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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 255


Page 255 of 484

Circulating microRNAs likely as effective as A1C for predicting type 2 diabetes in youth, according to OU study

A new study from the University of Oklahoma found that measuring circulating microRNAs is likely as effective as measuring blood sugar levels in determining how young people with type 2 diabetes will fare. The study also found a 20% decrease in beta cell function during the first six months of treatment.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2024

A new paradigm in photothermal therapy! DGIST developed “ultrasound-assisted photothermal therapy (ULTRA-PTT)” technology!

Researchers developed ultrasound-assisted photothermal therapy (ULTRA-PTT) to overcome limitations of light penetration depth, achieving deeper imaging and improved treatment efficacy. The technology uses air bubbles created by ultrasound energy, minimizing optical scattering and ensuring safety for human application.

Novel application of optical tweezers: colorfully showing molecular energy transfer

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a novel technique to control Förster resonance energy transfer using optical tweezers. The method, which accelerates energy transfer by increasing laser intensity, offers a non-contact approach for microchemistry and quantum dot applications.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2024

How cells boost gene expression

A research team from Göttingen University has discovered that antisense RNA (asRNA) plays a crucial role in cell transport, allowing cells to accelerate gene expression and produce proteins quickly in response to environmental stress or harm. This new understanding sheds light on the function of asRNAs and their potential link to disea...

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2024

Myths about intermittent fasting, debunked

Research debunks four common myths about intermittent fasting: it does not lead to a poor diet, cause eating disorders, excessive lean muscle mass loss, or affect sex hormones. Studies show both types of intermittent fasting (alternate-day and time-restricted) are safe despite popular misconceptions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Reviews Endocrinology·DateJun 24, 2024

Improving the power transfer efficiency and reducing the magnetic field leakage of pacemaker MCR-WPT system simultaneously via MNG-MNZ metamaterial

Researchers designed a hybrid metamaterial slab for cardiac pacemakers, achieving an efficiency of 62.39% at 20mm transmission distance. The structure also showed superior magnetic leakage shielding performance in finite element simulations.

SourceCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·JournalCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2024

Olympics: how many days does it take for mosquitoes in Greater Paris to transmit arboviruses, and what preventive measures are needed?

A study found that mosquitoes in Greater Paris can transmit five arboviruses within different time frames, with West Nile virus transmitted in as little as three days. The results highlight the importance of increased surveillance and control measures to prevent disease outbreaks during the Olympic Games.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2024

Leading the way in nursing home care

Marilyn Rantz's Quality Improvement Program for Missouri (QIPMO) improves care quality in nursing homes, reducing avoidable hospitalizations. The program is now being emulated nationwide for its proven track record of success.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2024

No assembly required

The Freeform Multi-material Assembly Process allows for the creation of complex devices with multiple materials, including plastics, metals, and semiconductors. This novel 3D printing and laser process enables the manufacture of multi-layered sensors, circuit boards, and even textiles with electronic components.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 24, 2024

New security loophole allows spying on internet users visiting websites and watching videos

Researchers at Graz University of Technology discovered a security loophole that enables tracking users' online activities in detail by monitoring internet connection speed fluctuations. The 'SnailLoad' attack can bypass protective measures like firewalls and browser privacy modes without malicious code or data traffic interception.

SourceGraz University of Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2024

Scientists identify molecules associated with recurrence in blood samples from malaria patients

Researchers analyzed blood plasma samples from 110 patients infected with Plasmodium vivax to understand how metabolisms were affected during initial episodes versus recurrent cases. The study found that patients with recurrence exhibited modulation in lipid pathways involved in immune system production, while those with first-episode ...

Hydrothermal vents on seafloors of ‘ocean worlds’ could support life, new study says

A new study by UC Santa Cruz researchers uses computer simulations to explore the possibility of life-supporting conditions on ocean worlds. The research found that lower-temperature hydrothermal vents could be sustained under a wide range of conditions, increasing the chances of life existing on these celestial bodies.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 24, 2024

A novel package for high power density SIC power modules

This study introduces a novel package for high-power density SiC power modules using stacked DBC packaging, enabling the parallel connection of more chips. The design reduces parasitic inductance and increases current carrying capacity, resulting in improved electrical performance and manufacturing efficiency.

SourceCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·JournalCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2024

New research casts doubt over cryptocurrencies’ ‘safe haven’ properties

A recent study published in the International Review of Financial Analysis suggests that cryptocurrencies are not completely disconnected from economic risks. The research found that during turbulent periods like the COVID-19 pandemic and Ukraine war, cryptocurrency prices experienced increased volatility.

SourceBangor University·JournalInternational Review of Financial Analysis·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 21, 2024

Cleveland Clinic study shows weight loss surgery cuts risk of heart complications and death in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and obesity

A Cleveland Clinic study finds bariatric surgery cuts the risk of major cardiovascular events by 42% and all-cause mortality by 37% in patients with obesity and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. The study analyzed data from 13,657 adult patients who underwent weight loss surgery between 2004 and 2018.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2024

New study reveals the costs of sanctions

A new study examines the economic effects of sanctions on Iran and Russia, finding significant declines in GDP and prosperity. The researchers propose transferring funds to mitigate welfare losses among participating countries, suggesting a more effective approach to sanctioning.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalEconomic Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 21, 2024

Cannabis use tied to increased risk of severe COVID-19

A new study by Washington University School of Medicine found that cannabis users are nearly twice as likely to need hospitalization and intensive care when infected with COVID-19. Cannabis use was associated with a higher risk of severe illness, similar to tobacco smoking.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2024

Lab-grown muscles reveal mysteries of rare muscle diseases

Researchers at Duke University have developed a technique to grow complex, functional 3D muscle tissue from stem cells in the laboratory, replicating patient symptoms and treatment responses. The study reveals biological mechanisms underlying LGMD2B's characteristic loss of mobility and demonstrates that existing treatments may allevia...

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2024

Pacific Northwest Research Institute uncovers hidden DNA mechanisms of rare genetic diseases

Researchers at PNRI reveal how specific DNA rearrangements called inverted triplications contribute to the development of various genetic diseases. These complex rearrangements are caused by segments of DNA switching templates during the repair process, leading to disruptions in normal gene function and contributing to genetic disorders.

SourcePacific Northwest Research Institute·JournalCell Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2024

Transforming drug discovery with AI

TopoFormer uses a transformer model trained on tens of thousands of protein-drug interactions to recreate 3D structures as one-dimensional information that current models can understand. This enables more accurate predictions of new drug interactions and potentially reduces development time and costs.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJun 21, 2024

Human activity: A double-edged sword in the face of drought

A new study suggests that human activities may actually reduce the severity of droughts in certain regions. Climate model simulations indicate that aerosols and greenhouse gases produced by human activities have opposite effects on atmospheric chemical composition and precipitation mechanisms. This research challenges previous conclusi...

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJun 21, 2024

CAMH research suggests potential targets for prevention and early identification of psychotic disorders

A new study by CAMH found that nearly 75% of young Ontarians with a psychotic disorder had at least one mental health service visit within three years prior to their first diagnosis. The study suggests that youth with a psychotic disorder are nearly four times as likely to have a previous mental health-related hospital admission.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 21, 2024

How old is your bone marrow?

A study published in Blood reveals that hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow of genetically identical middle-aged mice aged differently. The team found that subtle changes in the bone marrow microenvironment and two growth factors, Kitl and Igf1, correlated with age-associated molecular programs in the stem cells.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2024

Grafted cucumbers get a boost: pumpkin's secret to withstanding salinity

Researchers at Huazhong Agricultural University discovered a genetic synergy between pumpkin and cucumber that fortifies the latter's resilience against salinity. The CmoDREB2A gene from pumpkin interacts with the CmoNAC1 gene in cucumbers to enhance salt tolerance through regulating H2O2 and ABA signaling and K+/Na+ homeostasis.