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Science News Archive June 2023 - Page 25


Page 25 of 40

People who preserve ‘immune resilience’ live longer, resist infections

A multinational study identified immune resilience as a critical factor influencing life span, HIV/AIDS, flu, sepsis mortality, recurrent skin cancer, and COVID-19 mortality. Individuals with optimal levels of immune resilience were more likely to resist infections and recover from inflammatory stressors.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 13, 2023

How seeing corpses reduces the lifespan of flies

A new study in PLOS Biology found that specific brain cells, R2 and R4 neurons, are activated when flies encounter dead flies, leading to faster aging. This increased activity is linked to the serotonin receptor 5-HT2A, which can potentially be targeted for slowing down human aging.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023

Failings of California’s Cap and Trade Programme revealed in new analysis

A recent study published in Regional Studies found that California's Cap and Trade Programme does not achieve its goal of reducing carbon emissions while allowing for economic growth. The researchers compared county-level economic growth and emissions data with neighboring states and found no significant differences, indicating a poten...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRegional Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2023

First hominin muscle reconstruction shows 3.2 million-year-old ‘Lucy’ could stand as erect as we can

A study using digital reconstructions of Australopithecus afarensis muscles suggests that the 3.2 million-year-old 'Lucy' hominin could walk upright as efficiently as modern humans. The research, published in Royal Society Open Science, used open-source data on Lucy's fossil to create a detailed model of her lower body muscle structure.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 13, 2023

Are emoji helping your physician communicate better? What new research tells us about emoji use among hospitalists

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed emoji use among hospitalists and found that emojis do not cause confusion or affect professionalism. The researchers analyzed thousands of lines of messages and discovered that emojis often serve a linguistic role, adding new information to the conversation.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 13, 2023

Experts hail 3D audio plug-in VIRTUOSO developed by a Huddersfield academic 'a game-changer'

VIRTUOSO, developed by Dr. Hyunkook Lee from the University of Huddersfield's Applied Psychoacoustics Lab, enables immersive 3D audio without loudspeakers through binaural technology powered by ASPEN. This technology simulates the ambience and reflections found in a room with headphones, allowing for accurate translation to real speakers.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·TypeNews article·DateJun 13, 2023

Overpayments to Medicare Advantage Plans could exceed $75 billion in 2023, USC Schaeffer Center research finds

USC researchers warn that overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans now exceed 20 percent or $75 billion annually due to favorable selection of beneficiaries with lower spending. The study highlights the urgent need for reform to improve the relationship between FFS expenditures and Medicare Advantage payments.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2023

Retooling the ribosomal translation machine could expand chemical repertoire of cells

Researchers have made significant progress in reprogramming cells to supply the ribosome with building blocks other than alpha-amino acids. The ultimate goal is to make the translation system fully programmable, allowing for the production of an unlimited variety of new molecular chains with unique properties.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023

Meat processing plants: What factors are critical for survival?

A study from the University of Illinois analyzed 7,839 US meat processing plants to identify factors associated with plant survival. Small and medium-sized plants were more likely to fail than large plants, while business diversification played a critical role in small plant survival.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2023

Higher levels of diglycerides and triglycerides adversely associated with glaucoma

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that higher levels of diglycerides and triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of primary open-angle glaucoma. The research suggests that these lipid metabolites play a role in the disease's pathogenesis, highlighting potential new targets for prevention or treatment.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2023

The best drug combos to prevent COVID recurrence

A machine-learning study has found that individual characteristics, including age and weight, determine which drug combinations most effectively reduce COVID-19 recurrence rates. The study used real-world data from a hospital in China and identified unique treatment combinations for different demographic groups.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Artificial Intelligence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2023

Brighter nights risk extinguishing glow-worm twinkle

Research by the University of Sussex reveals that white light makes it harder for male common glow-worms to find glowing females, potentially disastrous consequences for global glow-worm populations. Male glow-worms spend more time in the bottom part of the maze without moving towards a female when dazzled by white light.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023

New research from the Stowers Institute reveals the start of Huntington’s disease

Scientists at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have uncovered the structure of the first step in amyloid formation for Huntington's disease. The team proposes a new method for treating not only Huntington's but potentially dozens of other amyloid-associated diseases by preventing the initial, rate-limiting step from occurring.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023

Elevated Lipoprotein(a) is the latest variant of ‘bad cholesterol’ found to increase the risk of recurrent coronary heart disease

A new study found that elevated Lipoprotein(a) levels are a significant predictor of recurrent coronary heart disease (CHD) in people over 60. The study suggests current cholesterol-lowering medications may not be effective in reducing the risk of recurrent CHD, highlighting the need for novel therapeutics to target elevated Lp(a).

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCurrent Medical Research and Opinion·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2023

Using emoji to measure health

Researchers argue that emoji-based language systems can improve communication between patients and physicians, particularly for vulnerable populations such as those with stroke or vocal impairments. The use of emoji can condense surveys and questionnaires, increasing response rates and appealing to patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateJun 13, 2023

Groundbreaking study reveals new insights into human gut-brain connection

Researchers at Laureate Institute for Brain Research developed a novel approach to studying the elusive gut-brain connection, measuring neural responses during gastrointestinal stimulation. The study found that enhanced stimulation led to improved perceptual accuracy and reduced variability in reaction time.

SourceLaureate Institute for Brain Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023

RNA nanoparticle therapy stops the spread of incurable bone marrow cancer

Researchers have created an RNA nanoparticle therapy that disables the pathways through which multiple myeloma cells travel, stopping their spread. The therapy targets the microenvironment of the cancer and prevents the production of a protein that attracts cancer cells to blood vessels.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2023

New study maps impact of interprovincial trade on PM2.5-related mortality in China

A new study reveals that product trade plays a pivotal role in shifting pollution and its associated health burdens across sectors and regions in China. Consumption-based effects from sectors such as food, light industry, equipment, construction, and services cause significantly higher deaths than those from a production perspective.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateJun 13, 2023

Serotonin booster leads to increased functional brain connectivity

A new study found that the serotonin booster prucalopride increased functional brain connectivity in healthy adults, particularly between cognitive networks. The results suggest that prucalopride may improve cognitive function and have therapeutic potential for depression patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023

Ancient breeding of scarlet macaws

Researchers discovered evidence of scarlet macaw breeding in Old Town, New Mexico, dating back to the early 1100s. The findings suggest that macaw breeding was occurring north of its known range and may shed light on the practice of breeding and keeping these birds in the Americas.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 13, 2023

A short snout predisposes dogs to sleep apnea

A new method for diagnosing sleep-disordered breathing in dogs has been developed, revealing that brachycephalic breeds are more susceptible to the condition due to their shorter snouts. The study used a neckband system to measure breathing during sleep and found a higher number of events in short-snouted dogs.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·DateJun 13, 2023

BU researchers create new model of lung mesenchymal cells

Lung mesenchymal cells have been identified in a new experimental model, enabling the study of pulmonary diseases such as fibrosis and interstitial lung disease. The researchers used an iPSC line carrying a lung mesenchyme-specific fluorescent reporter to test growth factors and small molecules, finding that stimulating retinoic acid a...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023

Stowers scientists investigate the evolution of animal developmental mechanisms, show how some of Earth’s earliest animals evolved

A new study from the Gibson Lab at Stowers Institute for Medical Research sheds light on how some of Earth's earliest animals evolved. Researchers discovered that a common genetic toolkit is deployed in different ways to drive embryological development, producing diverse adult body plans.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023

A rare glimpse of our first ancestors in mainland Southeast Asia

The discovery of human fossils at Tam Pà Ling cave in northern Laos reveals that modern humans spread from Africa through Arabia and to Asia much earlier than previously thought. The findings confirm that early Homo sapiens did not just follow coastlines and islands, but also traveled through forested regions along river valleys.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2023

Key regulator of COVID viral receptor may be new drug target

Researchers have identified DYRK1A as a key regulator of the SARS-CoV-2 viral receptor, which is critical for entry into human tissues. Reducing DYRK1A activity decreases infection, providing new insights into COVID-19 causation and potential antiviral treatments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023

During the pandemic, hospital transfers were complex and distressing

A study of hospital transfers during COVID-19 found that decision-makers, environmental factors, and patient characteristics played a significant role in transfer decisions. The researchers identified three categories of factors affecting these decisions, which often resulted in moral distress for healthcare workers.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 13, 2023

Education on under-prescribed drug helps reduce cravings for those with alcohol use disorder, MU study finds

A MU study found that providing educational information about naltrexone to healthcare professionals increases patient prescriptions for the drug. The study resulted in a 36% increase in patients leaving the facility with a prescription for naltrexone, suggesting better-informed decisions by healthcare professionals.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023

Only 1 in 4 adolescent treatment facilities offer buprenorphine for opioid use disorder

A recent NIH-funded study found that only 1 in 4 residential addiction treatment facilities for adolescents under 18 years old offer buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorder. The study highlights a significant gap in access to evidence-based treatment among young people, with many facilities not offering this life-saving medication d...

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJun 13, 2023