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Science News for August 7, 2023


Automated medical imaging framework revolutionizes schistosomiasis diagnosis

Researchers developed an innovative optical tool, the Schistoscope, to capture microscopy images of urine samples for efficient detection of Schistosoma haematobium eggs. A two-stage diagnostic framework using deep learning accurately identified and counted eggs in field settings with high sensitivity, specificity, and precision.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Medical Imaging·DateAug 7, 2023

Potential Alzheimer's treatment would use high-frequency terahertz radiation

A team of scientists has developed a technique that uses high-frequency terahertz radiation to slow down amyloid deposition in Alzheimer's disease. The research found that the radiation can modulate protein conformation and delay fibrillation, presenting a promising strategy for treating the disease.

Menstrual discs may be best for heavy monthly blood flow

Researchers compared absorbency of 21 menstrual hygiene products using human red blood cells, finding that menstrual discs held the most blood, while super-absorbency period pants held the least. The study highlights the need for more research on menstruation to improve diagnostic accuracy and care for women.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2023

Study reveals successful strategies for removing invasive caimans from Florida Everglades

Scientists successfully removed invasive spectacled caimans from specific areas of the Everglades, reducing competition with native alligators and crocodiles. The efforts demonstrate early detection, rapid response, and persistent removal can effectively control invasive species, with implications for other invasive species management.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalManagement of Biological Invasions·DateAug 7, 2023

New research shines light on how COVID-19 vaccination reduces severity and mortality after breakthrough infections

A large study found that fully vaccinated individuals have lower concentrations of inflammatory markers than unvaccinated participants after symptomatic COVID-19 infection. This suggests that vaccination significantly reduces morbidity and mortality by reducing elevated levels of cytokines and chemokines.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·DateAug 7, 2023

Latest in body art? ‘Tattoos’ for individual cells

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed nanoscale tattoos that can stick to live cells, allowing for the first time to monitor and control individual cell health in real-time. This technology bridges the gap between living cells and conventional sensors, enabling early disease diagnosis and treatment.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

Successful polycarbonate synthesis using the photo-on-demand interfacial polymerization method

Researchers at Kobe University have successfully synthesized polycarbonate using the photo-on-demand interfacial polymerization method, offering a safe and practical scale, high-yield synthesis. This new method reduces synthesis costs, saves on purification, and minimizes environmental impact compared to traditional methods.

SourceKobe University·JournalACS Omega·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

Human antibody that targets carfentanil, fentanyl and related opioids reverses overdose effects in preclinical study

A human antibody that targets carfentanil, fentanyl, and related opioids has shown promising results in reversing overdose effects in a preclinical study. The antibody, developed by Scripps Research, binds tightly to the potent opioid variants and reverses respiratory depression caused by carfentanil.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalACS Chemical Neuroscience·DateAug 7, 2023

Small-molecule autocatalysis drives compartment growth, competition and reproduction

A study found that small-molecule autocatalytic reactions can lead to the growth and division of compartments, mimicking cell reproduction. The reaction triggers the formose reaction, which consumes formaldehyde and produces glycolaldehyde, allowing compartments to grow and divide under external influence.

SourceHun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

A promising investigational therapeutic monoclonal antibody to treat chronic hepatitis B and D infections

A preclinical study demonstrates the effectiveness of VIR-3434 in preventing viral dissemination and reducing viral particles in a mouse model for HBV/HDV coinfection. The monoclonal antibody neutralises all known genotypes of HBV and HDV, providing a potential new option for treating chronic hepatitis B and D.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

Advancing the commercialization of two-dimensional materials: achieving the goal with UV-assisted atomic layer deposition”

A team of researchers has successfully created a high-performance graphene-dielectric interface using a novel technique called UV-assisted atomic layer deposition. This breakthrough results in uniform atomic layer deposition without compromising graphene's properties, leading to improved electrical performance and reduced defects.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·DateAug 7, 2023

New study in JNCCN highlights rapid adoption of clinical research results into chemotherapy prescribing patterns

A new study published in JNCCN found that the adoption of clinical research results led to a significant increase in the use of shorter adjuvant chemotherapy periods, with CAPOX becoming more widely used. The study also revealed disparities in treatment patterns, with Black patients being more likely to receive shorter chemotherapy reg...

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateAug 7, 2023

Ions share their hydration secrets for industrial design and manufacturing

Researchers have proposed an explanation for the ion-specific properties of ion hydration in water-based solutions, revealing that ions with lower charge density interact with more water molecules. This result has broad applications across multiple disciplines, including chemistry, biology, and materials science.

Game-changing potential for drug testing and cardiovascular disease treatments - Tiny Heart Model Carries Massive Implications

A miniature human heart model, approximately half a grain of rice in size, has been developed to transform drug testing and cardiovascular research. This self-paced, multi-chambered model provides real-time measurements of essential parameters, enabling unprecedented insights into heart function and diseases.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

Consumers should have more visual cues when making online purchases, experts say

A new study found that providing visual information about terms and conditions after purchase improves understanding and memory, with reading times increasing by 41-162% and comprehension improving by 14-21%. Researchers recommend combining textual and visual cues to improve transparency in online consumer transactions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Consumer Policy·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2023

National Science Foundation funds NYU Tandon School of Engineering project to safeguard U.S. laws and legal information against cyberattacks and malicious actors

The NYU Tandon School of Engineering has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop new technologies for securing the digital legal supply chain. The project aims to protect official laws and legal information from cyberattacks and malicious actors.

Researchers discover antifungal molecule

Researchers at the University of Oklahoma's Natural Products Discovery Group have identified a broad-spectrum antifungal molecule called Percephacin. This breakthrough treatment shows promise for treating fungal infections that are resistant to existing treatments.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalJournal of Natural Products·DateAug 7, 2023

Social media helped contribute to UPND gains in 2021 Zambia elections, analysis shows

A new analysis shows that social media facilitated information flow across a controlled media ecosystem, while face-to-face communication remained key. The study highlights how UPND's online messaging resonated with users, portraying Hakainde Hichilema as an electorally viable alternative to President Edgar Lungu.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Eastern African Studies·TypeSurvey·DateAug 7, 2023

Flock together: Sparrows drift from favored spots after losing friends

A 10-year study found that golden-crowned sparrows resettled an average of just 90 feet away from the center of their previous year's range when returning to California after winter migration. The study suggests that social bonds and familiar faces help anchor the birds to specific spaces, even when resources are scarce.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2023

Laboratory research finds gluten caused brain inflammation

Researchers at the University of Otago have found that gluten can cause brain inflammation in mice, a discovery that may have implications for human physiology. The study showed that gluten increased the number of immune cells in the brain, leading to hypothalamic inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalJournal of Neuroendocrinology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 7, 2023

New blood-pressure related measure predicts health outcomes in patients with intensive care

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a method to monitor critically ill patients with circulatory shock, which may help control blood pressure and heart function. The new approach uses tissue perfusion pressure to predict patient risk of death, length of hospital stay, and peak blood lactate level.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

Study offers new insights into the impact of low-value care received by Medicare beneficiaries outside of their health systems

A new study found that nearly half of low-value care received by Medicare beneficiaries occurs outside of their health systems. Factors such as advanced age, gender, and geographic location are associated with higher risk of receiving out-of-system low-value care.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 7, 2023

Study: People expect others to mirror their own selfishness, generosity

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that individuals' own behavior influences their expectations and treatment of others. Generous people tend to reward generous behavior, while selfish individuals punish generosity. This research has practical relevance to social interactions and decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCognitive Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

Fanning the flames

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis discovered that wildfires emit dark brown carbon, a potent climate-warming particle that absorbs solar radiation. This finding has broad implications for climate models and highlights the need to revise existing approaches to account for the unexpected effects of brown carbon.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

Paper addresses ethics of bioethics conference in Qatar

The International Association of Bioethics has proposed a framework to guide the selection of future conference sites, including those with anti-LGBTQ+ laws. The framework identifies multiple values and principles at stake, aiming to broaden conversation within bioethics about international conferencing ethics.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Bioethics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 7, 2023

Mathematical theory predicts self-organized learning in real neurons

Researchers used a mathematical theory called the free energy principle to predict how real neural networks learn and organize themselves. The study successfully mimicked this process in rat embryo neurons grown in a culture dish, demonstrating the principle's guiding force behind biological neural network learning.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2023

“Superarthropods”: New publication unravels the impact of the widespread use of insecticides for malaria control

The widespread use of insecticides for malaria control has unintended consequences, including the development of resistance in other disease-carrying arthropods. This can lead to the spread of overlooked and dangerous tropical diseases. Understanding the behavior and insecticide susceptibility status of these organisms is crucial to pr...

SourceArizona State University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateAug 7, 2023

Hybrid quantum-classical algorithm accelerates dynamic mode decomposition for high-dimensional time series analysis

A new quantum-classical hybrid algorithm has been developed to accelerate dynamic mode decomposition for high-dimensional time series analysis. The algorithm can operate with a small number of samples and has a quantum advantage in the analysis of high-dimensional time series.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 7, 2023

Accurate measurement of permittivity advances radio telescope receivers and next generation telecommunication networks

Researchers developed a novel method to measure permittivity 100 times more accurately than before. This technology contributes to efficient development of sensitive radio receivers for radio telescopes and high-frequency materials for next-gen communication networks.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalIEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

Inside job: Finding exposes unexpected killer of immune cells lacking self marker

Dendritic cells have been found to directly kill T cells lacking CD47, providing a new insight into the immune system's ability to distinguish self from non-self. This discovery has potential implications for cancer treatment and raises questions about the therapeutic application of this novel mechanism.

SourceKobe University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

Sports media use linked to belief in rape myths

A recent study found that young men who regularly consume sports media are more likely to accept rape myths, even after accounting for negative masculine norms. The researchers suggest that the production of sports media around athletic events contributes to this connection, portraying men as hyper-masculine aggressors and women as tro...

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateAug 7, 2023

New treatment method reduces size and increases stability of atherosclerotic plaque on arterial walls, preventing heart diseases: NUS study

Researchers at NUS have developed a new treatment method that reduces the size and increases the stability of atherosclerotic plaques in arterial walls. The treatment involves injecting omega-3 fatty acids into the bloodstream via nanomedicine, which helps to reduce inflammation and prevent plaque rupture.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 7, 2023

New PNAS study from ESMT Berlin reveals ideal first offer in negotiations

Researchers analyzed 26 million eBay negotiations to determine optimal low first offers. Lower first offers effectively bring down final sale prices, while a linear anchoring effect benefits buyers. The study identifies three zones: safety, acceleration, and saturation zones, where impasse risk decreases or increases.

SourceESMT Berlin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 7, 2023

Increased risk of dementia diagnosis, benzodiazepine exposure in seniors with anxiety

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found a significant association between anxiety and an increased risk of dementia diagnosis in seniors. Benzodiazepine exposure was also associated with a 28% higher risk of dementia, but only when prescribed to patients without an anxiety disorder.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 7, 2023

New metalens lights the way for advanced control of quantum emission

A new multifunctional metalens has been developed to structure quantum emissions from solid-state single photon emitters. The metalens can simultaneously tailor directionality, polarization, and orbital angular momentum degrees of freedom, enabling the generation of high-dimensional single-photon hybrid quantum states.