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Science News Archive April 2023 - Page 19


Page 19 of 37

New discovery stops bacterial virus contamination

A new discovery by researchers at the University of Warwick has found a simple material that can prevent bacterial viruses from contaminating laboratories and microbial factories. This breakthrough aims to develop next-generation industrial biotechnologies and remove a bottleneck in fundamental research.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 17, 2023

Targeting nurse and patient ‘supercontactors’ in hospitals and long-term care facilities can help minimize spread of infectious diseases

Researchers found that identifying and targeting 'supercontactors', including nurses and patients with neurological disorders, can significantly reduce the incidence of MRSA colonization. Simulation studies showed that reinforced contact precautions and vaccination targeting these individuals can be more effective than random selection.

New approach estimates long-term coastal cliff loss

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new tool to estimate long-term coastal cliff loss, finding that rates are similar to those over the past 2,000 years. The study's approach provides a relative assessment of driving factors behind cliff retreat over longer periods, with implications for managing coastal erosion.

SourceStanford University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Earth Surface·DateApr 17, 2023

Preventing a measles outbreak: steps taken by London hospital to protect patients and staff potentially exposed to the virus

A London hospital recently took swift action to contain a potential measles outbreak, highlighting the importance of vaccination and prompt contact tracing. The hospital identified nine patients at high risk, including pregnant women and those with severe immunosuppression, and administered post-exposure prophylaxis to those not immune.

Salmonella solution

McMaster University researchers developed a rapid and inexpensive test for Salmonella contamination in food, which provides accurate results in an hour or less. The test improves food safety, reduces the cost of processing fresh poultry and other foods, and helps limit broad recalls to batches identified as contaminated.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2023

Resident T-cells key to salmonella immunity

Researchers at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine discovered that tissue resident memory cells are crucial for inducing a powerful immune response against Salmonella. Molecules like interleukin-1 and 2 enhance the formation of these cells in the liver, providing a rapid-response force.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2023

Poverty is the fourth greatest cause of U.S. deaths, analysis published in JAMA finds.

A new analysis published in JAMA found that poverty is the fourth leading cause of US deaths, claiming an estimated 183,000 lives in 2019 among people aged 15 and older. Poverty was associated with significantly higher mortality rates compared to other causes such as heart disease, cancer, and smoking.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 17, 2023

University of Rochester researchers discover how to steer army of immune cells toward cancer

A team of researchers from the University of Rochester has discovered a molecule that guides T cells toward tumors, which could lead to improvements in CAR T-cell therapy for breast, lung, and brain cancers. The findings will help scientists develop a drug to manipulate this key protein, ST3GAL1, to ensure T cells hit their targets.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2023

Researchers discover how some brain cells transfer material to neurons in mice

Researchers at UC Davis discovered how oligodendrocyte-lineage cells transfer cell material to neurons in the mouse brain, providing a new mechanism for understanding brain maturation and finding treatments for neurological conditions. This discovery opens new possibilities for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and P...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 17, 2023

The Green Mediterranean / high polyphenols diet promotes dramatic proximal aortic de-stiffening, twice as much as the healthy Mediterranean diet

The green Mediterranean diet significantly regressed proximal aortic stiffness by 15% compared to the healthy Mediterranean diet's 7.3% and control diet's 4.8%. A large-scale clinical trial of 300 participants over 18 months showed the diet's powerful effect on vascular aging physiology.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 17, 2023

NUS researchers uncover new differences in bacteria’s sugar coat to aid pneumococcal vaccine development

Researchers from NUS Medicine discovered that specific CPS structures and sugar combinations help Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the human respiratory tract. The study sheds light on the importance of CPS structure in bacterial survival, which will inform future vaccine development.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 17, 2023

Machine learning can help to flag risky messages on Instagram while preserving users’ privacy

A machine learning program can spot risky conversations on Instagram by analyzing metadata clues, such as conversation length and participant engagement. The system was 87% accurate in identifying risky chats using sparse and anonymous details from over 17,000 private chats.

SourceDrexel University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 17, 2023

National Cancer Centre Singapore leads Phase I to IV local and international oncology clinical trials

The National Cancer Centre Singapore has strengthened its position as a leader in shaping local and international clinical trials targeted at improving outcomes for Asian cancers. A pivotal phase III trial co-chaired by a NCCS clinician scientist delivered positive results, increasing recurrence-free survival of patients with hepatocel...

SourceSingHealth·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 17, 2023

The American Ornithological Society (AOS) announces its 2023 award winners for achievements in ornithological research, service, conservation, and publication

The American Ornithological Society has honored outstanding contributions to the scientific study and conservation of birds with its 2023 award winners. The recipients represent collaborative work in research, conservation, publications, and service, exemplifying dedication to fostering the next generation of ornithologists.

Female butterflies breed despite male shortage

Despite a parasite killing most males, female monarch butterflies still find mates about 1.5 times on average, suggesting high reproductive success throughout the year round. Uninfected females produce healthy male offspring, allowing the parasite to be transmitted in rare populations.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateApr 17, 2023

The thrombosis paradox

A study by an international research team has found a mechanism that occurs in brown bears and paraplegics, preventing the formation of blood clots. The discovery could lead to new treatments for venous thromboembolism, a life-threatening condition.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2023

Lower risk of severe illness and death in newborns of low-income immigrant than Canadian-born females

Research found that newborns of low-income immigrant mothers had a significantly lower risk of severe neonatal morbidity and mortality compared to those of Canadian-born mothers. The study suggests that immigration status may influence birth outcomes, with healthier immigrants possibly being more likely to migrate.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 17, 2023

Sea-level rise in southwest Greenland as a contributor to Viking abandonment

Researchers at Harvard University found that rising sea levels and subsidence of Greenland's land mass made the Viking settlement more prone to flooding, leading to their abandonment. The study, published in PNAS, suggests that the Vikings were faced with a myriad of challenges, including environmental change, social unrest, economic t...

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2023

A study analyzes racial discrimination in job recruitment in Europe

A new study analyzing European job applications found that having a non-white phenotype reduces the likelihood of employment by approximately 20%, while dark-skinned Caucasians face a 10% decrease compared to white applicants. The combined effect of ethnicity and phenotype leads to significant discrimination levels across Europe.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalSocio-Economic Review·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2023

Cancer prevention with rapamycin

Researchers discuss rapamycin's potential to delay cancer onset by slowing cell proliferation and tumor progression. The mTOR pathway is involved in both cancer and aging, making rapamycin a promising chemopreventive agent.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 17, 2023

How music can prevent cognitive decline

A study found that practicing music and active listening can alter cognitive decline in healthy seniors by promoting brain plasticity. The researchers discovered an increase in grey matter volume in four brain regions involved in high-level cognitive functioning.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNeuroImage·TypeNews article·DateApr 17, 2023

Scientists enhance new neurons to restore memory, elevate mood in Alzheimer’s disease research model

Researchers demonstrate therapeutic potential of new neurons generated in adulthood for modulating Alzheimer's disease pathology and functional deficits. Optogenetics and chemogenetics strategies enhance adult-born neurons, restoring cognitive and affective function in mice with Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2023