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Science News Archive July 2023 - Page 28


Page 28 of 36

Association for Molecular Pathology publishes clinical CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 genotyping assay recommendations

The Association for Molecular Pathology has published clinical CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 genotyping assay recommendations to standardize testing across laboratories. The guidelines aim to improve patient care by providing guidance on allele selection, assay validation, and therapeutic recommendations.

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateJul 10, 2023

New comprehensive review of biochemical markers of bone fragility in diabetes

A comprehensive review of biochemical markers for bone fragility in diabetes identifies low bone turnover and alterations in bone quality as key factors. The study suggests that glycemic control, AGEs, and serum IGF-1 may have predictive value for fracture risk in patients with diabetes.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 10, 2023

Tumor monocyte content predicts immunochemotherapy outcomes for esophageal cancer

A study found that high tumor monocyte content is linked to improved outcomes in esophageal cancer patients treated with a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The degree of tumor mutational burden also predicts survival outcomes, suggesting a potential biomarker for selecting patients likely to benefit from immunochemotherapy.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Cell·DateJul 10, 2023

Whale of a debate put to rest

Researchers have finally solved the mystery of the pygmy right whale's evolutionary history, revealing it as a distinct lineage not related to right whales. The study, published in Marine Mammal Science, used genome sequencing and morphology to confirm the whale's unique characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalMarine Mammal Science·DateJul 10, 2023

Photonic snake states

Photonic snake states have been discovered, enabling two-dimensional optical rules with unprecedented versatility. This breakthrough enables the development of broadband, reconfigurable devices with real-time frequency comb generation.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalNature Photonics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 10, 2023

A safe, easy, and affordable way to store and retrieve hydrogen

Researchers at RIKEN CEMS have discovered a perovskite compound that can safely store corrosive ammonia gas as a nitrogen compound, allowing for efficient storage and retrieval of hydrogen. The process is much cheaper than traditional methods and can be repeated multiple times.

SourceRIKEN·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023

Global cooling caused diversity of species in orchids, confirms study

A recent study published in PNAS found that global cooling is the major driving factor behind the diversification of terrestrial orchid species. The research analyzed over 1,500 species and discovered that most new species emerged within the last 10 million years, coinciding with global cooling trends.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 10, 2023

Stretchy color-changing display points to future of wearable screens

Researchers at the University of British Columbia developed a stretchable, transparent display that can change color in real-time, opening doors for potential uses in wearable devices and disposable applications. The device's low power consumption and cost-effectiveness make it attractive for integration into everyday devices.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023

Criticism with care is more persuasive

New research finds that criticizing groups is more persuasive when the messenger also expresses concern for the issues faced by the criticized group. Studies show that dual concern messages encourage agreement and loyalty from members of the criticized group, leading to increased persuasion.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023

Using AI to save species from extinction cascades

Researchers at Flinders University use machine learning to identify species interactions and predict which species are most likely to go extinct. By analyzing species traits and interactions, the algorithm can help plan interventions before extinctions occur.

SourceFlinders University·JournalEcography·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 10, 2023

Nearly two thirds of youth would stop vaping without added sweet flavors, menthol, synthetic cooling agents

A new study from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that restricting sweet flavorings and cooling agents in e-cigarettes could significantly reduce youth vaping rates. Nearly 39% of survey respondents would quit using their e-cigarettes if tobacco-flavored e-liquids were the only options available.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateJul 10, 2023

Making headway in precision therapeutics with novel fully organic bioelectronic device

Columbia University researchers have created a novel, fully organic bioelectronic device that can acquire and transmit neurophysiologic brain signals while providing power to the implanted device. The device features a tiny transistor and has demonstrated high electrical performance, long-term stability, and biocompatibility.

Roots are capable of measuring heat on their own, new study shows

Plant roots detect temperature changes and adjust their growth accordingly. Researchers found that root cells produce more auxin in response to elevated temperatures, stimulating cell division and allowing roots to grow deeper into the soil. This discovery could help develop new approaches for plant breeding against climate change.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023

The American Journal of Health Economics presents a special cluster on the opioid crisis

Articles consider access to opioid use disorder treatment and the impact of the Affordable Care Act on emergency department visits. Prescription drug monitoring programs also show promise in reducing opioid use. Researchers find mixed results regarding policies to increase treatment rates and temporary disability benefits.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Economics·DateJul 10, 2023

Mystery of microgels solved

Soft particles called microgels can shrink abruptly when their concentration in a solvent is increased above a certain threshold, even without physical contact. Researchers have provided experimental proof of this phenomenon using neutrons from the Paul Scherrer Institute's SINQ spallation source.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023

Massachusetts drinking water may contain unsafe levels of manganese

A new study found that manganese concentrations in a Massachusetts community's drinking water often exceeded recommended guidelines, posing a risk to children and vulnerable communities. The study suggests the need for an enforceable primary drinking water standard for manganese to better protect public health.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·TypeCase study·DateJul 10, 2023

Focus on state as ‘problem parent’ rather than care-experienced mothers – new research

Mothers with a criminal record and care experience face negative judgements and excessive scrutiny due to their 'known' status. The study emphasizes the need for supportive dialogue across disciplinary boundaries to break cycles of stigma and social care involvement, focusing on safe spaces and trust-building for care-experienced mothers.

SourceLancaster University·JournalThe British Journal of Criminology·TypeCase study·DateJul 10, 2023

Machine learning model identifies mild cognitive impairment from retinal scans

A machine learning model developed by Duke Health researchers can differentiate normal cognition from mild cognitive impairment using retinal images from the eye. The model achieved a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 83%, identifying specific features in OCT and OCTA images that signal cognitive impairment. This non-invasive metho...

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalOphthalmology Science·DateJul 10, 2023

Microbial predators cause seasonal fluctuations in wastewater treatment

A recent study by Nils Heck and Kenneth Dumack reveals that microbial predators like amoebae and ciliates play a significant role in shaping the bacterial community in wastewater treatment. The findings suggest that these predators, which are temperature-dependent, contribute to seasonal variations in wastewater treatment efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalWater Research·TypeObservational study·DateJul 10, 2023

Fibromyalgia linked to heightened risk of death

A systematic review suggests fibromyalgia is associated with a 27% heightened risk of death from all causes, with elevated risks for cancer, accidents, and infections. Regular monitoring of patients' physical and mental health is crucial to minimize these risks.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalRMD Open·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 10, 2023

Light-activated molecular machines get cells ‘talking’

Rice University scientists use light-activated molecular machines to trigger intercellular calcium signals, revealing a powerful new strategy for controlling cellular activity. The technology could lead to improved treatments for people with heart problems, digestive issues, and more.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023

Significant variations in hip fracture health costs and care between NHS hospitals and regions, study finds

A new study by the University of Bristol highlights significant variations in healthcare spending and care delivery across NHS hospitals following hip fracture. The research found that patients who received timely orthogeriatrician assessment and physiotherapy had lower costs and reduced risk of delirium.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·TypeObservational study·DateJul 10, 2023

More menu choices: Migrant orangutans learn a lot about food by watching the locals

Researchers found that migrant orangutan males use observational social learning to learn new ecological knowledge from local individuals after dispersing to a new area. They observed males peering at role models for at least five seconds, indicating attentive interest and learning how to process new foods.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJul 10, 2023

Conservation in Indonesia is at risk, a team of researchers who study the region argues

A team of conservation researchers warns that Indonesia's tropical rainforest and endangered species are under threat from government interference and corporate interests. The researchers advocate for data transparency, online 'safe houses', and anonymized journals to protect environmental research and promote nature conservation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 10, 2023