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Science News Archive September 2023 - Page 8


Page 8 of 37

Decreasing biodiversity may promote spread of viruses

A study by Charité and Leibniz-IZW found that reducing biodiversity in rainforests leads to an increase in virus prevalence among mosquito species. This is because resilient species thrive in disturbed habitats, carrying viruses with them. The research reveals the importance of biodiversity in understanding infectious disease dynamics.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournaleLife·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2023

Invertebrate decline reduces natural pest control and decomposition of organic matter

A recent study published in Current Biology found that invertebrate decline affects aboveground pest control and belowground decomposition of organic matter. The loss of invertebrates leads to a reduction in important ecosystem services and decoupling of ecosystem processes, making immediate protection measures necessary.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2023

Exploring the effect of water on seismic wave attenuation in the upper mantle

A team of researchers from Japan found that water enhances energy dispersion and reduces elastic moduli in rocks, leading to increased seismic wave attenuation. The study suggests the oceanic asthenosphere must contain water, explaining sharp velocity drops and near-constant attenuation observed at the LAB.

SourceOkayama University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2023

Increasing steps by 3,000 per day can lower blood pressure in older adults

A recent study found that adding 3000 steps per day can significantly reduce high blood pressure in older adults. The study involved sedentary adults aged 68-78 who walked an average of 4000 steps before the intervention, resulting in a 7-point decrease in systolic and 4-point decrease in diastolic blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2023

Redefining global health security: A novel framework sheds light on equity and decolonial approaches

A novel framework introduces contrasting conceptualizations of health security, prioritizing universal health security over neo-colonial health security. The authors argue that the growing influence of security sector actors in global health threatens human rights and undermines efforts to combat inequality.

SourceUnited Nations University·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 26, 2023

Intercomparison of multi-model ensemble-processing strategies within a consistent framework for climate projection in China

Chinese scientists used a consistent framework to evaluate five multi-model ensemble-processing strategies, finding that more elaborate methods outperform simple ones and provide reasonably consistent projections. The Climate model Weighting by Independence and Performance (ClimWIP) method was identified as optimal for simulating curre...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateSep 26, 2023

USTC explores exotic spin interactions at microscale using solid-state spin quantum sensors

The University of Science and Technology of China has made a significant breakthrough in exploring exotic spin interactions using solid-state spin quantum sensors. Their research findings provide valuable insights into these interactions, allowing for precise measurements of various spin phenomena.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2023

Study sheds new light on strange lava worlds

A new study reveals that magma oceans on rocky exoplanets can affect their size, evolutionary path, and mantle structure. The research found that these ocean's compressible nature can make lava-rich planets denser than solid planets of similar size.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2023

U of M Medical School research team studies homicides of health professionals

The study found that homicide rates among health professionals are lower than the general population, with most related to domestic violence or societal trends like gun violence. The research highlights the need for prevention strategies beyond healthcare settings to address societal roots of violence.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2023

Determining the meaning of a ‘model’

A study by Dr Constantino Carlos Reyes Aldasoro explores the different definitions of a 'model' in cancer research, grouping them into four categories. The researcher analyzes scientific publications to identify trends in model usage, finding that mathematical models have gained popularity and computational models are on the rise.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalCancers·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 26, 2023

Gaza electricity crisis creates major mental health problems - study

A study published by the University of Birmingham found that people living in Gaza with intermittent electricity supplies experienced higher levels of anxiety and depression, while those with reliable access had improved wellbeing. The researchers emphasized the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions to address this crisis.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalInternational Journal of Social Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateSep 26, 2023

Better together against cancer

Researchers combined three highly potent cancer drugs in a single prodrug that is activated in tumor cells, resulting in improved efficacy and reduced side effects. The new approach has shown promise as a potential solution to reduce the burden on patients' bodies during cancer treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2023

Tailored text messages not enough to improve mobility after heart issues

A Michigan Medicine-led report found that adding a mobile health application to wearable devices did not significantly improve physical activity levels in patients enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation. However, some short-term outcomes showed an increase in walking distance over six minutes for Fitbit users.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 26, 2023

Diffractive networks enable quantitative phase imaging (QPI) through random diffusers

A new methodology for QPI of objects covered by random unknown phase diffusers uses diffractive optical networks and deep learning. The system axially spans ~70λ and performs all-optical phase recovery and quantitative imaging with high image quality and low power consumption.

Transparent wood-based coating doesn’t fog up

A team of scientists at Aalto University has created a bio-based transparent film from lignin nanoparticles, offering an alternative to toxic synthetic materials. The coating can be used on glasses, windshields, and other surfaces, and also displays coloured films with structural colours.

SourceAalto University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateSep 26, 2023

Design of high-performance high temperature proton Exchange Membrane -Poly (triphenyl piperidinium) with long side chain alkyl quaternization

The team developed poly(triphenyl piperidinium) based high-temperature proton exchange membranes with improved physicochemical properties, demonstrating enhanced proton conductivity and mechanical stability. The membranes showed promising performance in fuel cell applications, with the highest peak power density achieved at 210 °C.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

New vaccine technology could protect from future viruses and variants

A new vaccine candidate has shown protection against a range of coronaviruses, including current and future variants, by targeting the critical regions of the virus that it needs to complete its life cycle. The vaccine technology, developed at the University of Cambridge, aims to provide broad-based protection against emerging viruses.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Towards computational design of molecules with desired properties

A new computational approach enables the design of molecules with targeted quantum-mechanical properties, finding that most properties are only weakly correlated among small molecules. The 'freedom of design' concept reveals an intrinsic flexibility in chemical compound space, allowing for simultaneous optimization of multiple properties.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalChemical Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Insilico Medicine and University of Cambridge present new approach to discover targets for Alzheimer’s and other diseases with protein phase separation

Researchers identified potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease and other conditions using a new approach combining AI-driven target identification with protein phase separation analysis. The study provides insights into the role of protein phase separation in human disease and its potential as a therapeutic target.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 25, 2023

Brain signals for good memory performance revealed

A study of 1,500 participants found that certain brain regions, including the hippocampus, exhibit stronger activation in individuals with better memory performance. The researchers identified functional networks in the brain linked to memory performance, shedding light on individual differences in memory recall.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2023

Staffing challenges and general time constraints may harm primary care teams’ ability to implement quality improvement efforts

A qualitative study found that staff turnover, staffing shortages, and time constraints are major barriers to participation in quality improvement projects. The authors recommend policy makers provide direct support for primary care to alleviate burnout and address these challenges.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Transgender persons face challenges when seeking clinical care, including decisions about what information to disclose and risk of substandard care

A qualitative study found that transgender individuals often perceive clinician questions as stigmatizing or voyeuristic, leading to pathologization and substandard care. To improve care, medical systems must adopt inclusive policies, procedures, and data collection tools, prioritizing the safety and well-being of transgender patients.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Pioneering research links the increase of misinformation shared by Republican US politicians to a changing public perception of honesty

A study analyzed millions of tweets by Republican and Democratic US politicians over a decade, finding that Republicans were more likely to share untrustworthy information. The researchers identified linguistic signals associated with low-quality information and suggested potential solutions for the public to recognize these signals

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2023

Repetitive requests for patient intake forms could lead to inaccurately reported health conditions

A retrospective analysis of EHR data found that repetitive screening questions may compromise accuracy, especially in high-risk populations. The study suggests that prioritizing repetition for performance metrics can lead to administrative burden and low-value care, diverting clinical capacity from other essential services.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Primary care investigators, clinicians, patients and community members reflect on NAPCRG’s 50 years of leadership and service

The North American Primary Care Research Group (NAPCRG) has made foundational contributions to primary care research, including practice-based networks and community-based participatory research. The organization's future depends on strengthening primary care and primary care research with stronger support, infrastructure, training, an...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023