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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 256


Page 256 of 484

Researchers unveil molecular mechanisms of somatostatin receptor 5 activation by neuropeptides and drugs

A study published in PNAS reveals the molecular mechanisms underlying SSTR5 activation by neuropeptides and drugs, including cortistatin-17 and octreotide. The researchers employed single-particle cryo-electron microscopy to determine three-dimensional structures of SSTR5 bound to these ligands, showing how they trigger conformational ...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2024

Landmark Nature Medicine study reports promising new treatment reduces suffering in Sanfilippo syndrome

A landmark clinical trial collaboration has reported significant improvements in neurobehavioral and functional outcomes for children with moderate to advanced stages of Sanfilippo syndrome. The study found anakinra, a recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, to be safe and effective in reducing disease symptoms.

SourceThe Lundquist Institute·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 21, 2024

Body image and overall health found important to the sexual health of older gay men, according to new studies

Research from George Mason University found that internalized gay ageism negatively impacts older gay men's sexual satisfaction when mediated by body image. However, internalized gay ageism does not influence erectile dysfunction. Older gay men in open relationships are more likely to be sexually satisfied.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJournal of Homosexuality·TypeSurvey·DateJun 21, 2024

Towards error-free quantum computing: A symbolic model checking approach to verify quantum circuits

Researchers developed a symbolic model checking approach to verify quantum circuits, addressing the gap between model-checking quantum programs and quantum circuits. They used Maude programming language to formally specify and verify quantum circuits, confirming their correctness and paving the way for error-free quantum computing.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalPeerJ Computer Science·DateJun 21, 2024

New insights into methyl jasmonate-induced saponin biosynthesis in balloon flower

A study reveals the PgbHLH28 gene plays a crucial role in saponin biosynthesis in Platycodon grandiflorus, leading to enhanced medicinal value and potential for pharmaceutical industry applications. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for improving saponin content through genetic engineering and advanced cultivation practices.

Cannabis, tobacco use, and COVID-19 outcomes

A cohort study found that cannabis use was an independent risk factor for COVID-19-related complications, even after considering other risk factors. The study suggests that cannabis may increase the risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 21, 2024

Heart failure in space: scientists calculate potential health threats facing future space tourists in microgravity

Researchers used a model of the heart and lung system to simulate how microgravity could affect space tourists with underlying health issues, such as heart conditions. The study found that entry into microgravity increases cardiac output in all individuals, but for heart failure patients, this increase is accompanied by a dangerous ris...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 21, 2024

Most young people have at some point inflicted offline or online violence on their partners

A recent study by the University of the Basque Country found that 80.4% of young people admitted to inflicting offline violence on their partners, while 55% said they had done so online. The researchers also discovered differences in psychological profiles between victims of face-to-face and online dating violence.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalPsicologia Reflexão e Crítica·TypeCase study·DateJun 21, 2024

After ISIS bombs, an urgent call to preserve an ancient Syrian temple

The Temple of Bel in Palmyra faces significant damage after ISIS bombing, highlighting the need for its preservation and the return of the local population. The site's history and archaeological importance are crucial to stabilize, ensuring global cooperation and a shared ambition to protect the monument.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalBulletin of the American Society of Overseas Research·DateJun 21, 2024

Researchers find depression assessments reliable across technology, setting, and type

A new study by researchers at New York University finds that electronic forms and phone interviews are as reliable as in-person assessments for diagnosing depression symptoms. The study evaluated over 60,000 people using three different assessment tools and found negligible differences in scores across different modalities.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 21, 2024

Boosting biodiversity without hurting local economies

A new study by Duke University researchers finds that nearly half of protected areas can benefit both nature and people, with a balanced approach. The study suggests smaller, closer-to-market protected areas are more likely to achieve this balance, without harming local economic growth.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2024

Metformin and AGIs show potential for improved outcomes in COVID-19 patients with type 2 diabetes

A comprehensive retrospective study found metformin and AGIs reduced all-cause mortality in COVID-19 patients with T2DM, while insulin use was linked to increased risk of death. The study suggests these treatment options may be more suitable for this vulnerable population.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMolecular Biomedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 21, 2024

Up to 30 percent more time: Climate change makes it harder for women to collect water

A new study finds that climate change could lead to a doubling of daily water collection times for women in certain regions by 2050. The researchers estimate that this would result in substantial welfare losses, equivalent to tens to hundreds of millions of US dollars per country and year.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 21, 2024

Study identifies first drug therapy for sleep apnea

Researchers have developed a novel drug therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which has shown significant improvements in reducing breathing interruptions and improving overall health. The treatment targets both respiratory and metabolic complications, providing a promising alternative to existing therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 21, 2024

Risky drinking even riskier for women

A significant number of Australian women (over 300,000) are drinking at very high-risk levels, with a greater proportion of men consuming alcohol at similar rates. Women are more susceptible to health problems from excessive drinking and may be affected by their natural biological rhythms.

SourceFlinders University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 20, 2024

New study finds dinosaur fossils did not inspire the mythological griffin

A new study finds no connection between dinosaur fossils, specifically Protoceratops, and the origins of the griffin mythological creature. The researchers argue that the geographic spread of griffin art does not align with the proposed link, and there are no unambiguous references to Protoceratops fossils in ancient literature.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalInterdisciplinary Science Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 20, 2024

Slowing inflammation may boost immunotherapy’s effectiveness against advanced lung cancer

Researchers found that adding an anti-inflammatory drug to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy resulted in a high response rate of 67% among patients with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. The study suggests that reducing chronic inflammation may improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 20, 2024