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Science News Archive September 2023 - Page 14


Page 14 of 37

Lungs play a critical role in fetal blood development, new study from Boston Medical Center and Boston University’s Center for regenerative medicine finds

A recent study by Boston Medical Center and Boston University's Center for Regenerative Medicine discovered that hemogenic endothelial cells in the fetal lung contribute to blood cell formation. This breakthrough expands our understanding of blood development and its relationship with overall health.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalBlood Advances·DateSep 20, 2023

Bridging the gap: new terrain smoothing method refines downslope windstorm modeling in the grey zone

Researchers developed an advanced terrain-smoothing technique to simulate complex weather phenomena, capturing detailed flow features and turbulence. The targeted smoothing method improves the accuracy of downslope windstorm predictions in urban areas, holding promise for more accurate weather forecasts.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateSep 20, 2023

Better distinguish chronic inflammation and cancer of the pancreas

Scientists have identified a DNA methylation pattern that can accurately diagnose pancreatic cancer, distinguishing it from chronic pancreatitis. The marker, which involves six specific methylation positions in the PRKCB gene, has been validated on tissue and blood samples, offering hope for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy eases how fibromyalgia pain is experienced by the brain

A randomized controlled trial found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) significantly reduces fibromyalgia pain by decreasing pain-catastrophizing, a negative response that amplifies pain. CBT participants showed reduced connectivity between brain regions associated with self-awareness and emotional processing.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 20, 2023

Team led by Professor Choi Hong-Soo at DGIST elucidates the rotational magnetic field mechanism for maximizing the therapeutic effects on cancer cells using magnetic nanotherapeutics

A team at DGIST discovered a method to enhance magnetic nanoparticle penetration into cancer cells, improving therapeutic effects. Rotational magnetic fields aid in chain disassembly and propulsion of magnetic nanoparticles, increasing cellular absorption and treatment efficacy.

New evidence confirms patients with severe psoriasis are at a higher risk for heart disease

A large study published in Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that patients with severe psoriasis have a high prevalence of coronary microvascular dysfunction, which is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Psoriasis severity and duration, as well as the presence of psoriatic arthritis, are independently linked to redu...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 20, 2023

Unzipping mRNA rallies plant cells to fight infection

A new molecular mechanism has been identified that helps plants adjust protein levels to fight infection. By unzipping specific RNA structures, plant cells can produce defense proteins. This discovery also has implications for human cells, suggesting a similar mechanism may control protein production in response to pathogens.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2023

Consumption of ultraprocessed food and risk of depression

A recent study suggests that higher intake of ultraprocessed foods, particularly those with artificial sweeteners, may be associated with an increased risk of depression. The exact mechanism is unknown, but researchers believe that artificial sweeteners could play a role in the development of depression.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 20, 2023

Discovery could lead to ‘kinder’ treatment for devastating childhood cancer

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to more effective treatments for neuroblastoma, a devastating form of childhood cancer. The new approach uses a combination of two drugs to encourage cancer cells to become normal non-dividing cells, potentially reducing side effects.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2023

Study reveals structure of crucial receptor in brain development, function

Scientists at OHSU elucidated the structure of Type A GABA receptors targeted by antidepressants and other pharmaceutical drugs, shedding light on their role in brain function and development. The study reveals dominant assemblies and states of the receptor, paving the way for the development of new compounds with improved efficacy.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 20, 2023

Genetically modifying individual cells in animals

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a method to simultaneously modify multiple genes in individual cells of an animal, allowing for the study of complex diseases. By precisely analyzing these cells, scientists can identify key genes responsible for disease progression, paving the way for potential drug development.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateSep 20, 2023

New self-cleaning membranes developed by NYU Abu Dhabi researchers dramatically improve the efficiency of desalination technologies

New hybrid membrane technology uses thermosalient organic crystals to effectively remove contaminants from surfaces, increasing water flow by over 43% and extending operational lifetime. This innovation has the potential to make desalination technologies more efficient and environmentally sustainable.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 20, 2023

Lehigh University researchers make sand that flows uphill

Lehigh University researchers have discovered that applying magnetic forces to individual 'microroller' particles can spur collective motion, allowing the grains to flow uphill, up walls, and climb stairs. This counterintuitive phenomenon has potential applications in mixing, segregating materials, and microrobotics.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 20, 2023

Discovery of the hidden connection between adverse drug reactions and autism spectrum disorder

A joint study by multiple research teams identified a link between valproate exposure during pregnancy and increased expression of the Rnf146 gene in autism mice, disrupting neurotransmitter balance. The findings contribute to understanding autism's mechanism and may aid early detection and treatment.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalExperimental & Molecular Medicine·DateSep 20, 2023

NIH study finds association between elevated phthalate levels and increased risk of postpartum depression

A new NIH study found an association between higher prenatal phthalate levels and a slightly increased risk of postpartum depression. Exposure to chemicals like phenols, phthalates, and parabens during pregnancy may influence hormone levels and contribute to the development of postpartum depression symptoms.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateSep 20, 2023

New recycling method fights plastic waste

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a technology that converts unrecyclable plastic waste into useful chemicals, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This new approach presents a promising strategy for establishing closed-loop circularity of plastics and fighting global plastic waste.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateSep 20, 2023

Decoding depression: Researchers identify crucial biomarker that tracks recovery from treatment-resistant depression

A team of researchers has identified a unique pattern in brain activity that reflects the recovery process in patients with treatment-resistant depression. After six months of deep-brain stimulation therapy, 90% of patients exhibited significant improvement in their symptoms and 70% no longer met the criteria for depression.

Let it flow: recreating water flow for virtual reality

A Tohoku University research team developed a technique to recreate water flow in real-time using only a small amount of data from real water. This technology enables the creation of immersive VR games with lifelike water motion, potentially enhancing online communication and remote interactions.

SourceTohoku University·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateSep 20, 2023

Socially vulnerable populations are disproportionately exposed to wildfires in the West, study finds

A new study reveals that people with high social vulnerability are more exposed to wildfires in Oregon and Washington, with the number of exposed individuals tripling between 2011 and 2021. The study highlights the need for tailored wildfire preparation and response strategies for individual communities with different risk factors.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 20, 2023

Computational model helps with diabetes drug design

Researchers developed a computational model to analyze glucose-responsive insulin (GRI) performance in human patients. The model predicted that differences in sugar receptor behavior between humans and lab animals led to the drug's poor effect in clinical trials. This breakthrough helps researchers design better GRIs, potentially reduc...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Pharmacology & Translational Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 20, 2023