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Science News Archive November 2023 - Page 9


Page 9 of 40

Spanish scientists discover a promising therapeutic target for cardiac arrhythmias

Researchers at the CNIC in Madrid have discovered a connection between stress kinases and the development of ventricular fibrillation. The study found that activation of these enzymes alters the electrical properties of cardiomyocytes, triggering arrhythmias.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Practice facilitation programs can help primary care clinics adopt best practices for providing COVID-19 vaccinations

Researchers developed a practice facilitation program to support family physicians in identifying unvaccinated patients and addressing vaccine hesitancy. The intervention provided resources such as scripts and medical student volunteers to work as physician-delegates, resulting in improved vaccination rates.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 27, 2023

Green Climate Fund fails to strengthen private sector engagement

The Green Climate Fund has struggled to mobilize financial resources from the private sector, with only a small share of its $40 billion budget coming from private sources. A new study suggests that this is due to perceptions of unprofitable investments and lack of attractive business models, particularly in climate adaptation.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalClimate Policy·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 27, 2023

Why does puberty trigger us to stop growing?

New research from University of Illinois Chicago identifies a potential 'stop growing' switch triggered by steroid hormone ecdysone in fruit flies, which may relate to human puberty. The study's findings have implications for understanding the growth-stopping process in humans, particularly given recent changes in puberty onset.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2023

New research sheds light on enhanced performance of thin-film VCSELs on composite metal substrate

Researchers led by Prof. Ray-Hua Horng published a groundbreaking study on the performance of thin-film vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) on composite metal substrate, introducing innovative methods to enhance thermal management. The breakthrough technique brings substantial improvements in device characteristics and pot...

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Aussie teens are not actually selfie-obsessed

Researchers from RMIT University found that Australians aged 20 to 40 years old take more selfies than teenagers and older Australians. Older participants used their smartphones for functional purposes like capturing information at work, whereas teenage participants preferred taking photos during exciting events or with friends.

SourceRMIT University·JournalJournal of Visual Literacy·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 27, 2023

Fish IgM structure sheds light on antibody evolution, study finds

Researchers analyzed fish IgM to understand its structure and how it differs from human antibodies. They discovered a unique folding mechanism that allows the antibody to assemble without a joining chain, enabling it to bind antigens and interact with its environment.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Gig workers saw greater financial hardship during COVID-19 compared to other workers

A recent study published in Work and Occupations found that gig workers experienced higher rates of food insecurity, skipped housing payments, and unpaid credit card bills during the COVID-19 pandemic. Economic hardships were more pronounced for those with children, less savings, or working multiple gig jobs.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Greensboro·JournalWork and Occupations·TypeObservational study·DateNov 27, 2023

International group of research experts establish checklist detailing key consensus reporting items for primary care studies

A new checklist, Consensus Reporting Items for Studies in Primary Care (CRISP), outlines key reporting items for primary care studies. The CRISP Checklist describes aspects of research, including teams, patients, and study implementation, to improve primary care research reporting worldwide.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 27, 2023

Dutch researchers explore patient profiles of those who choose to stop eating and drinking to hasten death

Researchers from the Amsterdam University Medical Centre conducted a study on patients who choose to voluntarily stop eating and drinking (VSED) to hasten death. They identified three distinct groups: older patients seeking control over their lives, care-dependent patients with poor quality of life, and younger psychiatric patients. Th...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 27, 2023

New method verifies carbon capture in concrete

Researchers develop a method to verify whether carbon in concrete comes from air or raw materials. By analyzing carbon isotopes, they can confirm direct air capture and certify offsetting CO2 emissions. This technology is crucial for the construction industry and supports a circular economy.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Advanced Concrete Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Almost two-thirds of residents in US family medicine programs are training in states that have abortion restrictions

A study found that nearly one-third of US family medicine residents are training in states with abortion restrictions, highlighting the impact on reproductive health care. The analysis suggests that increased support for comprehensive reproductive health education is needed to mitigate this effect.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 27, 2023

A novel lightweight wearable device to perform balance exercises at home

Researchers developed a lightweight wearable balance exercise device to improve reactive postural control in older adults, reducing the risk of falls. The device uses pneumatic artificial muscles to generate unexpected perturbations, resulting in improved peak displacement and velocity.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalIEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

Contact lenses developed by Khalifa University team respond to UV and temperature changes

Researchers at Khalifa University have developed state-of-the-art contact lenses that respond to both UV light and temperature changes. These smart lenses, incorporating photochromic and thermochromic powders, can block up to 45% of UV radiation and filter out blue light.

Exceptional embryonic dinosaur eggs from the Early Jurassic of China indicate leathery egg origin of the earliest dinosaur

A new Early Jurassic sauropodomorph dinosaur, Qianlong, contains three skeletons and five egg clutches, displaying leathery eggshell microstructures similar to other Cretaceous dinosaur eggs. The study suggests that the first dinosaur eggs were leathery, contradicting previous theories of soft or hard-shelled eggs.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 27, 2023

Chapman University researcher, Dr. Rachita Sumbria, plays a key role in groundbreaking study on brain hemorrhages

A recent study published in Journal of Neuroinflammation has uncovered a new contributor to the formation of brain hemorrhages, highlighting increased interactions between aged red blood cells and brain capillaries. The research offers potential avenues for innovative approaches to treatment and prevention.

SourceChapman University·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 27, 2023

Building a global, multi-disciplinary platform to promote women’s health: Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health

The Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health found that a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, nuts, whole grains, and healthy fats can reduce the risk of gestational hypertension and preterm birth. The study also linked narrowing of retinal arterioles before conception to reduced fetal growth during pregnancy.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 26, 2023

Emergence of collective phenomena in fractured rocks: Exploring the 'more is different' perspective

A recent study by Qinghua Lei presents a new framework for understanding the emergence of collective phenomena in fractured rocks. The research highlights how the behavior of rock masses cannot be predicted solely based on small-scale core samples, due to the complex interactions between fractures and intact rocks across multiple scales.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalRock Mechanics Bulletin·DateNov 26, 2023

NTU Singapore scientists find both potential threats and promising resources in the thriving colonies of bacteria and fungi on ocean plastic trash

A team of NTU scientists found a mix of harmful microorganisms, including Labyrinthulaceae and Lyngbya, that can poison marine life. However, they also discovered potential plastic-eating bacteria, such as Muricauda and Halomonas, which could aid in plastic degradation.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalEnvironment International·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 26, 2023

AI predicts developmental paths in premature babies

Researchers at UMC Utrecht developed an AI model to predict long-term outcomes in extremely premature babies, identifying those at risk of intellectual disability. The model analyzed brain activity data with 80% accuracy, offering valuable information for healthcare providers and parents about expected developmental journeys.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalThe Lancet·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 24, 2023

From skyrmions to hopfions

Researchers from Jülich, China, and Sweden have created and observed stable hopfion rings in a solid, which can move along skyrmion strings, enabling flexible information carriers. The discovery breaks open new research directions for 3D magnetic particles.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature·DateNov 24, 2023

Scientists map the antigenic landscape

Researchers have successfully mapped the entire HLA class II landscape, predicting how pathogens are displayed on cell surfaces. The mapping reveals that multiple HLA variants play essential roles in autoimmune disorders and organ rejection, highlighting their potential for developing immunotherapy treatments.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 24, 2023

Researchers uncover molecular mechanism of methamphetamine binding to trace amine receptor TAAR1

A study published in Nature reveals the molecular mechanism of methamphetamine binding to the trace amine receptor TAAR1, which plays a crucial role in modulating monoaminergic systems. The researchers used cryo-electron microscopy to determine high-resolution structures of the human TAAR1-Gs protein complex stimulated by methamphetamine.

Can AI push the boundaries of privacy and reach the subconscious mind?

The European Union's AI act could enable AI to access our subconscious minds, potentially leading to manipulation. According to Ignasi Beltran de Heredia, only 5% of brain activity is conscious, and the remaining 95% operates subconsciously, making it difficult for us to control or even be aware of.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalRevista de la Facultad de Derecho de México·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 24, 2023