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Science News Archive 2023 - Page 392


Page 392 of 444

Early-stage lung disease could be detected with advanced imaging tech

A new study reveals that phase-contrast X-ray imaging can visualize smallest airways and their obstructions, potentially detecting early-stage lung disease. This technique could provide better resolution and contrast than conventional radiography, enabling subtle pathological changes to be seen.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2023

New study identifies risk factors associated with low birthweights

A 20-year study by Swansea University researchers found that mothers with a history of substance misuse, smoking, or mental health conditions are at higher risk of having low-birth-weight babies. The study analyzed data from over 693,000 children born in Wales between 1998 and 2018.

SourceSwansea University·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Association of long COVID symptoms and employment status

A study of 15,000 individuals with prior COVID-19 infection found that those with post-COVID condition (PCC) were less likely to work full-time and more likely to be unemployed. Cognitive symptoms were also associated with reduced employment likelihood.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 15, 2023

Study finds chronically disrupted sleep may increase the risk for heart disease

A multicenter study found that chronically disrupted sleep may increase the risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Participants with irregular sleep durations had higher burdens of coronary artery calcium, plaque in carotid arteries, and stiff blood vessels.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 15, 2023

Mining at key hydrothermal vents could endanger species at distant sites

Researchers warn that deep-sea mining near hydrothermal vents in the Okinawa Trough could harm species hundreds of kilometers away due to interconnected ecosystems. Key vents should be protected for conservation, with some vent sites identified as crucial hubs for maintaining connectivity.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalEcology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2023

For god’s sake: Baylor researchers develop a new model to predict smartphone use during church services

A new model developed by Baylor researchers can help church leaders understand the factors associated with decisions to use smartphones during church services. The study found that individual behavior is more important than what others think, and demonstrated how smartphones can be an easy and useful tool enhancing the worship experience.

SourceBaylor University·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Interaction·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 15, 2023

Music beats beeps: Researchers find redesigned medical alarms can better alert staff and improve patient experience

A new study by McMaster University researchers found that redesigned medical alarms with musical tones can improve speech recognition and reduce annoyance. The study suggests that changing the sounds of medical devices can make alarms less disruptive, allowing for better staff communication and reducing recovery times.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Irregular sleeping habits may increase risk of atherosclerosis in older adults

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that irregular sleeping habits may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis among adults older than 45. Maintaining regular sleep schedules can help reduce cardiovascular risk for aging adults and improve overall health.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 15, 2023

Targeted prenatal therapy for mothers and their babies addresses longstanding gap in health equity

Targeted RNA therapy aims to treat pre-eclampsia by delivering mRNA to placental cells, reducing maternal blood pressure and restoring fetal circulation. The treatment has shown promising results in mice, paving the way for potential treatments for human patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 15, 2023

New approach for Majorana research in short nanowires

Scientists at QuTech and Eindhoven University of Technology have successfully created Majorana particles in short nanowires, which could be scaled up to form more resilient qubits. The researchers' new approach focuses on electrical control, allowing them to manipulate the device while at low temperatures.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Machine learning techniques identify thousands of new cosmic objects

Researchers used machine learning to classify hundreds of thousands of X-ray objects, discovering thousands of new cosmic objects including black holes and neutron stars. This breakthrough establishes a state-of-the-art capacity for applying machine learning techniques in fundamental astronomy research.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 15, 2023

Proactive policing may contribute to racial gap in preterm births

A study found that Black residents living in high-proactively policed neighborhoods were three times as likely to give birth preterm as their white neighbors. The researchers controlled for various factors and found an association between proactive policing and higher rates of preterm births among Black infants.

SourceDrexel University·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2023

Novel technique distinguishes between types of oral bone lesion based on MRI scan image texture

Researchers used MRI scans and texture analysis to differentiate between two types of benign oral bone lesions, ameloblastomas and odontogenic keratocysts. The study found that certain pixel and voxel organizational parameters in the MRI images were statistically significant, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 15, 2023

Purple vegetables and tubers have antidiabetic properties

Acylated anthocyanins found in purple potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots have been shown to reduce type 2 diabetes risk by affecting glucose transporters and enzymes involved in metabolism. These compounds also maintain gut microbiota homeostasis and suppress pro-inflammatory pathways.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 15, 2023

The faster El Niño decays, the fewer typhoons occur the following summer

A recent study found that faster El Niño decays are associated with lower typhoon frequencies in the following summer. Researchers discovered a stronger anticyclonic anomaly over the western North Pacific, driven by tropical Indo-Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies, as a key mechanism behind this phenomenon.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateFeb 15, 2023

New research roots out solution to keeping houseplants healthy

Aerial roots of common houseplant species outperform soil roots in nutrient uptake, particularly for nitrogen. This breakthrough could lead to improved plant health and longevity by focusing on aerial root nutrition.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPlant Cell & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Hospitality and real estate sectors have highest rates of common mental health problems, study finds

Common mental health problems, such as depression, are prevalent in the hospitality and real estate sectors, with significant gender disparities found across various industries. The study highlights the need for industry leaders to address underlying issues contributing to higher rates of mental health problems among female workers.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2023

Screening tool aims to help doctors diagnose more people with COPD

A new screening tool, CAPTURE, has been developed to identify adults with undiagnosed COPD, with promising results in identifying moderate to severe cases. The study found that almost half of participants who had previously undiagnosed COPD were successfully identified by the tool.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 14, 2023

Kangaroo fecal microbes could reduce methane from cows

Researchers discovered a microbial culture from baby kangaroo feces that can inhibit methane production in cow stomach simulators, replacing it with beneficial acetic acid. This innovation has the potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and improve cow health.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBiocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology·DateFeb 14, 2023

How the brain's immune system worsens epilepsy

Researchers have definitively linked the brain's immune system to worsening epilepsy, identifying a chain of events that causes seizures to worsen. The study suggests repurposing anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants could help control epilepsy progression.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2023

Researchers identify compounds that could lead to an on-demand, short-term contraceptive for men

In a mouse study, researchers have identified a potential non-hormonal contraceptive that men can take before sexual activity to prevent pregnancy. The compound temporarily disables an enzyme essential for sperm maturation, rendering sperm immobile and preventing fertilization.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2023

Cystatin C shows promise as an additional biomarker to calculate kidney function and stage chronic kidney disease

A study found that cystatin C-based eGFR was strongly correlated with creatinine-based eGFR and that 27% of patients would be classified as having a more severe chronic kidney stage based on cystatin C test results. The use of cystatin C can lead to changes in CKD staging, which can impact clinical management.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalKidney Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2023

Researchers use radiomics to predict heart attacks

A recent study published in Radiology uses radiomics to analyze coronary CT angiography images and identify vulnerable plaques associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiac events. The model enabled the detection of these plaques, providing a more accurate approach than conventional anatomical parameters.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateFeb 14, 2023

Sensory cells taste cerebrospinal fluid to fight brain infections

Researchers discovered that sensory cells in the spinal cord's central canal can detect bacteria in cerebrospinal fluid and trigger an inflammatory response to fight brain infections. These 'taste' receptors recognize bitter substances, such as those from Streptococcus pneumoniae, and increase cytokine production to combat pathogens.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2023

New technique maps large-scale impacts of fire-induced permafrost thaw in Alaska

A new technique maps the effects of fire-induced permafrost thaw in Alaska, revealing widespread topographic change and vegetation shifts. The study used a machine learning-based approach to quantify thaw settlement across 3 million acres of land, with results showing a significant loss of evergreen forest and shrubland encroachment.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 14, 2023

ACTG to make 29 presentations at CROI 2023

The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) will present 29 presentations at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) 2023. The studies focus on COVID-19, HIV cure, pathogenesis, treatment, long-term complications, tuberculosis, hepatitis C, and contraception.

SourceAIDS Clinical Trials Group·DateFeb 14, 2023

Grassroots effort champions inclusive language in science

The EEB Language Project aims to revise harmful terminology in ecology and evolution, promoting inclusivity and precision. The project provides a repository of words with suggested alternatives, allowing community members to submit their suggestions and engage in dialogue.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 14, 2023

AI with infrared imaging enables precise colon cancer diagnostics

Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum developed a new digital imaging method using artificial intelligence and infrared imaging to determine microsatellite status in colon cancer. This approach enables fast, label-free, and automated detection of the biomarker, which is crucial for personalized medicine.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2023

Scientists find world’s oldest European hedgehog

A team of scientists found a 16-year-old European hedgehog in Denmark, exceeding the previous record by seven years. The discovery contradicts previous studies suggesting that inbreeding reduces lifespan. The study's results provide valuable insights into the basic life history of hedgehogs and may improve conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalAnimals·DateFeb 14, 2023

The roar and crackle of Artemis 1

Researchers measured noise levels at locations around the launch pad, finding maximum sound levels exceeded predicted values by nearly 20 decibels. The study's findings will help validate and improve existing noise prediction models to protect equipment and surrounding environments.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJASA Express Letters·DateFeb 14, 2023

Verified: COVID-19 infection increases diabetes risk

Researchers found a significant increase in new-onset diabetes after COVID-19 infection, with vaccination prior to infection showing protective effects. The study suggests that COVID-19 infection could be acting as a disease accelerator, amplifying risk for diabetes diagnosis.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 14, 2023

The perfect pour: model predicts beer head features

Researchers developed a multiphase solver to predict beer foam features, including patterns, heights, stability, and volume fractions. The study found that foam generation is sensitive to temperature and pressure, with higher temperatures producing more foam.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateFeb 14, 2023

Quantum Australia: Hear global insiders map out next phase of the boom

Researchers and industry leaders from around the world will gather in Sydney to discuss key areas of quantum computing, communications, sensing, training, entrepreneurship, and policy. The three-day event is expected to feature insights on cyber security, sustainability, and commercialization, with over 700 attendees.

SourceWildfire Communications·DateFeb 14, 2023

Marshall University study shows daily, consistent parental reading in the first year of life improves infants’ language scores

A recent study by researchers at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine found that daily reading improved language development in infants 12 months and younger. Infants who received consistent daily reading started showing improvements in language scores as early as nine months of age.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 14, 2023

Whale warning as clock ticks towards deep-sea mining

Researchers warn of significant risks to ocean ecosystems and cetaceans from commercial-scale deep seabed mining. The study highlights the need for urgent research to assess potential impacts on cetaceans, which are highly sensitive to sound and already facing multiple stressors like climate change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 14, 2023

When the light is neither "on" nor "off" in the nanoworld

Researchers from Würzburg and Bielefeld successfully detect exotic states of quantum physics in a nanostructure, where light can exist as both on and off at the same time. This breakthrough enables the development of novel optical quantum technologies for future computer chips.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 14, 2023

Cancer diagnosis using urine!

Researchers at KIMS have developed a strip-type urine sensor that can diagnose prostate and pancreatic cancer with high sensitivity. The sensor uses metabolites in urine to amplify light signals, allowing for quick and accurate diagnosis on-site.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateFeb 14, 2023

Promise for COPD diagnosis in primary care with new screening

A new screening tool, CAPTURE, identifies roughly half of primary care patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that could benefit from available treatments. The study confirms the robust nature of this collaborative relationship between numerous stakeholders, particularly primary care-based research networks.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2023

Some stroke patients become more fatigued afterwards

Research found that patients with poorer memory, concentration, anxiety, and depressive symptoms after a stroke are more likely to be fatigued and sleepy. This study highlights the importance of monitoring cognitive and emotional issues in stroke patients to prevent long-term fatigue and improved diagnostics and treatment.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 14, 2023