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Science News Archive June 2023 - Page 28


Page 28 of 40

Masai giraffes more endangered than previously thought

Researchers found that giraffes on either side of the rift have not interbred for over 1,000 years, with females showing no signs of migration. The study suggests that Masai giraffes are more endangered than previously thought, requiring separate but coordinated conservation efforts.

SourcePenn State·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateJun 12, 2023

THE LANCET: First phase 3 trial of a chikungunya vaccine candidate finds it is generally safe and provokes an immune response

A phase 3 trial found that the VLA1553 vaccine candidate produced an immune response in 99% of participants, inducing protection against disease. The study also showed that the vaccine was generally safe and well-tolerated across all age groups, with most adverse events being mild or moderate.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 12, 2023

Samurai wasp has minimal impact on native stink bugs, new CABI-led study confirms

A new study by CABI confirms the Samurai wasp has minimal impact on native stink bugs, with most non-target species being less parasitized. However, some species with unusual life cycles may face increased risk of parasitism. The study assessed the realized host range of the Samurai wasp and found it to be broader than initially thought.

SourceCABI·JournalJournal of Pest Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2023

BU researchers discover small, specific subpopulations of hypothalamic neurons play a major role in regulating the thyroid system

A new study at Boston University School of Medicine found that specific subpopulations of hypothalamic neurons play a major role in regulating thyroid hormone levels. The researchers also discovered that these neurons respond to fasting and weight loss, shedding light on the central control of metabolism.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThyroid·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2023

Even with insurance, many patients with diabetes turn to GoFundMe to offset high cost of care

A study found that even insured patients with diabetes use crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe to cover excess medical expenses, including uncovered co-pays and life-saving care. Researchers urge policymakers to consider these needs when developing affordable diabetes care policies.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 12, 2023

New method enables study of nano-sized particles

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new method called single-particle profiling (SPP) to study bioparticles in health and disease. The SPP enables the measurement of thousands of particles between 5 and 200 nanometres in size, with potential applications in vaccine development and creating more effective nanocarriers.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJun 12, 2023

Millions of patients do not have full recovery of smell or taste senses after COVID infection, study finds

A retrospective analysis of national data found that over 20 million Americans experienced loss of smell or taste after COVID infection, with a large portion never fully recovering these senses. The study estimated that almost 28 million Americans may be left with decreased sense of smell after COVID infection.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalThe Laryngoscope·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 12, 2023

Unhealthy neighborhood food environments are linked to poor birth weight outcomes in New York

A new study at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health found that neighborhoods with high densities of unhealthy retail food establishments were associated with a higher risk of delivering babies born large-for-gestational age, while those with healthy food options reduced this risk. The study analyzed data from over 106,000 births in...

One in 15 in changed reported sexual identity over a six-year period, new UK survey study finds

A new UK survey study led by Lancaster University found that 6.6% of the population aged 16 and over changed their reported sexual identity over a six-year period. The research challenges the assumption that sexual identity mobility declines with age, revealing that it is as prevalent among over-65s as young people.

SourceLancaster University·JournalDemography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 12, 2023

Evolutionary fuel: Researchers study maintenance of an ancient chromosomal inversion

A team of scientists investigated how genetic variation is maintained in a species and its impact on adaptation. They found that a complex evolutionary process contributes to the persistence of both old and new forms of a chromosomal inversion in stick insects, potentially fostering long-term survival.

SourceUtah State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2023

New recipes for better solar fuel production

A team of researchers from China and the UK has developed new ways to optimise the production of solar fuels by creating novel photocatalysts. These photocatalysts, such as titanium dioxide with boron nitride, can absorb more wavelengths of light and produce more hydrogen compared to traditional methods.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalApplied Surface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2023

Vaccine against deadly chytrid fungus primes frog microbiome for future exposure

A new study found that a vaccine against the deadly chytrid fungus in frogs can shift the composition of the microbiome, making frogs more resilient to future exposure. The researchers applied a non-lethal dosage of a metabolic product created by the chytrid fungus to tadpoles and observed a protective shift in the microbiome.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2023

Enhancing carbon dioxide reduction

A team of researchers has identified a new 2D material that can accelerate the chemical reduction of carbon dioxide. The discovery could be an important step forward towards using electrocatalysts in electrochemical CO2 reduction applications, producing valuable chemicals without by-products.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 10, 2023

Telemedicine visits cut health system employee care costs by nearly 25%

A study analyzing de-identified data from almost 11,000 total visits by Penn Medicine employees found that telemedicine visits were 23 percent less expensive than in-person visits for the same conditions. The per-visit costs of the telemedicine program averaged $380 while in-person encounters cost $493 to conduct.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2023

Breaking through the limits of stretchable semiconductors with molecular brakes that harness light

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) developed a technology for high-performance organic polymer semiconductors that exhibit both stretchability and electrical functionality. The molecular brake prevents slipping under stretching conditions, preserving up to 96% of electrical performance.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 9, 2023

Researchers discover materials exhibiting huge magnetoresistance

A new material with enormous magnetoresistance has been discovered, enabling the development of more efficient non-volatile magnetoresistive memory (MRAM) devices. The material, a cobalt-manganese alloy with metastable body-centered cubic crystal structure, exhibits high magnetoresistance ratios at room temperature and near-zero kelvin.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateJun 9, 2023

Study shows metformin lowers the risk of getting long COVID

A large-scale randomized clinical trial found that metformin prevents the development of long COVID. Over 1,100 participants reported on their symptoms for up to 10 months after initial COVID-19 diagnosis. The study suggests metformin could have significant public health implications as a preventive measure.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2023

Similar symptoms, biological abnormalities underlie long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome

A review article by senior investigators at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome share similar symptoms, including brain, immune system, heart, lung, gut, and energy metabolism abnormalities. The study aims to identify areas requiring further research for improved diagnostic tests and treatments.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 9, 2023

Liquid metal sticks to surfaces without a binding agent

Scientists have developed a technique for applying liquid metal to surfaces that don't easily bond with it, using force-responsive adhesion. The method allows for the creation of electronic 'smart devices' from everyday materials like paper and plastic.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2023

DNA facilitates escape from metastability

Prof. LIANG Haojun's team proposed a new method to escape from metastability in self-assembly using DNA-functionalized nanoparticles. By introducing a 'catassembler' molecule, they corrected imperfect linkages and assisted the system to escape from metastability while preserving the assembled framework. This strategy has potential appl...

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2023

New high-tech helmets may protect American football players from debilitating concussions

Researchers have designed a helmet with liquid shock absorbers that could significantly reduce the impact of blows to the head, potentially cutting injuries. The helmet performed better than existing models, producing the lowest 'Helmet Performance Score' in key areas, including the side upper portion of the helmet.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2023

New model offers a way to speed up drug discovery

Researchers have developed a new AI model that can quickly screen large libraries of potential drug compounds against target proteins. The ConPLex model uses language analysis to match potential drugs with proteins without needing to calculate molecular structures, enabling fast screening of over 100 million compounds per day.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2023

Targeting the Src N-Terminal regulatory element in cancer

Researchers from Universitat de Barcelona and Universitat Internacional de Catalunya discuss the non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase Src as a good example of an oncogene. Targeting the Src N-terminal regulatory element (SNRE) has potential as oncotargets to inhibit Src activity only in cancer cells.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 9, 2023

First genetic locus for voice pitch

Scientists have identified a genetic locus associated with voice pitch, found in the ABCC9 gene, which influences voice characteristics in both men and women. The study also reveals links between voice pitch and cardiovascular health, highlighting the complex relationship between vocal traits and human biology.

SourcedeCODE genetics·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2023