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Science News Archive August 2023 - Page 21


Page 21 of 38

Oceans release microplastics into the atmosphere

A team of researchers has determined that microplastic particles are present in the marine atmosphere, even in remote parts of the world. The study found that different types of plastics, including polyester and polyethylene terephthalate, were detected in air samples collected from various sites along the Norwegian coast.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2023

Sylvester Surgeon-scientist awarded center’s first Department of Defense grant to study pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center will investigate signaling mechanisms between myeloid-derived suppressor cells and pro-inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts in pancreatic cancer. The goal is to develop a nanoengineered immunotherapy that selectively disrupts these interactions to target treatment resistance.

Electrochemical flow aziridination of terpenes

Scientists have created a novel electrochemical flow aziridination method to produce nitrogen-containing compounds from unactivated alkenes, which can lead to the discovery of new drug candidates. The approach overcomes limitations of traditional methods by using radical/radical cation cross-coupling.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 16, 2023

Study uncovers impact of 1918 “Spanish flu” pandemic on infant health

A historical analysis of Bern Maternity Hospital data showed a notable surge in low birth weight and stillbirth rates coinciding with the 1918 'Spanish flu' pandemic. Researchers found that mothers exposed to the pandemic had a higher risk of stillbirth, highlighting the potential impact of pandemics on infant health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2023

Oxygen charge for battling multidrug-resistant pathogens

Researchers have developed a molecular 'singlet oxygen battery' that can target and kill methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria in deep tissue layers. The technology, which does not require external light or oxygen, is highly effective in treating pulmonary infections caused by MRSA.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023

Racism, poverty, and illiteracy increase the risk of contracting and succumbing to AIDS in Brazil

A retrospective study of 28.3 million people in Brazil found that social determinants like poverty, education, and racism significantly increase the risk of contracting and succumbing to AIDS. Lower wealth and education levels were strongly associated with higher AIDS incidence and mortality rates.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2023

Patterns in cancer incidence among people younger than age 50

Early-onset cancer incidence rates among people under 50 increased significantly between 2010 and 2019, with breast cancer leading the number of cases. Gastrointestinal cancers showed the highest growth rate in this age group, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance strategies and funding priorities

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 16, 2023

Researchers discover contrast dye shortage affected assessment of stroke patients

A study led by University of Missouri neurologist Adnan Qureshi discovered that last year's iodinated media contrast dye shortage impacted the assessment of stroke patients in the US. The shortage resulted in a significant decrease in CT angiograph and CT perfusion scans, affecting blood flow and brain tissue identification.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAmerican Journal of Neuroradiology·TypeCase study·DateAug 16, 2023

Bridging the "yellow-green gap" - GaN-based LED achieves high-rate Wavelength division multiplexing visible light communication system with three-dimensional quantum well structure

A new GaN-based LED achieves high-rate Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) Visible Light Communication (VLC) system with a three-dimensional quantum well structure. The system can support up to eight independent channels for WDM and achieves a total transmission rate of 31.38Gb/s.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Science·DateAug 16, 2023

Hummingbird beak points the way to future micro machine design

A Cornell research team has developed a new way to design complex microscale machines, one that draws inspiration from the operation of proteins and hummingbird beaks. The lead author is Itay Griniasty, who led the development of an algorithm to simplify the search for magnetic patterns that spur the desired bifurcation.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 2023

Hastings Center Report, July-August 2023 Issue

Experts discuss the moral implications of telemedicine on the patient-physician relationship. Telemedicine can improve care for certain patients but may also raise questions about the nature of this encounter and the importance of touch in medical interactions. The Hastings Center Report explores the complex ethical issues surrounding ...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalThe Hastings Center Report·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 15, 2023

Brain recordings capture musicality of speech — with help from Pink Floyd

Neuroscientists at UC Berkeley have successfully reconstructed a recognizable song from brain recordings, capturing the electrical activity of brain regions tuned to music attributes. This breakthrough could enable future brain implants with prosodic content, improving communication for patients with speech disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2023

New early Alzheimer’s treatment shows Improvement in cognition

Dr. Heather Sandison's study reveals significant improvements in cognitive function among individuals with cognitive decline after six months of a multimodal, individualized care plan. The study demonstrates the feasibility and impact of a holistic approach targeting various factors contributing to Alzheimer's disease progression.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 15, 2023

Recent study at UC Irvine found that semaglutide medication may benefit 93 million U.S. adults

A recent study at UC Irvine found that semaglutide medication can lead to significant weight loss and reduce cardiovascular risk in 93 million U.S. adults. The medication may prevent up to 1.5 million heart attacks and strokes over 10 years, resulting in 43 million fewer obese people.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalCardiovascular Drugs and Therapy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 2023

Scientists pinpoint the microbes essential to making traditional mozzarella

The study sheds light on the intricate interactions of microorganisms throughout the manufacturing process, influencing the microbiota's composition and organoleptic properties. The natural whey starter plays a significant role in shaping the microbial makeup of mozzarella, with subtle variations between traditional and modern dairies.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2023

Moffitt researchers use mathematical modeling and dynamic biomarkers to characterize metastatic disease during adaptive therapy

Moffitt researchers used mathematical modeling and dynamic biomarkers to identify characteristics of metastatic disease associated with better treatment outcomes. They found that larger metastases had longer treatment cycles, while those with faster cell turnover rates responded quickly to treatment.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 15, 2023

Bats feast as insects migrate through Pyrenees

Researchers discovered seven bat species and 66 insect species in the Pyrenees, highlighting the importance of migratory insects as a food source for both bats and those living in the mountains. The study also shows that migrating insects are a crucial refuelling station for bats during their own journeys south.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateAug 15, 2023

New genetic relations between irritable bowel syndrome and psychiatric diseases discovered

A new study has identified thousands of shared genetic variants between patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. This discovery provides a new understanding of the brain-gut axis and holds promise for developing effective treatments for IBS.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 2023

Novel study shows greater metabolic response to animal versus plant proteins in young and older adults

A novel study found that consuming two oz-eq portions of animal-based versus plant-based protein foods results in different EAA bioavailability. The study, conducted by scientists at Purdue University, included young and older adults, with no differences in EAA bioavailability between age groups.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 15, 2023

A crossroad for women’s football – new study reveals critical concern for leagues finances

A new study analyses the financial health of 14 English Women's Super League clubs from 2011 to 2019, revealing a 'pivotal crossroad' in women's football. The study highlights critical concerns about league financial sustainability and proposes recommendations to guide the league toward a more sustainable future.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalSport Business and Management An International Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 15, 2023

Classic rock music can be recreated from recorded brain activity

Scientists successfully reconstructed recognizable versions of Pink Floyd's 'Another Brick in the Wall, Part 1' using nonlinear modeling to decode brain activity. The study identified a unique region in the Superior Temporal Gyrus (STG) responsible for rhythm perception, with electrodes from this region crucial for accurate reconstruct...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2023

DNA evidence on dogs can help track down offenders

A new Australian study found that human DNA can be retrieved from all areas of dog samples, with higher amounts found on the head and back. The research suggests using DNA evidence from dogs in police investigations involving animals, expanding knowledge about human DNA transfer to pets.

SourceFlinders University·JournalGenes·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2023

AI models are powerful, but are they biologically plausible?

Researchers propose a hypothesis that astrocytes, non-neuronal cells in the brain, can perform core computation as transformers, providing insights into human brain function and machine learning success. This discovery could spark future neuroscience research and help explain transformer performance across complex tasks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2023