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Science News for November 3, 2023


E-cigarette use among adults

E-cigarette use persisted among young adults aged 18-24, with 71.5% of those who used e-cigarettes never having used combustible cigarettes. This finding highlights the need for targeted public health policies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 3, 2023

Rafael De Cabo, Ph.D.(NIH), D.ing Xu, Ph.D. (UConn), and Claire K. Ankuda, MD, MPH, MSC (Mount Sinai Health System) to present lectures at AFAR Scientific Awards Ceremony

AFAR will host its annual Scientific Awards of Distinction lectures and ceremony on November 10 in Tampa, Florida, honoring Rafael de Cabo, Ming Xu, and Claire K. Ankuda for their contributions to aging research. The awardees will present lectures highlighting their research.

Spanish scientists identify changes in dendritic cells during the immune response with promising implications for vaccine design

A team of Spanish scientists discovered profound changes in dendritic cells during the immune response, which could lead to novel vaccines against bacterial and viral infections. The study found increased lipid peroxidation and MHC-I upregulation in post-synaptic dendritic cells, triggering efficient priming of CD8+ T cells.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023

The first semi-wild-type melon T2T genome assembled by Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and China Agricultural University

Researchers from China and Spain assembled the first high-quality genome of a semi-wild melon, discovering genetic variants linked to resistance against diseases and unique fruit ripening mechanisms. The study provides valuable resources for future research on resistance breeding in melons.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023

Poor night’s sleep can trigger atrial fibrillation the next day

A new study by UC San Francisco found that poor sleep is significantly associated with a 15% greater risk of experiencing atrial fibrillation the next day. The researchers suggest strategies like going to bed at a reasonable time, avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bedtime, and exercising regularly to improve general sleep quality.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJACC Clinical Electrophysiology·DateNov 3, 2023

Mother Nature knows best when it comes to climate solutions, social media users say

A survey of social media posts suggests that people are more positive about nature-based efforts to protect carbon-storing ecosystems than human technological solutions. The study found that tree-planting solutions, such as afforestation, received the most approval, while geoengineering was associated with negative sentiments.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 3, 2023

Oncology researchers raise ethics concerns posed by patient-facing Artificial Intelligence

Bioethics researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute warn that patient-facing AI can depersonalize care and erode relationships between patients and caregivers. The authors advocate for principles such as human dignity, patient autonomy, and regulatory oversight to ensure AI-driven healthcare is ethically sound and equitable.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJCO Oncology Practice·DateNov 3, 2023

Study links childhood trauma to COVID-19 deaths, hospitalizations

A University of Pittsburgh study found a significant link between childhood trauma and higher odds of COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality in adulthood. Adults who reported higher levels of childhood adversity, such as abuse or neglect, were 12-25% more likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 3, 2023

Some benefits of exercise stem from the immune system

A new Harvard Medical School study reveals that exercise benefits come from the immune system, specifically through T cell activation. Regular exercise enhances muscle metabolism, reduces inflammation, and improves overall endurance by activating T cells, which counteract inflammation and boost energy production.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023

Wearable devices may prevent astronauts getting 'lost’ in space

Scientists have developed wearable devices that vibrate to provide orientation cues, boosting the efficacy of astronaut training and making spaceflight safer. The study found that wearing these devices improved performance and reduced crashes in simulated spaceflight conditions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023

Black and white adults have similar health care expenditure levels in racially and economically integrated communities

Research found that Black adults spent $79 less on health expenditures per year in highly integrated communities compared to whites, while in non-integrated communities they spent $2,145 less. Despite these disparities, physical health was similar across racial groups in integrated areas.

Neighborhood stressors dangerously elevate pregnancy hormones

Research found that pregnant women living in neighborhoods with high levels of known stressors have significantly higher levels of testosterone, which can disrupt hormone regulation and lead to complications during and after childbirth. The study suggests that interventions to reduce neighborhood stress may improve pregnancy outcomes.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2023

The little things matter: Chemists develop new sensor for microvolume pH detection

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University have developed a sensitive and robust pH sensor that can detect pH variation in just a few microliters of samples. The new sensor uses novel materials and methods to overcome the current method's limitations, which are not sensitive enough or fragile for commercial-scale use.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMicrochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023

U of M Medical School research team finds novel drug improves outcomes for patients with rare kidney disorder

Researchers discovered that patients with FSGS who received sparsentan treatment experienced improved kidney function and reduced proteinuria, a key indicator of kidney damage. The study suggests sparsentan may be a potential new treatment option for the disorder, offering hope for patients affected by FSGS.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 3, 2023

Men less likely than women to share negative information, says study

A new study from Carnegie Mellon University found that men are less eager and likely to share negative information than women, while sharing positive news shows no difference. The study suggests that this may be due to a greater concern among men over how others perceive them, leading to a tendency to self-promote.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateNov 3, 2023

Collective intelligence can help reduce medical misdiagnoses

Researchers developed a fully automated solution using knowledge engineering methods to aggregate independent diagnoses and increased diagnostic accuracy from 46% to 76%. The collective solution improved across various medical specialties, chief complaints, and diagnosticians' tenure levels.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 3, 2023

Expanding pharmacists’ role for patients with hypertension could prevent 15 million heart attacks and save $1.1 trillion over 30 years, VCU-led study finds

A VCU-led study found that pharmacists' ability to treat patients with hypertension could prevent millions of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. The study estimates a cost savings of $1.1 trillion over 30 years, with significant economic and quality-of-life impacts.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 3, 2023