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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 435


Page 435 of 484

Reshaping our understanding of granular systems

Scientists at the University of Rochester discovered that even small differences in grain shape can significantly alter grain segregation in dry and wet conditions. The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research to better understand and predict geohazards and alleviate segregation issues in industrial flows.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2024

Salt substitutes help to maintain healthy blood pressure in older adults

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that salt substitutes can help maintain healthy blood pressure in older adults. The study, which included 611 participants, showed that those using salt substitutes had a 40% lower incidence of hypertension compared to those using regular salt.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 12, 2024

CRISPR-copies: New tool accelerates and optimizes genome editing

Researchers at CABBI developed a computational pipeline for identifying CRISPR/Cas-facilitated integration sites, which can pinpoint neutral integration sites in two to three minutes. This tool enables researchers to efficiently locate all the needles that align with their specific criteria, transforming the genome editing process.

Darting around with a tiny brain

Researchers discovered how insects navigate using limited brain power by simplifying complex problems through their behavior, a strategy that can be applied to robots and computers. A model of insect neuronal activity showed the robot successfully navigated in various environments, leading to potential improvements in energy efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 12, 2024

Widespread machine learning methods behind ‘link prediction’ are performing very poorly

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz find that popular link prediction metrics are flawed and do not accurately measure algorithm performance. They recommend using a new metric, VCMPR, to benchmark link prediction tasks and highlight the importance of accurate metrics in machine learning decision-making.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2024

Scientists discover biological mechanism of hearing loss caused by loud noise – and find a way to prevent it

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a molecular mechanism behind noise-induced hearing loss, which affects millions of Americans. They found that excess zinc in the inner ear causes cellular damage and disrupts normal cell communication, leading to hearing loss.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2024

Understanding chronic wasting disease in deer

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine sheds light on how Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) impacts the gut microbiome, providing a potential tool for disease surveillance. Researchers found that certain types of gut bacteria can differentiate between CWD-positive and -negative deer.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2024

Can hydrogels help mend a broken heart?

Researchers have created a hydrogel that can be used to heal damaged heart tissue and improve cancer treatments. The gel is made from cellulose nanocrystals derived from wood pulp and has a nanofibrous architecture that replicates the properties of human tissues.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 12, 2024

Dartmouth researchers offer new insights into how antibodies function against HSV

Researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine and Thayer School of Engineering have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how antibodies combat herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections. The study reveals that antibody effector functions play a critical role in protecting against HSV, which may lead to new treatments for n...

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2024

New study finds life on land is more vulnerable to mass extinctions than life in the oceans and takes longer to recover

A new study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B found that the end-Triassic extinction had a greater impact on terrestrial ecosystems than marine ecosystems. Terrestrial ecosystems took longer to recover from mass extinction events, with higher extinction severity and fewer groups occupying key ecological roles.

SourceNatural History Museum of Los Angeles County·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2024

Global taskforce of scientists develop a unifying framework for the human affectome

A global task force of scientists created an integrative framework to study emotions and moods, situating experiences within a single theoretical framework. This framework helps understand mental disorders like depression and anxiety, as well as decision-making and human behavior.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 12, 2024

Disadvantaged communities in Massachusetts twice as likely to have poor roads—and pay the cost in gas

A new study by University of Massachusetts Amherst engineers highlights the disproportionate impact of poorly maintained roads on residents in disadvantaged communities. The research found that these communities are twice as likely to have poor roads, leading to increased fuel consumption and higher costs for drivers.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2024

Novel bispecific design improves CAR T–cell immunotherapy for childhood leukemia

Researchers created an additional means for therapy to find and eliminate cancer cells using a small peptide, demonstrating better efficacy in lab tests and in vitro experiments. The study used computational analysis and predicted protein models to understand how structure impacts antigen recognition and therapy efficacy.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2024

Creating safe spaces with and for Black girls

A study published in the Journal of Black Psychology found that creating spaces with and for Black girls can provide psychological safety. The Black Girl Magic Crew program validated participants' experiences, opinions, and encouraged explorations of self through specific curricular activities. This model can be used to create similar ...

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Black Psychology·DateFeb 12, 2024

Moffitt develops first individualized predictive model for multiple myeloma treatment

Researchers develop a novel genomic classification system that categorizes patients into 12 distinct groups based on their underlying genomic profiles. The individualized risk model, IRMMa, uses advanced statistical methodologies to generate tailored predictions of patient response to different therapies.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 9, 2024

Global study: Wild megafauna shape ecosystem properties

A global meta-analysis of six continents reveals that large wild herbivores have a significant impact on ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem variability. The study found that megafauna communities with larger herbivores tend to have positive effects on local plant diversity, while smaller species communities decrease it.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 9, 2024

New study shows nutritional epigenetics education improves diet and attitude in parents of children with autism and ADHD

Parents who received nutritional epigenetics education reduced ultra-processed food consumption and increased whole organic foods intake, leading to improved behavior and cognition in their children. The education intervention also reduced heavy metal exposures and dietary deficits that disrupt gene function.

SourceFood Ingredient and Health Research Institute·JournalWorld Journal of Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 9, 2024

Innovative coating prevents limescale formation

A team of researchers from ETH Zurich has developed a special coating that prevents limescale formation by using microscopically small ridges to prevent the adhesion of limescale crystals. The coating is biocompatible, environmentally friendly, and more efficient than existing approaches.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2024