Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 22, 2023


Making the most of minuscule metal mandalas

Researchers at the University of Vienna have created a speciation atlas for polyoxometalates (POMs), a type of metal compound. The atlas provides predictive models and databases to accurately determine POM structure and behavior under various chemical conditions, enabling scientists to make the most accurate results and discoveries.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 22, 2023

New ruling on care of dying will force some to live life “of machine-related suffering”

The revised ruling on advance medical directives in India may force terminally ill patients to endure 'machine-related suffering' without autonomy or dignity. The authors highlight shortcomings, including a cumbersome procedure for withdrawing life support and omission of consideration for healthcare access inequality.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Supportive & Palliative Care·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 22, 2023

Potential financial losses from a renewable energy transition are concentrated among the wealthy

A recent study published in Joule found that the financial losses from a renewable energy transition are concentrated among the wealthiest individuals. In high-income countries, two-thirds of the losses would affect the top 10% of wealth holders, with half affecting the top 1%. In contrast, lower-income individuals would face minimal l...

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·TypeObservational study·DateJun 22, 2023

Switch to MR angiography for PE mitigated impact of recent contrast shortage

The study found that preferential use of pulmonary MRA for diagnosing PE in the general population helped conserve iodinated contrast media. This substitution reduced iodine usage by approximately 27 liters during the specified time period, which is a noteworthy benefit considering the shortage's impact.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 22, 2023

Longer ballots reduce voter participation, study shows

A recent study published in the Journal of Elections, Public Opinion and Parties found that crowded ballot options can lead to voter fatigue and decreased participation. The research analyzed data from over 60,000 elections in Brazil between 2000-2020, revealing a significant decline in voter turnout when faced with multiple candidates.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Elections Public Opinion and Parties·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 22, 2023

Will engineered carbon removal solve the climate crisis?

A new IIASA-led study investigated the potential of engineered Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies, such as Direct Air Capture of CO2 (DACCS), to help bridge the gap between current emissions reductions and ambitious climate goals. The study found that novel CDR can keep pre-Paris climate targets within reach when accounting for ...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 22, 2023

THE LANCET and THE LANCET DIABETES & ENDOCRINOLOGY: “Cascade of widening inequity” accelerating the global diabetes crisis

The global diabetes crisis is accelerating due to widening inequity, with structural racism and geographic disparities exacerbating the problem. The new Series projects that over 1.3 billion people will live with diabetes by 2050, with marginalized communities facing reduced access to care and worse health outcomes.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 22, 2023

COVID-19's impact on socioeconomic inequality in health behaviors among Japanese adolescents

This study found widening socioeconomic inequality among Japanese adolescents in achieving recommended physical activity levels before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis also revealed narrowing inequality in breakfast intake, but no differences observed for screen time, sleep duration, or bowel movement frequency.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Physical Activity and Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 22, 2023

CU professor leads study on discontinuing therapy for MS patients over 55

A new study investigates the safety of discontinuing disease-modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis patients over 55, finding low risk of new clinical activity but unclear benefits. The study suggests that some older patients may consider a personal trial of discontinuation due to the low risk of recurrence.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 22, 2023

Being able to tell parents about sexuality plays important role in mental health of Black sexual minority men and transgender women

A new study by George Mason University Assistant Professor Rodman Turpin found that open discussion of sexuality with parents can reduce the negative mental health effects of discrimination on Black sexual minority men and transgender women. Participants who had supportive parents experienced lower levels of depression related to discr...

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalFamily & Community Health·DateJun 22, 2023

Stronger tape engineered through the art of cutting

Researchers at Virginia Tech developed a method to create adhesives with both strong bonds and easy removal using the ancient Japanese art of cutting paper. This innovation has potential applications in robotic grasping, wearables for health monitoring, and manufacturing for assembly and recycling.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 22, 2023

Study sets new standard for graft-versus-host disease prevention after stem cell transplant

Researchers have developed a new standard for preventing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after stem cell transplant, showing improved efficacy and reduced side effects compared to the current gold standard. The new regimen achieved higher rates of patient survival without GVHD complications, making it a more effective option for patie...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 22, 2023

Research challenges current thinking on the genetic causes of very early menopause

A study published in Nature Medicine found that nearly all women carrying variations thought to cause very early menopause actually had their menopause at an older age, forcing a reevaluation of the genetic causes of the condition. The research suggests that premature menopause is likely caused by a combination of genetic and non-genet...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 22, 2023

Rethink funding by putting the lottery first

Researchers propose a new way to restructure grant allocation, promoting inclusivity, innovation and cost reduction. The proposed system uses a lottery to determine which researchers can submit funding applications, followed by a second stage of peer review.

SourceUniversity of Lübeck·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 22, 2023

New rapid viral plaque detection system, aided by deep learning and holographic imaging, can help accelerate vaccine and drug development

A new rapid viral plaque detection system enabled by holography and deep learning can help accelerate vaccine and drug development. The system reduces the detection time of traditional viral plaque assays by up to 48 hours, eliminating chemical staining and manual counting.

SourceCalifornia NanoSystems Institute·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

People of color receive less suicide prevention care at emergency departments

A recent study found that people of color with alcohol use disorder receive less suicide prevention care at emergency departments, despite similar levels of elevated suicide ideation. The research highlights the need for healthcare providers to address disparities in behavioral health care and provide culturally sensitive treatment.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 22, 2023

Chronic stress-related neurons identified

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have identified a group of nerve cells involved in creating negative emotional states and chronic stress. The neurons, which are sensitive to oestrogen levels, were mapped using advanced techniques such as Patch-seq, Neuropixels, and optogenetics.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

A new tool for diagnosing cancer

Researchers developed a new tool called Orion that integrates histologic and molecular information to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment. The tool uses a digital imaging platform to analyze tumor samples, identifying biomarkers that predict patient outcomes.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Cancer·DateJun 22, 2023

Rensselaer researcher uses pressure to understand RNA dynamics

A Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researcher used high hydrostatic pressure to examine conformational dynamics of human tRNA, finding excited states that play a role in both normal function and HIV infection. The study suggests new insights into RNA function and potential targets for therapeutics.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

New technology to study virus infections

Scientists at Max Delbrück Center have developed a tool to screen drugs that can help treat viral diseases like COVID-19 by analyzing the immune response of lung epithelial cells. The technology uses synthetic locus control region (sLCR) DNA sequences that glow red when triggered, enabling researchers to identify potential treatments.

New study shows children of parents with cancer history in US may be vulnerable to housing, food and financial hardship

A new study by the American Cancer Society found that children of parents with a cancer history in the US are more likely to experience unmet needs for housing, food, and other living necessities. The study also identified vulnerable groups, including girls, non-Hispanic Black children, and those living in low-income families.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 22, 2023

Science in the kitchen

Researchers from the University of Warsaw explore how kitchen phenomena lead to breakthroughs in biomedicine and nanotechnology. They describe bubbles in champagne, Leidenfrost effect, and surface tension, revealing surprising connections between food science and scientific discoveries.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·DateJun 22, 2023

Innovative gene therapy may help treat a severe and fatal developmental epilepsy syndrome that affects children

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed an innovative gene therapy that shows promise in treating Dravet syndrome, a severe developmental epilepsy affecting children. The treatment was found to be effective in improving epilepsy, protecting against early death, and enhancing cognitive abilities.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 22, 2023

Plant-based food packages linked to reduced BMI in children

A new study by Mass General Brigham found an association between increasing receipt of plant-based food packages and decreased BMI in children. The research suggests that providing healthy foods can help prevent childhood obesity, especially among families dealing with food insecurity.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 22, 2023

Stem cell model of human brain development suggests embryonic origins of Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers used a stem cell model to study the effects of Alzheimer's disease-associated mutations on early human brain development, finding that mutant spheres were larger and contained fewer mature neurons. The study highlights the need for tailored therapies and paves the way for studying Alzheimer's in its early stages.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJun 22, 2023

Molecular filament shielded young solar system from supernova

A new calculation shows that a molecular gas filament protected the young Solar System from a nearby supernova explosion, allowing it to capture radioactive isotopes found in meteorites. The filament acted as a buffer, protecting the nascent Sun and helping to channel the isotopes into the forming Solar System.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 22, 2023

Combination therapy effective against canine melanoma

A study published in Cancers found that a combination of radiotherapy followed by immunotherapy is effective against oral malignant melanomas in dogs. The treatment strategy increased overall survival time compared to immunotherapy alone. Researchers are now exploring the optimal protocol for this therapy to increase its effectiveness.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCancers·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 22, 2023

Academic fields valuing “brilliance” less welcoming to women, new analysis shows

A recent study analyzing CVs across 30 disciplines found that women are underrepresented among those entering fields requiring exceptional intellectual ability, such as physics and engineering, while being overrepresented among those exiting these fields. Gender-based prejudice plays a significant role in perpetuating these imbalances.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateJun 22, 2023

Breakthrough innovation could solve temperature issues for source-gated transistors and lead to low-cost, flexible displays

Researchers from the University of Surrey have developed a new design for source-gated transistors that improves thermal stability and retains benefits like low power consumption and high signal amplification. This innovation could lead to the creation of low-cost, flexible displays that use minimal energy.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalIEEE Transactions on Electron Devices·DateJun 22, 2023

Brigham researchers identify factors associated with lower breastfeeding duration for mothers with higher BMIs

A multi-nation cohort analysis found that mothers with higher BMIs have shorter breastfeeding durations due to inflammation and cesarean section deliveries. The study identified dietary and systemic inflammation as modifiable factors associated with longer lactation duration in people with high BMI.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateJun 22, 2023

Africa's share of global HIV research output has increased from 5.1% to 31.3% over the last 35 years, but is still low compared to its relative burden of infections

African countries have made significant progress in increasing their share of global HIV research output, rising from 5.1% in 1986 to 31.3% between 1986 and 2020. Despite this growth, the continent still produces relatively low amounts of HIV research compared to its high burden of infections.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateJun 22, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine study uncovers trends in the global burden of tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer

The study found a decreasing trend in the global TBL cancer burden from 1990 to 2019, but regional variations persisted. The burden was highest in upper-middle-income countries and lowest in high-income countries.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal - Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 22, 2023

Inflammation-targeting antibody improves preterm birth outcomes, prevents obesity-linked liver disease, pair of studies shows

A new study has found that an inflammation-targeting antibody may improve preterm birth outcomes by reducing inflammatory signals in the placenta. The same antibody has also shown promise in preventing obesity-linked fatty liver disease, a condition that can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

SourceUF Health·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

TTUHSC-TTU research collaboration leads to possible drug targets for Leishmaniasis

The study found that drug-resistant Leishmania parasites have distinct protein production profiles compared to sensitive parasites, suggesting a global reprogramming of protein synthesis. This pre-emptive adaptation enables the parasite to quickly respond to the presence of the drug and survive when it is absent.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

Study at University Hospital Bonn improves prediction of therapy response in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Researchers at University Hospital Bonn have developed a new approach to predict therapy response in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma by incorporating two simple blood parameters, CRP and albumin. This method improves the prediction of treatment response, especially in patients with disease control in the first follow-up.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJun 22, 2023

Laws restricting abortion have ethical, legal and practical impacts for research on people who may become pregnant

Research on pregnant individuals faces challenges due to restrictive abortion laws, which can expose participants to health risks or compromise informed consent. Researchers must consider provisions for safe abortion access and explicit informed consent documents to advance scientific knowledge.

Spectroscopic micro-ellipsometer unveils atomic-level thickness measurements of 2D materials: Hebrew University secures patented technology for revolutionary innovation

Researchers from Hebrew University developed a microscope-integrated ellipsometer that enables fast and precise measurements of thin-film thicknesses in small areas. The Spectroscopic Micro-Ellipsometer successfully maps the thicknesses of diverse 2D material flakes, determining their number of atomic layers.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

Cartesian Therapeutics announces landmark study in The Lancet Neurology of first successful clinical trial of RNA cell therapy in autoimmunity

Cartesian Therapeutics has successfully treated patients with generalized myasthenia gravis using an RNA CAR-T therapy. The trial demonstrated marked and long-lasting clinical improvement, with three patients achieving complete or near-complete eradication of disease symptoms.

SourceCartesian Therapeutics·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 22, 2023

Plant based compound Peruvoside could prevent spread of diverse medically important viruses: NUS Medicine

Peruvoside has been discovered to prevent up to 12 medically important viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), and Influenza. The compound acts on GBF1 protein, disabling its functionality and stopping virus production.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalActa Pharmaceutica Sinica B·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2023

Researchers make major strides toward an all-purpose biosensor chip

The researchers have demonstrated significant improvements for chip-based sensing devices that can detect or analyze substances across widely varying concentrations. They developed signal-processing techniques that enable seamless fluorescence detection of a mixture of nanobeads in concentrations across eight orders of magnitude.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJun 22, 2023