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Science News Archive November 2023 - Page 29


Page 29 of 40

Is the US reporting system for vaccine safety broken?

The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) in the US is not meeting its standards, with reports of serious adverse events being missed or ignored. The system relies on voluntary reports from doctors and patients, but staffing issues and conflicting information have led to frustration among those who file reports.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 9, 2023

Antibodies to cow’s milk linked to increased risk of cardiovascular death

Research led by Corinne Keet at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine found a significant association between increased IgE antibodies to common foods and cardiovascular mortality. The study suggests that people with sensitization to cow's milk, peanut, or shrimp may be at increased risk of heart disease.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 9, 2023

AI algorithm developed to measure muscle development, provide growth chart for children

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed an AI algorithm to measure muscle development in children using MRI scans. The tool provides a standardized growth chart, allowing clinicians to track muscle mass and detect signs of sarcopenia or low lean muscle mass, enabling early intervention to prevent negative effects.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 9, 2023

Sylvester research shows how interactions between tumor genes and microenvironment influence treatment response in multiple myeloma

A multicenter study identifies genetic and immune-related changes that impact treatment responses in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients. The researchers found a complex interplay between tumor genomic features and immune microenvironment changes drives stronger treatment responses and prolonged progression-free survival.

How human faces can teach androids to smile

A recent study by Osaka University's researchers aims to bring science fiction stories closer to reality by studying the mechanical properties of human facial expressions. The team mapped out the intricacies of human facial movements using tracking markers, revealing that even simple motions can be surprisingly complex and nuanced.

SourceOsaka University·JournalMechanical Engineering Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 9, 2023

Study shows children with private insurance more likely to outgrow food allergies

A new study presents evidence that children with private insurance are more likely to outgrow food allergies compared to those with public insurance. Milk and egg allergy were the most frequently outgrown allergies in the cohort of 188 children studied, with a mean age at which food was outgrown being 5 years.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·DateNov 9, 2023

Researchers identify previously unknown step in cholesterol absorption in the gut

Scientists have identified a previously unknown pathway for dietary cholesterol absorption in the gut, which could lead to new treatments for managing cholesterol levels. An experimental drug has been found to specifically target this pathway, offering a potential new approach to controlling cholesterol levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2023

UTHealth Houston researchers awarded $2.6 million NIH grant to study molecular pathways and potential strategies for treatment of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury

Researchers at UTHealth Houston are studying the impact of circadian rhythm on heart attacks and cardiac surgery, with a focus on identifying novel therapies to protect the heart. They will investigate the role of key genes and signaling pathways in modulating daytime variations in cardiac injury.

Magnetic soft robots are spread like butter

Researchers designed magnetic soft robots using a mixture of magnetic particles and non-Newtonian fluidic soft materials to achieve programmable hardening, controlled adhesion, and flexible deployment. The robots demonstrate enhanced stiffness, output forces, and reconfiguration capabilities for various medical applications.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2023

New interactive evidence-based mapping tool gives policymakers more insight into highly concentrated cannabis products

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have developed an evidence-based interactive mapping tool to assist policymakers in regulating cannabis products. The tool includes 452 studies on high-concentration THC exposure and health outcomes, providing a public health resource for informed legislation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 8, 2023

Gender-neutral HPV vaccination best at preventing cervical cancer

A study published in Cell Host and Microbe found that gender-neutral HPV vaccination is effective in preventing cervical cancer by inducing a stronger herd immunity. The vaccine protects against high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, which cause 70% of all HPV-related cervical cancers, and also provides cross-protection against low-risk types.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateNov 8, 2023

Optical thermometry with single crystal

Researchers have developed a new single crystal material that significantly enhances optical thermometry with Yb,Ho:GYTO, offering high sensitivity and rapid response. The material enables non-contact temperature measurement in harsh environments such as intracellular, coalmines, and power stations.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2023

Increasing workplace flexibility associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease

A new study found that workplaces implementing flexible work arrangements can reduce employees' cardiometabolic risk, equivalent to a reduction of 5-10 years in age-related changes. The intervention had no negative impact on productivity and was particularly beneficial for low- and middle-wage workers.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 8, 2023

Scientists engineer potent immune cells for ‘off-the-shelf’ cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at UCLA have developed a new method to engineer more powerful immune cells that can potentially be used for 'off-the-shelf' cell therapy to treat challenging cancers. Gamma delta T cells with high expressions of CD16 surface marker exhibited increased ability to recognize and kill cancer cells.

Boosting beta cells to treat type 2 diabetes

A preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers reveals that activating a pathway to promote cell division can expand insulin-producing cells without impairing their function. The study's findings support the concept that beta cell mass can be expanded without compromising function.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 8, 2023

Attention to Wikipedia articles covering events is skewed towards those in high-income countries, with political events and disasters receiving particular focus over cultural and sports events, per analysis of 17,490 articles

A study analyzing 17,490 Wikipedia articles found that articles about high-income countries receive more attention than those from low-income countries. Political events and disasters are disproportionately covered on Wikipedia compared to cultural and sports events.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 8, 2023

Genetics of nearby healthy tissue may help catch lung cancer’s return

A new study suggests that analyzing genetic material from nearby healthy tissue may help predict lung cancer's return after treatment. The study analyzed RNA from tumor cells and adjacent, seemingly normal lung tissue and found that the expression of genes associated with inflammation was especially useful for making predictions.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2023

Are some children genetically predisposed to poor sleep?

A study of 2,458 children found that genetic predisposition to insomnia affects sleep patterns, including frequent awakenings and difficulty initiating sleep. The research suggests a lifelong 'poor sleeper' trait, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and prevention.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateNov 8, 2023

For 20,000 years, polar bears have been retreating due to rising sea temperatures

A new study reveals that polar bear populations have been declining over the past 20,000 years due to rising sea temperatures, with a 20-40% reduction in population size. The researchers found that even small changes in sea temperature have a significant impact on polar bears.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2023

Could willow bark provide our next life-saving antiviral medicine?

Scientists have discovered that willow bark extract has a broad-spectrum antiviral effect against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, including coronaviruses and enteroviruses. The extract works by attacking the surface of the virus, preventing it from entering cells and reproducing.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2023

Does being a caregiver affect older women’s longevity?

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that caregiving is associated with a lower risk of death from all causes. Caregiving was also linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality. The association did not vary by age, race-ethnicity, or other factors.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 8, 2023