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Science News Archive February 2023 - Page 27


Page 27 of 36

UK Scientists make major breakthrough in developing practical quantum computers that can solve big challenges of our time

Researchers from the University of Sussex and Universal Quantum have successfully connected quantum microchips, enabling powerful quantum computers. The breakthrough demonstrates a modular approach to scaling up quantum computing and unlocking its applications in industries such as medicine, materials science, and climate crisis solution.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Footprints of galactic immigration uncovered in Andromeda galaxy

Researchers used the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument to study the motions of nearly 7500 stars in the inner halo of the Andromeda Galaxy. They found telltale patterns that revealed how these stars began their lives as part of another galaxy, shedding light on galactic immigration events.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2023

Aston University researchers discover more accurate way of checking blood flow in type 2 diabetes patients

Researchers at Aston University have discovered a new approach to process LDF light signals, allowing for more precise measurement of blood flow in specific areas of the vascular bed. This innovation has shown significant improvement in diagnostic accuracy for detecting microvascular changes in patients with type 2 diabetes and age-spe...

SourceAston University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 8, 2023

Red at first sight but these mites are alright

A study by researchers from Hosei University and Kyoto University found that the red velvet mite's bright red pigment is primarily composed of astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant. This high concentration of antioxidants helps protect the mites from harsh environments caused by UV radiation and heat.

SourceHosei University·JournalExperimental and Applied Acarology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Scientists find unlikely pairs of DNA elements and regulator proteins make small plant stem cells destined to become tiny mouths

Researchers have elucidated a mechanism that makes tiny plant stem cells destined to give rise to stomata, cellular valves of plants. The discovery reveals two DNA codes and regulator proteins working together to lock in the fate of a plant cell.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Harnessing good fats to relieve MS symptoms

A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry found that a fish oil derivative called DHEA can reduce inflammation and disease severity in mice with multiple sclerosis. By supplementing the diet of mice with DHEA, researchers noticed a decrease in MS-like disease symptoms and an improvement in the immune system's response.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Uncovering bacteria survival strategies

Bacteria can survive antibiotics without acquiring new genes or mutating existing ones by maintaining high electrochemical energies. These high-energy cells exhibit a wide range of energy levels despite being in a state of arrested growth, enabling them to adapt and spread rapidly.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalmBio·DateFeb 8, 2023

Researchers developed an app that will train post-stroke care

Researchers developed an interactive training app called 'iTrain' to teach caregivers how to provide post-stroke care. The app uses real-life data and simulations to assess the user's knowledge and improve their skills in providing optimal care, leading to a significant positive effect on anxiety among carers and stroke victims.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalInformation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 8, 2023

Study finds underperforming organ procurement organizations contribute to nationwide shortage

A recent study published in JAMA Surgery found that underperforming organ procurement organizations significantly impact the nation's organ supply. The research analyzed data from 13 hospitals and identified large gaps between potential and actual donors, highlighting the need for improved oversight and performance standards.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateFeb 8, 2023

New dual-phase imaging protocol reduces costs and radiation exposure for cognitively impaired patients

A novel nuclear medicine imaging protocol, dual-phase amyloid PET, can assess both amyloid deposition and neurodegeneration with a single tracer injection, cutting costs and radiation exposure. The protocol was shown to be comparable in distinguishing patients with neurodegenerative diseases from controls.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateFeb 8, 2023

U of I online social work degree programs address diversity needs

The University of Illinois' online social work degree programs aim to increase diversity and accessibility by catering to non-traditional students with family and work obligations. The iBSW program enables students to complete a BSW degree solely through online classes, increasing the possibility of earning a baccalaureate degree.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Social Work Education·TypeCase study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Breathing muscles remain stronger even after weeks of no training: preserved health gains could improve physical endurance and quality of life for people with chronic lung conditions

Researchers found that breathing muscle strength persisted for five weeks after training stopped, suggesting potential benefits for physical endurance and quality of life in individuals with chronic lung conditions. Inspiratory muscle training also reduced the metaboreflex, allowing for improved exercise endurance.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalExperimental Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Childhood mental health problems resulting from early-life adversity drive poorer cognitive performance in adolescence, study suggests

A new study suggests that childhood mental health problems resulting from early-life adversity drive poorer cognitive performance in adolescence. Researchers found that addressing mental health difficulties when children are young can alleviate the effects of early-life adversity on later cognition.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2023

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is associated with distinct changes in the microbiome and gut metabolites

Two studies reveal that ME/CFS is associated with reduced levels of butyrate-producing microbes and differences in gut metabolites. Researchers found distinct changes in the microbiome of patients with short-term and long-term ME/CFS, suggesting a potential link between gut dysbiosis and the disease's severity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Spending on consumer advertising for top-selling prescription drugs in U.S. favors those with low added benefit

A new study found that the majority of top-selling prescription drugs in the US have low added benefit, with consumer advertising favoring these products. The analysis revealed a significant shift in promotional spending to direct-to-consumer ads, which may drive patient demand for less effective treatments.

Dental service use falls, oral health worsens after people become eligible for Medicare

A recent study found that nearly half of older adults receive no dental care and half lack dental insurance. After becoming eligible for Medicare, the percentage of people receiving restorative dental care decreased by 8.7%, while complete edentulism increased by almost 5 percentage points among those aged 65 and above.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2023

Asteroid impact in slow motion

Scientists at the University of Jena have solved a decades-long puzzle by studying quartz samples under extreme pressure. They discovered that characteristic lamellae, which are often used to detect asteroid impacts, form when quartz transforms into a more tightly packed phase under high pressure.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2023

What do medical students learn from family medicine clerkships?

A new study reveals that medical students learn valuable lessons from Family Medicine clerkships, including the importance of the doctor-patient relationship and clinical skills. The research also identifies a hidden curriculum area for improvement: acknowledging the difficulties of primary care practice. This finding has implications ...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalFamily Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 7, 2023

Strata Oncology announces publication of study validating clinical utility of pan-tumor predictive biomarker for checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy benefit

The study validated the clinical utility of Strata Oncology's proprietary pan-solid tumor predictive biomarker, Immunotherapy Response Score (IRS), which predicts response to checkpoint inhibitor therapy. IRS captures tumor biology and microenvironment by combining tumor mutation burden with quantitative expression of PD-L1, PD-1, ADAM...

SourceStrata Oncology·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2023

A faster, more accurate 3D modelling tool recreates a landscape’s digital twin down to the pixel level

The new automated method, called HybridFlow, uses large-scale aerial images to produce precise 3D models of cityscapes and landscapes. This technology has potential applications in natural disaster risk assessment and mitigation, enabling informed decision-making and evaluation of risk-mitigating factors.

SourceConcordia University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 7, 2023

Glacial flooding threatens millions globally

A global assessment identifies areas most vulnerable to Glacial Lake Outburst Floods, highlighting the need for targeted risk management actions. The study reveals 9.3 million people in High Mountain Asia are at highest risk, with India and Pakistan accounting for nearly half of the global total.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2023

Novel method to design new peptide therapeutics pioneered

Researchers developed a 'scanning and direct derivatization' method to target polymyxin, an antibiotic of last resort, for treating diseases resistant to conventional drugs. The method generated hundreds of peptide derivatives with varying effects, accelerating drug development.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2023

Study finds public opinion on ivory in China shifts over two decades

A Yale University-led study reveals that Chinese public opinion on ivory became more negative after the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) allowed the sale of African ivory to China. The research used machine learning techniques to analyze public opinion from Chinese media coverage b...

SourceYale University·JournalConservation Biology·TypeNews article·DateFeb 7, 2023

Brain structural differences observed in children with conduct disorder with and without childhood maltreatment

A new study found that children with conduct disorder who experienced childhood maltreatment have more extensive brain structural changes compared to those without maltreatment. The study highlights the unique contribution of childhood maltreatment to these changes and provides neurobiological insights into the heterogeneity of CD.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 7, 2023

Forest management will have a stronger effect than climate change on the supply of ecosystem services

Researchers from University of Jyväskylä found that forest management has a stronger effect on the supply of ecosystem services than climate change. The study suggests that forest management planning should account for biogeographic diversity, and climate change mitigation measures are particularly suited for northern Finland.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 7, 2023

Uncovering sexual health topics for parents to address with their adolescent-aged GBQ male children

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that parents' early developmental discussions are critical for GBQ adolescent males' sexual health. The study suggests age-appropriate and inclusive conversations at home throughout adolescence, even in elementary school. This approach can reduce vulnerability to p...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateFeb 7, 2023