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Science News Archive 2024 - Page 468


Page 468 of 484

Unpacking social equity from biodiversity data: an interdisciplinary policy perspective

Researchers found that biodiversity data is concentrated in wealthy countries, with implications for conservation projects. This context should be considered to prevent inequitable implementation, Chapman argues. The team hopes to see more inclusive science policy collaboration to ensure that biodiversity data is applied justly.

Chronic inflammation and poverty are a ‘double whammy’ for mortality risk

A new study by University of Florida researcher Arch Mainous III found that people with chronic inflammation living in poverty have a significantly increased risk of dying from heart disease (127% increase) and cancer (196% increase) within 15 years. The study analyzed data from over 95 million Americans ages 40 and over, highlighting ...

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2024

The medical community should not stand silent on medicalized rape at CIA secret prisons, BU researchers argue in new commentary

Boston University School of Public Health researchers Sondra Crosby and Leonard Glantz denounce rectal feeding practices at CIA secret prisons, equating them to torture. They call for medical officers who authorized or participated in these nonconsensual practices to be held accountable for violating ethical and legal standards.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 16, 2024

Contact lenses to diagnose glaucoma

A new type of contact lens has been developed to diagnose glaucoma by monitoring eye pressure, providing a more accurate diagnosis and easier treatment. The lenses contain micro-sensors that track changes in intraocular pressure over several hours, sending the data wirelessly for analysis by an ophthalmologist.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalContact Lens and Anterior Eye·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2024

HudsonAlpha researchers conduct in-depth characterization of a major gene involved in neurodegenerative diseases

HudsonAlpha researchers have identified a major gene involved in neurodegenerative diseases, tau, and its regulatory regions. The study found 97 candidate regulatory elements that control tau expression, some of which may hold promise for new therapeutic targets.

SourceHudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Is soil nitrogen mineralization important in agricultural intensive areas?

Soil nitrogen mineralization is a key process controlling soil nitrogen availability to plants. The study found that soil N mineralization rate and nitrate release varied with elevation, soil pH, and other factors. Soil N mineralization plays a crucial role in agricultural sustainability, but excessive nitrate release can lead to water...

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

PNU researchers reveal cutibacterium acnes as a potential cause of lichen striatus hypopigmentation

A study by Pusan National University researchers found a significant association between Cutibacterium acnes and lichen striatus hypopigmentation, suggesting the potential for targeted therapy to reduce LS duration and hypopigmentation. The research team identified other likely candidates in skin microbiota imbalance.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2024

Study: New deepfake detector designed to be less biased

Researchers at UB have developed a new deepfake detection algorithm that reduces biases in facial recognition, with one method classifying videos based on demographics and the other relying on features not visible to the human eye. The algorithms improved fairness metrics and reduced disparities in accuracy across races and genders.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2024

No increase in preventable illnesses, deaths in kids during pandemic, but delays in some diagnoses

Despite pandemic disruptions, emergency visits, hospital admissions, and intensive care unit stays were lower for children. However, there were delays in new diagnoses of cancer and diabetes, and an increase in diabetic ketoacidosis among children with diabetes. Researchers urge education campaigns to improve future pandemic preparedness.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2024

AI naturalists record rare bird behavior

Researchers have developed an AI-enabled bio-logger that captures rare bird behaviors, including vigorous head shaking before flight and deep-sea mating rituals. The system uses outlier detection to identify unusual behaviors in real-time, providing valuable insights into animal biology and ecology.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 16, 2024

Palliative telecare significantly improves quality of life for those with chronic illnesses, and results last for months

Researchers found that a team intervention provided by phone leads to persistent improvements in depression, anxiety, and quality of life for people managing chronic illnesses. The program demonstrated early, persistent, and clinically meaningful improvements in adults with COPD, HF, or ILD.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJan 16, 2024

Allergic reactions prevented with decorated nanoparticles

Scientists have created a new therapy using nanoparticles to target specific immune cells responsible for allergic responses. The approach, which combines an allergen with antibodies that selectively inhibit mast cells, has shown promising results in a mouse study, preventing allergic reactions without causing side effects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Employer-sponsored health insurance premium cost growth and its association with earnings inequality among families

A study of U.S. families with employer-sponsored health insurance found a significant association between rising premiums and reduced annual earnings, as well as increased earnings inequality by race and ethnicity and wage level. The research suggests that this growth may have contributed to wage stagnation over the past three decades.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 16, 2024

Help people monitor their own air quality to save lives, say pollution experts

Researchers from the University of Surrey created a new way to monitor air quality in real-time, empowering communities to take action. The study found that large gatherings and outdoor pollution can worsen indoor air quality, but knowledge is power. Public awareness campaigns led to tips on improving ventilation in homes and workplaces.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalSustainable Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Research shows association between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and mortality in some solid organ transplant recipients

A study published in Transplantation Proceedings found an association between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and increased mortality in solid organ transplant recipients. Patients with MASH had a higher risk of death compared to those without, highlighting the importance of early identification.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalTransplantation Proceedings·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2024

Higher acetaminophen intake in pregnancy linked to attention deficits in young children

A new study links increased acetaminophen use during pregnancy, particularly in the second trimester, to noticeable increases in attention and behavior problems in 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds. The study found modest but notable increases in attention-related issues and ADHD-type behaviors with increasing acetaminophen use.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNeurotoxicology and Teratology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2024

Dirt-powered fuel cell runs forever

A new Northwestern University-led fuel cell harvests energy from microbes in soil to power underground sensors, potentially offering a sustainable alternative to batteries. The technology outlasts similar technologies by 120% and can operate in both wet and dry conditions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Being rough and hairy isn't all it's cracked up to be - at least if you're a tree

Researchers found that evergreen trees with smaller leaves, particularly those with awl-shaped leaves like Yew and Japanese cedar, were most effective at catching particles of pollution. In contrast, the study showed that the size and shape of the leaf, rather than its roughness or hairiness, was key to removing pollutants.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Molecular ‘super-glue’ shows promise of cancer drug discovery platform

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed a molecular glue that sticks to the cancer-related protein casein kinase 1 alpha (CK1α), leading to its destruction. The compound, SJ3149, displays broad anti-cancer activity and may have clinical utility as an alternative to conventional small molecule inhibitors.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2024

BU/BMC researchers create first model of the most common genetic cause of childhood interstitial lung disease: ABCA3 mutations

Researchers developed a disease model using induced pluripotent stem cells from children with ABCA3 mutations, revealing key differences between diseased and healthy cells. The study opens doors for therapeutic discovery and highlights the utility of pluripotent stem cells for disease modeling.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Spider venom heart drug a step closer

A University of Queensland team has developed a spider venom molecule, Hi1a, that protects cells from heart attack and stroke damage. The drug candidate has passed critical benchmarks in preclinical tests, which indicate it could be an effective therapeutic with reduced side effects.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024