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Science News Archive July 2023 - Page 15


Page 15 of 36

Bioengineered yeast feed on agricultural waste

Researchers at Tufts University have developed modified yeast that can efficiently consume agricultural waste biomass sugars, including xylose, arabinose, and cellobiose. This breakthrough enables the production of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and bioplastics with a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

SourceTufts University·JournalMetabolic Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2023

A 300,000 year-old double-pointed wooden stick was produced by Middle Pleistocene humans using sophisticated woodworking techniques and was likely used for throwing during hunts

Researchers analyzed a 300,000-year-old double-pointed wooden throwing stick from Schöningen, Germany, shedding new light on the woodworking skills of Middle Pleistocene humans. The study suggests that the tool was used for throwing during hunts, providing valuable insights into human evolution and early technology.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 19, 2023

iEarth: An interdisciplinary framework in the era of big data and AI for sustainable development

The iEarth framework uses Big Earth Data science and AI to analyze the interplay between natural ecosystems and human society, fostering cross-disciplinary ideologies and solutions for SDGs. The framework provides a comprehensive data-science-analytics-decision support system for sustainable environmental, social, and economic prosperity.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 19, 2023

Study optimizes patient-specific stem cell-based therapy for Parkinson’s disease

Researchers have made key discoveries in a new stem cell-based therapy for Parkinson’s disease, using patients’ own cells to replace lost neurons. The approach, called an autologous therapy, has shown promise in reversing symptoms of the disease in rat models and holds potential for clinical trials with improved success rates.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalStem Cells and Development·DateJul 19, 2023

Enabling autonomous exploration

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute have developed a suite of robotic systems and planners enabling robots to explore more quickly, probe the darkest corners of unknown environments, and create more accurate maps. The systems allow robots to do all this autonomously, finding their way and creating a map witho...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 19, 2023

Earlier detection of breast cancer

A team of researchers has developed a new method for detecting breast cancer using X-ray phase contrast imaging, which increases the resolution of images by up to 45% while reducing the radiation dose. This improvement enables earlier detection of small calcium deposits and improves the chances of survival for women with breast tumors.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalOptica·DateJul 19, 2023

Dementia risk and disadvantaged neighborhoods

A study of 1.6 million patients reveals that residing in disadvantaged neighborhoods increases the risk of dementia among older veterans integrated into a national healthcare system. The results suggest that socioeconomic factors contribute to cognitive decline and increase the risk of developing dementia.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJul 19, 2023

Understanding the many different ways animals are evolving in response to fire could help conservation efforts

A review of animal evolution in response to fire may help inform conservation strategies, as changing fire regimes impact species. By analyzing nearly 100 papers, the authors identified various adaptations, such as infrared sensory pits and behavioral changes, that enable animals to survive fires.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 19, 2023

Dedicated older people’s emergency department reduces wait times

A new study found that a dedicated older people's emergency department at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital reduced wait times by 20% compared to the main emergency department. Patients treated under this initiative received earlier frailty assessments within 34 minutes of arrival, leading to fewer hospital admissions.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Emergency Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 19, 2023

Why ongoing worker safety training is critical to effective disaster response

Rutgers researchers emphasize the importance of core disaster training for responders and workers prior to an emergency event. The inadequate provision of personal protective equipment remains a weakness in disaster response infrastructure. The authors recommend supplementing training with site-specific critical training and prioritizi...

SourceRutgers University·JournalNEW SOLUTIONS A Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health Policy·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 19, 2023

Study sheds light on cellular interactions that lead to liver transplant survival

Researchers identify key protein interactions that control the body's immune response during liver transplantation, leading to improved transplant survival rates. The study found that a specific communication pathway between CEACAM1 and TIM-3 proteins plays a crucial role in controlling the immune response.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalGastroenterology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2023

Integrated Biosciences announces synthetic biology platform enabling control over aging-associated stress response

Integrated Biosciences announces a drug discovery platform that enables precise control of the integrated stress response, a biological pathway activated by cells in response to various pathological conditions. The new platform uses optogenetic technique to study the ISR in live cells without physical or chemical damage.

SourceTen Bridge Communications·JournalCell Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2023

Stanford Medicine researchers map morphing placenta

The placenta forms an unusual organ that requires unique cooperation between genetically mismatched maternal and fetal cells. Researchers have mapped the intricate dance between trophoblasts and the mother's immune system, shedding light on how to develop new treatments for pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and miscarriages.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 19, 2023

Acetalization: A feasible and sustainable strategy for biomass valorization

Acetalization is a feasible and sustainable strategy for biomass valorization, serving as both a synthesis tool and protection mechanism for renewable acetal fuel additives. The latest research advances in catalytic systems for the acetalization of biobased furanic compounds and glycerol derivatives are summarized.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 19, 2023