Cat locomotion could unlock better human spinal cord injury treatment
Scientists at Georgia Institute of Technology investigate how cats maintain balance while studying human spinal cord injury treatment.
Science News Archive 2023 - Page 438
Browse by Month - 2023
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ASAP: New NSF center tackling microelectronic chips' energy efficiency
The Center for Aggressive Scaling by Advanced Processes for Electronics and Photonics (ASAP) aims to develop new fundamental technology solutions to reduce energy consumption in microprocessors. The center will focus on materials discovery, heterogeneous 3D integration, and highly energy-efficient circuits and architectures.
Forests recovering from logging act as a source of carbon
A new study finds that tropical forests recovering from logging are a source of carbon due to soil and rotting wood releasing more carbon than new growth can absorb. The study highlights the need for sustainable logging practices to minimize collateral damage.
SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2023
A CSIC vaccine against COVID-19 protects against infection and brain damage caused by the virus
Researchers developed a CSIC vaccine that fully protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection in the brain and prevents associated brain damage. The MVA-CoV2-S vaccine candidate demonstrates sterilizing immunity and was effective even after reinfection with the virus.
6.5% of the Spanish population have refused to be vaccinated against COVID-19
A study found that 6.5% of the general population in Spain hesitated to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, with younger and less educated individuals being more reluctant. In contrast, healthcare professionals showed higher vaccination rates and had fewer concerns about the vaccine's effectiveness.
Doomed pair of supermassive black holes the closest to collision ever seen
Astronomers have discovered two ghostly Goliath black holes just 750 light-years apart, closing in on a cataclysmic meeting. The estimated population of merging supermassive black holes may be surprisingly high, generating strong gravitational waves detectable by future telescopes.
SourceSimons Foundation·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2023
Novel T cell receptor therapy shows early anti-tumor activity
In a Phase I clinical trial, afami-cel achieved an objective response rate of 44% in patients with synovial sarcoma and 24% across all cancer types. The therapy demonstrated manageable toxicity and early activity in other cancer types, suggesting potential for solid tumors.
SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 9, 2023
Jet engine lubrication oils are a major source of ultrafine particles
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have found that jet engine lubrication oils are a significant source of ultrafine particles. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger inflammatory reactions, potentially contributing to cardiovascular diseases.
SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2023
DSD-MatchingNet: Deformable sparse-to-dense feature matching for learning accurate correspondences
This study proposes DSD-MatchingNet, a novel network leveraging sparse-to-dense hypercolumn matching and deformable convolutional networks for robust local feature matching. The proposed framework generates multilevel dense feature maps and incorporates pixel-level correspondence estimation error to improve accuracy.
SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalVirtual Reality & Intelligent Hardware·DateJan 9, 2023
Decoding brain arteriovenous malformations in the Asian population: a Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study
A nationwide registry of AVM patients from 52 hospitals in mainland China investigated the efficacy of different treatments on patient groups. The study found that categorizing treatment strategies based on disease severity is an ideal approach, and a multidisciplinary comprehensive assessment promotes individualized treatment protocols.
SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2023
Scientists discover a new way of sharing genetic information in a common ocean microbe
Researchers found a novel gene-transfer mechanism in Prochlorococcus that enables the transmission of entire blocks of genes between organisms, even when widely separated. This mechanism, dubbed 'tycheposons,' involves sequences of DNA that can include several genes and are transported by membrane vesicles or hijacked virus particles.
NASA’s Webb Telescope reveals links between galaxies near and far
The James Webb Space Telescope has analyzed distant galaxies, revealing they are extremely young and share remarkable similarities to green pea galaxies, which are rare and small. The study provides detailed chemical fingerprints of these early galaxies, connecting them to similar ones nearby for further study.
Study identifies molecular differences between primary breast cancer and its metastases
The study found that methylation of the HLA-A gene and focal deletions resulted in reduced immune cell activity against cancer cells, leading to fewer immune cells being available to attack cancer cells. The researchers also discovered differences in immune cell response between various sites of metastasis.
SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2023
Group summarizes new guidelines for treating patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease
The American College of Physicians summarizes new guidelines for treating patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The 2022 update provides important clarifications to the 2020 guidelines, focusing on comprehensive care, glycemic monitoring, lifestyle interventions, antihyperglycemic therapies, and educational approaches.
SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 9, 2023
University of Tennessee research team studying how bio-inspired materials can be used to design next-generation computers
A UT research team, led by Ralph Lydic and Dmitry Bolmatov, has discovered an artificial cell membrane that exhibits long-term potentiation, a hallmark of biological learning and memory. This breakthrough could lead to the development of next-generation computing materials and architectures inspired by human cognition.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2023
New molecular insights on medical cannabis
Researchers at EMBL Grenoble have discovered that THC inhibits the human enzyme autotaxin, which is involved in cancer, inflammation, and pulmonary fibrosis. This finding provides new molecular insights into the therapeutic effects of medical cannabis.
Astronomers find the most distant stars in our galaxy halfway to Andromeda
Researchers used variable stars as standard candles to measure galactic distances, tracing the outer limits of the Milky Way's halo. The study confirms theoretical estimates and provides a powerful tool for studying the galaxy's size and mass.
Toxoplasmosis: pathogen with molecular master key
Researchers have discovered a complex of two protein variants that plays a significant role in Toxoplasma gondii infection. The parasite can infect a wide range of hosts due to its ability to recognize multiple host cell structures, leading to the activation of a central invasion complex.
Studies identify new strategies for insect control
Scientists at UC Riverside have discovered that volatile repellents containing ammonia and amines can be used to combat insect-borne diseases by disrupting their sense of smell and taste. The research found that these compounds can silence olfactory neurons in mosquitoes, preventing them from detecting human skin odor.
Ben-Gurion University cyber researcher pioneers method to track groups of anomalous users
A new method to detect groups of anomalous users has been developed by a Ben-Gurion University researcher, which can work on any network or platform. The method, known as Co-Membership-based Generic Anomalous Communities Detection Algorithm (CMMAC), uses network structural properties to identify unusual online behavior.
SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalNeural Processing Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 2023
Differences in gut microbiome linked to risk of death in COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure
A study found that patients with severe COVID-19 who suffered progressive lung failure had a different gut microbiome composition compared to those who recovered. The research identified key differences in bacteria and metabolites, including higher levels of Proteobacteria and lower levels of secondary bile acids in dying patients.
Mobility specialists looking to quit profession
A third of orthotists in the UK want to leave their profession due to inadequate working conditions and lack of time with patients. This poses a significant threat to the healthcare sector, highlighting the need for urgent action to address staff satisfaction and retention.
SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBritish Journal of Healthcare Management·TypeSurvey·DateJan 9, 2023
Chinese scientists discover ubiquitous, increasing ferric iron on lunar surface
Researchers found high ferric iron content in agglutinate glass from lunar soil returned by China's Chang'e-5 mission. The discovery challenges previous knowledge about lunar ferric iron and suggests ongoing charge disproportionation reactions, leading to progressively increasing ferric iron on the Moon's surface.
Fewer cases of melanoma among people taking vitamin D supplements
Regular use of vitamin D supplements was associated with a significantly reduced risk of melanoma and better skin cancer classification compared to non-users. However, the study did not find a significant association between vitamin D use and other skin changes or severity of photoaging.
Climate ‘presses’ and ‘pulses’ impact Magellanic penguins — a marine predator — with guidance for conservationists
A recent study by University of Washington researchers found that climate 'presses' and 'pulses' have equal importance on Magellanic penguin population survival. The team analyzed nearly four decades of data at Punta Tombo, Argentina, revealing a decline in breeding pairs from 400,000 to 150,000 between the 1980s and 2019.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2023
New biomarker for early prediction of response to CAR-T cell therapy
Researchers have discovered a new biomarker that predicts the response to CAR-T cell therapy in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma. The biomarker identifies differentiated T cells, which can be removed from leukemia products to improve therapy success rates.
Cannabis-related emergency department visits among older adults on the rise
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found a sharp increase in cannabis-related emergency department visits among California adults ages 65 and older from 2005 to 2019. The rate increased by 1,808%, with more than 12,000 visits reported in 2019.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 9, 2023
COVID-19 vaccine acceptance increased globally in 2022
A new survey of 23 countries found that global willingness to accept a COVID-19 vaccine increased from 75.2% in 2021 to 79.1% in 2022. However, eight countries experienced an increase in hesitancy, and nearly one in eight vaccinated respondents were hesitant about receiving booster doses. The survey also revealed variations in vaccine ...
SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalNature Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJan 9, 2023
Variety of healthy eating patterns linked with lower risk of premature death
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that participants following at least one of four healthy eating patterns had a lower risk of premature death and reduced mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory disease. The study's findings are consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for America.
SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2023
EU regulation does not adequately consider environmental emissions of pharmaceuticals in global manufacturing supply chains
A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland concludes that EU regulation does not adequately consider the environmental emissions of pharmaceuticals in global manufacturing supply chains. The researchers argue that the current GMPs and ERA regulation are limited in scope and weight, and do not prevent the release of pharmaceu...
SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalReview of European Comparative & International Environmental Law·DateJan 9, 2023
Searching for the earliest galaxies in the universe
A team of astronomers discovered 87 galaxies that could be the earliest known galaxies in the universe using data from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. This finding suggests a revision to our understanding of galaxy formation, indicating that more galaxies may have formed earlier than previously thought.
Acorn production cycles influence wild boar populations
Research suggests that alternating years of low and high acorn production contribute to an increase in wild boar populations. Biennial episodes of acorn production coincide with the generation time of wild boars, leading to positive population growth.
Human-approved medication brings back ‘lost’ memories in mice
Researchers have discovered a human-approved medication that can bring back 'lost' memories in mice, suggesting a potential new approach to treating age-induced memory problems or early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The study used optogenetic approaches and the asthma drug roflumilast to revive memories stored in the hippocampus.
The science of self-esteem: Past experience can predict teenage girls' self-worth, sense of belonging
A study led by Haley Skymba and Karen Rudolph found that teenage girls' past experiences with peer adversity directly impact how they perceive their own self-worth and belonging. The researchers designed a study to observe trends in a cohort of 89 girls, averaging 16 years old, and discovered patterns that demonstrate the connection be...
SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 9, 2023
York University research helps explain why obesity is more dangerous for men
A new study from York University sheds light on biological underpinnings of sex differences in obesity-related disease. Female mice grow more new blood vessels to supply fat tissue with oxygen and nutrients, whereas males have a high level of inflammation-associated processes.
Genetic code change drives common lung cancer type
Researchers at NYU Langone Health have identified a gene that drives development of lung squamous carcinoma, a common type of lung cancer. Deleting this gene causes normal cells to transform into cancerous cells, providing potential targets for new therapies.
SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2023
Excessive bed occupancy in hospitals leads to rising mortality
A University of Basel study analyzed over 1.1 million inpatient cases to investigate the relationship between bed occupancy and 14-day mortality rates. The study found that the threshold for increased mortality varies by hospital size, with smaller facilities reaching their capacity limit more quickly.
Less than four in 100 men accepted to be sperm donors
A recent study found that less than four in 100 men who applied to be sperm donors completed the process, with over half withdrawing before samples were released. The research, published in Human Reproduction, also showed that nearly a fifth of applicants were rejected due to health issues or genetic diseases.
Turning plastic waste into a valuable soil additive
Researchers at University of California, Riverside, have developed a method to convert plastic waste into highly porous charcoal that captures carbon and improves soil water retention. The char can also act as a natural fertilizer, but further work is needed to substantiate its utility in agriculture.
Chemical researchers discover catalyst to make renewable paints, coatings, and diapers
University of Minnesota researchers develop groundbreaking new catalyst technology to convert renewable materials like trees and corn into acrylic acid and acrylates used in paints, coatings, and superabsorbent polymers. The new catalyst substantially reduces costs and increases yield, paving the way for lower-cost renewable chemicals.
Frequent use of antibiotics may heighten inflammatory bowel disease risk in over 40s
Research suggests that frequent antibiotic use may heighten the risk of inflammatory bowel disease among older adults. The study found a cumulative risk, with the highest risk observed 1-2 years after antibiotic exposure, particularly for those targeting gut infections.
Solar-powered system converts plastic and greenhouse gases into sustainable fuels
A team from the University of Cambridge has created a solar-powered reactor that can transform two waste streams, CO2 and plastics, into valuable products. The system produces syngas for sustainable liquid fuels and glycolic acid for the cosmetics industry, offering a promising step towards a circular economy.
Clemson researchers, "father of Thermoelectrics" team up to develop new method to evaluate thermoelectric materials
A team of Clemson researchers has developed a new method to evaluate the efficiency of thermoelectric materials, called the figure-of-merit (zT), which considers temperature, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity. The new method uses Peltier cooling to measure zT with higher resolution and accuracy.
Ecosystems in Victoria and Tasmania may be most at risk from climate change
Researchers at Australian National University found that plants in southeast Australia have shifted towards less productive growth strategies over the last 4,000 years, due to drier and unstable conditions. This trend is likely to continue under expected more frequent droughts, threatening ecosystem benefits for humans.
NPIPVis: A visualization system involving NBA visual analysis and integrated learning model prediction
The NPIPVis system combines data visualization and machine learning to analyze NBA game data, predicting player performance and team outcomes. By integrating multiple techniques, such as PAOHvis and iStoryline, users can gain a deeper understanding of the data and make informed decisions.
SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalVirtual Reality & Intelligent Hardware·DateJan 9, 2023
Enhancing pharmacy services for patients does not impact health care utilization
Researchers found that more frequent social determinant screenings and patient navigation in pharmacy care did not reduce healthcare utilization. The study calls for further investigation of pharmacy interventions to improve outcomes for specific patients or healthcare settings.
NASA's retired Compton mission reveals superheavy neutron stars
Astronomers detected light patterns indicating the brief existence of superheavy neutron stars shortly before they collapsed into black holes. These mega neutron stars formed from the collision of two neutron stars and had nearly twice the size of a typical neutron star, spinning at nearly 78,000 times a minute.
Private equity changes workforce stability in physician-owned medical practices
Research reveals private equity firms experience greater replacement of the workforce and rely on physician assistants and nurse practitioners. A more stable workforce is associated with better health outcomes for patients.
SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 9, 2023
Families with food insecurity have greater health care expenditures
A recent study by Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that families experiencing food insecurity have significantly higher health care expenditures. The research analyzed data from the 2016 and 2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and found an annual difference of about $2,456 between food-secure and food-insecure families.
Air quality improvements lead to more sulfur fertilizer use
A new study found a clear increase in sulfur fertilizer use in the Midwest as atmospheric sulfur deposition declined. The study, which analyzed decades of data, suggests that farmers replaced lost airborne nutrient with fertilizer.
Fluid on the lungs: Relatively little known hazard linked to open water swimming
Swimming-induced pulmonary oedema (SIPE) is a relatively little known hazard associated with open water swimming. Risk factors include older age, long distances, cold water, and female sex. SIPE can occur in fit and healthy individuals, highlighting the importance of awareness and prevention.
Investigating the laser-induced periodic surface structure (LIPSS) of silicon
The study found that titanium and sapphire lasers produce highly crystalline LIPSS with minimal strain, while free-electron lasers lead to defects but no observable strain. The findings suggest tuning LIPSS properties by manipulating laser parameters, paving the way for cost-effective nanostructured surface fabrication.
SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2023
Mapping endometriosis: a vast cellular atlas is created
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have created a detailed molecular profile of endometriosis, identifying key differences between major subtypes and potential therapeutic targets. The new database will lead to improved care for millions of women suffering from the disease.
COVID-19 vaccine acceptance increased globally last year, new 23-country survey shows
A new survey of 23 countries found a 5.2% increase in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance from 2021 to 2022, but also detected increased hesitancy in several countries, particularly among younger men and women.
SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2023
Social media and aerial mapping of sea floor reveal that tourists love Hawaiian coral reefs just a little too much
A new study reveals that high-quality coral reefs in Hawaii are popular tourist sites, but also at risk from tourism-related development and pollution. The research used social media and aerial mapping to analyze the impact of tourist visitation on live coral cover across hundreds of coastal sites.
SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2023
Quantum computers: Bar-Ilan University researchers develop superconducting flux qubits with unprecedented reproducibility
Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have successfully developed superconducting flux qubits with unprecedented long and reproducible coherence times, overcoming a significant hurdle in solving scalability problems. This breakthrough enables the potential applications of quantum hybrid circuits and quantum computation.
AI developed to monitor changes to the globally important Thwaites Glacier
Scientists have developed AI techniques to track crevasses on the Thwaites Glacier, which could impact global sea levels by up to 60cm. The study found a complex interplay between crevasse formation and ice flow speed changes.
Study finds increase in women 65 and older dying of cervical cancer
A new study reveals that nearly one in five new cervical cancers diagnosed from 2009-2018 were in women 65 and older, with late-stage diagnoses increasing up to age 79. The study suggests that current screening guidelines may be failing these women, leading to lower survival rates.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateJan 9, 2023
New randomized trial shows simple letters promote better-informed opioid prescribing
Researchers found that letters successfully encouraged clinicians to check patients' prescribing records, leading to increased PMP search rates and persistent effects. The findings suggest a cost-effective evidence-based strategy for promoting safer prescribing practices through simple letter interventions.
Eating almonds daily boosts exercise recovery molecule by 69% among ‘weekend warriors’
A randomized controlled trial found that daily almond supplementation increased the beneficial fat molecule 12,13-DiHOME in blood plasma after intense exercise. This increase was associated with reduced muscle damage and fatigue, as well as improved recovery from exercise. The researchers suggest that polyphenols in almond skin may be ...
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 9, 2023