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Science News Archive February 2023 - Page 16


Page 16 of 36

Researchers illuminate gaps in public transportation access, equity

A new study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reveals that even with broad coverage, public transit systems may still exclude low-income and vulnerable populations. The researchers used a GIS-based approach to evaluate travel times by location and economic conditions, finding that routes often leave behind those who rel...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·TypeCase study·DateFeb 16, 2023

A giant step forward in understanding autism

Researchers discovered that sensory signals are underrepresented in cortical pyramidal neurons of people with Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a common cause of autism. This finding could lead to new therapeutic strategies and improved perception of sensory signals.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2023

CHOP researcher leads international panel in developing first-ever clinical diagnosis guidelines for MOGAD

A team of international experts has established new criteria for diagnosing myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), a condition causing inflammation and potential damage to the brain and spinal cord. The proposed guidelines, published in The Lancet Neurology, provide an important framework for distingui...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 16, 2023

Kessler Foundation awarded Social Security Administration funding to expand research for improving employment outcomes following neurotrauma

The five-year project aims to enroll 500 working-age adults with brain or spinal cord injuries and explore the effectiveness of vocational resource facilitation services. Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and other partners will provide targeted counseling and support to help individuals return to work after disabling neurotrauma.

Does ice in the Universe contain the molecules making up the building blocks of life in planetary systems?

The James Webb Space Telescope has discovered frozen forms of complex molecules on the surface of small dust grains, providing insight into planetary system formation. The study reveals that these ice-cold conditions facilitate the creation of essential molecules for life, with potential implications for exoplanet atmospheres.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Arming vegetables with anti-inflammatory properties using plant pigments

Scientists have genetically modified potatoes and tomatoes to produce betacyanin, a pigment with anti-inflammatory properties. The transgenic vegetables demonstrated enhanced accumulation of the pigment, which showed improved effects in reducing inflammation in macrophage-like cells and murine models of colitis.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Stevia based sweeteners offer a sweeter, more environmentally friendly alternative to sugar

Researchers found that stevia-based sweeteners cause significantly less environmental impact than sugar, with reduced land use and water consumption. The study provides promising news for the planet's health, but highlights the need for further research on the health impacts of these natural sweeteners.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalThe International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment·DateFeb 15, 2023

Canada’s first zero-carbon, net-positive energy building is on track to propel Ontario’s energy transition

Researchers at the University of Waterloo analyzed a zero-carbon building in Canada and found that data-driven improvements helped reduce energy consumption by 15% without compromising comfort. The building is now on track to achieve its target, producing five percent more clean energy than it consumes and adding it to the Ontario grid.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalEnergy and Buildings·DateFeb 15, 2023

Cancer symptom algorithm presented in JNCCN can aid doctors in predicting patients at risk for unplanned emergency visits

A new algorithm uses patient-reported outcomes to identify patients with cancer who are at increased odds of having unplanned emergency department visits. The algorithm, which calculates a symptom complexity score, has shown that patients with high complexity scores are three times more likely to use the ED.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateFeb 15, 2023

1st observational evidence linking black holes to dark energy

A team of researchers has discovered evidence of 'cosmological coupling' between black holes and the universe's expanding energy. By studying supermassive black holes in ancient galaxies, they found that these black holes gain mass over billions of years, matching predictions for black holes that cosmologically couple with vacuum energy.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2023

New insights into how blood pressure drug may benefit patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer

Researchers found that combining losartan with chemotherapy and chemoradiation improves blood vessel normalization, immune cell maturation, and reduces immunosuppression in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. This combination therapy may potentiate the benefits of other anti-cancer treatments.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateFeb 15, 2023

The Access to Advanced Health Institute announces $3M award to develop an intranasal pan-viral countermeasure against respiratory viruses

AAHI will develop a prototype nasal spray using its novel adjuvant formulation platform, promising to shorten timelines for emergency response to and mitigate impacts from biological threats. The project aims to create a temperature-stable and broadly protective nasal spray against multiple respiratory viruses.

Chinese Medical Journal study highlights epilepsy trends in China between 1990 and 2019

A Chinese Medical Journal study analyzed the temporal and spatial distribution of epilepsy across China, finding significant increases in incidence and prevalence rates between 1990 and 2019. The study also showed a general decrease in age-standardized DALY rates with increasing socio-demographic index.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2023

Food coloring nanoparticles may affect human gut

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that metal oxide nanoparticles commonly used as food coloring and anti-caking agents can damage parts of the human intestine. The study, led by Elad Tako, found negative effects on key digestive proteins in chickens injected with the nanoparticles.

SourceCornell University·JournalAntioxidants·DateFeb 15, 2023

Fear of judgment is keeping consumers indebted – study shows peer groups can help turn that around

A study by Ivey Business School found that joining a peer-supported debt counselling group improves financial well-being, particularly for those who fear stigma. Participants repaid more debt and experienced increased motivation when interacting with others who shared similar financial struggles.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario, Ivey Business School·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Novel optical and fMRI platform identifies brain regions that control large-scale brain network

Researchers have developed a novel experimental platform that combines optical and fMRI techniques to study large-scale brain networks. The platform identified the anterior insular cortex as a key player in controlling the Default Mode Brain Network, which is active during daydreaming, memory retrieval, and envisioning the future.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Why selfishness can lead to fairness

Researchers at the University of Konstanz found that selfish behavior can lead to a fair distribution of risk within groups of animals. By positioning themselves optimally to minimize distance from others, individuals reduce their own predation risk and create a safer environment for all members.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateFeb 15, 2023

Singapore-led collaboration develops novel method to accurately measure key marker of biological ageing

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have devised a way to rapidly and precisely measure the length of a single telomere, opening doors to developing lifestyle interventions that slow ageing and prevent disease. The novel approach uses DNA sequences called 'telobaits' to latch onto the ends of telomeres in large pools of DNA fragments.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Late Cenozoic climate cooling biogeographically shifted marine plankton communities

A recent study using planktonic foraminifera fossils found a global clade-wide shift in marine latitudinal zones towards the Equator. The researchers discovered that this shift was not tied to species diversity or functional traits, but rather ecological and morphological characteristics of the organisms.