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Science News for August 24, 2023


Anesthesiologists should play bigger role in perioperative care of people with Substance Use Disorders

The series emphasizes the importance of anesthesiologists in addressing unmet needs of patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUDs) in the perioperative period. Anesthesiologists are urged to adopt a broader approach to effective disease management, incorporating trauma-informed patient care and increased collaboration with addiction me...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateAug 24, 2023

Common supplements might reduce natural hearing loss

Researchers found that phytosterols can reverse age-related hearing loss in mice by replenishing cholesterol in sensory cells. The study suggests that these plant-based compounds could be a convenient way to combat age-related hearing loss.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2023

Mount Sinai researchers find Asian Americans to have significantly higher exposure to “toxic forever” chemicals

Researchers from Mount Sinai found that Asian Americans have a significantly high exposure to PFAS, with median exposure scores 89% higher than non-Hispanic whites. The study used advanced data science methods to account for complex exposure sources and heterogeneity across different groups.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 24, 2023

Carbon offsets from forest conservation projects have been overestimated

A new analysis reveals that emission reductions from REDD+ programs have been overestimated, with most projects failing to significantly reduce deforestation. The study found that only a subset of projects have made substantial contributions to climate change mitigation, and many more credits are available than their actual value.

BU researchers describe rebuilding, regenerating lung cells

Researchers from the Center for Regenerative Medicine at Boston University School of Medicine have discovered a novel approach for engrafting engineered cells into injured lung tissue. They successfully reconstituted the stem cell compartment of injured airways and alveoli using cells engineered from pluripotent stem cells, resulting i...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2023

New study finds ways to suppress lithium plating in automotive batteries for faster charging electric vehicles

A new study led by Dr. Xuekun Lu has found a way to prevent lithium plating in electric vehicle batteries, which could lead to faster charging times and improve the battery's energy density. The research also reveals that refining the microstructure of the graphite electrode can minimize the risk of lithium plating.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2023

FDA approving drugs after fewer trials, providing less information to public, OSU studies find

A recent study found that the FDA approved 65% of novel drugs in 2022 based on a single clinical trial, while only half of the available studies were classified as randomized clinical trials. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the completeness of the approval process and patient access to accurate information.

SourceOregon State University·JournalHealth Affairs Scholar·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 24, 2023

New pocket-sized device for clinicians could spot infected wounds faster

A new pocket-sized device uses heat signatures and bacterial fluorescence to identify infected wounds, providing a more accurate diagnosis than traditional methods. The device achieved an overall accuracy of 74% in identifying different categories of wounds, with 100% accuracy in distinguishing between infected and non-infected wounds.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 24, 2023

The swansong of African hydropower?

New study finds that up to 67% of future hydropower plants in Africa may not be worth the investment due to economic competition with solar and wind power. However, some new hydropower plants could still provide cheap power in the short-term and help integrate solar and wind energy.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2023

High drug price associated with decreased treatment retention for patients with chronic liver disease

A study by researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School found that high costs for hepatic encephalopathy treatment are associated with decreased treatment retention among patients. Patients who are younger and have metastatic cancer or depression are more likely to skip their medication.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalHepatology Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2023

Community-based services could reduce the risk of frailty in older adults with low care needs

Research finds that community-based adult day services can reduce the risk of frailty among older adults by 40%, while home-based personal assistance services have no significant effect. This study suggests that active community engagement may help maintain independence and prevent frailty in older adults.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2023

Fungi-eating plants and flies team up for reproduction

Researchers have discovered a novel nursery pollination system in which fungi-eating orchids and fruit flies engage in mutualistic symbiosis. The study found that the orchids offer their flowers to the flies in exchange for pollination, providing a breeding ground for the flies' larvae.

SourceKobe University·JournalEcology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2023

How pre-eclampsia accelerates aging in women

Research led by Vesna D. Garovic reveals that pre-eclampsia causes accelerated aging in women, leading to increased risks of cardiovascular and kidney disease. Women with a history of pre-eclampsia are more likely to develop chronic conditions at a younger age.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalEBioMedicine·DateAug 24, 2023

Lignocellulose bio-refinery developed for value-added chemical overproduction in yeast

A team of researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics has developed a microbial platform for efficient lignocellulose bio-refinery in yeast. The system can produce valuable chemicals like fatty acids and 3-hydroxypropionic acid, overcoming limitations in xylose assimilation and glucose repression.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 24, 2023

NTU Singapore scientists develop a sustainable method to produce lactic acid, indispensable in industrial food production, using waste jackfruit seeds

Scientists at Nanyang Technological University have developed a sustainable method to produce lactic acid using discarded jackfruit seeds. The new process is cheaper and more efficient, reducing waste and environmental impact while addressing rising production costs.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2023

Getting protein factories to run – How deubiquitinating enzymes moonlight as Fubi proteases

Researchers from Max Planck Institute identified mechanisms of deubiquitinating enzymes acting as Fubi proteases, regulating ribosomal protein maturation and modulating immune responses. This discovery expands understanding of post-translational modification systems and their roles in cellular processes.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2023

Study reveals correlation between Zener relaxation and magnetostriction in FeGa single crystals

Researchers discovered a correlation between Zener relaxation and magnetostriction in FeGa single crystals, revealing that stress-induced reorientation of defects can give rise to an internal friction peak. The study also found a positive correlation between Zener relaxation strength and the magnetostriction coefficient, demonstrating ...

Metabolite in urine predicts diabetic kidney failure 5-10 years early; oral therapeutic drug shows promise in mice

Researchers found that urine levels of adenine are predictive and causative biomarkers of looming progressive kidney failure in patients with diabetes. An oral therapeutic drug showed promise in mice by reducing kidney adenine levels and protecting against diabetic kidney disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2023

Monell Center helps discover epigenetic mechanism that causes bitter taste distortion

Researchers found that inducing inflammation triggers an epigenetic response in Tas2r genes, leading to a decrease in sweet taste preference and potentially affecting appetite and medication tolerance. This study has significant clinical implications for understanding behavioral aspects of illness and developing effective bitter blockers.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2023

Sweet corn yield at the mercy of the environment, except for one key factor

A new study by the University of Illinois and USDA-Agricultural Research Service has identified the key factors influencing sweet corn yield. The analysis found that seed source is a significant variable, with processors having a choice over which hybrids to use, and high nighttime temperatures also impact yield.

Severe COVID-19 survivors may show increased vascular risk associated with stress

Researchers found that severe COVID-19 survivors exhibit elevated muscle sympathetic nerve activity in response to mental stress, which accelerates heartbeat and increases blood pressure. This exaggerated reaction, combined with impaired vasodilation, poses a significant risk for cardiovascular complications.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalAJP Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology·DateAug 24, 2023

Remoteness didn’t protect Amazonian Tsimané from COVID-19

A new study found that voluntary collective isolation alone was ineffective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 among the Amazonian Tsimané. The researchers used a computer model and serological testing to confirm their predictions, showing nearly identical infection rates across communities.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 24, 2023

Bees from the time of the pharaohs found mummified on the Southwest Coast of Portugal

A new study has discovered hundreds of mummified bees from the time of Pharaoh Siamun, which have provided valuable insights into the decline of bee populations. The bees were found in a fossilized state on the southwest coast of Portugal and preserved the smallest anatomical details, including sex and pollen supply.

SourceFaculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon·JournalPapers in Palaeontology·DateAug 24, 2023

New ‘promising medicines’ fund may incentivise commercialisation of high price drugs with weak evidence on clinical benefits

A new fund to fast-track patient access to potentially valuable new medicines may incentivise the pharmaceutical industry to develop high-priced drugs for rare diseases with weak clinical evidence. The NHS England Innovative Medicines Fund risks disincentivising the generation of essential evidence if not implemented appropriately.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2023

CRISPR-Cas3 gene editing system restores dystrophin function in stem cells derived from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

A CRISPR-Cas3 system has restored dystrophin protein function in induced pluripotent stem cells from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The approach uses a dual CRISPR RNA method to remove large sections of the dystrophin gene, yielding truncated but still functional proteins for various mutation patterns.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2023

New study shows major benefits of using subcutaneous anchor securement systems to secure central vascular access devices

A new study published in the Journal of Vascular Access found that subcutaneous anchors are more effective than adhesive securement devices in preventing catheter dislodgement. The study showed a significant reduction in unplanned catheter replacements and complications, with SecurAcath demonstrating a 99% success rate.

SourceDowling & Dennis PR·JournalThe Journal of Vascular Access·DateAug 24, 2023

Creating more clinician-researchers to provide patients more clinical trial options

The South Carolina Clinical and Translational Research Institute's program provides early-career clinicians with the time and training needed to establish a sustainable portfolio of clinical trials. Scholars attend 'meet the expert' presentations, discuss strategies with mentors, and select suitable trials.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Science·TypeCase study·DateAug 24, 2023

Research uncovers possible monoclonal antibody treatment for Lassa fever

Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have identified a possible treatment for Lassa fever, a highly infectious and often fatal disease. A new monoclonal antibody cocktail, Arevirumab-3, was shown to successfully treat cynomolgus monkeys infected with the virus in advanced stages.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2023

New framework for oceanographic research provides potential for broader access to deep sea scientific exploration

A new framework, SHARC, provides a way for shore-based scientists, citizen scientists, and the public to collaborate with robotic sampling processes. The framework enables remote participants to conduct shipboard operations and control robotic manipulators using basic internet connection and consumer-grade hardware.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2023

UCLA researchers say embedding study recruitment in pre-appointment check-in may significantly boost participation

Researchers at UCLA have found that embedding study recruitment in pre-appointment check-in pages can increase participation rates up to 40 times higher than traditional methods. The new technique, called preCheck-in recruitment, resulted in a socio-demographically representative patient population without financial incentives or staff...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2023

New methodology combines earthquake ground shaking and ground failure for forecasting gas pipeline damage

A new methodology, developed by USGS researchers, integrates earthquake-induced ground failures with ground shaking hazards to provide a comprehensive forecast for pipeline damage. This approach is crucial for identifying potential damage in buried gas pipelines covering hundreds of kilometers.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 24, 2023