Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 29, 2023


Blood tests can show brain impact of neurosurgery

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new blood test that can measure biomarkers in the blood before and after neurosurgery, correlating with the extent of brain injury. The study found that high levels of certain markers may indicate damage that could cause cognitive problems for patients in the long term.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNeurosurgery·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2023

Fruit fly's complex symphony of vision

A unique microcircuit in fruit flies' visual system transforms a single type of neuronal input to compute direction selectivity, with no inhibitory neurons present. The discovery reveals a striking example of the multilayered mechanisms of inhibition and excitation in the brain.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2023

COVID-19 vaccine builds powerful immune response in First Nations peoples, study finds

A new study found that COVID-19 vaccination triggers effective immune responses against the virus in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The research shows excellent antibody and T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2, with high levels of antibodies binding to the virus following two vaccine doses.

Scientists identify how some angiogenic drugs used to treat cancer and heart disease cause vascular disease

Researchers discovered that vascular toxicity linked to these drugs is unrelated to angiogenesis-related genes, but rather due to changes in vascular architecture. This new understanding will help select the most effective and safe way to modulate angiogenesis in ischemic tissues or cancer.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2023

X-ray emissions from black hole jets vary unexpectedly, challenging leading model of particle acceleration

Researchers discovered that black hole jets exhibit surprising variability in x-ray emissions over short time scales, contradicting a long-held theory. This finding opens up new possibilities for understanding particle acceleration in these jets and potentially elsewhere in the universe.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2023

CSI Singapore researchers uncover potential novel therapeutic targets against natural killer/T-cell lymphoma

A team of researchers from CSI Singapore has identified a transcription factor, TOX2, as a potential target for treating Natural Killer/T-cell Lymphoma (NKTL), an Epstein-Barr virus-associated cancer with poor treatment outcomes. The study found that TOX2 is overexpressed in NKTL patients and negatively associated with patient survival.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalMolecular Cancer·DateMay 29, 2023

Study reveals underlying genetic risks for a type of heart attack largely affecting younger women

Researchers have identified 16 genes associated with an increased risk of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), a type of heart attack primarily affecting young to middle-aged women. The study also found that patients with SCAD have some genetic protection from the risk of conventional coronary artery disease.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust·JournalNature Genetics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 29, 2023

Using search algorithms to help guide unmanned aerial vehicles in dense city environments

A new algorithm was developed to help guide unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in dense city environments by finding near-optimal positions for the UAVs with guaranteed line-of-sight links. The algorithm achieved over 95% of the performance of exhaustive 3D search schemes, making it a potentially viable option for this technology.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalIntelligent and Converged Networks·DateMay 29, 2023

UCLA-led research suggests no difference in health outcomes, care costs for patients treated by traditional MDs or osteopaths

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that elderly hospitalized patients treated by physicians with MD or DO degrees had virtually identical mortality rates, readmissions, length of stay, and healthcare spending. The results suggest high-quality care regardless of the physician's educational background.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2023

Vehicle stop study illuminates importance of officer's first words

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that officers' first 45 words during a vehicle stop with a Black driver can indicate how the stop will end. The study discovered a unique 'linguistic signature' that characterizes escalated stops, where officers give an order without stating the reaso...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2023

Study finds similar quality and cost of care for patients treated by an allopathic (M.D.) or osteopathic (D.O.) physician

An observational study of 329,000 Medicare admissions found that older persons receiving hospital care from allopathic (M.D.) or osteopathic (D.O.) physicians experience similar quality and cost of care. Researchers also highlight systemic health inequities faced by persons with sickle cell disease.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2023

Significant presence of cesium-rich microparticles in an abandoned school close to the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant

Researchers have found significant amounts of highly radioactive cesium-rich micro-particles in an abandoned school building close to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, posing a potential health risk if inhaled. The study highlights the need for thorough cleaning and safety assessments when handling contaminated buildings.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalChemosphere·TypeCase study·DateMay 29, 2023

Pan-cancer T cell atlas reveals new details of tumor microenvironment

A pan-cancer single-cell T cell atlas provides a detailed picture of the heterogeneity of T cells within the tumor microenvironment, revealing a previously undescribed stress response state that appears to be less effective at fighting cancer. This new discovery highlights the need for further understanding of how these states contribu...

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2023

Mapping the conflict between farming and biodiversity

A Japanese-led team used mapping techniques to quantify the impact of agriculture on high-priority conservation areas. The study found that commodities like beef, rice, and soybeans are often produced in high-conservation priority areas, while others like barley and wheat are sourced from low-priority areas.

SourceResearch Institute for Humanity and Nature·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 29, 2023

Robot centipedes go for a walk

Researchers from Osaka University developed a biomimetic robot that uses dynamic instability to navigate uneven terrain. The robot can switch between straight and curved walking motions, making it suitable for search and rescue operations or planetary exploration.

SourceOsaka University·JournalSoft Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2023

Even lawyers don’t like legalese

A new MIT study shows that lawyers prefer plain English contracts, which they find easier to understand and more appealing than traditional legal documents. The researchers found that while lawyers excel at reading and writing complex legalese, the style can be a barrier for non-lawyers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2023