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Science News Archive August 2023 - Page 11


Page 11 of 38

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

NIH/National Institute on Aging’s $3 million R01 Grant supports study evaluating probiotic/prebiotic combination’s impact on maintaining bone health of older women

The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a synbiotic medical food, SBD111, in maintaining lumbar spine bone mineral density with aging. The researchers hope to provide new dietary interventions for preventing osteoporosis and fractures.

Biologist gets the scoop on squash bug poop

A graduate student's accidental discovery sheds light on how squash bug nymphs acquire essential bacteria. Researchers found that the nymphs eat adult feces to obtain the necessary microbes, an elegant solution to a basic problem. This finding may offer insights for improved methods to control squash bugs, a significant agricultural pest.

SourceEmory University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2023

Lower-middle class Americans near retirement are worse off than 20 years ago, new USC and Columbia study shows

A new study by USC and Columbia University reveals that lower-middle class Americans nearing retirement age face poorer health, worse economic outcomes, and lower homeownership rates. The 'forgotten middle' group lacks adequate resources to cover healthcare and housing costs.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 23, 2023

A fitness tracker for brain health: How a headband can identify early signs of Alzheimer’s disease in your sleep

Researchers developed a digital biomarker that detects early signs of Alzheimer's disease using EEG headbands, identifying abnormal levels of proteins in sleep patterns. The study found measurable problems with memory reactivation in 205 aging adults, paving the way for affordable devices to monitor brain health.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAlzheimers Disease & Dementia·DateAug 23, 2023

Despite fears to the contrary, Canadian wildfire smoke exposure was not much worse than a bad pollen day in New York City

Researchers found that Canadian wildfire smoke exposure led to a slightly higher bump in asthma-related hospital visits compared to high-pollen days. However, other potential health effects, such as heart attacks and strokes, require further investigation.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2023

Solar powered irrigation: a game-changer for small-scale farms in sub-Saharan Africa

A new study suggests that solar-powered irrigation systems could increase yields and profits for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa, addressing the region's high yield gap and food insecurity. The innovative system, developed by an international team of researchers, estimates a potential economic benefit of over USD 5 billion pe...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 23, 2023

National estimates of gender-affirming surgery

Gender-affirming surgeries in the US increased nearly threefold from 2016 to 2019, with breast and chest procedures being the most common. The number of genital surgical procedures performed rose with increasing age, indicating a growing trend among older individuals seeking gender-affirming care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 23, 2023