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Science News for April 14, 2023


Study of cerebral blood vessels uncovers potential new drug targets for treating stroke

Researchers have identified hundreds of genes with significant stroke-driven changes and likely relevance in human strokes. The study found alterations in sphingolipid production, which are involved in regulating blood vessels, and pinpointed several molecular pathways that can be targeted for stroke treatment.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2023

The ACMG publishes statement on clinical, technical and environmental biases influencing equitable access to clinical genetics/genomics testing

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has published a statement addressing factors that contribute to bias in clinical genetic testing. The statement highlights three main areas: environmental, clinical, and technical biases, which affect health equity for individuals from historically marginalized populations.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 14, 2023

Healing the unhealable: New approach helps bones mend themselves

Researchers developed a novel approach that promotes bone regeneration in mice without implantation of bone tissue or biomaterials. By carefully stretching the skull along its sutures, they activated skeletal stem cells that reside in these wiggly seams, repairing damage to the skull that would not have healed on its own.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2023

Analysis of health and prescription data suggests chronic health conditions in U.S. incarcerated people may be severely undertreated

A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and asthma are greatly undertreated in the US jail and prison population. The researchers found significant disparities in treatment rates compared to the general US population, with incarcerated individuals ...

Scientists develop new way to measure wind

Researchers at the University of Arizona developed an algorithm to measure wind by analyzing water vapor movements, providing a novel solution for forecasting extreme weather events. The method uses data from two operational satellites of NOAA and achieves higher resolution than traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 14, 2023

International consensus highlights the importance of molecular testing for antibiotic resistance in tuberculosis management

A multidisciplinary group of experts has reached a consensus on key issues related to molecular prediction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antibiotic sensitivity or resistance. The document provides guidance for therapeutic regimen design and treatment optimization, aiming to improve clinicians' management of TB patients.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 14, 2023

Wayne State researcher receives $1.95 million NIH grant to study impact of inositol homeostasis on essential cellular functions

A Wayne State University researcher has received a $1.95 million grant to study the regulation of inositol synthesis and its effects on essential cellular functions in human cells. The study aims to identify mechanisms that regulate inositol synthesis and determine its impact on cell signaling and metabolism.

UK-Portuguese study shows antibiotic-resistant “superbugs” are being passed between dogs and cats and their owners, study strongly suggests

A Portuguese study found that six pets in Portugal and one in the UK carried antibiotic-resistant bacteria similar to those found in their owners. The researchers emphasize the importance of including pet-owning households in programs to reduce antimicrobial resistance. Owners can reduce the spread by practicing good hygiene.

Finding the dream team to beat the heat

A team led by Associate Professor Jonathan Boreyko has discovered that ice can quench heat more effectively than water, especially at high temperatures. The study found that ice absorbs heat as it melts, reducing the amount of heat available for vapor bubbles to form.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalChem·DateApr 14, 2023

Nature-based management is making rivers more resilient

A study in Nature Communications Earth and Environment shows progress in Australia's nature-based rehabilitation efforts for sustainable environmental restoration. The research highlights the importance of adopting UN environmental goals as principles in river management to conserve river health and improve resilience.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 14, 2023

Researchers develop capsule X-ray dosimeter for real-time radiotherapy monitoring

A team of researchers has developed a swallowable X-ray dosimeter that can estimate radiation dose in real-time, offering improved accuracy and minimization of damage to healthy tissue during radiotherapy. The capsule-shaped device uses a neural network-based regression model to analyze radioluminescence and temperature.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 14, 2023

Machine-learning technique identifies people who would benefit most from treatment to reduce future cardiovascular disease risk

Researchers used a novel machine-learning technique called causal forest, which found that treating individuals with high estimated benefits provided better population health outcomes than the traditional high-risk approach. This approach targets those with high blood pressure and could lead to more effective treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 14, 2023

Comprehensive genomic characterisation of malignant peripheral nerve tumour-derived lines challenges current diagnostic criteria

A new genomic catalogue of malignant peripheral nerve tumour-derived lines has challenged current diagnostic criteria, revealing misdiagnosed cell lines and a shared cell line masquerading as different types. The catalogue provides new information to develop precision therapies for these tumours.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2023

Treasure hunt in hot springs?

A research group has successfully developed an adsorbent material that can selectively recover rare earth elements from hot spring water, a process expected to contribute to a metal resource-circulating society. The method uses environmentally friendly and inexpensive materials, such as baker's yeast and trimetaphosphate.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalEnvironmental Technology & Innovation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2023

How drugs get into the blood

Researchers at ETH Zurich have decoded details of how cyclic peptides cross cell membranes, providing a new understanding of their mechanism. This knowledge can help speed up drug discovery by identifying ideal side chains for these molecules.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 14, 2023