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Science News Archive October 2023 - Page 28


Page 28 of 37

Researchers identify largest ever solar storm in ancient 14,300-year-old tree rings

Researchers have identified a massive solar storm 14,300 years ago in ancient tree rings, which could be catastrophic for modern technological society. The study warns of the importance of understanding such storms to protect global communications and energy infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 2023

Interpreting large-scale medical datasets

A new generative model named scPoli enables multi-scale representations of cells and samples, facilitating the integration of high-quality large-scale datasets for novel biological insights and disease understanding. This model accelerates atlas building and usage, ultimately accelerating disease understanding and therapy development.

College students are at risk for food and nutrition insecurity

The SNEB position paper highlights the critical issue of food insecurity among college students, emphasizing the importance of systemic approaches and student advocacy. Research shows that food insecurity is associated with unhealthy dietary habits, less sleep, and higher odds of mental health issues.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 9, 2023

Newfound mechanism suggests drug combination could starve pancreatic cancer

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism for starving pancreatic cancer cells, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes. A combination of treatments involving the drug DRP-104, which blocks glutamine metabolism, and trametinib, an existing ERK signaling pathway blocker, showed promising results in mouse models.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2023

Researchers show consequences of inaction on devastating banana disease

Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW) could cause a 55% reduction in banana production in newly affected regions within 10 years. The disease is projected to result in significant economic losses, with consumers bearing 40% of the estimated $25 billion cost.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 9, 2023

Use of rapid tests to diagnose tuberculosis among people with HIV in Africa has increased, but barriers to implementation remain

A study found that only 3 out of 22 African countries with high TB/HIV burden have no national policy on LF-LAM test implementation. Main barriers include lack of funding and training, despite the test being less expensive than other diagnostic tests.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeSurvey·DateOct 9, 2023

What is the impact of predictive AI in the health care setting?

Researchers found that using predictive models in healthcare can alter relationships between patient data and outcomes, leading to further degradation. Implementing a system to track individuals impacted by machine learning predictions is crucial to maintaining model performance.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 9, 2023

No lizard is an island

A new study by James Stroud at Georgia Tech and Jonathan Losos at Washington University in St. Louis found that natural selection varies massively through time among four different species of anoles living together on a small island. Despite this variation, the species remained remarkably similar across the entire time period.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 9, 2023

Eco-friendly bamboo potential mainstream construction material after researchers make break through

Scientists at the University of Bristol have created a prediction model for a simple connection method using screws in bamboo. This innovative approach can help fight climate change by sequestering carbon at a faster rate than traditional wood, taking only four-to-five years to mature.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2023

Where do rehabbed turtles go?

A study from North Carolina State University tracked 16 rehabilitated turtles to monitor their long-term survival and health. The researchers found that turtles moved an average of 100 yards between observations, with some individuals traveling much farther than expected.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalWildlife Rehabilitation Bulletin·TypeObservational study·DateOct 9, 2023

Climate-driven extreme heat may make parts of Earth too hot for humans

Billions of people worldwide will be exposed to unbearable heat and humidity if global temperatures increase by 1 degree Celsius or more. Regions with high population density, like Pakistan, India, China, and sub-Saharan Africa, are expected to experience frequent extreme heatwaves due to high humidity.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2023

THE LANCET NEUROLOGY: Stroke could cause nearly 10 million deaths annually by 2050, mostly in LMICs, and cost up to US$2 trillion per year, new report warns

The number of people who die from stroke globally is projected to increase by 50% to 9.7 million deaths per year by 2050, mainly affecting Low-Middle Income Countries (LMICs). The annual costs are estimated to reach up to US$2.3 trillion, with a disproportionate impact on LMICs.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 9, 2023

Climate catastrophe produced instantaneous evolutionary change

In the wake of Hurricane Harvey's record flooding, researchers discovered a unique form of evolutionary change called spatial sorting that dominated the evolution of Jadera haematoloma bugs. This rapid adaptation allowed them to access seeds on goldenrain trees, outcompeting native species with longer beaks.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2023

Lethal climate change millions of years ago was due to volcanic eruptions, scientists conclude

Researchers found that volcanic eruptions coincided with extreme greenhouse climate warming and mass extinctions due to large amounts of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. The study reveals a connection between geological and astrophysical cycles, suggesting astronomical movements control Earth's interior processes.

SourceNew York University·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 2023

TAVR: Less than one-third of patients enter cardiac rehab after heart procedure

A recent study found that less than one-third of TAVR patients participate in cardiac rehabilitation within 90 days after discharge. Factors such as age, frailty, and medical complexity contribute to lower enrollment rates. The study highlights the need for improved education and hospital protocols to promote post-procedure care.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJACC Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 9, 2023

AI language models could help diagnose schizophrenia

Researchers developed AI tools to analyze speech patterns in people with schizophrenia and found that these patterns can be distinguished from those of healthy individuals. The study uses an AI language model trained on internet text to represent the meaning of words, and it was able to predict the words generated by control participan...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2023

Financial sector risks can hinder transition to green economy

Research reveals correlation between financial sector risks and increased carbon footprint in bank loans, hindering humanity's progress towards a green economy. The study analyzed CFBL data for 37 countries from 2010 to 2018, finding that systemic risk within the banking sector raised the CFBL in developed countries.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateOct 9, 2023

Stuck to the subway: less privileged people have fewer possibilities to adapt their mobility behaviour to heat

A new study by PIK researchers reveals that less privileged people in NYC face limitations in adapting their mobility behavior to heat, leading to increased health risks. The analysis of mobility data from 438 NYC subway stations shows that those already at higher risk have the fewest options to adjust their behavior.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateOct 9, 2023

History of parental infertility associated with small increased risk for birth defects among children conceived through fertility treatment

A study of over 850,000 Australian children born between 2009 and 2017 found a small increased risk of birth defects among those conceived through fertility treatment, partly attributed to parental infertility. The use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was also associated with an increased risk for genitourinary abnormalities.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateOct 9, 2023

Evidence from the remains of 1918 flu pandemic victims contradicts long-held belief that healthy young adults were particularly vulnerable

Researchers found that individuals with previous environmental, social, and nutritional stressors were more likely to die from the flu. This contradicts the widespread belief that healthy young adults were disproportionately affected. The study analyzed skeletal remains of 369 victims and identified lesions as indicators of frailty.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 9, 2023

New study points to new possibilities for treating lung cancer patients

Researchers discovered that the short-chain fatty acid propionate can reduce metastases in mice with experimental lung cancer. The substance also increases the effectiveness of Cisplatin, a commonly used drug for lung cancer patients. Funding is now sought to identify patients who may benefit from propionate treatment.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 9, 2023