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Science News for November 7, 2023


Infection with common cat-borne parasite associated with frailty in older adults

A new study suggests that infection with the common cat-borne parasite Toxoplasma gondii may contribute to frailty in older adults. Among those infected, individuals with higher 'serointensity' or antibody levels to the parasite were more likely to be frail, highlighting a potential link between latent infection and inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Gerontology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 7, 2023

Study supports use of reduced-dose of direct oral anticoagulants for many older adults with two or more chronic medical conditions

A nationwide study found a higher rate of bleeding with standard versus reduced-dose direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in older nursing home residents. Reduced-dose DOACs are recommended for many older adults with multiple chronic medical conditions.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateNov 7, 2023

Hundreds of clinics may be guilty of false or misleading claims in ketamine advertising

Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus and Johns Hopkins University found that hundreds of ketamine clinics make false or misleading statements about their treatments. The study highlights the need for accurate and balanced information about potential risks and benefits of these therapies, especially given the high financial costs i...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 7, 2023

Optical and electrically driven single-molecular Raman switch

A team of scientists has developed a single-molecular Raman switch that can be controlled using both electrically driven conformational switching and optical inputs. The study demonstrates the use of near-field-enhanced techniques to manipulate molecular states, enabling highly accurate methods for nano-scale systems.

New research in JNCCN suggests a simple and inexpensive option for reducing a major chemotherapy side-effect

New research suggests that vitamin D supplements can reduce the risk of peripheral neuropathy in patients undergoing paclitaxel treatment. The study found that patients with vitamin D deficiency were more likely to experience severe neuropathy, and that inducing vitamin D deficiency caused similar symptoms in a mice model study.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateNov 7, 2023

AGA does not endorse all patients stopping popular diabetes and weight loss drugs prior to endoscopy

The American Gastroenterological Association suggests a balanced approach when treating patients on GLP-1 RAs undergoing endoscopic procedures. AGA recommends proceeding with the procedure as planned for patients who followed standard pre-procedure fasting instructions and do not have symptoms suggesting retained gastric contents.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 7, 2023

New issue of Advances in Dental Research offers a comprehensive analysis of aging and oral health research

The new issue of Advances in Dental Research analyzes the link between healthy aging and access to quality oral health services. Key research highlights include the potential role of periodontal microflora in Alzheimer's disease progression and the impact of loneliness on health.

Analysis of firearm-related suicide data reveals elevated risk in younger teens and in states with lax firearm laws

A new study found that age-related patterns in firearm-related suicide have remained stable over decades, except for accelerating rates in younger teens. States with less strict firearm laws experienced significantly higher firearm suicide rates compared to those with more strict gun laws.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 7, 2023

A potential target for new anti-cancer agents

The study found that SPT5 plays an important role in the development of MYC-dependent tumors, with reduced levels leading to significant regression of tumors. The researchers suggest that SPT5 could be a potential target for pharmacological inhibitors to combat cancer.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2023

Mouse model of gender-affirming testosterone treatment and fertility finds decrease in egg yield but not quality

A mouse model study found that testosterone treatment decreased egg yield without affecting quality, but outcomes improved with a washout period. This research provides evidence to inform fertility care for transgender and gender diverse people who wish to become parents.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2023

Mountain goats seek snow to shake off insects

Researchers studied mountain goats' behavior in Glacier National Park, finding that ear flicks showed a strong correlation with the presence of snow. The lack of summer snow patches may increase their risk of local extirpation due to increased tick infestations.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateNov 7, 2023

Novel method unveils cancer origins: DNA methylation profiling reveals primary sites of metastatic cancers

Researchers developed a novel method, BELIVE, to trace cancer origins using DNA methylation profiling, improving accuracy for cancer of unknown primary sites (CUP) patients. The approach achieved high sensitivity rates of 81% and 93%, outperforming traditional immunohistochemistry methods.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2023

Connectivity scans could serve as brain ‘blueprints’ for adolescents, researchers find

Two new studies by experts at Georgia State University's TReNDS Center highlight the potential of brain imaging to identify biomarkers for cognitive developments and psychiatric issues in adolescent brains. The research team analyzed functional network connectivity across scans and found associations with various health measures, inclu...

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 7, 2023

Why a surprising discovery, warming seas and the demise of the ‘Meg’ may spell trouble for more and more sharks

A new study has found that a relatively ancient shark species, the smalltooth sand tiger, exhibits anatomic features suggesting regional endothermy. This discovery suggests there may be more warm-blooded sharks than previously believed, and potentially poses significant conservation implications for these species.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalBiology Letters·DateNov 7, 2023

Long COVID in women may be linked to inflammation levels at peak of infection, new research suggests

A study of 144 Covid survivors found that women with elevated inflammatory biomarkers during the acute phase were more likely to experience lingering symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, and sleep disturbance. This research sheds light on a potential link between inflammation and persistent Long Covid symptoms in women.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalImmunity Inflammation and Disease·DateNov 7, 2023

Software created from ‘building blocks’ could incorporate artificial intelligence, supporting medical staff with workflow and disease management, study finds

A new system of computer software building blocks, EASUL, has been developed to create digital tools that help medical staff prioritize patient care and workloads more effectively. The system was tested using historic data and consultations with clinical teams, and showed promising results in managing community-acquired pneumonia cases.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust·JournalFrontiers in Digital Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 7, 2023

Obesity linked to neurodegeneration through insulin resistance

Researchers found that a high-sugar diet causes insulin resistance in the brain, reducing its ability to remove neuronal debris and increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. This study provides insight into how obesity-inducing diets contribute to disease risk.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 7, 2023

The climate crisis could trigger the outbreak of new and lethal infectious diseases

A team from IRB Barcelona identifies Candida orthopsilosis, a hybrid fungus, as a potential pathogen that could infect humans and cause disease. The study suggests that climate change may have facilitated the emergence of this new microorganism, which has already been linked to several outbreaks and fatalities.

The molecular basis of ventilator-induced diaphragm weakness

Mitochondrial fragmentation is a key mechanism underlying ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD), leading to excessive reactive oxygen species production and calcium homeostasis impairment. Blocking mitochondrial fission at the initiation of mechanical ventilation with a molecule like P110 could potentially prevent VIDD.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateNov 7, 2023

Risk of dying in hospital from respiratory causes is higher in the summer than in the winter

A study published in The Lancet Regional Health - Europe found that ambient temperature is strongly associated with inpatient mortality from respiratory diseases, particularly during the warm season. The research suggests that high temperatures contribute to an increase in fatal hospital admissions, especially in Barcelona.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 7, 2023

‘Crowding out’ the competition: Study reveals surprising livestream chatting and tipping behavior

A new study by the University of Notre Dame found that viewers tend to tip less and chat more when they see others receiving higher tips, leading to a 'crowding-out' effect. This behavior is driven by the pursuit of social status and can be mitigated by splitting crowded livestreams into smaller virtual sessions.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateNov 7, 2023

A new perspective on Petri net learning

A new approach called Net Learning uses deep neural networks to approximate the reachability set of Petri nets, avoiding the state space explosion problem. This allows for a probabilistic solution to be obtained without needing to solve the equivalent NP-Hard problems.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2023

Assessing the sustainability of trade in wild-harvested plants

A method for assessing sustainability of wild-harvested plants is demonstrated on Nardostachys jatamansi, a critically endangered Himalayan perennial herb. The proposed process integrates ecological and trade data to estimate sustainability levels, suggesting cultivating-while-harvesting as an effective approach.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateNov 7, 2023

PET scans may predict Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia in at-risk individuals

Researchers used PET scans to detect low cardiac norepinephrine levels in individuals with Parkinson's risk factors, finding that those with low radioactivity were highly likely to develop Parkinson's or Lewy body dementia. The study suggests a potential biomarker for early detection and treatment of these diseases.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeObservational study·DateNov 7, 2023

Southern Alaska’s national forests key to meeting climate, conservation goals, OSU study shows

The study highlights the importance of protecting the Tongass and Chugach national forests in Southern Alaska, which provide habitat for iconic species like bald eagles, brown bears, and gray wolves. Increased protections for these forests are seen as key to mitigating climate change and preserving biodiversity.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAGU Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 7, 2023

Poetry can help people cope with loneliness or isolation

A study by the University of Plymouth and Nottingham Trent University found that reading and writing poetry had a substantial positive impact on participants' wellbeing during the pandemic. Poetry helped reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression, as well as supporting social and cultural recovery.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Poetry Therapy·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 7, 2023

Cracking the code: Genome sequencing reveals why songbirds are larger in colder climates

Scientists have unlocked the genetic basis underlying the remarkable variation in body size observed in song sparrows, one of North America's most familiar and beloved songbirds. The study found eight genetic variants associated with body mass, largely responsible for the nearly threefold difference in body size across the species' range.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 7, 2023

Machine learning gives users ‘superhuman’ ability to open and control tools in virtual reality

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed a virtual reality application that allows users to build figures and shapes without interacting with menus. The 'HotGestures' system uses machine learning to recognize hand gestures, providing fast and effective shortcuts for tool selection and usage.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·DateNov 7, 2023

Colostrum key to saving beef calves from trouble

A recent study found that insufficient antibody transfer to newborn beef calves leads to negative health effects, including increased medical treatment needs and mortality rates. Researchers recommend beef calf-specific colostrum intervention strategies and better vaccine management for pregnant cows and heifers.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPreventive Veterinary Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 7, 2023

Dual hydration of oceanic lithosphere

Oceanic lithosphere is hydrated through two stages: initial hydration at mid-ocean ridges and secondary hydration at subduction zones. The study found that subduction-related process contributes to most of the mantle hydration, playing a crucial role in plate tectonics and Earth's water cycle

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 7, 2023

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers develop metal-enhanced fluorescence probes for influenza a virus detection

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology developed metal-enhanced fluorescence probes for rapid and accurate detection of influenza viruses. The probes showed high sensitivity and specificity, detecting the virus even at low concentrations, with a remarkable accuracy of over 99%.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2023

Bisphenol A and asthma in mice

Researchers found that bisphenol A (BPA) inactivates microbial lipopolysaccharides (LPS), a key trigger for allergic asthma. This disruption increases susceptibility to asthma in mice, highlighting a potential link between BPA exposure and immune disorders.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateNov 7, 2023

Communities of color suffer disproportionately higher pollution-related deaths

A new Northwestern University study estimates that approximately 171,000 premature deaths per year are linked to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exposure, with a disproportionate number occurring in marginalized communities. The study found that NO2 pollution affects predominantly Black census tracts 47% higher than the national average.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 7, 2023

How a moth’s taste preferences change with age

Researchers discovered that cotton bollworm larvae use Gr10 to detect sucrose in low-sugar tissues, while adults primarily rely on Gr6 to sense a variety of sugars. This finding could lead to new approaches for pest control and increase crop yields.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateNov 7, 2023

An ammonia trail to exoplanets

A team of researchers has detected ammonia isotopologues in the atmosphere of a cold brown dwarf, providing new clues to understanding gas giant formation. The ratio of two isotopologues reveals that the exoplanet formed through gravitational collapse, challenging traditional theories.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateNov 7, 2023