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Science News Archive May 2023


Page 1 of 40

New liver dialysis device shows potential to resolve liver failure in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure

A clinical trial using DIALIVE, a novel liver dialysis device, demonstrated significant improvements in all main underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of acute-on-chronic liver failure. Treatment resulted in accelerated resolution of ACLF and sustained improvement in biomarkers.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 31, 2023

NIH scientists find treatment for rare genetic skin disorder

Researchers at the National Human Genome Research Institute identified a potential treatment for disabling pansclerotic morphea, a severe inflammatory disease. They found that patients with the disorder have an overactive STAT4 protein and significantly improved symptoms with ruxolitinib, a JAK inhibitor.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

Research calls for changes to state law requiring child protective services to be notified when medications for opioid use disorder are used during pregnancy

Research finds that Massachusetts' policy mandating reporting to child protective services for prenatal opioid use disorder (MOUD) exposure can be stigmatizing and lead to medical decision-making changes. The study calls for changing the law to uncouple treatment decisions from mandated reporting during the perinatal period.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateMay 31, 2023

A new player unveiled for lipid oxidation

Researchers have identified opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) as a promising new target for enhancing lipid oxidation. Studies in rodents and human subjects suggest that OGFr boosts lipid metabolism, improving thermogenesis and reducing the risk of obesity-related diseases.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

Almost 3 in 10 of young kids may have malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa

A study of almost 65,000 children aged up to 5 found that nearly 27% are infected with malaria, with older under-five children and those from large families or rural areas being most vulnerable. Insecticide-treated bed nets and improved housing are promising means to prevent malaria infection among children.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateMay 31, 2023

1 in 3 adults with Type 2 diabetes may have undetected cardiovascular disease

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that elevated levels of two protein biomarkers associated with heart damage were linked to undetected or symptomless cardiovascular disease in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The study analyzed health information and blood samples from over 10,300 adults and foun...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 31, 2023

New nerve insights could someday help heal certain types of blindness and paralysis

A team of researchers found that a small population of nerve cells exists in everyone that could be coaxed to regrow, potentially restoring sight and movement. The discovery provides new insights into how axons grow and could lead to effective therapies for blindness, paralysis, and other disorders caused by nerve damage.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalDevelopment·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

Only 16 US states provide free, detailed and updated suicide data from their prison systems, with 13 states providing incomplete data that was not always free, 8 states providing sparse or old data, and 13 states providing no data at all

Only 16 US states provide free, detailed, and updated suicide data from their prison systems, but many others have incomplete, sparse, or no data at all. This lack of transparency is in violation of the Death in Custody Reporting Act.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 31, 2023

Tracking early signs of Alzheimer’s pathology in a mouse model

A new study in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease examines the effects of environmental enrichment on AD symptom progression and pathology. The researchers found that living in an enriched environment improved several measures of metabolism and reduced individual behaviors, which became more similar and rigid as the disease progressed.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

Tribological mechanism of carbon group nanofluids on grinding interface under minimum quantity lubrication based on molecular dynamics simulation

The study reveals the formation mechanism of a boundary lubrication film on the grinding interface, which reduces abrasive grain/workpiece contact area. Carbon group nanoparticles further enhance tribological performances, with reduced tangential grinding forces of 8.5-14.1%.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Mechanical Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 31, 2023

How much nitrogen does corn get from fertilizer? Less than farmers think

Research shows that corn takes up about 67% of its nitrogen naturally from soil, rather than fertilizer. However, applying different forms and timing of fertilizers can improve efficiency, with nitrate being the most efficient source. Banding placement was also found to be more efficient than broadcasting.

Research team studies source of hazardous March and April 2023 dust storms in China

A research team studied the source of hazardous March and April 2023 dust storms in China, finding that Mongolia is the main dust source affecting northern China's weather. The team used advanced models and machine learning techniques to forecast dust events, providing a reference for addressing global dust storm hazards.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 31, 2023

Q & A with Xingna Qin and Ping Ren, authors of “Does Having Vulnerable Friends Help Vulnerable Youth? The Co-Evolution of Friendships, Victimization, and Depressive Symptoms in Chinese Adolescents’ Social Networks” Child Development

A recent study analyzed the impact of vulnerable friendships on Chinese adolescents' social networks, finding that befriending a victimized peer can decrease depressive symptoms but increase victimization. Classroom supportive norms play a crucial role in mitigating these effects.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 31, 2023

Experts assess state of the art in the treatment and management of cerebral palsy

A special issue of the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine explores the treatment and management of cerebral palsy, including spasticity management and pain relief. The articles discuss various approaches to managing spasticity, such as enteral baclofen use and botulinum neurotoxinA injections, aiming to improve care and quali...

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

UC Irvine-led interdisciplinary team delves into a heated debate about humidity

A UC Irvine-led interdisciplinary team highlights a dispute between physiologists and epidemiologists about the role of humidity in heat stress. The authors argue that humid conditions exacerbate heat-related illnesses, particularly in tropical nations, and call for more accurate models to predict future health impacts.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 31, 2023

Eat right, live longer: could a moderate protein diet be the coveted elixir of youth?

A recent study published in GeroScience found that a moderate-protein diet (25% and 35%) improved metabolic health in both young and middle-aged mice. The researchers also observed reduced blood glucose concentrations and lipid levels in liver and plasma. A balanced diet with moderate protein intake may promote metabolic health in huma...

SourceWaseda University·JournalGeroScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

KC-based study shows evictions happen most in predominantly Black neighborhoods, homes with children

A new study from the University of Kansas shows that neighborhood characteristics such as being predominantly Black and having families with children are strongly associated with higher eviction rates. In contrast, gentrified neighborhoods or those with high rents do not predict increased eviction levels.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Urban Affairs·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 31, 2023

New 3D printing technique ready to advance manufacturing

Researchers at Heriot-Watt University have created a new method of 3D printing that uses near-infrared (NIR) light to create complex structures with multiple materials and colors. This breakthrough allows for the integration of different materials and properties, opening up possibilities for industries such as health and electronics.

SourceHeriot-Watt University·JournalApplied Materials Today·DateMay 31, 2023

Can we learn to think further ahead?

A team of cognitive scientists created a computational model to understand the factors affecting decision-making and planning depth. They found that better planning is driven by the ability to recognize patterns more accurately and in less time, pointing to the benefits of practice and experience.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023