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Science News Archive October 2023 - Page 7


Page 7 of 37

Genomic screening to identify iron overload encourages patients to seek treatment and condition management, study finds

A Geisinger Health System study found that genomic screening for hereditary hemochromatosis type 1 can identify underdiagnosed cases and encourage treatment. The screening program resulted in 69% of those notified proceeding with a lab test, and 69% of those showing iron overload beginning subsequent treatment.

SourceGeisinger Health System·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 26, 2023

Marine protected areas and climate change

A comprehensive framework for designing marine protected areas has been developed by an international team of scientists. The guidelines prioritize habitat persistence and coastal corridors to help vulnerable species such as turtles, sharks, and lobsters survive climate change. By connecting habitats fractured by human development and ...

SourceStanford University·JournalOne Earth·DateOct 26, 2023

Right-wing social media benefited from high-profile suspensions on mainstream platforms

A new study by researchers at City, University of London found that alt-tech platforms like Gettr are increasingly important for facilitating far-right political discussions. The study shows that users banned from Twitter are up to six times more active on Gettr, sharing toxic content and aligning with far-right news outlets.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2023

Analysis finds diversity on the smallest scales in sulfur-cycling salt marsh microbes

Researchers analyzed DNA sequenced datasets of microbes collected from salt marsh sites to study the relationship between cordgrasses and sulfur-cycling microbes. They found diverse microbial communities with varying combinations of genes for sulfate reduction and sulfur oxidation, allowing them to thrive in salt marsh sediments.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2023

Financial insecurity common among frontline healthcare workers during COVID-19

A recent study led by UNC Greensboro researcher Mathieu Despard found that one-third of frontline healthcare workers experienced food insecurity, with even those earning over $75k facing housing hardship. The study highlights the importance of benefits in mitigating financial insecurity among healthcare workers.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Greensboro·JournalCompensation & Benefits Review·TypeSurvey·DateOct 26, 2023

Is red meat intake linked to inflammation?

A Baylor College of Medicine study analyzed metabolite data from over 4,000 adults and found no direct link between red meat consumption and markers of inflammation. The researchers suggest that body weight may be the driver of increased systemic inflammation instead.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2023

Genomic insights for prenatal screening - The advantages of low-pass genome sequencing

A new study validates Low-Pass Genome Sequencing (LP GS) as a robust and cost-effective alternative to Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA) for prenatal diagnosis. LP GS detects six additional Copy Number Variations (CNVs) in cases with negative CMA results, highlighting the importance of sequencing depth in its detection sensitivity.

SourceBGI Genomics·JournalJournal of Medical Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2023

Venus had Earth-like plate tectonics billions of years ago, study suggests

A new study suggests that Venus once had plate tectonics similar to those on early Earth, which could have supported microbial life. The researchers used atmospheric data and computer modeling to show that the planet's current atmosphere and surface pressure would only be possible with an early form of plate tectonics.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 26, 2023

Treating amphetamine use disorder with stimulants: an encouraging new approach

A new meta-analysis suggests that high-dose prescription psychostimulants like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine can lower cravings and reduce stimulant use in people with amphetamine-type stimulant use disorder. The study analyzed ten randomized controlled trials and found that effects may increase with higher dosage.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 26, 2023

Genetics links endometriosis and IBS

A study published in Cell Reports Medicine reveals that endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) share common genetic risk factors. This finding explains why patients with one condition may also develop the other, highlighting the need for increased awareness and early diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2023

Global platform study presents results to guide care of severely ill patients with COVID-19 using routinely available drugs

A global platform study has released results on the use of simvastatin to treat severely ill patients with COVID-19, showing a high probability of improving outcomes. In contrast, high-dose vitamin C was found to be ineffective and potentially harmful in critically ill patients, suggesting its use should be discontinued.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2023

Sediment core analysis supports new epoch characterized by human impact on planet

Researchers analyzed North American pollen records to track vegetation changes since the end of the Ice Age, concluding that humans have had as much impact on the landscape. The study's findings indicate comparable vegetation changes within the last few hundred years to those accompanying the last epochal transition.

SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2023

Industry payments to physicians linked to use of some non-recommended and low value drugs among cancer patients

A study found that patients with cancer who receive payments from industry are more likely to receive non-recommended and low-value treatments. This association was strongest for denosumab, GCSF, and nab-paclitaxel, but not branded drugs. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of industry payments on cancer care.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2023

Achieving large and uniform particle sizes

A French team of researchers has developed a method to produce stable polystyrene dispersions with unprecedentedly large and uniform particle sizes. The team used light-driven processes, overcoming the previous 300-nanometer ceiling limit of UV and blue-light-based photopolymerization systems.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2023

New study reveals inequities in access to mechanical circulatory support in US patients with cardiogenic shock

A new study found significant racial and socioeconomic inequities in access to mechanical circulatory support for US patients with cardiogenic shock. Black patients were more likely to experience reduced access to life-saving therapies like mLVAD and ECMO, highlighting systemic disparities.

SourceSociety for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions·JournalJournal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions·DateOct 25, 2023

The birth of a framework for screening indicator pharmaceuticals and personal care products in landfill leachates

A team of researchers from East China University of Science and Technology has developed a systematic framework to identify indicator-PPCPs in raw landfill leachate samples. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of 68 PPCPs in Shanghai, China landfill leachates, helping implement source apportionment in landfills.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2023

PET imaging: Aggressive brain tumors will soon be treated more effectively

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, enabling more precise removal of glioma cells. The study revealed that early post-administration PET scans can identify the most aggressive tumor areas, leading to faster disease progression and improved treatment outcomes.

SourcePolitechnika Bydgoska im Jana i Jedrzeja Sniadeckich·JournalNature Communications·TypeCase study·DateOct 25, 2023

Breakthrough T cell discovery has huge potential for engineering custom immune responses

Researchers at Institute for Systems Biology have made a breakthrough discovery about T cells, finding that the genetically encoded T-cell receptor sequence determines a T cell's function. This fundamental discovery has huge potential for developing custom immune responses to specific antigens.

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalCell Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2023

Vision via sound for the blind

Researchers developed 'acoustic touch' smart glasses that translate visual information into distinct sound icons, enhancing the ability of blind or low-vision individuals to navigate their surroundings. The technology significantly improved object recognition and reaching abilities, empowering independence and quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2023

Metformin cessation and dementia incidence

Terminating metformin treatment was associated with higher risk of developing dementia in a large cohort of adults. The study of 41,000 participants found that early metformin cessation was linked to increased dementia incidence compared to continued use.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 25, 2023

UTSA researchers receive $3.6 million National Science Foundation grant to break down language barriers in engineering education

Researchers Joel Mejia and M. Sidury Christiansen are developing a handbook of recommended pedagogical approaches to address exclusionary language in engineering classes. They aim to improve the sense of belonging among multilingual students pursuing STEM careers by guiding faculty on strategies for changing biased language practices.

Cancer's sweet Achilles heel

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has found that a deficiency in the enzyme B4GALT3 inhibits tumor growth in mice. The study shows that reduced glycosylation on T cell surfaces correlates with increased CD8+ immune cells infiltrating tumors.

SourceKyoto University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2023

On the trail of the silver king: Researchers at UMass Amherst reveal unprecedented look at tarpon migration

Researchers at UMass Amherst have tracked tarpon migration patterns using acoustic telemetry, revealing two distinct subgroups of the species. The study, which gathered data over five years, has significant implications for conservation efforts, as tarpon are listed as vulnerable due to fishing, habitat loss, and degraded water quality.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMarine Biology·DateOct 25, 2023

Intravenous Vitamin C for patients hospitalized with COVID-19

Researchers found no significant improvement in primary composite outcomes, including organ support-free days and hospital survival, among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who received intravenous vitamin C. The study suggests that vitamin C treatment may not be effective in improving patient outcomes for this population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 25, 2023

New study finds hidden trees across Europe: A billion tons of biomass is overlooked today

A new AI-driven mapping study from the University of Copenhagen has discovered a billion tons of hidden biomass in Europe, including trees outside forested areas. The research found that countries like Denmark, Netherlands, and UK have significant tree cover outside forests, which can impact biodiversity and climate models.

UBC engineers develop breakthrough ‘robot skin’ in collaboration with Honda researchers

A new soft sensor developed by UBC and Honda researchers enables touch sensitivity and dexterity in robots, allowing them to pick up fragile objects like an egg or a glass of water. The sensor uses weak electric fields to sense objects, even at a distance, making it suitable for adoption in robots that interact with people.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2023