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Science News for August 4, 2023


Prenatal diagnosis matters: Linked to earlier surgery for congenital heart disease

A study by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that prenatal diagnosis is associated with earlier surgery for babies with congenital heart defects, leading to improved outcomes. Prenatally diagnosed babies had surgery on average one week sooner than those with postnatal diagnosis.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateAug 4, 2023

How good is that AI-penned radiology report?

A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that automated scoring systems for AI-generated radiology reports fail to reliably identify clinical errors. The team designed a new method and composite evaluation tool to better evaluate the performance of AI tools in generating clinically useful and trustworthy reports.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalPatterns·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 4, 2023

New study shows increase in Welsh breastfeeding rates during pandemic

A Swansea University-led study found that Welsh breastfeeding rates increased during the pandemic, with a significant correlation between mothers' intention to breastfeed and exclusive breastfeeding duration. The study proposes targeted interventions during pregnancy and policies to support families to improve breastfeeding duration.

SourceSwansea University·JournalBMJ Paediatrics Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2023

Study aims to assess impact of physical activity intervention on cognitive development of young children in low socioeconomic areas

A University of Massachusetts Amherst kinesiologist is implementing a physical activity program for young children in preschools with low socioeconomic status. The pilot study aims to measure the impact on cognitive development and gross motor skills, with potential long-term implications for health disparities.

HSE researchers question the correctness of experiments denying free will

Researchers from HSE University challenged the famous Libet studies on free will, revealing a lack of correlation between brain activity and decision-making. The study used advanced EEG techniques to investigate the timing of intention awareness and final decision, finding that the latter could be influenced by experimental procedures.

How the hospital pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii quickly adapts to new environmental conditions

Researchers find that Acinetobacter baumannii can achieve significant functional modifications in protein complexes over short evolutionary time spans, particularly in hair-like cell appendages. This diversity may affect the pathogen's interaction with its environment and inform personalized therapies.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 4, 2023

Powerful gene editing approach boosts rotifers in pantheon of laboratory animals

Researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory have devised a method to precisely alter rotifer genomes using CRISPR-Cas9, enabling the study of fundamental biology and evolution. The new approach will allow scientists to investigate various aspects of biology, including aging, DNA repair mechanisms, and mitochondrial function.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2023

Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation’s Department of Natural Resources Eric Quaempts selected as the 2023 ESA Regional Policy Award Winner

Eric Quaempts, Tribal member and Department of Natural Resources Director at Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, has been recognized for his work on First Foods management approach. He received the 2023 ESA Regional Policy Award for integrating tribal ecological approaches into natural resource management.

They got more than me! The brain circuit for socially subjective reward valuation

A recent study published in Nature Communications identified an important brain circuit for socially subjective reward valuation, finding that temporarily disconnecting the medial prefrontal cortex from the lateral hypothalamus reduces susceptibility to others' rewards but not individual expectations. This research has significant impl...

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2023

Sick of sports? WVU study shows flu deaths rise when pro sports teams move into cities

A WVU study found that U.S. cities with new professional sports teams saw increased influenza mortality rates, with the NHL teams causing the largest increase. The researchers analyzed data from 122 cities and controlled for factors like population and temperature to find a significant correlation between team arrival and flu deaths.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalSports Economics Review·DateAug 4, 2023

A new technique offers improved diagnostic precision and a route to personalized therapy for a common arrhythmia that affects more than 10 million people in Europe

A new diagnostic method assesses electrical and mechanical activity in the heart during atrial fibrillation, providing personalized assessment of atrial remodeling. This can help predict disease progression and guide treatment.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2023

Gas streamers feed triple baby stars

Astronomers have observed and simulated the feeding of gas to three protostars in a trinary system, revealing how spiral arms, or 'streamers,' form and contribute to protostar growth. This study provides new insights into multi-star system formation, an important aspect of overall star formation theory.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2023

Scientists develop novel method to synthesize azide compounds for wider industrial applications

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science have developed an innovative method to synthesize azide compounds with a protected azido group, facilitating the efficient synthesis of organonitrogen compounds. This novel approach enables the creation of a wide range of azides through transformations with various electrophiles.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2023

New study shows substantial racial and ethnic disparities among survivors of second primary cancers in the US

A new study by the American Cancer Society reveals substantial racial and ethnic disparities among survivors of second primary cancers in the US. Non-Hispanic Black individuals experience higher cancer-related death rates, while Hispanic individuals face lower cardiovascular-related death rates compared to non-Hispanic White counterparts.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 4, 2023

BU researchers propose a data-driven strategy to stratify risk of progression from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers from Boston University propose a data-driven approach to stratify individuals with mild cognitive impairment based on their risk of progressing to Alzheimer's disease. The study uses deep learning and survival analysis to identify key brain regions relevant to AD, enabling early interventions for those at high risk.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2023

Ion channel block unraveled

Scientists at Kanazawa University discovered how calcium ions block sodium channels, regulating ionic current involved in neural activities like memory formation. The study reveals the structural features and molecular processes underlying divalent cation block in NavAb, a well-known tetrameric sodium channel.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 4, 2023

Long-term collection of patient-reported outcome data in oncology trials: Important and feasible

A roundtable consensus emphasizes the importance of collecting long-term patient-reported outcome data in oncology trials to assess treatment effects and disease progression. Stakeholders agree that this information is vital for regulators, payers, physicians, and patients making decisions after treatment discontinuation.

Study finds breastfeeding helps mother’s cardio health for 3 years or more

A new South Australian study found that breastfeeding for six months or more appears to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems developing in mothers for at least three years after delivery. Women who breastfed experienced lower blood pressure and body-weight recovery, indicating improved cardio-metabolic health.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Breastfeeding Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2023

We’re closer to engineering blood vessels

University of Melbourne researchers developed a novel approach to 'tissue engineering' blood vessels by combining multiple materials and fabrication technologies. The method creates blood vessels with complex geometries like native blood vessels, offering a transformative solution for cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2023

Type 2 diabetes is associated with hospital stays for a wide range of medical conditions but, in people diagnosed at a young age, mental health disorders are the biggest contributing factor

A Hong Kong study of 1.5 million people found that young-onset type 2 diabetes is associated with higher rates of hospital stays for mental health disorders. The study suggests that addressing mental health needs may be crucial in reducing hospitalization rates for young adults with type 2 diabetes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 4, 2023

Consuming added sugars may increase risk of kidney stones

Researchers have shown a positive association between added sugar consumption and an increased risk of developing kidney stones. Participants with higher intakes of added sugars had greater odds of developing kidney stones over the course of the study.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2023