Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2024 - Page 240


Page 240 of 484

Scientists pinpoint strategies that could stop cats from scratching your furniture

Research reveals that environmental and behavioral factors such as the presence of children, play levels, and personality traits significantly impact cats' scratching behavior. Providing safe hiding places, elevated observation spots, and ample play opportunities can help alleviate stress and engage cats in constructive activities.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·TypeSurvey·DateJul 3, 2024

Fighting COVID-19 with a cancer drug

Scientists identify PI3K gamma as a key player in recruiting damaging myeloid cells to infected tissues, and show that inhibiting this enzyme with eganelisib can prevent excessive inflammation. The study provides a new approach to preventing irreversible organ damage in infectious diseases like COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 3, 2024

Smoking behavior is linked to personality traits

Researchers found that smokers are more extraverted but less conscientious and agreeable than non-smokers. Cigar smokers tend to exhibit lower neuroticism and higher openness compared to other types of smokers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 3, 2024

Already 30 minutes of exercise increases the proportion of tumor-killing white blood cells in blood

A new Finnish study from University of Turku shows that already a 30-minute exercise can increase the proportion of tumor-killing white blood cells in the bloodstream of breast cancer patients. The amount of several different white blood cell types increased during exercise, with cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells rising the most.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJul 3, 2024

Deep machine-learning speeds assessment of fruit fly heart aging and disease, a model for human disease

Researchers at UAB have developed a method to assess cardiac dynamics in fruit flies using deep learning and high-speed video microscopy. The study uses this approach to analyze the effects of aging and dilated cardiomyopathy on heart function, with potential applications for human cardiovascular research.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024

Research spotlight: Uncovering how a cellular miscommunication leads to cognitive impairment in female patients with Alzheimer’s disease

A study found that APOE4 impairs communication between immune cells, leading to cognitive decline in female Alzheimer's patients. The researchers identified a new subset of neutrophils interacting with microglia associated with cognitive impairment, which could be targeted for therapeutic intervention.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 3, 2024

Compact cities have lower carbon emissions, but poorer air quality, less green space and higher mortality rates

A study by ISGlobal analyzed 919 European cities, identifying four urban configurations: compact-high density, open lowrise-medium density, open lowrise-low density, and green-low density. Compact high-density cities have lower carbon footprints but higher mortality rates due to poorer air quality and less green space.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 3, 2024

Why do you keep your house so cold? Science says: Ask your parents

A study published in PLOS Climate found that childhood home temperatures and community connectedness can help predict how U.S. residents set their thermostats. The researchers surveyed 2,128 participants and found that those who grew up in cold-winter locales tend to dial up their thermostats higher than those raised in warmer homes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeSurvey·DateJul 3, 2024

From space to swamp: innovative AI method classifies mangrove species with unprecedented accuracy

A new study introduces an AI-driven approach to classify mangrove species with remarkable accuracy, using multisource remote sensing data and machine learning algorithms. The XGBoost ensemble learning algorithm achieved a classification accuracy of 94.02%, significantly improving results compared to single-source data.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·DateJul 3, 2024

Do genes-in-pieces code for proteins that fold in pieces?

Researchers found a correlation between protein folding and evolution in certain globular protein families, with most conserved exons corresponding to better foldons. However, the general trend did not hold for all protein families, suggesting other biological factors may influence protein folding and evolution.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2024

Discovery of cellular mechanism to maintain brain’s energy could benefit late-life brain health

Researchers have identified a cellular mechanism that detects when the brain needs an extra energy boost to support its activity. This discovery could lead to new therapies for maintaining brain health and longevity by targeting impaired brain energy metabolism, a process accelerated in ageing and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024

Lifesaving star

A novel, star-shaped polymer has been developed as a low-volume resuscitant for prehospital treatment of severe hemorrhagic shock. The solution can refill blood vessels without disrupting coagulation, offering an improvement over existing colloidal resuscitants.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024