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Science News Archive March 2023 - Page 13


Page 13 of 44

Housing plays key role in disaster preparedness

A new national study found that households facing housing insecurity score lower on disaster preparedness scales, highlighting the importance of secure housing for disaster resilience. Housing security is vital for people to be better prepared for disasters, according to researchers.

SourceOhio State University·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 23, 2023

Tiny nanoparticle could have big impact on patients receiving corneal transplants

Corneal graft rejection can be as high as 10% due to poor patient compliance with medications, which require frequent eyedrop administrations. Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University developed nanoparticles to encapsulate eye medication, decreasing graft rejection while requiring fewer and smaller doses. The approach reversed s...

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

UM School of Medicine researchers chart path forward on developing mRNA vaccines for infections beyond COVID-19

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine are using mRNA vaccine technology to combat various infectious diseases. A new clinical trial aims to test an mRNA-based vaccine against malaria, with hopes for a rapid adaptive response to virus evolution and the manufacture of combination vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 23, 2023

Closed loop for circular economy: new polymer recycling strategy ensures both high stability and complete recyclability

Researchers at Shinshu University have developed a closed-loop recycling process for polymers using microparticles, resulting in fully recyclable films with high mechanical stability and fracture energy. The strategy enables the reuse of polymer materials, reducing plastic waste and environmental pollution.

SourceShinshu University·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

HKUMed invents a novel two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound-responsive antibacterial nano-sheets to effectively address bone tissue infection

A research team at HKUMed has invented a non-invasive technology to effectively reduce methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in bony tissue. The novel antibacterial nano-sheets can release ROS subject to ultrasound stimulation, eliminating MRSA bacteria deeply seated in bony tissue with 99.72% efficacy.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

Artificial intelligence finds the first stars were not alone

A team of researchers used machine learning to analyze elemental abundances in over 450 extremely metal-poor stars. The study found that 68% of these stars have a chemical fingerprint consistent with enrichment by multiple supernovae, providing the first quantitative constraint on the multiplicity of the first stars. This challenges th...

Getting around muscle aging

A new study found a protein that regulates macrophage function, clearing residues from regenerating muscle and recovering regenerative capacity in aged mice. The discovery holds promise for regenerative medicine and aging, potentially improving the success of current stem-cell based therapies.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

Many genes are involved in “resurrection”

Researchers have discovered a complex network of genes in the resurrection plant Craterostigma plantagineum that enables it to tolerate extreme drought conditions. The study found that this ability is not due to a single 'miracle gene' but rather the result of a whole genome, with many genes present in higher copy numbers than in more ...

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalThe Plant Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

Where does your brain want to have lunch?

A new study by Cedars-Sinai investigators has determined that the pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) plays a primary role in weighing value-based choices, such as choosing which book to read or which slot machine to play. The discovery could help understand neurological disorders like addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMar 23, 2023

Artificial intelligence predicts genetics of cancerous brain tumors in under 90 seconds

Researchers developed an AI-based diagnostic screening system called DeepGlioma to analyze tumor specimens and detect genetic mutations rapidly. The system identified molecular subgroups with high accuracy and has the potential to improve access and speed of diagnosis for patients with deadly brain tumors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 23, 2023

The evolution of a catalyst

A team of researchers used a genetic algorithm to discover an organic catalyst for the Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction, which outperformed traditional catalysts. The computational method suggested new molecular structures that were not present in the initial population, leading to a novel discovery.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023

Dairy sector boasts 100 years of successful herd data collection

The National Cooperative Dairy Herd Improvement Program has successfully collected herd production data for 100 years, providing crucial input for cattle breeding and genetics. The program's cooperative structure, data interoperability, and governance model make it a unique example of how data collection benefits producers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalApplied Economic Perspectives and Policy·TypeCase study·DateMar 23, 2023

Analysis of 3.6 million patient surgeries in England suggests it is safe to operate on patients 2 weeks after a positive COVID diagnosis, as long as they have recovered

A new UK study of 3.6 million surgeries found that operating within 2 weeks of a positive COVID test is safe for recovered patients, with lower mortality rates compared to current guidelines. The study suggests that delaying surgery might cause more harm than good, particularly in patients who have already waited longer for surgery.

SourceAAGBI·JournalAnaesthesia·DateMar 23, 2023

Global natural history initiative builds groundbreaking database to address 21st century challenges

A global approach has been developed to survey the vast collections of world's largest natural history museums, estimated to hold over 1.1 billion objects. The initiative aims to inform responses to today's interlocking crises by providing a collective strategy for future conservation and sustainability efforts.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalScience·TypeSurvey·DateMar 23, 2023

Sylvester cancer investigators find disparities in mesothelioma survival due to social determinants, limited access

Researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center found that mesothelioma patients with timely treatment and access to specialized care have better outcomes. However, disparities in access to care are evident, with Black patients being 80% more likely to die than white patients.

SourcePublic Relations Pacific LLC·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2023

THE LANCET: Largest US state-by-state analysis of COVID-19 impact reveals the driving forces behind variations in health, education, and economic performance

A comprehensive US state-by-state analysis of COVID-19 impact reveals wide variations in health, education, and economic performance across the country. States with higher poverty, lower educational attainment, and lower healthcare access experienced disproportionately higher rates of SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 deaths.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2023

Tools for more accurate obesity risk assessment based on sex, ethnicity

UConn researchers have developed simple measurements and equations that better predict fat distribution in individuals based on their sex and ethnicity. The tools account for differences in body composition between ethnic populations and women and men, providing a more accurate assessment of obesity-related health risks.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 23, 2023