Highlights from the journal CHEST®, June 2023
The June issue of CHEST features 49 articles on clinically relevant topics, including asthma, COPD, and critical care. The journal offers web and multimedia resources to expand the reach of its research.
Science News Archive June 2023
Page 22 of 40
Close up on aging reveals how different cell types in the body age at different pace
Researchers mapped aging process in 163 distinct cell types in fruit flies, revealing unique patterns. Neurons age slowly, while muscle and fat cells decline rapidly.
Some breast cancer treatments may limit effectiveness of weight loss medications
Research suggests that aromatase inhibitors can limit the effectiveness of weight loss medications in breast cancer survivors. Studies have shown that these medications are less effective in women taking aromatase inhibitors, leading to reduced weight loss and increased risk of health complications.
Only 30% of show horse owners surveyed in Australia agreed with facial hair trimming ban, new study reveals
A recent study published in the CABI journal Human-Animal Interactions found that only 30% of show horse owners in Australia agreed with a ban on facial hair trimming prior to its implementation in July 2022. The study also revealed that most disciplines broadly agreed on banning facial hair trimming, except for showing, where only 22....
Pregnancy hormone repairs myelin damage in MS mouse model
Researchers at UCLA Health have discovered that estriol, a pregnancy hormone, can repair damaged myelin in the brain's cortex of mice with multiple sclerosis. This finding offers hope for developing new treatments to address the disease's progression.
Nanomaterials: 3D printing of glass without sintering
Researchers have developed a process to print glass at lower temperatures, resulting in high-resolution optical-grade glass structures with excellent mechanical properties. The hybrid organic-inorganic polymer resin allows for the free-form printing of robust glass structures directly on semiconductor chips.
Genome editing used to create disease resistant rice
A team of scientists used CRISPR-Cas genome editing to create a disease-resistant rice variety, which showed high yields and resistance to the fungus that causes rice blast. The new rice variety produced five times more yield than the control rice in small-scale field trials.
Researchers demonstrate direct comparison of spin-squeezed optical lattice clocks at 10^-17
Scientists have successfully entangled atomic samples to circumvent quantum projection noise, achieving a measurement precision level of 10^-17 in optical-lattice clocks. This breakthrough improves the frequency stability of optical lattice clocks, advancing practical applications and fundamental physics research.
Scientists discover how Golden staph hides and thrives in human cells using state-of-the-art research tool
Researchers have discovered how Golden staph, a common bacterial infection, hides inside human cells to avoid detection. The study used InToxSa, a new methodology that enables the study of Golden staph behavior on a large scale.
A facile strategy for comprehensive proteome analysis of urine
A new method combines ultracentrifugation fractionation, solid-phase alkylation based sample preparation, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to profile the urine proteome. This approach drastically reduces analysis time by 3-4 times and enhances identification coverage by 130%-160% compared to existing methods.
A new path for quantum physics to control chemical reactions
Researchers have successfully controlled chemical reactions by manipulating electromagnetic fields in an infrared cavity, improving understanding of reactivity and products formation. The discovery offers a new path for quantum physics to regulate chemical reactions.
New dinosaur named for Natural History Museum Professor
A new armoured dinosaur, Vectipelta barretti, has been described from the Isle of Wight, revealing differences in neck and back vertebrae and a unique spiky armour. The discovery provides new insights into ankylosaur diversity in the Wessex formation during the Early Cretaceous period.
Historic redlining practices cast a long shadow on cancer screening rates
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that people who live in historically redlined areas are less likely to be screened for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer. The legacy of redlining continues to contribute to significant disparities in cancer screening rates.
This salty gel could harvest water from desert air
Researchers at MIT have developed a superabsorbent material that can soak up record amounts of moisture from the air, even in dry conditions. The material is made by infusing hydrogel with lithium chloride and has shown to absorb and retain unprecedented amounts of water vapor.
USTC advances electrocatalytic CO2 reduction in Chemical Society Reviews
Researchers from USTC develop enrichment strategies for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction, improving selectivity and conversion rates. The review paper outlines key mechanisms and challenges in the field.
Winners of World Cultural Council awards announced – Award Ceremony to be held at the University of Helsinki, Finland on November 2023
The World Cultural Council has announced its 2023 award winners, including Professor Christoph Gerber and Larry V. Hedges, who received the Albert Einstein and José Vasconcelos awards respectively. Their groundbreaking work in science and education has contributed significantly to promoting tolerance, peace, and humanity.
To boost supply chains, scientists are looking at ways to recover valuable materials from water
Researchers are investigating methods to extract critical materials, including lithium for electric vehicle batteries and magnets for electric motors, from diverse water streams. By accelerating evaporation through porous photothermal materials, they aim to reduce energy intensity and improve supply chain security.
Using agricultural waste materials to produce lactic acid
A team of researchers from QIBEBT has developed a method to produce high-quality lactic acid from lignocellulosic biomass, reducing the need for intermediate sterilization and nutrient supplementation. This breakthrough has significant implications for industrial-scale production of biodegradable materials.
Analysis of race and ethnicity, socioeconomic factors, and tooth decay among children
A retrospective cohort study reveals that racial disparities in tooth decay among children are significantly influenced by insurance type and dental procedure types. The study's findings suggest targeted strategies can be developed to reduce oral health disparities.
If art is how we express our humanity, where does AI fit in?
Generative AI raises fundamental questions about the creative process and human's role in it. Researchers highlight gaps in understanding perceptions of AI-generated content, ownership, credit, labor economics, and media ecosystem impact.
Discovery of white dwarf pulsar sheds light on star evolution
Scientists have discovered a rare type of white dwarf pulsar, shedding light on stellar evolution and the origin of strong magnetic fields. The newly detected pulsar, J1912-4410, has a size similar to Earth but a mass at least as large as the Sun.
Limiting opioids during surgery may lead to more postoperative pain and opioid use for patients
A recent analysis of 61,249 adults who had surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital found that restricting opioid use during surgery may increase postoperative pain and opioid use. Patients administered more opioids during surgery were less likely to experience pain and used less opioids after waking up from anesthesia.
Hip fracture burden to nearly double worldwide by 2050
A global study found that hip fracture incidence rates decreased in most regions between 2005 and 2018, but the number of fractures is expected to nearly double by 2050. The study also revealed significant treatment gaps, particularly among men, with only a fraction receiving therapy to prevent future fractures.
Prenatal exposure to phthalates may impact future fertility differently in males and females, animal study finds
A study found that prenatal phthalate exposure may lead to hormonal changes in females, affecting future fertility, but not males. The study suggests sex-dependent effects of phthalates on hormone levels during critical development periods.
Ultrafast and tunable
A study by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf team demonstrates efficient conversion of high-frequency signals into visible light using graphene-based materials. The mechanism involves a thermal radiation process, and the conversion is ultrafast and tunable.
Mapping the evolution of E. coli’s main virulence factor offers a refined drug target
Researchers discovered the K1 capsule dates back approximately 500 years and is found in 25% of current E. coli strains responsible for blood infections. Targeting this capsule can make bacteria vulnerable to the human immune system, offering a potential treatment option without antibiotics.
Veterinary: Dog bites may be more common on hot and polluted days
Research found dog bite incidence increases by 11% on hot days with high UV levels and by 4% on warm days, but no association with air pollution. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
IOF urges action for prevention as study predicts global hip fractures to almost double by 2050
A global study predicts a significant increase in hip fractures worldwide by 2050, with the number projected to nearly double compared to 2018. The study highlights a post-fracture treatment gap in fracture prevention, particularly for men, leading to increased mortality and dependency.
Hybrid AI-powered computer vision combines physics and big data
A new approach to enhance artificial intelligence-powered computer vision technologies has been developed by UCLA researchers, adding physics-based awareness to data-driven techniques. This hybrid methodology aims to improve how AI-based machinery sense, interact, and respond to their environment in real time.
Under the weather: Scientists should spend more time in the rain
Researchers highlight the importance of human observation of storm events to understand wet weather's impact on the natural world. Direct observation can enhance understanding, incite curiosity, and strengthen bonds with nature, enriching environmental education and inspiring research.
Machine-learning method used for self-driving cars could improve lives of type-1 diabetes patients
Scientists at the University of Bristol have shown that reinforcement learning significantly outperforms commercial blood glucose controllers in terms of safety and effectiveness. The new study improves on prior work by learning from patient records, achieving good blood glucose control through personalized insulin dosing strategies.
Study shines new light on old drug for trauma care
A new study has found that the drug tranexamic acid significantly improves survival rates among severely injured patients, with approximately four extra survivors for every 100 treated with the medication. However, the long-term outcomes of care and quality of life remain a concern, highlighting the need for further research.
Metamaterials with built-in frustration have mechanical memory
Scientists designed materials with mechanical memory by introducing frustration into their structure, resulting in a new type of order. This breakthrough could be used to create robotic arms and wheels with predictable bending mechanisms, as well as more efficient quantum computers.
When local economic inequality is high, the rich tend to be more generous
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that individuals with higher incomes tend to be more generous when living in areas with high levels of economic inequality. In contrast, the lowest-income groups show less generosity in more unequal areas. The researchers used local data from the US and UK to examine this relationship.
TV dramas effectively prompt middle schoolers to talk about vaping dangers
A University of Pittsburgh study found that TV medical dramas prompted middle schoolers to engage in discussion about vaping dangers after viewing clips featuring fictional adolescents with vaping-associated lung disease. The study suggests using entertainment television as a tool for dialogue about the health effects of e-cigarette use.
International expert panel revises management of concussion in sport for optimal care of athletes at all levels of participation
A group of international experts developed a consensus statement on concussion management, including new tools and strategies for identification, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. The statement includes evidence-based recommendations for return to active sport, education, and light intensity exercise to aid recovery.
Nursing homes serving Black residents have greater hospitalizations, emergency department visits
A recent study found that nursing homes serving Black residents have higher rates of hospitalizations and emergency department visits. The researchers attributed this to lower ratios of registered nurses and certified nursing assistants, as well as other structural characteristics.
Scientists develop novel biosensing-membrane for glucose detection and monitoring
Researchers have developed a three-dimensional mesoporous biosensing-membrane with neighborhood nanostructures, exhibiting excellent sensitivity and long-term stability. The membrane uses a ternary coating to assemble Prussian blue and glucose oxidase, improving cascade reaction efficiency and sensing stability.
Study finds that proven medications for alcohol use disorder are rarely given to adolescents and young adults on public insurance
Most youths with a diagnosis of AUD do not receive medications as part of their therapy, despite recommendations from national organizations. The study highlights an opportunity to improve medication access to this vulnerable population.
New UCF project launched to engage a diverse, new generation of researchers to aid aging populations
The University of Central Florida has launched a five-year program to increase diversity among student researchers focused on health disparities in aging. The INTREPID program aims to provide hands-on learning, promote an affinity toward older adults, and create a sense of community through socialization.
Neglected acidity pitfall: boric acid-anchoring hole-selective contact for perovskite solar cells
Researchers developed a new type of hole-transporting material using boric acid, achieving high power conversion efficiency over 22% and long-term stability for perovskite solar cells. The study overcomes the acidity pitfall in existing SAMs, enabling a perfect contact between the substrate and perovskite layer.
Inflammatory bowel disease linked to increased risk of stroke
A study published in Neurology found that people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are more likely to have a stroke than those without the disease. The study revealed an association between IBD and an increased risk of stroke, with people with IBD being 13% more likely to experience a stroke up to 25 years after diagnosis.
Multi-city trial will use community centers to bring treatment to Black opioid users
The Better Together trial partners with community organizations and sites to provide buprenorphine treatment, reducing distance for patients and offering peer support in familiar environments. Researchers aim to address barriers such as stigma, misunderstandings about addiction, and bias against certain treatments.
Machines can make better decisions than humans, but how do we know when they’re actually accurate?
Research by Francis de Véricourt and Huseyin Gurkan found that trust in machines' decision-making ability is key to effective learning. They discovered that biased learning occurs when humans override algorithmic decisions without observing the machine's correctness, leading to incorrect usage of machines in decision making.
Cancer researchers focused on bringing new discoveries to patients get two-year funding awards
The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) has awarded six research teams with two-year funding to pursue innovative cancer treatments and technologies. The projects focus on personalized medicine, accessible genetic testing, and improving patient engagement.
Novel research shows older breast cancer survivors experience accelerated aging, worse functional outcomes
Researchers from Medical College of Wisconsin found that older breast cancer survivors, particularly those exposed to chemotherapy, showed greater epigenetic aging than their same-aged peers without cancer. This acceleration in biological aging may be associated with worse functional outcomes and quality of life for these patients.
New model offers insights into how stress in neurons connects to cardiovascular disease
Researchers used a new transgenic mouse model to study the impact of oxidative stress on neurons and blood vessels, revealing that high levels of stress can cause sensory neuron degeneration and cardiac hypertrophy. This combination is associated with Friedreich's ataxia, a progressive neurodegenerative disease.
Food allergy is highest among Hispanic, Black and Asian individuals
A new study found that food allergy affects all racial and ethnic groups, but is most prevalent among Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and Asian individuals. Food allergy rates are also lower in households with higher incomes.
How prescribed burns could limit megafires in California, Oregon, and Washington
Researchers found that controlled burns in key areas of northern California, western Oregon, and eastern Washington could drastically reduce wildfire smoke exposure throughout the entire western U.S. This is due to prevailing winds carrying smoke across the continent and abundant dense vegetation fueling smokey fires.
Urban great tits less stressed than their countryside cousins
Great tits in urban environments have lower levels of stress hormone corticosterone than those living in woodland habitats. The high cognitive capacity of the great tit allows it to adapt well to human environments, reducing stress levels.
Engineering safer machine learning
A new research paper challenges the idea that unlimited trials are needed to learn safe actions in unfamiliar environments. The team presents a fresh approach that ensures learning safe actions with complete confidence while managing tradeoffs between optimality and exposure to unsafe events.
Graphene-confined ultrafast radiant heating for overcoming the trade-off between subnanometer size and high metal loading in meta cluster catalysts
Researchers developed graphene-confined ultrafast radiant heating to overcome the trade-off between ultrasmall size and high metal loading in meta cluster catalysts. The method achieved high metal loading up to 27.1 wt% in subnanometer Co cluster catalysts with fast pyrolysis times.
Scientists discover small RNA that regulates bacterial infection
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have discovered a gene that drives the switch between chronic and acute P. aeruginosa infections. The gene encodes a small RNA called SicX, which plays a vital role in bacterial respiration under low oxygen conditions.
New technique in error-prone quantum computing makes classical computers sweat
Researchers developed a new technique called zero noise extrapolation (ZNE) that allows noisy quantum computers to produce accurate results for specific calculations. This breakthrough could enable the use of quantum computing for cutting-edge physics problems and improve classical algorithms.
Researchers succeed in arranging nanoscale quantum sensors on desired targets
Scientists at the University of Tokyo develop a technique to create nano-sized quantum sensors on measurement targets, enabling high-resolution magnetic field imaging with applications in superconductors and electronic devices. The breakthrough uses boron vacancies or lattice defects in hexagonal boron nitride film, allowing for easy d...
Tiny device mimics human vision and memory abilities
Researchers created a small device that captures, processes, and stores visual information in a similar way to humans. This technology uses analog processing, reducing energy consumption and enhancing performance, with potential applications in bionic vision, autonomous operations, and advanced forensics.
Solar cells can, finally, stand the heat
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed a new approach to understanding photovoltaic device performance under varying temperatures. Their findings suggest that thermoradiative and thermophotonic cells can efficiently convert sunlight into electricity even at high temperatures.
A machine learning approach to freshwater analysis
A team of researchers from Syracuse University and Texas A&M University applied a machine learning model to explore the sources of salinization and alkalinization in U.S. watersheds. The study found that human activities, such as road salt application, were major contributors to salinity, while natural processes dominated alkalinity.
Preserving forests to protect deep soil from warming
A decade-long study reveals that warmer temperatures lead to significant loss of organic compounds in deep forest soils, affecting carbon sequestration. This finding has implications for natural carbon sinks and soil management practices.
Massive hemorrhages are often deadly. Can a perfume ingredient stop the bleed and save lives?
Researchers at Tulane University have identified a synthetic compound called dimethyl malonate that can prevent coagulopathy during massive hemorrhages. The study found that this compound inhibits excessive cellular metabolism, preventing the glycocalyx from shedding and causing bleeding to stop.