Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive November 2023 - Page 3


Page 3 of 40

Antarctica's ancient ice sheets foreshadow dynamic changes in Earth’s future

Researchers analyzed Antarctic sediment records to understand past ice sheet behavior, finding frequent and rapid growth and recession cycles over thousands of years. The study suggests that climate factors beyond Earth's orbit may trigger these changes, potentially leading to unexpected ice sheet dynamics in the coming centuries.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 30, 2023

No sex please - marine life turned off by swimming in plastic chemicals

Research on marine amphipod Echinogammarus marinus found that exposure to toxic plastic additives compromises their ability to reproduce successfully. The study, published in Environmental Pollution, tested four widely used chemicals and found that all of them reduced the overall percentage of animals that formed pairs.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2023

New study: Lost brain function restored after stroke

Researchers have developed a treatment that partially restores lost brain function in mouse models of stroke using metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 inhibitors. The treatment improves somatosensory functions, which are lost in around 60% of stroke patients, and can be initiated several days after the stroke.

SourceLund University·JournalBrain·DateNov 30, 2023

Meteorites likely source of nitrogen for early Earth

A study of Ryugu samples suggests that micrometeorites from icy celestial bodies in the outer Solar System transported nitrogen compounds to near-Earth regions. This discovery could provide clues about the origins of nitrogen on our planet, potentially serving as a building block for life.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Project SEARCH graduates achieved high success in obtaining employment, and continued support is needed for maintaining employment

A new study published in the Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation found that Project SEARCH graduates with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieved high job retention rates (>77%) and overall satisfaction. However, challenges persist, including unmet ongoing support needs and limited follow-up services after graduation.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation·TypeSurvey·DateNov 30, 2023

What smoking does to oral bacteria

A study conducted by Eurac Research Institute found that cigarette use alters the oral microbiome, leading to an increased risk of periodontitis and cardiovascular disease. Quitting smoking results in a gradual increase in aerobic bacteria, which can lead to improved blood pressure regulation.

SourceEurac Research·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2023

Social media use linked to risky health behaviors in young people

A systematic review of over 250 social media measures found frequent or daily social media use associated with higher odds of alcohol consumption, drug use, tobacco use, risky sexual behaviors, and anti-social behavior. Exposure to content such as alcohol advertising had the strongest evidence of harm.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 29, 2023

A long-acting biologic with transmucosal transport properties that arrest SARS-CoV-2 virus variants

A long-acting biologic with transmucosal transport properties has been developed to block cellular infection of all SARS-CoV-2 variants. The biologic utilizes a soluble recombinant human ACE2 protein fused to an engineered human albumin variant, offering improved pharmacokinetic properties and delivery across selective barriers.

Fish brains may provide insight into the molecular basis of decision-making

Researchers found that male sticklebacks have a unique molecular response when faced with conflicting demands, including genes related to dopamine and neurogenesis. The study provides insights into the underlying mechanisms of animal behavior, suggesting that complex decision-making processes are ancient and widespread among animals.

Actively monitoring cervical lesions linked to heightened long term risk of cervical cancer

A recent study published in The BMJ suggests that actively monitoring abnormal cells on the cervix rather than removing them immediately may be associated with a higher long-term risk of cervical cancer. Women who underwent active surveillance had a nearly fourfold higher risk of cervical cancer after 20 years compared to those who rec...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateNov 29, 2023

An astronomical waltz reveals a sextuplet of planets

Researchers uncover six transiting planets around HD110067, a bright star with a chain of resonances spanning five pairs. The precise gravitational dance enabled the team to solve the previously unsolvable puzzle of the system's arrangement, revealing planetary orbits and orbital periods.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 29, 2023

Can't un-cook an egg

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a new reactant demonstrating efficacy on proteins with drug-resistant mutations. The new inhibitor, ArNASA, reacts with lysine residues and is highly stable in physiological environments.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJACS·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

Detoxifying gold mining

Researchers are working to better understand and reduce the health risks associated with mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining. A new approach has been piloted, which can help reduce mercury emissions in these mines.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCleaner Production Letters·DateNov 29, 2023

Are you at risk for diet-related disease? Where you spend your day plays a role

A research team led by USC's Abigail Horn used smartphone mobility data to find a strong correlation between location visits and diet-related diseases. The study reveals that physical food environments play a crucial role in shaping people's eating decisions, with environments like fast-food joints contributing to unhealthy choices.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalDigital Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 29, 2023

Disruptive ideas rely on old fashioned meetings

Studies have shown that collaborative teams working remotely produce fewer truly disruptive ideas compared to their in-person counterparts. In-person teams tend to engage in more conceptual work, such as conceiving hypotheses and writing, which is more likely to lead to radical new ideas.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2023

Coronary heart disease before age 45 may increase risk of dementia later in life

Research found a significant linear relationship between age of coronary heart disease onset and dementia, highlighting the detrimental influence of premature cardiovascular events on brain health. Adults diagnosed with coronary heart disease at a young age may be at increased risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascu...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateNov 29, 2023

Study: cannabis use disorder increasing among veterans with psychiatric disorders

Research published in The American Journal of Psychiatry finds that cannabis use disorder is disproportionately increasing among veterans with psychiatric disorders, particularly those with more severe mental health conditions. The study suggests that factors like increased legalization and potency may contribute to this trend.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2023

Long-standing hormone treatment for donated hearts found to be ineffective

A clinical trial by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found routine thyroid hormone intervention to be ineffective in preserving heart function and increasing organ availability for transplantation. The practice may even cause harm, prompting the authors to recommend halting its use.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 29, 2023

OCD therapy retrains the brain

A new study finds that exposure and response prevention (EX/RP) therapy for OCD improves cognitive control by strengthening connections between brain networks. This breakthrough sheds light on the mechanisms underlying EX/RP's effectiveness in treating OCD, paving the way for targeted therapies.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 29, 2023

Scientists create framework to guide development and assessment of urban climate action plans

A new framework for urban climate action planning has been developed to aid local governments in developing and assessing their climate action plans. The framework includes 43 globally recognized criteria across three stages of climate planning, with over half of existing urban plans having a medium level of suitability.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateNov 29, 2023