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Science News Archive June 2023 - Page 27


Page 27 of 40

How much microplastics is there in Swiss rivers and lakes?

Researchers developed a model to predict microplastic concentrations in Swiss waters, finding that around half of the microplastics remain in the country. The Rhine river near Basel has the highest concentration of microplastics, with major cities contributing significantly to pollution.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Water·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 12, 2023

The chatbot will see you now:

A chatbot-based system improved the informed consent process for genomics research studies, leading to faster completion, higher understanding, and increased accessibility. The study involved 72 families and found that 96% of participants passed a quiz assessing their knowledge, with 86% reporting a positive experience.

Geologists challenge conventional view of Earth’s continental history, stability with new study

Researchers found that stable cratons have repeatedly deformed beneath their crust since formation, contradicting decades of plate tectonics theory. This deformation is caused by dense mantle keels peeling away from the lithosphere during supercontinent breakup.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 12, 2023

“Choosing Wisely” interventions can reduce antibiotic overuse at safety-net hospitals, UCLA-led research suggests

A statewide pay-for-performance intervention based on Choosing Wisely reduced rates of inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions for acute respiratory tract infections from 43% to 25%. This reduction occurred without measurable harms at safety-net hospitals serving disadvantaged patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2023

Treadmill for microswimmers allows closer look at behavior

A team of researchers has created an acoustic microfluidic method to study swimming cells and microorganisms, including the single-cell alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The device uses ultrasonic waves to trap cells in place without affecting their swimming behavior, enabling controlled experiments on cilia motion and cell motility.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2023

New study links contraceptive pills and depression

A large-scale study found that women who used combined contraceptive pills were at a greater risk of developing depression than those who did not. The risk was particularly high for teenage users, who had a 130% higher incidence of symptoms of depression.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEpidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJun 12, 2023

Seeing the insides of plants in 3D

A new technology called PHYTOMap allows researchers to study dozens of genes simultaneously without genetic manipulation, providing insights into plant responses to climate change. The method has the potential to improve crop resiliency and inform agriculture optimization.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Plants·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 12, 2023

A new dynamic probe of electric forces between molecules

Scientists have developed a new dynamic probe to measure electric interactions between molecules and the environment. Using ultrashort terahertz pulses, they mapped the optical absorption of molecules in an external electric field, revealing the strength and dynamics of these forces.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2023

Cortical thinning is associated with altered neurotransmission in young adults with a history of heavy drinking since adolescence

Young adults with a history of heavy drinking since adolescence exhibit lower cortical gray matter thickness and altered neurotransmission, according to a recent study. Cortical thinning is associated with increased inhibitory neurotransmission, especially in the frontal and parietal lobes.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·DateJun 12, 2023

Blocking immune system 'messenger' may treat severe asthma

Researchers found that blocking histamine-releasing factor (HRF) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) interactions may provide relief for patients with severe asthma. The study, published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, suggests two potential therapies, including HRF-2CA and a therapeutic antibody called SPF7-1.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2023

The advances and promise of continuous glucose monitoring in diabetes management

Recent studies show that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is effective in improving glycemic control, reducing hypoglycemia risk, and increasing access to diabetes technologies. The technology has the potential to replace self-monitoring of blood glucose for insulin-requiring patients and become a standard for managing Type 2 Diabetes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·TypeCase study·DateJun 12, 2023

A Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study presents consensus on the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage-related hydrocephalus

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage-related hydrocephalus is a complex syndrome that can lead to cognitive impairment and neurological damage. The new consensus guideline recommends standard-of-care approaches, including history review, head CT scans, and medications or surgical interventions to manage excessive intracranial pressure.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 12, 2023

Self-esteem of kids with short stature tied to social supports, not height

A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that the quality of life and self-esteem of children with short stature are associated with coping skills and social supports, rather than their height. The researchers suggest that addressing short stature through a broader, psychosocial approach might have a more positive impac...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJun 12, 2023

Study explores how social network users decide to make friends

Researchers found that similarity with a potential friend, the properties of a potential friend's network, and the potential friend's domain expertise are key drivers behind individuals' online friendship decisions. Having common interests and demographic traits improves the odds of two strangers becoming friends in an online community.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 12, 2023

Malaria in the Medici era

Researchers detected Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest form of malaria, in mummified tissues from Medici family members. The parasite was identified through microscopic and molecular analyses, revealing characteristic ring-shaped structures and Maurer's clefts.

SourceEurac Research·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 12, 2023

Decreased decision-to-incision time for non-emergent cesarean deliveries improves maternal and fetal outcomes for Black and Hispanic patients

A new study from Boston Medical Center found that implementing a streamlined process for urgent cesarean deliveries improved infant Apgar scores, particularly for Black and Hispanic infants. The study reduced decision-to-incision time by 64% among all patients, with the largest improvements seen in Black and Hispanic patients.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateJun 12, 2023

Digital divide hinders rural innovation, study shows

A study published in Telecommunications Policy found that cloud adoption enables innovation in rural businesses, increasing new-to-market innovation by 6% compared to non-cloud firms. The research highlights the importance of broadband access in enabling rural entrepreneurship and supporting vibrant economies.

SourcePenn State·JournalTelecommunications Policy·TypeSurvey·DateJun 12, 2023

Engineered white blood cells eliminate cancer

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a new therapy that uses engineered macrophages to eliminate solid tumors. The treatment works by silencing a molecular pathway that prevents white blood cells from attacking cancer cells, allowing them to recognize and destroy tumoroids.

Which came first: the reptile or the egg?

Researchers from Nanjing University and University of Bristol found that early reptiles, birds, and mammals may have borne live young, contrary to the long-held assumption that hard-shelled eggs were key to their success. Extended embryo retention was likely a crucial adaptation that allowed these animals to thrive on land.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJun 12, 2023