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Science News Archive August 2023 - Page 3


Page 3 of 38

Pulmonary embolism deaths, disparities high despite advancements in care

A Michigan Medicine study found that pulmonary embolism death rates remained unchanged over the past decade, with higher mortality rates among men, Black patients, and those from rural areas. The study analyzed over 100,000 deaths related to pulmonary embolism between 2006 and 2019.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 2023

Inhalable molecules neutralize SARS-CoV-2 in mice

Researchers at Affilogic developed nanofitins that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 by binding to its spike proteins, demonstrating quick reach and clearance of the lungs. The technology has potential for treating other infectious respiratory diseases with lower costs and higher accessibility.

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Strategic framing, financial support and capacity-building could raise climate ambitions

A new study suggests that policymakers should emphasize the benefits of climate action beyond economic growth to motivate countries to protect the climate. The researchers analyzed 761 statements from UN member states and found that countries are influenced by how their allies frame issues.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalClimate Policy·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 30, 2023

Tracking drivers’ eyes can determine ability to take back control from ‘auto-pilot’ mode

A new method can detect drivers' attention levels from their eye movements, enabling the development of more effective takeover signals. The study found that drivers who are engrossed in on-screen activities take longer to respond to warnings, highlighting a potential safety concern.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCognitive Research Principles and Implications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Tracking the ol' mutation trail

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered the mechanism by which breast cancer forms in mammalian epithelial cells. The team found that approximately 20 mutations accumulate annually in each cell until menopause, after which the rate decreases significantly.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Editorial: Epigenetic aging in oocytes

The editorial discusses epigenetic mechanisms leading to oocyte quality loss, a significant factor in age-related fertility decline. Researchers highlight the importance of understanding this process to address the growing issue of advanced maternal age and its impact on reproduction.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 30, 2023

Newly engineered versions of bacterial enzyme reveal how antibiotics could be more potent

Researchers have developed a new way to engineer bacterial enzymes, creating unique versions that are hyper-sensitive to existing antibiotics. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more potent treatments for bacterial infections and improve our understanding of antibiotic resistance.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Penn Medicine researchers identify the link between memory and appetite in the human brain to explain obesity

Researchers found that individuals with higher body mass indexes have impaired connections between the hippocampus and hypothalamus, leading to an inability to control eating habits. The study suggests that targeting this brain circuit may lead to new treatments for obesity and related disordered eating conditions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 30, 2023

MU researcher combats bullying of students with disabilities

A University of Missouri researcher created an evidence-based, online professional development curriculum to help teachers recognize, respond to, and prevent bullying towards students with disabilities. The curriculum emphasizes building rapport, social skills, and communication skills to improve classroom climates and reduce bullying.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEducation and Urban Society·TypeCase study·DateAug 30, 2023

Pioneering study finds that brain tumours 'hack' the communication between neurons

A pioneering study published in Cancer Cell finds that brain metastasis alters the brain's chemistry and disrupts neuronal communication. Researchers discovered a molecule, EGR1, that may play a role in this process, paving the way for potential drug development to alleviate neurocognitive effects.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Climate extremes hit stressed economies even harder

Climate extremes have a disproportionate impact on already stressed economies, leading to increased costs for households and reduced resilience to future shocks. The study's findings highlight the need for increased economic resilience to cope with climate-related disasters and mitigate non-climate related crises.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 30, 2023

Study finds high blood and urinary metal levels among exclusive marijuana users

Research at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health detected significant levels of metals in the blood and urine of marijuana users, suggesting that marijuana is a source of lead and cadmium exposure. Measurements reported by participants showed higher lead levels in blood and urine among exclusive marijuana users compare...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateAug 30, 2023

The wild boar paradox - finally solved

Researchers from Vienna University of Technology and Leibniz University of Hannover have found the solution to the wild boar paradox. The radioactivity in wild boar meat remains high due to the accumulation of cesium-137 from nuclear weapons tests, which is also present in deer truffles that are particularly favored by wild boars.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Single primer enrichment technology - a new genomic resource to investigate the diversity of lettuce germplasm

A new genotyping method called Single Primer Enrichment Technology (SPET) was used to investigate the genetic diversity of lettuce and identify genomic regions underlying important agronomic traits. The study revealed over 80,000 high-quality SNPs, allowing researchers to group accessions by type and geographic origin.

A simpler way to connect quantum computers

A team of researchers at Princeton University has developed a new approach to building quantum repeaters, which are necessary for connecting quantum devices over long distances. The new device sends high-fidelity quantum information through fiber optic networks, enabling enhanced security and connections between remote quantum computers.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2023

Do smoking significantly increases the risk of mental illness?

Research from Aarhus University suggests that smoking may increase the risk of depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia by 250 percent. The study analyzed genetic data from over half a million people and found that certain genetic variants linked to smoking also contribute to mental illness.

SourceAarhus University·JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2023

Educational attainment protects against a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers found that individuals with a genetic mutation linked to early-onset Alzheimer's disease had slower cognitive decline if they had higher education levels. The study also revealed that the APOE e4 mutation, which significantly increases risk for sporadic Alzheimer's disease, was less detrimental to cognitive function in thos...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2023

Spelt or common wheat? Their diversity of nutritional components prevents identification of one species as the healthiest

A recent study by the University of Córdoba analyzed the genetic variability of spelt and common wheat varieties, revealing their diverse nutritional components. While spelt generally has higher concentrations of micronutrients like iron and zinc, it also contains more phytic acid, which reduces assimilation.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 30, 2023