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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 248


Page 248 of 484

First of its kind study shines light on LGBTQ+ farmer mental health

A new study reveals that LGBTQ+ farmers are over three times more likely to experience depression and suicidal intent compared to the general population. The research also found that queer farmers face specific challenges, including concerns about identity validation and access to mental health resources.

Ammonites went out with a diverse bang—and not a long, slow fizzle—in the Late Cretaceous

A new study using museum collections reveals that ammonites were diverse and thriving across the globe just before their extinction in the Late Cretaceous. The research found that the balance of speciation and extinction rates varied by region, contradicting previous theories.

SourceNatural History Museum of Los Angeles County·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2024

Study supports precision radiation therapy in lung cancer

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found fewer side effects with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), with similar survival outcomes compared to 3D-CRT. The study validated heart exposure as an important radiation planning objective, revealing better five-year overall and progression-free survival rates for IMRT.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 27, 2024

Novel photodynamic therapy method can eradicate ocular melanoma, study shows

A new photodynamic therapy method has been shown to effectively eradicate ocular melanoma in mice, with the technique delivering two photons and minimizing damage to healthy tissue. The approach offers a promising alternative to current treatments that are often ineffective or invasive.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2024

The mechanism behind melanoma resistance to treatment

Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered a factor secreted by tumor cells that impeds the effectiveness of therapies. The POSTN gene plays an important role in resistant tumors and triggers resistance through its interaction with immune cells, particularly macrophages.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2024

Researchers developed novel 3D printing strategy with controllable gradients porous structures

A new 3D printing strategy enables creation of complex gradient pore structures, enhancing processing capabilities for biomimetic manufacturing and bioprinting. The approach allows for precise control over filament diameter, enabling the fabrication of 1D, 2D, and 3D gradient structures.

SourceShenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 27, 2024

What can social media tell us about public views on climate change?

A recent study analyzed 333,635 English tweets on man-made climate change, identifying four main narratives and common stances on the topic. The analysis highlights the challenges of addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, as well as the need to counter misinformation and conspiracy theories.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalCurrent Research in Environmental Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 27, 2024

Optimum protection against diabetes: Weight loss plus remission of prediabetes

Researchers found that people who achieved weight loss and prediabetes remission had a 76% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who only lost weight. This suggests that normalization of blood sugar levels should be included as a therapeutic goal in guidelines to improve diabetes prevention.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalDiabetologia·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2024

US efforts to collect LGBTQ+ data among Medicaid patients is a ‘foundational step towards health equity'

A new commentary in JAMA explains the benefits and barriers of CMS' recommendations to incorporate sexual orientation and gender identity questions into Medicaid applications. The guidance aims to improve health equity by collecting self-reported SOGI data from 88 million adults enrolled in Medicaid, but limitations include non-represe...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 27, 2024

Innovative UAV and deep learning method enhances maize tassel detection accuracy

A research team developed an innovative method using UAVs and deep learning to accurately identify tassel states in maize hybridization fields, achieving up to 98% accuracy. This approach holds significant value for improving tassel detection in agricultural fields, reducing manual labor and increasing crop management efficiency.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2024

To protect corals from summer heatwaves, we should help their microbial symbionts evolve heat tolerance in the lab, researchers say

Researchers suggest helping coral symbionts evolve heat tolerance in the lab to protect corals from summer heatwaves. This approach may be used in conjunction with other measures like assisted gene flow and reef management to maximize the likelihood of coral reefs persisting into the future.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Microbiology·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 27, 2024

HKU ecologists reconstruct the history of biodiversity in the indo-australian archipelago and its rise as a hotspot

Researchers reconstructing the history of biodiversity in the Indo-Australian Archipelago found that marine diversity increased since the early Miocene, driven by habitat factors. The findings suggest that the region's thermal stress moderated around 14 million years ago, allowing for favorable conditions for biodiversity to flourish.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature·DateJun 27, 2024

Three new extinct walnut species discovered in high Arctic mummified forest

Scientists have discovered three new extinct walnut species on a Canadian island above the Arctic Circle, preserved in a unique form of fossilization known as mummification. The fossils provide valuable information about the Earth's climate and ecosystems during the middle Eocene period, when forests covered the region.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalInternational Journal of Plant Sciences·DateJun 27, 2024

Significant discrepancies between actual and labelled amount of anti-ageing ingredients in supplements: NUS Medicine study

Researchers found significant discrepancies between actual and labelled amounts of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) and Urolithin A (UA) in anti-ageing supplements. The discrepancies ranged from none to 28% more than stated amounts, highlighting a critical issue in the supplement industry.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalGeroScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2024

With $12 million NIH grant renewal, Lewis Katz School of Medicine researchers to explore novel cell mechanism in heart injury and repair

Researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine will investigate how injured heart cells communicate with other cells throughout the body using microvesicles known as exosomes. The study aims to understand how specific molecules, such as microRNAs, facilitate communication pathways between cells in the heart and vasculature.

Research uncovers pyrethrum's genetic secrets, boosting eco-friendly pest control and sustainable farming practices

Researchers have elucidated pyrethrum's biosynthetic pathways, identifying key genes responsible for pyrethrin production. This discovery highlights pyrethrum's potential as a companion plant in agriculture, offering natural pest repellence and attraction to beneficial predators.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalOrnamental Plant Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2024

American College of Radiology, American College of Emergency Physicians, and American Academy of Pediatrics offer guidance on use of advanced imaging in pediatric patients

The policy statement offers guidelines for institutions and medical professionals to weigh benefits and risks of imaging in emergency departments. It includes recommendations for deferring imaging in children transferred to pediatric referral centers and using shared decision-making strategies when multiple reasonable choices exist. Th...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 27, 2024

Female heart patients less likely to have additional problems fixed during surgery

Research from Michigan Medicine found that female patients with atrial fibrillation and tricuspid regurgitation are less likely to receive simultaneous procedures during cardiac surgery, despite guideline recommendations. This disparity may be related to perceived higher risk among women.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2024

High-speed internet linked to more farms offering agritourism

A new study by Penn State researchers found that high-speed broadband availability is linked to an increase in agritourism operations. U.S. counties with faster-than-national-average speeds had 5% more agritourism businesses five years later, according to the study.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2024

The most obese children with dengue are more than twice as likely as others to be hospitalized with dengue, according to study of 4,782 10- to 18-year-olds in Sri Lanka

A study of 4,782 Sri Lankan children aged 10-18 with dengue found that obese individuals were more than twice as likely to be hospitalized due to the disease. The research highlights the potential consequences of rising childhood obesity rates on public health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 27, 2024

Only 4% of teen football academy prospects make top tier

A recent study by University of Essex researchers found that only 4% of talented teen football academy prospects make it to the top tier of professional football. The study also revealed that players who succeeded excelled in self-confidence, ball reception skills, and dribbling.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalInternational Journal of Sports Science & Coaching·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2024

Simulating blood flow dynamics for improved nanoparticle drug delivery

A team of engineers has created a new mathematical model to accurately simulate the effects of blood flow on the adhesion and retention of nanoparticle drug carriers. The model, developed by University of Illinois professors Arif Masud and Hyunjoon Kong, was tested in vitro and demonstrated promising results.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2024

Tissue bridges are reliable predictors of recovery from cervical spine injuries

A longitudinal study has found that tissue bridges in the spinal cord are associated with short- and long-term clinical improvements in patients with cervical spine injuries. The study's models, developed by a team of experts, incorporate tissue bridges for improved prognosis and can be transferred to other patient cohorts.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2024

Invasive ants spread by hitchhiking on everyday vehicles

Researchers found that ants need three main things to succeed when hitchhiking: climbing ability, foraging/colonizing behaviors, and temperature tolerance. The study tracked the spread of invasive ants through non-commercial transport on personal vehicles, highlighting a significant threat to native species.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalEcological Entomology·DateJun 27, 2024

Researchers find intriguing new tool for tendon healing: nanoparticles for precision drug delivery

A team of researchers has created a new approach to deliver drugs precisely to surgically repaired tendons using nanoparticles, reducing scar tissue formation and improving function. The treatment targets the Acp5 gene, which is highly expressed at the injury site, and delivers medication directly to the healing tendon.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 27, 2024