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Science News Archive October 2023 - Page 35


Page 35 of 37

Carbon-capture tree plantations threaten tropical biodiversity for little gain, ecologists say

Ecologists say that carbon-capture tree plantations have a negative impact on tropical biodiversity and ecosystem services, despite their potential to offset climate change. In contrast, intact ecosystems like forests, grasslands, and savannahs store large quantities of carbon below ground and provide multiple ecosystem services.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 3, 2023

Targeting unsuspected protein reverses lymphedema

A Cornell-led collaboration created a 3D in-vitro model of human lymphatic vessels that revealed a surprising mechanism jamming up drainage: the protein ROCK2. Inhibiting ROCK2 reverses lymphedema effects, offering potential treatment for this condition.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2023

Why does it get hot when you rub things together? Unraveling the mystery of dynamic friction at the atomic level

A team from Kanazawa University and international partners report their groundbreaking study on dynamic friction, shedding light on the force needed to maintain molecule movement. The research provides fresh insights into a long-studied phenomenon and paves the way for future studies on energy dissipation relaxation processes.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 3, 2023

New pipeline makes valuable organic acid from plants — saving money and emissions

Researchers at CABBI developed an economical method for producing succinic acid, a key chemical in food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical products, using acid-tolerant yeast. The new pipeline eliminates costly downstream processing steps, significantly reducing costs and emissions.

Bursts of star formation explain mysterious brightness at cosmic dawn

A Northwestern University-led team of astrophysicists has discovered that young galaxies appear brighter than anticipated due to irregular bursts of star formation. This finding explains the puzzling appearance of massive galaxies too soon after the Big Bang, fitting within the standard model of cosmology.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 3, 2023

U of M research finds best primary care practices are proactive in patient outreach

University of Minnesota researchers identified top-performing primary care practices that deliver high-quality diabetes care through proactive patient outreach. These practices prioritize good communication and engagement with patients, fostering a strong doctor-patient relationship essential for overall health.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 3, 2023

Synthetic peptide could reduce vascular problems associated with COVID-ARDS

Researchers have developed a synthetic peptide that could help reduce vascular problems associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19. The peptide, called TIP, works by binding to a subunit of the epithelial sodium channel, which helps maintain barrier function and prevent damage from viral proteins.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateOct 3, 2023

Obesity, high blood pressure, and lipid imbalance trigger a progressive loss of energy generation capacity in the heart

A study published in Diabetes Care found that obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia alter cardiac energy production by interfering with metabolic substrate uptake. The research reveals early changes in apparently healthy middle-aged individuals, highlighting the importance of identifying mechanisms involved in heart disease onset.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 3, 2023

Interconnected factors increase household food insecurity in Brazil

A recent study found that households headed by single women of color in Brazil are four times more likely to experience food insecurity compared to those headed by married white men. The researchers argue that policies addressing gender equality, antiracism, and family considerations can help reduce poverty and hunger.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateOct 3, 2023

On-Yee Lo, PhD, receives NAM Healthy Longevity Catalyst Award for work on brain stimulation to improve physical and cognitive functions in older adults

Dr. On-Yee Lo receives $50,000 seed funding to develop personalized non-invasive brain stimulation targeting shared networks to improve physical and cognitive functions in older adults. The project aims to demonstrate direct evidence that modulating between-network connectivity can be linked to changes in physical and cognitive behaviors.

Wearable sensor to monitor ‘last line of defense’ antibiotic

Researchers have developed a wearable sensor patch capable of continuously monitoring vancomycin levels, a critical antibiotic used to treat severe bacterial infections. The sensor system detects changes in vancomycin concentration using aptamers and gold wires, providing real-time measurements for effective treatment.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2023

Early metformin in gestational diabetes

A randomized clinical trial found that early metformin treatment did not improve insulin initiation or fasting glucose levels in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Further investigation into larger trials is warranted based on prespecified secondary outcome data.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 3, 2023

Unique voice print in parrots

Researchers discovered that monk parakeets possess a unique tone of voice, known as a voice print, similar to humans. This finding raises the possibility that other vocally flexible species may also have a voice print.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2023

New study in JAMA: unnecessary ovary removal in girls decreased significantly with use of a risk-stratification algorithm

A new study published in JAMA found that a consensus-based risk-stratification algorithm reduced unnecessary ovary removals in girls with benign masses from 16.1% to 8.4%. The algorithm accurately identified lesions highly likely to be benign, allowing for ovary-sparing surgery.

SourceNemours·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2023

SwRI study suggests large mound structures on Kuiper belt object Arrokoth may have common origin

A new SwRI study posits that the large mounds on Kuiper Belt object Arrokoth are similar in size and shape, suggesting a common origin. This finding supports the streaming instability model of planetesimal formation, where gentle collision speeds allowed objects to accumulate and form Arrokoth.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 3, 2023

Lasers deflected using air

Researchers at DESY have developed a method to deflect laser beams in air without contact, preserving the beam's quality. The technique uses acoustic density waves to create an invisible grating that changes the direction of the laser light.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2023

A surprising way to disrupt sleep

A new study reveals the critical importance of post-transcriptional processes in regulating circadian rhythms and their impact on sleep. Researchers identified a structure in the circadian mRNA Period2 that alters the amplitude of circadian rhythms and disrupts sleep patterns, particularly during transitions between light and dark.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2023

Trivalent vaccine candidate fights measles, mumps, SARS-CoV-2

Scientists have developed a trivalent vaccine candidate that provides broad and long-lasting protection against COVID-19 infection by delivering the vaccine via the nose. The vaccine triggers a strong neutralizing antibody response and protects mucosal areas, preventing disease symptoms.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2023

Pharmacists can improve access to life-saving vaccines

Researchers found that using electronic prompts during appointment scheduling for seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines can identify willing participants for HPV and shingles vaccines. Only 30% of those booking for these vaccines were already vaccinated against HPV, presenting a significant opportunity for targeted campaigns.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCanadian Pharmacists Journal / Revue des Pharmaciens du Canada·DateOct 2, 2023

FAU Engineering study employs deep learning to explain extreme events

Researchers from FAU's College of Engineering and Computer Science employ a computer-vision deep learning technique to analyze wall-bounded turbulent flows. They successfully identify the sources of extreme events in a data-driven manner, providing new insights into non-linear relationships in fluid dynamics simulations.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 2, 2023

Iron atoms discovered on the move in Earth’s solid inner core

A study led by the University of Texas at Austin found that certain groupings of iron atoms in the Earth's inner core are able to move about rapidly, changing their places in a split second. This collective motion could help explain numerous intriguing properties of the inner core and shed light on its role in powering Earth's geodynamo.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 2, 2023

The latest issue of NeuroRehabilitation focuses on the important role of neuropsychiatry in evaluating and managing the emotional and behavioral consequences of neurological injury

The journal highlights the complexities of neurological injury and neurodegenerative diseases, emphasizing virtual care as a potential solution. Identifying and treating neuropsychiatric symptoms is crucial for effective rehabilitation.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 2023

Not the usual suspects: New interactive lineup boosts eyewitness accuracy

Researchers found that interactive digital face lineups improved identification accuracy, allowing witnesses to actively explore faces and match them to their recollection. The study revealed a significant reduction in misidentifications, with improvements of 27-35% over traditional photo arrays and 35-75% over video lineups.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 2023

‘Impossible’ millimeter wave sensor has wide potential

Researchers developed a proof-of-concept sensor that detects vibrations and changes in target position with high accuracy, using an innovative design to cancel out noise. The sensor's compact size, low cost, and long battery life make it suitable for various applications, including plant water status tracking and structural integrity d...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalIEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2023

CU School of Medicine researchers find potential target for prompting fat cells to expend energy

A CU School of Medicine research team has identified histone deacetylase 11 (HDAC11) as a potential target for treating obesity and metabolic disease. Inhibiting HDAC11 stimulates the expression of uncoupling protein 1, inducing fat cells to expend energy and potentially overcoming catecholamine resistance.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2023

Researchers blow whistle on forensic science method

A new study from Iowa State University researchers reveals that mismatches are more likely than matches to be reported as 'inconclusive' in cartridge-case comparisons. This can lead to innocent people being 'defenseless' against wrongful convictions, according to experts.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 2, 2023

October issues of American Psychiatric Association journals look at factors influencing depression and PTSD, guidance on handling drugs laced with fentanyl, and more

The latest American Psychiatric Association journals offer insights into depression and PTSD factors, as well as guidance on handling drugs laced with fentanyl. The October issues also feature a joint commentary on nuclear war's impact on health professionals.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 2, 2023

Discrimination alters brain-gut ‘crosstalk,’ prompting poor food choices and increased health risks

UCLA researchers found that people exposed to discrimination exhibit altered brain responses to food cues, increasing cravings for unhealthy foods and changing gut chemistry. This leads to a higher risk of obesity and related disorders, highlighting the potential role of discrimination in food choices and health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 2, 2023