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Science News Archive March 2023 - Page 37


Page 37 of 44

Higher trust in public health agencies during COVID-19 driven more by beliefs that agencies led with clear, science-based recommendations and provided protective resources, than by beliefs that agencies controlled outbreak

Researchers found that trust in federal, state, and local public health agencies was driven by beliefs in scientific expertise and provision of direct care, not control of outbreaks. Lower trust was related to concerns about conflicting recommendations and perceived political influence.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeSurvey·DateMar 6, 2023

Assessing the risk of excess folic acid intake

A recent study published in Cell Discovery found that high levels of folic acid supplementation may increase DNA mutation rates and impair DNA repair mechanisms. The researchers discovered a 'Goldilocks Effect' where too little or too much folic acid is detrimental to human health.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

The Access to Advanced Health Institute reports encouraging results of first-in-human trial of its temperature-stable tuberculosis vaccine candidate

A Phase 1 clinical trial of AAHI's thermostable, freeze-dried single-vial ID93 + GLA-SE vaccine candidate showed higher levels of antibodies and favorable cellular immune responses compared to the two-vial presentation. The results represent significant progress in global efforts to combat TB.

SourceAccess to Advanced Health Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 6, 2023

Major medical organizations form a coalition to stem the rising tide of firearm violence using a comprehensive public health approach

Leading medical organizations have formed a coalition to combat the growing problem of firearm violence in the US. The Healthcare Coalition for Firearm Injury Prevention aims to promote education, advocacy, and community-centered approaches to reduce firearm-related injuries.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 6, 2023

Physician workforce planning must adjust for aging population, changing practice patterns: New analysis

A new analysis finds that Canada's physician workforce is facing significant challenges due to an aging population and decreasing working hours. The study suggests that traditional metrics for workforce planning are misleading, and a more nuanced approach is needed to inform government and medical profession decisions.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 6, 2023

Astronomers detect radio recombination lines of carbon/oxygen ions for first time

Researchers from Shanghai Astronomical Observatory detect radio recombination lines of carbon and oxygen ions for the first time, using the TianMa 65-m Radio Telescope. The discovery allows for accurate measurement of element abundances and has significant implications for studying interstellar chemistry and molecular formation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateMar 6, 2023

Purification of DNA nanostructures from hydrophobic aggregates

Researchers developed a simple purification method using surfactants to separate hydrophobic DNA nanostructures from aggregates, enabling the construction of artificial cells and complex functions in molecular robots. The purified structures retain their ability to bind lipid vesicle surfaces.

SourceKyutech·JournalChemBioChem·DateMar 6, 2023

Trouble falling asleep at bedtime or in the middle of the night? It could impact your risk for developing dementia

A new study found significant links between sleep disturbances and the risk for developing dementia over a 10-year period. Sleep-maintenance insomnia was associated with a lower risk of dementia, while sleep-initiation insomnia and sleep medication use were linked to an increased risk.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Eradicating polio will require changing the current public health strategy

Global virus network experts propose changes to global polio eradication strategy, emphasizing the need for high vaccination coverage and adaptable policies. They suggest using both inactivated and live, weakened vaccines, as well as reconvening a scientific advisory group to respond to new data and public health emergencies.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 6, 2023

World first study into global daily air pollution shows almost nowhere on Earth is safe

A new study by Monash University found that almost nowhere on Earth is safe from air pollution, with only 0.001% of the global population exposed to safe levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The study, which analyzed data from 2000-2019, revealed increasing pollution levels in Southern Asia, Australia, and Latin America.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Two-dimensional quantum freeze

Researchers from ETH Zurich have achieved groundbreaking cooling of a glass nanoparticle along two directions of motion, overcoming the 'Dark Mode Effect'. This breakthrough enables the creation of fragile quantum states and paves the way for ultrasensitive gyroscopes and sensors.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Pregnant people with schizophrenia have threefold risk of interpersonal violence

A new study found pregnant people with schizophrenia are three times more likely to experience emergency department visits for interpersonal violence. The research emphasizes the importance of routine violence screening in antenatal care settings to prevent harm to patients and their children.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

Frequent socialising linked to longer lifespan of older people

A large-scale Chinese study found that frequent socializing was associated with significantly longer survival in older adults. Those who socialized nearly every day had the greatest likelihood of living longer, with a 42% delay in time to death compared to those who never socialized.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

HRL Laboratories silicon encoded spin qubits achieve universality

HRL Laboratories has demonstrated universal control of encoded spin qubits using a novel silicon-based qubit device architecture. The achievement offers a strong pathway toward scalable fault tolerance and computational advantage in quantum computing, with potential applications in materials development, drug discovery, and mitigating ...

SourceHRL Laboratories·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

The challenges of mining for electric-vehicle batteries

The Inflation Reduction Act's target for domestic EV battery mineral extraction is achievable for some plug-in hybrid vehicles but poses significant challenges for fully electric vehicles. A mass-based standard could reduce uncertainty and incentivize production of high-value minerals domestically.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 6, 2023

A mixture of trees purifies urban air best

A study by University of Gothenburg found that conifer trees are generally better at purifying air from gaseous pollutants, while broadleaved trees excel at capturing particle-bound pollution. The researchers analyzed leaves and needles from eleven different tree species to determine which ones absorb air pollutants most effectively.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEcological Indicators·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Increased hospitalizations for heart attacks, heart failure seen in older adults living near fracking sites

A University of Chicago study found that older adults living near fracking sites in Pennsylvania had higher rates of cardiovascular disease hospitalizations compared to those in nearby New York state. The study linked exposure to air and water pollution from fracking activity to increased health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateMar 6, 2023

Wheat’s ancient roots of viral resistance uncovered

Researchers have uncovered the ancient roots of a gene in wheat that provides resistance to the devastating Wheat Yellow Mosaic Virus, which causes significant economic losses. The discovery could lead to more resistant wheat cultivars, increased crop yields, and reduced use of harmful fungicides.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

A wholly sustainable plastics economy is feasible

A new study suggests that a sustainable plastics economy is possible by increasing recycling rates to 74% and using innovative production methods, such as carbon capture and utilization. This would require a fundamental shift in the way plastics are produced, consumed, and disposed of.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 6, 2023

Ethnic minority parents want customized advice, research shows

A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that ethnic minority parents in Inner Mongolia prefer evidence-based knowledge on family education tailored to their local environment and culture. They sought information on how geographical features like the geomagnetic field influence children's growth and well-being.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 6, 2023

New research: Hotter and drier conditions limit forest recovery from wildfires

Warmer and drier climate conditions are making it less likely for trees to regenerate after wildfires, according to new research published in PNAS. Ecological forest management can partially offset climate-driven declines in tree regeneration by limiting fire-caused tree death, but only if action is taken quickly.

SourceThe Nature Conservancy, Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Rewarding accuracy instead of partisan pandering reduces Republican-Democrat divide over the truth – study

A new study by University of Cambridge researchers found that offering tiny cash rewards for accuracy can increase people's ability to distinguish between misinformation and the truth. The study suggests that fake news thrives due to a motivational imbalance, where users have more incentive to get clicks than to spread accurate content.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023