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Science News Archive March 2023 - Page 31


Page 31 of 44

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers develop a novel thermoelectric generator inspired from zebra skin

Researchers at GIST developed a novel thermoelectric generator inspired by zebra skin, creating a high in-plane temperature gradient for generating electricity. The design uses a pattern resembling black-and-white zebra stripes to increase its applicability while reducing environmental impact.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

New stem cell model developed for research into a life-threatening malformation of the newborn lung

Researchers have created a new patient-specific cell model to investigate the cause of congenital diaphragmatic hernia and explore potential treatments. The study found that inflammation alters stem cells in affected lungs, but drug therapy can restore functionality.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

In search of inflammatory Achilles heel

Researchers at Kyoto University found that neutrophils instruct macrophages to form a bacteria-permissive microenvironment, which could have implications for cancer treatment. The study suggests that A9, an enzyme expressed in neutrophils, may play a key role in this process.

SourceKyoto University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

A novel mechanism may be effective in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia and prior episodes of acute pancreatitis

A phase 2 study found that ANGPTL3 inhibitor therapy reduced triglycerides by up to 70% in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia who had previously experienced acute pancreatitis. The treatment, evicanumab-dgnb, also showed potential for cardiovascular prevention by reducing apolipoprotein B levels.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 9, 2023

Nirogacestat, a new desmoid tumor treatment, improves outcomes for people with sarcoma

A new clinical trial has shown promising results for nirogacestat, a targeted drug that blocks the Notch protein. In the Phase 3 trial, 41% of patients' tumors significantly shrank after taking nirogacestat, with no growth in over 75%. The most common side effects were fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, and skin rashes.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 9, 2023

Nutrition educators support nutrition incentives for food and nutrition security programs to promote increased intake of fruit and vegetables

A study explores how nutrition educators work with incentive programs like GusNIP to promote increased intake of fruits and vegetables. Nutrition educators play a unique role in providing participant-centered education, navigating food environments, and culturally adapting programming to meet diverse audience needs.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateMar 9, 2023

Researchers describe hands-on treatments for patients with low back pain after lumbar spine surgery

A recent study found that spinal manipulation is a gentle therapy used to treat low back pain in patients after previous lumbar spine surgery. The study, published in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, compiled data from over 100 patients and reported most cases were done using a potentially gentler method.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalChiropractic & Manual Therapies·DateMar 9, 2023

Underused satellite, radar data may improve thunderstorm forecasts

A new technique combining underused satellite and radar data in weather models may improve thunderstorm predictions by capturing a more accurate picture of initial conditions in the boundary layer. This technique showed promise in improving forecasts of convection initiation, several hours before the thunderstorms occurred.

SourcePenn State·JournalMonthly Weather Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2023

Pusan National University researchers use calcium materials to reduce arsenic availability in agricultural soil

A team of researchers from Pusan National University evaluated the efficacy of calcite and phosphogypsum in reducing arsenate ions' availability for crops. Phosphogypsum was found to be more effective in immobilizing arsenic in soil due to a substitution mechanism involving sulfate and hydrogen arsenate ions.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Mass General Brigham researchers uncover metabolic secrets of anaerobes and identify new strategies to treat c. difficile infections

The study found that Clostridioides difficile uses fermentation to rapidly colonize the gut and identified critical pathways converged on a metabolic integration point to produce amino acid alanine, driving bacterial growth. The findings provide new targets for small molecule drugs to counter C. difficile colonization and infection.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2023

3D battery imaging reveals the secret real-time life of lithium metal cells

A team from Chalmers University of Technology has developed a method to observe the formation of lithium microstructures in real-time using X-ray tomographic microscopy. This breakthrough aims to improve the safety and capacity of lithium metal batteries, which could replace traditional lithium-ion batteries in the future.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Tireless microbial killers in new nanocomposites

Scientists at the Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences have developed new nanocomposites that spontaneously and continuously kill microorganisms. The composites use silver ions or copper ions to destroy cell membranes and oxidative shock, respectively, providing a durable and safe solution for biocidal materials.

Researchers examine drought resistance traits in beans using hyperspectral remote sensing

A research team from the USA used hand-held and tower-based equipment for phenotyping common and tepary beans. They assessed physiological and ground- and tower-based hyperspectral remote sensing measurements to evaluate drought response in 12 common bean and 4 tepary bean genotypes across three field campaigns.

McMaster researchers trial potential hemophilia treatment

A global study involving McMaster University researchers has trialled a potential new treatment for hemophilia A, a life-threatening genetic blood disorder. Once-weekly injections of efanesoctocog alfa can prevent bleeding and promote near-normal activity by the clotting agent factor VIII.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 9, 2023

Diverse approach key to carbon removal

A new study suggests that a mix of carbon dioxide removal technologies is needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. The effective path requires multiple methods, including restoring deforested lands and enhanced weathering, to remove necessary amounts of CO2 annually.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 9, 2023

Ever wonder why brits sound so smart?

British and American English speakers use the word “right” in distinct ways. In everyday conversations, Brits use “right” to signal that what they hear is informative and relevant. This linguistic difference might contribute to the stereotype that British people are smarter due to their sophisticated accent.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Pragmatics·DateMar 9, 2023