemia that becomes resistant to treatment by focusing on a process called splicing. The study suggests a new approach to detecting and targeting therapy-resistant leukemia stem cells, offering hope for improved treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Reports·DateMar 7, 2023

Short-distance migration critical for climate change adaptation

A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that most people migrate short distances within their own country to adapt to climate change. The research reveals that everyday mobility is a crucial aspect of managing different shocks and stresses, including increasing climate variability.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEcology and Society·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2023

Aquatic animals provide critical coastal ecosystem protections

A new study found that mussels, considered ecosystem engineers, play a critical role in protecting coastal systems from sea-level rise. They contribute to marsh accretion through sediment deposition, helping these ecosystems persist in the face of climate change.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 7, 2023

Pandemic anniversary highlights need for expanded bereavement support services

A study by Simon Fraser University researchers highlights the need for expanded bereavement support services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey found that restrictions and isolation increased the risk of developing Prolonged Grief Disorder, with feelings of guilt being a significant contributing factor.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalIllness Crisis & Loss·TypeSurvey·DateMar 7, 2023

Newborn chicks are attracted to objects that move upwards

Researchers found that newborn chicks prefer stimuli moving upward against gravity, even without prior experience. This innate preference suggests that animals are born with a predisposed knowledge of sensitivity to simple features guiding behavior from birth.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBiology Letters·DateMar 7, 2023

A better understanding of gas exchange between the atmosphere and ocean can improve global climate models

A new study published in PNAS reveals that the dissolution of bubbles in high-latitude oceans is a dominant pathway for gases like oxygen and nitrogen to enter the deep ocean. This improved understanding can help improve the accuracy of climate models, which are crucial for predicting changes in the ocean's carbon dioxide inventory.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2023

Researchers create mutant mice to study bipolar disorder

Mutant mice lacking FADS1/2 genes exhibit bipolar swings in behavior, featuring phases of abnormally low activity and hyperactivity. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements and a mood stabilizer reverse behavioral changes, suggesting these mice as a valuable model for studying BD.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2023

Plant roots fuel tropical soil animal communities

A study reveals that plant roots are crucial for belowground life in the tropics, supporting decomposition and soil health. Removing living roots decreases animal abundance by 42% in rainforest plots and 30% in plantations.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalEcology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2023

How does the immune system react to altered gravity?

Researchers found no significant changes in defensive capacity of blood cells and aggregation processes after parabolic flight. The study aimed to investigate the effects of microgravity on the human immune system with short-term exposure.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalActa Astronautica·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2023

Algorithm predicts females have higher risk for kidney damage after aneurysm repair

A new algorithm predicts female patients are at higher risk for kidney damage after aneurysm repair, with those having reduced glomerular filtration rate facing a 4.7 times increased risk. The algorithm could help identify patients at risk and optimize them before surgery.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Vascular Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 7, 2023

Scientists observe “quasiparticles” in classical systems for the first time

Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) have observed quasiparticles in a classical system made of microparticles driven by viscous flow. The hydrodynamic forces among the particles create pair excitations that propagate through the crystal, stimulating the creation of new pairs.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 7, 2023

Association of stress with cognitive function among older adults

A recent study of 24,000 participants aged 45 or older found a significant independent association between perceived stress and both prevalent and incident cognitive impairment. The study's findings highlight the need for regular screening and targeted interventions to address stress in older adults.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 7, 2023

Quantum crossover: How to distinguish single-particle and pair currents

Researchers developed a new method to distinguish current carriers in the BCS-BEC crossover, a phase transition between superfluids and superconductors. The team measured fluctuations of currents, quantified as the Fano factor, which can identify single-particle- and pair-currents.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2023

Heart toggles between maintenance and energy-boost mode using ribosomes

Researchers discovered a mechanism involving ribosomes that enables the heart to toggle between a regular maintenance mode and an energy-boost mode. This finding provides clues for developing medicines targeting specific ribosomes to treat cardiovascular disease.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2023

Drunk mice sober up after a hormone shot

A hormone called FGF21 protects mice from ethanol-induced loss of balance and righting reflex by activating a specific part of the brain that controls alertness. The study reveals that higher FGF21 concentrations can dramatically accelerate recovery from intoxication.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2023

Advanced air mobility conference takes flight at UCF

The UCF Advanced Air Mobility Conference aims to generate knowledge on the significance and feasibility of AAM, exploring law's impact on its development and potential benefits for urban mobility. Researchers will discuss issues such as property law, jurisdiction, safety, and social equity.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateMar 7, 2023

Spinal cord stimulation doesn’t help with back pain, says new review

A new review found that spinal cord stimulation is no better than a placebo for treating low back pain, with probably little to no benefit for people with the condition. The review also highlighted gaps in clinical data and called for future trials to be longer and more comprehensive.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 7, 2023

The case for female mice in neuroscience research

New research from Harvard Medical School reveals that female mice display more consistent exploratory behavior despite hormonal fluctuations. This finding highlights the importance of including both sexes in neuroscience experiments to gain a deeper understanding of the brain and its functions.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 7, 2023

SMART researchers develop novel combination bacterium- and host-targeted therapy for treating vancomycin-resistant bacterial infections

Researchers develop a novel combination therapy using mitoxantrone and vancomycin to treat vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE) infections. The therapy stimulates the host immune system, accelerating wound healing and killing bacteria more effectively.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2023

Do you see me? New study examines how women of colour experience invisibility in the workplace

A recent landmark study found that women of color experience invisibility in traditionally white and male professions, with four distinct forms of invisibility identified. The study also reveals how different social power levels influence responses to invisibility, ranging from withdrawal to approach or pragmatic tactics.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario, Ivey Business School·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateMar 7, 2023

Alaska study compares ground motion, magnitude estimates from satellite and seismic records

A study by Revathy Parameswaran and colleagues compared ground motion and magnitude estimates from satellite and seismic records for the 2021 Chignik earthquake. The researchers found that GNSS and strong-motion acceleration seismic data can be used interchangeably or jointly for rapid magnitude or ground motion estimation.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2023

Self-monitoring physical activity matters, according to smartwatch study

Research from Penn State found that self-monitoring physical activity through smartwatches leads to increased motivation and activity levels. Participants who received prompts to report their activity took hundreds more steps in a given day compared to those who didn't receive such prompts.

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Psychology·DateMar 7, 2023

How fruit flies feast for pleasure as well as necessity

Researchers discovered that fruit flies have distinct hunger drives, one driven by need and the other by pleasure, which arise from unique neural mechanisms. The study found that hungry flies increase feeding event duration and total events, and identified specific brain regions activated by pleasurable food environments.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateMar 7, 2023

How high altitude changes your body’s metabolism

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes discovered that chronically low oxygen levels, similar to those experienced at high elevation, rewire how mice burn sugars and fats. The study found lasting changes in metabolism, including lower blood glucose levels and body weight, which mirror what has been seen in humans who live at high altitude.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalCell Metabolism·DateMar 7, 2023

To help dry forests, fire needs to be just the right intensity, and happen more than once

Research suggests that wildfires need to fall within a narrow severity range to improve forest health. The study found that moderate severity fires are most effective at reducing community and ecosystem risk, but even these may not be enough to restore species composition. Land managers can use the predicted post-fire conditions to inf...

SourceOregon State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 7, 2023

Enhancing at-home COVID tests with glow-in-the dark materials

The University of Houston researchers have developed a new test that uses glow-in-the-dark materials to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of at-home COVID-19 tests. The test, which can detect COVID-19 proteins more efficiently, has shown excellent results compared to commercial tests.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalThe Analyst·DateMar 7, 2023

New “camera” with shutter speed of 1 trillionth of a second sees through dynamic disorder of atoms

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new 'camera' that can see atomic structures in real-time, revealing the dynamic disorder of materials. This breakthrough enables better understanding of thermoelectric devices and waste heat conversion, leading to more efficient sustainable energy applications.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 7, 2023

AI accurately identifies normal and abnormal chest x-rays

A study published in Radiology found that an AI tool can accurately identify normal and abnormal chest X-rays with a high degree of sensitivity. The tool identified abnormal chest X-rays with a 99.1% sensitivity rate, outperforming clinical board-certified radiologists.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateMar 7, 2023

Brain tumor discovery paves way for new drug treatments

Researchers have discovered that high-grade glioma brain tumors have LDL receptors, which could be targeted by drugs already in development. The study's findings pave the way for using nanoparticle-based therapies to starve the tumors of energy and cause disruptions to their growth and spread.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPharmaceutics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2023

Transition to adulthood brings mental health declines for Black youth who interact with juvenile justice system, Mason researcher finds

A new study from George Mason University College of Public Health found that mental health symptoms worsened in Black youth who interacted with the juvenile justice system during transition to adulthood. Connectedness, particularly to family and community, was a protective factor against declining mental health.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalSocial Work in Mental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 7, 2023

Puzzle-solving behavior spreads through bumblebee colonies

Researchers found that bumblebee colonies adopt and prefer specific solution methods to a puzzle box problem, demonstrating the importance of social learning. The study suggests that bees with prior experience can teach others, leading to the spread of behavioral approaches within the colony.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2023

HKU Mechanical Engineering team unlocks the key to new generation of safe energy-efficient Lithium battery

A HKU Mechanical Engineering team has developed a new generation of lithium-ion batteries that are safer, more powerful and have a longer lifespan. The innovative design uses single-ion conducting polymer electrolytes that can conduct electricity faster than traditional liquid electrolytes.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Bending 2D nanomaterial could ‘switch on’ future technologies

Researchers discovered a property in single-layer ferroelectric materials that allows them to bend in response to an electrical stimulus. This bending behavior enables the creation of nano-scale switches or motors, which can be controlled using electrical signals.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 6, 2023

Chung-Ang University researchers fabricate novel flexible supercapacitors on paper

Chung-Ang University researchers develop a novel flexible supercapacitor platform with vertically integrated gold electrodes in a single sheet of paper. The design shows low electrical resistance, high foldability, and good mechanical strength, making it suitable for wearable devices.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Temperature-stable TB vaccine safe, prompts immune response in NIH-supported study

A Phase 1 trial of a thermostable tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate found it to be safe and stimulated both antibodies and cellular responses. The vaccine, ID93+GLA-SE, was well-tolerated and produced higher levels of antibodies in recipients compared to a non-thermostable formulation.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2023

'Greed is good' for likes and retweets if you're a U.S. senator

A new study found that U.S. senators' tweets about greed perform better in terms of likes and retweets, particularly among Democrats who gain stronger traction for negative tweets about their opponents.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

New research points to drug option for hair-pulling, skin-picking disorders

A study at the University of Chicago Medicine found that memantine significantly improved symptoms of trichotillomania and skin-picking disorder compared to a placebo. The drug, commonly used for Alzheimer's disease, showed promise as a first-line treatment option.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 6, 2023

Mass General Brigham study finds virtual care team strategy improved treatment for heart failure patients

A virtual care team consisting of physicians and pharmacists improved the adoption of life-saving therapies in patients with heart failure, leading to increased use of evidence-based treatments and better patient outcomes. The strategy was safe and effective, with comparable length of stay and safety events between the groups.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 6, 2023