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Science News Archive February 2023 - Page 6


Page 6 of 36

New study finds offering paid sick leave is good for U.S. business

A recent study by Florida Atlantic University and Cleveland State University researchers found that offering paid sick leave to US workers leads to fewer occupational injuries, less presenteeism and better employee health and safety. The study also shows positive impacts on business outcomes such as improved morale, retention, profitab...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 23, 2023

Dynamic expression of brain serotonin receptors across the menstrual cycle provides clues about premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Researchers discovered a significant increase in serotonin transporter density in the midbrain of patients with PMDD during the periovulatory phase, which was associated with increased depressed mood. The study suggests that taking SSRIs at specific times during the menstrual cycle may help target these changes and alleviate symptoms.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Where do toxins from tobacco attack DNA?

Researchers at ETH Zurich have localized changes to DNA building blocks altered by tobacco smoke's toxic compounds. These findings suggest a potential method to predict cancer risk and study genetic predispositions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalACS Central Science·DateFeb 23, 2023

Normal gastrointestinal biopsy not protective against later IBD, study finds

A new study found that individuals with a normal gastrointestinal biopsy still have a higher risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the years following the biopsy. The study of over 450,000 individuals in Sweden showed that symptoms of IBD may start significantly before the disease shows up on biopsy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Scientists develop new targeted therapeutic strategies against liver metastasis

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism of immune surveillance by liver-resident macrophages called Kupffer cells that prevent liver metastasis from escaping. They successfully cleared tumors in various animal models using a new method for in situ targeted expression and remodels of KCs' anti-tumor function.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 23, 2023

TraffikGene gets €2.5M from the European Innovation Council to bring its technology to market

TrafikGene, led by Prof. Javier Montenegro, develops a peptide-based technology for efficient delivery of nucleic acids with potential therapeutic application. The project aims to create vehicles that facilitate selective and non-toxic delivery of nucleic acids for applications in cancer immunotherapy.

Heterostructures developed at Purdue support predictions of counterpropagating charged edge modes at the v=2/3 fractional quantum Hall state

Researchers at Purdue University have developed heterostructures that support the prediction of counterpropagating charged edge modes at the v=2/3 fractional quantum Hall state. The team's experiment measured an electrical conductance equal to half the fundamental value of e^2/h, consistent with theoretical predictions.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 23, 2023

Exercise more effective than medicines to manage mental health

A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals that physical activity is 1.5 times more effective than counselling or medications in managing depression. The review of 97 reviews and 1039 trials shows that exercise interventions, especially those lasting 12 weeks or less, can significantly reduce mental health ...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 23, 2023

Understanding the value of a physician’s intuition when assessing risk factors for surgery

A new study found that preoperative surgeon intuition is an independent predictor of 30-day postoperative complications, but its predictive power is not as strong as a standardized risk calculator. The study suggests that the information gathered by the calculator is better at predicting outcomes than surgeons' gut feelings.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 23, 2023

How does a person’s ethnicity impact their risk of death?

A new UK Biobank study analyzes data on nearly half a million participants and finds that Asian and Black groups have lower all-cause mortality rates compared to White groups. The study also identifies specific risk factors associated with each ethnic group, such as mental health diagnoses for Asians and parasitic diseases for Blacks.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Genes reveal kidney cancer’s risk of recurrence

A new study links genetic changes in kidney cancer to patient outcomes, identifying four groups of patients based on mutation presence. This research may lead to more effective prediction of recurrence risk and personalized treatment for thousands of patients annually.

SourceMcGill University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 23, 2023

New insights into chordate body plan development answer long-standing questions on evolution

A recent study in Developmental Biology reveals the evolution of the chordate body plan from an echinoderm common ancestor. The research identifies key gene expression patterns and transcription factors that led to the development of the chordate nervous system, lateral mesoderm, and Spemann's organizer.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalDevelopmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Vanillin from Kraft Lignin

Scientists have successfully developed a novel method to recover vanillin from Kraft lignin, a previously waste material, without using harmful chemicals. This process utilizes recycled materials and electric power, making it an environmentally friendly approach to meet the high demand for vanillin in various industries.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Children’s lung capacity improved in cleaner air

A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal reports that children's lung capacity has improved in areas with decreased air pollution in Stockholm. The researchers found a 20% lower risk of significantly impaired lung function in participants living in areas with better air quality.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2023

New study takes close look at energy storage

Researchers analyze current state of solid-state battery technology, identifying key challenges such as developing solid electrolytes and anode materials. The study concludes that new approaches in material research are necessary to overcome these hurdles and achieve commercialization.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Energy·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 23, 2023

Theory can sort order from chaos in complex quantum systems

A new mathematical theory developed by scientists at Rice University and Oxford University can predict the nature of motions in complex quantum systems. The theory applies to any sufficiently complex quantum system and may give insights into building better quantum computers, designing solar cells, or improving battery performance.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2023

Ultrafast synthesis of cobalt/carbon nanocomposites by magnetic induction heating for oxygen evolution reaction

Researchers developed a method for creating cobalt/carbon nanocomposites using magnetic induction heating, which significantly enhances the oxygen evolution reaction performance. The new synthesis method produces high-performance electrocatalysts with low overpotentials and high current densities.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Sensor and Energy Materials·DateFeb 23, 2023

How digital twins could protect manufacturers from cyberattacks

A new cybersecurity framework uses digital twin technology, machine learning, and human expertise to detect cyberattacks in manufacturing processes. The framework analyzes continuous data streams from physical machines and their digital twins to identify irregularities and flag potential threats.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering·DateFeb 23, 2023

National Jewish Health researchers discover biomarkers that could predict future allergic conditions

Researchers at National Jewish Health have discovered biomarkers on the surface of infant skin that can predict the development of atopic dermatitis and other allergic conditions. The study's findings suggest that targeted therapies such as emollients or biologics may be effective in preventing eczema.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Examining heat transfer in granular materials

Researchers have discovered that thermal conductivity in granular materials is heavily influenced by particle sizes and surface roughness. For smaller particles, heat transfer occurs mainly through water capillary bridges, while larger particles rely on air transmission.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 23, 2023

3D printing with bacteria-loaded ink produces bone-like composites

EPFL researchers have created a 3D printing ink containing calcium carbonate-producing bacteria that produces bone-like composites. The resulting bio-composite is exceptionally strong, light, and environmentally friendly. This innovation has potential applications in art restoration, coral reef regeneration, and biomedical fields.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalMaterials Today·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Patients with high blood pressure who partnered with community health workers more likely to achieve blood pressure control

Researchers found that community health worker partnerships led to significant improvements in blood pressure control among South Asian patients, who face unique social and cultural barriers to healthcare. After six months, 68% of treatment group participants had controlled blood pressure, compared to 42% of the control group.

Electrodes grown in the brain – paving the way for future therapies for neurological disorders

Researchers have successfully grown electrodes in living tissue using the body's molecules as triggers, paving the way for fully integrated electronic circuits in living organisms. This breakthrough method allows for substrate-free organic bioelectronics and targets specific biological substructures for nerve stimulation.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

Mystical and insightful psychedelic experience may improve mental health

Researchers found that individuals who scored high on questionnaires assessing mystical and insightful nature of their psychedelic experiences reported improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms. A challenging experience while on these substances was also beneficial, especially in the context of mystical and insightful experiences.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 23, 2023

Scientists identify new mechanism of corrosion

Researchers identify a new mechanism of corrosion morphology using electron tomography and theoretical calculations, finding a one-dimensional wormhole structure in metal alloys. The study could lead to the development of more advanced materials with improved resistance to localized corrosion.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023

New study finds millions in US missed cancer screening during second year of COVID-19 pandemic

A nationwide study by the American Cancer Society found that millions of people in the US missed critical cancer screening tests during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of women who reported having cervical cancer screening dropped by 4.4 million, and men had 700,000 fewer prostate cancer screenings.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 23, 2023