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Science News Archive June 2023 - Page 21


Page 21 of 40

New, precise, and efficient DNA sequencing method may lead to easier testing and earlier cancer detection

Researchers have developed a new DNA sequencing method that allows for precise mapping of 5-methylcytosine, a key regulator of gene expression. This technique, called Direct Methylation Sequencing (DM-Seq), enables scientists to profile DNA using small samples and without damaging the sample, making it suitable for liquid biopsies and ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 15, 2023

Chronic wound healing using glass

Bioactive glasses with ionic silver show improved antimicrobial activity and can retain effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study demonstrates the potential for this combination to deliver more effective wound protection than conventional alternatives.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBiofilm·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023

Wildfire smoke threatens already endangered orangutans

A new study led by Cornell University's Wendy Erb found that orangutan vocal changes can be used to assess their health, as they alter their frequency and quality of sounds in response to wildfire smoke. This innovative method could help monitor the endangered species' well-being without putting them at risk.

SourceCornell University·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2023

University of Cincinnati research finds potential therapy for rare but devastating lung disease

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered two existing drugs that show signs of being effective in treating lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare and devastating lung disease. The study found that these drugs target a novel pathway dysregulated in LAM, which could lead to the development of a cure.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023

New data from global TAME study supports current management of CO2 levels in cardiac arrest patients

A global study of 1,700 cardiac arrest patients found that maintaining slightly elevated CO2 levels did not improve neurological or functional outcomes. The study suggests that doctors can continue standard practice without worrying about missing out on improved results.

SourceUCD Research & Innovation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 15, 2023

Navigating underground with cosmic-ray muons

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new navigation system using cosmic-ray muons, which can accurately determine position in underground environments. The MuWNS system uses time synchronization to achieve accuracy comparable to single-point GPS positioning aboveground.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023

Wearable activity trackers accelerate hospital patient recovery

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that wearable activity trackers improve patient activity, reduce sedentary behavior, and enhance physical function, supporting faster recovery in hospitalized adults. The study examined 15 studies with a combined total of 1911 patients and found significant improvements in clinical outcomes.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 15, 2023

Illusions are in the eye, not the mind

A new study suggests that simple limitations in neural responses explain visual illusions, rather than deeper psychological processes. Researchers developed a model that combines information on neural firing speeds, pattern perception, and natural scene assumptions to predict how animals see colour and understand visual illusions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 15, 2023

Architecture of the ESCPE-1 membrane coat

A multidisciplinary team has revealed the atomic-level organization of ESCPE-1, a key player in tubular-based cargo sorting. The study provides insights into membrane interactions, cargo recognition, and coat formation, enhancing understanding of membrane protein recycling and its role in cellular processes.

SourceCIC bioGUNE·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJun 15, 2023

Sickle cell disease is 11 times more deadly than previously recorded

A new study reveals sickle cell disease is far deadlier than its textbook description, with a total mortality burden of 373,000 deaths in 2021. The condition disproportionately affects children, adolescents, and young adults worldwide, highlighting the need for universal newborn screening and early intervention.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet Haematology·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 15, 2023

Addition of EBRT to brachytherapy did not improve outcomes for men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer, brachytherapy alone remains standard of care

The study found no improvement in freedom from progression rates for patients receiving combined EBRT and brachytherapy (COMBO) compared to those receiving brachytherapy alone (BT). Late adverse events were significantly increased in the COMBO arm, favoring BT as a standard of care for intermediate-risk prostate cancer patients.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 15, 2023

Indirect effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict revealed: global food supply at risk

A recent study by the Complexity Science Hub reveals interdependencies in the global food supply chain, uncovering profound indirect effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on product availability worldwide. The study found that indirect effects often exceeded direct effects, with losses up to 85% in maize and 89% in edible oils.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 15, 2023

The Situation of the Uyghurs

The EU project Remote XUAR uses remote research methods to analyze the situation in Xinjiang. Researchers use internet-based document analyses, discourse analysis on social media, and satellite-based remote sensing to study everyday changes in the region.

Intriguing correlation between earthquakes and cosmic radiation

Researchers have found a surprising correlation between global seismic activity and changes in cosmic radiation intensity, potentially aiding in earthquake prediction. The periodicity of this phenomenon has been identified as every 10-11 years, but its exact cause remains unknown.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics·DateJun 15, 2023

Contact lenses shed microplastics

Researchers developed an automated method to detect and count microplastics in contact lenses, finding that lenses with shorter lifetimes shed more microplastics when exposed to sunlight. The study estimates that over 90,000 microplastic particles per year could be shed from some lenses if worn for 10 hours a day.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 15, 2023

Healthy sex life during pandemic tied to an array of sexual coping strategies

Research reveals people who maintained healthy sex lives during the pandemic used various coping mechanisms, such as goal-setting, expanding their sexual repertoire, and fostering intimacy. These strategies were rated more useful by those who tried them, with relational and educational approaches yielding greater satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSexuality Research and Social Policy·TypeSurvey·DateJun 15, 2023

Malaria: New molecule with therapeutic potential

CNRS scientists have identified a molecule that prevents parasites of Plasmodium from invading blood cells, paving the way for a new class of antimalarials. The discovery is based on the key role of myosin A in malaria infection and its inhibition by KNX-002.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 15, 2023

Massive underwater plateau near Solomon Islands is younger and its eruption was more protracted than previously thought, research suggests

New research by Oregon State University suggests the Ontong Java Plateau is younger and its eruption was more protracted than previously believed. The findings contradict long-held assumptions about the formation of the plateau being linked to a global oxygen-depletion event that formed black shale deposits worldwide.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2023