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Science News Archive May 2023 - Page 10


Page 10 of 40

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

NTT and OIST make the first simultaneous atmospheric and marine observations directly beneath a violent, Category 5 typhoon in the North-West Pacific

Researchers from NTT and OIST successfully conducted the world's first simultaneous marine and atmospheric measurements directly beneath a violent, Category 5 typhoon in the North-West Pacific. The study aimed to improve typhoon prediction accuracy by understanding the mechanisms of interaction between the atmosphere and ocean using ob...

Primary care clinicians report benefits and challenges in using telemedicine during COVID-19 pandemic

A study of primary care clinicians reveals benefits and challenges of telemedicine, including ease of adoption depending on prior experiences, unclear visit triage rules, and positive impacts on physicians and patients. The technology also presents challenges such as conducting physical exams and diagnostic testing.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 23, 2023

Global flows of toxic mercury

The global biogeochemical mercury cycle is closely tied to international trade routes, with emissions primarily linked to artisanal gold mining and smelting. Strategies to mitigate mercury exposure include production-side controls and consumption taxes to influence consumer behavior.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 23, 2023

Cultural threats can lead to violent extremism

A study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that violent extremism is largely driven by a perception of cultural threat, particularly among individuals with specific personality traits. The researchers identified the 'Need for Cognitive Closure' (NFC) as a key psychological mechanism behind this phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 23, 2023

Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces for 6G: Nine fundamental issues and one critical problem

Researchers at Tsinghua University reveal fundamental issues with RIS technology, including its potential for noise introduction, power consumption, and limited gain in strong direct links. Active RISs are proposed as a solution to overcome these challenges, offering amplified reflected signals and substantial capacity gain.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalTsinghua Science & Technology·DateMay 23, 2023