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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 277


Page 277 of 484

Poor quality diet makes our brains sad

A study of 30 volunteers found that a poor diet can lead to changes in neurotransmitters and grey matter volume, commonly associated with depression and anxiety. Adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet was shown to prevent these changes.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalNutritional Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 5, 2024

How a protein component of nuclear pore complexes regulates development of blood cells and may contribute to myeloid disorders

A recent study has identified Nup358 as a critical regulator of myeloid cell development, revealing its role in the differentiation process of early progenitors. The findings provide insights into how alterations in Nup358 contribute to blood malignancies and may lead to novel therapies targeting transport machinery like NPCs.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2024

New Gene therapy trial shows restored hearing and speech in children born deaf, treated in both ears

A novel gene therapy has restored hearing function in five children with DFNB9 who were treated in both ears, demonstrating additional benefits compared to a previous trial. The treatment also improved speech perception and sound localization abilities, including the ability to appreciate music.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2024

Breakthrough in battery technology: iron-chromium redox flow batteries enhanced with N-B doped electrodes

The team introduced a novel N-B doped composite electrode for iron-chromium redox flow batteries, demonstrating significant improvements in discharge capacity and energy efficiency. The modified electrodes offered more active sites for redox reactions, enhancing the energy storage process.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·DateJun 5, 2024

Major cause of inflammatory bowel disease discovered

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute have identified a key biological pathway that contributes to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and other autoimmune conditions. The discovery provides a potential treatment target for IBD, with existing drugs showing promise in reducing inflammation in macrophages and gut samples from patients.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2024

Researchers led by UMass Amherst solve 2,000-year-old mystery of the shipworm

Researchers have solved the mystery of shipworms' ability to digest lignin, a tough wood substance. A population of symbiotic microbes in the typhlosole sub-organ produces enzymes that break down lignin, with potential practical applications in biotech and significant impacts on climate change and human health.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalInternational Biodeterioration & Biodegradation·DateJun 5, 2024

Immunotherapy before surgery very successful in treating colorectal cancer

A short course of immunotherapy prior to surgery was highly effective in treating colon cancer, with 95% of patients showing significant tumor reduction or complete elimination. The treatment also showed promising results in preventing cancer recurrence and metastasis over a two-year follow-up period.

SourceNetherlands Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 5, 2024

Enhanced decadal climate linkages discovered between Western Australia and tropical Pacific

Researchers have discovered significant interactions between sea surface temperature variations in Western Australia and the western-central tropical Pacific, driven by external forces since 1985. Warm SST anomalies in the tropical Indian Ocean drive decadal climate linkages with the two regions.

Banning false information traffickers online improved public discourse

A study found that banning 70,000 false information traffickers on Twitter reduced the number of misinformation posts by users who stayed on the platform. The study also showed that many misinformation traffickers left Twitter after being de-platformed, resulting in a spillover effect that reduced circulation on the platform.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2024

Research shows GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs are effective but come with complex concerns

Research shows that GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs are highly effective for weight management and Type 2 diabetes treatment, but they come with complex considerations such as dosages, side effects, and comparisons between specific drugs. Experts caution against overusing these drugs or viewing them as a universal cure-all for obesity.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs Scholar·DateJun 5, 2024

AI approach elevates plasma performance and stability across fusion devices

A team of researchers from Princeton University and the US Department of Energy's PPPL have successfully deployed machine learning methods to suppress harmful edge instabilities in fusion devices. Their approach optimizes the system's suppression response in real-time, maintaining high plasma performance without sacrificing stability.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2024

Study reveals how 'forever chemicals' may impact heart health in older women

Research from the University of Illinois has found a link between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. The study reveals how PFAS chemicals interact with pro-inflammatory pathways, providing potential explanations for the increased risk.

Food security: discovery of a gene for immunity against a disease that ravages rice and wheat crops

Researchers have identified a new type of resistance gene in plants called Ptr, which makes rice immune to certain strains of the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. This finding invalidates previous studies on another gene named Pi-ta and opens up new avenues for understanding natural resistance to disease.

Multiple randomized trials prove more stroke patients can benefit from thrombectomy

Randomized trials prove endovascular thrombectomy can be lifesaving for adult patients with severe symptoms after BAO, significantly lowering mortality rates compared to medical therapy. The Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery issues updated standards and guidelines recommending expanded access to thrombectomy treatment.

SourceSociety of NeuroInterventional Surgery·JournalJournal of NeuroInterventional Surgery·DateJun 5, 2024