Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive September 2023 - Page 30


Page 30 of 37

Valleytronics is warming up at Brookhaven Lab

Scientists have discovered a method for maintaining valley polarization at room temperature using transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and chiral lead halide perovskites. This breakthrough could lead to the development of devices that store and process information in novel ways without the need for ultra-low temperatures.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2023

Study hints at the existence of the closest black holes to Earth in the Hyades star cluster

A team of astrophysicists used simulations to track the motion and evolution of stars in the Hyades cluster, finding that two or three black holes could be present at its center. The study suggests these black holes are still inside the cluster or very close to it, making them the closest ever detected.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2023

Dosage tweaks may hint at undiscovered interactions between medications

Analysis of over 1 million Danish inpatients reveals nearly 4,000 drug pairs linked to increased dosage adjustments and potential harmful interactions. The study suggests previously undiscovered interactions among these pairs, highlighting the importance of considering dosage when evaluating polypharmacy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeObservational study·DateSep 7, 2023

HKUMed endeavored to optimize TKA patients’ postoperative pain relief and functional recovery through a clinical trial

A clinical trial by HKUMed evaluates the effectiveness of a combination of intravenous corticosteroids (IVS) and periarticular corticosteroids (PAS) in TKA patients. The study finds that IVSPAS leads to improved pain relief, functional recovery, and discharge rates compared to individual treatments.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

Mount Sinai scientists unlock secrets of red blood cell transporter, potentially paving the way for new drugs

Researchers at Mount Sinai identified the structure of a red blood cell transporter and how it interacts with drugs. They discovered novel compounds capable of blocking the transporter, potentially leading to new treatments for conditions like hemolytic anemias.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 7, 2023

A positive worldview is less associated with privilege than expected

Researchers found no significant association between socioeconomic status, neighborhood safety, health, and gender with positive world views. Surveys showed that certain indicators of privilege—socioeconomic status, neighborhood safety, health, and gender—are much less associated with positive world views than predicted by researchers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Personality·TypeSurvey·DateSep 7, 2023

The timing of fireworks-caused wildfire ignitions during the 4th of July holiday season

Researchers analyzed wildfire data to find that fireworks-caused ignitions are concentrated on tribal lands and in the western U.S., with more ignitions in the week leading up to the 4th of July. The day after the holiday often sees a spike in ignitions, while weekends tend to have fewer wildfires.

SourceAuburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 7, 2023

Conservation: Shark ecotourists may have a negative effect on shark behavior

A study published in Scientific Reports found that whale sharks exhibit disturbed behavior patterns when swimmers mimic ecotourist behavior, potentially affecting food availability and reproduction. The findings suggest that shark ecotourism operators should assess shark behavioral states before allowing tourists into the water.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

New at-home test for gingivitis protects oral health

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have developed a new at-home test that uses saliva to detect early signs of gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease. The device can identify periodontal disease caused by bacteria in saliva, providing an opportunity for consumers to protect their oral health.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalSensors & Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

Sahmyook University researchers identify genes associated with addiction to psychostimulant drugs

Sahmyook University researchers discovered a correlation between methamphetamine-induced behavior and the expression of specific genes in mice models lacking Period 2 gene. They identified 19 genes that were activated only in response to repeated doses of methamphetamine.

SourceSahmyook University·JournalProgress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

Fiber from crustaceans, insects, mushrooms promotes digestion

A new study found that digesting fiber from crustaceans, insects, and mushrooms in mice engages the immune system, leading to less weight gain, reduced body fat, and a resistance to obesity. The researchers discovered that an active immune response was triggered by chitin digestion, which is insoluble and requires enzymes to break down.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

Early findings suggest clinical and lab-based approach critical to tracking head and neck cancer recurrence

Researchers found that patients with HPV-positive cancers develop recurrent disease significantly later than those that were HPV-negative, and also are more likely to spread to the lungs. A new, highly sensitive blood test has been developed to detect cancer earlier, using a framework for combining routine blood testing and imaging.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalOral Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

3D genome analysis reveals secrets to antibody diversity

Researchers at the Babraham Institute have discovered that the 3D organisation of DNA in B cells allows for genes far away from each other to come together during antibody generation. This finding has implications for understanding why antibody diversity declines with age and suggests potential interventions.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

Blood-brain barrier governs ant behavior by altering hormone levels

Researchers discovered that the blood-brain barrier in carpenter ants produces a hormone-degrading enzyme, Juvenile hormone esterase (Jhe), which controls JH3 hormone levels in the brain, affecting behavior. Manipulating Jhe levels can reprogram ant castes and even change food-seeking behavior in fruit flies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

Disney princesses can be good for a child’s self-image, UC Davis researchers suggest

A study by UC Davis researchers suggests that children who have a favorite Disney princess with an average body size tend to have higher body esteem and are more open to exploring different types of play. Having a favorite princess with an average body size creates a protective effect, strengthening how confident children feel about th...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPsychology of Popular Media·TypeObservational study·DateSep 7, 2023

Keeping herpes in check

Researchers have developed a new approach to treating herpes by inhibiting an enzyme that releases newly formed virus particles from infected cells. The inhibitors, made of oligosaccharides, significantly reduce the spread of the virus and may also impede cancer metastasis.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

New test shows promise for detecting hard-to-find cervical cancers

Scientists at Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center have developed a novel HPV test that detects cervical adenocarcinoma and its precursor lesions with high sensitivity. The test assesses methylation levels in cervical tissue samples, offering a more accurate detection method for this common type of cancer.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeObservational study·DateSep 7, 2023

Genetic study of blood glucose levels calls for stratified treatment with GLP-1R agonists in type 2 diabetes, reveals the role of the intestine, and impact on lung function

A new genetic study revealed the link between type 2 diabetes, lung disorders, and the gastrointestinal tract. The research suggests that individual responses to GLP-1R agonist drugs depend on DNA variants in the target gene, and high blood sugar levels can directly cause lung complications.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 7, 2023

Post Office Scandal victims suffering from significant PTSD and depression, study shows

Researchers found that wrongly accused Post Office Scandal victims experience high levels of clinically significant post-traumatic stress and depressive symptoms, regardless of conviction outcome. The study highlights the need for mental health support and reliable investigation practices within the criminal justice system.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalLegal and Criminological Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 7, 2023

Study links epigenetic changes to historic trauma in Alaska Native communities

Researchers found specific epigenetic differences among Alaska Native participants who experienced intense symptoms of distress when reflecting on historic losses. Individuals with strong cultural identity reported better well-being. The study is the result of a close collaboration between scientists and members of two Alaska Native co...

They fall more easily for conspiracy theories

A study by Linköping University researchers found that people who believe truth is subjective are more likely to fall for conspiracy theories. These individuals tend to hold on to their beliefs even when faced with contradictory facts, and may find profound messages in nonsense sentences.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·TypeSurvey·DateSep 7, 2023

On the track of elusive neutrinos

Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have successfully measured the energy of electrons produced in tritium beta decay, allowing them to set a first upper limit on neutrino mass using 'CRES' technology. The method involves detecting microwave radiation emitted by electrons as they travel in a magnetic field.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023

University of Miami upgrades Atmospheric Chemistry Observatory in Barbados

The University of Miami Rosenstiel School has upgraded its Barbados Atmospheric Chemistry Observatory to collect more accurate data on Saharan dust particles affecting the Caribbean region. The observatory now includes state-of-the-art instruments to study dust's impact on clouds, climate and air quality.