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Science News Archive April 2023 - Page 37


Page 37 of 37

Molecules precursors to life discovered in the Perseus Cloud

Scientists have detected various prebiotic molecules, including hydrogen cyanide and fullerenes, in the Perseus Molecular Cloud. The presence of these molecules near forming planets could contribute to the formation of complex organic molecules, potentially supplying ancient micro-organisms with the genetic code.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 3, 2023

Early menopause, later start to hormone therapy may increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease

A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that early menopause may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease dementia. However, women who received hormone therapy around the time of menopause onset did not experience an increased risk of dementia. The study suggests that timing is crucial when it comes to hormone therapy, ...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

Nasal vaccine to prevent COVID-19 passes first tests

A new live attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine administered through the nose has shown better immunity than injected vaccines in hamster models, reducing transmissibility. The vaccine stimulates local immunity by activating antibody immunoglobulin A and memory T cells, providing early protection against COVID-19.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

Lipid nanoparticles (LNP) induce activation and maturation of antigen presenting cells in young and aged individuals

Researchers found that lipid nanoparticles stimulate innate immune cells more efficiently in younger individuals, but less so in older adults. The study suggests that understanding the immune response to LNPs can help develop strategies to improve vaccine responses in the aged population.

SourceDrexel University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

RAPID imaging provides numerous opportunities with deep learning

Researchers developed a new reconstruction method for 3D imaging using integrated circuits, enabling non-destructive nanoscale imaging. The approach uses X-ray ptychographic tomography and deep learning to reduce acquisition time and improve fidelity, with potential applications in IC imaging, biology, and material science.

New research could spur broader use of 2D materials

Researchers have overcome a significant barrier to using 2D materials by designing covalent organic frameworks that retain their mechanical properties even when stacked into multiple layers. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize various applications, including filtration and battery technology.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2023

Remember me? Gender, race may make you forgettable

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that being a woman or racial minority can help someone stand out in memory, but also increases the likelihood of confusion when others share similar attributes. The findings suggest that biases in memory may contribute to discrimination and have significant implications for career adv...

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateApr 3, 2023

Good physical fitness does not protect children from obesity-related low-grade inflammation

A recent study by the University of Jyväskylä found that good physical fitness in children does not reduce low-grade inflammation, which is a key factor in childhood obesity. Higher body fat percentage and waist circumference were strongly associated with higher low-grade inflammation levels.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateApr 3, 2023

Cognitive impairment in people living with HIV not made worse by COVID-19 in those who are vaccinated, US study suggests

A recent US study found that people living with HIV performed worse on cognitive tests after SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to those without HIV, but these differences were attributable to HIV rather than COVID-19. However, vaccinated individuals experienced declines in processing speed following COVID-19.

New study reveals thousands of prenatal supplements fail to provide adequate nutrition for pregnant women and babies

A new study reveals that only one affordable prenatal supplement meets nutritional guidelines, but its high cost and complex dosing regimen make it inaccessible to many. The study calls for improved nutritional care during pregnancy and more research on nutrient-dense foods.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateApr 3, 2023

Warming Arctic draws marine predators northwards

Recent climate change has led to an expansion of marine predator ranges into Arctic waters, resulting in increased species richness and altered community compositions. The study found that apex predators such as whales and sharks have migrated northwards, while mesopredators like fish and crabs showed more limited range shifts.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 3, 2023

Cold is beneficial for healthy aging

Research reveals that cold activates cellular cleansing mechanisms that break down protein clumps, preventing age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. By modulating proteasome activity, scientists have found a potential therapeutic target for aging and related neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

Smart watches could predict higher risk of heart failure

A new study published in The European Heart Journal – Digital Health found that smart watch data can predict a higher risk of developing heart failure and irregular heart rhythms. Researchers used machine learning to analyze ECG recordings from wearable devices and identified extra beats as indicators of increased cardiovascular risk.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Digital Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2023

Fast light pulse triggers charge transfer into water

Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum have observed a sudden change in pH value after a proton is released from pyranine molecules excited by light. The study used new technology to capture the process in real-time, revealing an oscillation that subsides over time and promotes excited-state proton transfer.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

Older adults perceive artificial intelligence as more human-like than younger adults do

A recent Baycrest study found that older adults are less able to distinguish between computer-generated and human speech compared to younger counterparts. This diminished ability could be related to older adults' reduced capacity to recognize emotions in speech, highlighting the need for AI-related training programs.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalInternational Journal of Speech Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

Rising temperatures alter ‘missing link’ of microbial processes, putting northern peatlands at risk

Climate change is expected to impact northern peatlands, a key carbon storage ecosystem. A recent study found that rising temperatures and increased carbon dioxide levels can disrupt the delicate balance between nitrogen fixation and methane oxidation, leading to unpredictable outcomes.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

Genetics of preterm birth and pregnancy length clarified

A major international study published in Nature Genetics has provided new insights into the genetics of preterm birth and pregnancy length. The research reveals a mutually antagonistic effect between the woman's and unborn child's genes, favoring earlier labor for the mother's survival and extending pregnancy for the child's weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

Spike protein implicated in post-COVID-19 memory loss, Brazilian study finds

A recent Brazilian study found that the Spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 is implicated in post-COVID-19 memory loss, with researchers identifying TLR4 receptor as a potential therapeutic target. The study involved experiments with mice and showed that infusion of the Spike protein induced delayed memory impairment.

Privately sponsored refugees likely to receive better prenatal care than government-assisted refugees in Canada

A new study published in CMAJ found that privately sponsored refugees were more likely to receive adequate prenatal care than government-assisted refugees in Ontario. The study analyzed data from over 5000 pregnant women and found a significant difference in the use of prenatal care services between the two groups.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

Src heterodimerically activates Lyn or Fyn to serve as targets for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) diagnosis and treatment

The study found that Ponatinib inhibits Src-mediated ESCC malignancy with no toxic effect on normal cells. Src interacts with Fyn or Lyn to form heterodimers, which play a key role in ESCC development. Overactivation of specific tyrosine residues can be used as biomarkers for ESCC prognosis.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateApr 3, 2023

UCC and Columbia University develop new method to improve climate policy

Researchers at UCC and Columbia University have developed a new machine learning approach called TrebuNet to accurately estimate future transport demands, which collectively account for 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The new method achieves superior performance compared to traditional regression methods and neural networks, pr...

SourceUniversity College Cork·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 2, 2023

Purified curcumin instead of artificial additives can be used to preserve and enhance probiotic yogurt

Researchers successfully add purified curcumin to probiotic yogurt, preserving its dissolved form and enhancing its health properties. The study shows that the curcumin inhibits yeast, fungi, and bacteria growth while maintaining the recommended levels of beneficial lactic acid bacteria.

SourcePolskie Towarzystwo Lipidologiczne (Polish Lipid Association)·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2023

Researchers designed a mechanism for peer-to-peer energy trading in smart grids

Researchers designed a mechanism for peer-to-peer energy trading in smart grids using a blockchain-based environment and an Arrow-d’Aspremont-Gerard-Varet (AGV) system to ensure security, efficiency, and transparency. The study found that the AGV mechanism is Bayesian incentive-compatible and budget-balanced under weak participation re...

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGlobal Energy Interconnection·TypeCase study·DateApr 2, 2023

Tapping seagull optimization algorithm for greener and more energy-efficient edge-cloud data centers

Researchers developed a novel energy-saving approach using the seagull optimization algorithm to address both power usage and network traffic in edge-cloud data centers. The study showed a 5.5% decrease in energy consumption, 70% reduction in network traffic and 80% cutback in power consumption of network components.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalInternet of Things and Cyber-Physical Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 2, 2023

Late HIV diagnosis still an issue in Aotearoa

A University of Otago study finds that 40% of people diagnosed with HIV in Aotearoa were diagnosed late, highlighting the need for improved awareness and access to testing services. Early diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment and preventing transmission to sexual partners.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalInternational Journal of STD & AIDS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 2, 2023

A printable multi-energy X-ray detector with high sensitivity

A printable multi-energy X-ray detector made from perovskite thin films has been developed with enhanced flexibility and sensitivity. The detector can operate in a broad energy range, from 0.1 KeV to tens of KeV, making it suitable for real-time detection and imaging applications such as disease diagnosis and explosives detection.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2023

Extremely rare gene variants point to a potential cause of age-related macular degeneration

A recent study from the National Eye Institute has discovered rare genetic variants that may be driving age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a chronic inflammatory response in the retina. The variants affect the stability of the membrane attack complex (MAC), which could lead to destructive inflammation and AMD progression.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2023