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Science News Archive June 2023 - Page 18


Page 18 of 40

New discovery set to boost disease-resistant rice

A new gene variant, RBL1, has been identified in a type of rice that can be modified to improve performance without yield penalties. This breakthrough could lead to more disease-resistant rice crops with high yields, addressing a major threat to the industry and meeting growing global demand.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2023

Short-term exposure to PM₂.₅ increases hospital admission risks and costs in China

A recent study found a positive association between short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and increased hospital admissions, length of stays, and associated costs in all major diseases. The study's findings suggest that improved air quality since 2013 saved CNY2.28 billion in medical expenses in 2017.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGlobal Transitions·TypeCase study·DateJun 19, 2023

Weak policies and political ideologies risk jeopardizing plans to tackle health and climate change, says Cambridge expert

A Cambridge expert argues that politicians' neglect of evidence hampers plans to tackle health and climate change in the UK. The expert suggests two changes could mitigate this issue: engaging citizens more in policy-making and increasing politician accountability through legally binding systems.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience and Public Policy·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 19, 2023

Bridging traditional economics and econophysics

Researchers from Complexity Science Hub highlight similarities in models used by economists and physicists to analyze financial markets. The study aims to create an overview of these models, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and avoiding research that gets lost in translation.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalJournal of Economic Interaction and Coordination·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 19, 2023

A program that looks for the most effective drugs for each patient’s cancer helps to personalise cancer treatments

The PanDrugs2 programme analyzes alterations in tumour genes, relates them to existing available drugs, and reports on the most suitable ones. It handles data on over 4,600 genes and 14,600 chemical compounds, generating information on around 74,000 associations between drugs and genes.

Trojan horse polymers for a circular economy

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a novel strategy for making recyclable polyolefins by introducing masked double bonds, known as 'Trojan horse' functional groups. These polymers can be chemically deconstructed and re-polymerized without losing quality.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2023

Here comes the sun

A recent study suggests that songs with high energy and positive emotions are more likely to match prevailing weather conditions, influencing listener preferences. The research found a strong association between energetic and positive music and warm and sunny weather, but only for popular songs.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 19, 2023

Regular napping linked to larger brain volume

A new study published in Sleep Health found that habitual daytime napping is associated with a larger total brain volume, a marker of good brain health linked to lower risk of dementia and other diseases. The research team used Mendelian randomisation to establish a causal link between napping and brain health.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalSleep Health·DateJun 19, 2023

Hairy cells: How cilia’s motor works

Researchers used cryo-electron tomography to study the dynein motor protein, revealing new details about how it generates force and coordinates with other proteins. This knowledge may help develop treatments for diseases related to cilia dysfunction, such as fertility issues and lung disease.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2023

Assessment of how climate scientists communicate risk shows imperfections, improvements

A study by climate experts reveals that while some aspects of sea level rise risk assessment have improved, others remain imperfect, particularly in conveying 'unquantifiable' uncertainties. Improvements in language and graphics are being incorporated into climate reports, informing civic leaders to counter rising seas effects.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 19, 2023

Unlocking the potential of enantioselective catalysis: advancements in pyrrolidinyl gold(I) complexes explored through DFT and NEST analysis of the chiral binding pocket

Researchers employ DFT and NEST analysis to investigate pyrrolidinyl gold(I) complexes, revealing enhanced understanding of electronic and steric effects. The findings facilitate the design of novel chiral ligands for enantioselective reactions.

Cognitive behavioural therapy for mothers may improve future mental health for infants: study

A McMaster University study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for new mothers can lead to adaptive changes in infant brain functioning and reduce post-partum depression symptoms. The study tracked 73 pairs of mothers and babies undergoing PPD treatments between 2018 and 2020.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 19, 2023

A secret sibling of fat cells could hold new clues to understanding fat’s role in cardiometabolic diseases

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen discovered a new type of fat cell called SWAT cells that provide structural integrity to adipose tissue. These flexible cells can differentiate into various types, including fat cells and progenitor cells, suggesting a crucial role in adapting to metabolic conditions.

De facto decriminalization of drug possession reduces the overall arrest toll on the Black community, although racial disparities persist

A new study finds that de facto decriminalization of drug possession in Baltimore led to significant reductions in low-level drug-related arrests, mainly among the Black community. However, racial disparities persisted, with the ratio of street arrests in Black residents increasing after the policy change.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 19, 2023

How earthquakes impact hospitals: Insights from the 2023 Turkey earthquake sequences

A study examined the seismic performance of 12 hospitals in Turkey's southcentral region, finding that base-isolated structures performed better than fixed-base ones during the 2023 earthquakes. The report provides valuable insights for policymakers and engineers to enhance hospital resilience and disaster response strategies.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEarthquake Research Advances·TypeCase study·DateJun 18, 2023

Communication robot for preventing isolation of the elderly

A communication robot is being developed to prevent elderly isolation by facilitating self-disclosure through different communication options. The study found that the most appropriate option depends on the recipient, message content, and sender's gender and personality traits, reducing participants' anxiety in self-disclosure.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalInternational Journal of Social Robotics·DateJun 18, 2023

People with alcohol use disorder impaired after heavy drinking, despite claims of higher tolerance

Researchers found that individuals with AUD displayed less impairment on fine motor and cognitive tasks when consuming a standard dose of alcohol, but showed significant impairment at a higher dose. This suggests that the physical effects of alcohol accumulation contribute to impaired performance beyond mere tolerance.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 18, 2023