Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 12, 2023


Wildfires also impact aquatic ecosystems

Research from the University of California San Diego finds that wildfires transform lakes and aquatic ecosystems, storing more carbon and emitting less CO2. The study suggests a shift in the role of aquatic systems in the global carbon cycle, with potential consequences for aquatic health and fisheries.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

Development of nanoparticle-based drug delivery system for inflammation treatment and diagnosis

Researchers have designed a nanoparticle-based drug delivery system to target inflammation, addressing issues with conventional anti-inflammatory drugs. The system utilizes targeting moieties to enrich nanoparticles in inflamed tissues, achieving enhanced efficacy.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMedComm – Biomaterials and Applications·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 12, 2023

Twenty-year study confirms California forests are healthier when burned — or thinned

A 20-year study confirms that prescribed burning and restoration thinning can reduce wildfire risk and boost forest health. The treatments improve tree resilience to drought and bark beetles without harming biodiversity. Combining thinning with fire produces the best results, making forests more resilient to climate change.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalEcological Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

Mammogram rates increase when patients schedule themselves

Researchers found that patients who scheduled their own mammograms through an online patient portal had a 13 percentage point increase in screening completions. This simple intervention doubled the number of mammogram completions, resulting in approximately 4,500 more people getting screened.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2023

In a new light – new approach overcomes long-standing limitations in optics

A multi-institutional research team, including Osaka University, has developed a new approach to enhance the efficiency of Mie scattering, which could lead to significant advancements in meta-photonics and applications like all-optical transistors. The researchers found that misaligning the incident laser on a nanometer scale can induc...

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

COVID-19 symptoms and economic hardship among US families

A study found that persistent COVID-19 symptoms and previous severe cases were associated with increased odds of pandemic-related economic hardship. Families with lower incomes before the pandemic were disproportionately affected, experiencing more employment disruptions and earnings losses.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 12, 2023

New computer tools can reconstruct 3D brain from biobank photos

Researchers developed a suite of free tools for analyzing vast amounts of brain dissection photographs, enabling the extraction and integration of quantitative information. The tools allow for the reconstruction of 3D brain images from biobank photos, providing valuable insights into neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateDec 12, 2023

This Japanese 'dragon' terrorized ancient seas

A newly described mosasaur, the Wakayama Soryu (blue dragon), had a distinctive shark-like dorsal fin and massive flippers that defied classification. The specimen, discovered in Japan, is the most complete mosasaur skeleton found in the country, with features that challenge current understanding of its swimming abilities.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2023

Study paves way for development of advanced quantum networks

Researchers at UNICAMP developed a new technology to create bridges between superconducting circuits and optical fibers, enabling efficient transmission of information in the electromagnetic spectrum. This breakthrough paves the way for the development of advanced quantum networks with potential applications in computing and communicat...

Potential of forsythiae fructus in mitigating chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal inflammation and nausea

Researchers found that Forsythiae Fructus attenuates cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in cells by inhibiting NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD mediated pyroptosis, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic approach against chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal inflammation and nausea.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Holistic Integrative Pharmacy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

New technology to assemble three-dimensional structures using gold nanoparticles confined in nanocapsules

Researchers at Toho University developed a technology to create three-dimensional structures of gold nanoparticles confined within silica nanocapsules. The assembled nanostructures exhibit new physical properties and unique optical properties, leading to the development of high-sensitivity multi-color sensors.

SourceToho University·JournalNanoscale Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

Civilian attacks and Ukrainian resistance

A recent survey of Ukrainian civilians found that those who have been more victimized by Russian violence are more willing to resist, particularly in military combat. The study suggests that the Russian strategy of targeting civilians is unlikely to deter Ukrainian resistance and may even strengthen it.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateDec 12, 2023

Mental health care gaps for women veterans - report

The report found that women veterans face multiple barriers to accessing veteran-specific mental health services, including feelings of exclusion, lack of understanding by clinicians, and inadequate visibility in service branding. The study suggests improving clinician knowledge, increasing visibility of women's experiences, and provid...

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·TypeSurvey·DateDec 12, 2023

UCF researcher discovers new technique for photon detection

A new technique for photon detection has been developed by UCF researcher Debashis Chanda, offering ultra-sensitive detection at room temperature. The method uses a phase-change material to modulate the frequency of an oscillating circuit, paving the way for low-cost, high-efficiency uncooled infrared detectors and imaging systems.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

Equity in cannabis research

The article proposes a way forward for cannabis research by acknowledging the history of discrimination and proposing actions to increase diversity and inclusion. The authors suggest passing equity-focused legislation, supporting scientists of color, and implementing inclusive recruitment practices.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateDec 12, 2023

Hope for full recovery as researchers successfully regenerate thyroid glands in the spleen

A recent study published in Advanced Science has successfully regenerates thyroid glands in the spleen, restoring hormone levels and physiological homeostasis in mice with total thyroidectomy. The innovative approach leverages the spleen's unique properties to create a favorable environment for thyroid regeneration.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

AI screens for autism in the blink of an eye

Researchers have developed an AI-powered system to diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children using a single flash of light to the eye. The system uses electroretinography (ERG) to identify specific features that classify ASD, providing a faster and more accurate method for diagnosis than existing tests.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·TypeCase study·DateDec 12, 2023

Assessing loan applicants’ credit risk via smartphone activities helps improve financial inclusion and business profitability

A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that using alternative data from smartphones is more effective in improving financial inclusion (23% better) and business profitability (42% better) compared to social media data. This approach can help microloan companies adopt cost-effective solutions and offset potential economic loss.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalMIS Quarterly·DateDec 12, 2023

Caregiving can be stressful, but it could also lower risk of depression

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that depression in adult caregivers is mostly driven by having a loved one experiencing serious health problems. Conversely, becoming a caregiver was associated with fewer symptoms of depression. The research suggests that caregiving may have a protective effect on mental health.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAdvances in Life Course Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2023

Preapproval requirement for oral anticancer drugs may interfere with treatment

A new study from Harvard Medical School researchers found that prior authorizations for oral cancer drugs can lead to significant delays in patients' obtaining the medication, increasing the likelihood of discontinuation. The analysis of Medicare Part D claims data revealed an average delay of 10 days in refilling prescriptions after a...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2023

New study explores ways to reduce inflammation and preserve bone health with prunes

A new study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that daily prune intake can significantly reduce inflammatory cytokines and activated monocytes in postmenopausal women. Prunes contain bioactive compounds that may act synergistically to suppress activated monocytes and their secretion of bone-resorptive inflammatory cytokines.

SourceWild Hive·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 12, 2023

Fat flies live longer on a diet at any age

Researchers found that switching fruit flies to a low-calorie diet extends their lifespan, even in old age. This study suggests that obese humans may benefit from reducing calorie intake in old age, as it can dramatically change their metabolisms and extend their lives.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

Drought and the rapid rise of skateboarding

A severe drought led to a surge in professional vertical skateboarding in Los Angeles, influenced by cultural, commercial, and environmental changes. The development of polyurethane wheels and sport-specific media contributed to the growth of the sport.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateDec 12, 2023

Is age linked to the picture of the perfect partner?

A large international sample of single women aged 18-67 years was surveyed on their ideal partner characteristics, revealing links between age and preferences. Most attributes were consistently important across ages, but higher age correlated with a preference for confident partners and greater acceptance of younger partners.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalHuman Nature·TypeSurvey·DateDec 12, 2023

New test predicts risk of cognitive dysfunction in older surgery patients

A simple EEG before surgery can detect a signal of cognitive vulnerability, predicting which patients are at risk of post-operative confusion and attention problems. Researchers found that this test successfully detected disordered arousal or attention in older adults, helping identify the degree to which they'd experience problems.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·DateDec 12, 2023

Size of attainment gap between UK White and minority ethnic medical students varies by ethnicity and medical school

Researchers found that UK White and minority ethnic medical students have varying academic achievement gaps depending on their individual ethnicity and medical school attended. Minority ethnic students are more likely to be male, from deprived backgrounds, and achieve lower UK Foundation Programme scores compared to their White peers.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2023

Smoking causes brain shrinkage

A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science found that smoking causes brain shrinkage and increases the risk of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Quitting smoking can prevent further loss of brain tissue, but stopping does not restore the brain to its original size.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2023

People who see climate change as a health threat show more interest in cancer screening

A study found that individuals who perceive climate change as a health threat are more likely to endorse interest in cancer screening. Those with greater awareness of climate change impacts may also be more overall health conscious, driving their interest in preventive healthcare measures.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2023

Creating a future, together, for rare-disease research

Researchers from Osaka University developed an online space for conversation and collaboration among patients with rare diseases, family members, researchers, and former policymakers. The project identified key themes and research priorities, including financial burden, daily life impacts, anxiety, and hospital visits, providing a uniq...

SourceOsaka University·JournalResearch Involvement and Engagement·DateDec 12, 2023

Patients can interrupt treatment of immune-supressing medicines for two weeks in order to boost immunity provided by COVID-19 booster vaccine, finds major study

A major study found that patients with inflammatory conditions can boost their antibody response to a COVID-19 booster vaccination by interrupting their treatment for two weeks. The improved protection lasts for six months, and patients who interrupted treatment reported more flare-ups but most were self-managed.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 12, 2023

Can AI be too good to use?

A new paper examines the challenges of adopting AI in the food industry, citing liability risks and potential costs, and proposes a temporary on-ramp to allow companies to trial AI technology while exploring benefits and mitigation strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalFrontiers in Artificial Intelligence·TypeSurvey·DateDec 12, 2023

Stability in physical and political science

Researchers Kenneth J. Breslauer and George W. Breslauer investigate the concept of stability in both physical and political science, finding parallels between kinetic trapping and social metastability. They propose applying thermodynamic principles to analyze socio-political systems, revealing a continuity between nature and society.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateDec 12, 2023

Black patients less likely to receive lifesaving stroke treatments

Research from the University of Georgia found that Black patients are significantly less likely to receive tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), leading to longer hospital stays and potentially poorer health outcomes. The study highlights racial disparities in stroke care and calls for increased educat...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·DateDec 12, 2023

Saliva: a means to detect pain in people with dementia

A study found that saliva biomarkers sTNFR2 and sIgA can effectively detect pain in people with dementia, providing an alternative to invasive methods. The researchers discovered a decrease in sTNFR2 levels and an increase in sIgA in patients with dementia compared to a control group.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalEuropean Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023

New AI-powered algorithm could better assess people’s risk of common heart condition

Researchers have developed an AI-powered algorithm that can detect the risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) with high accuracy, even in people with infrequent AFib episodes. This new tool has the potential to reduce the incidence of stroke and heart failure by identifying patients at increased risk and guiding targeted interventions.

SourceScripps Research Institute·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateDec 12, 2023