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Science News Archive October 2023 - Page 10


Page 10 of 37

Biggest ever supercomputer simulation to investigate Universe’s evolution

Researchers have carried out the largest ever computer simulations to investigate the Universe's evolution, taking into account ordinary matter and dark energy. The FLAMINGO simulations provide a detailed picture of virtual galaxies and galaxy clusters, allowing for comparisons with observations from new high-powered telescopes.

SourceDurham University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 24, 2023

Study: School debate programs linked to improvements in academic achievement, graduation rates, and college enrollment

Participating in policy debate programs is associated with improvements in English language arts achievement and increases in high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment. The study found that debate improves critical thinking skills and is particularly beneficial for lowest-achieving students.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateOct 24, 2023

Japanese registry finds use of IVUS in coronary interventions reduces mortality and need for coronary bypass surgery

A novel study by a Japanese multicenter registry reveals significant benefits of using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in coronary interventions. The analysis showed reduced mortality and need for coronary bypass surgery in patients who underwent IVUS-guided procedures, highlighting its value in improving treatment outcomes.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalJournal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions·DateOct 24, 2023

Certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl “forever chemicals” identified as potential risk factor for thyroid cancer

A recent study published in eBioMedicine found an association between certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and an increased risk of thyroid cancer. The researchers investigated plasma PFAS levels in thyroid cancer patients and non-cancer controls, finding a significant positive association with exposure to n-PFOS.

On the trail of a great mystery

A study led by primatologist Gisela Kopp identified the Horn of Africa as the region of origin for ancient Egyptian mummified baboons. Genetic analysis and comparisons with historical records linked Punt to Adulis, suggesting two names for the same place used at different times.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournaleLife·DateOct 24, 2023

Older adults from distressed communities attend less cardiac rehab after heart procedures

A Michigan Medicine-led study reveals that older adults from distressed communities are less likely to attend cardiac rehabilitation after coronary revascularization. The study found that only 26% of patients from these areas used cardiac rehab, compared to 46% from prosperous areas.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2023

Bacteria can enhance host insect’s fertility with implications for disease control

Researchers found that Wolbachia pientis infection restores fruit fly fertility, enabling them to produce more offspring than uninfected flies. This discovery has significant implications for controlling insect populations and range, potentially increasing mosquito populations that do not carry human diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2023

North China Electric Power University’s innovative solutions for Fukushima radioactive water crisis

Chinese researchers are exploring advanced porous nanomaterials and technologies to reduce radionuclide discharge into the environment. These materials possess high specific surface area, abundant pore structures, exceptional stability, and design flexibility, making them promising candidates for radionuclide removal.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalEco-Environment & Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 24, 2023

Synergistic roles of platinum nanoparticles and sodium ions within beta zeolites in n-alkylation of amines with aromatic alcohols

A new catalyst, Pt@Beta, combines platinum nanoparticles with sodium ions in beta zeolites to improve n-alkylation of amines with aromatic alcohols. The catalyst achieved high conversion numbers and stability, revealing a synergistic effect that balances dehydrogenation and hydrogen transfer.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateOct 24, 2023

Study associates reduced activity of a key enzyme with microcephaly in zika-infected offspring

Brazilian researchers found that Zika-infected mice with microcephaly have lower Ndel1 enzyme activity, which plays a key role in neuron differentiation and migration. The study suggests that Ndel1 may be a biomarker for early diagnosis of microcephaly and offers hope for treatment options.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Neurochemistry·DateOct 24, 2023

Large, real-world study compares modern treatment options for pulmonary embolism (REAL.PE)

A large real-world analysis provides vital insights into the safety of novel therapies for pulmonary embolism. Ultrasound-assisted catheter-directed thrombolysis emerged as the preferred approach due to its lower risk of complications, particularly major bleeding. The study also highlights the importance of individual patient character...

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalJournal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions·DateOct 24, 2023

New technology ‘game changing’ for pregnant women with diabetes

A new study published in the University of East Anglia shows that automated insulin delivery technology can help pregnant women with type 1 diabetes better manage their blood sugars. The technology, known as Hybrid Closed-Loop or Artificial Pancreas, helps to substantially reduce maternal blood sugars throughout pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 24, 2023

New clues to early development of schizophrenia

Researchers have discovered axonal dysregulation in the prenatal brain as a mediator of genetic risk for schizophrenia. The study used induced pluripotent stem cells and three-dimensional brain organoids to identify key genes involved, including CYFIP1, which is highly expressed in microglia.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2023

Two regions of the brain critical to integrating semantic information while reading, UTHealth Houston research finds

A new study from UTHealth Houston has found that the posterior temporal cortex and inferior frontal cortex are crucial for semantic integration during reading. This discovery may help illuminate the inner dynamics of aphasia, a disorder affecting language expression and comprehension.

Adding crushed rock to farmland pulls carbon out of the air

Researchers at UC Davis and Cornell University found that crushed rock can store carbon dioxide in soils for short time scales, equivalent to taking 350,000 cars off the road every year. The study tested this technology in a dry climate and showed promising results, suggesting a new way to verify carbon removal via enhanced weathering.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalEnvironmental Research Communications·DateOct 24, 2023

IIT’s first ever-made rechargeable edible battery nominated on TIME’s 2023 list of Best Innovations

Researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia have developed the world's first rechargeable edible battery, utilizing food-grade materials like almonds and capers. The battery can power small electronic devices for a limited time and has potential applications in health monitoring, food storage, and children's toys.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2023

Children as young as four eat more when bored

A new study at Aston University shows that children aged four and above consume 79% more calories when they are bored compared to a neutral mood. Children who were emotionally fed often ate five times more kilocalories when feeling bored.

SourceAston University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2023

Undiagnosed: More than 7 million Americans unaware they have mild cognitive impairment

Two new studies suggest that of the 8 million Americans who have MCI, more than 90% don’t know it. Early diagnosis is key to delaying onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that detection of MCI was poorer in those with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and other health issues.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer s Disease·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2023

Cleveland Clinic-led trial finds that atrial fibrillation patients undergoing TAVR and Watchman™ procedures together have similar outcomes to using blood thinners after TAVR

Atrial fibrillation patients undergoing TAVR with the Watchman device had similar outcomes to those receiving medical therapy or blood thinners after TAVR, according to a Cleveland Clinic-led trial. The study found no differences in all-cause death, stroke, and major bleeding between the two groups.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalCirculation·DateOct 24, 2023

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles researchers develop clinical tool to predict if a child in acute liver failure will need a transplant

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have developed a novel app called the CHALF score to predict if a child with acute liver failure needs a transplant. The tool assesses liver failure risk on a scale of 5-60 and has been shown to accurately predict patient outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalTransplantation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 24, 2023

HKUMed Public Health researchers investigate the impact of replacing sedentary time with physical activity on genetic risk of coronary heart disease

A large-scale study found that replacing sedentary time with physical activity reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, especially in individuals at high genetic risk. The study analyzed data from over 77,000 participants and found that even small amounts of physical activity can lower relative risk.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2023

Extending annual screen for diabetic eye disease to 2 years for those at ‘low risk’ could risk treatment delays and/or sight loss

A large data study suggests extending annual screens to 2 years for those at 'low risk' of diabetic eye disease could lead to critical delays in treatment and/or sight loss. The research, based on a diverse database, found that Black people are significantly more likely to develop sight-threatening diabetic eye disease.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2023

Epigenetically acting drugs could support cancer immunotherapy

Scientists have discovered that epigenetically active cancer drugs can create new proteins on the surface of cancer cells, making them recognizable to the immune system. Treatment with these drugs induced thousands of new transcripts in lung cancer cells, including peptides that could be used to activate cytotoxic T cells.

Ultra-long room temperature phosphorescence of indium-based organic inorganic metal halide for naked-eye-visible afterglow

Researchers have discovered a special 'herringbone' stacking mode that enables abundant weak interactions between organic ligands and metal halide units, resulting in ultra-long triplet phosphorescent emission. The material also demonstrates potential for information encryption and has excellent air stability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateOct 24, 2023