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Science News Archive October 2023 - Page 33


Page 33 of 37

Birders & AI push bird conservation to the next level

A new method using big data and AI models the interactions of entire ecological communities across continents, revealing patterns of biodiversity. The collaboration between Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Cornell Institute for Computational Sustainability provides vital information for conservation efforts.

SourceCornell University·JournalEcology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2023

Software can detect hidden and complex emotions in parents

Researchers developed a software that can accurately detect intricate details of emotions in parents, even in everyday family life. The study uses machine learning techniques to analyze facial expressions from videos taken at home, providing potential early intervention opportunities for mood and mental health disorders.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalFrontiers·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2023

Being a vegetarian may be—partly—in your genes

A genome-wide association study reveals 34 genes potentially involved in choosing a vegetarian diet, including those related to lipid metabolism and brain function. The findings suggest that genetics play a role in the ability to subsist on a vegetarian diet.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 4, 2023

A human factor

Researchers have identified a crucial host protein, SND1, that plays a key role in SARS-CoV-2 replication. The virus uses its own protein NSP9 as a primer for RNA synthesis, which is facilitated by SND1 binding to negative-sense viral RNA.

Demystifying the role of plant x- and y-type thioredoxins

X- and y-type thioredoxins play a crucial role in maintaining the redox balance of photosynthesis during fluctuating light conditions. The study found that these proteins facilitate electron transport through the electron transport chain, preventing photoinhibition and promoting plant growth.

SourceOkayama University·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2023

Simultaneous large wildfires will increase in Western U.S.

Simultaneous large wildfires will become more frequent in the Western United States due to climate change, putting a strain on firefighting efforts. The study found that peak seasons for simultaneous blazes could be several weeks longer by the end of the century, affecting resource allocation and prevention strategies.

Graphene oxide reduces the toxicity of Alzheimer’s proteins

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have shown that graphene oxide nanoflakes can reduce the accumulation of misfolded amyloid peptides in yeast cells, which are similar to human neurons affected by Alzheimer's disease. This suggests that graphene oxide may hold great potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2023

New study reveals Australian Long COVID response lagging

The Australian Long COVID services lack several categories, including early investigation, accessibility, and trustworthy public health information. Researchers propose building a response on US and UK guidelines that prioritize early detection, mental health support, and referral to multidisciplinary clinics.

SourceRMIT University·JournalPublic Health Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 4, 2023

Wastewater surveillance research provides a 12-day lead time for RSV season: new study

A new study using wastewater surveillance has predicted the start of the annual RSV season 12 days early, allowing hospitals to prepare and allocate resources effectively. The study used real-time wastewater measurements to forecast the surge in pediatric RSV cases, providing a population-level early warning signal for the community.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2023

Adoption of vegan dog and cat diets could have environmental benefits

A new analysis estimates that switching all pet dogs and cats to vegan diets could spare nearly 2 billion land-based livestock animals yearly in the US, and nearly 7 billion globally. This could lead to significant reductions in environmental impacts such as land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2023

Prediction of the risk of recurrence of venous thrombosis - validity of the Vienna Prediction Model confirmed

A large-scale clinical study confirms the validity of the Vienna Prediction Model in identifying low-risk patients with venous thromboembolism who may not require long-term blood thinning. The model's accuracy was found to be 5.2% after one year for patients with a low relapse risk, but adjustments were made to correct imprecision.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateOct 4, 2023

Insect cyborgs: towards precision movement

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a model predicting torque generated from electrical stimulation in stick insect leg muscles, allowing for precise control of insect movement. The study's findings have the potential to refine motor control of tuned biohybrid robots and enable adaptable devices with various applications.

SourceTohoku University·JournaleLife·DateOct 4, 2023

New wound healing research by Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine produces full thickness human bioprinted skin

Researchers at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine successfully created full thickness human bioprinted skin, promoting quicker healing and more naturally appearing outcomes. The bioprinted skin facilitated human-like skin architecture in vivo, with improved wound closure, reduced scarring, and enhanced tissue formation.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2023

CHOP researchers find barriers to driver training and licensure, especially among low-income teens

Researchers from CHOP and the University of Pennsylvania found that teenagers living in lower-income areas are up to four times less likely to complete driver training and obtain their license before age 18. Long travel times to driving schools also impacted enrollment, affecting those from both high- and low-income areas.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2023

Women living in more walkable neighborhoods have lower rates of obesity-related cancers

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that women living in more walkable neighborhoods have a lower risk of obesity-related cancers, particularly postmenopausal breast cancer. Neighborhood walkability is associated with increased physical activity and reduced car-dependency.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateOct 4, 2023

Navigating moiré physics and photonics with band offset tuning

Researchers propose a new way to control moiré flatbands by adjusting the band offset of two photonic lattices, enabling the creation of novel multiresonant moiré devices. This breakthrough opens new opportunities in moiré photonics and promises to inspire future explorations into innovative moiré devices.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2023

Intervention for caregivers helps prevent elder mistreatment

A new intervention for caregivers has been shown to reduce elder mistreatment of older adults with chronic illness, including dementia. The Comprehensive Older Adult and Caregiver Help (COACH) program provides personalized support to caregivers, reducing mistreatment rates from 22.5% to 0%.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 4, 2023

Esketamine nasal spray: an option for patients with treatment-resistant depression

A new study reveals that esketamine nasal spray is effective in treating treatment-resistant depression, with 27.1% of patients achieving remission after 8 weeks compared to 17.6% on quetiapine XR. Long-term data shows sustained remission rates at 21.7% for esketamine NS and 14.1% for quetiapine XR.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 4, 2023

Revolutionizing lymphedema care: new lymphedema-on-chip platform holds promise

Researchers created a tiny 3D cell culture model that mimics the function of lymphatic vessels to explore how inflammatory substances affect the lymphatic system. They found that certain cytokines cause cells to tighten their junctions, leading to reduced fluid drainage and swelling. Inhibiting a protein called ROCK2 reversed lymphedem...

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2023

Eating disorders increased during pandemic in female adolescents and adults

The study found an increase in eating disorder emergency department visits and hospitalizations among females aged 10-17, 18-26, 27-40, and 41-105 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Risk factors such as isolation, social media use, and decreased access to care may have contributed to this surge.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2023

Organizing can give tenants power to effect change

Research by Jamila Michener shows that organized tenants can immediately resolve direct problems and advance health equity through collective action. Tenants from diverse backgrounds across the US were interviewed for the study, highlighting the potential for power-sharing in rental housing.

SourceCornell University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 3, 2023