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Science News for April 23, 2023


No need to load up on extracurricular activities, study finds

Researchers at Ohio State University found that students who participated in one school sport and one other non-sport extracurricular activity were more likely to attend college and attend more selective colleges. Participating in two or more extracurricular activities gave no advantage over taking part in just one.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2023

Achieving prevention and health, rather than more healthcare

Researchers found deaths from gallstone disease increased in younger populations and those with Medicaid after Medicaid expansion, highlighting the need for proactive prevention over reactive emergency care. A new healthcare model emphasizing primary care and prevention is proposed to address these inequities.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Surgical Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2023

Integrating genetic and environmental risk assessment to improve stroke precision prevention

A new study has found that combining genetic and environmental risk assessment can improve the accuracy of stroke risk prediction. The research used a stroke PRS for East Asian populations and found that individuals with high PRS values were at higher risk of stroke, even among those with intermediate clinical risk profiles.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateApr 23, 2023

Landmark Malawi trial boosts iron levels in pregnant women

A landmark Malawian trial has found a single iron infusion can significantly reduce iron deficiency in pregnant women, compared to daily tablets. The treatment, Ferric carboxymaltose (FCM), reduced iron deficiency by around 60% and showed promise for addressing anaemia in resource-poor nations.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 23, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Creating universal critical nitrogen dilution curves for japonica rice

A team of researchers from China created universal critical nitrogen dilution curves for 10 Japonica rice cultivars using machine learning methods. The study found that parameters a and b vary with cultivar, year, site, and N fertilizer quantity and ratio. Three universal N C curves were obtained using different approaches, which accur...

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2023

Long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health services utilization

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound effect on healthcare services utilization in mainland China, with a 32% reduction in hospital visits and a negative impact on bed utilization rates two years later. Regional differences were observed, highlighting the need for targeted primary healthcare services and resilient health systems.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGlobal Transitions·TypeObservational study·DateApr 23, 2023

Researchers conduct whale fall studies in the South China Sea

A team of researchers conducted simulated whale fall experiments using cow carcasses in the South China Sea, revealing a strong dissimilarity between whale fall communities at different ocean depths. The study highlights the importance of whale falls as unique biodiversity hotspots for sustaining deep-sea life.

SourceOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research (OLAR)·JournalOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research·TypeCase study·DateApr 23, 2023

Pushing frontiers through upcycling: eggshell waste for bone graft material

Researchers developed a method to convert eggshells into amorphous calcium phosphate particles, which were found to be safe, cell-friendly, and effective in promoting bone regeneration. The findings promise to create an eco-friendly alternative to commercialized xenograft materials.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalSmart Materials in Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2023

Inflammation ‘brake’ gene may help reveal outcomes of kidney disease

Researchers found a genetic variant of TNFAIP3, which regulates inflammation, can paradoxically protect the kidneys from damage in the short term. The study could lead to simple genetic tests for predicting kidney disease risk and personalized treatment approaches.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalKidney International·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Increased risk of testicular cancer in people with neurodevelopmental disorders

A new study by Uppsala University and hospital reveals a link between neurodevelopmental disorders and an increased risk of testicular cancer, specifically seminoma. The study found that men with these conditions are more likely to develop cancer at a younger age and may have advanced disease at diagnosis.

SourceUppsala University·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·TypeObservational study·DateApr 23, 2023

The progress and value of digital transformation of commercial banks in China

The study measures digital transformation of Chinese commercial banks using an index system, finding a significant increase in digital transformation from 2010 to 2018. Digital transformation enhances profitability, bank efficiency, and reduces competitive pressure, enabling banks to gain a competitive advantage in the digital era.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalChina Economic Quarterly International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2023

A quantum leap in computational performance of quantum processors

A team of researchers at Bar-Ilan University has improved the basic computation unit of quantum computers by developing a tunable superconducting flux qubit. This innovation enables quantum computers to operate with hundreds of qubits simultaneously, leading to significant advancements in computational power and potential applications.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateApr 23, 2023

Autophagy mediates a direct synergistic interaction during co-transmission of two distinct arboviruses by insect vectors

Researchers discovered that autophagy plays a crucial role in facilitating the co-transmission of two distinct arboviruses by insect vectors. The study found that RSMV nucleoprotein activates complete anti-viral autophagy, while RGDV nonstructural protein Pns11 induces incomplete autophagy to promote viral propagation.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateApr 23, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

International study recommends replacing skull section after treatment for a brain bleed

A major international trial concludes that surgeons should replace the removed skull section after treating a brain bleed, saving patients from further complications. The study found no significant difference in disability-related and quality-of-life outcomes between the two approaches.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 23, 2023