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Science News Archive June 2023 - Page 30


Page 30 of 40

Duke-NUS researchers develop promising stem cell-based regenerative therapy for heart disease

Researchers developed a stem cell-based regenerative therapy that repairs damaged tissue and improves heart function in preclinical trials. The treatment involves transplanting non-beating heart cells into the damaged heart, reducing the risk of adverse side effects and improving the chances of recovery for heart failure patients.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·TypeCase study·DateJun 8, 2023

Incomplete imaging for transient ischemic attack emergencies increases stroke risk

A study found that patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) who received incomplete neurovascular imaging were at higher odds of experiencing a stroke within 90 days. The research, published in the American Journal of Roentgenology, used Medicare claims data to analyze TIA emergency department encounters.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 8, 2023

Tuberculosis BCG vaccine found ineffective against COVID-19 in healthcare workers

The BCG vaccine, primarily developed to prevent tuberculosis, was found ineffective against COVID-19 in a large international trial involving nearly 4,000 healthcare workers. Researchers discovered that vaccination increased the risk of symptomatic disease during the first six months following enrolment.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 8, 2023

Experimental cancer drug may slow inflammation linked to heart disease

A new study shows that saracatinib reduces inflammation in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease by more than 90% and boosts genes that help clean up plaque deposits. The experimental cancer drug may offer an effective therapy for cases where standard treatment fails to help.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2023

Professors call for further study of potential uses of AI in special education, avoiding bans

A group of educators is urging caution when using artificial intelligence (AI) in special education, highlighting its potential to benefit students with disabilities. The authors emphasize the need for careful consideration of AI's uses and limitations, including information literacy, consent, and critical thinking.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Special Education Technology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 8, 2023

Purified pituitary tissue generated from stem cells

Scientists have successfully converted human pluripotent stem cells into purified pituitary cells that secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), a hormone normally produced by the pituitary gland. Transplantation of these cells into mice with hypopituitarism resulted in long-lasting improvement in ACTH levels.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2023

Greenhouse gas emissions at ‘an all-time high’ causing unprecedented rate of global warming - global scientists

Key indicators show human-induced warming reached 1.14°C above pre-industrial levels, with emissions at an all-time high. The analysis calls for policymakers and climate negotiators to access up-to-date scientific evidence to base decisions, as the remaining carbon budget is declining.

SourceMaynooth University·JournalEarth System Science Data·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 8, 2023

Personalized vaccines may revolutionize cancer treatment

Researchers have made a breakthrough in treating melanoma by adding an mRNA vaccine tailored to individual tumour genetics to common immunotherapy, significantly improving survival and disease recurrence rates. After two years, cancer-free survival increased to 78.6%, and the risk of death or cancer returning was reduced by 44%.

SourceEdith Cowan University·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 8, 2023

Children in Chile saw 73% fewer TV ads for unhealthy foods and drinks following trailblazing marketing restrictions

Chile's multi-phased regulations, starting in 2016, have led to a 73% drop in children's exposure to TV ads for regulated foods and drinks. The number of unhealthy food ads on TV dropped by 64%, with 77% fewer during children's programming.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateJun 8, 2023

Revealing how blood triggers brain disease

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes discovered that blood leaking into the brain triggers toxic genes in microglia, turning them into harmful cells that destroy neurons. Fibrin, a blood protein, is responsible for this process, which can lead to cognitive dysfunction and motor impairment.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 8, 2023

UMass Amherst epidemiologist updates and validates ‘gold standard’ of prenatal physical activity tools

A University of Massachusetts Amherst researcher has updated the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), a widely used tool for measuring prenatal physical activity. The new PPAQ is considered reliable and valid, providing estimates of physical activity and sedentary behavior in pregnant women.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 8, 2023

Single-cell atlas of the whole human lung

The Human Lung Cell Atlas provides insights into lung biology by combining data from nearly 40 studies, revealing rare cell types and cellular differences between healthy people. The study found common cell states between lung fibrosis, cancer, and COVID-19, offering new ways of understanding lung disease.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 8, 2023

The evolution of societal cooperation

Researchers developed a model that considers multiple coexisting social norms and studied how these norms might compete as individuals learn from one another. Key findings include the success of 'stern judging' in promoting cooperation, particularly in situations where individuals show a preference for interacting within their own group.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 8, 2023

Groundbreaking findings bring hope for faster and better recovery after stroke

Researchers have developed an effective treatment that accelerates recovery after stroke by modulating astrocyte reactivity and cortical connectivity. The treatment, which involves administering a molecule called C3a in nasal drops, has shown positive results in mice with stroke, offering new hope for faster and better recovery.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2023

Utilizing data to predict hospital wait times – it can save more than your patience!

A new study in the INFORMS journal Manufacturing & Service Operations Management uncovers how to showcase hospital wait times to increase efficiency, accurately route emergency vehicles, and save money. The study provides a comprehensive picture of patient waiting trajectories for low-acuity patients and first responders, aiding in bet...

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManufacturing and Service Operations Management·TypeObservational study·DateJun 8, 2023

Accuracy of AI in estimating best-corrected visual acuity from fundus photographs in eyes with diabetic macular edema

Researchers developed an AI model to estimate best-corrected visual acuity from fundus photographs in patients with diabetic macular edema, achieving accuracy within one to two lines on a standard chart. The study's findings support the potential of AI in clinical settings, with opportunities for further improvement.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateJun 8, 2023

Comparing doctors to peers doesn’t make them hate their jobs and may improve quality of care, new USC Schaeffer study finds

A new USC Schaeffer Center study reveals that behavioral interventions aimed at improving performance can be designed to protect clinician job satisfaction and improve quality of care. The research team discovered it is essential for clinicians to have control over the behavior being evaluated or encouraged.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 8, 2023

Full electrification of Uber and Lyft vehicles would provide only modest benefits to society, study shows

A new study estimates that the overall benefits of switching ride-hailing vehicles from gasoline to electric would be very modest, with a 3% gain per trip. The study found that traffic-related factors, such as congestion and crash risk, dominate societal costs, outweighing emissions reductions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 8, 2023

THE LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES: Taking a common diabetes medication after testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 reduces risk of developing long COVID by 40%, study finds

A new randomized controlled trial found that taking metformin after testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 reduces the risk of developing long COVID by 40%. The study, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, involved over 1,100 patients and showed metformin prevented over 40% of cases of long COVID over a 10-month follow-up period.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 8, 2023

A potential milestone in cancer therapy

A research team has identified a previously unknown weak spot in prostate cancer cells that could lead to new therapeutic approaches for other types of cancer. The study found that inhibiting this process can reduce cancer growth without affecting normal cell growth.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2023

New in the Hastings Center Report, May-June 2023 Issue

The US has implemented laws banning transgender youth from competing in sports according to their gender identity. However, existing evidence does not support these restrictions, as they would deprive vulnerable trans youth of physical, mental, and social benefits. The article proposes changes to promote a more inclusive and fair athle...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalThe Hastings Center Report·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 8, 2023