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Science News Archive 2023 - Page 370


Page 370 of 444

New research highlights importance of meeting caregivers’ needs

Research on caregiving after neurotrauma and neurological disability emphasizes the need to address unmet caregiver needs, which can impact the quality of care provided. Studies found that brain injury caregivers experience higher burden, decreased physical and neuropsychological functioning, and lower mental health.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 3, 2023

The world’s first horse riders

Researchers analyzed human skeletons from burial mounds to determine if they were horse riders. A set of diagnostic criteria, known as the 'horsemanship syndrome', was used to identify traits indicative of riding activity. At least 24 out of 156 individuals can be classified as possible riders, with five being highly probable riders.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 3, 2023

Oncotarget | Unveiling the non-canonical functions of EZH2 in prostate cancer

Researchers from Northwestern University discuss the multifaceted tumorigenic functions of EZH2, including its role in regulating translation and coactivating transcription. This new understanding may provide novel insights into advancing EZH2-targeting strategies for prostate cancer patients.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 3, 2023

Developing individualized, optimized brain injury rehabilitation

A new rehabilitation strategy for brain injuries is being developed by OU researcher Yuan Yang, who will use multi-modal MRI scans and electrical neural activity scans to assess changes in motor control. The goal is to reduce recovery time and healthcare costs for stroke survivors.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateMar 3, 2023

Developing nanoprobes to detect neurotransmitters in the brain

Scientists create optical imaging method to detect specific neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and acetylcholine using fMIP-NPs. The technique demonstrates feasibility in selective detection of neurotransmitters released in the brain.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalNanomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2023

Skilled nursing facilities continued to provide high quality care for those hospitalized during the pandemic

Despite exceptional challenges during the pandemic, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) provided post-acute rehabilitation with only a modest decline in intensity. SNFs were largely able to adapt and provide quality care to older adults, particularly those with cognitive impairment and higher risk overall.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMar 3, 2023

Health policy experts call for confronting anti-vaccine activism with life-saving counter narratives

Public health officials and community leaders must team up to disseminate accurate vaccine narratives, as anti-vaccine activism poses a significant threat to global health. The Lancet-led viewpoint piece emphasizes the importance of effective communication strategies to counter misinformation and promote vaccine uptake.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Lancet·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 3, 2023

UC Davis study uncovers age-related brain differences in autistic individuals

A new UC Davis study has identified 194 significantly different genes in the brains of people with autism, with many linked to brain connectivity, immune response, and inflammation. The research also found age-dependent differences in genes related to synaptic function and cell loss.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2023

New insights: Eye damage in Alzheimer's disease patients

Researchers have mapped changes to the retina that correspond to brain changes in Alzheimer's disease patients, opening a path to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments. The study found accumulation of toxic proteins in retinas of patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment, causing severe cell degeneration.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateMar 3, 2023

Innovative technology shows great promise against certain head and neck cancers

Researchers have developed a microfluidic squeezing technology that stimulates anti-tumor activity in a subtype of HPV16-positive head and neck, cervical, and anal cancers. The treatment uses peripheral blood mononuclear cells trained to recognize and attack cancer cells without genetic modifications.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalInvestigational New Drugs·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 3, 2023

Researchers unveil mystery of operating voltages in Li-CO2 batteries

A team of researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China has renewed our understanding of lithium-carbon dioxide (Li-CO2) battery operating voltages. They found that Li-CO2 batteries operate at about 1.1 V, contrary to previous reports of 2.6 V.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2023

Detecting anaemia earlier in children using a smartphone

A new non-invasive diagnostic technique using smartphone photographs of the eye and face has been successfully developed to detect anaemia in children. The study, published in PLOS ONE, used images from 43 children under four to predict blood haemoglobin concentration with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 3, 2023

Chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer cells protect their neighbors

Researchers discovered that quiescent ovarian cancer cells secrete follistatin, which induces resistance in neighboring cells and worsens survival rates. Targeting this protein may improve chemotherapy response and boost survival in patients with aggressive ovarian cancer.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2023

Too many babies are still dying from serious intestinal disease, as improvements slow and disparities persist

A recent study found that Black infants in the US were disproportionately affected by necrotizing enterocolitis, with higher mortality rates compared to White infants. Despite overall improvements in NEC-related deaths between 1999 and 2020, racial disparities persisted.

SourceNecrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Society·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 3, 2023

Additive to make slurry more climate-friendly

A study by the University of Bonn has confirmed a significant reduction of methane emissions in slurry by 99% using calcium cyanamide, a long-standing fertilizer. This additive suppresses microbial degradation processes, resulting in lower greenhouse gas production during long-term storage.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalWaste Management·DateMar 3, 2023

On social media platforms, more sharing means less caring about accuracy

A new study by MIT scholars reveals that sharing news on social media can lead to a decline in accuracy, as considering sharing impairs people's ability to discern truth. The study found that asking participants about sharing reduced their success rate at telling truths from falsehoods, with a 35% decrease in accuracy.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 3, 2023

Fluorescent protein sheds light on bee brains

A team of researchers has developed a method to observe bee brains directly, using a calcium sensor that monitors neural activity in response to environmental stimuli. The study provides insights into how social behavior is located in the brain and how it affects animal cognition.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 3, 2023

Detecting the molecular vibration information faster and better by “stretching” time

Researchers have developed a new ultrafast infrared spectroscopy method that can detect molecular vibration information at high speeds. This method, called upconversion time-stretch infrared spectroscopy (UC-TSIR), provides over 30-fold more spectral elements and 400 times better spectral resolution than conventional methods.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2023

Archaeological study of 24 ancient Mexican cities reveals that collective forms of governance, infrastructural investments, and collaboration all help societies last longer

Researchers found that cities in Mesoamerica with collective forms of governance, infrastructural investments, and collaboration tended to remain important for a thousand years or more. Early efforts to construct dense residential spaces and central plazas were key factors in sustainability.

SourceField Museum·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateMar 3, 2023

Imaging the adolescent heart

A recent MRI study by the CNIC has established reference values for anatomical and functional parameters in adolescents' hearts, providing a crucial resource for clinical practice. The study involved 123 adolescents and aimed to fill the knowledge gap on 'normal' cardiac parameter values in this age group.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 3, 2023

One-year adverse outcomes among adults with long COVID vs those without COVID-19

A one-year case-control study found increased rates of adverse outcomes among adults with long COVID compared to those without COVID-19, highlighting the need for continued monitoring, particularly in cardiovascular and pulmonary management. The study's findings underscore the importance of addressing at-risk individuals.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMar 3, 2023

Beyond greenspace and bluespace

A new review reveals that environments beyond greenspaces and bluespaces, such as caves, deserts, and glaciers, have potential health benefits. Short-term exposure to solid-state water landscapes showed little evidence of benefits, while longer-term exposure led to improved emotional states, medical treatments for allergies, and physic...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 3, 2023

American Foregut Society white paper recommends expanding endoscopic classification of esophogastric junction integrity beyond hill grade

The American Foregut Society has proposed a new classification system to assess esophagogastric junction (EGJ) integrity, expanding beyond the Hill grade. The new classification takes into account EGJ disruption and hiatus hernia extent, providing a more comprehensive understanding of GERD.

SourceSAGE·JournalForegut The Journal of the American Foregut Society·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 3, 2023

New UNCG study reveals link between selenium and COVID-19 mortality

A new UNCG study confirms that SARS-CoV-2 destroys the antioxidant activity of key human selenoproteins, weakening immunity and enabling virus replication. The findings suggest investigating selenium supplementation and dietary sulfur compounds as potential symptomatic treatments for COVID patients.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Greensboro·JournalAntioxidants·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2023

HKUMed discovers using real-world data that the newest glucose-lowering drug could reduce the risks of renal and respiratory diseases

A retrospective cohort study found that sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) significantly reduced the risk of end-stage renal disease, obstructive airway disease, and pneumonia in patients with type 2 diabetes. SGLT2i may be a better alternative to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors for extra-glycaemic protection.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

Stick to your lane: Hidden order in chaotic crowds

Researchers at the University of Bath developed a new theory that unifies conflicting viewpoints on lane formation, predicting curved and straight lanes in crowded spaces. The study reveals a new class of structures in daily life that may go unnoticed.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 2, 2023

Crowdsourced reports can quickly identify an earthquake’s impact

A new statistical model based on a global database of public reports can identify an earthquake as high- or low-impact within minutes. The researchers used over 1.5 million felt reports from 10,000 earthquakes to develop the model, which was able to provide impact results for 393 global events in 10 minutes.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalThe Seismic Record·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

Importance of early-life factors identified in new lung health study

A comprehensive study has identified key early-life factors that negatively affect lung function in young adults. The research analyzed data from over 7,500 participants and found that factors such as mother's weight during pregnancy, birthweight, and body composition at primary school have a significant impact on lung health.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 2, 2023

Parasitic infections common in kids in low-resource US communities, study finds

A study found 38% of children in a rural Mississippi Delta community had parasitic worms or protist infections. This is a neglected health issue in low-resource areas, linked to poor sanitation and climate change. The researcher emphasizes the need for direct community engagement and investment in infrastructure to address these issues.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 2, 2023

Small differences in mom’s behavior may show up in child’s epigenome

A new study found that neutral maternal behavior at 12 months correlates with an epigenetic change in children related to stress response. The researchers analyzed data from a cohort of mother-infant pairs and found a small increase in methylation on the NR3C1 gene, which regulates the body's response to stress.

SourceWashington State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateMar 2, 2023

Destroying the superconductivity in a kagome metal

Scientists at RMIT University and partner organisation confirm electric control of superconductivity and giant anomalous Hall effect in the kagome metal CsV₃Sb₅. Proton intercalation modulates carrier density, allowing for tuning of Fermi surfaces and potentially realizing exotic quantum phase transitions.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

Scientists use satellites to track earth ‘greening’ amid climate change

Researchers estimate worldwide changes in plant leaf growth due to global warming, finding that greening trends have a stronger association with carbon uptake than growing season length. Satellite imagery and field sensors reveal new insights into the impact of climate change on vegetation productivity and carbon capture.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateMar 2, 2023

Study finds political campaigns may change the choices of voters – but not their policy views

Researchers found that televised debates have little effect on voter decisions, with information from other sources such as media and activists being more influential. Voter choice consistency increased by 17 percentage points over the last two months of campaigns, affecting electoral results.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 2, 2023

Oregon State develops catalyst that purifies herbicide-tainted water and produces hydrogen

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a dual-purpose catalyst that can both purify herbicide-tainted water and produce hydrogen. The catalyst, derived from metal-organic frameworks, shows promise in tackling global water pollution and provides a sustainable alternative to conventional hydrogen production methods.

SourceOregon State University·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

A blood factor involved in depression

Researchers discovered that administration of GDF11 improves cognitive abilities and reduces depression-like behaviors in aged mice. In humans, low levels of GDF11 are associated with depressive episodes, suggesting a potential link between the protein and mood disorders.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

U.S. birds’ Eastern, Western behavior patterns are polar opposites

A study from Ohio State University reveals stark differences in avian functional diversity between the US East and West. Functional diversity patterns are highest in the West during breeding season, while in the East they are lowest despite high species richness.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 2, 2023

Biologists, chemical engineers collaborate to reveal complex cellular process inside petunias

A team of Purdue University scientists has identified a protein that plays a key role in helping petunias emit volatiles, challenging the idea that simple diffusion is responsible. The study focuses on how volatiles cross the cell wall, a barrier that separates the cellular interior from the plant's outermost protective layer.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

Ocean surface tipping point could accelerate climate change

A recent study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that the ocean's ability to absorb CO2 will peak by 2100 and become less efficient after 2300 due to a surface layer of low-alkalinity water. This emergence hinders CO2 absorption, leading to faster warming.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 2, 2023

New sound navigation technology enables the blind to navigate - challenging Nobel Prize winning theory and providing hope for slowing down dimentia

Researchers at Reichman University have developed a new sound navigation technology that activates visual navigation areas in the brain, challenging conventional beliefs about sensory processing. This breakthrough has significant implications for cognitive training and potentially detecting Alzheimer's disease.

SourceReichman University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 2, 2023

NFL players who experienced concussion symptoms during careers show reduced cognitive performance decades after retirement

A study of over 350 former NFL players found that those who reported concussion symptoms performed worse on cognitive tests, particularly in episodic memory and sustained attention. Cognitive decline was not associated with diagnosed concussions or age, but rather with the presence of concussion symptoms.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalArchives of Clinical Neuropsychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

Illuminating the evolution of social parasite ants

Researchers at Rockefeller University have found queen-like mutants among social parasite ants, which can infiltrate and take over host colonies. These unique ants exhibit intermediate traits between worker and queen behavior, allowing them to thrive in the colony while avoiding dangers associated with leaving their nest.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 2, 2023

Nursing student highlights important role school nurses can play in identifying and supporting young people with eating disorders

A Kingston University student has highlighted the importance of school nurses in addressing the rising number of eating disorders among children and young people. Research and clinical experience have shown that there is an urgent need for early intervention, prevention, and accessibility to help young people living with eating disorders.

SourceKingston University·JournalNursing Children and Young People·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 2, 2023

Stanford researchers develop a new way to identify bacteria in fluids

A new method developed by Stanford researchers uses an inkjet printer, nanoparticles, and artificial intelligence to detect bacteria in blood, wastewater, and other fluids. The test can be done in minutes, is inexpensive, and more accurate than traditional culturing methods.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 2, 2023

Fighting friction to protect machinery

A team of researchers at Tohoku University has developed an artificial intelligence-driven contact control system to minimize friction between moving parts in machinery, aiming to reduce wear and tear and extend lifespan.

SourceTohoku University·JournalTribology International·DateMar 2, 2023

Edible electronics: How a seaweed second skin could transform health and fitness sensor tech

Researchers at the University of Sussex have developed biodegradable health sensors using natural ingredients like rock salt, water, and seaweed, combined with graphene. These sensors outperform existing synthetic alternatives in terms of sensitivity, making them highly effective for monitoring vital signs.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023