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Science News Archive September 2023 - Page 6


Page 6 of 37

Reassessing COVID-19 precautions in 2023

The article discusses the need to reassess COVID-19 precautions in 2023, particularly for patients with hematologic malignancies. The researchers highlight the increased risk of poor response to vaccination and worse outcomes from COVID-19 infection among these patients.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 27, 2023

New proof for black hole spin

A team of international researchers has provided direct evidence that the supermassive black hole at the heart of galaxy M87 is spinning. The findings are based on 20 years of observational data, which show that gravitational interactions between the accretion disk and the black hole's spin cause the jet to wobble or precess.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2023

Findings of international study could prove to be huge step forward in the treatment of heart failure

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that semaglutide significantly improves symptoms and physical limitations associated with heart failure. Patients who received the medication lost an average of 11% of their body weight and showed improved walking distances, compared to those on a placebo.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 27, 2023

U of M Medical School professor receives $3.5 million to develop Tanzanian reproductive health curriculum for those with disabilities

A U of M Medical School professor has received a $3.5 million grant to develop a reproductive health curriculum for Tanzania that addresses the needs of people with disabilities. The project aims to improve healthcare services and build in-country capacity for comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare.

From passerine birds to cranes - Neolithic bird hunting in Upper Mesopotamia

In Southeast Anatolia, 11,000 years ago, early Neolithic settlers hunted a large spectrum of bird species, including small passerine birds and cranes, for meat and possibly ritual purposes. The extent of their bird-hunting activities varied between settlements, with some prioritizing certain species over others.

SourceStaatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·DateSep 27, 2023

When needs compete, love trumps thirst

A Cornell University-led study found that the brain's dopamine reward system dynamically retunes in response to changing priorities, prioritizing love over thirst. By using advanced techniques developed by researchers, they were able to track the brain's dopamine reward system and find for the first time that it flexibly tunes toward t...

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateSep 27, 2023

Research Spotlight: Association of food insecurity on body mass index change in a pediatric weight management intervention

A recent study published in Pediatric Obesity found that children from households with food insecurity experienced a significant increase in BMI, suggesting that food insecurity may hinder the effectiveness of pediatric obesity treatment. The researchers suggest that providers identify and address food insecurity in their patient popul...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateSep 27, 2023

Women seeking credibility in health care feel ‘on trial,’ struggle with constraints of double binds

A recent study by University of Illinois researchers highlights the struggles women face in establishing credibility for their medical problems and receiving proper treatment. These women engage in 'credibility work,' where they meticulously gather evidence, marshal witnesses, and carefully manage their appearance to convey validity. H...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCommunication Research·TypeSurvey·DateSep 27, 2023

Down goes antimatter! Gravity's effect on matter's elusive twin is revealed

Researchers confirmed that antimatter falls under the influence of gravity, ruling out gravitational repulsion as a cause for its absence in the universe. The study used an antihydrogen experiment to observe individual atoms taking a downward path, providing a definitive answer to long-standing questions about antimatter's behavior.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

Organic lasers have a bright future

Scientists at the University of St Andrews have developed an electrically driven organic semiconductor laser, overcoming a decades-long challenge. This breakthrough has significant implications for various industries, including communication, medicine, and manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of St. Andrews·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateSep 27, 2023

Why an unusual global export industry keeps growing in a developing country

The Citrus Growers` Association of Southern Africa (CGA) has played a crucial role in the industry's success, driving growth through a resilient coalition of growers and independent resources mandated by the government. The CGA invests in research and development to stay ahead of changing market demands and fosters competitive rivalry ...

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalEuropean Journal of Development Research·TypeCase study·DateSep 27, 2023

BU researchers describe advances in sample preparation, mass spectrometry analysis to improve identification of glycopeptides

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have improved methods for identifying glycopeptides, which are proteins with attached carbohydrates. Conventional mass spectrometry methods are sufficient for peptides with one glycan, but an additional step is necessary for those with two or more glycans.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

China University of Geosciences (Beijing) researchers provide new insights into the formation of the Tibetan plateau

Researchers used paleoaltimetry technique to reveal early mountain range uplift in Southern Tibetan Plateau. The study found that the region had achieved an elevation of approximately 3.5 kilometers by 63 to 61 million years ago, challenging established notions of Tibetan Plateau formation.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

Strength is in this glass's DNA

Researchers fabricate a pure form of glass and coat specialized pieces of DNA with it to create a material stronger than steel but incredibly lightweight. This novel technology has inspired innovative applications in drug delivery, electronics, and more.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

Sperm swimming is caused by the same patterns that are believed to dictate zebra stripes

A new study reveals that sperm tail movement follows the same mathematical template as zebra stripes and other natural patterns. This discovery, published in Nature Communications, suggests that flagellar undulations can arise spontaneously without external influence, using a reaction-diffusion system first proposed by Alan Turing.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

Separating molecules requires lots of energy. This new, heat-resistant membrane could change that

A University at Buffalo-led research team has created a new, sturdier membrane that can withstand harsh environments associated with industrial separation processes. The membrane, made from an inorganic material called carbon-doped metal oxide, is a potential alternative to energy-intensive processes like distillation and crystallization.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2023

Blast away defects with lasers

A new laser-based process chain has been developed to fabricate fused silica optics with high laser-induced damage thresholds, overcoming conventional manufacturing limitations. The process uses CO2 lasers for uniform layer-by-layer surface removal, precisely eliminating subsurface mechanical damage and surface/subsurface contamination.

First experimental study to propose a therapy to correct memory deficit caused by disorders in the fetal alcohol spectrum

A study proposes a therapy to reverse memory deficits in mice exposed to alcohol during pregnancy and lactation, identifying the neurobiological mechanism responsible. The treatment involves pioglitazone, which stimulates PPAR receptors, alleviating cognitive memory deficits in individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

Researchers create formula for first synthetic sugarcane molasses with fully reproducible composition

Researchers have developed a standardized synthetic molasses with a fully known composition that can be used as a culture medium for yeast fermentation. This breakthrough enables scientists to study the influence of specific components and develop bioprocesses worldwide, facilitating comparative research and industrial applications.

Novel bacterial proteins from seafloor shine light on climate and astrobiology

Scientists have identified a previously unknown class of bacterial proteins that suppress the growth of methane clathrates as effectively as commercial chemicals, but are non-toxic and scalable. This discovery has significant implications for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the safety of transporting natural gas.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023