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Science News Archive May 2023 - Page 2


Page 2 of 40

New study highlights need for expanded application of prism adaptation treatment for spatial neglect

A retrospective case-matched study found prism adaptation therapy (PAT) to be beneficial for treating both right- and left-sided spatial neglect. PAT showed improvements in neglect symptoms for patients with right-sided neglect, suggesting greater potential benefits compared to those with left-sided neglect.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 31, 2023

Unhealthy food dominated grocery store flyers

A study from the University of Gothenburg found that nearly two-thirds of grocery store flyers in Sweden feature unhealthy foods. The analysis of weekly flyers from 122 stores revealed that high-sugar foods and drinks were the most common category, contradicting Nordic Nutrition Recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMay 31, 2023

Geneticists discover hidden “whole genome duplication” that may explain why some species survived mass extinctions

Researchers have pinpointed a previously hidden whole genome duplication in the common ancestor of sturgeons and paddlefish, which may have provided genetic variations that helped these species survive mass extinctions. The discovery suggests that there may be many more overlooked whole genome duplications in other species before perio...

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

The world's fastest electron microscope

The team uses a continuous-wave laser to create ultrashort electron pulses, allowing for attosecond time resolution. They investigate nanophotonic phenomena and film electromagnetic processes inside waveguide materials, opening up new developments in photonic integrated circuits and metamaterials.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature·DateMay 31, 2023

Pro-viral human protein critical for embryo development

Researchers discovered that ZC3H11A is essential for regulating metabolic genes in embryos and their absence leads to complete lethality. The study's findings suggest that ZC3 may be a promising therapeutic target for the development of anti-viral agents against medically significant human viruses.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

First-of-its-kind open-analysis platform for pediatric brain tumors provides robust data resource for childhood cancer research

Researchers have created an open-source, reproducible analysis platform for pediatric brain tumors, providing a cloud-based resource for comprehensive data on the disease. The platform contains genomic and clinical data from over 1,000 pediatric brain tumors and 22 patient-derived cell lines.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalCell Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

New Penn Medicine study uncovers key details of fat cells, advancing potential treatments for obesity, diabetes

Researchers have unlocked insights into how brown fat tissue can be harnessed to combat obesity and remove glucose from the blood. The study used a cryogenic electron microscope to view mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 in atomic detail, revealing potential new ways to promote weight loss.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMay 31, 2023

Researchers pilot "Tab Soap," a new and affordable hand-cleansing technology, produced in dispenser roll or tear-off formats, which could make hand cleansing more popular and accessible around the world

Researchers have developed a novel hand cleansing product, Tab Soap, in dispenser roll or tear-off formats, increasing accessibility and popularity of hand cleansing worldwide. The project was supported by the FCDO and CLEAR consortium, aiming to make this innovation available at scale.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 31, 2023

Gene engineered cell therapy developed to target brain metastatic melanomas

Scientists from Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a new immuno-therapeutic approach using twin stem cells that can target brain metastatic melanomas. The therapy, which uses an engineered 'twin stem cell model,' activates the immune system to suppress tumor growth and prolong survival in representative preclinical models.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

Overfishing linked to rapid evolution of codfish

A Rutgers-led genetic analysis reveals that Atlantic cod evolved new traits in response to decades of overfishing, with the fish potentially rebounding and providing a sustainable food source. The study shows that small changes in many genes led to the evolutionary adaptation.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 31, 2023

How the flu virus hacks our cells

A UNIGE team has identified how the influenza A virus manages to penetrate cells to infect them by hijacking the iron transport mechanism. By blocking this receptor, researchers were able to significantly reduce its ability to invade cells, highlighting a potential strategy for treating influenza virus infections.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateMay 31, 2023

X-ray analysis identifies mystery ancient marine reptile from Svalbard

A previously unidentified marine reptile fossil from Svalbard has been classified using X-ray analysis, providing unique insights into ancient life in the Norwegian archipelago. The study's findings suggest that fossils from this formation are particularly well-suited for radiographic imaging due to the presence of sulfur minerals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 31, 2023

Obesity will become the most important risk factor for heart attacks within three decades

A study from the National University of Singapore predicts that obesity will be the main metabolic risk factor underlying acute myocardial infarction (AMI) onset and AMI-related deaths by 2050. By then, overweight/obesity related AMI-mortality is expected to increase four-fold, with Malays facing a five-fold rise.

Ground beneath Thwaites Glacier mapped for first time

Researchers have created a detailed map of the geology beneath Thwaites Glacier in West Antarctica, showing that only about a fifth of the ground is sedimentary rock. This finding could affect how the glacier behaves as it retreats due to climate change, with potential implications for ice flow and loss from other glaciers.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 31, 2023

Development of a technology enabling the fabrication of rechargeable magnesium batteries in a dry air atmosphere

Researchers at NIMS developed an artificial zinc coating that prevents electrochemical deactivation in magnesium metal anodes, even in dry air. This breakthrough could enable the production of rechargeable magnesium batteries using existing lithium-ion battery lines.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

Microbes powered by electricity

Researchers at Leibniz-HKI have confirmed experimentally that bacteria use electrons from hydrogen to produce organic compounds. This breakthrough could make microbial electrosynthesis (MES) a commercially viable technology, producing ethanol and other fuels while storing excess electricity. The study optimized the process for high yie...

Facility dogs in children’s hospitals benefit both patients and staff

Researchers surveyed medical staff at a large Japanese children's hospital about their experiences with full-time hospital facility dogs, finding that they improve terminal care and patient cooperation. The study also reveals that HFDs help staff manage workload and encourage children to express themselves more.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateMay 31, 2023

Chemical found in common sweetener damages DNA

A new study by North Carolina State University researchers finds that sucralose-6-acetate, a chemical formed when we digest sucralose, is genotoxic and breaks up DNA. The chemical is also present in trace amounts in the sweetener itself, posing potential health risks.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part B·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

When the media believe that a firm is really green

A study by Anne Jacqueminet and colleagues identifies three favorable patterns for positive media coverage: congruent signalers, balancing signalers, and firms using a combination of less credible signals. Highly credible third-party signals play a complex role in media perception, delivering a single congruent message.

SourceBocconi University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateMay 31, 2023

New ‘designer’ titanium alloys made using 3D printing

Researchers have developed strong and ductile titanium alloys by integrating alloy and 3D-printing process designs, enabling new sustainable applications in aerospace, biomedical, and energy technologies. The breakthrough utilizes circular economy thinking to produce alloys from industrial waste and low-grade materials.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

Cutting breakfast carbs can benefit people with Type 2 diabetes

Researchers at UBC Okanagan found that a low-carb breakfast can significantly reduce blood sugar swings and improve glucose control. Participants who followed a low-carb breakfast plan showed lower glycemic variability and some were able to reduce their glucose-lowering medication.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 31, 2023

Researchers improved the catastrophic failure assessment of sealed cabin for ultra large manned spacecraft in M/OD environment

The study improves the assessment of catastrophic failures in sealed cabins for ultra large manned spacecraft in M/OD environments. The authors develop a failure assessment module and establish perforation and crack equations for stuffed Whipple shields, providing a reference for designing and assessing long-term on-orbit missions.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace Science & Technology·DateMay 31, 2023

Phenomenal phytoplankton: Scientists uncover cellular process behind oxygen production

Researchers have uncovered a previously unknown process in marine phytoplankton that accounts for between 7% to 25% of all oxygen produced and carbon fixed in the ocean. This discovery sheds light on how tiny organisms contribute to global oxygen production, with potential implications for our understanding of evolution.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

People coinfected with SARS-CoV-2 and cytomegalovirus are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease

A study by University of Córdoba found that people coinfected with SARS-CoV-2 and cytomegalovirus are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to premature aging of their immune systems. This risk is higher in individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023

Research project analyzes medical, nutritional and environmental applications of new Antarctic bacteria

Researchers discovered two new psychrophilic species of bacteria with cold-adapted enzymes, which can be used in biotechnology to produce refrigerated foods, improve detergent quality, and remove pollutants from cold environments. The study was conducted in collaboration with Uruguayan scientists and supported by FAPESP.

A telescope’s last view

Astronomers at MIT and University of Wisconsin have discovered two validated planets, K2-416 b and K2-417 b, in Kepler's last week of high-quality data. The third planet candidate, EPIC 246251988 b, orbits its star every 10 days and is slightly farther away from Earth than the other two.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 30, 2023