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Science News Archive March 2023 - Page 11


Page 11 of 44

Woodpecker that likes burned forest can breed in unburned woods too, research shows

A study by Oregon State University scientists reveals that the black-backed woodpecker can successfully breed in both burned and unburned forests, with better nestling body condition found in green forest. The research has significant implications for conservation and forest management efforts, suggesting that practices promoting pyrod...

SourceOregon State University·JournalOrnithological Applications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2023

Ammonia: Efficient hydrogen carrier and green steel enabler

Researchers at Max Planck Institute developed an ammonia-based direct reduction process to produce sustainable iron and steel, overcoming logistics and energetic disadvantages of hydrogen. The process yields the same metallization degree as hydrogen-based reduction while forming nitrides that protect the sponge iron from corrosion.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2023

The utilization of atezolizumab as a primer for chemoradiation results in promising immune system alterations for women with locally advanced cervical cancer

The NRG-GY017 trial found that atezolizumab improved 2-year disease-free survival rates (79% vs. 59%) and pathologically complete or partial responses (69% vs. 40%) for patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. The study also showed a favorable immune response, including positive PD-L1 scoring and T-cell receptor clonal expansion.

The addition of gemcitabine with cisplatin and intensity-modulated radiation therapy improves outcomes for women with locally advanced vulvar cancer

Women with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva who received gemcitabine concurrently with cisplatin and intensity-modulated radiation therapy exhibited increased rates of pathologic complete responses. The study found improved survival and response outcomes for this population, while minimizing toxicity.

The GOG Foundation, Inc. (GOG) announced positive results from an investigator-initiated phase II trial, sponsored by the GOG, investigating the combination of ribociclib and letrozole in patients with recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) (GO

A phase II trial investigating the combination of ribociclib and letrozole showed a response rate of 23%, progression-free survival of 19.1 months, and duration of response of 19.1 months in patients with recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer.

SourceThe GOG Foundation Inc·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 2023

Human Brain Project researchers develop new full-scale 3D structural model of the human hippocampus

Researchers have created a high-resolution, single-cell model of the human hippocampus CA1 area using data from the BigBrain Atlas. The model replicates the structure and architecture of the neurons, as well as their connectivity. This advancement in neuroscience has potential applications for modeling other brain regions.

SourceHuman Brain Project·JournalNature Computational Science·DateMar 24, 2023

Black Americans, low-income Americans may benefit most from stronger policies on air pollution

A new study found that stronger air pollution rules would lower premature death risks for all Americans, but particularly those from marginalized communities. Lowering PM2.5 levels to 8 μg/m3 could reduce mortality rates by 4% for White higher-income adults and up to 7% for Black higher-income and low-income adults.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2023

A readily available dietary supplement may reverse organ damage caused by HIV and antiretroviral therapy

A recent study found that the mitochondrial antioxidant MitoQ can reverse the detrimental effects of HIV and antiretroviral therapy on organs such as the brain, heart, and liver. The researchers used humanized mice infected with HIV and treated them with MitoQ for three months.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 24, 2023

Cryo-electron microscopy captures structure of a protein pump

Researchers at Tohoku University used cryo-electron microscopy to determine the high-resolution 3D structure of human SPCA1a, a protein pump involved in calcium and manganese ion transport. The study provided insights into how the protein works and how mutations can cause Hailey-Hailey disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 24, 2023

Get help with integrated weed management

A new digital tool, IWM Tool, has been developed to help farmers design and implement integrated weed management strategies, reducing pesticide use by 50% by 2030. The tool provides a user-friendly approach to diversify weed management strategies, fitting specific needs.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEuropean Journal of Agronomy·DateMar 24, 2023

With fewer salmon to eat, Southern Resident killer whales spend less time in the San Juan Islands

The Southern Resident killer whale population is spending far less time in the San Juan Islands as their primary food source, Chinook salmon, declines. This decline is likely an effort to find alternative food sources, and research shows a strong relationship between the whales' presence and salmon returns.

SourceOregon State University·JournalMarine Mammal Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2023

Acquisitions can nix existing partnerships

A new study found that acquisitions in the biopharmaceutical industry can disrupt trust and knowledge exchange routines between companies, leading to a higher risk of alliance termination. The odds of termination for exposed alliances are 11% greater than for unexposed ones.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2023

Antibiotics do not reduce risk of dying in adults hospitalised with common respiratory infections, suggests study

A new study published at ECCMID 2023 found that antibiotics do not reduce the risk of dying in adults hospitalised with common viral respiratory infections like influenza. The research suggests a restrictive antibiotic strategy for these types of infections may be warranted to reduce unnecessary prescribing and combat antimicrobial res...

State incentive program improves initiation of medication treatment for opioid use disorder after emergency visit

A statewide incentive program in Pennsylvania is associated with a 50% improvement in initiating medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder among Medicaid-enrolled patients. The study found that the program increased prescription fills for buprenorphine and substance use disorder treatment within a week of emergency departme...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMar 24, 2023

Wilson’s disease: Bacterial agent opens new therapeutic options

A bacterial molecule, ARBM101, has been found to efficiently lower liver copper levels in a rat model, offering a promising new therapeutic option for Wilson's disease. The treatment approach involves weekly applications followed by month-long breaks, significantly shortening the therapy period.

Food insecurity and cognitive trajectories in older adults

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that food insecurity is associated with a decline in executive function among older adults. The research used data from 3,037 community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries and suggests that interventions to increase healthy food access may be crucial in mitigating cognitive decline.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 24, 2023

Where there’s smoke, there’s thiocyanate: McMaster researchers find tobacco users in Canada are exposed to higher levels of cyanide than other regions

A large-scale population health study found that tobacco users in Canada have higher levels of thiocyanate, a biomarker of cyanide exposure. This may be due to the type of cigarettes smoked in high-income countries, which are engineered to be less harmful but still pose significant health risks.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2023

Buprenorphine after nonfatal opioid overdose results in reduced risk of overdose death

Receiving buprenorphine after a nonfatal opioid overdose significantly lowers the risk of subsequent overdose death. The medication was associated with a 62% reduction in risk, highlighting the need for lifesaving treatment following these events. Current evidence shows low uptake of buprenorphine and other medication-assisted treatments.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 24, 2023

If you build it, they will come

A new study published in Ecosphere finds that newly created tidal marshes in Barataria Bay rapidly become indistinguishable from natural marshes, supporting the state's plans to rebuild its coastline. The research reveals similar biodiversity in both created and natural marshes.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalEcosphere·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2023