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Science News Archive March 2023 - Page 41


Page 41 of 44

Insights into the evolution of the sense of fairness

Researchers have found that long-tailed macaques reject inferior rewards more frequently when provided by a human than an automatic feeder, indicating social disappointment. This behavioral pattern is consistent with frustration towards the experimenter's decision, rather than a comparison of rewards with conspecifics.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

Machine learning to identify cancer type-specific driver mutations for the development of new drug targets and treatment strategies

A POSTECH research team developed a machine learning model that accurately predicts cancer type-specific driver mutations, shedding light on distinct pathological mechanisms across various tumors. The model's performance outperformed current leading methods of detection, with better accuracy and sensitivity.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalBriefings in Bioinformatics·DateMar 2, 2023

Study suggests EHR-focused interventions can significantly reduce unnecessary urine cultures among hospital patients

A study published in AJIC found that EHR-focused interventions reduced unnecessary urine culture orders by 20.9% and 21.6% among patients with indwelling catheters. The interventions included changing the electronic medical record ordering screen to require an indication for the culture.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeObservational study·DateMar 2, 2023

Grasshopping robots made possible with new, improved latch control

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a latch control system that enables grasshopping robots to perform efficiently on soft substrates. The team discovered that the latch can not only regulate energy output but also mediate energy transfer between the robot and its environment, leading to improved jump performance.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMar 2, 2023

Think you're good at math? PSU study shows it may be because you had equitable math teachers

A PSU study found that high school students who perceive their math teacher as equitable are more likely to develop a positive math identity. This effect is strongest in racially diverse schools, where students may be more aware of racial biases and stereotypes about math. Equitable teaching can help counteract these biases and promote...

SourcePortland State University·JournalSociology of Education·TypeSurvey·DateMar 2, 2023

AI offers ‘paradigm shift’ in Stanford study of brain injury

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a novel AI-powered approach to analyzing traumatic brain injury, using artificial intelligence to identify the most accurate model of mechanical stress on the brain. This breakthrough could lead to better understanding of when concussions lead to lasting brain damage and inspire new pro...

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalActa Biomaterialia·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 2, 2023

Dynamic carbon-nitrogen coupling under global change

The study reveals that nitrogen input stimulates plant primary productivity but decreases microbial activities, while carbon input increases nitrogen fixation and mineralization. This dynamic adjustment of carbon and nitrogen cycles has important implications for modeling ecosystem carbon sequestration under global change.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateMar 2, 2023

Resistance training improves sleep quality and reduces inflammation in older people with sarcopenia

A recent study found that resistance training significantly improved muscle strength and reduced inflammation in older adults with sarcopenia. The research, conducted by Brazilian researchers, also showed that physical exercise can improve sleep quality and reduce chronic inflammation.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 2, 2023

Human norovirus GII.4 exploits unexpected entry mechanism to cause gastroenteritis

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that human norovirus GII.4 invades gastrointestinal cells via an unexpected mechanism involving interactions between viral and human cell surface proteins. The findings provide insight into the viral infection process and highlight unique pathways for developing effective therapeutics.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

UPF research advances the way for the brain to be able to control devices in real time

Researchers at UPF's Center for Brain and Cognition have made significant contributions to advancing brain-computer interface technology. By analyzing the synchronization of alpha band levels between brain regions, they were able to identify lateralized patterns that can be used to control devices in real-time.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournaleNeuro·TypeObservational study·DateMar 2, 2023

High-flow nasal cannula usage outside of intensive care associated with longer hospital stays, higher costs

A study by Le Bonheur Hospital found that high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) treatment for mild to moderate bronchiolitis is associated with longer hospital stays and higher costs. HFNC usage outside intensive care units resulted in increased resource utilization for pediatric bronchiolitis patients.

SourceLe Bonheur Children's Hospital·JournalHospital Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 2, 2023

Can humans ‘Sniff out’ the secrets to the sense of smell?

A group of researchers from Osaka University has shown that the segregated function of a messenger ion (Ca2+) can help improve our sense of smell. The study reveals that Ca2+ signaling plays a crucial role in regulating the amplification and reduction of sensory signals, and its processes are clearly segregated within a tiny structure ...

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of General Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

A bridge between hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity of flax fiber: A breakthrough in the multipurpose oil-water separation field

Researchers developed functional flax fibers with UV-induced switchable wettability for multipurpose oil-water separation. The fibers exhibited hydrophobicity, which could be switched to hydrophilicity through UV irradiation and recovered upon storage in dark environments.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

What type of GIF user are you?

Researchers at Brigham Young University categorized GIF users into three types: Enthusiasts, Searchers, and Referentialists. Enthusiasts use GIFs to express themselves and impress others, while Searchers enjoy the thrill of finding the perfect GIF for a situation. Referentialists rely on pop culture references to respond to GIFs. Under...

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalConvergence The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies·TypeSurvey·DateMar 2, 2023

More evidence that sugary drinks cause weight gain

A review of dozens of studies found a positive association between sugary drinks and weight gain in both adults and children, with increasing SSB intake linked to greater weight gain over time. Limiting SSB consumption is an effective way to prevent age-related weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 2, 2023

Scientists push the boundaries of manipulating light at the submicroscopic level

Researchers at the University of Southampton have demonstrated that a beam of light can be confined to an area 50 times smaller than its own wavelength and even move it at the point of confinement. This breakthrough could lead to advanced manipulation techniques for nanoparticles, biological particles, and microscopic sensors.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalOptica·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 2, 2023

Restoration of immune defense in liver disease

A research team led by Prof. Zeinab Abdullah has discovered the molecular mechanism underlying the suppression of T-cell immunity in patients with chronic liver disease. By targeting a single immune receptor, they were able to reconstitute the immune responses to vaccination against Hepatitis B and COVID-19 in these patients.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateMar 2, 2023

Researchers test smart surfaces to improve wireless communication and localization

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed transmission schemes that incorporate reconfigurable intelligent surfaces to serve as reflectors within existing wireless networks. These surfaces can bounce signals to cell phones, improving accuracy and reliability in location services and data speeds.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalIEEE Communications Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 2, 2023

American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery supports new clinical guidance on treatment of obesity in children and teens

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends earlier and more intensive treatment of childhood and teen obesity, citing evidence that diet and exercise alone are insufficient. The ASMBS supports this guideline, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for better outcomes.

Youth overweight a risk factor for blood clots as adult

A University of Gothenburg study of over 37,000 men found that being overweight in childhood and young adulthood significantly increases the risk of venous blood clots later in life. The study also suggests that overweight in puberty has a marked impact on future risks of venous thrombi.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 2, 2023

Targeting DNA bridges: HKU Biologists Uncover key to preserve genome integrity Enhancing the understanding of cancer development

A research team led by Dr Gary Ying Wai Chan has uncovered a new mechanism that ensures correct DNA segregation in cell division, preventing cancer development. RIF1 and protein phosphatase 1 play a crucial role in resolving ultrafine DNA bridges, which can lead to DNA damage and genome instability if not properly resolved.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

New mutation in the desmoplakin gene leads to ACM

Researchers identified a new mutation in the desmoplakin gene that leads to cardiac disease arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM). The mutation affects heart muscle cell connections and ion channel function, highlighting the importance of desmosomes in maintaining healthy heart function.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023