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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 186


Page 186 of 484

Probiotics during pregnancy shown to help moms and babies

A new study by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that probiotics can improve the immune system and behavior of both mothers and their offspring during pregnancy. Probiotics may also help counteract negative effects of prenatal stress, such as changes in brain inflammation and amino acid metabolism.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2024

Sleep resets neurons for new memories the next day

A Cornell University study finds that sleep resets vital brain function by silencing certain parts of the hippocampus, allowing neurons to reset and enable new learning. This mechanism could lead to breakthroughs in boosting memory and erasing negative memories in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and PTSD.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateAug 15, 2024

ECU medical researchers confirm genetic link between Alzheimer’s and heart disease

Researchers at Edith Cowan University have uncovered a significant genetic connection between Alzheimer's disease and several coronary artery disease-related disorders, offering opportunities to improve health outcomes. The study found that some of the same genes played a role in or are associated across these conditions.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 15, 2024

Work-related stress a clear risk factor for sick leave

A University of Gothenburg study found that work-related stress, particularly job conflicts and lack of influence, significantly increase the risk of future sick leave. Women who experienced these stressors were more than twice as likely to take sick leave, with adjusted factors indicating a significant impact on their wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care·TypeObservational study·DateAug 15, 2024

Nasal spray flu vaccine candidate based on UW–Madison technology shows promise when administered alongside high dose annual shot

A nasal spray flu vaccine candidate developed by UW–Madison researchers has shown safety and potential to bolster protection against seasonal and pandemic influenza in vulnerable individuals. Administered alongside the annual flu shot, the vaccine may provide better protection for seniors.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateAug 15, 2024

Adverse childhood experiences and adult household firearm ownership

A study published in JAMA Network Open found a significant association between cumulative adverse childhood experiences and adult household firearm ownership. Individuals with a history of abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction were more likely to own firearms as adults, possibly due to heightened vulnerability to physical violence.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 15, 2024

Navigating the future: brain cells that plan where to go

Researchers have discovered a new type of brain cell in the medial entorhinal cortex that accurately predicts future locations as an animal travels. This discovery helps explain how planned spatial navigation is possible and has important implications for understanding mechanisms of spatial navigation and episodic memory formation.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·DateAug 15, 2024

Defining the line between virtual and reality

Researchers found that 49% of respondents experienced a moderate to extreme impact on their mental or emotional wellbeing after encountering negative experiences in virtual environments. The study highlights the need for metaverse companies to instill clear regulatory frameworks for safe virtual spaces.

SourceGriffith University·JournalAsian Journal of Criminology·DateAug 15, 2024

Study highlights sex differences in notified infectious disease cases across Europe

A study analyzing 5.5 million EU/EEA infectious disease cases over 10 years found significant sex differences in notified male versus female cases for several diseases. The proportion of males ranged from 40-45% for pertussis and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infections to 75-80% for HIV/AIDS.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 2024

Groundbreaking Crnic Institute study discovers differences in oxygen physiology in people with Down syndrome

Researchers from the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome identified lower oxygen availability and dysregulated red blood cell function in individuals with Down syndrome. The study highlights potential targets for effective medical interventions to improve oxygen physiology in this population.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2024

*FREE* Four billion people in low- and middle-income countries lack safe drinking water

A new geospatial analysis reveals that only one-third of the world's population in low- and middle-income countries has access to safe drinking water, with fecal contamination affecting almost half. The study emphasizes the need for improved water quality monitoring and infrastructure investments to address this critical human right.

Researchers uncover a mechanism for propagation of flaviviruses

A recent study identified a protein named importin-7 (IPO7) as a carrier that transports flavivirus core proteins into host cell nuclei. The study found that IPO7 plays a crucial role in the efficient production of viral particles, even though initial replication was comparable between two cell types. Blocking this transport mechanism ...

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2024

Bone fracture rates vary dramatically by race

A new study found that bone fracture rates in older women differ dramatically by race, with White women having the highest risk. Hispanic women had a lower risk of 10%, while Asian-American women experienced varying fracture rates depending on their ethnicity. The study highlights the need to better understand factors behind these diff...

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·TypeSurvey·DateAug 15, 2024

Science in Space to Cure Disease on Earth—the International Space Station National Lab and NASA announce new funding opportunity

The International Space Station National Laboratory is collaborating with NASA to fund up to $4 million in research addressing significant diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disease. The joint solicitation aims to leverage microgravity to improve existing or develop new technologies for health problems ...

Robot planning tool accounts for human carelessness

A new algorithm developed at Washington State University improves safety and efficiency in robots working with humans by accounting for human carelessness. The tool has shown a maximum improvement of 80% in safety and 38% in efficiency compared to existing methods, and the researchers plan to test it in real-world settings.

SourceWashington State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Systems Man and Cybernetics Systems·DateAug 15, 2024

Enhanced expression of two ISGs as potential biomarkers of prognosis in HIV-infected immunological non-responders

Researchers found that HIV-infected individuals with impaired immune recovery (INRs) have significantly higher expression of IFI27 and IFI6 in their peripheral blood compared to those who recovered well (IRs). A predictive model using these genes, along with age and CD4+ T/CD8+ T ratio, accurately identified INRs. These findings sugges...

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalZoonoses·DateAug 15, 2024

Over half of iron deficiency cases in large health system still unresolved at three years

A study of 13,084 adults with iron deficiency found that 42% had normal iron levels within three years, while 58% continued to have low ferritin levels. Factors associated with faster resolution included older age, male sex, and Medicare insurance. Persistent delays in treatment highlight the need for improved recognition and efficient...

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateAug 15, 2024

How policing impacts the homeless

A new Australian study reveals that people experiencing homelessness face constant and intrusive police interactions, leading to feelings of intimidation, harassment, and stigma. The research highlights the need for improved social security nets, community support services, and public housing infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalCritical Criminology·TypeSurvey·DateAug 15, 2024