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Science News Archive July 2023 - Page 20


Page 20 of 36

In Florida, endangered coral finds a way to blossom

A new study found that the unique oceanographic conditions in Florida's Dry Tortugas National Park provide the ideal environment for elkhorn coral to flourish, with enhanced growth and survivorship. The research highlights the importance of food availability, particularly zooplankton, for coral survival and restoration efforts.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2023

Ochsner participates in new study showing potential benefits of normothermic machine perfusion in liver transplantation

A new study published in Annals of Surgery reveals promising results for normothermic machine perfusion in liver transplantation. The randomized controlled trial found that this technology showed particular promise in marginal donors and those with higher risk factors, demonstrating a lower incidence of dysfunction and cardiovascular s...

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalAnnals of Surgery·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 17, 2023

Bacterial protein found in the urogenital tract may contribute to reduced fertility, birth defects

Researchers discovered a bacterial protein that contributes to genomic instability and birth defects. The study found that mice exposed to the protein experienced reduced fertility and increased birth defects, shedding light on potential cancer connections.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2023

Metasurface design with intelligent optimization methods

Researchers have developed an intelligent metasurface design using forward and reverse algorithms, reducing computational time and improving physical accuracy. Machine learning and physics-informed neural networks are used to optimize metasurface properties and overcome limitations of traditional methods.

A key function for tight junctions in embryo models

A study by Gladstone Institutes researchers found that tight junctions between cells may play a critical role in gastrulation in human embryos. By suppressing tight junction formation, the team was able to create primordial germ cell-like cells, which are stem cells resembling human precursors of sperm and egg cells.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 17, 2023

Bacteria discreetly dwelling in throat revealed to be primary source of Strep A transmission

Research reveals that asymptomatic throat carriage of Streptococcus pyogenes is the primary source of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections in high-risk communities. This discovery challenges previous understanding of GAS transmission and has significant implications for public health approaches, vaccine development, and future research.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2023

Prescribing psychostimulants for people at risk of overdose

The Canadian Medical Association Journal recommends prescribing psychostimulants to help reduce illegal stimulant use. This approach is based on growing evidence from clinical trials in Australia, Europe, and the United States. Implementing this practice can help address the ongoing unregulated drug poisoning crisis in Canada.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 17, 2023

Disruption risk along global supply chains: technology outage and IR&D investment

A study investigates how product manufacturers can mitigate key core technology loss risks in global competition by implementing independent research and development (IR&D). The analysis reveals that enterprises investing in IR&D can create a strategic advantage, weakening the rival country's control over the situation.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalFundamental Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 17, 2023

Inequality and COVID-19

A study by University of Barcelona found that poorer districts in Barcelona were more likely to close schools during the pandemic, exacerbating existing health inequities. The researchers stress the importance of considering socioeconomic inequalities when designing public policies to prevent future pandemics.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalJournal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2023

New research shows babies’ immunological weak spot and strength

Researchers at Columbia University found that babies' immune cells develop slowly and are not fully mature until around 4-6 years old. This makes them more susceptible to respiratory infections, but also enables them to respond to new pathogens in a unique way, such as the formation of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT).

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2023

Significant rise in ADHD diagnoses in the UK

A significant rise in ADHD diagnoses and prescriptions was observed in the UK over the past two decades, with a higher increase among adults. The study found that ADHD was more commonly diagnosed in children and boys than girls and women, and that the number of individuals receiving medication for ADHD increased significantly.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBJPsych Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 16, 2023

Poetic birdsong, precisely tuned

Researchers found nightingales can flexibly adjust the pitch of certain song parts over a wide range of frequencies to imitate competitors. This strategy is thought to increase their mating chances during the breeding season. The birds can also adjust their songs in real-time to auditory stimuli, suggesting a robust neural circuitry.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2023

USTC develops solvent- and hydrogen-free method to upcycle high-density polyethylene plastics

A USTC research team introduces a novel dehydroaromatisation and hydrogenolysis tandem strategy to convert HDPE plastics into cyclic hydrocarbons without solvents or hydrogen. The method guarantees the continuity and stability of the catalytic reaction, making it suitable for various polyethylene plastics.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 15, 2023

Unimolecular reactions of anti-glycolaldehyde oxide and its reactions with one and two water molecules

Researchers used coupled cluster theory and multi-structural canonical variational transition state theory to investigate the unimolecular reaction of anti-glycolaldehyde oxide and its bimolecular reactions with atmospheric water vapor. The study found that the OH substituent increases reactivity and a specific reaction path dominates ...

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2023

New study demonstrates the potential of diseased coral parents in restoring stony coral tissue loss disease-affected species

A new study reveals that even colonies affected by Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) can contribute to the restoration of susceptible species through assisted sexual reproduction. The study found high fertilization and settlement success rates, with survivorship rates reaching up to 44% after being outplanted on a degraded reef.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 2023

Improving urban planning with virtual reality

Researchers use virtual reality to simulate urban scenarios, allowing them to measure the implicit effects of urban planning measures on human stress levels. The method has shown that higher traffic volumes can upset test subjects, paving the way for more climate-friendly and inclusive urban planning.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2023

Biology behind new drug used to treat triple-negative breast cancer uncovered

Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center discovered the biological mechanism of TTP488, an experimental drug that impairs aggressive triple-negative breast cancer from metastasizing. The finding enables clinical trials to explore the drug's effectiveness in preventing TNBCs from spreading, offering new hope for patients with...

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalBreast Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2023