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Science News Archive 2023 - Page 49


Page 49 of 444

More than 10% of samples from a stool-based colorectal cancer test may be unsatisfactory

A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that over 10% of fecal immunochemical tests used for routine colorectal cancer screening contained unsatisfactory samples. This led to fewer than half of patients completing follow-up testing within 15 months. The authors suggest potential solutions to improve comp...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·DateNov 15, 2023

7 countries, 1.3 million lives lost – the devastating impact of tobacco revealed

A new study funded by Cancer Research UK reveals that smoking tobacco causes 20.8 million years of life loss each year, with four preventable risk factors contributing to over 30 million years of life lost annually. The study suggests that action on a global scale could save millions of lives from preventable cancers.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2023

Why it’s important to improve communication of unanticipated genomic findings to patients with late-stage cancer

A qualitative study by City of Hope highlights the importance of proper patient preparation for unanticipated, inheritable genetic findings prior to tumor sequencing. The research emphasizes the need for scalable educational interventions that facilitate informed consent, such as online tools and applications.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateNov 15, 2023

New ‘patch’ uses natural body motion to fix disc herniation

Researchers developed 'tension-activated repair patches' that release anti-inflammatory molecules, helping discs regain tension and reverse herniation. The patch uses natural biomechanical movement to activate its release, offering a potential early intervention for preventing worsening pain related to disc degeneration.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2023

The liking gap is real for second language English speakers, new Concordia research shows

Researchers found that second language English speakers underestimate how much they are liked by others, with females underestimating their speaking skills even more. This 'liking gap' can limit beneficial interactions and hinder meaningful relationships, potentially affecting students' academic and social integration at universities.

SourceConcordia University·JournalLanguages·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2023

Focus groups can work without a moderator, shows research

A novel 'remotely-moderated' focus group method has been developed and tested, where questions are posed on a screen and moderated by an off-site researcher. This approach encourages participants to go beyond their usual role and engage in frank discussion, revealing valuable insights into issues they may not have considered before.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalQualitative Research in Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2023

Fourth dose of COVID vaccine boosts protection in patients with rheumatic disease

A new study suggests that a fourth dose of the mRNA vaccine significantly reduces risk of infection and severe COVID-19 in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. The study found a 41% reduction in risk for infection and 65% reduction for admission/death compared to those who did not receive a fourth dose.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 15, 2023

An engineered protein enhances memory

Researchers have developed an engineered LIMK1 protein that can be activated by administering the drug rapamycin, resulting in improved memory function. This innovative approach has great potential applications in understanding memory processes and facilitating the identification of solutions for neuropsychiatric diseases.

SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

New studies of brain activity explain benefits of electroconvulsive therapy

Researchers propose a new hypothesis that ECT alleviates depression symptoms by increasing aperiodic activity in the brain. Aperiodic activity helps boost inhibitory activity, slowing down neuronal cycles and effectively controlling how neurons turn on and off. The studies also found similar effects in magnetic seizure therapy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateNov 15, 2023

Novel C. diff structures are required for infection, offer new therapeutic targets

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center discovered iron storage 'spheres' inside C. diff bacteria, which are crucial for infection and offer new targets for antibacterial drugs. The study, published in Nature, also reveals that bacteria may compartmentalize biochemical processes in a way similar to eukaryotic cells.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

On two small islands in the Indian Ocean, an endangered palm with the world’s largest seed sows a lesson about landscape restoration

A study on the endangered coco de mer palm tree found that inbreeding depression may not be a major threat to its survival, contrary to previous assumptions. The researchers discovered that female trees prefer closely related kin to sire their offspring, suggesting outbreeding depression as a possible issue.

Marijuana component offers opioid alternative by effectively treating dental pain

A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that cannabidiol (CBD) reduces dental pain intensity by 70% and improves bite force. While side effects occurred more frequently than placebo, promising results suggest CBD may be an effective alternative to opioid painkillers for managing acute toothache.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Dental Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 15, 2023

Data gap in SARS-CoV-2 cases in animals

A recent study by the Complexity Science Hub found that at least two-thirds of animal COVID-19 deaths were not reported to official sources. The researchers compiled a comprehensive list of 35 animal species susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the need for improved data exchange and reporting.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalOne Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2023

Webb follows neon signs toward new thinking on planet formation

The James Webb Space Telescope has detected distinct neon signatures in the dusty disk surrounding the young Sun-like star SZ Chamaelontis, indicating a change in high-energy radiation that reaches the disk and limits planet formation time. This difference points to a variable wind absorbing UV light and leaving X-rays to pummel the disk.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateNov 15, 2023

Colored by numbers? Pack images get tick of approval to make product varieties stand out

New research from the University of South Australia found that images are more effective at signaling product variety than colors, with only 56% of color choices matching customer expectations. The study analyzed consumer perceptions of 576 products and recommended using images to convey variety and protecting master brand colors.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Market Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2023

A new kind of magnetism

Researchers at ETH Zurich detected a new type of ferromagnetism in an artificially produced material, where magnetic moments align due to kinetic energy minimization. The material exhibits ferromagnetic behavior when electrons form 'doublons' and spread out through quantum mechanical tunnelling.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateNov 15, 2023

Transplant researchers develop vaccine in preclinical models to regulate immune responses to prevent kidney and heart transplant rejection

A team of researchers developed a vaccine that stimulates regulatory T cells to suppress harmful immune cells, prolonging allograft survival in mice. This discovery identifies an analogous pathway in humans, suggesting potential treatment for autoimmune disorders and organ transplant patients.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2023

Female MP pioneers lost unique appeal to voters because of increasing party control over campaigning, study shows

Research suggests that early women parliamentary candidates struggled to make distinct appeals as parties increasingly controlled campaigning. The study examines how mass observation surveys and election addresses reveal the challenges faced by female politicians during the early decades of mass democracy.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGender & History·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 15, 2023