Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive November 2023 - Page 23


Page 23 of 40

Current uses of asbestos exceed exposure limits

A new study reveals that airborne asbestos fibers from asbestos cement products exceed the permissible limit by 50 times, posing alarming health risks to workers. The study highlights the need for a ban on all asbestos cement products due to their hazardous nature and insufficient safety measures.

SourceOK International·JournalAnnals of Work Exposures and Health·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 14, 2023

Sex differs in intestinal MCT1 function

A recent study reveals that intestinal MCT1 regulates inflammation and metabolism in a sex-dimorphic pattern, with male mice showing enhanced glucose tolerance and reduced inflammation, while female mice experience exacerbation of diet-induced obesity. The study suggests that gender-specific treatments are needed for metabolic disorders.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023

Disrupting a single gene could improve CAR T cell immunotherapy, new study shows

Researchers have discovered that disrupting a single gene, SUV39H1, can restore the expression of multiple genes in CAR T cells, making them more potent and long-lasting. This approach has shown improved effectiveness against multiple cancers in mice, potentially expanding patient eligibility and reducing side effects.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023

New program to make Ottawa a global centre of excellence in concussion research and care across the entire patient spectrum

A $5.4 million research collaboration aims to transform concussion care globally, advancing knowledge and treatment across the full spectrum of impacted patients. The TRANSCENDENT program will establish one of the largest concussion datasets in the world, collecting data on age, gender, mechanism of injury and co-morbidities.

University of Cincinnati cocaine research disrupts traditional theory

New research at UC disrupts conventional wisdom that people take cocaine for positive reinforcement, suggesting a pharmacological equation behind the behavior. The study suggests low doses produce reinforcing effects, while high doses have rate-limiting effects, revealing a shift in understanding of cocaine self-administration.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023

How tiny hinges bend the infection-spreading spikes of a coronavirus

Researchers have identified a tiny hinge in coronavirus spikes that allows them to tilt and bend. This bending affects how successfully the spike can infect a cell. The study suggests that disabling the spike's hinges could be a good strategy for designing vaccines and treatments against a broad range of coronavirus infections.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023

First 2D semiconductor with 1000 transistors developed at EPFL Switzerland: Redefining energy efficiency in data processing

EPFL researchers have developed the world's first large-scale in-memory processor using 2D semiconductor materials, which could substantially cut the ICT sector's energy footprint. The processor combines data processing and storage onto a single device, reducing energy waste and improving efficiency.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Electronics·DateNov 13, 2023

Neighborhood environmental burden and cardiovascular health

A study of US neighborhoods found a strong association between environmental burden and higher rates of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases. Socially vulnerable neighborhoods showed the strongest associations, highlighting the need for initiatives to address poor environmental conditions and improve cardiovascular health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateNov 13, 2023

Researchers develop gel to deliver cancer drugs for solid tumors

A team of researchers developed a gel delivery system that overcomes challenges in intratumoral therapy. The gel contains an imaging agent and can hold a high concentration of drug for slow release. In preclinical models, the treatment induced tumor regression and improved survival in immunotherapy-resistant colon and breast cancer.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Some increase in cancer after 1986 Chernobyl disaster

A long-term study published in Environmental Epidemiology shows a slightly increased incidence of cancer, particularly colon, pancreas, and stomach cancer in men, as well as lymphoma in women. The researchers used new calculation methods to analyze radiation doses from Chernobyl fallout.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEnvironmental Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2023

Researchers take new AI approach to analyze tumors

A new AI method combines satellite imaging and ecological analysis techniques to interpret large amounts of data from tumor tissue, providing insights into how cancer works. This approach aims to tailor cancer treatments to individual needs and avoid unnecessary side effects.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 13, 2023

It takes a village: Hunter-gatherer approach to childcare suggests that the key to mother and child wellbeing may be many caregivers

Research with contemporary hunter-gatherer societies found infants receive attentive care from up to 15 different caregivers for about nine hours a day. High levels of sensitive care and personal attention are crucial for mother and child wellbeing, supporting maternal care and reducing risks of neglect and abuse.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateNov 13, 2023

New scientific methods for analyzing criminal careers

The study analyzed over 1.2 million criminal incidents, revealing that specialists tend to operate within a confined geographic area and collaborate with local networks. The method can help law enforcement agencies anticipate criminal developments and tailor measures for prevention, policing, and rehabilitation.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 13, 2023

Tulane researchers pioneer new strategy to help low-income patients control blood pressure

A new strategy that trains healthcare providers to deliver team-based care has been found to significantly lower blood pressure in low-income patients compared to usual care methods. Patients treated by the multi-faceted approach saw a mean systolic blood pressure drop of 16 mmHg, while those in the usual care group saw a 9 mmHg drop.

SourceTulane University·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 13, 2023

‘Cutting the cord’ to advance ocean data collection

A team led by Lehigh University's Yahong Rosa Zheng is developing an Autonomous Observatory Node that can collect and transmit data from underwater sensors wirelessly, without the need for expensive subsea cables. The prototype aims to operate at depths of up to 1000 meters, enabling researchers to study extreme environments and detect...

Researchers propose MOF modular customization strategy for efficient membrane separations

Researchers propose a novel approach to customize metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for efficient membrane separations. The strategy involves modularizing custom defect-free MOF separation membranes, allowing for rapid production of high-performance membranes.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 13, 2023

Template for success: Shaping hard carbon electrodes for next-generation batteries

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science developed nanostructured hard carbon electrodes using inorganic zinc-based compounds, which deliver unprecedented performance and significantly increase the capacity of sodium- and potassium-ion batteries. The new electrodes improve energy density by 1.6 times compared to existing technologies.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Semaglutide delivers 20 percent reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with obesity but no history of diabetes

A 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events has been observed for patients with obesity but no history of diabetes taking semaglutide. This study marks a significant milestone, demonstrating the cardiovascular benefits of semaglutide beyond its weight loss effects.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 13, 2023

Perceived racism leads to greater risk of stroke among Black women

A new study found that Black women who reported experiencing racism in employment, housing, and interactions with police had a 38% increased risk of stroke. Racism may act as a psychosocial stressor, elevating systemic inflammation and impairing endothelial function, contributing to racial disparities in stroke incidence.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 13, 2023

Virologic rebound observed in 20% of patients treated with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir

A study found that 20% of patients treated with nirmatrelvir-ritavir (N-R) experienced virologic rebound, a phenomenon where viral load increases after initial decline. In contrast, only 1 untreated patient was affected. The researchers suggest considering the risks and benefits of N-R treatment in patients at low risk for severe disease.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateNov 13, 2023