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Science News Archive September 2023 - Page 23


Page 23 of 37

Addressing social determinants of health in post-overdose outreach associated with greater reduction in fatal opioid overdoses

New research from Boston Medical Center's Grayken Center for Addiction found that municipalities offering wide-ranging social services to overdose survivors saw a 21% decrease in fatal overdoses. The study suggests connections to housing, food, employment, and transportation may be key to successful post-overdose outreach programs.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateSep 14, 2023

Study provides genomic insights into the past and future of the black rhinoceros

A new study provides a comprehensive genetic dataset of the black rhinoceros, shedding light on its evolutionary history and population structure. The research reveals six major historical populations and four subpopulations, highlighting the impact of tectonic rifts and human activity on the species' genetic diversity.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateSep 14, 2023

As Earth heats up, rain pours down

A new study finds that global warming will lead to an increase in compound climate extremes such as heavy rainfall and heatwaves, which will have devastating impacts on communities. The regions most affected are already prone to geologic hazards and produce many of the world's crops.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalEarth s Future·DateSep 14, 2023

A team from the University of Barcelona identifies 25 new viruses in Barcelona's wastewaters

A University of Barcelona team has identified 25 new viruses in Barcelona's wastewaters, including the crAssBcn phage, which is specific to human intestinal tract bacteria. The discovery expands the global map of Crassvirales viruses and suggests they may play a regulatory role in human intestinal microbiota.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2023

Overdose deaths from fentanyl laced stimulants have risen 50-fold since 2010

US overdose deaths involving fentanyl and stimulants increased 50-fold from 2010 to 2021, with stimulants becoming most common drug class found in fentanyl-involved overdoses. The trend disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minority communities, particularly Black and African American people.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAddiction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 14, 2023

Researchers develop high-performance zero thermal expansion composite for precision devices

Scientists have developed a high-performance zero thermal expansion composite using Cu2P2O7 and 2024Al, exhibiting excellent properties such as low density, high thermal conductivity, and good machinability. The composite's dimension stability makes it suitable for precision devices in high-tech fields.

Solving stickiness sustainably

A team of chemists at Purdue University has created a sustainable adhesive system that uses epoxidized soy oil, malic acid, and tannic acid. The new adhesive is inexpensive, effective, scalable, practical to produce and completely sustainable.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2023

Study finds that state-mandated civics test policy does not improve youth voter turnout

A new study by Jilli Jung and Maithreyi Gopalan found that state-mandated civics tests do not improve youth voter turnout in the short term. The researchers suggest a more holistic approach to civic education, incorporating practical activities such as visiting legislators or learning how to register.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateSep 13, 2023

“Dormant” HIV produces RNA and proteins during anti-retroviral therapy

Researchers found that a subset of HIV-infected cells produce viral RNA and proteins during anti-retroviral therapy, which may impact patients' immune responses. The study suggests that these non-functional viral pieces can stimulate an immune response, potentially leading to inflammation and negative consequences for treated individuals.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 2023

From hagfish to membrane: Modeling age-related macular degeneration

A team of researchers at Utah State University has successfully created an in vitro model of Bruch's membrane, a layer in the retina that deteriorates with age. The model uses hagfish slime proteins to replicate the natural aging process and disease progression, providing a valuable tool for studying age-related macular degeneration.

SourceUtah State University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023

UTHealth Houston study: Unruptured brain aneurysms may be missed in routine clinical care, but AI-powered algorithm can help

A new study from UTHealth Houston finds that AI-powered algorithm can improve detection rates of unruptured cerebral aneurysms. The study used a machine learning algorithm to analyze CT angiograms and identified 36 true aneurysms, with 24 previously not referred for follow-up.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalStroke Vascular and Interventional Neurology·DateSep 13, 2023

The butternut’s big reveal

A team of University of Connecticut undergraduates has published the first full map of the butternut's DNA, a process that could help conserve endangered species. The project is part of an ambitious effort to sequence the DNA of overlooked organisms, including deep-sea corals and critically endangered birds.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalG3 Genes Genomes Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2023

Europeans may be more willing to help Ukrainian refugees than those from Syria or Somalia in part because they consider Ukrainians less threatening

A study found Europeans are more willing to assist Ukrainian asylum seekers than Syrians or Somalis, largely because of the perceived lower threat level associated with Ukrainians. The research suggests that emotional factors and prejudice play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards helping refugees.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 13, 2023

Pitt surveillance system detected infection linked to eye drops months before outbreak declared

A Pittsburgh-based surveillance system detected a drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection linked to artificial tears months before the national public health alert. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of whole genome sequencing-based surveillance in detecting outbreaks and preventing nationwide cases.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateSep 13, 2023

Surveying public support for plans to combat nutrient depletion in a large inland sea

A recent study published in Ocean and Coastal Management found that the public perception of plans to combat oligotrophication in the Seto Inland Sea is more positive than expected. The survey revealed that respondents were unfamiliar with nutrient supply measures from factories and sewage treatment plants, but presented information si...

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalOcean & Coastal Management·TypeSurvey·DateSep 13, 2023

Unique new University of Limerick, Ireland-led research finds bacteria resistant to antibiotics in hospital wastewater system

A unique study by University of Limerick researchers found bacteria resistant to antibiotics in hospital wastewater systems, correlating with outbreaks of infection. The study analyzed wastewater from sinks, showers, and toilets across wards and linked it to patient infections.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalJournal of Hospital Infection·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 13, 2023