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Science News Archive April 2023


Page 1 of 37

Slowing down in your old age? It may be a dementia warning sign.

Research from Edith Cowan University found that lower grip strength and slower timed-up-and-go tests were significant risk factors for presenting with dementia. The study suggests that incorporating muscle function tests into dementia screening could help identify high-risk individuals who may benefit from primary prevention programs.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle·TypeObservational study·DateApr 30, 2023

“Eat, Sleep, Console” reduces hospital stay and need for medication among opioid-exposed infants

Researchers found that the 'Eat, Sleep, Console' (ESC) care approach is more effective than Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring Tool (FNAST) in assessing and managing opioid-exposed newborns. Newborns cared for with ESC were medically ready for discharge approximately 6.7 days earlier and 63% less likely to receive medication.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 30, 2023

Researchers image live drug response and resistant ‘pockets’ in pancreatic cancer

A research tool developed at the Garvan Institute has uncovered unprecedented detail about pancreatic cancer drug response and resistance. The molecule AKT, a key driver of cancer growth and spread, is activated in distinct parts of the tumour, including areas of low oxygen supply where it forms pockets of resistance to therapy.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2023

In-scent-ive to avoid danger

Research at Kyoto University found that spider mites avoid caterpillar traces due to a repellent effect, lasting days. This discovery may lead to the development of a safer and longer-lasting spider mite repellent derived from natural substances.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2023

Scientists create high-resolution poverty maps using big data

A team of researchers from the Complexity Science Hub and Central European University created more-detailed poverty maps for Sierra Leone and Uganda, identifying poor areas with greater accuracy. The maps use a combination of survey information, satellite imagery, and social media data to provide a more accurate picture of wealth distr...

SourceComplexity Science Hub·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2023

Efficient synthesis of indole derivatives, an important component of most drugs, allows the development of new drug candidates

Researchers at Nagoya University have successfully developed an ultrafast and simple synthetic method for producing indole derivatives. The new microflow synthesis method enables precise control of short reaction times, limiting unwanted dimerization/multimerization and increasing the yield of desired products.

SourceNagoya University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateApr 30, 2023

New Jersey’s temporary health care license program expanded mental health services during pandemic

The study found that the program increased access to mental health care for thousands of New Jersey residents, with practitioners serving patients in 13 languages and underserved racial or ethnic minority groups. Increasing access to mental health services is crucial during the pandemic, especially given a shortage of providers.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Medical Regulation·TypeSurvey·DateApr 29, 2023

Russian researchers explain origins of dangerous coronavirus variants

Researchers have identified mechanisms behind the emergence of new and contagious coronavirus variants by analyzing over three million genome sequences. The study found that concordant substitutions occurring at other sites influence the likelihood of a substitution occurring at a specific site, leading to unexpected variant emergence.

Six-fold increase in rural cancer screenings with remote outreach

A new study found that remote outreach involving interactive education and follow-up support via telephone increased breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening rates among rural women. The combination of a remotely delivered interactive DVD and patient navigation services resulted in a six-fold increase in screenings.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2023

Scientists identify antivirals that could combat emerging infectious diseases

Scientists have discovered potential broad-spectrum antivirals that target multiple families of RNA viruses, which pose a significant threat to future pandemics. The new agents showed promise in preventing and mitigating viral arthritis caused by Chikungunya virus and rescuing cells from harmful effects of other viruses.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2023

Bentley University study shows NIH investment in new drug approvals is comparable to investment by pharmaceutical industry

A Bentley University study shows that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) invests similarly to the pharmaceutical industry in bringing new drugs to market. The NIH spent $187 billion on research related to FDA-approved drugs between 2010-2019, with an average investment per approved drug of $1.7 billion.

SourceBentley University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateApr 28, 2023

Crystal phase-dependent activity of MnGaOx observed in direct syngas to light olefins

Researchers observed strong crystal phase-dependent activity of MnGaOx in direct syngas conversion. The HCP oxide remained unchanged after reduction, while the FCC solid solution oxide transformed into a spinel structure with improved catalytic performance.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 28, 2023

Scientists from IOCB Prague move closer to developing a drug not only against monkeypox

Researchers deciphered the structure of the protein methyltransferase from the monkeypox virus, identifying a target for antiviral drugs. The findings may lead to the creation of new antivirals effective against not only monkeypox but also COVID-19.

Fallow land promotes bird diversity

A study found that establishing fallow land can increase the populations of farmland birds and improve biodiversity. The benefits depend on landscape complexity, particularly in regions with a moderate density of boundary lines between fields and woody structures.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateApr 28, 2023

Study shines light on impact of environment on neurocognitive outcomes

A new study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that children with supportive environments fared better than those living in neighborhoods with economic hardship. Higher EHI scores were associated with lower cognitive abilities and greater decline after treatment, especially in math skills.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNeuro-Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 28, 2023

New study looks at role of sleep disruption in dogs with dementia

A new study by North Carolina State University researchers used EEGs on elderly dogs to determine whether brain-wave readings during sleep correlated with signs of cognitive decline. The study found that dogs with more advanced dementia suffered from more sleep disruptions and slept less overall than dogs with normal cognitive function.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateApr 28, 2023

Pioneering MRI imaging method captures brain glucose metabolism without the need for administration of radioactive substances

A new MRI approach uses harmless glucose solution to map brain glucose metabolism, generating reliable results and potentially improving diagnosis of conditions like Alzheimer's and cancer. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings and deploy this less-invasive method for patients.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 28, 2023

El Niño–Southern Oscillation correlates well with following-summer cloud-to-ground lightning in China

New research reveals a strong correlation between El Niño-Southern Oscillation and cloud-to-ground lightning in China. The study found that ENSO events, particularly La Niña, lead to enhanced cloud-to-ground lightning activity in North China and Northeast China.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateApr 28, 2023

First comprehensive care plan to prevent preeclampsia published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

A comprehensive care plan has been published to prevent preeclampsia, a leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the US. The plan provides specific recommendations for both expecting parents and clinicians, including daily low-dose aspirin, surveillance, and behavioral strategies.

SourceMirvie·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 28, 2023

A sweet solution to a cracking problem: Scientists design new bio-inspired molecules to promote bone regeneration

Scientists developed novel sugar-based molecules that can enhance bone regeneration and outperformed standard biomaterials, indicating their potential for treating bone fractures and conditions. The new molecules were designed using computer simulations and tested in mice, showing a significant improvement in bone healing.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalBiomaterials·DateApr 28, 2023

Researchers monitor real-time single-breath exhaled hydrogen cyanide profiles

A new method has been developed to detect hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in exhaled breath, which is associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in cystic fibrosis patients. The flow-assisted photoionization mass spectrometry method enables real-time tracking of HCN concentrations, allowing for early screening and diagnosis.

Artificial photosynthesis for environmentally friendly food production

Researchers at TUM have successfully developed a method to produce the essential amino acid L-alanine from CO2 using synthetic enzymes and green methanol. This process requires significantly less space than traditional methods and can be powered by renewable energy sources, making it an important step towards more sustainable agriculture.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalChem Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2023

Study finds ChatGTP outperforms physicians in providing high-quality, empathetic advice to patient questions

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that ChatGPT's responses were preferred by a panel of licensed healthcare professionals 79% of the time. The AI model was also rated higher in terms of quality and empathy, with good or very good quality responses being 3.6 times higher for ChatGPT than physicians.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2023

An artificial intelligence method for rapid plant phenotyping under complex conditions

Researchers developed an AI-based method to predict Fv/Fm ratios from chlorophyll a fluorescence without dark adaptation, improving plant phenotyping speed and accuracy. The LSSVM model showed excellent performance with high correlation coefficients and low root mean square errors.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2023