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Science News Archive May 2023 - Page 27


Page 27 of 40

Metal-filtering sponge removes lead from water

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a metal-filtering sponge that can capture and recover critical metals and heavy-metal pollutants from contaminated water. The new sponge successfully removed lead to below detectable levels with one use and recovered over 90% of the ions during subsequent cycles.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS ES&T Water·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

Bleeding after image-guided breast biopsies: Discontinuing vs. maintaining antithrombotic therapy

A study of 5302 patients found no significant difference in bleeding events between those temporarily discontinuing and maintaining antithrombotic therapy during image-guided breast biopsies. The findings support the safety of continuing antithrombotic therapy, but counsel patients on bruising risk.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 10, 2023

Scientists discover microbes in the Alps and Arctic that can digest plastic at low temperatures

Researchers have identified microorganisms in the Alpine and Arctic regions capable of degrading biodegradable plastics at 15°C, including polyethylene, polyester-polyurethane, and polybutylene adipate terephthalate. The discovery could reduce costs and environmental burden associated with enzymatic recycling processes.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

Millions of U.S. households may struggle to afford basic water services

A study analyzing the affordability of water services for 28.3 million people in the US found that 15% of households, or one in seven, face financial hardship in paying for access to water and wastewater services. The researchers suggest that solutions require comprehensive strategies at local, state, and federal levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Water·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2023

The right moves: how studying cell movement during embryonic development may offer new insights into cancer metastasis

Scientists studied cell movement during embryonic development to better understand cancer metastasis. They discovered how developing cells initiate the breakaway movement by contracting their surfaces and changing their shape, shedding light on key proteins involved in the process.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

New USC study shows immigrant adults with liver cancer have higher survival rates than those born in the US

A new study from the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center found that immigrant adults with liver cancer have a significantly higher five-year survival rate compared to those born in the US. The study identified disparities in survival rates across different racial and ethnic groups, with immigrants demonstrating better outcomes.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 10, 2023

Simple management steps for a high fertility cycle in your dairy herd

Achieving a high fertility cycle in dairy herds involves implementing reproductive management programs, maintaining optimal body condition scores (BCS), and ensuring timely pregnancies. By calving cows at lower BCS between 2.75 and 3.0, dairy farms can reduce health issues and increase fertility rates.

SourceElsevier·JournalJDS Communications·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 10, 2023

Home measurement of blood oxygen levels by corona patients themselves easily applicable

A study by UMC Utrecht shows that corona patients can measure their blood oxygen levels at home using a pulse oximeter, feeling safe and experiencing more control. This method does not increase GP visits or hospitalization but contributes to relieving caregivers and keeping healthcare affordable.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 10, 2023

CABBI researchers chart oilcane microbiome

A new study by CABBI researchers has identified the types of microbes associated with engineered oilcane, revealing diverse microbial associations that could increase oil yields for sustainable bioenergy production. The findings suggest that plant-microbial interactions play a key role in determining the composition of the microbiome.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalBiotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

Using plants as factories for green drug production

Scientists have engineered plants to produce peptides with antibiotic activity against drug-resistant pathogens, which also enhances stability and prolongs activity. The resulting plants yield potent drugs at significantly lower costs than traditional methods, making them an environmentally friendly option for pharmaceutical production.

Paper refutes assertion that effects of bottom trawling on blue carbon can be compared to that of global air travel

A Bangor University paper quantifies the carbon benefits of ending bottom trawling, finding only a small fraction of seabed carbon reacts to disturbance. The study challenges the validity of previous claims and suggests using 'carbon credits' for banning trawling may actually increase overall CO2 emissions.

SourceBangor University·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 10, 2023

Nature favors creatures in largest and smallest sizes

A study by McGill University and University of British Columbia found that the planet's biomass is concentrated in organisms at either end of the size spectrum. The researchers discovered a universal upper limit for maximum body size across multiple species and environments, with similar sizes reached by trees, fish, and other organisms.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 10, 2023

You are what you eat: healthier diet may improve fitness

A recent study found that healthy dietary patterns are strongly associated with improved fitness in middle-aged adults. The study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, examined over 2,380 participants and found that a Mediterranean-style diet with fresh whole foods and minimal processed items led to higher cardio...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMay 10, 2023

The acute problem of chronic disease

A new paper by Robert K. Naviaux outlines the array of processes that drive healing and whose dysfunction underlies chronic illnesses like diabetes and autism. The cell danger response is triggered by exposure to threats, but persists even after the threat is gone, causing inflammation and cell dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMitochondrion·DateMay 10, 2023

Coping Under COVID: Study provides lessons from the pandemic on how to cope with large-scale traumatic events

A new study in PLOS ONE examines how individuals coped with stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies were associated with higher quality of life. Emotion-focused coping strategies may be most helpful when stressors are unpredictable or outside of individuals' control.

SourceLehigh University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateMay 10, 2023

Research Excellence Framework significantly increases UK university output but not efficiency, study shows

A new study from City University London suggests that the Research Excellence Framework (REF) has led to significant increases in high-quality published research, but not active academics. The study highlights areas of improvement needed in the assessment framework, including greater collaboration between domestic competitors.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalResearch Policy·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2023

Combination therapy outperforms chemotherapy in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Researchers from Amsterdam UMC and Copenhagen University have found that a chemofree drug-combination therapy is more effective than traditional chemotherapy in treating CLL, resulting in reduced side effects and improved patient outcomes. The study, the largest ever conducted on CLL, involved 920 fit patients and showed that treatment...

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 10, 2023

Drug discovered by SFU researchers shows potential life-saving results in treating cardiac arrhythmias

Researchers at Simon Fraser University and the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research have developed a new drug, AR-787, that shows promise in treating conditions leading to sudden cardiac death. The drug targets a protein in the heart called the cardiac sodium channel, which is essential for electrical impulse conduction. By inhibiti...

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 10, 2023

Invading insect could transform Antarctic soils

A non-native midge species is significantly increasing rates of plant decomposition, resulting in three to five-fold increases in soil nitrate levels on Signy Island. The midge, Eretmoptera murphyi, is altering soil ecosystems and potentially 'opening the door' for other species to become established.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalSoil Biology and Biochemistry·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2023

Local Phoenix medical students invited to upcoming medical conference to learn about opportunities in interventional cardiology

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions is launching a program to introduce future physicians to interventional cardiology. The Ready to Launch - Careers in Cardiology program will host medical students from the Phoenix area and provide them with impactful conversations, training paths, and hands-on demonstrations.

Texas A&M Institute for Advancing Health through Agriculture seeks experts to support study on responsive agriculture

The Texas A&M Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture is partnering with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs to develop a National Roadmap for Responsive Agriculture Solutions. The study aims to set priorities for supporting health through food and agriculture, focusing on reducing diet-related chronic diseases.

SourceWild Hive·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 10, 2023

Singing humpback whales respond to wind noise, but not boats

Researchers found that humpback whales have a unique response to wind noise, singing louder in noisy conditions. In contrast, they do not exhibit an increased reaction to vessel noise from boats. This finding has implications for understanding whale behavior and potential consequences for breeding practices.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 10, 2023