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Science News Archive November 2023 - Page 39


Page 39 of 40

Parkinson disease and normal aging

Researchers investigate centro-cingulate network changes and cholinergic innervation deficits in Parkinson disease and normal aging. Studies reveal significant correlations between centro-cingulate changes and cognitive impairments, motor symptoms, and age.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 1, 2023

Nanowire ‘brain’ network learns and remembers ‘on the fly’

Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a physical neural network that can learn and remember data in real-time, using nanowire networks to mimic brain-inspired learning and memory functions. The network achieved high accuracy in benchmark image recognition tasks and demonstrated its capacity for online learning.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

UArizona researchers examine the relationship between loneliness and being alone

A new study by UArizona researchers found that solitude does not correlate with feelings of loneliness unless a person spends 75% of their time alone. The study also highlights the importance of social connections for human health and introduces a new method to measure social activity using a smartphone app.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 1, 2023

Human emissions increased mercury in the atmosphere sevenfold

Research from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences estimates that humans have increased atmospheric mercury levels sevenfold, with a pre-anthropogenic baseline of around 580 megagrams. Human emissions from coal-fired power plants and waste-incineration are responsible for the majority of this increase.

Test detects co-infection by novel species of parasite in severe cases of visceral leishmaniasis

Researchers developed a PCR test that accurately identifies the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis, a neglected disease affecting Brazil and Latin America. The test can detect co-infection by both Leishmania infantum and Crithidia, with infection by Crithidia more frequent than previously thought.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalTropical Medicine and Infectious Disease·DateNov 1, 2023

Making electric vehicles last

A new polymer binder is introduced to address durability issues in dual-ion batteries. The binder features azide and acrylate groups, which enhance the structural integrity of graphite during charge and discharge cycles. Dual-ion batteries equipped with this binder demonstrate exceptional performance, even after 3,500 recharge cycles.

Immune checkpoint inhibition, when administered together with single fraction stereotactic radiosurgery, does not appear to increase risk of radiation necrosis in patients with brain metastases

A multi-institutional study found that immune checkpoint inhibition and single fraction stereotactic radiosurgery does not increase the risk of radiation necrosis in patients with brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer. The study suggests that treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors can continue when radiation necrosis oc...

SourceBaptist Health South Florida·JournalJournal of Neuro-Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2023

November issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover new insights in psychotic disorders, barriers to addiction treatment, bipolar disorder treatment, and more

The latest APA journal issues provide new insights into psychotic disorders, including altered neurodevelopment and early symptoms associated with schizophrenia risk. The issues also highlight racial disparities in diagnosis and predictors of first psychotic episodes. Psychiatric Services features research on barriers to addiction trea...

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateNov 1, 2023

A “manganese bullet” targeting the top killer?

Researchers discovered that manganese ions can directly bind to the coat protein complex II (COPII) complex, enhancing its condensation and resulting in a unique bell-shaped regulation on blood lipid levels. This mechanism enables the reversal of atherosclerotic plaques in murine disease models.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

New twist on optical tweezers

Scientists have created a method to keep targeted particles cool, allowing safe trapping of living cells in their native fluids. This advancement could help overcome problems with current laser light tweezers and enable targeted drug delivery applications.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

Regulate the manganese cathode interface of zinc-manganese batteries with quasi-eutectic electrolyte

Researchers developed a quasi-eutectic electrolyte to regulate the manganese cathode interface in zinc-manganese batteries. The electrolyte increases electrode potential and limits desolvation of zinc ions, resulting in improved stable kinetics during cycling. This leads to higher capacity retention rate, lower voltage polarization, an...

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 1, 2023

Adverse life experiences and brain function

A meta-analysis of 83 studies found that prior adversity exposure alters adult brain reactivity and increases susceptibility to mental health problems. This study may help identify how adversity impairs coping mechanisms and produces enduring mental health issues.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 1, 2023

Researchers demonstrate novel technique to observe molten salt intrusion in nuclear-grade graphite

Researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory have validated the first technique to visualize and monitor molten salt penetration depth and distribution in graphite's pores. They identified graphite microstructure as the most important factor in determining molten salt penetration and density distribution for a given temperature and p...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalCarbon·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

Scientists developed a legged small celestial body landing mechanism for landing simulation and experimental test

Researchers create a legged small celestial body landing mechanism that can land stably in different conditions, including varying gravity and slopes. The study found that key factors such as cardan element damping, foot anchors, retro-rocket thrust, and landing slope affect the landing performance.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace Science & Technology·DateNov 1, 2023

How the fish got its shoulder

A new analysis of ancient fish bones and muscles suggests that the shoulder evolved from a modified version of the gill-arch hypothesis that reconciles it with the fin-fold hypothesis. The study, led by Dr Martin Brazeau and Natural History Museum researchers, provides new insights into the evolution of the shoulder girdle in animals.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateNov 1, 2023

What happens when we pass out? Researchers ID new brain and heart connections

Scientists have discovered a genetic pathway between the heart and brain tied to fainting, suggesting that the heart sends signals back to the brain that can change its function. The study found that vagal sensory neurons play a key role in fainting, with their activation leading to rapid pupil dilation, suppressed heart-rate and breat...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

Human mini guts reveal new insights into the process leading to Cronkhite-Canada syndrome and potential new therapies

A study using human mini guts reveals a link between high polyp proliferation and increased serotonin production, which may lead to new treatments for Cronkhite-Canada syndrome. The findings suggest that serotonin inhibitors could improve the outcome of this disease.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

BESSY II: Neutralizing electronic inhomogeneity in cleaved bulk MoS₂

The study reveals sizeable variations and instabilities in electron energies for freshly cleaved MoS2 surfaces, but also shows that atomic hydrogen treatment can effectively neutralize these effects. The findings have potential applications in electronics, photonics, sensors, and catalysis.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

New NUS study provides insights into early breast cancer development in individuals with BRCA2 mutations

A new study by NUS provides insights into how BRCA2 mutations impact breast tissue cells, leading to early breast cancer development. The research found that healthy mammary glands are not predisposed to form lesions, but HR- luminal cells with BRCA2 mutations exhibit enhanced organoid formation and survival under replication stress.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 1, 2023

What happens when cats get fat? Scientists weigh in

Researchers found that as cats gained weight, their gastrointestinal transit time decreased, reducing nutrient extraction. The study also revealed changes in gut microbial composition, with an increase in Bifidobacterium and a decrease in Collinsella, opposite to what has been seen in overweight humans.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2023

Clinical intervention directed at social risks does not increase experiences of discrimination

Researchers developed a community-based intervention to address food insecurity and transportation difficulties, which did not increase discrimination experiences among families. The study suggests that well-designed interventions can be provided without stigmatizing patients or families, paving the way for future research.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 1, 2023

Starfish body is a head, say scientists

Researchers compared sea stars to other deuterostomes to learn about their unique body plan, finding that genes controlling development of the ectoderm were correlated with arm patterning in echinoderms. This suggests echinoderms may have evolved by losing trunk region of bilateral ancestors.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature·DateNov 1, 2023

How the relationship between the land and atmosphere facilitated the persistence of eastern China’s extreme weather and climate in summer 2022?

Compound extreme events like heatwaves and droughts in eastern China were prolonged by land-atmosphere coupling, leading to devastating impacts on agriculture. The study highlights the crucial role of soil moisture and energy exchange in sustaining these events.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 1, 2023

Urine biomarkers can outperform serum biomarkers in certain diseases

Researchers found that urine biomarkers can be more accurate than serum biomarkers for detecting specific diseases. The study highlights the potential of combining urinary and serum biomarkers for holistic disease diagnosis and management. However, challenges remain in standardizing urinary biomarker assays and expanding their applicat...

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalURINE·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 1, 2023