RSNA makes strides in narrowing radiology gender gap
Despite progress, radiology's gender gap persists due to structural biases. RSNA's efforts have increased female representation in faculty and leadership positions.
Science News Archive 2024 - Page 212
Browse by Month - 2024
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Intelligent engineering: AI transforms spatial arrangement of hydropower underground facilities
Researchers developed a knowledge graph methodology to optimize spatial arrangement of underground powerhouses, enhancing digital intelligent design and operation. The approach addresses existing challenges in spatial arrangement, paving the way for improved accuracy and efficiency in hydropower engineering projects.
Antisense oligonucleotide treatment shows promise in treating Parkinson's disease progression
Researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University demonstrate a proof of concept for antisense nucleic acid therapy to prevent the spread of α-synuclein pathologies in synucleinopathies. The treatment, involving antisense oligonucleotides, effectively reduces Lewy pathology-like neuronal inclusion by over 90%.
SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·DateJul 25, 2024
Folded peptides are more electrically conductive than unfolded peptides
Researchers found that folded peptides are more electrically conductive than their unfolded counterparts due to the formation of a specific secondary structure called the 3_10 helix. This discovery has implications for the design and development of molecular electronic devices.
SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2024
Warming has more impact than cooling on Greenland's "firn"
Researchers found that warming temperatures rapidly change how efficiently firn can store meltwater, while cooling temperatures may not help it recover as much. This 'firn asymmetry' contributes to the greater warming-than-cooling response of the Greenland Ice Sheet.
Physical training improves quality of life in advanced breast cancer
A randomized controlled trial found that structured exercise programs significantly improved the quality of life and reduced fatigue in women with metastatic breast cancer. The program, which included twice-weekly training sessions, also showed improvements in pain, shortness of breath, and social participation.
SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 25, 2024
‘Kink state’ control may provide pathway to quantum electronics
Scientists at Penn State created a robust quantum highway with a switch to control electron movement, enabling the fabrication of advanced quantum devices. The innovation allows for precise control over electron flow, reducing backscattering and increasing the potential for quantum computing applications.
Seven steps to achieving the right to clean indoor air post-pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of proper ventilation in buildings to prevent airborne infection transmission. Experts recommend developing interdisciplinary knowledge, investing in mechanical ventilation systems, and implementing equivalent ventilation methods for existing buildings.
Nitrogen emissions have a net cooling effect. But researchers warn against a climate solution
Researchers found that nitrogen emissions from human activities cool the climate by minus 0.34 watts per square metre, but also cause harm to health, biodiversity, and the ozone layer. The study warns against increasing atmospheric nitrogen as a means of combating global warming.
Good lives can be provided to the whole world’s population while reducing environmental damage
A new study suggests that ending mass human deprivation and providing good lives for the whole world's population can be achieved while reducing environmental damage. The research proposes that only 30% of current global resources and energy use are required to provide universal access to basic goods and services.
SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalWorld Development Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2024
Study suggests preoperative iron infusions work better than blood transfusions for some anemic patients
Researchers found a 37% reduction in mortality and a 24% reduction in medical complications among study participants who received iron infusions. The findings suggest that preoperative iron infusions may be a more effective strategy for reducing morbidity and mortality in surgical patients.
Cancer drug could ease cognitive function for some with autism
Researchers found that a cancer drug can restore phagocytosis, a process crucial for brain health, in individuals with Rett syndrome by targeting microglia. The study highlights the potential therapeutic target of microglia in neurological conditions and may lead to new treatments.
A new therapeutic target offers a promising pathway for multiple sclerosis treatment
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that blocking connexin 43 (Cx43) channels with the compound INI-0602 improved MS symptoms in an animal model by regulating immune processes and reducing inflammation. The findings suggest a potential therapeutic strategy for chronic MS treatment.
Scientists study how to bring you ‘climate-smart coffee’
Researchers investigate climate-resilient coffee cultivars due to projected decline in Arabica production. Robusta is found to be highly adaptable and grows well in high altitude regions, combining good production and flavor scores.
Exploring the dynamics of combatting market-driven epidemics
A new case definition of market-driven epidemics (MDEs) helps address critical barriers to timely prevention and mitigation. The study highlights the success of US efforts to reduce cigarette, sugar, and opioid consumption, demonstrating that public health leaders can save lives through earlier, more decisive action.
Energy planning in Ghana as a role model for the world
The MEASURES project in Ghana provides insights into the impact of informal economy, climate migration, and rising temperatures on energy system planning. The researchers developed an energy system model for Accra, which yielded cost-, carbon- and resilience-optimized energy system capacity and operational planning decisions.
SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalEnergy Reports·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 25, 2024
Revealed: Neurons that help create infant-mother bonds in young mice
Neurons in the brain's zona incerta (ZI) are activated by maternal presence, reducing infant distress and stress hormone levels. The study suggests that these neurons integrate sensory signals to facilitate social interactions, providing a potential entry point for studying infant development.
In clinical trial, fecal matter transplant helped half of patients with gastrointestinal cancers overcome resistance to immunotherapy treatment
A clinical trial found that fecal microbiota transplants can boost the effectiveness of immunotherapy in a range of gastrointestinal cancers. The study identified specific bacterial strains associated with better or worse responses, and showed promise for improving treatment outcomes.
SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 25, 2024
Human-induced warming has driven increasing precipitation variability
A new study finds that human-induced climate warming has driven increasing precipitation variability over much of the globe, with hotspots in Europe, Australia, and eastern North America. The amplified variability poses significant threats to climate resilience, infrastructure development, agriculture, and ecosystems.
After Trump’s election, women of color had more underweight, premature babies, study finds
A new study from the University of California, Berkeley reveals a significant increase in underweight and premature births among non-white women in the US after Trump's election. Black mothers had the largest increases, with about 3,783 fewer infants born underweight if Trump hadn't been elected.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalDemography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2024
TUM and NTU Singapore sign flagship partnership
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has established a flagship partnership with Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU), expanding its global presence in the region. The partnership aims to tackle major challenges in Southeast Asia through collaboration on quantum sovereignty, artificial intelligence, and other key areas.
‘Miracle’ filter turns store-bought LEDs into spintronic devices
Researchers have successfully transformed existing optoelectronic devices, including LEDs, into spintronics devices by injecting spin-aligned electrons without ferromagnets or magnetic fields. The breakthrough uses a chiral spin filter made from hybrid organic-inorganic halide perovskite material, overcoming a major barrier to commerci...
New study shows at-home colon cancer screening test reduces risk of colorectal cancer death, as effective as screening colonoscopy
A new study published in JAMA Network Open shows that an at-home fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) screen can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer death by 33%, comparable to screening colonoscopy. FIT is a non-invasive test that involves mailing a stool sample to the laboratory for analysis.
SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2024
Physical employment standards move beyond tactical settings to ensure workplace safety
A special section of WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation highlights the varying physical elements and requirements for different occupations. PES frameworks are being developed for a range of physically active occupations to support personnel undertaking physically demanding tasks.
Study identifies unique treatment preference profiles in men with prostate cancer
Researchers at UCLA Health Sciences identified three distinct patient preference-based profiles among men with low-risk prostate cancer. Despite differences in preferences, physician recommendations played a crucial role in determining treatment choices. The study highlights the need for better integrating patient preferences into trea...
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalUrology Practice·DateJul 25, 2024
How evolution tamed a deadly virus and why we should still worry
The study found that subtle shifts in the shape of viral spike proteins changed targetable host receptors, leading to the virus's decline as a human pathogen. Researchers also discovered that some strains could stick their spike proteins to multiple receptors, challenging previous assumptions about viral behavior.
Size doesn’t matter for mammals with more complex brains, according to new study
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that mammals with more developed brains tend to exhibit smaller sexual size dimorphism (SSD), meaning there is less difference in size between males and females. This suggests that complex brain development may be linked to other traits such as social behavior and mate selection.
Space-trekking muscle tests drugs for microgravity-induced muscle impairment
A study found that space-traveling muscles have impaired regeneration and gene activities associated with sarcopenia. Drug treatment partially prevented the negative effects of microgravity on muscles, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for astronauts and older adults.
KTU scientists’ innovation for indoor solar cells can maximize the use of light energy
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) develop materials to improve indoor photovoltaic cells, generating electricity even in low-intensity light. The innovation utilizes Internet of Things technologies to efficiently regulate device operation and optimize energy consumption.
SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024
Immune cell transformation can influence stem cell transplant success in cancer patients
Researchers found that type II innate lymphoid cells transform after a cancer patient receives stem cells from a donor, preventing an effective immune system rebuilding. This new understanding may lead to better strategies for enhancing immune system recovery post-transplantation.
SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024
Can a computer tell patients how their multiple sclerosis will progress?
A new study published in PLOS Digital Health found that machine learning models can reliably predict the disability progression of multiple sclerosis. The models were trained on data from 15,240 adults with at least three years of MS history and had an average accuracy of 0.71 ± 0.01.
Parched Central Valley farms depend on Sierras for groundwater
A new study reveals that the Sierra Nevadas are a significant source of groundwater for California's Central Valley aquifer, with some areas relying almost entirely on it. The research found that the groundwater is mixed in age, with some water being as young as 4 years old and others dating back over 40,000 years.
Method enables fast, accurate estimates of cardiovascular state to inform blood pressure management
A new mathematical method, validated with experimental animal data, provides fast, reliable, and minimally invasive way of determining how to treat critical blood pressure changes. The method accurately tracks cardiac output and systemic resistance, mirroring estimates from more invasive catheters in some cases.
SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024
The research was wrong: study shows moderate drinking won’t lengthen your life
A new analysis by researchers found that studies linking moderate drinking to health benefits suffer from fundamental design flaws. Moderate drinkers were compared with abstainer and occasional drinker groups that included older adults who had quit or cut down on drinking due to health conditions, leading to biased results.
SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 25, 2024
Spin qubits go trampolining
Researchers at QuTech have demonstrated the creation of somersaulting spin qubits, which can be controlled using baseband signals and small magnetic fields. This breakthrough enables universal quantum logic and simplifies control electronics for future quantum processors.
Quantum sensor for the atomic world developed through international scientific collaboration
A groundbreaking quantum sensor capable of detecting minute magnetic fields has been developed through international scientific collaboration. The sensor utilizes a single molecule to sense electric and magnetic properties of atoms, offering spatial resolution on the order of a tenth of an angstrom.
SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024
Chinese medicinal fungus shows promise in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
A recent study from China has found that Cordyceps sinensis can ameliorate idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in mice by inhibiting mitochondrion-mediated oxidative stress. The fungus was shown to reduce pulmonary inflammation and collagen deposition, offering a promising alternative for patients suffering from this debilitating disease.
SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMedComm – Future Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024
How iBuyers are changing real estate racial disparities and individual homeownership rates in one major city
Researchers found that iBuyers paid Black homeowners $4,376 on average, while paying white homeowners $27,239 less. The companies also favored institutions over individual buyers, with a greater increase in institutional ownership for white-owned homes.
Innovative fire stewardship techniques to reshape landscape design to better adapt to and coexist with wildfire-prone environments
This article discusses co-creative strategies for embracing pyric forces in landscape architecture. It highlights the potential of beneficial fire and promotes collaboration with fire stewards to gain insights. Landscape architects are encouraged to become active stewards themselves.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLandscape Architecture Frontiers·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024
The secrets behind Ukraine President Zelensky's appeal
A recent study by Prof. Meital Balmas Cohen found that highlighting Zelensky's warmth, morality, and communal traits boosts global empathy and pro-social behaviors towards Ukrainians. The research aimed to explore how national leaders can leverage their personality traits to influence public opinion.
SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of Conflict Resolution·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024
Rock art and archaeological record reveal man’s complex relationship with Amazonian animals
The research integrated zooarchaeological analysis with rock art depictions, showing a diverse diet and exploitation of various environments. The findings suggest that the artists did not just paint what they ate, but also represented complex mythology and supernatural connections.
Exploring consciousness with eureka moments
Researchers propose a new approach to studying conscious cognitive information processing, focusing on eureka moments and learning curves. By analyzing performance over time, scientists can identify the timing of conscious processes and observe brain activity using imaging or electrophysiological methods.
Wash U researchers quantify solar absorption by black carbon in fire clouds
Washington University researchers have made new measurements of black carbon in pyrocumulonimbus (pyroCb) clouds, which are extremely hot and can linger for months. The study found that these particles absorb visible sunlight two times as much as those from smaller fires and urban sources.
New Zealand’s flightless birds are retreating to moa refuges
Researchers have found that New Zealand's most threatened flightless birds are congregating in the same isolated areas where six species of moa once lived before extinction. The study reveals that these ancient habitats, including Mount Aspiring and the Ruahine Range, continue to harbor populations of takahē, weka, and great spotted kiwi.
SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 25, 2024
Save your data on printable magnetic devices? New laser technique’s twist might make this reality
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a new laser-induced forward transfer technique using optical vortex to print magnetic ferrite nanoparticles with high precision. The resulting crystals exhibit helix-like twisted structures that can be controlled by changing the optical vortex's helicity.
Greater pulse consumption in American children is associated with a higher diet quality and improved shortfall nutrient intakes
Research shows that pulses are associated with significant health-related outcomes in American children, including improved shortfall nutrient intakes and diet quality. Children consuming 2 servings of pulses daily have significantly higher dietary fiber, potassium, and choline intake.
Unplanned pregnancies among active service women likely curb US military readiness
Research suggests that unplanned pregnancies among active service women are likely curbing US military readiness, resulting in the loss of an estimated 2.5-4.5 million active duty days per year. The highest rates of unplanned pregnancies are among 18-24 year olds, White women, and those serving in junior ranks or the Army.
A cool solution
Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing a two-phase cooling system that efficiently dissipates heat from server chips through phase change. This innovative system drastically reduces the amount of energy needed to keep equipment cool, with early tests showing significant reductions.
Array pinpoints imprinted genes with potential links to disease
A new DNA methylation array can assess methylation levels of genes in imprint control regions, which regulate the expression of imprinted genes. The array has 22,000 probes and can identify potential links between environmental exposures and epigenetic dysregulation in diseases.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEpigenetics Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024
UH engineer develops technique that enhances thermal imaging and infrared thermography for police, medical, military use
A new method to measure continuous light spectrum improves thermal imaging accuracy without direct contact. It eliminates wavelength and temperature dependence, revealing higher surface temperatures of photothermal catalysts than previous methods.
Nonreciprocal interactions go nonlinear
A University of Vienna team observed nonlinear and Non-Hermitian dynamics in a tabletop experiment using two glass nanoparticles. The researchers created a positive feedback loop resembling a chase-runaway dynamic, where one particle forces the other into motion, resulting in amplified amplitude and nonlinear dynamics.
Little trust in Dr. ChatGPT
A new study published in Nature Medicine found that people rate medical advice as less reliable and empathetic when an AI is believed to be involved. Despite this, respondents were still less willing to follow AI-supported recommendations compared to advice from human doctors.
NIH awards Wake Forest University School of Medicine $28.2 million to accelerate translation of scientific discoveries
The Wake Forest University School of Medicine has been awarded a $28.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries. The grant will support initiatives such as rapid response to health emergencies and the recruitment of diverse academic learning health system workforce.
Tackling industrial emissions begins at the chemical reaction
Researchers at the University of Sydney have proposed a new way to reduce industrial emissions by utilizing liquid metals in chemical reactions. This approach aims to decrease energy requirements and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Unlocking solar efficiency: a leap in perovskite solar cell technology
Researchers unveiled three novel hole transport materials enhancing the efficiency of n-i-p PSCs by up to 24%, offering a promising step towards commercially viable solar energy solutions. The development of these materials marks a significant step towards making PSCs more economically viable.
Recent insights and advances in treatment and management show promise in stemming the growing prevalence of diabetes
A recent paper surveys advances in diabetes pathogenesis and treatment, highlighting the role of genes, environmental factors, and social determinants. The study suggests that understanding these dynamics is key to developing targeted interventions to reduce diabetes risk and manage its complications.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 25, 2024
A soft needle in an oceanic haystack
A team of Harvard researchers has discovered a new species of chordate, Nuucichthys rhynchocephalus, in the Drumian Marjum Formation of the American Great Basin. The fossil provides valuable insights into early vertebrate evolution and biodiversity, as it is one of only four species documenting this stage of vertebrate lineage.
Medicaid policies increase diverse participation in cancer clinical trials
A new study found that two Medicaid policies can interact to increase oncology clinical trial enrollment among Black and Hispanic patients. Medicaid expansion under the ACA alone did not improve diversity, but states with pre-existing mandates requiring coverage of clinical trial costs saw a significant increase.
Purdue researchers receive $175 thousand from Purdue Innovates to strengthen market readiness of their work
Researchers in the College of Agriculture, College of Pharmacy, and College of Science are developing effective cancer treatments targeting multiple genes with a single agent. They also created patent-pending superabsorbent materials from hemp, showing higher absorption capacity than traditional options.
Quantum sensor for the atomic world developed through international scientific collaboration
Researchers developed a quantum sensor using single molecules to detect electric and magnetic properties of atoms with atomic-scale spatial resolution. The sensor enables the exploration and understanding of materials at their fundamental level.