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Science News Archive August 2023 - Page 9


Page 9 of 38

‘You just emotionally break’: understanding COVID-19 narratives through public health humanities

A new essay highlights how news stories about healthcare workers during COVID-19 often left out crucial socioeconomic and environmental contexts, which can impact consumer thoughts and responses. By introducing a public health framework, experts aim to broaden storytelling and reframed scientific information dissemination.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMedical Humanities·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 25, 2023

Adrenocortical carcinoma: No mitotane for low risk of recurrence

A new clinical study found that adjuvant treatment with Mitotane is not necessary for patients with low risk of recurrence if they have a complete R0 resection, low tumour stage and Ki-67 levels below 10%. This approach has shown no significant improvement in relapse rate but is associated with side effects.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 25, 2023

UC economist finds strong link between park funding, home values

A UC economist found a strong correlation between park funding and home values in Ohio communities. House prices were 13% higher three years after voting to renew tax levies for recreational areas, but not immediately after the vote. The study suggests that underfunded parks may be a contributing factor to lower housing values.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Regional Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2023

Insights from past warming: Enhanced temperature seasonality in China during the mid-Holocene

A study found an enhanced temperature seasonality in China during the mid-Holocene, with a nationally averaged enhancement of 2.44°C or 9% for the multimodel mean. The change was closely related to seasonal contrast variation of surface energy fluxes, mainly due to net shortwave radiation.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateAug 25, 2023

NIH study examines connections between drinking water quality and increased lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis

A new NIH study found that high levels of certain minerals and metals in environmental water supplies may increase the risk of nontuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary infections in people with cystic fibrosis. The presence of sulfate, vanadium, and molybdenum was positively associated with increased incidence of lung infections.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalEnvironmental Epidemiology·DateAug 25, 2023

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more deadly

Research reveals that heatwaves like the 2003 European heatwave could become the new norm, with increased mortality risks, especially for the elderly and poor. Ideal temperature ranges vary by location, and climate models predict a significant increase in heat-related deaths in coming years.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2023

Deciphering influence of Tibetan plateau on spring cloud cover and radiation budget

Researchers find Tibetan Plateau's shape orchestrates airflows and radiation energy transfers, dictating sky temperatures and cloud cover over East Asia. The plateau enhances airflows that generate more clouds over South China, while its thermal influence creates areas of low pressure and surface warming.

Is hip replacement safe for people in their 90s? Risks depend on patients' health as well as age

A recent study found that patients over 90 have higher complication and mortality rates after total hip arthroplasty (THA), but the risks can be minimized through careful patient selection and adequate preparation. Comorbidity has a major impact on THA risks, with certain conditions increasing the risk of complications and mortality.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateAug 25, 2023

How local communities depend on the ivory palm tree in coastal Ecuador

The study found that local communities in coastal Ecuador depend less on tagua trees today than their grandparents did, but still use them for cultural and supporting services. The research highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these ecosystem services.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgricultural and Resource Economics Review·TypeSurvey·DateAug 25, 2023

Scientists invent new way to sort cells by type using light

Researchers have developed a new way to sort cells by type using light-based stimulated Raman spectroscopy, offering a label-free and nondestructive approach for various biomedical applications. The technique enables the separation of cells based on their intracellular chemical composition in high-throughput manner.

SourceOptica·DateAug 25, 2023

PolyU scholar’s transformative work on the Leidenfrost effect wins the Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year 2023

Prof. Zuankai WANG's innovative structured thermal armour (STA) resolves the Leidenfrost effect above 1,000°C, enabling efficient liquid cooling in extreme temperatures. This breakthrough applies to aero-engines, space-engines, nuclear reactors, and electronics devices, with far-reaching implications for chemistry and beyond.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalNature·TypeCase study·DateAug 25, 2023

Myocardial infarction, the number one cause of sudden death, may be treated by modulating the immune response.

Researchers developed a novel treatment for severe myocardial infarction by reducing inflammation and improving heart function. The treatment uses anti-inflammatory nanovesicles derived from fibroblasts with induced apoptosis, delivered specifically to macrophages at the site of myocardial infarction.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 25, 2023

Recommendations to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes published today

Patients with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and the new guidelines recommend systematic screening, lifestyle changes, and medication to reduce this risk. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of managing heart failure, kidney damage, and atrial fibrillation in these patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 25, 2023

U.S. ninth graders’ math course placement at the intersection of learning disability status, race, and socioeconomic status

Researchers found that students with disabilities are disproportionately placed in lower-level math courses due to cumulative disadvantage. The study's intersectional framework highlights the complex relationships between learning disability status, race, and socioeconomic status.

SourcePortland State University·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateAug 25, 2023

α-Al2O3 protective layer that sticks to metal surface with functions of an anchor and peg

Researchers have developed a compact α-Al2O3 protective layer that can stick to metal surfaces, providing outstanding protection in high-temperature liquid metal environments. The layer's unique structure and properties promote adhesion strength and resist peeling, making it an innovative solution for extending the service life of liqu...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalSurface and Coatings Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2023

Mitochondria pore emerges as potential key to managing muscular dystrophies

Researchers isolated the primary disease-causing component of muscular dystrophy to the mitochondrial permeability pore and found that preventing its function stops disease progression. A potential treatment strategy involves targeting the mitochondrial pore with a nontoxic inhibitor, which could provide benefits independently or in co...

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2023

Kessler Foundation team examines influence of processing speed on treatment benefits of cognitive rehabilitation for individuals with traumatic brain injury

Research by Kessler Foundation team found that processing speed plays a role in benefit from the modified Story Memory Technique on verbal list learning but not on prose memory tasks. This suggests that treating deficits in processing speed may lead to optimal outcomes for individuals with traumatic brain injury.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalBrain Injury·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 25, 2023

A new analytical framework assesses the risk of invasive golden mussels in water diversion projects

Researchers develop innovative framework to evaluate establishment risks linked to invasive golden mussels in water diversion projects. Key environmental variables identified, including total nitrogen levels and optimal water temperature, which impact mussel reproduction and biofouling risk.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateAug 25, 2023

New guideline details dental pain management strategies for pediatric patients

The American Dental Association has released a new clinical practice guideline recommending the use of acetaminophen and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as first-line treatments for managing short-term dental pain in children under 12. The guideline has been endorsed by the American Dental Association.

SourceAmerican Dental Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateAug 25, 2023

Spending on mental health services has risen by more than 50% since beginning of pandemic

A new study found that mental health spending rose by 53% from March 2020 to August 2022 among privately insured Americans, with in-person care experiencing a significant increase. Despite plateaued telehealth use, overall mental health service use grew nearly 39%. The trend's sustainability remains uncertain.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 25, 2023

New human cell-based 3D model reveals insights into how immune cells contribute to Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a novel 3D human cellular model that mimics the intricate interactions between brain cells and immune invaders, providing insights into how immune cells contribute to Alzheimer's disease progression. The study identified specific types of immune cells called CT8+ T Cells surg...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2023

Anesthesiologists should play bigger role in perioperative care of people with Substance Use Disorders

The series emphasizes the importance of anesthesiologists in addressing unmet needs of patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUDs) in the perioperative period. Anesthesiologists are urged to adopt a broader approach to effective disease management, incorporating trauma-informed patient care and increased collaboration with addiction me...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateAug 24, 2023

Common supplements might reduce natural hearing loss

Researchers found that phytosterols can reverse age-related hearing loss in mice by replenishing cholesterol in sensory cells. The study suggests that these plant-based compounds could be a convenient way to combat age-related hearing loss.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2023

Mount Sinai researchers find Asian Americans to have significantly higher exposure to “toxic forever” chemicals

Researchers from Mount Sinai found that Asian Americans have a significantly high exposure to PFAS, with median exposure scores 89% higher than non-Hispanic whites. The study used advanced data science methods to account for complex exposure sources and heterogeneity across different groups.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 24, 2023