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Science News for April 30, 2023


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