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Science News for May 24, 2023


Gender-affirming hormone therapy reduces psychological distress in transgender people: systematic review

A systematic review of research on gender-affirming hormone therapy among transgender people found that the therapy reduces depressive symptoms and psychological distress. The study analyzed data from 46 relevant journal articles and identified inconsistent findings across other areas, warranting further investigation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 24, 2023

A better way to match 3D volumes

Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to match 3D shapes by mapping volumes to volumes, resulting in more accurate animations and CAD designs. This method represents shapes as tetrahedral meshes that include the mass inside a 3D object, allowing for better modeling of fine parts and avoiding common artifacts.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateMay 24, 2023

COVID-19: Immune cells targeting core protein are important for early immune defense

A study has identified a key component of the adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection: nucleocapsid-specific T cells. These cells recognize and kill virus-infected cells, controlling viral replication and inflammation in the upper airways. The findings suggest that vaccines targeting this protein could be more effective.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2023

New insights into bacterial antibiotic resistance

A team from the University of Tsukuba has discovered characteristics of proteins in bacteria that convey antibiotic resistance, providing insights into their function and role. These proteins, known as ARE-ABCFs, work in synergy with other resistance mechanisms to convey extremely high levels of antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMay 24, 2023

Evolution characteristics of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation and its thermodynamic and dynamic effects on surface air temperature in the northern hemisphere

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) has weakened since the late 19th century and continues to weaken, impacting surface air temperature in the northern hemisphere. Climate models predict that AMOC will weaken further under high emission scenarios, posing a significant risk of collapse before 2100.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateMay 24, 2023

Multivitamin improves memory in older adults, study finds

A large-scale randomized trial found that daily multivitamin supplementation improved memory function in over 3,500 older adults, with effects more pronounced in those with cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that nutrition may play a crucial role in optimizing brain health as we age.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 24, 2023

New study by Sylvester investigators indicates treatment patterns, not genetics, drive prostate cancer disparities

A large-scale retrospective analysis by Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers found that differences in care, rather than genetics, likely explain disparities in advanced prostate cancer between men of African and European ancestries. Men of African ancestry are less likely to receive comprehensive genetic profiling and tar...

SourcePublic Relations Pacific LLC·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·DateMay 24, 2023

Discovery slows down muscular dystrophy

A team of researchers has identified TAK1 as a regulator of skeletal muscle mass, slowing down disease progression and improving muscle function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. By targeting this protein, they can suppress muscle fiber death and enhance myofiber growth, offering a promising new approach to treatment.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJCI Insight·DateMay 24, 2023

New UCI-led research shows people who live to be 90+ with superior thinking skills are resilient to Alzheimer’s pathology in their brains

A UCI-led study reveals that the oldest-old, those living up to 90 years old, exhibit similar levels of brain pathology as Alzheimer's patients but with lower levels of pathology from other neurodegenerative diseases. This finding suggests these individuals may be resistant to these age-related cognitive decline.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateMay 24, 2023

A novel method to quantify individual limb contributions to standing postural control

This study validates a novel method to quantify individual limb contributions to standing anteroposterior postural control. The results show that limb contributions are distinct from self-reported limb dominance and between-limb weight distributions, offering new insights into the complex mechanisms of standing postural control.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalGait & Posture·TypeObservational study·DateMay 24, 2023

A popular compostable plastic doesn’t break down in the ocean

A new study finds that popular compostable plastics like PLA don't biodegrade in marine environments, instead persisting unchanged. The research highlights the need for standardizing tests to see if materials promoted as compostable or biodegradable actually break down in natural environments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023

Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis studies shine the light on advancements in pharmaceutical analytical techniques and overcoming chemoresistance

Researchers have developed new methods to analyze dry-coated drug particles using 3D Raman mapping, which can effectively slow down dissolution rates. Another study introduces a novel technique for detecting complex traditional Chinese medicines, preventing adulteration and counterfeiting.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023

Study finds daily multivitamin supplements improved memory and slowed cognitive aging in older adults

A new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that daily multivitamin supplements improved memory and slowed cognitive aging in older adults. The COSMOS-Web trial included over 3,500 participants aged 60 and older who completed novel web-based assessments of memory and cognition annually for three years.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 24, 2023

Activity sessions in daycare already nurturing emotional skills by 10 weeks

Researchers from the University of Helsinki found that daycare centers using SAGA and Pikkuli interventions strengthened children's ability to help others, reduced internalising problems, and advanced social orientation. The studies showed positive experiences among early childhood educators, leading to further development of the methods.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScandinavian Journal of Educational Research·TypeObservational study·DateMay 24, 2023

Consistent link between the seaside and better health

A 15-country study confirms that people living near or visiting the seaside experience better health, regardless of country or personal income. The research, led by Sandra Geiger from the University of Vienna, found consistent patterns across all countries and demonstrated that everyone benefits from coastal access.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateMay 24, 2023

Computer‐aided diagnosis improves breast ultrasound expertise in multicenter study

A multicenter study found that deep learning-based computer-aided diagnosis significantly improved radiologists' diagnostic performance for breast lesion classification on ultrasound. The use of CAD resulted in a 6.0% upgrade of BI-RADS category 3 assessments to category 4A, with 16.7% being malignant.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 24, 2023

Research from Amsterdam UMC shows that the bottom has been reached in restrictive blood transfusion policy

A recent study from Amsterdam UMC suggests that being overly restrictive in blood transfusion policies may not always be the best approach. Researchers found that patients with severe thrombocytopenia actually experience less bleeding if they receive a platelet transfusion prior to central venous catheter placement.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 24, 2023

CHOP researchers comprehensively assess the safety of using your head in youth soccer

Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that repeated soccer headers equivalent to a throw-in did not cause immediate neurophysiological deficits for teens. However, oblique headers resulted in higher levels of angular head motion, suggesting proper training is necessary to reduce the risk of injury.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Biomechanical Engineering·TypeObservational study·DateMay 24, 2023

Successful terahertz wireless communication using a micro-resonator soliton comb: Expectations for next-generation mobile communications based on photonic technology

Researchers have successfully demonstrated terahertz wireless communication using a micro-resonator soliton comb, which can potentially overcome technical limitations in current wireless electronics and enable seamless connections between optical and wireless communication systems. The study achieved data transmission rates of up to 2 ...

SourceInstitute of Post-LED Photonics, Tokushima University·JournalOptics Continuum·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023

Case study reveals potentially lethal side effects of lecanemab for treatment of Alzheimer's disease

A case study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease reveals that lecanemab can lead to therapy-induced Aβ phagocytosis and multifocal intracerebral hemorrhage, highlighting a potential risk of brain damage and death. The study suggests that better biomarkers are needed to assess the extent of cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeCase study·DateMay 24, 2023

“Sustainable” condenser tumble dryers create hundreds of tonnes of waterborne microfiber pollution

A new study reveals that condenser tumble dryers release hundreds of tonnes of potentially harmful microfibers into waterways and oceans across the UK and Europe. The researchers found that while vented dryers produce more airborne microfibers, condenser dryers are a significant contributor to waterborne microfiber pollution.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023

Small-scale proton exchange membrane fuel cells: A challenging but promising path toward clean energy

Researchers from Tianjin University provide an insightful review of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) for small-scale applications. The study highlights the unique attributes of PEMFCs, such as high energy densities and low pollution emissions, making them suitable for portable power generation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalEnergy Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 24, 2023

Major progress in curing brain tumours

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a method to kill glioblastoma brain tumours by blocking stress in cancer cells. The treatment, which involves inserting a specially developed molecule into cells, shows promising results with no side effects.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023

How tasty is the food?

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute found that ghrelin activates specialized nerve cells in the amygdala, promoting food consumption and conveying hunger feelings. The study uncovers the physiological processes behind feeding behavior, which may lead to novel therapeutic approaches for eating disorders.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 24, 2023

How turbulence helps the brain overcome its inherent slowness identified in a study led by researchers from UPF and University of Oxford

Researchers used magnetoencephalography to demonstrate that turbulence facilitates efficient spatiotemporal information transfer in the brain, enabling it to survive and thrive. This finding has implications for building biomarkers for disease and improving our understanding of brain dynamics.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalCommunications Physics·DateMay 24, 2023

Cleft lip caused by combination of genes and environment

A recent study has revealed how genetic and environmental factors interact to cause cleft lip or palate in a developing fetus. The research found that mutations in the e-cadherin gene combined with exposure to inflammatory risk factors during pregnancy can lead to cleft lip, which affects one in 700 live births.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023

Not so biodegradable: new study finds bio-based plastic and plastic-blend textiles do not biodegrade in the ocean

A new study found that natural fibers degrade within a month, but synthetic textiles like bio-based plastics and fabric blends show no signs of degradation even after over a year. The experiment revealed the need for standardized tests to determine if materials are biodegradable in natural environments.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023

New method predicts extreme events more accurately

Researchers create an AI-based approach to predict precipitation intensity and variability, addressing the missing piece of cloud organization in traditional climate models. The new algorithm improves precipitation predictions, including extreme events, and enables better projections of future changes in the water cycle.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2023

Heavy drinkers risk muscle loss, new study finds

A recent study published in Calcified Tissue International found that heavy drinkers are at risk of muscle loss and frailty. The research, which analyzed data from the UK Biobank, suggests that consuming 10 units or more of alcohol per day can lead to lower muscle mass, even when adjusted for body size and other factors.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCalcified Tissue International·TypeObservational study·DateMay 24, 2023

Where do our limbs come from?

Scientists from the University of Colorado School of Medicine have made a significant discovery about the origin of paired appendages, a major evolutionary step that has been debated for over 100 years. The research team found that cells from the lateral plate mesoderm contribute to both heart development and limb formation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023

SEngine Precision Medicine demonstrates potential of PARIS® Test to find unexpected therapeutic options for treating cancer

The PARIS Test, a CLIA-certified drug sensitivity assay, uses patient-derived tumor organoids to screen an array of drugs and develop personalized treatment reports. Ibrutinib, a BTK inhibitor approved only for certain leukemias and lymphomas, was identified as the optimal treatment for a patient with ovarian cancer.

SourceMark Zipkin Freelance Public Relations Consultant·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·TypeCase study·DateMay 24, 2023

GLA, the fatty acid that makes the heart function properly after birth

A study by CNIC researchers reveals that gamma-linolenic acid in breast milk binds to the retinoid X receptor protein, activating gene expression and influencing biological functions. This activation initiates genetic programs that equip mitochondria with the necessary enzymes and proteins to start consuming lipids as energy.

Microplastics are harming gut health

A study by McGill University found that microplastic pollution alters the gut microbiomes of seabirds, increasing pathogens and antibiotic-resistant microbes. The research warns humans to be wary of microplastics in their environment and food, as they can also impact human health.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023

Life stressors may contribute to multiple sclerosis flares, disability

A Michigan Medicine-led study reveals that life stressors across the lifespan, including childhood trauma and adult abuse, contribute significantly to worsening health and functional outcomes for people with multiple sclerosis. The findings highlight the importance of analyzing the impact of life stressors on MS patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBrain and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 24, 2023

Are search engines bursting the filter bubble?

A collaborative study by Rutgers University found that Google Search results do not differ significantly in ideological content for Democrats and Republicans. However, the amount of partisan and unreliable news users engage with varies depending on their personal political outlook. Researchers used a custom-built browser extension to t...

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature·TypeSurvey·DateMay 24, 2023

Why do some long Covid patients continue to have difficulty exercising?

Research reveals that chronic heart rate failure during exercise is a common reason for long-term exercise intolerance in Long COVID patients. The study also found a correlation between early post-COVID inflammation biomarkers and reduced exercise capacity, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023

Multifunctional interface enables manipulation of light waves in free space

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a multifunctional interface between photonic integrated circuits and free space, allowing for simultaneous manipulation of multiple light beams. The device operates with high accuracy and reliability, enabling applications in quantum computing, sensing, imaging, energy, and more.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateMay 24, 2023

New research finds dramatic increase in illegal ketamine seized by authorities, sparking concern about potential dangers of rising recreational use

A significant increase in illicit ketamine seizures in the US has raised concerns about the risks of non-medical and recreational use, as well as the presence of fentanyl. The study found a 349% rise in seizures from 2017 to 2022, with the highest numbers reported in Tennessee, Florida, and California.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateMay 24, 2023

New production process for therapeutic nanovesicles

A team of researchers has developed a highly efficient production method for extracellular vesicles, which can be used as next-generation therapeutics. The new method yields up to 100 times more particles per cell and hour than conventional methods, making it suitable for applications such as cancer treatment and vaccination.

SourceSwiss Nanoscience Institute, University of Basel·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023

Growing blood stem cells in the lab to save lives

A team led by Professor Satoshi Yamazaki has established a novel culture system that supports long-term ex vivo expansion of human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), overcoming previous limitations. The new system, which uses chemically-defined cell culture media, significantly improves HSC growth and proliferation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature·DateMay 24, 2023

Study finds association between long-term exposure to air pollution and severe COVID-19

A study of 4.6 million adults in Catalonia found an association between long-term exposure to PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, and black carbon with a higher risk of severe COVID-19 hospitalization and death. The research suggests that reducing air pollution levels may improve population health.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 24, 2023

Researchers identify strong T-cell response in first-in-human nanoparticle HIV vaccine

The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, shows robust T-cell responses in volunteers participating in a phase 1 clinical trial of a self-assembling nanoparticle HIV vaccine. The antigen used stimulates VRC01-class B cells, an immune response considered promising for boosting in further studies.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 24, 2023

Public health solutions to disrupt the US firearm crisis

The US firearm crisis is preventable with practical public health solutions. Harm reduction and community engagement programs can reduce the impact on individuals, families, and communities. Legislative policies also hold promise, particularly safe storage laws, which correlate with reduced injury and death rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 24, 2023

Physical activity linked to higher pain tolerance

A new analysis of over 10,000 adults reveals that physically active individuals have higher pain tolerance than sedentary ones. The study suggests that boosting physical activity could be a potential strategy for easing chronic pain.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateMay 24, 2023

A protective Alzheimer’s disease genetic variant has beneficial effects on amyloid-beta metabolism

Researchers discovered a genetic variant protecting against Alzheimer's disease alters levels of proteins and peptides linked to amyloid-beta metabolism. The APP A673T variant demonstrates effectiveness in shifting APP processing from beta-amyloidogenic to non-amyloidogenic pathways, offering a new feasible strategy for AD prevention.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023