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Science News Archive August 2023 - Page 15


Page 15 of 38

Firearm injuries and the pandemic: Lower opportunity neighborhoods are disproportionately affected

A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that children from lower opportunity neighborhoods experienced a significantly higher rate of firearm-related injury during the pandemic. The study found that unsafe storage of guns and single-parent households, combined with the stress of an unprecedented international emergency, exacerbated...

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeObservational study·DateAug 22, 2023

How bacteria surf cargo through the cell

Researchers discovered that bacteria employ 'surfing' proteins called ParA/MinD ATPases to transport cargo across the cell. These systems interact with each other, enabling complex movements before cell division. The findings provide a basis for developing synthetic biology tools and understanding bacterial pathogens.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023

Poor report card for children’s wellbeing

A new study found that children's mental health and wellbeing gradually worsened over the past six years, with measures of life satisfaction, optimism, and emotional regulation declining consistently since 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on young Australians, particularly those in higher year levels and from lower...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 22, 2023

New study finds electoral uncertainty threatens international investment at companies with government ties

A new study in the Global Strategy Journal found that electoral uncertainty creates challenges for state-owned businesses and multinationals with indirect government ties. These companies are less likely to expand internationally during election years and instead adopt more flexible strategies or withdraw state support.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalGlobal Strategy Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2023

Glitter impairs growth of organisms with key roles in aquatic ecosystems, study shows

A study by researchers at the University of São Paulo found that glitter can hinder the growth of cyanobacteria, a key component of aquatic ecosystems. The toxic effects of glitter on microorganisms have not been well-studied, but the findings suggest that even low concentrations can negatively impact susceptible organisms.

Fabry–Perot-based phase demodulation of heterodyne light-induced thermoelastic spectroscopy

Researchers developed FPI-based phase demodulation for heterodyne LITES, improving SNR and detecting gas concentrations accurately. The method reduces interference and provides linear response, long-term stability, and independent signal peak-to-peak values.

Police involvement may hamstring overdose outreach efforts

A new study found that law enforcement's role in post-overdose outreach programs may undermine their effectiveness. The research highlights the importance of law enforcement data and contact information to reach overdose survivors, but also notes challenges posed by police involvement due to lack of training and negative past experiences.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·TypeSurvey·DateAug 22, 2023

Mount Sinai study identifies most effective and safest outpatient labor induction methods, potentially reducing hospital stays and increasing hospital efficiency in use of resources

A Mount Sinai study identified the most effective and safest outpatient labor induction methods, using low-dose vaginal misoprostol, which reduces hospital stays and increases hospital efficiency. The study found that this approach does not increase cesarean delivery risk or complications.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateAug 22, 2023

‘Coastal squeeze:’ Massive loss of U.S. coastline tidal flats over 31 years

A new study reveals massive urban expansions throughout the contiguous US, particularly on the Atlantic Coast, have led to significant tidal flat erosion. The research highlights the critical impact of human activities on tidal flat environments, providing important implications for coastal land use and planning.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2023

Catheter ablation in very old patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

A new study found that catheter ablation significantly lowers the incidence of cardiovascular events and death in very old patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. The researchers compared 208 patients who underwent AF ablation with those who received medical therapy only, finding a lower risk of both cardiovascular events and de...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023

Paired liver exchange developed by Boston College economists results in first four-way liver exchange

A new matching system enabled by Boston College economists facilitates the world's first four-way liver exchange and a cascade of additional matches. The system increases the number of transplants that can be matched among a larger group of participants, expanding capacity beyond traditional two-way exchanges.

SourceBoston College·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 22, 2023

Heat related illnesses dramatically on the rise among US Veterans

A statistically significant increase in heat-related illnesses was found among patients at US Department of Veteran Affairs facilities between 2002 and 2019. Specific groups, such as those with existing health conditions and certain ethnic groups, were more vulnerable to heat-related illness.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Journal of Climate Change and Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2023

Rediscovering the joy of music collection

Research from Bar-Ilan University reveals a link between music collection and improved listening experience, suggesting that users can enhance their enjoyment by actively curating their playlists within streaming apps. The studies also found that the act of collecting music is pleasant and can elevate listening levels.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalPersonal and Ubiquitous Computing·DateAug 22, 2023

Timing is key

Researchers have deciphered a biochemical mechanism explaining how cortisone preparations mediate inflammation-resolving effects in human immune cells. Cortisone influences enzymes involved in the formation of inflammation-resolving messenger substances, inducing resolvins early but impairing function later.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023

Estrogen receptor mutation study suggests potential treatments for endometrial cancers

Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute discovered that estrogen receptor mutations in endometrial cancers cause large changes in gene expression and cellular behavior. Inhibitors of CDK9, a protein that works with estrogen receptors, were found to be effective at reducing the growth and aggressiveness of endometrial cancer cells.

SourceHuntsman Cancer Institute·JournalMolecular Cancer Research·DateAug 21, 2023

Surviving on an empty battery

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have identified a novel immune mechanism that enables bacteria to survive on empty batteries, protecting them from viruses. This strategy has been conserved through billions of years of evolution and is also found in advanced species such as corals, bees, and fungi.

Climate win-win: study quantifies benefits of enhanced weathering

A new study quantifies the climate benefits of enhanced weathering, applying ground-up silicate rock to Midwestern farm fields to capture significant amounts of carbon dioxide. The method reduced net carbon loss to the atmosphere by 42% in maize plots and more than doubled carbon storage in miscanthus plots.

Artificial intelligence beyond the clinic

AI is changing the way scientists discover and design drugs, predicting molecular interactions and protein folding with unprecedented speed and accuracy. AI also has the potential to safeguard nuclear reactors, synthesize novel materials, and enhance scientific understanding autonomously.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 21, 2023

Few children – especially those with safety-net insurance – get vision checked at checkups

A new study found that fewer than a third of children have had their vision checked in the past year, with uninsured and public-insured kids having lower rates than privately insured peers. The disparity in screening rates is linked to disparities in primary care visits focused on prevention and early detection.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 21, 2023

Some experts believe that routine mask-wearing should continue in health care settings

Public health experts recommend continuing routine mask-wearing in healthcare settings to protect vulnerable patients and staff from COVID-19. The authors argue that while severe cases have decreased, asymptomatic spread remains a threat, particularly among high-risk patients and healthcare workers who may not be aware they are infected.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 21, 2023

Nobel-winning bodily ‘pressure sensors’ filmed for first time at Imperial

Imperial researchers have imaged Piezo1 channels in human cells and organs, revealing their role in regulating blood pressure, respiration, bladder control, and the immune system. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of their role in fundamental physiological processes and potentially new drug targets for diseases.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2023

Move over lithium-ion: Zinc-air batteries a cheaper and safer alternative

A new study by Edith Cowan University has discovered zinc-air batteries as a superior alternative to lithium-ion, offering low costs, environmental benefits, and high theoretical energy density. The breakthrough redesigns the batteries using natural resources like zinc from Australia and air, enhancing their viability for sustainable e...

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalEcoMat·TypeObservational study·DateAug 21, 2023

It all depends on the genetic diversity

Researchers found that genetically modified tobacco mutants, impaired in their defenses, outperformed wild-type plants in years with low herbivore pressure. The mutants' prioritization of growth and reproduction over defense allowed them to thrive in environments with limited insect damage.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2023