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Science News Archive March 2023 - Page 42


Page 42 of 44

'We cannot change the human body, but we can change the environment'

A new research agenda aims to apply evolutionary principles to modern diseases, emphasizing the role of environmental factors. By studying natural world adaptations, scientists hope to find new ways to prevent and treat disease, such as adopting antimicrobial approaches inspired by hyenas' ability to thrive on carrion.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 1, 2023

Neoadjuvant pembrolizumab administered before surgery improves outcomes of melanoma patients

A phase 2 clinical trial shows that treating resectable stage 3 and 4 melanoma patients with pembrolizumab both before and after surgery greatly improves outcomes compared to pembrolizumab given only after surgery. This approach resulted in significantly longer event-free survival rates.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 1, 2023

Will you let a robot assist in surgery on you? The role of advertising in high-tech medical procedures

Researchers analyzed 140,000 patient records and TV ads from Florida to investigate the effectiveness of DTCA for robotics surgery. The study found that patients exposed to robotic surgery advertising were more likely to choose it over conventional laparoscopic and open surgeries. Additionally, hospital marketers can use DTCA to sway p...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMar 1, 2023

Nature's nutcracker can crush pesticide residue

Researchers at Aarhus University have found an enzyme, C-P lyase, in E. coli bacteria that can degrade highly stable chemicals, including pesticides like RoundUp. The enzyme uses energy from ATP to open and close a 'nutcracker' mechanism that traps and breaks down troublesome chemicals.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

A new bioinspired earthworm robot for future underground explorations

Researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia have created a soft robot inspired by earthworms, able to crawl using soft actuators that elongate or squeeze. The prototype demonstrates improved locomotion with a speed of 1.35mm/s and has potential applications in underground exploration, excavation, search and rescue operations.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

New study reveals parents’ concerns about their sexual and gender minority teens using prep for HIV prevention

A new study examines the concerns of parents of sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents regarding HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. Parents cited effectiveness and adverse effects as key factors in their decision-making, while also expressing questions about how to discuss PrEP with their children.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAIDS Education and Prevention·DateMar 1, 2023

Cocaethylene cardiotoxicity in emergency department patients with acute drug overdose

A recent study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that combining cocaine with ethanol increases the risk of cardiac arrest, higher lactate concentrations, and lower occurrence of myocardial injury. The study suggests that cocaethylene, a metabolite of cocaine and ethanol, is more toxic than either substance alone.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateMar 1, 2023

Real AI will need biology: Computers powered by human brain cells

Researchers have developed a new type of computer using human brain cells, which could lead to significant advances in computing speed and data efficiency. The technology uses small clusters of brain cells grown from stem cells and aims to increase the number of neurons to surpass electronic computers.

SourceCortical Labs·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 1, 2023

Study shows promising results in using the sun's ultraviolet rays to decontaminate water at high altitudes

Researchers found that solar water disinfection (SODIS) was effective in inactivating Escherichia coli bacteria at both low and high altitudes. At high altitudes, bacterial inactivation increased by 1.7-fold after two hours, with no significant differences after six hours. The study highlights the potential of SODIS to improve global a...

SourceElsevier·JournalWilderness and Environmental Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Social workers experienced depression, PTSD, and anxiety at alarming rates during pandemic

A new study found that social workers experienced high rates of depression, PTSD, and anxiety during the pandemic, with 40% reporting depression - a rate 4 times higher than the general population. The study highlights the need for trauma-informed approaches and strong mental health supports for staff to sustain the profession.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Social Work·TypeSurvey·DateMar 1, 2023

Conversations about safe firearm storage at purchase can influence use of firearm locks

Researchers found that discussing cable locks with retailers increased the use of locking devices among gun owners. The study suggests that encouraging retailers to notify buyers about included locking devices can lower the risk of firearm injury and death. This simple conversation may save a life, according to the lead author.

SourceRutgers University·JournalInjury Epidemiology·TypeSurvey·DateMar 1, 2023

Researchers uncover how gene that increases risk of genetic heart disease works, paving way for new treatments

A recent study led by Murdoch Children's Research Institute has revealed a new pathway for how genetic mutations impact heart muscle function. The research identifies the gene ALPK3 as a key player in cardiomyopathy, a group of diseases affecting the heart's ability to pump blood, and provides hope for new targeted therapies.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal study identifies major risk factors of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with pneumoconiosis in China

A Chinese Medical Journal study found that smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of work-related injury insurance are significant risk factors for developing pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with pneumoconiosis. The study also identified rural birth, household exposure to patients with PTB, and hospitalization history as relevant ri...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeSurvey·DateMar 1, 2023

Crocodiles could save us from deadly infections

A new study by La Trobe University researchers reveals how crocodiles resist fatal fungal infections using a unique pH sensing mechanism. The findings provide a model for understanding the anti-microbial activity of other defensins, including those in humans.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

New Cleveland Clinic-developed screening tool can assess cognition issues in older adults

A new screening tool developed by Cleveland Clinic researchers can effectively detect mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer's disease, and other related dementias in older adults. The tool has been shown to identify 90% of patients with mild cognitive impairment, offering a potential solution for early detection and prevention.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateMar 1, 2023

Mapping unknown territory

Scientists at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft created an interactive atlas of gene expression in the zebrafish brain, revealing hundreds of genes with single-cell resolution. The new map integrates seamlessly with existing data, providing new insights into neural structure and function.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Neoadjuvant immunotherapy improves outlook in high-risk melanoma

Patients with stage IIIB-IV melanoma who received neoadjuvant pembrolizumab had a significantly lower risk of cancer recurrence compared to those receiving adjuvant therapy only. The study found improved event-free survival rates in the neoadjuvant group, suggesting that starting immunotherapy before surgery generates better outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 1, 2023

Special Selection

A team of global experts discovered new signals of natural selection in humans, focusing on the Tsimane and Moseten populations living in the Bolivian Amazon. They found 21 regions in the genome that underwent positive selection for immunity-related traits and metabolic functions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2023

‘Chunky dunk?’ Cleveland’s prehistoric sea monster may have been shorter, stouter, than once believed

Researchers from Case Western Reserve University suggest that the length of the prehistoric fish Dunkleosteus terrelli was greatly exaggerated. The study proposes a new method to estimate the size based on the head, which is consistent among living fishes and smaller relatives. According to this method, Dunkleosteus was only 11-13 feet...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalDiversity·DateMar 1, 2023

Checklist Prompters Support ICU Rounds

A study published in the American Journal of Critical Care found that a single trained observer serving as a checklist prompter can accurately assess whether multidisciplinary rounds addressed key elements of the ABCDEF bundle. This approach enables customized, shorter checklists to streamline workflows and improve patient care.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAmerican Journal of Critical Care·DateMar 1, 2023

Flamingos form cliques with like-minded pals

A study by the University of Exeter found that flamingos form groups based on their individual personalities, with birds of similar traits spending more time together. This complex social behavior could help improve the welfare of captive flocks and provide insights into the evolution of bird societies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

The Future of Touch

A new study reveals that holographic haptic displays create diffuse and faint tactile sensations due to widespread vibration patterns in the skin. The researchers discovered a phenomenon known as constructive interference that amplifies shock waves, leading to reduced spatial precision and clarity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 1, 2023

Dutch healthcare system isn't prepared for pregnant transgender men

A recent study by Amsterdam University Medical Center found that transgender men face significant barriers in accessing maternity care due to a lack of understanding and guidance from healthcare providers. The research highlights the need for gender-inclusive care and guidelines to support pregnant transgender men, addressing their uni...

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalMidwifery·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Fishing for proteins: Scientists use new optical tweezer technology to study DNA repair

Researchers used C-trap technology to investigate how different DNA repair proteins identify and bind to their respective forms of damage. They found that some proteins arrived at the damage site together and departed together, while others showed surprising variability in their association and dissociation patterns. The study provides...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023