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Science News Archive October 2023 - Page 8


Page 8 of 37

Oregon State researchers uncover mechanism for treating dangerous liver condition

A study led by Oregon State University has identified the mechanism behind omega-3 supplements' effectiveness in combating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a liver condition associated with metabolic syndrome. Betacellulin, a protein growth factor, plays a crucial role in the disease's progression and scarring.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2023

A comprehensive picture of health benefits of eggs

A comprehensive study found that eating whole eggs had a positive impact on nutrient density, hematocrit levels, and immune function, while reducing the negative effects of egg whites. The study also explored differences in responses between women taking birth control pills and those not.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2023

Deep learning speeds up galactic calculations

A new approach using deep learning speeds up supernova simulation by 99%, enabling more accurate modeling of galaxy evolution. This breakthrough could also apply to climate and earthquake simulations, providing valuable insights into complex phenomena.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 25, 2023

In Prehispanic Cancun, immigrants were treated just like Maya locals

A study analyzing ancient Cancun Island remains found that immigrants from the Maya lowlands were treated similarly to locals in terms of food and burial practices. The findings suggest whole families moved residence across Mesoamerica and integrated into new societies, challenging previous assumptions about foreign treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2023

Single model predicts trends in employment, microbiomes, forests

Researchers developed a single model that predicts population fluctuations in urban employment, human gut microbiomes, and tropical forests. The model, SLRM, generates a narrow distribution of the most likely trajectories, allowing for prediction and response to variability across multiple domains.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2023

Novel small molecule 5D4 disrupts several molecular pathways, including MYC, that lead to cancer growth

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine identified a small molecule named 5D4 that can suppress breast and ovarian cancer growth. 5D4 works by binding to TopBP1 protein in cancer cells, disrupting interactions with multiple pathways that promote cancer growth. Combining 5D4 with PARP inhibitors enhances anti-cancer activity.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2023

Brain-computer interface restores control of home devices for Johns Hopkins patient with ALS

A brain-computer interface (BCI) has been successfully used to restore control of home devices for a patient with ALS, allowing the individual to navigate a communication board and smart devices without recalibration. The BCI device was implanted on the surface of the brain areas responsible for speech and upper limb function, enabling...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAdvanced Science·DateOct 25, 2023

Screen printed electrodes for measuring endothelial barrier integrity

Scientists have developed a novel organ-on-a-chip device with customizable screen-printed electrodes for measuring endothelial barrier integrity. The device overcomes traditional electrode fabrication challenges, providing a reliable and accurate method for studying the crucial roles of endothelial barriers in healthy and disease states.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalBiomedical Microdevices·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2023

Brain injury expert says important changes still needed to law defining death despite reform pause

A brain injury expert is calling for reforms to the Uniform Determination of Death Act, citing support from 83% of medical and advocacy organizations. The expert argues that the legal definition of death should align with medical standards, including clarifying what brain functions must be lost to declare someone legally dead.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNeurocritical Care·TypeSurvey·DateOct 25, 2023

Breakthrough for ‘neglected’ rheumatic condition

A year-long clinical trial found sustained remission of polymyalgia rheumatica in 28% of patients taking sarilumab, compared to 10% of those on placebo. The treatment showed promise in reducing relapse and improving outcomes for patients tapering their steroid medication.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2023

Bizarre new fossils shed light on ancient plankton

A new study has discovered microfossils resembling modern-day algae that lived in the oceans during the Cambrian Period, around half a billion years ago. The findings suggest that early animals were evolving to feed on plankton, starting a predator-prey relationship that continues to this day.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateOct 25, 2023

Longevity may be associated with olfactory perception of harmful substances

Research found that nematodes can sense danger by smell, triggering a neural circuit that induces a response in other tissues, leading to a longer lifespan and less protein aggregation. The study suggests that manipulating perceptions of chemical substances could be a route to intervention in neurodegenerative diseases.

Mystery of the Martian core solved

Researchers at ETH Zurich analyze Mars' seismic data and computer simulations to determine the planet's interior structure. They discover a layer of liquid silicate (magma) about 150 km thick between the core and mantle, contradicting initial estimates of the Martian core's density.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateOct 25, 2023

Using sound to test devices, control qubits

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a system that uses atomic vacancies in silicon carbide to measure the stability and quality of acoustic resonators, which could improve communications and offer new control for quantum computing. The technique also allows for acoustically-c...

Sigh ventilation in patients with trauma

A randomized clinical trial of 524 trauma patients found that adding sigh breaths to mechanical ventilation did not increase ventilator-free days. However, prespecified secondary data suggest that sighs are well-tolerated and may improve clinical outcomes in this patient population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 25, 2023

Scientists discover molten layer covering Martian core

Researchers used seismic data to locate and identify a thin layer of molten silicates overlying Mars' metallic core. The discovery reveals a denser and smaller Martian core, aligning with other geophysical data and analysis of Martian meteorites. This finding provides new insights into how Mars formed, evolved, and became a barren planet.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2023

Study examines racial differences in care among older Americans

Older Black Americans are more likely to receive low value acute diagnostic tests than older White Americans, while older White Americans were more likely to receive low value screening tests and treatments. These differences persisted within health systems and were driven by differential treatment within the system.

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

Political rhetoric changes views on democratic principles, study finds

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that exposure to norm-violating rhetoric from politicians like Donald Trump can reduce support for certain core democratic principles. The researchers found that Trump supporters who were shown his antidemocratic tweets indicated less support for partici...

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

Sexual harassment and stereotyping: How coastal sciences are failing women in the field

New research reveals widespread harassment and stereotyping of women in coastal sciences, affecting their ability to participate in fieldwork and advance their careers. Women often experience objectification, discrimination, and micro-aggressions, which can be traumatic and disadvantage them professionally.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalCambridge Prisms Coastal Futures·TypeSurvey·DateOct 25, 2023

Chloroplasts do more than photosynthesis: They’re also a key player in plant immunity

A new study reveals that chloroplasts are essential for plant immunity, with stromules forming around the nucleus to transport pro-defense signals. Researchers have identified a key protein involved in stromule biogenesis during immunity, opening up new avenues for understanding and engineering resistance to pathogens.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2023

People with severe mental illness at 50 per cent higher risk of death following COVID-19 infection

A recent study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that individuals with severe mental illness were 50% more likely to die from all causes following a COVID-19 infection. The research also highlighted regional disparities and differences in mortality risk based on ethnicity and geographical location.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2023

Anti-anxiety drug may improve brain cancer survival chances

A new study published in Science Advances suggests that a decades-old anti-anxiety drug can improve the effectiveness of chemo-radiotherapy towards glioblastoma, the most common and lethal brain cancer. The researchers found that the drug trifluoperazine can re-sensitize tumor cells to both therapies, leading to improved patient survival.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2023

Study suggests that having common ancestors can jeopardize fertility for generations

Researchers found that increased homozygosity, indicating a shared ancestor, leads to negative effects on fertility in the Himba population. The study, which analyzed genetic data from 681 individuals, showed that higher levels of inbreeding resulted in lower reproductive success among post-reproductive women.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 25, 2023

New distractibility “d factor” may be linked with ADHD

Researchers identified a novel measure, the 'd factor', linking distractibility with ADHD symptoms and hyperfocus. The study found strong statistical links between external distraction, intrusive thoughts, and mind-wandering, suggesting a general distractibility trait.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateOct 25, 2023