Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2024 - Page 50


Page 50 of 484

How school eligibility influences the spread of infectious diseases: Insights for future outbreaks

A recent study using regression discontinuity found that COVID-19 rates were higher among school-eligible children compared to those not eligible during in-person semesters. However, the difference decreased with each semester, and transmission was lower among school-eligible children during summer breaks.

Study finds health disparities in PFAS levels linked to drinking water, food access and industrial pollution

Researchers found that living in neighborhoods with low food access, contaminated drinking water, and proximity to Superfund sites increases PFAS levels in blood. The study provides evidence for addressing neighborhood-level factors in reducing racial and ethnic environmental health disparities.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 21, 2024

Here’s something Americans agree on: Sports build character

A recent study found that more than 9 out of 10 Americans agree that sports build character and improve health, while ignoring issues such as abuse and burnout. The 'Great Sport Myth' suggests that sports have automatic positive results, but researchers argue that this ignores problems in the sport.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Sport and Social Issues·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2024

New method for designing artificial proteins

Researchers have developed a new method for designing large artificial proteins with high accuracy, utilizing AI-based software Alphafold2. The approach combines accurate structure prediction with optimization techniques, allowing for the creation of proteins with tailored properties, such as precise binding and stability.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

Genomic surveillance studies reveal circulation of multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales in Europe

Two studies found that multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales, particularly Escherichia coli ST131 and Providencia stuartii NDM-1, are spreading in healthcare and community settings across Europe. The emergence of these resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to carbapenem treatment effectiveness.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2024

Purdue researchers identify infrastructure and communication challenges as barriers to food safety in the low-moisture food industry

A study by Purdue University researchers has identified key challenges in ensuring the safety of low-moisture foods, including hygienic design, risk communication, behavioral change, and limited resources. The findings highlight the need for better food safety culture, research, and education to prevent outbreaks and recalls.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Food Protection·TypeSurvey·DateNov 21, 2024

NASA: Mystery of life’s handedness deepens

A NASA-funded discovery reveals that RNA can produce both left- and right-handed proteins, challenging the notion that life initially favored one over the other. This finding deepens the mystery of life's handedness and suggests that homochirality may have emerged through later evolutionary pressures.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

The origin of stem cells

Researchers identified critical proteins involved in animal stem cell regulation, including SOX and POU transcription factors, which existed in single-celled organisms over 700 million years ago. These ancient proteins retained functional properties that enabled them to induce stem cell reprogramming in mouse cells.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2024

Does feminism begin at home?

A study of Polish women found that their mothers' and daughters' views on feminism often converged, with pro-feminist attitudes being more prevalent among younger generations. The research suggests that family dynamics play a significant role in shaping women's worldviews on gender equality.

SourceSWPS University·JournalWomen s Studies International Forum·TypeSurvey·DateNov 21, 2024

The UGR leads a global scientific consensus on the most important physical fitness tests for children and adolescents

Researchers identified the 20-meter shuttle run test, handgrip strength test, standing long jump test, and body mass index as the most important physical fitness tests for children and adolescents. These tests are reliable indicators of aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and overall health status.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of Sport and Health Science·TypeSurvey·DateNov 21, 2024

DNA repair: A look inside the cell’s ‘repair café’

Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute have mapped the activity of DNA repair proteins in individual human cells, discovering unique and sometimes rare ways to repair DNA damage. These proteins organize into 'hubs' where multiple damaged DNA regions come together, making the process more efficient.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

Wistar Institute researchers discover new combination therapy approach for metastatic ovarian cancer

Researchers at The Wistar Institute have discovered a new combination therapy approach that shrinks tumors and improves survival rates in metastatic ovarian cancer. By activating myeloid cells, the treatment overcomes immunosuppression around tumors and makes them more receptive to chemotherapy.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

UT Health San Antonio-led study validates cerebral small vessel disease marker for wider use in dementia trials

A new neuroimaging marker, peak-width of skeletonized mean diffusivity (PSMD), has been validated as a susceptibility/risk biomarker for small vessel disease contributing to cognitive impairment and dementia. The study found that PSMD explained cognitive status above and beyond white matter hyperintensities.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 21, 2024

Fewer than 7% of global hotspots for whale-ship collisions have protection measures in place

A new study led by the University of Washington found that only about 7% of areas at highest risk for whale-ship collisions have any measures in place. The team identified high-risk regions, including coastal areas along the Mediterranean, Americas, southern Africa, and parts of Asia, where whales and ships are most likely to meet.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2024

Synthesis and detailed electrochemical analysis of sulfide-based solid electrolyte with practical level ionic conductivity via liquid phase method

A new sulfide-based solid electrolyte, Li10GeP2S12, is synthesized using a solution-based method with high room-temperature ionic conductivity. The study reveals unique electrochemical properties and mechanisms associated with the liquid-phase approach.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

New genetic explanation for heart condition revealed

A new study has found that hundreds of genes, rather than a single 'aberrant' genetic variant, contribute to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy. Researchers developed a polygenic risk score to assess individual risk and found those with the highest genetic risk had a fourfold chance of developing the disease.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2024

What's the story, morning glory?

A University of Michigan study found that glyphosate-resistant morning glory plants are also resistant to chewing insects. The researchers discovered a positive correlation between glyphosate resistance and insect resistance, suggesting that the herbicide disrupts the co-evolution of plants and their insect herbivores.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNew Phytologist·DateNov 21, 2024

The tissue and circulating cell-free DNA-derived genetic landscape of pre-malignant colorectal lesions and its application for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer

Researchers sequenced tissue and plasma samples from patients with conventional CRAs to identify genetic alterations. They found that a small proportion of samples successfully detected tissue-origin variants within matched cfDNA. The study also explored the genomic characteristics and progression of cancer from CRA to CRC-I, highlight...