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Science News Archive March 2023 - Page 10


Page 10 of 44

Stones for the climate

A new study by Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon investigates the impact of climate change on ocean's ability to sequester CO2. Researchers found that changes in weathering rates and rock properties affect alkalinity, with potential implications for global carbon cycling.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 27, 2023

Implementation of school-based wellbeing programs benefits from multiple voices

A new study from University of Illinois evaluates the implementation of two prevention programs using a mixed-methods approach with multiple sources. The researchers identified four themes that had a positive impact on delivery, including instructor attentiveness, student involvement, and flexibility in program scheduling.

Shining light on aging hearts

A study published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine suggests that light therapy, known as photobiomodulation (PBM), can improve heart function and reduce the thickness of the cardiac wall in middle-aged mice. The research also found improved neuromuscular coordination and a significant survival rate among mice with severe heart disease.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalLasers in Surgery and Medicine·DateMar 27, 2023

Massively effective filter for topology optimization based on the splitting of tensor product structure

A new filter for topology optimization has been developed by splitting the tensor product structure, resulting in a massively efficient approach that accelerates design variable updates and computation times. The filter decreases memory burden and computing time of weight matrices by six and three orders of magnitude respectively.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Mechanical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2023

Positive experiences in close relationships are associated with better physical health, new research suggests

A new study suggests that positive experiences in close relationships are associated with lower stress, better coping, and lower systolic blood pressure reactivity. The findings also indicate that variability in negative relationship experiences can predict outcomes like stress and physiological functioning.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeSurvey·DateMar 27, 2023

Machine learning combines with multispectral infrared imaging to guide cancer surgery

A new technique combines machine learning with short-wave infrared fluorescence imaging to detect precise tumor boundaries with higher accuracy than traditional methods. The approach achieved a remarkable per-pixel classification accuracy of 97.5 percent and demonstrated robustness against changes in imaging conditions.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2023

Is service-related traumatic brain injury in veterans a prelude to Alzheimer’s disease?

A new study found that veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) do not have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Researchers measured biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and glucose metabolism in TBI veterans compared to those without TBI. The study suggests that other factors may contribute to the increased risk of dement...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeCase study·DateMar 27, 2023

New in The Lancet Neurology: Advances in brain modelling open a path to digital twin approaches for brain medicine

Researchers at the Human Brain Project present novel clinical uses of advanced brain modelling methods, enabling clinicians to simulate epileptic seizures and identify target areas. The approach has broad applicability in neuroscience, medicine, and neurotechnology, with potential improvements in data resolution and patient specificity.

SourceHuman Brain Project·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateMar 27, 2023

Fast and low-cost computational method can monitor spread of antibiotic resistance over time

A new computational technique analyzes bacterial genetic sequences to monitor the spread of antibiotic resistance over time. The study found that resistance genes most likely to spread are those on conjugative plasmids and targeting specific antibiotics, with many coming from a single source.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalAntibiotics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2023

World first: Researchers identify specific regions of the brain that are damaged by high blood pressure and are involved in a decline in mental processes and dementia

High blood pressure damages specific brain regions, including the putamen and white matter areas, leading to cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia. The study uses a combination of MRI, genetic analyses, and observational data to identify these affected regions.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2023

McMaster researchers trial primary care program for older adults

A primary care program promoting health in older adults was successfully implemented but lacked significant clinical benefits. The Health Teams Advancing Patient Experience: Strengthening Quality (TAPESTRY) trial found no impact on hospitalizations or physical activity, despite positive effects in a previous study.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 27, 2023

Home gardens are key to better lives for vulnerable tribes in India

A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural Economics found that home gardens can increase annual home-produced food by nearly 90% and monthly per adult equivalent incomes by 37%. These interventions also reduced poverty rates and improved nutrition among rural farming communities in Odisha, India.

New study reveals potential link between two of astronomy’s most mysterious phenomena

Researchers have discovered a possible correlation between gravitational waves from neutron star mergers and fast radio bursts, two phenomena long shrouded in mystery. The study found that an observed FRB occurred just 2 ½ hours after a neutron star merger event, suggesting a potential link between the two events.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2023

ENGOT-EN6-NSGO/GOG-3031/RUBY trial results: The new standard of care in advanced/recurrent endometrial cancer

The ENGOT-EN6-NSGO/GOG-3031/RUBY trial reveals significant improvements in progression-free survival and overall survival for patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer when treated with dostarlimab in combination with standard of care carboplatin/paclitaxel. The new treatment regimen offers a substantial increase i...

SourceThe GOG Foundation Inc·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 27, 2023

SCAI and HRS release expert consensus on transcatheter left atrial appendage closure

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) and the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) released an updated expert consensus statement on transcatheter left atrial appendage closure, focusing on best practices for endovascular devices. The recommendations emphasize operator experience, patient selection, and imaging guidan...

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalJournal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions·DateMar 27, 2023

James Chappell wins NSF CAREER Award

James Chappell, a Rice University bioscientist, has won a National Science Foundation CAREER Award to create RNA programming methods for microbial communities in natural habitats. His research aims to improve human health and the environment by genetically manipulating microbial communities.

In bid to make child cancer treatments safer, scientists find possible warning signs of severe reaction

Researchers have found a possible early warning indicator for adverse reactions to childhood cancer treatments. Low levels of vitamin A in the liver and blood may signal an increased risk of pancreatitis, a potentially life-threatening complication of asparaginase treatment. Increasing dietary vitamin A levels may help reduce this risk.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2023

Legal cannabis markets linked to increased motor vehicle deaths

A new study from the University of Illinois Chicago found a substantial increase in crash fatalities in four states with legalized recreational cannabis, with an average 10% increase in motor vehicle accident deaths. The study suggests that investing in policies and public health initiatives may mitigate this harm.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2023

Less ‘risky’ sex of early pandemic still evident year after first lockdown in Britain

The early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic led to reduced opportunities for sex, with fewer reported unplanned pregnancies and abortions, but higher levels of sexual dissatisfaction and distress. The National Survey found that people were more likely to have multiple partners, but less likely to use condoms with new partners.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalSexually Transmitted Infections·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2023

Socially vulnerable carry disproportionate COVID burden due to lower likelihood of vaccination not vaccine effectiveness

A study found that socially vulnerable populations have poorer COVID-19 outcomes despite similar vaccine effectiveness, due to lower vaccination rates. The VISION Network analyzed electronic health record data and immunization records to highlight the need for targeted public health efforts on vaccine coverage.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMar 27, 2023

Can cannabis use disorder be accurately diagnosed?

Researchers at Rutgers University propose a new approach to accurately diagnosing cannabis use disorder, particularly for individuals who use cannabis for therapeutic purposes. The current diagnostic manual may misdiagnose these individuals due to the rapid increase in state-level legalization of medical marijuana.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2023

Vehicle exhaust filters do not remove ‘ultrafine’ pollution – new study

A new study published in Environment International reveals that vehicle exhaust filters have limited impact on reducing ultrafine particles, which are a major contributor to air pollution. The research shows that current filters are not effective at removing smaller liquid particles, highlighting the need for alternative measures to re...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEnvironment International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2023

Late-breaking results of NRG-GY018 presented at SGO 2023: study demonstrates improved PFS outcomes with the addition of pembrolizumab to chemotherapy for women with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer

The NRG-GY018 trial found that pembrolizumab significantly improved progression-free survival outcomes in women with stage III-IV or recurrent endometrial cancer, particularly those with mismatch repair deficient tumors. The treatment also demonstrated improved overall survival and quality of life outcomes.

Global analysis of coronavirus protein research reveals how countries respond to disease

A global analysis of coronavirus protein research found that countries with larger economies generated more 3D structure determinations for the protein components of coronaviruses. However, there were many outliers, with some advanced and prosperous countries publishing few or no structures, while others strongly affected by COVID-19 p...