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Science News for March 1, 2023


'We cannot change the human body, but we can change the environment'

A new research agenda aims to apply evolutionary principles to modern diseases, emphasizing the role of environmental factors. By studying natural world adaptations, scientists hope to find new ways to prevent and treat disease, such as adopting antimicrobial approaches inspired by hyenas' ability to thrive on carrion.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 1, 2023

Neoadjuvant pembrolizumab administered before surgery improves outcomes of melanoma patients

A phase 2 clinical trial shows that treating resectable stage 3 and 4 melanoma patients with pembrolizumab both before and after surgery greatly improves outcomes compared to pembrolizumab given only after surgery. This approach resulted in significantly longer event-free survival rates.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 1, 2023

Will you let a robot assist in surgery on you? The role of advertising in high-tech medical procedures

Researchers analyzed 140,000 patient records and TV ads from Florida to investigate the effectiveness of DTCA for robotics surgery. The study found that patients exposed to robotic surgery advertising were more likely to choose it over conventional laparoscopic and open surgeries. Additionally, hospital marketers can use DTCA to sway p...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMar 1, 2023

Nature's nutcracker can crush pesticide residue

Researchers at Aarhus University have found an enzyme, C-P lyase, in E. coli bacteria that can degrade highly stable chemicals, including pesticides like RoundUp. The enzyme uses energy from ATP to open and close a 'nutcracker' mechanism that traps and breaks down troublesome chemicals.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

A new bioinspired earthworm robot for future underground explorations

Researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia have created a soft robot inspired by earthworms, able to crawl using soft actuators that elongate or squeeze. The prototype demonstrates improved locomotion with a speed of 1.35mm/s and has potential applications in underground exploration, excavation, search and rescue operations.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

New study reveals parents’ concerns about their sexual and gender minority teens using prep for HIV prevention

A new study examines the concerns of parents of sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents regarding HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. Parents cited effectiveness and adverse effects as key factors in their decision-making, while also expressing questions about how to discuss PrEP with their children.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAIDS Education and Prevention·DateMar 1, 2023

Cocaethylene cardiotoxicity in emergency department patients with acute drug overdose

A recent study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that combining cocaine with ethanol increases the risk of cardiac arrest, higher lactate concentrations, and lower occurrence of myocardial injury. The study suggests that cocaethylene, a metabolite of cocaine and ethanol, is more toxic than either substance alone.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateMar 1, 2023

Real AI will need biology: Computers powered by human brain cells

Researchers have developed a new type of computer using human brain cells, which could lead to significant advances in computing speed and data efficiency. The technology uses small clusters of brain cells grown from stem cells and aims to increase the number of neurons to surpass electronic computers.

SourceCortical Labs·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 1, 2023

Study shows promising results in using the sun's ultraviolet rays to decontaminate water at high altitudes

Researchers found that solar water disinfection (SODIS) was effective in inactivating Escherichia coli bacteria at both low and high altitudes. At high altitudes, bacterial inactivation increased by 1.7-fold after two hours, with no significant differences after six hours. The study highlights the potential of SODIS to improve global a...

SourceElsevier·JournalWilderness and Environmental Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Social workers experienced depression, PTSD, and anxiety at alarming rates during pandemic

A new study found that social workers experienced high rates of depression, PTSD, and anxiety during the pandemic, with 40% reporting depression - a rate 4 times higher than the general population. The study highlights the need for trauma-informed approaches and strong mental health supports for staff to sustain the profession.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Social Work·TypeSurvey·DateMar 1, 2023

Conversations about safe firearm storage at purchase can influence use of firearm locks

Researchers found that discussing cable locks with retailers increased the use of locking devices among gun owners. The study suggests that encouraging retailers to notify buyers about included locking devices can lower the risk of firearm injury and death. This simple conversation may save a life, according to the lead author.

SourceRutgers University·JournalInjury Epidemiology·TypeSurvey·DateMar 1, 2023

Researchers uncover how gene that increases risk of genetic heart disease works, paving way for new treatments

A recent study led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute has revealed a new pathway for how genetic mutations impact heart muscle function. The research identifies the gene ALPK3 as a key player in cardiomyopathy, a group of diseases affecting the heart's ability to pump blood, and provides hope for new targeted therapies.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal study identifies major risk factors of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with pneumoconiosis in China

A Chinese Medical Journal study found that smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of work-related injury insurance are significant risk factors for developing pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with pneumoconiosis. The study also identified rural birth, household exposure to patients with PTB, and hospitalization history as relevant ri...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeSurvey·DateMar 1, 2023

Crocodiles could save us from deadly infections

A new study by La Trobe University researchers reveals how crocodiles resist fatal fungal infections using a unique pH sensing mechanism. The findings provide a model for understanding the anti-microbial activity of other defensins, including those in humans.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

New Cleveland Clinic-developed screening tool can assess cognition issues in older adults

A new screening tool developed by Cleveland Clinic researchers can effectively detect mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer's disease, and other related dementias in older adults. The tool has been shown to identify 90% of patients with mild cognitive impairment, offering a potential solution for early detection and prevention.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateMar 1, 2023

Mapping unknown territory

Scientists at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft created an interactive atlas of gene expression in the zebrafish brain, revealing hundreds of genes with single-cell resolution. The new map integrates seamlessly with existing data, providing new insights into neural structure and function.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Neoadjuvant immunotherapy improves outlook in high-risk melanoma

Patients with stage IIIB-IV melanoma who received neoadjuvant pembrolizumab had a significantly lower risk of cancer recurrence compared to those receiving adjuvant therapy only. The study found improved event-free survival rates in the neoadjuvant group, suggesting that starting immunotherapy before surgery generates better outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 1, 2023

Special Selection

A team of global experts discovered new signals of natural selection in humans, focusing on the Tsimane and Moseten populations living in the Bolivian Amazon. They found 21 regions in the genome that underwent positive selection for immunity-related traits and metabolic functions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2023

‘Chunky dunk?’ Cleveland’s prehistoric sea monster may have been shorter, stouter, than once believed

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University suggest that the length of the prehistoric fish Dunkleosteus terrelli was greatly exaggerated. The study proposes a new method to estimate the size based on the head, which is consistent among living fishes and smaller relatives. According to this method, Dunkleosteus was only 11-13 feet...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalDiversity·DateMar 1, 2023

Checklist Prompters Support ICU Rounds

A study published in the American Journal of Critical Care found that a single trained observer serving as a checklist prompter can accurately assess whether multidisciplinary rounds addressed key elements of the ABCDEF bundle. This approach enables customized, shorter checklists to streamline workflows and improve patient care.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAmerican Journal of Critical Care·DateMar 1, 2023

Flamingos form cliques with like-minded pals

A study by the University of Exeter found that flamingos form groups based on their individual personalities, with birds of similar traits spending more time together. This complex social behavior could help improve the welfare of captive flocks and provide insights into the evolution of bird societies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

The Future of Touch

A new study reveals that holographic haptic displays create diffuse and faint tactile sensations due to widespread vibration patterns in the skin. The researchers discovered a phenomenon known as constructive interference that amplifies shock waves, leading to reduced spatial precision and clarity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 1, 2023

Dutch healthcare system isn't prepared for pregnant transgender men

A recent study by Amsterdam University Medical Center found that transgender men face significant barriers in accessing maternity care due to a lack of understanding and guidance from healthcare providers. The research highlights the need for gender-inclusive care and guidelines to support pregnant transgender men, addressing their uni...

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalMidwifery·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Fishing for proteins: Scientists use new optical tweezer technology to study DNA repair

Researchers used C-trap technology to investigate how different DNA repair proteins identify and bind to their respective forms of damage. They found that some proteins arrived at the damage site together and departed together, while others showed surprising variability in their association and dissociation patterns. The study provides...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Hansel and Gretel's breadcrumb trick inspires robotic exploration of caves on Mars and beyond

University of Arizona engineers create autonomous vehicle system that allows robots to scout out underground habitats on other planets. The 'Breadcrumb-Style Dynamically Deployed Communication Network' paradigm enables robots to work together without human input, addressing NASA's space technology grand challenges.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAdvances in Space Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 1, 2023

Seabirds in the eye of the storm

Researchers found that seabird species have unique wind tolerance strategies, with some flying fast to counteract wind drift. Albatrosses can fly in most storm conditions, while tropical species use special avoidance tactics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

‘Swarmalators’ better envision synchronized microbots

Researchers at Cornell University developed a new model called swarmalators, which can simulate swarming behaviors and synchronized timing in microrobots. The model mimics diverse emergent phenomena, such as aggregation, dispersion, and vortices, and can be used for precision medicine and drone applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2023

Argonne drops data on the question of efficient drone use for e-commerce deliveries

A new Argonne study compares drone energy usage to diesel trucks and electric vehicles, finding that drones consume as much energy as either on average windy days. The models are based on regional energy consumption and facility costs of direct delivery drones under various wind speed scenarios.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateMar 1, 2023

Older Black men are likelier to die after surgery than others, particularly following elective procedures, new UCLA research suggests

Researchers found that Black men have a higher mortality rate after surgery compared to other groups, with a 50% higher risk of death after elective procedures. The study suggests that structural racism, poor pre-operative care, and exposure to toxins may contribute to these disparities.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe BMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

Home-based cardiac rehabilitation may help people live longer

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that participating in home-based cardiac rehabilitation was associated with a 36% lower likelihood of death from heart-related complications among US military veterans within four years. The study analyzed data from 1,120 veterans who enrolled in a 12-week hom...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 1, 2023

When election winners are announced, their Twitter supporters respond quicker, are more engaged and use less toxic language than supporters of the losing candidate, according to analysis in the US, UK, Brazil and Argentina

Analysis in the US, UK, Brazil, and Argentina shows that winners' Twitter supporters respond faster and engage more positively than losers' supporters. The study found reduced toxicity levels among winners' supporters, suggesting a correlation between winning and increased social media engagement.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2023

Reexamining time from breast cancer diagnosis to surgery

A case series study of 373,000 patients found that time from diagnosis to surgery over eight weeks was associated with worse overall survival. This delay may be linked to disadvantageous social determinants of health, suggesting the importance of timely surgical interventions in breast cancer care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMar 1, 2023

A groundbreaking study reveals the carbon stocks of 10 billion trees in the drylands of sub-Saharan Africa

A groundbreaking study used AI and high spatial resolution imagery to analyze over 300,000 satellite images and identify nearly 10 billion trees in sub-Saharan Africa. The research reveals that tree density and carbon stocks in the arid zone are underestimated, with a total carbon stock of 0.84 billion tonnes.

How patterns emerge in salt deserts

Researchers have discovered that convection of saline water beneath the surface is responsible for the formation of hexagonal honeycomb patterns in salt deserts. The consistent size and shape of these patterns can be attributed to the unique combination of temperature, salinity, and groundwater flow.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

Quantum chemistry: Molecules caught tunneling

Scientists at the University of Innsbruck have successfully measured tunneling reactions in molecular chemistry, confirming a precise theoretical model. The experiment used hydrogen and deuterium isotopes to demonstrate the quantum mechanical tunnel effect in a slow ion-molecule reaction.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Review finds fledgling chronic back pain therapy needs more rigorous study

A systematic review of Cognitive Functional Therapy found it to be no better than traditional therapies in reducing pain and disability in people with chronic low back pain. The researchers call for future trials featuring blinded participants and larger sample sizes to improve current evidence.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 1, 2023

Study reinforces potential use of zika virus to combat prostate cancer but points to possible side-effect

Researchers analyzed zika virus effects on tumor cells and healthy cells, discovering its potential to treat prostate cancer but also triggering a persistent inflammatory process that damages the male reproductive system. The study's findings suggest long-term treatment could lead to recurrence of prostate cancer.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMar 1, 2023

New fluorescent chiral-selective receptor system represents a breakthrough in molecular detection with potential for applications in diabetes management

Researchers have developed a novel fluorescence recognition method for detecting D-glucose in water, showing excellent D-glucose chiral selectivity. The system consists of cyclodextrin and monoboronic acid-based receptor complexes, which can detect glucose concentrations with low limits of detection.

SourceSophia University·JournalACS Sensors·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Resurrected supernova provides missing-link

Researchers have discovered a supernova that exhibits unusual rebrightening at millimeter wavelengths, offering insights into the evolution of massive stars. The study suggests that interaction with an intermediate-distance binary companion created a hollow shell of circumstellar medium, leading to the observed rebrightening.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Chemotherapy alters immune cell landscape in pancreatic cancer

A new study found that chemotherapy alters the immune cell landscape in pancreatic cancer, reducing checkpoint molecules and increasing tumor growth. The research suggests that this may lead to resistance to subsequent immunotherapy, highlighting the need for further study on combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Study: Seizures can be predicted more than 30 minutes before onset in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy

A study published in NEJM Evidence found that seizures can be predicted at least 35 minutes before onset in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for developing more effective therapies for this common seizure disorder, which affects over 50 million people globally.

Study: More paid sick leave results in more cancer screenings

A Tulane University study found that areas with paid sick leave mandates experienced significant increases in breast cancer (4%) and colorectal cancer (6-8%) screenings among private sector employees. The findings suggest that non-monetary barriers to healthcare access can have a meaningful impact on health outcomes.

SourceTulane University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

Study forecasts tile drainage and crop rotation changes for nitrogen loss

A new study from the University of Illinois forecasts how increased tile drainage and crop rotation will impact nitrogen loads in Midwestern watersheds. The research team developed a model that reveals the mechanism behind nitrate increases with flow, providing a starting point for reducing nutrient loss.

Pediatricians’ interactions with infant formula companies

A new study published in Breastfeeding Medicine found that pediatricians' interactions with infant formula companies can influence their advice on exclusive breastfeeding. The study also revealed that these interactions were more common in private practices and higher-income areas with higher exclusive breastfeeding rates.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·TypeCase study·DateMar 1, 2023

Cleveland researchers reveal how oxygen is delivered to tissues, open door to new class of drugs

Researchers at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center discovered that S-nitrosohemoglobin senses areas with insufficient oxygen and restores blood flow for oxygenation. This breakthrough opens up a new line of drug development to correct poor tissue oxygenation, including peripheral artery disease and sickle cell disease.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2023

How to generate new neurons in the brain

Researchers at UNIGE and UNIL have discovered the importance of cell metabolism in reactivating quiescent neural stem cells, increasing new neurons in adult mice. This breakthrough could lead to potential treatments for conditions like depression and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateMar 1, 2023

Testing universality of Feynman-Tan relation in interacting Bose gases using high-order Bragg spectra

The study demonstrates the universality of the Feynman-Tan relation for describing elementary excitation spectra of strongly interacting Bose gases, including those with large mass imbalances. High-order Bragg spectra are used to measure the resonance frequency shift in moderate interaction regions.

Helping construction material manufacturers reduce the energy consumption, carbon footprint of heating and cooling homes

Researchers at Purdue University have created a new method for incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) into building envelope elements, which reduces energy consumption by moderating temperature fluctuations. The process increases the thermal inertia and compressive strength of construction materials while making them more resilien...

SourcePurdue University·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateMar 1, 2023

Study compares third-trimester sound exposures in fetuses, premature infants

Researchers found a fivefold increase in nearby language exposure per day for fetuses relative to preterm infants, highlighting the need to provide similar sound exposures to premature babies. The study also revealed differences in silence and noise levels, with premature infants often exposed to prolonged periods of silence.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Can’t exercise a particular muscle? Strengthening the opposite side of your body can stop it wasting away

A new study found that eccentric contractions prove most effective in preventing muscle wasting and damage after immobilization. Strengthening the unaffected arm through weightlifting also counteracted muscle atrophy, with a stronger cross-education effect observed for eccentric contractions.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Immunotherapy before surgery significantly improves outcomes of patients with melanoma

Researchers found that adding immunotherapy before surgical removal of stage III-IV melanoma significantly improved event-free survival compared to standard-of-care treatment. The study showed that neoadjuvant therapy is superior to the same therapy given in the adjuvant setting.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 1, 2023

Ultracool dwarf binary stars break records

Astronomers have discovered the tightest ultracool dwarf binary system ever observed, consisting of two stars that orbit each other in less than one Earth day. The newly discovered LP 413-53AB system is estimated to be billions of years old, similar to our sun, and has an orbital period three times shorter than previous discoveries.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Review of studies finds disparity in presumptive chlamydia and gonorrhea treatment rates despite CDC guidelines

A review of studies found that rates of presumptive treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea vary widely, with some areas treating up to 84% of patients while others treated less than 4%. The disparity highlights the need for standardized treatment guidelines and consideration of social determinants of health.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalSexually Transmitted Diseases·DateMar 1, 2023

Traumas in children and adolescents can be treated effectively

A meta-analysis by researchers at the University of Münster confirms that trauma-focused therapy is highly effective for treating PTSD in children and adolescents. The study found that this form of therapy can change patients' thought patterns and behaviors, enabling them to confront their trauma under therapist supervision.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

Tracking data reveals how seabird species adopt different strategies to cope with extreme storms

Researchers investigated how seabird flight characteristics vary among different species in response to cyclone-strength winds. Birds living in windier environments are faster fliers, while tropical species use strategies to cope with extreme events. Some albatrosses even avoid strong winds by flying into the eye of the storm.

SourceSwansea University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Rare quasar triplet forms most massive object in universe

A rare quasar triplet formed a massive black hole with a mass of 10 billion solar masses, according to recent simulations. The triple system, composed of three galaxies with supermassive black holes at their centers, is believed to be the progenitor of ultra-massive black holes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 1, 2023

How bacteria invade the brain

Researchers at Harvard Medical School identified a neuroimmune axis that bacteria exploit to cause infection, allowing the spread of meningitis into the brain. Blocking key players in this molecular chain can interrupt the cascade and thwart bacterial invasion.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Aerospace: research by the Politecnico di Milano protagonist of the launch of the NASA DART impactor

The Politecnico di Milano has successfully contributed to the DART mission, a historic planetary defense test that deflected an asteroid's trajectory. The mission's scientific results reveal the effectiveness of kinetic impact technology in planetary defense and provide insights into the structure and evolution of binary asteroids.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

New study unveils epigenetic ‘traffic lights’ controlling stop and go for gene activity

A major new study in the journal Nature reveals a 'traffic light' mechanism controlling genetic activity within cells. The research describes how epigenetic changes act as a stop-go signal determining whether a gene should be read, and how this system could potentially be targeted by cancer drugs already in development.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Wastewater study monitors Houston schools for viral threats

A new study by Rice University and Houston Health Department shows that wastewater-based monitoring is an effective way to detect viral outbreaks in schools. The system allows for early detection of illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and RSV, enabling strategies to stop the onset of potential outbreaks.

SourceRice University·JournalWater Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

New study shows how machine learning can improve care for people with Rett syndrome

A new study published in PLOS One demonstrates the potential of machine learning and artificial intelligence to aid in the development of new treatments for Rett syndrome. The researchers used a wearable electronic chest patch to monitor cardiac activity and movement, and developed an algorithm that identified patterns specific to seve...

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Ice-cold electron beams for ultra-compact X-ray lasers

Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have simulated ice-cold electron beams that can produce powerful coherent photon pulses with pulse durations in the attosecond regime. The breakthrough could lead to the development of ultra-compact X-ray lasers, reducing their size from kilometres to just tens of metres.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Vitamin B5 could help improve red blood cell production in people with Myelodysplastic syndromes

Researchers have discovered that the enzyme COASY plays a critical role in regulating red blood cell production in the bone marrow. Vitamin B5 supplementation and another metabolite increased the maturation of red blood cells in patients with Myelodysplastic syndromes, offering new hope for alternative treatments.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

What distinguishes fans from celebrity stalkers?

A survey study of U.S. college students found that individuals who frequently think about their favorite celebrities, feel compelled to learn more about them, and are prone to boredom are more likely to engage in celebrity stalking behaviors. These factors were not associated with anger or thrill seeking.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateMar 1, 2023

National Comprehensive Cancer Network updates annual conference with new in-person venue, hybrid format, expert-led sessions, highlighted research perspectives, and small-group conversations

The NCCN Annual Conference will debut a new hybrid format featuring in-person events at a new venue, allowing for hallway conversations and networking opportunities. The conference will also showcase more than 100 abstract poster presentations on various oncology-related categories.

UCO studies yield a better understanding of how cyanobacteria take advantage of glucose

Researchers at the University of Córdoba have shed light on how marine cyanobacteria, the most abundant photosynthetic organisms on Earth, take advantage of glucose as a source of energy. They found that glucose transport is greater during the day and follows a different circadian cycle than other bacteria in the same area.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

New mathematical model shows promising results for prostate cancer treatment

A new mathematical model has been developed to optimize treatment for prostate cancer, showing promising results in eliminating cancer cells. The model explores different therapeutic strategies, including single drugs and drug combinations, and suggests that alternating therapies could significantly improve cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalMathematical Biosciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 1, 2023

America on the move: How urban travel has changed over a decade

A Florida Atlantic University study reveals that while private automobiles remain dominant, the share of car trips has decreased since its peak in 2001. In contrast, transit, non-motorized, and taxicab trips have increased. Lower-income groups rely heavily on public transportation due to limited mobility options.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

Ice Age survivors

The study of 356 prehistoric hunter-gatherers from across Eurasia sheds light on the movements and genetic replacements of ancient populations. Genetic analysis reveals that populations in western Europe took shelter during the Last Glacial Maximum, while those in central and southern Europe died out or replaced with new gene pools.

Scientists discover how to prevent death of nerve cells in most common forms of MND and dementia

Researchers at the University of Sheffield's Institute of Translational Neuroscience have discovered a novel way to block the transportation of mutant RNA and toxic repeat proteins that lead to the death of nerve cells in most common forms of motor neurone disease (MND) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Using a peptide, they found tha...

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023