Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 9, 2023


Telemedicine visits cut health system employee care costs by nearly 25%

A study analyzing de-identified data from almost 11,000 total visits by Penn Medicine employees found that telemedicine visits were 23 percent less expensive than in-person visits for the same conditions. The per-visit costs of the telemedicine program averaged $380 while in-person encounters cost $493 to conduct.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2023

Breaking through the limits of stretchable semiconductors with molecular brakes that harness light

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) developed a technology for high-performance organic polymer semiconductors that exhibit both stretchability and electrical functionality. The molecular brake prevents slipping under stretching conditions, preserving up to 96% of electrical performance.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 9, 2023

Researchers discover materials exhibiting huge magnetoresistance

A new material with enormous magnetoresistance has been discovered, enabling the development of more efficient non-volatile magnetoresistive memory (MRAM) devices. The material, a cobalt-manganese alloy with metastable body-centered cubic crystal structure, exhibits high magnetoresistance ratios at room temperature and near-zero kelvin.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateJun 9, 2023

Study shows metformin lowers the risk of getting long COVID

A large-scale randomized clinical trial found that metformin prevents the development of long COVID. Over 1,100 participants reported on their symptoms for up to 10 months after initial COVID-19 diagnosis. The study suggests metformin could have significant public health implications as a preventive measure.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2023

Similar symptoms, biological abnormalities underlie long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome

A review article by senior investigators at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome share similar symptoms, including brain, immune system, heart, lung, gut, and energy metabolism abnormalities. The study aims to identify areas requiring further research for improved diagnostic tests and treatments.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 9, 2023

Liquid metal sticks to surfaces without a binding agent

Scientists have developed a technique for applying liquid metal to surfaces that don't easily bond with it, using force-responsive adhesion. The method allows for the creation of electronic 'smart devices' from everyday materials like paper and plastic.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2023

DNA facilitates escape from metastability

Prof. LIANG Haojun's team proposed a new method to escape from metastability in self-assembly using DNA-functionalized nanoparticles. By introducing a 'catassembler' molecule, they corrected imperfect linkages and assisted the system to escape from metastability while preserving the assembled framework. This strategy has potential appl...

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2023

New high-tech helmets may protect American football players from debilitating concussions

Researchers have designed a helmet with liquid shock absorbers that could significantly reduce the impact of blows to the head, potentially cutting injuries. The helmet performed better than existing models, producing the lowest 'Helmet Performance Score' in key areas, including the side upper portion of the helmet.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2023

New model offers a way to speed up drug discovery

Researchers have developed a new AI model that can quickly screen large libraries of potential drug compounds against target proteins. The ConPLex model uses language analysis to match potential drugs with proteins without needing to calculate molecular structures, enabling fast screening of over 100 million compounds per day.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2023

Targeting the Src N-Terminal regulatory element in cancer

Researchers from Universitat de Barcelona and Universitat Internacional de Catalunya discuss the non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase Src as a good example of an oncogene. Targeting the Src N-terminal regulatory element (SNRE) has potential as oncotargets to inhibit Src activity only in cancer cells.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 9, 2023

First genetic locus for voice pitch

Scientists have identified a genetic locus associated with voice pitch, found in the ABCC9 gene, which influences voice characteristics in both men and women. The study also reveals links between voice pitch and cardiovascular health, highlighting the complex relationship between vocal traits and human biology.

SourcedeCODE genetics·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2023

Researchers determine quantitative composition of ultrahigh-pressure fluid in deep subduction zones

Scientists have determined the chemical composition of supercritical fluids in deep subduction zones for the first time, shedding light on their critical role in the Earth's carbon and sulfur cycle. The study reveals that these fluids play a vital part in transporting elements between the Earth's surface and the deep mantle.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2023

Development of a high-resolution method for climate model simulation using machine learning

Researchers developed a method using machine learning to estimate high-resolution precipitation characteristics from low-resolution climate model simulations. This enables evaluation of the impact of recent global warming on local precipitation and clarifies climate-related characteristics of precipitation variability.

Crust of Campi Flegrei volcano is weakening

Researchers at UCL and INGV found that parts of the Campi Flegrei volcano have been stretched nearly to breaking point, indicating a higher risk of rupture. The study used a model of volcano fracturing to interpret patterns of earthquakes and ground uplift, suggesting that an eventual eruption could be preceded by weaker signals.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2023

Women feel the pain of losses more than men when faced with risky choices – new research

A University of Bath study found that women are less willing to take risks due to their increased sensitivity to potential losses, while men are more optimistic and confident in their abilities. The research suggests this difference in risk-taking behavior could explain sex-specific outcomes in employment and financial markets.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalBritish Journal of Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2023

3D 'bio-printing' inside hydrogels

Researchers achieve 3D printing within mini-organs growing in hydrogels, allowing for precise control over shape, activity, and tissue growth. This breakthrough enables the creation of realistic models of organs and disease, with potential applications in cancer research and treatment.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 9, 2023