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Science News Archive September 2023 - Page 4


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Study finds users prefer daily oral PrEP pill despite new options

A new study by UConn researchers found that patients overwhelmingly prefer the traditional daily oral PrEP pill over newer forms, citing its efficacy and minimal side effects as key factors. The study highlights the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities to ensure equitable access to these life-saving technologies.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of the International AIDS Society·TypeSurvey·DateSep 28, 2023

Dartmouth study removes human bias from debate over dinosaurs' demise

A new modeling method powered by interconnected processors removed human bias from the debate over dinosaurs' demise. The study suggests that the outpouring of climate-altering gases from the Deccan Traps alone could have been sufficient to trigger global extinction, consistent with volcanic eruptions contributing to the mass extinction.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 28, 2023

Intravenous immunoglobulin may prevent severe infections associated with anti-BCMA therapy for multiple myeloma

A retrospective analysis of 37 heavily pretreated multiple myeloma patients found that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) reduced the risk of severe infections by 90%. Patients with hypogammaglobulinemia experienced a higher rate of severe infections, and IVIg supplementation significantly mitigated this risk.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalBlood Cancer Discovery·DateSep 28, 2023

Intense lasers shine new light on the electron dynamics of liquids

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter demonstrated that intense laser fields can probe electron dynamics in liquids. The team found that the mechanism of high-harmonic generation is unique to liquids, with the maximum photon energy independent of laser wavelength.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

Fish reveal cause of altered human facial development

Researchers tested five chemicals on zebrafish embryos and found that all caused impaired migration of bone-forming cells, leading to facial malformation. The study suggests a potential general mechanism underlying teratogenic chemicals and proposes using zebrafish as an alternative method for testing cross-species teratogens.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalToxicological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

Characterization and expansion of the recognition sequence of phosphorothioate-DNA recognizing sulfur binding domains facilitate new nucleic acid detection platform

Researchers developed a high-resolution technique SBS-seq to characterize the complete sequence-range of sulfur binding domains, enabling a new nucleic acid detection platform. The technique employed tandem PT-modifications to improve binding affinity and extend the sequence-range of SBDs.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateSep 28, 2023

Tetris to the rescue of women having experienced a traumatic birth: A large-scale study confirms its effectiveness for prevention

A large-scale study confirms that playing Tetris for fifteen minutes can prevent psychological trauma in mothers after a difficult birth. The therapeutic activity was found to interfere with memory consolidation of traumatic images, thereby preventing the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms linked to childbirth.

SourceUniversity of Lausanne·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 28, 2023

Liver fibrosis: Giant cells step in to compensate for impaired immune function

A team of researchers has uncovered a previously unknown compensatory mechanism found in liver disease. Giant cell clusters, formed by immune cells from the bone marrow, take over the filtration function of impaired Kupffer cells. This finding changes the way we think about the role of the immune system in liver fibrosis.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

Soil bacteria prevail despite drought conditions

Recent research reveals that certain soil microorganisms persist and even thrive during drought periods, influencing ecosystem balance and plant growth. A novel method using water vapor measurement indicates that specific bacterial species become more active under simulated future climatic conditions.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 28, 2023

How safe is your sushi?

Researchers warn of risks associated with eating sushi and sashimi, especially for individuals with weak immune systems. The study highlights the importance of adopting a broad approach to combat the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria through animal and human health, food production, and environment.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateSep 27, 2023

Want to make better decisions? Ask for less information, not more

New research published in Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications suggests that small amounts of surplus information can negatively impact decision-making. When presented with complex causal models, people's ability to make good choices deteriorates as they receive more information than necessary.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalCognitive Research Principles and Implications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

Saturated fat may interfere with creating memories in aged brain

A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that saturated fats can interfere with the creation of new memories in aged brains. However, omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, may help protect brain cells from fat-related inflammation. The study used cell cultures and brain tissue from aging mice to explore the effects of...

SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

Whole-body PET/CT predicts response to HER2-targeted therapy in metastatic breast cancer patients

A new imaging agent, 68Ga-ABY-025, can predict early metabolic response to HER2-targeted treatment in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients. Whole-body PET/CT enables quantification of HER2 expression and predicts metabolic response, potentially sparing patients from unnecessary side effects.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateSep 27, 2023

How an audience changes a songbird’s brain

Researchers at Columbia University found that when courtship is involved, dopamine-based error signals are suppressed and replaced by reward signals for performing well. This suggests a socially driven shift in the brain's self-evaluation system during courtship, potentially applicable to learning other behaviors.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

Primary care intervention reduces hypoglycemia risk from type 2 diabetes overtreatment in older adults

A new quality improvement study shows a primary care intervention reduced the number of older adult patients at risk for hypoglycemia by almost 50%. The tool facilitated shared decision-making and improved patients' daily lives, leading to de-escalation of diabetes medications causing hypoglycemia in 20% of participants.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 27, 2023

Compound d16 reduces tumor growth and overcomes therapeutic resistance in mutant p53-bearing cancers

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed a new compound called d16 that can reduce tumor growth and overcome therapeutic resistance in mutant p53-bearing cancers. The compound, which targets the DNA2 enzyme, shows promise as a potential combination therapy for difficult-to-treat cancers.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCancer Research Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

Blocking abnormal stem cell signal during aging lessens related bone loss

Researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine found that blocking the Notch signaling pathway in aging skeletal stem cells increases bone mass and restores lost bone-healing ability. The study used single-cell RNA sequencing to reveal that Notch signaling becomes abnormally active with age, shifting cells towards fatty degeneration.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalBone Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

Job loss is linked to increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth

A recent study published in Human Reproduction found a doubling in the chances of pregnancy miscarrying or resulting in a stillbirth following a job loss. The researchers emphasize an association between job loss and increased probability of miscarriage or stillbirth, highlighting potential socioeconomic factors.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2023

Your Zoom background might influence the first impression you make

A new study found that faces against houseplant or bookcase backgrounds are perceived as more trustworthy and competent than those with other backgrounds. The research, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that videoconference users, particularly men, may benefit from using these background images to make a good impression.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateSep 27, 2023

JWST's first spectrum of a TRAPPIST-1 planet

The James Webb Space Telescope detected no significant atmosphere around TRAPPIST-1 b, a planet in the habitable zone of its cool star. The study highlights the impact of stellar activity on observations of exoplanets, which can create 'ghost signals' that affect data interpretation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 27, 2023

How liver cells become scarring, and worse

Liver cells become scarring when damaged by conditions like viral hepatitis or excessive drinking, leading to cirrhosis and liver failure. Reversing this process involves targeting the creation of scar tissue and addressing underlying causes, offering new hope for patients with liver fibrosis.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 27, 2023

Psychological aspects of erectile dysfunction deserve more attention, health scientists say

Research highlights personality traits and mental health problems as key causes of erectile dysfunction (ED), with biological components often overlooked. The study calls for better integration of psychological and biological treatments for ED, including couples therapy and diverse population research.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 27, 2023

State politics, industry drive planetary health education for K-12 students in US

A new study found that US K-12 students' science learning standards vary widely in their coverage of environmental issues, reflecting the states' dominant political ideology and major industries. The quality and depth of information on planetary health issues are greatly impacted by these factors.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2023