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Science News Archive March 2023 - Page 43


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Hansel and Gretel's breadcrumb trick inspires robotic exploration of caves on Mars and beyond

University of Arizona engineers create autonomous vehicle system that allows robots to scout out underground habitats on other planets. The 'Breadcrumb-Style Dynamically Deployed Communication Network' paradigm enables robots to work together without human input, addressing NASA's space technology grand challenges.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAdvances in Space Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 1, 2023

Seabirds in the eye of the storm

Researchers found that seabird species have unique wind tolerance strategies, with some flying fast to counteract wind drift. Albatrosses can fly in most storm conditions, while tropical species use special avoidance tactics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

‘Swarmalators’ better envision synchronized microbots

Researchers at Cornell University developed a new model called swarmalators, which can simulate swarming behaviors and synchronized timing in microrobots. The model mimics diverse emergent phenomena, such as aggregation, dispersion, and vortices, and can be used for precision medicine and drone applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2023

Argonne drops data on the question of efficient drone use for e-commerce deliveries

A new Argonne study compares drone energy usage to diesel trucks and electric vehicles, finding that drones consume as much energy as either on average windy days. The models are based on regional energy consumption and facility costs of direct delivery drones under various wind speed scenarios.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateMar 1, 2023

Older Black men are likelier to die after surgery than others, particularly following elective procedures, new UCLA research suggests

Researchers found that Black men have a higher mortality rate after surgery compared to other groups, with a 50% higher risk of death after elective procedures. The study suggests that structural racism, poor pre-operative care, and exposure to toxins may contribute to these disparities.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe BMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

Home-based cardiac rehabilitation may help people live longer

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that participating in home-based cardiac rehabilitation was associated with a 36% lower likelihood of death from heart-related complications among US military veterans within four years. The study analyzed data from 1,120 veterans who enrolled in a 12-week hom...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 1, 2023

When election winners are announced, their Twitter supporters respond quicker, are more engaged and use less toxic language than supporters of the losing candidate, according to analysis in the US, UK, Brazil and Argentina

Analysis in the US, UK, Brazil, and Argentina shows that winners' Twitter supporters respond faster and engage more positively than losers' supporters. The study found reduced toxicity levels among winners' supporters, suggesting a correlation between winning and increased social media engagement.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2023

Reexamining time from breast cancer diagnosis to surgery

A case series study of 373,000 patients found that time from diagnosis to surgery over eight weeks was associated with worse overall survival. This delay may be linked to disadvantageous social determinants of health, suggesting the importance of timely surgical interventions in breast cancer care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMar 1, 2023

A groundbreaking study reveals the carbon stocks of 10 billion trees in the drylands of sub-Saharan Africa

A groundbreaking study used AI and high spatial resolution imagery to analyze over 300,000 satellite images and identify nearly 10 billion trees in sub-Saharan Africa. The research reveals that tree density and carbon stocks in the arid zone are underestimated, with a total carbon stock of 0.84 billion tonnes.

How patterns emerge in salt deserts

Researchers have discovered that convection of saline water beneath the surface is responsible for the formation of hexagonal honeycomb patterns in salt deserts. The consistent size and shape of these patterns can be attributed to the unique combination of temperature, salinity, and groundwater flow.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

Quantum chemistry: Molecules caught tunneling

Scientists at the University of Innsbruck have successfully measured tunneling reactions in molecular chemistry, confirming a precise theoretical model. The experiment used hydrogen and deuterium isotopes to demonstrate the quantum mechanical tunnel effect in a slow ion-molecule reaction.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Review finds fledgling chronic back pain therapy needs more rigorous study

A systematic review of Cognitive Functional Therapy found it to be no better than traditional therapies in reducing pain and disability in people with chronic low back pain. The researchers call for future trials featuring blinded participants and larger sample sizes to improve current evidence.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 1, 2023

Study reinforces potential use of zika virus to combat prostate cancer but points to possible side-effect

Researchers analyzed zika virus effects on tumor cells and healthy cells, discovering its potential to treat prostate cancer but also triggering a persistent inflammatory process that damages the male reproductive system. The study's findings suggest long-term treatment could lead to recurrence of prostate cancer.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMar 1, 2023

New fluorescent chiral-selective receptor system represents a breakthrough in molecular detection with potential for applications in diabetes management

Researchers have developed a novel fluorescence recognition method for detecting D-glucose in water, showing excellent D-glucose chiral selectivity. The system consists of cyclodextrin and monoboronic acid-based receptor complexes, which can detect glucose concentrations with low limits of detection.

SourceSophia University·JournalACS Sensors·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Resurrected supernova provides missing-link

Researchers have discovered a supernova that exhibits unusual rebrightening at millimeter wavelengths, offering insights into the evolution of massive stars. The study suggests that interaction with an intermediate-distance binary companion created a hollow shell of circumstellar medium, leading to the observed rebrightening.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Chemotherapy alters immune cell landscape in pancreatic cancer

A new study found that chemotherapy alters the immune cell landscape in pancreatic cancer, reducing checkpoint molecules and increasing tumor growth. The research suggests that this may lead to resistance to subsequent immunotherapy, highlighting the need for further study on combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Study: Seizures can be predicted more than 30 minutes before onset in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy

A study published in NEJM Evidence found that seizures can be predicted at least 35 minutes before onset in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for developing more effective therapies for this common seizure disorder, which affects over 50 million people globally.

Study: More paid sick leave results in more cancer screenings

A Tulane University study found that areas with paid sick leave mandates experienced significant increases in breast cancer (4%) and colorectal cancer (6-8%) screenings among private sector employees. The findings suggest that non-monetary barriers to healthcare access can have a meaningful impact on health outcomes.

SourceTulane University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

Study forecasts tile drainage and crop rotation changes for nitrogen loss

A new study from the University of Illinois forecasts how increased tile drainage and crop rotation will impact nitrogen loads in Midwestern watersheds. The research team developed a model that reveals the mechanism behind nitrate increases with flow, providing a starting point for reducing nutrient loss.

Pediatricians’ interactions with infant formula companies

A new study published in Breastfeeding Medicine found that pediatricians' interactions with infant formula companies can influence their advice on exclusive breastfeeding. The study also revealed that these interactions were more common in private practices and higher-income areas with higher exclusive breastfeeding rates.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·TypeCase study·DateMar 1, 2023

Cleveland researchers reveal how oxygen is delivered to tissues, open door to new class of drugs

Researchers at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center discovered that S-nitrosohemoglobin senses areas with insufficient oxygen and restores blood flow for oxygenation. This breakthrough opens up a new line of drug development to correct poor tissue oxygenation, including peripheral artery disease and sickle cell disease.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2023

How to generate new neurons in the brain

Researchers at UNIGE and UNIL have discovered the importance of cell metabolism in reactivating quiescent neural stem cells, increasing new neurons in adult mice. This breakthrough could lead to potential treatments for conditions like depression and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateMar 1, 2023

Testing universality of Feynman-Tan relation in interacting Bose gases using high-order Bragg spectra

The study demonstrates the universality of the Feynman-Tan relation for describing elementary excitation spectra of strongly interacting Bose gases, including those with large mass imbalances. High-order Bragg spectra are used to measure the resonance frequency shift in moderate interaction regions.

Helping construction material manufacturers reduce the energy consumption, carbon footprint of heating and cooling homes

Researchers at Purdue University have created a new method for incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) into building envelope elements, which reduces energy consumption by moderating temperature fluctuations. The process increases the thermal inertia and compressive strength of construction materials while making them more resilien...

SourcePurdue University·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateMar 1, 2023

Study compares third-trimester sound exposures in fetuses, premature infants

Researchers found a fivefold increase in nearby language exposure per day for fetuses relative to preterm infants, highlighting the need to provide similar sound exposures to premature babies. The study also revealed differences in silence and noise levels, with premature infants often exposed to prolonged periods of silence.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023

Can’t exercise a particular muscle? Strengthening the opposite side of your body can stop it wasting away

A new study found that eccentric contractions prove most effective in preventing muscle wasting and damage after immobilization. Strengthening the unaffected arm through weightlifting also counteracted muscle atrophy, with a stronger cross-education effect observed for eccentric contractions.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Immunotherapy before surgery significantly improves outcomes of patients with melanoma

Researchers found that adding immunotherapy before surgical removal of stage III-IV melanoma significantly improved event-free survival compared to standard-of-care treatment. The study showed that neoadjuvant therapy is superior to the same therapy given in the adjuvant setting.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 1, 2023

Review of studies finds disparity in presumptive chlamydia and gonorrhea treatment rates despite CDC guidelines

A review of studies found that rates of presumptive treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea vary widely, with some areas treating up to 84% of patients while others treated less than 4%. The disparity highlights the need for standardized treatment guidelines and consideration of social determinants of health.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalSexually Transmitted Diseases·DateMar 1, 2023

Traumas in children and adolescents can be treated effectively

A meta-analysis by researchers at the University of Münster confirms that trauma-focused therapy is highly effective for treating PTSD in children and adolescents. The study found that this form of therapy can change patients' thought patterns and behaviors, enabling them to confront their trauma under therapist supervision.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 1, 2023

Tracking data reveals how seabird species adopt different strategies to cope with extreme storms

Researchers investigated how seabird flight characteristics vary among different species in response to cyclone-strength winds. Birds living in windier environments are faster fliers, while tropical species use strategies to cope with extreme events. Some albatrosses even avoid strong winds by flying into the eye of the storm.

SourceSwansea University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Rare quasar triplet forms most massive object in universe

A rare quasar triplet formed a massive black hole with a mass of 10 billion solar masses, according to recent simulations. The triple system, composed of three galaxies with supermassive black holes at their centers, is believed to be the progenitor of ultra-massive black holes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 1, 2023