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Science News for July 25, 2023


Navigating telemedicine implementation: exploring experiences of primary care clinicians early in the COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers surveyed primary care clinicians on telemedicine use during the pandemic, noting initial challenges but increasingly positive attitudes towards its value. Clinicians recognized video- and phone-based care as a valuable tool, but also identified obstacles such as infrastructure and reimbursement issues.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 25, 2023

Monkeypox: Characterization of post-infectious immune response

Scientists studied 470 sera from vaccinated or MPXV-infected individuals to elucidate mechanisms involved in post-infectious immune response. The study revealed the role of complement and analyzed immune responses in vaccinated or infected individuals, with robust levels of anti-MVA antibodies detected after infection or vaccination.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023

Study finds ‘startling’ levels of hidden mental health symptoms among people living with long term autoimmune diseases

A recent study from the University of Cambridge and King's College London found that over half of patients with autoimmune conditions experience mental health symptoms, but are rarely or never asked about in clinic. The study highlighted a significant gap in mental health support for these patients.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalRheumatology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 25, 2023

New robot boosts solar energy research

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new robot called RoboMapper that can conduct experiments more efficiently and sustainably to develop new semiconductor materials. The robot automates the process of testing multiple samples simultaneously, reducing time and energy consumption by nearly 10 times.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023

Healing power of light: University of Ottawa team advances clear vision for eye repair

The study, published in Advanced Functional Materials, reveals a novel light-activated material that can be used to effectively reshape and thicken damaged corneal tissue, promoting healing and recovery for patients with keratoconus. The technology has tremendous potential to impact millions of people suffering from corneal diseases.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 25, 2023

Research supports use of managed and prescribed fires to reduce fire severity

Scientists found that contemporary fires in dry conifer forests are burning hotter and killing more trees than in previous centuries, due to a lack of low-severity fires. Regular management and prescribed fires can help mitigate this trend and restore resilience to these ecosystems.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Rocky Mountain Research Station·JournalForest Ecology and Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 25, 2023

Primary care clinics that improved patient access, identified at-risk patients and expanded services experienced reductions in acute hospitalizations

Researchers identified key strategies contributing to significant reductions in Medicare acute hospitalization rates at high-performing Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+) sites. These clinics implemented effective strategies such as improving timely access to primary care, identifying high-risk patients with enhanced care managemen...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 25, 2023

How the brain detects and regulates inflammation

A multidisciplinary team of scientists has revealed the existence of a brain circuit involved in sensing and regulating inflammation. The circuit detects inflammatory hormones in the blood and organizes the immune response through the vagal complex and parabrachial nucleus.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023

International workgroup of cancer genetics experts convened by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics develops guidance on clinical management of CHEK2 pathogenic variants and cancer risks

A new clinical practice resource provides valuable information for healthcare professionals caring for individuals with pathogenic variants in the CHEK2 gene. The resource assesses personalized risk estimates based on family history, specific variant, and other factors.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 25, 2023

Older adults who identify as sexual and gender minorities experience disproportionate age-related decline

A new study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reveals that older adults who belong to sexual and gender minorities experience higher rates of frailty, starting at younger ages, compared to non-OSGM participants. The research highlights the need for early geriatric assessment among OSGM and potential targets to mitigate frailty.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Gerontology·DateJul 25, 2023

Researchers examine the impact of loan repayment program enrollment on physician workforce equity and patient care access

Researchers found that service-based loan repayment programs like NHSC promote more diverse scope of practice, rural practice, and serving medically underserved populations. In contrast, PSLF may be less effective in supporting underrepresented backgrounds and directing physicians to these areas.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 25, 2023

Compound reduced inflammation in COVID-19-infected mice without compromising immune response to virus

Researchers identified a new class of molecules capable of preventing excessive inflammation in severe COVID-19. Blocking the link between peptide C5a and its cellular receptor reduced lung damage and other complications in mice. This finding suggests that antagonists of C5aR1 could be useful for treating severe COVID-19.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 25, 2023

Greater primary care continuity among older people is associated with fewer inappropriate prescriptions and prescribing omissions

A Dutch study found that higher levels of personal continuity among older patients are associated with reduced potentially inappropriate prescriptions and prescribing omissions. The researchers analyzed routine care data from over 25,000 patients and discovered that increased personal continuity led to a significant decrease in PIPs, p...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 25, 2023

A KAIST research team develops a washable, transparent, and flexible OLED with MXene nanotechnology​

A KAIST research team created a water-resistant, transparent, and flexible OLED using MXene nanotechnology. The material can emit and transmit light even when exposed to water. The study focused on producing an adequate encapsulation structure and suitable process design to improve the reliability of MXene OLED.

PolyU researchers collaboratively develop high-performance titanium alloys through additive manufacturing

The research team produced a new strong, ductile, and sustainable titanium alloy through additive manufacturing, exhibiting better mechanical performance than traditional methods. This innovation addresses waste management issues in titanium alloy production, enabling recycling of off-grade sponge titanium.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023

Researchers detail methodological approach to creating joint displays of data collection in mixed methods research

Researchers developed a step-by-step approach for creating joint displays of integrated data collection, facilitating comprehensive connections between qualitative and quantitative data. This method tackles the challenge of integrating qualitative and quantitative information in clinical studies, enabling robust mixed methods analysis.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 25, 2023

Understanding social media discussions about female genital mutilation

An analysis of English Twitter data reveals a 17-fold increase in daily FGM conversations on International Day of Zero Tolerance, suggesting opportunities for social media education. At least 200 million women and girls have undergone FGM, leading to short- and long-term health consequences.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJul 25, 2023

Acquiring CSI in RIS-assisted mobile communication systems

Researchers provide an overview of CSI acquisition methods for implicit and explicit types, considering factors such as RIS categories, estimation objectives, and training overhead. The study aims to optimize CSI acquisition for cost-effective and energy-efficient wireless channel utilization in RIS-assisted mobile communication systems.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 25, 2023

Kids who lose WIC lose nutrition

A new study from the University of Georgia found that when children age out of WIC after their fifth birthday, nutritional quality of their diet takes a significant hit, resulting in a 20% reduction. This can have long-term effects on healthy eating habits and nutritional knowledge.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateJul 25, 2023

Dynamic pricing superior to organic waste bans in preventing climate change

A new study from UC San Diego's Rady School of Management suggests that dynamic pricing could be a more effective way for grocery chains to reduce food waste and mitigate climate change. By analyzing data from Pick 'n Save, the study found that dynamic pricing can reduce waste by 21% while increasing profit margins among retailers.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMarketing Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2023

Mars: Was Olympus Mons once a giant volcanic island?

The giant Olympus Mons volcano on Mars has morphological similarities with many active volcanic islands on Earth, indicating contact between liquid water and lava. A vast ocean of liquid water once occupied the Red Planet's northern lowlands, according to recent work published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters.

SourceCNRS·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJul 25, 2023

Survey suggests geographic inequalities in patient registration versus primary care physician density can exclude patients from comprehensive care access

A simulated study found that patients face challenges registering with primary care physicians, even when they have a nearby doctor. The research revealed that doctors are less likely to accept new patients requiring time-consuming procedures or working in areas with low PCP density.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 25, 2023

How does El Niño affect precipitation over the Antarctic Peninsula and West Antarctica?

A recent study suggests that El Niño's impact on precipitation in West Antarctica is not significant, contradicting its effect through the Amundsen Sea low pressure system. However, different types of El Niño events have opposing impacts on the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding seas.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJul 25, 2023

A chance to design better vaccines?

Researchers developed a bioinformatic tool that selects parts of proteins to elicit strong immune responses. This approach, grounded in immunological theory, was four times more efficient than current methods, suggesting better vaccine protection against diseases.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBiology Methods and Protocols·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2023

International trial shows that interferon could help reduce the spread of COVID-19

A clinical trial found that interferon can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 from a positive person to their household contacts. The study tracked 1,172 participants and showed that interferon treatment reduced viral load in households with high viral loads. However, it did not reduce disease severity.

SourceTelethon Kids Institute·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 25, 2023

Meta-analysis of research on acne reveals that oral isotretinoin, followed by topical antibiotic, benzoyl peroxide and retinoid, are most effective treatments

A meta-analysis of 221 randomized controlled trials reveals oral isotretinoin as the most effective treatment for acne, followed by triple therapies containing antibiotics and retinoids. The study also found that monotherapies like antibiotics and retinoids have comparable efficacy for inflammatory lesions.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 25, 2023

Sahmyook University study repurposes meclofenamate to treat abnormal respiratory mucus

Researchers at Sahmyook University repurposed meclofenamate to treat abnormal respiratory mucus, reducing mucin secretion and characteristics of respiratory mucus. This study offers an alternative solution for patients with respiratory diseases, saving time and costs compared to conventional drug development strategies.

SourceSahmyook University·JournalBiomolecules & Therapeutics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023

New research shows AI can ask another AI for a second opinion on medical scans

Researchers at Monash University developed a co-training AI algorithm that can effectively mimic human oversight in medical imaging. The algorithm achieved an average improvement of 3% compared to state-of-the-art approaches using limited annotated data, enabling AI models to make more informed decisions and uncover accurate diagnoses.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 25, 2023

Novel multi-sensor fusion models enable fast and accurate detection of surface water quality

Researchers developed a novel strategy to detect surface water pollution by fusing UV-Vis and NIR spectral data. The approach improved prediction accuracy for COD, AN, and TN, providing a promising technology for real-time water quality monitoring.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalSpectrochimica Acta Part A Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy·DateJul 25, 2023

New algorithm may fuel vaccine development

Researchers have developed a computational tool to compare large datasets and predict immune responses to disease, potentially leading to better vaccines. The new algorithm, designed by La Jolla Institute for Immunology scientists, uses machine learning to identify underlying patterns in immune system data.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2023

Reduced likelihood of gabapentin prescription in U.S. adults receiving chiropractic spinal manipulation for low back pain

A study found that US adults with radicular low back pain receiving chiropractic spinal manipulation for low back pain had significantly lower odds of being prescribed gabapentin. The odds ratio was 0.53, indicating a meaningful reduction in gabapentin use among patients who received chiropractic care.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateJul 25, 2023

BU perspective: Obesity associated with consumption of ultra-processed food along with thousands of potential environmental toxins

A new hypothesis suggests that obesity is linked to the consumption of ultra-processed foods and exposure to environmental toxins. Researchers believe that these toxins can generate misinformation in the body, leading to weight gain and obesity.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 25, 2023

Soil microbes help plants cope with drought, but not how scientists thought

Researchers found that soil microbes adapt to drought conditions over time and provide benefits to plants when grown together, even without plant signals. This challenges the long-held assumption of co-evolutionary dialogue between plants and microbes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateJul 25, 2023

Brazilian researchers identify gynecological concerns of caregivers of young girls and women with Down syndrome

A cross-sectional study found that caregivers of Brazilian girls with Down syndrome commonly expressed concerns about menstrual bleeding and sexual development, with most permitting their child to engage in romantic relationships. The study highlights the need for guidance on addressing difficulties related to menstruation, contracepti...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 25, 2023

New research explores durability of 2D hybrid materials

Researchers investigated the fatigue behavior of 2D hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (HOIPs), discovering they can survive over one billion cycles, outperforming most polymers under similar loading conditions. The study provides insights into designing and engineering these materials for long-term mechanical durability.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJul 25, 2023

Intervalence charge transfer of Cr³⁺-Cr³⁺ aggregation for NIR-Ⅱ luminescence

The team achieves NIR-Ⅱ broadband luminescence via intervalence charge transfer in LaMgGa₁₁O₁₉, exhibiting dual-emission (NIR-I and NIR-II) with high efficiency and luminescence external efficiency of 18.9%. The luminescence shows anti-thermal quenching behavior and longer decay lifetime associated with the anomalous NIR-II emission.

Road salt pollution in many US lakes could stabilize at or below thresholds set by the EPA

A new study suggests that with careful management, road salt concentrations in US lakes may stabilize below EPA-set thresholds to protect aquatic life. Reducing road salt application rates could yield additional environmental and economic benefits without threatening road safety.

SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 25, 2023

Family medicine physicians receive lowest HPV vaccine cost reimbursements compared to pediatricians, internal medicine doctors, nurse practitioners and other specialists

A study found that family medicine physicians have the lowest net returns per dose for HPV vaccines, while pediatricians received higher reimbursement amounts. The researchers also observed a positive association between reimbursement and increased HPV vaccine doses administered, particularly among family physicians.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 25, 2023

IT peer advice may diminish the management labor pool

A study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that IT peers may deter business students from entering the field. However, women without IT experience are more likely to receive positive messages and pursue careers in IT. Firms should consider the potential negative impact of peer advice when recruiting and developing IT talent.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalInformation Systems Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2023

Gloomy climate calculation: Scientists predict a collapse of the Atlantic ocean current to happen mid-century

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen predict the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) will collapse between 2025 and 2095, with major consequences for Earth's climate. The study contradicts the latest IPCC report and highlights the importance of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2023

Self-powered and broadband opto-sensor with bionic visual adaptation function

Researchers developed an artificial visual device that can operate in self-powered mode, exhibiting human-eye-like adaptation behaviors. The device demonstrates broadband light-sensing image adaptation and synergetic visual adaptation, showcasing its potential for advancement in intelligent opto-sensors and machine vision systems.

Rice U.’s Kaiyu Hang wins NSF CAREER Award

Hang aims to develop general-purpose robots that can handle complex physical interactions without requiring perfect input from sensors or extensive instructions. His project seeks to improve robotic manipulation tasks by reducing assumptions about how the robot acts in real-world conditions.

All US racial and ethnic minority groups are underrepresented in Alzheimer’s neuroimaging research, study shows

A comprehensive review of US-based Alzheimer's disease brain imaging studies found that all racial and ethnic minority groups are underrepresented. The gap is narrowing, but the research highlights the need for more diverse samples to capture details of participants' lived experience.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 25, 2023

New algorithm maps safest routes for city drivers

A new algorithm developed by UBC researchers can map the safest route with the lowest possible risk of a crash, incorporating real-time crash risk data. The study found that the fastest routes are not always the safest, highlighting the importance of considering safety and efficiency when choosing directions.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAnalytic Methods in Accident Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2023

Shedding light on a dark problem

Arizona State University researchers have developed a novel method of using UV-C light to inhibit biofilm growth in almost any space. The team successfully inhibited biofilm growth by delivering UV-C light through side-emitting optical fibers at low irradiance levels, achieving results comparable to continuous light exposure.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Water·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023