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Science News Archive November 2023 - Page 14


Page 14 of 40

Getting to the root of visceral gut pain

Researchers at Michigan State University found that glial cells in the gut can sensitize nearby neurons, causing them to send pain signals more easily during inflammation. This discovery could help develop new therapies to alleviate visceral pain by counteracting the glia's sensitizing efforts.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience Signaling·DateNov 21, 2023

Chinese scientists produced a four-decade (1980–2020) inventory of full-scale N2O emissions in China

China's total N2O emissions increased from 889.6 Gg yr-1 in 1980 to 2295.0 Gg yr-1 in 2020, with agriculture making the largest contribution until 2015. However, industrial and energetic sources exceeded agriculture and became the fastest-accelerating N2O sources due to increasing demand for adipic acid and fossil fuels.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 21, 2023

CRONT: Empowering optical tweezers with "biometric eyes"

Researchers developed CRISPR-powered optothermal nanotweezers (CRONT) that can trap and enrich bio-nanoparticles, including gold nanoparticles and DNA molecules. The technique achieves single molecule level SNP detection with ultra-low detection volume, making it suitable for point-of-care diagnosis and biophotonics.

Study highlights need to keep an eye on the ozone hole

A recent study found that the Antarctic ozone hole is not only larger in area but also deeper throughout most of spring. The researchers believe changes in air arriving at the polar vortex above Antarctica are contributing to the growth of the ozone hole, which may be caused by factors beyond just CFCs.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2023

Tiny beads preserve enzymes for biocatalysis

Researchers used tiny beads to immobilize enzymes from edible fungus Agrocybe aegerita, protecting them from plasma treatment and increasing stability up to 44 times. The study paves the way for new biocatalytic applications combining enzymes with technical plasmas.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2023

Obesity may not be the only factor to link ultra-processed foods to higher risk of mouth, throat and oesophagus cancers

A new study found that consuming ultra-processed foods is associated with a higher risk of developing upper aerodigestive tract cancers. The study analysed data from 450,111 adults and found that eating more UPFs was linked to a 23% higher risk of head and neck cancer and a 24% higher risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2023

Microautophagy is essential for preventing aging

A study published in EMBO Reports reveals that microautophagy is crucial for repairing damaged lysosomes, which helps prevent cellular aging. The researchers identified key regulators of this process, including STK38 and GABARAPs, and found that their depletion increases the rate of senescent cells and shortens lifespan in C. elegans.

SourceOsaka University·JournalEMBO Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2023

How we play together

Scientists studied how players' brains react when working together in a computer game called Pacman. They found that the brain's response is linked to the player's role during cooperation.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPsychophysiology·DateNov 21, 2023

Nostalgia and memories after ten years of social media

A study from the University of Gothenburg and University West found that social media users engage in 'nostalgizing' to relive memories and emotions. The platforms' advanced features, such as personalized photo albums and reminders, facilitate nostalgic experiences, leading to a decrease in new content posting.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalSocial Media + Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2023

Study reveals gaps in fracture risk communication and patients’ preferences for visual representation

A new study has found that most patients with osteoporosis want to receive information on their fracture risk, but only half of them actually get it. Patients prefer visual representations, such as graphs with a colored traffic-light system, to communicate fracture risk and are more likely to take medication if presented in this way.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2023

University of Helsinki researchers solve cosmic conundrum

Researchers Till Sawala and Peter Johansson propose that frequent interactions and mergers within the Supergalactic Plane lead to elliptical galaxies, while isolation outside the plane preserves spiral structure. The team's simulation is consistent with observations, supporting the standard model of dark matter.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 20, 2023

Predicting the response of fungal genes using FUN-PROSE

The study used a machine learning approach called FUN-PROSE to predict how fungi react to different environmental conditions. The model was able to accurately predict the expression of genes in baker's yeast and two less studied fungi, with limitations noted for organisms with more complex gene regulation.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 20, 2023

Additively manufactured Ti-Ta-Cu alloys: A potential replacement of Ti6Al4V for the next-generation load-bearing implants

Researchers have developed additively manufactured Ti-Ta-Cu alloys that exhibit improved biocompatibility and bacterial resistance, making them a promising alternative to traditional Ti6Al4V implants. The alloys were found to display remarkable synergistic effects in improving both in vivo biocompatibility and microbial resistance.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateNov 20, 2023

C-sections in Mexico increase with obesity level and health care specialization

A study from the University of Illinois found a correlation between high obesity levels at hospitals and increased C-section rates in Mexico. The researchers analyzed patient data from 226 public hospitals across Mexico, finding that hospitals with higher obesity rates were more likely to perform C-sections.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe World Bank Economic Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2023

Predicting the molecular functions of regulatory genetic variants associated with cancer

Researchers discuss a new approach integrating genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and machine learning methods to identify functional genetic variants and characterize their mode of action in regulating target genes. This method aims to improve understanding of disease etiology and prioritize causative inherited genetic variants.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2023

Anti-bias police training improved performance and reduced discrimination-based complaints significantly

A new study found that anti-bias training significantly improved police performance scores and reduced discrimination-based complaints. Officers who received the training had a small but significant increase in performance scores and a 50% reduction in complaints compared to those who did not receive training.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalPolicing An International Journal·DateNov 20, 2023

Trend report: High blood pressure increasing in low-income adults; diabetes and obesity on the rise in higher-income adults

A study of over 20,000 middle-aged US adults found lower income status linked to increased hypertension risk. Higher-income adults faced rising rates of diabetes and obesity. Targeted public health initiatives are needed to address growing cardiovascular mortality among middle-aged adults.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateNov 20, 2023

Remarkably detailed view of “teenage galaxies” from just 2 to 3 billion years after the Big Bang revealed by JWST

Astronomers using the JWST have created the deepest spectrum of a distant galaxy ever seen, revealing the presence of eight distinct elements including nickel. The study helps scientists understand how galaxies mature and evolve over time, with surprising findings on the chemical composition of ancient galaxies.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateNov 20, 2023

People watched other people shake boxes for science. Here’s why

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that people can quickly identify another person's epistemic goals by watching their actions. This study reveals a key aspect of human cognition with implications for artificial intelligence. The team discovered that observers could accurately determine whether someone was trying to learn so...

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 20, 2023