Chitnis receives funding for study of wearable ultrasound systems
Dr. Parag Chitnis at George Mason University leads a multi-disciplinary team researching wearable ultrasound systems for tendon injury prevention and joint assessment.
Science News Archive 2024
Browse by Month - 2024
Page 58 of 484
Modeling and analysis reveals technological, environmental challenges to increasing water recovery from desalination
A new analysis reveals that zero liquid discharge (ZLD) technologies can increase water recovery from desalination while reducing waste, but at increased costs and energy consumption. The process poses tradeoffs between fighting future water scarcity and environmental effects.
High-dose IV vitamin C plus chemotherapy doubles survival in advanced pancreatic cancer
A randomized phase 2 clinical trial shows that adding high-dose, intravenous vitamin C to chemotherapy doubles the overall survival of patients with late-stage metastatic pancreatic cancer from eight months to 16 months. Patients also experience improved quality of life with reduced side effects.
Scientists recreate mouse from gene older than animal life
An international team of researchers successfully created a mouse using genetic tools from a unicellular organism, challenging the notion that these genes evolved exclusively within animals. The study uses ancient genetic tools to reprogram mouse cells into pluripotent stem cells.
Tiny worm makes for big evolutionary discovery
Researchers from UC Riverside have identified the oldest known ecdysozoan, Uncus dzaugisi, dating back to the Precambrian period. This discovery fills a significant gap in understanding the origins of this diverse animal group, which includes nematodes, arthropods, and scalidophora.
Nasal spray version of common diuretic has potential to help treat heart failure
A nasal spray form of bumetanide has been found to reduce tissue swelling in heart failure as effectively as standard oral and intravenous formulations. This new treatment option could provide a valuable tool for treating heart failure, promoting care at home and reducing hospital admissions.
Antibacterial material restores the efficacy of antibiotics against resistant bacteria
A new antibacterial material has been developed to restore the effectiveness of antibiotics against resistant bacteria. The study found a 64-fold increase in bactericidal effect when combining the material with oxacillin, making it effective against MRSA. The material is stable and active over time, offering a potential solution for wo...
Leaner large language models could enable efficient local use on phones and laptops
New algorithm CALDERA enables leaner LLMs with improved performance, reducing costs, energy consumption and privacy risks. This allows organizations to adapt models to their specific needs without sharing sensitive data, enhancing user privacy.
Rise in pancreatic cancer cases among young adults may be overdiagnosis
An analysis of pancreatic cancer data found an increasing incidence among young adults, but stable mortality rates, suggesting detection of previously undetected disease. The study highlights the need for caution against overdiagnosis and high-risk surgery.
Authoritative review makes connections between electron density topology, future of materials modeling and how we understand mechanisms of phenomena in familiar devices at the atomistic level
The comprehensive review highlights the impact of electron density topology on materials science and chemistry. It reveals connections between methods, including NG QTAIM, and their potential for simulating complex reactions, enabling more realistic computing and understanding of matter.
Oral muvalaplin for lowering of lipoprotein(a)
A new oral medication, muvalaplin, has shown promising results in lowering lipoprotein(a) levels, a marker of cardiovascular risk. The study's findings suggest that muvalaplin may be a valuable treatment option for individuals with high lipoprotein(a) levels.
Gaming for the good!
A new report from the University of Houston found that massive multiplayer online gamers learn valuable skills in the workplace, including problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. The study revealed that gaming can be a way for people to grow both personally and professionally when done in moderation.
A new discovery about pain signalling may contribute to better treatment of chronic pain
Researchers at Linköping University pinpointed the exact location of a specific calcium channel fine-tuning pain signals. This knowledge can be used to develop drugs for chronic pain that are more effective and have fewer side effects.
How marine worms regenerate lost body parts
Researchers from the University of Vienna have discovered that marine worms regenerate lost body parts by dedifferentiation, where cells return to a stem cell-like state. This process allows them to form new segments quickly, with specific gene expression and transcription factors involved.
For low-risk pregnancies, planned home births just as safe as birth center births, study shows
A national study led by Oregon State University found that planned home births for low-risk pregnancies are comparable to birth center births in terms of health outcomes. The study analyzed over 110,000 births from 2012 to 2019 and showed no safety difference between the two settings.
New model can help understand coexistence in nature
Researchers at Uppsala University developed a mathematical model to understand how seabird species coexist on isolated islands. The model shows that different species use distinct fishing zones, maximizing energy intake based on traits like wing length and diving depth.
The women and stress behind rural farming in America
The study highlights the vital role women play in farming families, taking care of non-farming tasks, managing household finances, and dealing with isolation. Many women also work on the farm, but often downplay their contributions, leading to feelings of resentment and sadness.
Fabrication of polymethyl methacrylate microspheres for improving immunogenicity of tetanus toxoid
Researchers developed biocompatible polymethyl methacrylate microspheres for controlled antigen delivery. The formulation resulted in efficient uptake by macrophages and other antigen-presenting cells, eliciting a notable immune response.
Empowering people, saving the planet: A case for direct democracy
A new study explores the relationship between democratic attributes and greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the effectiveness of Direct Popular Voting in reducing emissions. Civil Society Participation is also found to have a significant impact, particularly in countries with higher GDP per capita. The research provides insights for...
Early adoption of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor in patients hospitalized with heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction
Prescription rates of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors increased substantially within 2 years after publication of clinical trial evidence documenting benefit. The study highlights the need to understand strategies used by higher prescribing centers to increase SGLT2i adoption.
With new imaging approach, ADA Forsyth scientists closely analyze microbial adhesive interactions
Scientists have identified new ways that bacteria interact with each other in the oral microbiome, finding that certain species bind more strongly than others. This groundbreaking discovery could lead to new insights into disease and the development of novel therapies.
High exposure to everyday chemicals linked to asthma risk in children
A recent study by researchers at Kumamoto University found a potential link between exposure to certain everyday chemicals during pregnancy and the development of asthma in children. The study analyzed data from over 3,500 mother-child pairs and measured 24 types of phenols in urine samples collected from pregnant women.
Kaya advancing AI literacy
Erdogan Kaya and his team aim to create an AI curriculum for grades 4-5, focusing on emergent multilingual learners and preparing students for AI-intensive careers. The project explores the impact of the integrated curriculum on students' understanding of AI concepts and teachers' AI teaching efficacy beliefs.
Cocoa or green tea could protect you from the negative effects of fatty foods during mental stress - study
Researchers found that a high-flavanol cocoa drink can protect the body's vasculature against stress even after eating high-fat food. Flavanols in green tea and other foods also showed benefits for cardiovascular health.
Smarter blood tests from MSU researchers deliver faster diagnoses, improved outcomes
A multidisciplinary team of MSU researchers has pioneered a way to detect diseases sooner using biomarkers in plasma, enabling faster treatment and better patient outcomes. Their new method reduces masking effects of highly abundant proteins, allowing for more precise and earlier detection of diseases.
QF’s WISH announces this year’s winning innovators at 2024 summit
Ayya Azzahra of CervivAI and Neda Razavi of iSono Health have been named as the two winners of Qatar Foundation's World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) 2024 Innovation Competitions. The awards include cash prizes and mentoring sessions with leading industry experts.
Refugees face high housing instability
Researchers from the Complexity Science Hub found that refugees in Austria experience significantly greater housing instability, with an average of 3.8 moves within a year. This can lead to challenges such as financial strain, limited access to education and healthcare, and unstable relationships within neighborhoods.
American soil losing more nutrients for crops due to heavier rainstorms, study shows
A new study led by Penn State researchers found that phosphorus loss from agricultural lands has increased over the past four decades, despite efforts to reduce it. This loss can lead to decreased crop yields and higher food prices, as well as harm algal blooms and aquatic life.
Global antibiotic consumption has increased by more than 21 percent since 2016
Global antibiotic consumption has increased by more than 21 percent since 2016, with a significant rise in middle-income countries. The study highlights the need to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use and invest in infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries to curb disease transmission effectively.
Multiple sclerosis drug may help with poor working memory
A new study found that fampridine can improve working memory in individuals with reduced cognitive function, particularly those with low baseline working memory levels. The drug increased brain excitability and enabled faster processing of stimuli.
Technion researchers have developed a new chemical process: Triazenolysis
Researchers at Technion have developed a new chemical process called triazenolysis to produce multifunctional amines useful in various applications. The process mimics ozonolysis but produces carbon-nitrogen bonds relevant to agriculture, pharmaceuticals and polymers
Tree islands restore nature in oil palm plantations
Research by Göttingen University and collaborators reveals that tree islands within oil palm monocultures can naturally regenerate native tree diversity through ecological restoration. Larger island areas are particularly essential for endemic tree species struggling to find habitats.
A common heart failure medication may help prevent heart damage related to chemotherapy
Researchers found that sacubitril-valsartan, a commonly prescribed heart failure medication, can help prevent heart damage related to chemotherapy treatment among high-risk cancer patients. The study highlights the importance of identifying patients at high risk for heart damage and suggests strategies for early intervention.
Nano-scale molecular detective: New on-chip device uses exotic light rays in 2D material to detect molecules
Researchers developed an on-chip detector that uses phonon polaritons to enhance molecular fingerprint detection. This compact design enables ultra-sensitive gas sensing and paves the way for medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.
Q&A: A new medical AI model can help spot systemic disease by looking at a range of image types
Researchers developed BiomedParse, an AI medical image analysis model that works across nine types of medical images to predict systemic diseases. This enables non-specialists to analyze and identify subtle variations in medical images, leading to improved diagnosis.
Neural mechanisms of sleep-dependent motor learning revealed in new study on brain injury rehabilitation
A new study published by Kessler Foundation reveals that short naps can significantly improve motor performance and brain activity associated with motor skill improvement in individuals recovering from traumatic brain injury. This research highlights the potential for incorporating napping protocols into rehabilitation programs to maxi...
New study finds atrial fibrillation common in newly diagnosed heart failure patients, and makes prognosis significantly worse
A new study by Intermountain Health found that 40% of newly diagnosed heart failure patients also have atrial fibrillation, leading to poorer outcomes. Patients with both conditions require more aggressive treatment and regular screenings.
Parkinson’s Paradox: When more dopamine means more tremor
A new study reveals that patients with Parkinson's disease who exhibit rest tremor have more dopamine preserved in the caudate nucleus, a part of the brain important for movement planning and cognition. This challenges traditional understanding of how dopamine loss relates to PD symptoms.
NIH-developed AI algorithm successfully matches potential volunteers to clinical trials release
The NIH-developed AI algorithm, TrialGPT, can identify relevant clinical trials for eligible patients and provide a clear explanation of their eligibility. The researchers found that clinicians using TrialGPT spent 40% less time screening patients while maintaining the same level of accuracy.
Pulmonary vein isolation with optimized linear ablation vs pulmonary vein isolation alone for persistent AF
A new study published in JAMA found that pulmonary vein isolation combined with ethanol infusion of the vein of Marshall significantly improved freedom from atrial arrhythmias within 12 months. This approach outperformed traditional pulmonary vein isolation alone in reducing AF recurrence rates.
Climate change can cause stress in herring larvae
Exposure to multiple environmental stressors simultaneously impairs the ability of herring larvae to react at a molecular level, reducing their capacity for acclimatization. This can lead to increased protein damage and cell injury, potentially affecting growth and survival.
Keeping the lights on and the pantry stocked: Ensuring water for energy and food production
Researchers from Stanford University's Natural Capital Project analyzed thousands of scenarios to find that investments in upstream reforestation and protected areas can increase water availability for downstream hydropower. This approach helps mitigate tensions between energy, agriculture, and ecosystems.
Cause of the yo-yo effect deciphered
A study by ETH Zurich researchers has found that epigenetic markers in fat cells can lead to the yo-yo effect, where weight drops but returns. The researchers also found evidence of this mechanism in humans, suggesting that obesity can leave a lasting mark on gene expression.
Bee alert: Pesticides pose a real threat to over 70% of wild bees
A new study reveals that pesticides harm ground-nesting bee species, which are crucial pollinators of food crops. The research emphasizes the need for comprehensive reforms in pesticide regulations.
Machine learning and supercomputer simulations help researchers to predict interactions between gold nanoparticles and blood proteins
Scientists have developed a methodology that can predict the most favorable binding sites of gold nanoparticles to five common human blood proteins. This breakthrough enables researchers to investigate how drug-carrying nanoparticles interact with blood proteins, which could lead to more effective cancer treatments.
When hepatitis E viruses attack nerve cells
Hepatitis E viruses can directly infect nerve cells, which are unable to protect themselves due to a low immune response. This discovery may explain the neurological effects of HEV infections.
Anti-obesity drugs, lifestyle interventions show cardiovascular benefits beyond weight loss
Studies published in JACC found that anti-obesity drugs such as tirzepatide and semaglutide improved cardiac structure and function, as well as reduced cardiac risk biomarkers with lifestyle interventions. These findings suggest that these treatments may have a transformative impact on cardiovascular health beyond weight loss.
Enormous cache of rare Earth elements hidden inside coal ash waste
A new study by University of Texas at Austin researchers has found a significant cache of rare Earth elements hidden inside US coal ash waste. The study estimates that there could be 11 million tons of accessible rare earth elements in the US coal ash supply, which is nearly 8 times the current domestic reserves.
Promising daily tablet increases growth in children with dwarfism
A promising daily tablet, infigratinib, has been shown to increase height and improve proportional limb growth in children with achondroplasia. The medication is safe and effective in treating children aged 3-11 years, offering an alternative to existing treatments.
Relationship between concentrations of oxygen and levels of oxidative stress in patients receiving oxygen therapy for severe COVID-19 pneumonia
The study found that high oxygen therapy modalities increased oxidative stress and lung injury in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Patients who died of COVID-19 had significantly higher mean MDA levels than those who survived.
We finally know where black holes get their magnetic fields: Their parents
Scientists have found that black holes inherit their magnetic fields from their parent stars, specifically the surrounding disk of swirling matter during collapse. This discovery resolves a longstanding mystery and opens doors for further studies of jets.
New study reveals possible origins of dark matter in "Dark Big Bang" scenario
Researchers propose that dark matter may have originated from a separate 'Dark Big Bang,' occurring shortly after the universe's birth. The study explores possible scenarios for this new theory and determines potential observable consequences, including gravitational waves detectable by future experiments.
New study shows how social bonds help tool-using monkeys learn new skills
A new study at Durham University found that social tolerance enables social learning in wild bearded capuchin monkeys, leading to the transmission of skills and traditions. The research showed that individuals with strong social tolerance were more likely to learn from others and share information about solving complex tasks.
This year’s dazzling aurora produced a spectacular display… of citizen science
The unusual magenta color of this year's aurora over Japan was discovered through a massive citizen science effort, which collected data from over 775 grassroots submissions. The researchers found that the preheating of the atmosphere due to solar activity, combined with high-altitude ionized molecular nitrogen, created a unique optica...
How humans evolved to be ‘energetically unique’
A new Harvard study finds humans possess higher metabolic rates than primates and apes, allowing for bigger brains, longer lifespan, and increased reproduction. Humans have 'escaped a tradeoff' between resting and active metabolism due to unique sweating ability.
Greg Liu is in his element using chemistry to tackle the plastics problem
Greg Liu has developed a revolutionary way to convert certain plastics into soaps, detergents, lubricants, and other products through thermolysis. The process breaks down polypropylene and polyethylene molecules into chemical compounds, leaving minimal residual solids and usable oil.
Zerlasiran—A small-interfering RNA targeting lipoprotein(a)
Zerlasiran, a small-interfering RNA targeting hepatic synthesis of apolipoprotein(a), significantly reduced time-averaged lipoprotein(a) concentrations by over 80% during 36 weeks of treatment. This finding has potential implications for the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Purdue launches institute to help farmers commercialize new value-added products
The new Institute for Food Product Innovation and Commercialization offers training and development support to agriculture producers with novel product ideas. The program aims to remove hurdles for farmer-entrepreneurs, providing expertise on food manufacturing, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Plastic bag bans have lingering impacts, even after repeals
A study by University of California - Riverside found that banning free plastic bags for groceries resulted in customers purchasing more plastic bags, despite the policy's goal to reduce waste. The behaviors spurred by the ban lingered even after the rules were repealed, with some impacts not beneficial to the environment.
Can podcasts create healthier habits?
Researchers found that podcasts significantly improved health knowledge, increased exercise levels, and boosted healthy eating habits. Engagement with health-related podcasts was generally high, suggesting they could be an effective medium for health information and behavior change interventions.