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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 424


Page 424 of 484

Heavy alcohol, drug use linked to increased risk of falls among people with HIV

A new study has found that heavy alcohol use and illicit opioid use are linked to a higher risk of falls and fractures among people living with HIV. The study suggests the need for targeted clinical screening and interventions to prevent falls and related injuries, particularly among populations already at risk.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Neural network assisted high-spatial-resolution polarimetry

A new method combines a tri-channel chiral metasurface with a deep convolutional neural network to analyze polarizations, achieving fast, robust, and accurate measurements. This approach supports high spatial resolution requirements and compact design, enabling diverse applications in remote sensing, astronomy, biology, and microscopy.

Research progress reveals faster, more accurate blood flow simulation to revolutionise treatment of vascular diseases

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed new methods to simulate blood flow, enabling faster and more accurate modeling of vascular diseases. These advancements have the potential to transform medical treatment and device innovation, providing real-time insights during surgical procedures and improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 21, 2024

Uptake of HIV prevention medication doubles with mix of digital health interventions, study finds

A UCLA-led study found that a combination of telehealth coaching, peer support, and automated text messages increased PrEP uptake among younger Americans by more than doubling it. The intervention's success suggests the importance of behavioral interventions and wraparound services in supporting HIV prevention.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 21, 2024

Automated method helps researchers quantify uncertainty in their predictions

Researchers have introduced an optimization technique that accelerates Bayesian inference without requiring extensive user effort. This new automated method achieves more accurate results faster than another popular approach and offers reliable uncertainty estimates to help scientists understand when to trust their predictions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Machine Learning Research·DateFeb 21, 2024

Raised blood pressure is the leading risk factor for death in Australia

A study published in PLOS ONE found that raised blood pressure has been the leading risk factor for death in Australia for three decades, contributing to at least 44% of cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths. The research highlights the importance of prioritizing blood pressure control efforts in public health agendas.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Novel treatment strategy reduces inflammation and cardiometabolic risk in adolescents with obesity

A one-year interdisciplinary therapy program reduced inflammation and cardiometabolic risk in obese adolescents, improving insulin resistance and weight management. The semi-intensive model produced better results than previous intensive models, reversing hyperlipidemia and promoting energy balance.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 21, 2024

Families of men with fertility problems show distinct patterns of increased risk for several types of cancer

Men with low sperm count or none have a higher risk of developing cancer, including at younger ages, compared to fertile men. Families of azoospermic men have a significantly increased risk of five cancers, while families of oligozoospermic men have a higher risk of colon, bone and joint, and testicular cancers.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Revealing what makes bacteria life-threatening

Scientists found a mutation in E. coli that allows it to spread further into the body and infect organs, causing life-threatening diseases. The discovery helps explain why certain types of E. coli become more dangerous and provides an explanation for emerging virulent bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Nanoscale manipulation of exciton–trion interconversion in a MoSe2 monolayer via tip-enhanced cavity-spectroscopy

Researchers have developed a novel 'nano active control platform' to control excitons and trions, providing valuable insights into the optical properties of two-dimensional semiconductors. The breakthrough discovery enables real-time analysis of nano-light properties with exceptional spatial resolution.

μkiss-and-tell: A new method for precision delivery of nanoparticles and small molecules to individual cells

Scientists create 'μkiss' technique for precise delivery of materials to individual cells, offering new possibilities in single-cell science and next-generation therapeutic applications. The method provides full control over location, time, and scale of material application, enabling detailed studies of cellular processes.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Plastic recycling with a protein anchor

Researchers have developed a novel biohybrid catalyst that uses an anchor peptide to oxidize polystyrene microparticles, making them degradable. The catalyst accelerates the formation of polar OH groups through reaction with Oxone, allowing for efficient breakdown and degradation of polystyrene.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

With regular exercise, medical weight loss treatment does not have to be permanent

A new study published in LANCET eClinicalMedicine found that regular exercise can help individuals maintain weight loss after completing medical weight loss treatment. The study showed that exercising just two hours a week can lead to better quality of life, improved mental health, and reduced fatigue.

The immune system’s moonlighters

Researchers have found a new potential therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis by identifying an overlooked sequence in the IκBζ protein. This sequence, known as the OCA peptide, can activate key proteins in immune cells and may help reeling in immune cells gone haywire.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 20, 2024

A study demonstrates one of the reasons why the Mediterranean diet improves kidney health in patients with diabetes

A study published by the University of Córdoba and Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research found that a Mediterranean diet reduces levels of harmful compounds called AGEs, which can accumulate in the bodies of diabetic patients with kidney problems. This dietary pattern may mitigate kidney disease deterioration in diabetic patients.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalDiabetes & Metabolism Journal·DateFeb 20, 2024

Microplastics in every human placenta, new UNM Health Sciences research discovers

A recent study by UNM Health Sciences researchers has found that microplastics are present in all 62 human placenta samples tested. The concentrations ranged from 6.5 to 790 micrograms per gram of tissue, with polyethylene being the most prevalent polymer found. The study suggests that microplastics may be linked to puzzling increases ...

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalToxicological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Health care inequities behind shorter life spans for Inuit from Nunavik, Quebec, with lung cancer

Researchers found that Inuit residents in Nunavik had shorter survival rates for lung cancer compared to Montreal residents, despite similar disease stages. The study attributes this disparity to chronic under-resourcing of healthcare services and lack of Inuit representation in healthcare provision.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Versatile light control in WSe₂ achieved

The study successfully manipulates distinct exciton species within a hybrid monolayer WSe2-Ag nanowire structure, exhibiting high coupling efficiency with surface plasmon polaritons. This breakthrough enables precise control over light emissions and paves the way for advanced optical and quantum applications.

Child tax credits provided significant relief to families experiencing economic shocks during COVID

A new study found that the 2021 Child Tax Credit expansion significantly reduced food insufficiency among American families, particularly those with children who experienced economic shocks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The monthly advance payments included in the expansion enabled all families to afford enough food and had a greater i...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs Scholar·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 20, 2024

Where neural stem cells feel at home

Neural stem cells developed into nerve cells when adhering to hydrogels with high positive charge, while those on lower positively charged gels became glial cells. The ability to influence differentiation could aid in nerve and glial cell regeneration and treatment of diseases like multiple sclerosis.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Terahertz biosensor detects skin cancer with remarkable accuracy, ushering in new era of early detection

A new terahertz biosensor has been developed to detect skin cancer with exceptional sensitivity, leveraging the unique properties of THz waves. The device analyzes a combination of parameters to provide a richer picture of tissue, allowing for accurate differentiation between healthy and cancerous cells.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateFeb 20, 2024

Physically impaired primates find ways to modify their behaviours to compensate for their disabilities, according to Concordia researchers

Studies reveal how primates modify behaviors to care for themselves and others despite physical disabilities. Behavioral flexibility is crucial, allowing them to adjust species-typical behaviors and innovate new ways to participate in daily activities.

SourceConcordia University·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 20, 2024