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Science News Archive 2024


Page 1 of 484

What numbers do you see? A new bistable perceptual phenomenon on symbolic numbers

A team of researchers from the National Institute for Physiological Sciences in Japan found that partial occlusion of digital numerals can induce bistable interpretations of their semantic meanings. Long-time visual exposure to normal numerals biases perception, favoring a specific number interpretation.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of Vision·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2024

Growing influence of the financial sector in serious illness care in the US

A new article in Journal of Palliative Medicine highlights the growing role of for-profit entities in home health and hospice care, which can compromise care quality and patient welfare. The authors emphasize the need for research and regulatory responses to address these trends and ensure better care for seriously ill older adults.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 16, 2024

Scientists discover planet orbiting closest single star to our Sun

Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet orbiting Barnard's star, located six light-years away, which has at least half the mass of Venus and orbits its star in just over three Earth days. The discovery was made using ESO's VLT and confirms the existence of a new exoplanet candidate, while also hinting at the presence of three more.

SourceESO·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateOct 1, 2024

Improving women’s fertility choices: avoiding environmental catastrophe caused by population growth

A new study published in Frontiers in Public Health assesses the risks of global population growth on ecosystems and human societies. The experts argue that empowering women to make choices about their fertility is crucial but not enough, highlighting the need for policies addressing child health, food security, and climate change.

SourceFlinders University·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 6, 2024

New study uncovers key insights into protein interactions in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, paving way for more targeted therapies

Researchers characterize the mysterious C-terminal domain of dystrophin and its role in stabilizing cellular membranes across various tissues. The study reveals that dystrophin's CT domain interacts differently with two major dystrobrevin isoforms, driving differences in binding affinity and interaction modes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 31, 2024

A new ‘molecular lantern’ detects brain metastasis in mice by inserting a probe thinner than a hair into the brain

A new technique detects brain metastasis in mice by inserting a thin probe into the brain, providing information on chemical composition. The technique uses vibrational spectroscopy and has the potential to analyze molecular changes caused by tumors or injuries without altering the brain beforehand.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 31, 2024

New technique to detect brain metastases in mice using an ultra-thin light probe

A new experimental technique has developed a molecular flashlight to monitor molecular changes in the brain caused by cancer and other neurological pathologies. The technique uses vibrational spectroscopy to illuminate nerve tissue, allowing for the analysis of molecular changes caused by tumours or injuries.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 31, 2024

Smartphone app can help reduce opioid use and keep patients in treatment, UT Health San Antonio study shows

A new study by UT Health San Antonio found that a smartphone app can help patients with opioid use disorder reduce their days of opioid use and stay in treatment longer. The app combined contingency management behavioral therapy and recovery support from peers, reducing opioid use by 35% compared to medication only.

People who are immunocompromised may not produce enough protective antibodies against RSV after vaccination

Researchers found that older adults with weakened immunity developed fewer antibodies against RSV following vaccination compared to healthy individuals. The study suggests that adjuvant-enhanced vaccines could improve immune responses in immunocompromised people, warranting further investigation.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateDec 30, 2024

Behavioral intervention decreases how much pain affects daily activities in people with dialysis-dependent kidney failure

A clinical trial funded by the NIH found that pain coping skills training reduced pain interference, improved mood, and enhanced quality of life in adults with end-stage kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis. The intervention was adapted for patients with limited pain treatment options and showed benefits comparable to opioids.

Improved health care value cannot be achieved by hospital mergers and acquisitions alone

A systematic review of 384 studies found that only about one in five health care integrations leads to improved value of care delivery, primarily due to better care management processes. Hospital charges increased with integration, and quality of care showed reduced quality or no change in nearly 77% of the studies.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 30, 2024

Deep black as midnight: striking new moray eel discovered in Central Indo-Pacific river mouths, named after god of the underworld

A new moray eel species has been discovered in Central Indo-Pacific river mouths, characterized by its deep black coloration and ability to thrive in dim environments. The Hades' snake moray was found in southern Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Fiji, and is considered an important addition to the study of freshwater moray eels.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateDec 30, 2024

New technology doubles resolution without radar replacement using novel algorithms!

Researchers at DGIST developed a novel algorithm that analyzes envelope features of radar signals to improve target differentiation. This breakthrough technology enables nearly double the resolution without increasing bandwidth or requiring new hardware, enhancing object recognition precision in automotive and aerospace applications.

Does coffee prevent head and neck cancer?

A new analysis of 14 studies found that coffee and tea drinkers have a lower risk of developing head and neck cancers, including mouth and throat cancers. Decaf coffee was also associated with reduced risks of oral cavity and hypopharyngeal cancer.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCancer·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 30, 2024

Study of Sherpas highlights key role of kidneys in acclimatization to high altitudes

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that Sherpa participants had more rapid and larger magnitude blood acid-base acclimatization than lowlanders during incremental ascent to 4,300 metres. This suggests a key role for the kidneys in acclimatization to high altitude.

SourceMount Royal University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 30, 2024

USTC achieves calculation of the Jones polynomial based on the Majorana zero modes

Researchers at USTC successfully simulated Braiding operations of Majorana fermions to determine Jones polynomials of different links. They expanded a single-photon encoding method to dual-photon spatial methods and introduced a quantum cooling device, achieving multi-step quantum evolution operations with high fidelity.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 30, 2024

Trends of violence in movies during the past half century

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that violence in movies is trending upwards, with a notable increase in speech about committing murder, regardless of character gender. The findings are consistent with previous studies and highlight the growing trend of violence in cinematic content.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateDec 30, 2024