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Science News Archive October 2023 - Page 14


Page 14 of 37

Modulation of protein stability: a new approach to studying cosolvent effects

Researchers used molecular dynamics simulations to study how urea and alcohol induce structural changes in proteins, with a focus on stabilizing helices and coils. The team identified preferential binding parameters for both cosolvents, demonstrating opposing effects that can be predicted using computational methods.

SourceOkayama University·JournalProtein Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2023

Communities of color experienced fear and mistrust of institutions during COVID-19 pandemic

A study by UC Riverside researchers found that communities of color in Inland Southern California experienced fear and mistrust of institutions due to historical, cultural, and social traumas. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive health interventions to address these traumas and promote community-based approaches for ...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalCulture Medicine and Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateOct 19, 2023

You say genome editing, I say natural mutation

Researchers found that certain combinations of gene mutations resulted in predictable effects on tomato size, while others yielded random outcomes. The study suggests the role of background mutations demands reassessment for genome editing applications. This new interpretation may help humanity adapt crops to meet evolving societal needs.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience·DateOct 19, 2023

Unified picture on temperature dependence of lithium dendrite growth via phase-field simulation

A team of scientists has investigated the effect of initial temperature on Li dendrite morphology through temperature-dependent ionic diffusion coefficient, reaction coefficient, and conductivity. They found a unified picture for the seemingly contradictory dendrite-promoting and dendrite-inhibiting effects of increased temperature in ...

Scientists discover deepest known evidence of coral reef bleaching

Researchers from the University of Plymouth discovered coral reef bleaching at depths previously thought to be resilient, highlighting the vulnerability of mesophotic coral ecosystems to thermal stress. The study suggests that climate change is causing a deepening of the thermocline, leading to increased bleaching in the deeper ocean.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateOct 19, 2023

Ketamine’s effect on depression may hinge on hope

A study at Stanford Medicine found that patients who believed they had received ketamine experienced significant improvements in depression symptoms, even if they hadn't. The researchers suggest that positive expectations and hope may play a key role in ketamine's effectiveness.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 19, 2023

To excel at engineering design, generative AI must learn to innovate, study finds

Researchers at MIT found that similarity-focused generative AI models falter when tasked with designing new products, highlighting the need to prioritize innovation in engineering tasks. By adjusting training objectives and metrics, AI can be an effective 'co-pilot' for engineers, enabling faster creation of innovative products.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalComputer-Aided Design·DateOct 19, 2023

HonorHealth Research Institute, City of Hope and TGen lead international team in creating ‘robust’ early-detection method for pancreatic cancer

Researchers from HonorHealth Research Institute, City of Hope, and TGen have developed a biomarker panel that detects small amounts of RNA genetic material in the bloodstream, enabling early detection of pancreatic cancer. The test has shown robust diagnostic accuracy and offers promise for improving survival rates.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalGastroenterology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

New study finds racial and ethnic disparities persist in access to chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation for adults with low back pain

A new study found that racial and ethnic disparities persist in access to chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation for adults with low back pain, with Hispanic adults being less likely to use these services. The study also found that policy changes are needed to address these gaps in access, particularly in underserved communities.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 19, 2023

Physical theory improves protein folding prediction

Researchers developed a novel physical theory that can accurately predict protein folding, surpassing existing models like AlphaFold 2. The new model, WSME-L, can elucidate folding processes without limitations, enabling a comprehensive understanding of protein structures and behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

Astronomers detect most distant fast radio burst to date

The discovery of FRB 20220610A confirms that fast radio bursts can be used to measure the 'missing' matter between galaxies, providing a new way to weigh the Universe. The burst is also one of the most energetic ever observed, releasing energy equivalent to our Sun's total emission over 30 years.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateOct 19, 2023

Molecular age of the eye determined for the first time

A team of researchers has created a 'proteomic clock' that can predict a healthy person's age based on their protein profile, revealing accelerated aging due to diseases. The study also detected proteins associated with Parkinson's disease in eye fluid, offering a potential pathway for earlier diagnoses.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

Algorithm and blues: how to judge music plagiarism?

A study investigated how algorithms compare to human judgment in music plagiarism disputes, with mixed results. While algorithms matched human decisions in 83% of cases, they struggled with non-musical factors and controversy surrounding high-profile cases.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalTransactions of the International Society for Music Information Retrieval·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

Penn Medicine research sheds new light on immune response during SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections

Researchers identified enhanced B-cell and T-cell responses in fully vaccinated individuals who became infected with SARS-CoV-2, generating immunological memory to prevent severe infection. Vaccine-primed memory T cells play a critical role in preventing severe COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 19, 2023

Cobalt-free battery for cleaner, greener power

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed a cobalt-free battery alternative that outperforms state-of-the-art battery chemistry. The new lithium-ion batteries boast a 60% higher energy density and can withstand over 1,000 recharge cycles, reducing environmental concerns.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

Rice researcher scans tropical forest with mixed-reality device

A Rice University scientist used a mixed-reality headset with custom-designed software to measure and analyze forest floor vegetation in Tanzania's Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The study found that mammal diversity increases with forest floor habitat surface area, leading to a greater variety of ecological characteristics.

SourceRice University·JournalEcology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2023

Less is (often) more when it comes to health impact of children on parents later in life, new study says

A recent study published in The Journals of Gerontology – Series B found that having more children can produce economic, social, emotional, and biological burdens that impact health, especially chronic conditions and depression. In contrast, adults with fewer children were more likely to report poor self-rated health in certain countries.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series B·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2023

Startup workers flee for bigger, more established companies during pandemic

Researchers found that job seekers were 20% more likely to search for work at companies with over 500 employees after March 13, 2020. The average size of companies searched increased by 29%, driven by highly-skilled and better-educated candidates, which can impact startup success.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalReview of Financial Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2023

Research shows new documentation tool could help optimize seizure treatments in patients with epilepsy

A new electronic health record documentation tool has been shown to improve the accuracy and completeness of clinical documentation for patients undergoing treatment for epilepsy. This tool enables medical providers to identify patients who are failing treatments earlier, allowing for rapid optimization of positive outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNeurology Clinical Practice·DateOct 19, 2023