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Science News Archive 2023 - Page 412


Page 412 of 444

“Spleen-on-a-chip” yields insight into sickle cell disease

Researchers developed a microfluidic device to model the spleen's filtration function in patients with sickle cell disease. The study found that low oxygen levels can cause the spleen's filters to become clogged, while boosting oxygen levels can unclog them, potentially explaining how blood transfusions help patients.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 30, 2023

$1 smart glove could help prevent dangerous births by sensing fetal position

A new study reveals a low-cost sensing glove that can identify fetal position and measure force applied to the fetal skull during labor, potentially improving birth outcomes in low-resource regions. The technology provides real-time data during vaginal exams, allowing clinicians to take corrective action early on.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Global Women s Health·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

Identified mechanism involved in development and intensification of cancer treatment-related pain

A study found that immune checkpoint inhibitors enhance chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain by blocking interaction between macrophages and neurons via PD1-PDL1 synergy. This discovery could lead to the development of therapeutic alternatives to prevent pain while maintaining anti-neoplastic effects.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateJan 30, 2023

Breakthrough in mitochondrial regulation

Researchers from Osaka University have identified a system known as the GET pathway as crucial for regulating the numbers of energy-producing mitochondria. The study found that disruption of the GET pathway leads to reduced mitophagy, a process responsible for removing defective or excess mitochondria.

SourceOsaka University·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

New study finds depression, poor mental health linked to higher heart disease risks among young adults

A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that young adults with depression are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and have poor heart health. The study analyzed data from over half a million people between the ages of 18 and 49 and found that those who self-reported feeling depressed or having poor mental heal...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 30, 2023

SUTD researchers develop a novel reconfigurable device that can bridge the gap between processor and memory

Researchers at SUTD developed a new reconfigurable shift register-in-memory architecture using phase-change alloys, operating efficiently as both a memory component and programmable shift register. The device exhibits impressive performance in preliminary tests, promising applications in high-performance electronic systems.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateJan 30, 2023

Understanding long-term changes in the synapses between the hypothalamus and hippocampus

Researchers from Doshisha University found that the hypothalamus's supramammillary nucleus can induce long-term potentiation in hippocampal dentate gyrus synapses through glutamatergic transmission. This type of synaptic plasticity, known as associative LTP, strengthens connections between neurons and is crucial for learning and memory.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

Hidden bacteria presents a substantial risk of antimicrobial resistance in hospital patients

Researchers found that carriers of a specific hidden bacteria have a 14% chance of developing an antibiotic-resistant infection within 30 days of hospitalization. The study highlights the significant risk of infections from multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, particularly in patients undergoing 'dirty' surgery.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 30, 2023

Study: Infants exposed to excessive screen time show differences in brain function beyond eight years of age

A longitudinal study found that excessive screen time in infancy is linked to detrimental outcomes in cognitive functions, which persist after eight years. Brain activity changes were observed in infants who spent more time on screens, indicating brain immaturity and poor self-regulation.

Advanced electronic skin for multiplex healthcare monitoring

Researchers from TIBI have developed an advanced electronic skin patch that provides simultaneous, continuous monitoring of multiple bodily parameters. The new E-skin patch offers enhanced flexibility, thermal cooling abilities, and fluid absorption over conventional substrates while demonstrating excellent biocompatibility and biodegr...

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

Tracking down leaks in the blood-brain barrier

Bonn researchers create micropipette-based local perfusion of capillaries to analyze BBB transport at the cellular level, providing insights into epilepsy and drug development. The approach reveals the barrier's integrity remains largely intact, offering a tool for evaluating active ingredients' brain penetration.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2023

Kory Evans wins NSF CAREER Award

Evans' five-year grant will examine how modularity affects the evolution of complex biological structures and provide a framework for their study. The research could advance our understanding of shape change in other complex structures and have cultural and historical significance.

Stereotyping veterans as heroes may limit their future careers

Research by the American Psychological Association found that stereotyping veterans as heroes can limit their future career prospects. Participants preferred lower-paying, selfless careers over higher-paying jobs, even if they didn't align with the veteran's skills or interests. This bias may funnel veterans into service-oriented caree...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 30, 2023

Stanford scientists illuminate barrier to next-generation battery that charges very quickly

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new understanding of how nanoscale defects and mechanical stress cause solid electrolytes to fail. By studying over 60 experiments, they found that ceramics often contain tiny cracks on their surface, which can lead to short circuits during fast charging. The discovery could pave the ...

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

Relying on customer surveys alone may mask poor service

A new study found that customers from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups rated poorer quality service less negatively than white consumers. This suggests that relying solely on customer surveys to improve service may not be effective in addressing discrimination.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 30, 2023

Coffee with milk may have an anti-inflammatory effect

A new study from the University of Copenhagen suggests that combining proteins and antioxidants in foods like coffee with milk may have an anti-inflammatory effect in humans. The researchers found that immune cells treated with this combination were twice as effective at fighting inflammation as those with only polyphenols.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 30, 2023

Chronic pain-induced depression: Underlying mechanism revealed in mice, showing how ketamine acts as antidepressant in chronic pain

Researchers have uncovered the underlying mechanism driving depressive systems in chronic pain, identifying a potential therapeutic target for treatment. Tiam1 protein modulates neural connections, leading to hypersensitivity and depression; ketamine blocks this effect, alleviating symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

New monovalent anion permselective membranes for high-efficient mono-/di-valent anion separation

Researchers developed poly(alkyl-biphenyl pyridinium)-based anion exchange membranes with hydrophobic side chains, achieving high permoselectivity for monovalent ions like chloride and hydroxide. The new membranes show excellent alkali stability and can separate multiple multivalent anions with high selectivity.

SourceInstitute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

Honey bee colony loss in the U.S. linked to mites, extreme weather, pesticides

A new study by Penn State researchers found that US honey bee colony loss is primarily related to parasitic mites, extreme weather events, and nearby pesticides. The study integrated multiple large datasets at different spatial and temporal resolutions to assess various potential stressors associated with colony collapse across the US.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 30, 2023

90% reduction in COVID-19 deaths after booster dose: Hong Kong study

A Hong Kong study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found a 90% reduction in COVID-19 deaths among adults with multimorbidity who received a booster dose of vaccine. The study, which included over 120,000 participants, suggests that booster vaccination can significantly lower mortality rates in vulnerable populations.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 30, 2023

Validation of the feasibility of in-office mapping of the heart without the need for surgery or CT scans for the diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia

Researchers validate non-invasive ECGi technique to detect atrial fibrillation, providing detailed information about the electrical activity of the heart. This breakthrough reduces patients' exposure to ionising radiation and costs, making it more universal for clinical practice.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalJournal of Electrocardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 30, 2023

Better models show how infectious diseases spread

A new model has integrated two classic approaches to improve disease spread predictions, accounting for age-specific contact patterns and location-specific data. The model outperformed previous approaches in simulation studies and case studies, providing valuable insights into disease prevention and control.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalStochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment·DateJan 30, 2023

New statement shows PCI without surgery on site is as safe as PCI with surgery on site

A new expert consensus statement proposes a revised PCI treatment algorithm that expands the type of cases that can be performed with no-SOS, considering operator experience and facility preparation. The statement highlights low rates of complications and similar outcomes to PCIs performed at surgical centers.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalJournal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions·DateJan 30, 2023

A research led from ITEFI-CSIC achieves inhibition of cancer cell migration in vitro after low intensity ultrasound irradiation, allowing a controlled modification of the tumor cells biodynamics without damage

A study led by CSIC demonstrates the efficiency of low-intensity ultrasound therapy in inhibiting cancer cell migration in pancreas cancer models. The researchers successfully controlled tumor cell biodynamics without causing damage.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateJan 30, 2023

Proximity to electric vehicle charging stations positively impacts home values

A recent study found that homes near electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) in California see a significant increase in value, with those within 0.4-0.5 km of EVCSs valued up to 5.8% higher. The study also showed reduced air pollution and increased traffic, but no effect on property values within closer proximity.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 30, 2023

New insights on why improvements to Chesapeake Bay remain a challenge

A new study on Chesapeake Bay water quality found that pollution thresholds affect reduction efforts, and larger reductions may be needed to induce complete reversal of eutrophication-induced hypoxia. The research revealed that the system responds only until a certain threshold is crossed, then it takes twice the effort to make a change.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 30, 2023

ICD detection and treatment of arrhythmias not impacted by MRI

A cohort study of over 600 persons with non-MRI-conditional implantable cardioverter defibrillators found that these devices continue to appropriately treat detected tachyarrhythmias after MRI scans. The findings suggest that patients with non-MRI-conditional ICDs can safely undergo MRI exams without compromising device function.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 30, 2023