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Science News Archive June 2023 - Page 15


Page 15 of 40

Study shows lifestyle intervention promoting whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern can achieve type 2 diabetes remission

A case series study demonstrated that a whole-food, plant-predominant dietary pattern and standard medical treatment can successfully achieve type 2 diabetes remission in 37 percent of patients. The study contributes novel information on the feasibility of achieving remission simply by eating healthy food.

SourceAmerican College of Lifestyle Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine·TypeCase study·DateJun 21, 2023

People who develop diabetes after pregnancy are less likely to regain control of blood sugar if they had gestational diabetes

A study found that people with a history of gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes within nine years after delivery, particularly in Black and Hispanic women. Regular diabetes screenings in the early postpartum period can alter disease progression and improve control.

Monarch butterflies are more likely to survive their long migrations if they have more and larger white spots on their wings, possibly because it gives them an aerodynamic advantage

Researchers found that monarch butterflies with more and larger white spots on their wings had a higher survival rate during long-distance migrations. The study suggests that these white spots may provide an aerodynamic benefit, helping the butterflies navigate and stay aloft during their journeys.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 21, 2023

An app can transform smartphones into thermometers that accurately detect fevers

Researchers at the University of Washington created an app called FeverPhone that uses existing phone sensors and screens to estimate whether people have fevers. The app was tested on 37 patients in an emergency department and showed accuracy comparable to consumer thermometers, with potential for early intervention in viral outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies·DateJun 21, 2023

Omega-3 fatty acids linked with slower progression of ALS

A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that consuming omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid, may help slow the progression of disease in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Higher blood levels of ALA were associated with a slower disease progression and lower risk of death.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2023

Wearable monitor detects stress hormone levels across a full 24-hour day

A new wearable device can track adrenal steroid levels in real-time, providing insights into hormonal rhythms and revolutionizing endocrine disease diagnosis. The U-RHYTHM technology offers a more accurate picture of hormone balance than traditional tests taken at one point, enabling earlier treatment interventions.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2023

As summer heats up, CHOP researchers study caregiver attitudes toward pediatric vehicular heatstroke

A recent survey of caregivers found that most support education efforts and technology use to reduce heatstroke risk, but negative attitudes towards those who put children at risk may hinder mitigation efforts. The study aims to inform the development of pediatric vehicular heatstroke prevention strategies.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·TypeSurvey·DateJun 21, 2023

NIST lays groundwork for future ultra-precise timing links to geosynchronous satellites

Researchers at NIST have demonstrated a capability to transmit extremely precise time signals through the air between far-flung locations, paving the way for ultra-precise timing links with geosynchronous satellites. The method enables time synchronization with femtosecond precision and robustness in atmospheric disturbances.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

University of Toronto Engineering researchers are using electric fields to control the movement of defects in crystals

Researchers from University of Toronto Engineering, Dalhousie University, Iowa State University, and Peking University have successfully controlled the motion of dislocation in a single-crystalline zinc sulfide using an external electric field. This discovery has significant implications for improving the properties and manufacturing p...

Equity in computer science impossible without review of curriculum, say researchers

A study found that girls in English secondary schools are 42% less likely to aspire to be computer scientists compared to boys. The researchers propose revamping the curriculum to include creative aspects like digital art to increase interest and engagement in computer science. This could help achieve greater gender parity in computing.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalInternational Journal of Science Education·TypeSurvey·DateJun 21, 2023

Screening newborns for "bubble-baby" disease saves lives

A new study shows that newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) has significantly increased the survival rate of children after bone marrow transplantation from 73% to 87%. Children diagnosed at birth have a 92.5% survival rate without infection, while those diagnosed later have lower rates.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 21, 2023

Detection of an echo emitted by our Galaxy's black hole 200 years ago

An international team of scientists has discovered an echo emitted by the supermassive black hole at the centre of the Milky Way, which emerged from a long period of dormancy 200 years ago. The black hole, four million times more massive than the Sun, gobbled up cosmic objects before re-entering quiescence.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2023

New study describes the genetic diversity and drug resistance markers of malaria parasites in Mozambique

A new genomic analysis reveals a north-south divide in P. falciparum drug resistance markers and genetic structure in Mozambique. The findings suggest that artemisinin remains effective for treating malaria, while piperaquine can be used in combination therapies. However, the high frequency of quintuple mutants requires close monitorin...

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2023

Banks still offer Black entrepreneurs inferior loans, service even when they are better qualified than peers

A new study reveals that banks continue to offer Black customers subpar loan products and services, even when they have stronger financial profiles than White customers. However, the study also identifies specific strategies minority small business owners can use to signal sophistication and secure better loans.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers enhance electron–phonon coupling strength in low-dimensional strontium ruthenate

Researchers demonstrated a 300-fold increase in electron-phonon coupling strength by reducing dimensionality, paving the way for novel engineering opportunities. The enhancement was attributed to non-local nature of coupling in synthetic SRO/STO superlattices.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

UNM researchers find medical cannabis patients who feel 'high' report greater symptom relief but increased negative side effects

A new study by UNM researchers found that patients who reported feeling 'high' experienced 7.7% greater symptom relief, but also a more than 20% increase in negative side effects. The study suggests that feeling 'high' may be an unavoidable component of using cannabis medicinally.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2023

Mutant KRAS regulates Y chromosome gene in colorectal cancer, driving metastasis and inhibiting anti-tumor immunity

A preclinical study has uncovered the role of Y chromosome gene KDM5D in regulating anti-tumor immune responses and promoting metastasis in male patients with KRAS-mutated colorectal cancer. The study reveals that mutant KRAS drives upregulation of KDM5D, leading to reduced cell adhesion and immune recognition by the immune system.

DNA test could broaden access to cervical cancer screening

Rice University engineers developed a low-cost, point-of-care DNA test for HPV infections that can be used to screen for cervical cancer. The test, which requires just two pieces of equipment and delivers results in 45 minutes, has the potential to make cervical cancer screening more accessible in low- and middle-income countries.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

Novel imaging agent allows for earlier detection of progressive pulmonary fibrosis

A novel imaging agent has been developed to non-invasively detect pulmonary fibrosis in its early stages. The agent targets extracellular matrix fibers and has shown significant uptake in lungs with pulmonary fibrosis, matching histological results. This breakthrough could lead to earlier detection and better monitoring of the disease.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 21, 2023

New MU study examines variability of water, carbon in Missouri agriculture ecosystems and future impact on crops

A new University of Missouri study examines the impact of farming practices on crop resilience to climate change, focusing on water and carbon fluxes in three contrasting ecosystems. The research found that native prairie ecosystems are most resilient to extreme weather, while tilled cropping systems are more sensitive.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAgricultural and Forest Meteorology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

Ketone supplements worsen performance in trained endurance athletes, researchers find

A new study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that ketone supplements impaired performance in well-trained endurance cyclists. The researchers recruited experienced athletes who cycled for five or more hours per week, simulating race conditions before conducting a 20-minute time trial.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalInternational Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

A Space: Science & Technology study advances numerical research for optimizing micronozzle performance

Researchers optimize micronozzle design through numerical simulation and design optimization to improve thrust force and specific impulse. The study finds that wall heat transfer, convergence duct design, throat shape, and expander structural parameters significantly affect nozzle performance.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·DateJun 20, 2023

New details about the strongest spider silk in the world

Scientists have studied the internal parts of spider silk using an optical microscope without cutting it open. The analysis revealed that the fiber consists of at least two outer layers of lipids and numerous fibrils running in a straight, tightly packed arrangement. Understanding how to create such strong fibers is crucial for produci...

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJun 20, 2023

Topological bulk BICs enable compact, single-mode, and beam-engineered QCLs

Researchers developed an electrically-pumped compact topological bulk laser for single-mode emission and cylindrical vector beams. The device utilizes band-inverted topological band edges that support high quality factors, enabling miniaturization and single-mode laser emission.