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Science News Archive August 2023 - Page 23


Page 23 of 38

Controlling the source of electromagnetic waves enables control of the period of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS)

Controlling the source of electromagnetic waves enables control of the period of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS), increasing fabrication speed and accuracy. Researchers discovered that varying the substrate material affects the LIPSS period, allowing for more precise manipulation.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·DateAug 15, 2023

New online course equips personal care assistants with essential knowledge for supporting individuals with spinal cord injury

The new online course, “Understanding Spinal Cord Injury: A Course for Personal Care Assistants,” enhances training for PCAs to provide quality assistance services for individuals with spinal cord injury. The four-module course covers topics such as building relationships, managing blood pressure, and transferring clients safely.

Institutions with strong engineering operations are more efficient in producing patents, researchers find

Researchers created a database linking utility patents and NIH funding to assess translational efficiency. The Translational Ratio metric provides insights into patenting efficiency and its impact on drug innovation and treatment development. Institutions with strong engineering operations tend to be more successful in producing patents.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 14, 2023

Like beads on a chain

A team of researchers developed a computational simulation that explains key mechanism of DNA segregation, providing new insights into the distribution of genetic information during bacterial cell division. The study reveals fundamental biochemical principles relevant to synthetic biology and medical applications.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 14, 2023

New study charts exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection in Canada throughout the pandemic

A new study reveals that most Canadians now have hybrid immunity against SARS-CoV-2, with infection-acquired seroprevalence rising dramatically after the Omicron variant circulated in Canada. The study found that younger age groups showed faster increases in infection-acquired immunity, reaching over 75% by March 2023.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 14, 2023

Government regulation can effectively curb social media dangers

A study published in PNAS found that government-mandated external moderation is likely to be effective in limiting harm on fast-paced platforms like X. The researchers examined the dynamics of content dissemination and found that a lower half-life means most harm happens right after content is posted.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 14, 2023

Study: Intensive lifestyle counseling and education by health specialists associated with higher employment rate among people with Type 2 diabetes

A new study found that intensive lifestyle intervention, including weekly counseling on diet and exercise, is associated with increased employment among people with type 2 diabetes. Study participants without a college degree had even larger employment gains from lifestyle changes recommended by specialists.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 14, 2023

Gene therapy may offer a new treatment strategy for alcohol use disorder

Researchers have discovered that gene therapy may prevent relapse in patients with serious alcohol addiction by altering dopamine function in the brain's mesolimbic reward pathway. The treatment involves sustained release of glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in a specific region of the brain.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 14, 2023

Wildfires and farming activities may be top sources of air pollution linked to increased risk, cases of dementia

Researchers from University of Michigan found a strong link between air pollution from wildfires and farming activities, and the risk of developing dementia. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 30,000 adults over 18 years, suggests that reducing exposure to these sources of emissions may help lower the incidence of dementia.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 14, 2023

Experts: Chronic pain patients who take opioids need better care & coverage

Chronic pain patients who take opioids need access to gold-standard multi-modal pain care, including physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and integrative medicine techniques. The experts recommend restructuring insurance models, enhancing provider education, and addressing racial inequities in care.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Pain Research·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 14, 2023

Dogs can detect COVID-19 infections faster and more accurately than conventional technology, demonstrating readiness for mainstream medical applications

A growing number of studies highlights the power of dogs in detecting COVID-19 and its variants, even when obscured by other viruses. Trained scent dogs are as effective and often more effective than antigen tests and RT-PCR tests, detecting the virus faster and without environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Osteopathic Medicine·DateAug 14, 2023

Shielding from COVID-19: Unravelling the policy

A Swansea University study explores the rationale behind the UK's COVID-19 shielding policy for clinically vulnerable individuals, finding it was an untested strategy based on risk mitigation rather than evidence-based intervention. The research reveals challenges in implementing the policy and its impact on organizations and populations.

SourceSwansea University·JournalBMJ Open·DateAug 14, 2023

Study demonstrates the value of citizen science to monitor natural enemy in fight against invasive Siam weed

A new study demonstrates the value of citizen science in monitoring a natural enemy that fights invasive Siam weed. Citizen scientists on iNaturalist.org shared observations of the moth Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata, confirming its establishment in several countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, and West Malaysia.

SourceCABI·JournalCABI Agriculture and Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2023

Publicly fund nonsurgical procedures for transgender, gender diverse people

A commentary suggests that governments should consider publicly funding minimally invasive procedures, such as hair removal and facial injectables, to support transgender and gender diverse individuals. These procedures are already recommended by the World Professional Association for Transgender Health Standards of Care Version 8.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 14, 2023

Microbial corrosion of iron

Researchers found that bacteria with electrically conductive protein threads can corrode iron anaerobically, producing magnetite that facilitates further corrosion. The discovery has significant implications for corrosion protection and suggests taking material properties into consideration.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2023

Socioeconomic adversity and weight gain during the pandemic

Researchers found significant increases in body mass index among US youth during the COVID-19 pandemic, with effects most pronounced in low-income youth. The study highlights how preexisting social inequalities were exacerbated by the pandemic, leading to greater weight gain among vulnerable populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 14, 2023

Integrated mental health care in pediatric primary care at Federally Qualified Health Centers linked to improvements in school functioning, study finds

Research found integrated behavioral health care improves children's mental health and school performance, supporting the potential benefits of pediatric integrated behavioral health care. The study, which included 51 children served by FQHCs in Massachusetts, showed significant improvements over 12 months.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateAug 14, 2023