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Science News Archive February 2023 - Page 30


Page 30 of 36

Large study identifies risk factors in children with chronic kidney disease

Researchers analyzed electronic health record data from over 7.1 million children to identify risk factors associated with a faster decline in kidney function, including disease origin, proteinuria, hypertension, and younger age. The study found that certain attributes are linked to a more rapid decline in kidney function, providing va...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 6, 2023

Being married may help people maintain lower blood sugar levels

A study published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care found that married individuals tend to have lower average glycemic levels compared to those without a partner. The researchers also discovered that marital transitions, such as divorce, can significantly impact blood glucose levels and the risk of pre-diabetes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2023

New insights into centromere structure

Researchers at Osaka University used cryogenic electron microscopy to study the structural change of the centromere during cell division. The study revealed a complex interaction between proteins involved in cell division, providing new insights into the correct division of chromosomes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

HKUMed establishes international consensus recommendations on using plasma EBV DNA in clinical management of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

The international group of clinicians established guidelines on measuring plasma EBV DNA in managing nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plasma EBV DNA can be used in most clinical circumstances with imaging scans, but cannot replace essential procedures like nasoendoscopy and tumour biopsy.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

A 'game changer' for clothing recycling?

A new textile technology developed by the University of Michigan enables invisble, indelible sorting labels for clothing recycling. This innovation increases efficiency and precision in recycling processes, addressing the challenge of sorting complex fabrics.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 6, 2023

Don’t complain to these co-workers

Research finds speaking up to competent managers leads to a 12%-15% increase in sales performance, while speaking sideways to peers decreases performance by 10%. Employees should critically assess who they direct their voice to when proposing changes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalOrganization Science·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Better microscopy technique for bioscience and live cell real-time imaging

A new SIM algorithm using principal component analysis (PCA-SIM) has been developed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of real-time live-cell imaging. The algorithm achieves more accurate parameter estimation and superior noise immunity compared to conventional iterative correlation-based approaches.

Long-term restoration of a biodiversity hotspot hinges on getting seeds to the right place at the right time

A new study reveals that a single seeding of native understory plants can reap lasting benefits in restored fallow agricultural fields and other landscapes. Cooler and wetter conditions, shallower needle depth, and greater tree spacing promote better establishment.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

New cell death mechanism could offer novel cancer treatment strategies

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a new cell death mechanism called disulfidptosis that targets cancer cells with high expression of SLC7A11. Disulfidptosis is triggered by glucose starvation and can effectively suppress tumor growth without significant toxicity in normal tissues.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Wistar scientists identify a gene signature to assess cancer risk in people

Researchers at The Wistar Institute have discovered a gene signature that accurately predicts the functioning of P53 variants, enabling better assessment of cancer risk and optimizing treatment choices. This breakthrough knowledge could be used to screen individuals with genetic variants of P53 and inform them about their cancer risk.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Political leaning shapes physicians’ and laypeople’s beliefs about COVID-19 treatments

A recent study found that individuals with conservative political leanings tend to favor hydroxychloroquine and view vaccination unfavorably. Physicians also exhibit similar biases, with conservative physicians being more likely to prescribe hydroxychloroquine. The study suggests that education alone may not be enough to combat polariz...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 6, 2023

Study links exercise intensity, attentional control in late-adolescent girls

A new study has found that adolescent girls who engage in moderate and vigorous physical activity have better attentional control. The study, led by University of Illinois professor Dominika Pindus, suggests that high-intensity exercise may be particularly beneficial for improving cognitive function.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 6, 2023

New study by neuroscientists and nephrologists offers clearest views yet on a key protein found in kidney and brain, opens avenues to treating diseases

A new study has revealed the structural nuances of a key protein found in both the kidneys and brains, shedding light on its role in treating diseases such as chronic kidney disease and Alzheimer's. The discovery of LRP2's ferrying mechanism has led to hope for novel pharmaceutical approaches.

SourceColumbia University·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Loss of reptiles poses threat for small islands where humans may have caused extinctions

A University of Texas at Austin paleobiologist's new examination reveals the serious impact of reptile extinctions on island ecosystems. The study found that smaller islands lack a buffer when losing reptile species, leading to reduced ecosystem stability and increased vulnerability to collapse.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Incivility reduces interest in what politicians have to say, shows research

A study by researchers at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that politicians who engage in incivility receive fewer followers and less interest in their messages. The researchers analyzed social media posts from Donald Trump and Joe Biden, finding that the former president lost over 6 million followers due t...

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Playing golf may be just as healthy or better than Nordic walking for older people

A recent study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine suggests that golf may be just as healthy or even healthier than Nordic walking for older adults. The research compared the acute effects of three aerobic exercises: an 18-hole round of golf, 6km of Nordic walking, and a 6km walk. The results showed that all three types of ...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 6, 2023

Study finds adverse impact of climate on mental health in Bangladesh

A recent study by Georgetown University Medical Center found that climate-related events have a profound impact on mental health outcomes in Bangladesh. The research, published in Lancet Planetary Health, reveals a high correlation between temperature increases, humidity levels, and the prevalence of depression and anxiety.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 6, 2023

How US cotton exports are shifting in response to competition and trade policy

Global market trends are changing as Brazil catches up with US cotton exports, driven by trade policies and increased production. Brazilian cotton exports have risen significantly, while US exports have declined, especially in the Chinese market.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2023

Devastating cost of future coastal flooding for many developing nations predicted in new study

A new study predicts devastating socioeconomic impacts of future extreme coastal flooding on developing nations caused by climate change. Without adaptation measures, the number of people affected could increase from 34 million in 2015 to 246 million by 2100, with expected annual damage costing over five percent of national GDP.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 6, 2023

Lifestyles of the fast and slow (bacteria): in the wild, most live in the slow lane

A recent study published in The ISME Journal reveals that the majority of bacteria living in wild soil are slow growers, contrary to previous lab-based frameworks that suggested a dichotomy between fast and slow growing microbes. This finding highlights the importance of testing field-based ideas with data from nature.

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalThe ISME Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2023

Ideal cardiovascular health can help people live longer, finds Chinese Medical Journal study

A large-scale observational study from China demonstrates a strong link between ideal cardiovascular health and lower mortality rates. Individuals with higher scores on behavioral and medical factors had approximately a 50% lower risk of all-cause, CVD, and respiratory mortality compared to those with lower scores.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2023

UTHealth Houston study: Caregivers trust social media more than physicians with CTE questions

A UTHealth Houston study found caregivers of people at high risk of CTE are more likely to seek information from social media than physicians. The study also showed that participants reported 77% of online CTE information is probably true, with league-sponsored websites and healthcare providers being the least credible sources.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalApplied Neuropsychology·DateFeb 6, 2023

Argonaute protein slicing and retention of RNA fragments plays a role in the chemical modification of DNA for gene silencing

A team led by Dr. Feng Wang found that Argonaute 4 binds to and retains snippets of ribonucleic acid molecules guiding the chemical inactivation of genes with matching sequences, playing a crucial role in gene silencing through DNA methylation. The retained RNA fragments help tether AGO4-RNA complexes to corresponding DNA sequences, bo...

SourceIndiana University·JournalGenes & Development·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Nasal drops of polysulfides may prevent a serious side effect—paralysis of the lower body—after surgery to repair the aorta

Researchers have found that nasal drops of chemical compounds called polysulfides may prevent serious side effects of aortic surgery, such as paralysis of the lower body. In a mouse model of paraplegia after aortic surgery, intranasal administration of polysulfides inhibited damage to spinal cord motor neurons and prevented paraplegia.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalRedox Biology·DateFeb 6, 2023

Promising treatment for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have developed a new treatment for Alzheimer's disease that targets the earliest, pre-symptomatic signs of the disease. The treatment, using cyclic peptides, has shown promise in diagnosing and preventing progression of the disease by blocking the formation of toxic oligomers.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2023

Going for an immediate transition to a green economy pays off, even if such transition is very unlikely to happen, a study finds

A new method assesses decision importance under uncertainty, suggesting that best decisions still pay off even when success is low. The study applies the method to a stylized greenhouse-gas emission problem, indicating that an early transition to a decarbonized society is rational despite low probability of success.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalEnvironmental Modeling & Assessment·DateFeb 6, 2023

Least wealthy people more likely to have mental health disorder later in life

A nationwide Finnish study found that around 58% of people with low educational attainment by age 30 will have a diagnosis of a mental disorder by age 52. The study also showed a stronger association between lower socioeconomic position and later diagnoses of substance misuse or schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2023

Key tilapia genome offers boost to global food security

The first full reference genome for a genetically improved tilapia strain has been published, revealing substantial genetic variation that highlights the need for strain-specific breeding programmes. The genome assembly provides crucial resources for breeders to develop strains with enhanced growth rate, immunity, and resilience.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalBMC Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2023