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Science News Archive December 2023 - Page 22


Page 22 of 29

Early life gene epimutation may cause breast cancer.

New research reveals that early life gene epimutations in the BRCA1 gene may increase the risk of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The study found that these epimutations occurred twice as often in girls than boys and were associated with a higher risk of TNBC, particularly in women who experienced pregnancy-related changes.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature·DateDec 7, 2023

Acoustic monitoring shows surprising resilience of subtropical forests to extreme weather – but climate change looms

Researchers analyzed 13,000 hours of audio data from Okinawan forests before, during, and after typhoons, finding that ecosystems responded differently than expected. The study suggests that developed sites were more resilient to extreme weather than anticipated, but climate change may push these ecosystems to their limits.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology launched by Allen Institute, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and the University of Washington will turn cells into recording devices to unlock secrets of disease

The Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology will develop technologies to record the history of cells over time, revealing how changes in cells and genes influence human health and disease. This single-cell technology has the potential to revolutionize how scientists study cell biology.

Less asphalt gives stronger trees in urban areas

Research from the University of Gothenburg found that trees surrounded by grass are stronger, taller, and cooler than those with paving close to the trunk. The study suggests investing in good soil and water for trees in urban areas where optimal conditions can be challenging.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2023

Opioid prescribing by surgeons

Opioid prescribing rates from US surgeons decreased between 2016 and 2022, but rebounded after the COVID-19 pandemic. Larger prescription sizes were observed during the pandemic due to refills being difficult to obtain.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 7, 2023

Younger postmenopausal patients with early-stage breast cancer may be able to safely omit adjuvant radiotherapy

A five-year follow-up study found that younger postmenopausal patients with stage I hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who opt out of adjuvant radiotherapy have a very low risk of disease recurrence. The study suggests that this option may be safely offered to women in this age group, but longer-term follow-up is needed.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 7, 2023

Even small amounts of physical activity could be valuable in late-stage lung cancer

New research found that less than five minutes of daily physical activity can be beneficial for people living with inoperable lung cancer, reducing mortality rates by 60% compared to those who were largely inactive. Healthcare providers should investigate a person's levels of physical activity in early management of the disease.

SourceCurtin University·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 7, 2023

Revealing the landscape of software as a medical device industry

The study reveals a diverse landscape of software as a medical device (SaMD) with notable progress in artificial intelligence/machine learning-based devices, accounting for 22% of all FDA-approved SaMDs. Established companies focus on incremental innovations, while new entrants and start-ups drive disruptive innovation.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

Plastic surgeons ask: What's the ideal male buttock?

A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reports that men prefer a moderately enhanced, well-proportioned appearance for their buttocks. The findings suggest that ratings from men and women were similar in terms of preferred proportions, with a focus on symmetry and avoiding a flat or protruding shape.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateDec 7, 2023

Molecular fossils shed light on ancient life

Researchers have discovered lipid fossils in ancient rocks, providing clues about the evolution of life. The findings suggest that a shift in animal feeding strategies occurred around 1.6 billion years ago, with some species abandoning phytosterol production as they obtained this nutrient from algae.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023

Ecology: Mediterranean green turtles nesting range expands under warming climate

A modelling study published in Scientific Reports suggests that rising global temperatures could lead to an expansion of the green turtle's nesting range in the Mediterranean Sea. The authors found that sea surface temperature, salinity, and human population density most affect the suitability of a location as a nesting site.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 7, 2023

First international expert and patient collaboration recommends changes to development, assessment, and approval of mental health medicines for young people

A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry calls for improved processes for developing medicines for children and young people. Experts and patients collaborated to define new parameters for the development of these medicines.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 7, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal review dives deep into probiotics for colorectal cancer

Researchers found that probiotics can limit CRC-promoting bacteria, rebalance the microbial profile, and induce targeted cancer cell death. Postbiotics derived from probiotic bacteria have also been shown to prevent CRC by limiting tumor proliferation and modulating the balance of anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic factors.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

Soundwaves harden 3D-printed treatments in deep tissues

A team of engineers has developed a novel printing method called deep-penetrating acoustic volumetric printing (DVAP) that uses soundwaves to solidify biologically compatible structures in deep tissues. The technique involves a specialized ink that reacts to ultrasound waves, enabling the creation of intricate structures for biomedical...

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023

Grinding coffee with a splash of water reduces static electricity and makes more consistent and intense espresso

Researchers found that adding water to coffee beans before grinding reduces static electricity, resulting in less wasted coffee and cleaner grinders. Grinding with water also produces more consistent and intense espresso. The study's findings have significant economic implications for the $343.2 billion coffee industry.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023

Map of disease-causing mutations in neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer revealed

Researchers have created the first extensive map showing which genetic changes can cause disease, leading to valuable insights into neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer. The study reveals that 90% of previously unexplained genetic changes' impact on health is significant, promising speedier diagnosis and new treatment avenues.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023

Shaping tobacco control messages for the Chinese lunar new year through effective short videos

A new study evaluates effective short video concepts for tobacco control during the Chinese Lunar New Year, finding that certain designs can change behavioral intentions and cultural appropriateness. The most suitable design was a 'Gamified couple at home' style video, while another option showed promise in personal motivation but was ...

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGlobal Transitions·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2023

New study finds many couples around the world may share high blood pressure

A new study found that in many older couples, both husband and wife had high blood pressure in the U.S., England, China, and India. This association was stronger in collectivist societies like China and India, where couples are expected to depend and support each other emotionally and instrumentally.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateDec 6, 2023

Scientists plead to be heard in pesticide debate: Exposure linked to risk of developing parkinson's disease via changes in gut microbiome

A review article links pesticide exposure to an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease through alterations in the gut microbiota. The authors recommend reducing or replacing agrochemicals and implementing coordinated efforts to develop standardized biomarkers for gut integrity and microbiome changes.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Parkinson’s Disease·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 6, 2023