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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 251


Page 251 of 484

El Niño forecasts extended to 18 months with innovative physics-based model

A new conceptual model, XRO, significantly improves predictive skill of ENSO events at over one year in advance, offering a transparent view into the mechanisms of equatorial Pacific recharge-discharge physics. This improves conventional climate model forecasting and provides robust quantification of extratropical Pacific, tropical Ind...

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 26, 2024

Study reveals twisted origin of dead stars’ mysterious ‘heartbeats’

Researchers have proposed a new model explaining neutron star glitches, suggesting that the power-law behavior of glitch energies is due to the formation of twisted clusters of superfluid vortices. The study found that the exponent for the power-law behavior closely matched the observed data.

New AI framework enhances emotion analysis

A Chinese research team introduced a novel two-stage framework using stacked transformers for multimodal sentiment analysis, improving the analysis of emotions expressed through modality combinations. The framework was tested on three open datasets and performed better than or as well as benchmark models.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·DateJun 26, 2024

Hope for men affected by ‘overlooked’ sexual issue

A study published in Trends in Urology and Men's Health found that several treatments have been effective in treating delayed ejaculation, including vibration stimulation therapy and psychotherapy. The research highlights the need for health professionals to be aware of a patient's full medical and sexual history and offers hope for mi...

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalTrends in Urology & Men s Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 26, 2024

Hope for long-term antidepressant users as study shows half can taper off drugs with simple support

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that nearly half of long-term antidepressant users can successfully taper off their medication with the help of general practitioner support and internet or telephone helplines. The study found lower rates of depression, fewer withdrawal symptoms, and improved mental wellbeing among...

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 26, 2024

Specific bacteria in your gut are involved in compulsive eating and obesity

A study published in Gut reveals that specific bacteria in the gut are involved in compulsive eating and obesity, with a beneficial bacterium called Blautia showing protective effects. The research also highlights the role of microRNAs in food addiction and suggests potential new treatments involving beneficial bacteria and dietary sup...

SourceFederation of European Neuroscience Societies·JournalGut·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2024

Neuroscience research leverages stem cells to understand how neurons connect and communicate in the brain

Researchers at Colorado State University used human stem cells to study synaptic connections in the brain, focusing on GABAergic synapses. They found that Gephyrin promotes autonomous assembly of these synapses, which can develop independently of neuronal communication. This understanding could lead to new treatments for neurological d...

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2024

Targeting human coatomer subunit zeta-1 by a marine natural product derivative represents a new therapeutic strategy to inhibit enterovirus A71 replication

A marine natural product derivative, MPA-CF3, targets host factor COPZ1 to inhibit enterovirus A71 replication. The study demonstrates a concentration-dependent inhibition of EV-A71 replication and suggests a unique antiviral mechanism of action.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMedComm·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

HKUMed and Harvard world-first study finds statins reduce the relative risk of cardiovascular diseases by over 20% in adults aged 75+ with high cholesterol in Hong Kong

A world-first study from HKUMed and Harvard found that continuous statin therapy reduces the relative risk of cardiovascular diseases by 21-35% in adults aged 75+, without increased safety concerns. The study used real-world data to inform decision-making on statin initiation for this large population.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

Biologists uncover how key carbohydrate-attachment mechanism malfunctions

Biologists discovered a key enzyme's interaction with a small structure in glycans that contributes to the malfunctioning of carbohydrates' attachment process. This process is essential for numerous physiological processes and can lead to diseases such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and muscular dystrophy.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

AI-based Alphafold: Its potential impact on predictive medicine

AlphaFold's groundbreaking ability to predict protein structures is set to transform predictive medicine, enabling the development of personalized vaccines and adaptive clinical trials. However, the review also highlights crucial challenges and ethical considerations surrounding AI integration with clinical data.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAI in Precision Oncology·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 26, 2024

USTC develops high-performance anion exchange membranes for sustainability applications

Researchers at USTC developed a novel spiro-branched polymeric membrane with exceptional performance in flow battery applications, exceeding 60 mS cm-1 chloride ion conductivity. The membranes demonstrated superior power density and energy efficiency, potentially addressing various energy and environmental challenges.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 25, 2024

Korea University identifies novel inhibitor HVH-2930 showing promise in overcoming trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer

A novel inhibitor HVH-2930 targeting heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) demonstrates efficacy against drug-resistant breast cancer cells. It selectively downregulates HER2 signaling, crucial for breast cancer progression, without triggering the heat shock response.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalTheranostics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2024

Music sends our brainwaves dancing

A study from Aarhus University and the University of Oxford reveals that listening to music sets off a complex chain reaction in the brain, involving areas for sound, emotions, and memory. This understanding could lead to new interventions for improving cognitive function in individuals with neurological conditions.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 25, 2024

Uncovering the drivers of a million-year-old glacial transition

Researchers from the Mann Research Group found strong path dependence in Plio-Pleistocene glaciations, driven by a gradual decrease in regolith and volcanic outgassing. The study suggests that carbon dioxide levels determine the onset of the Mid-Pleistocene Transition, and that it's not too late to act to prevent ice sheet collapse.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 25, 2024

For better loan terms, find a partner

Researchers found that companies in strategic alliances can access more favorable loan rates and terms through the financial networks of their partners. This is because banks with existing relationships with an alliance partner offer lower interest rates to a company entering the alliance.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Accounting Review·DateJun 25, 2024

Amazon rainforest faces drought risk despite carbon removal efforts

The Amazon rainforest, a crucial carbon sink, may experience reduced precipitation due to increased CO2 concentrations, leading to higher tree mortality rates and forest shrinkage. A recent study found that rainy season precipitation in the Amazon is irreversible under a CO2 removal scenario, putting the region at risk of drought.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Sciences·DateJun 25, 2024

Why people resort to lynching

A new dataset reveals that lynchings in Latin America are often triggered by alleged theft or murder, with groups of 20-99 individuals involved. Close-knit community ties and peer pressure play a significant role in ordinary civilians taking part in acts of violence against alleged wrongdoers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJun 25, 2024

Fewer GP appointments and the COVID lockdown have exacerbated declining continuity of care in English general practices

A study analyzing data from 6,010 English practices between 2018 and 2022 found that the national average dropped from 29.3% to 19% of patients able to see a preferred doctor. Practices with more doctors and higher same-day appointment rates showed slower declines in continuity.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 25, 2024

Species composition and succession of coral reef fishes in Huaguang Reef, Xisha Islands

This study identified 299 coral reef fish species in Huaguang Reef, with Perciformes exhibiting the highest species count. Notably, a reduction in species at the order and family levels was observed compared to historical data. The succession patterns indicate a notable impact of overfishing on coral reef fishes.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater Biology and Security·TypeSurvey·DateJun 25, 2024