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Science News Archive April 2024 - Page 34


Page 34 of 41

Study: eDNA methods give a real-time look at coral reef health

A recent study published in Environmental Microbiology uses eDNA to analyze coral reef microbial communities, providing near-real time insights into ecosystem health. The research found that microorganisms can capture and predict stony coral tissue loss disease and hurricane disturbance impacts on US Virgin Island reefs.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 5, 2024

The sense of smell is influenced by cues from other senses

A recent study published in Journal of Neuroscience found that the sense of smell is highly influenced by cues from other senses, such as sight and hearing. The researchers used behavioral experiments and brain imaging methods to show how the olfactory brain processes smells, highlighting its unique ability to detect unexpected odors.

SourceStockholm University·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2024

Study finds many younger people from high income neighborhoods jumped the eligibility queue for COVID-19 vaccines in NYC

A new study found that younger people from high-income areas accessed vaccines ahead of schedule, particularly in New York City. This led to lower coverage rates in low-income areas with high proportions of older residents, resulting in higher mortality rates over the year.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateApr 5, 2024

Functional capacity in old age is like an ecosystem that may collapse when disrupted

A recent study at the University of Jyväskylä found that older adults' functional capacity domains are more closely linked, leading to a collapse in functioning. The researchers suggest that preserving people's functional capacity for as long as possible is crucial for maintaining a good quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series A·DateApr 5, 2024

In the evolution of walking, the hip bone connected to the rib bones

A new reconstruction of the 375-million-year-old fossil fish Tiktaalik reveals that its ribs likely attached to its pelvis, enabling support of the body and potentially leading to the evolution of walking. This discovery provides insights into the major evolutionary transition from fish to four-limbed vertebrates.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2024

Fuelling nerve cell function and plasticity

Researchers at University of Cologne's CECAD Cluster of Excellence discovered that mitochondrial fusion boosts new neuron plasticity. The study found that as new neurons mature, their mitochondria fuse to acquire elongated shapes, sustaining synaptic plasticity and refining brain circuits.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNeuron·DateApr 5, 2024

HKUMed’s innovative platforms rapidly track SARS-CoV-2 mutational impact on disease severity and identify effective therapeutic inhibitors

A multidisciplinary research team from HKUMed has developed an innovative screening platform to assess the impact of SARS-CoV-2 mutations on disease severity. They identified two FDA-approved drugs that can ease disease severity and discovered emerging viral variants with high potential to pose a significant risk to public health.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2024

The last trick of p53: early 3D chromatin remodelling to trigger cellular stress response

Scientists discovered that p53 rapidly restructures 3D chromatin organization to trigger a transcriptional response, identifying 340 target genes and strengthening the role of cohesin complex in this process. This new mechanism may inspire new therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2024

Can language models read the genome? This one decoded mRNA to make better vaccines.

Researchers at Princeton University used language models to optimize partial genome sequences and create more effective mRNA vaccines. The model successfully generated hundreds of new sequences, validating its results through lab experiments, and outperforming benchmarks for vaccine development.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2024

Utilizing palladium for addressing contact issues of buried oxide thin film transistors

Researchers developed a novel hydrogen injection method using palladium to address contact issues of buried oxide thin film transistors. This method reduces contact resistance by two orders of magnitude and increases charge carrier mobility, enabling the application of amorphous oxide semiconductors in next-generation storage devices.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2024

Dinosaur study challenges Bergmann’s rule

A new study by University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers challenges the long-held scientific principle that animals in high-latitude climates are larger than their relatives in warmer climates. The study found that Bergmann's rule applies only to a subset of homeothermic animals and ignores other climatic variables.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 5, 2024

According to new research radio made the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius an international media figure

Research highlights the significant impact of radio on Finland's famous composer Jean Sibelius, transforming him into a celebrated national hero and international media figure. The study shows how coordinated joint concerts and radio broadcasts helped increase Sibelius' global reach.

SourceUniversity of the Arts Helsinki·JournalLähikuva – audiovisuaalisen kulttuurin tieteellinen julkaisu·TypeNews article·DateApr 5, 2024

Ocean waves propel PFAS back to land

A new study reveals that ocean waves re-emit PFAS into the air at levels comparable to other sources, creating a boomerang effect. This cycle transports toxic PFAS back onto land, posing health risks in coastal regions.

SourceStockholm University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2024

AACR: Preliminary study finds immunotherapy combination before surgery improves outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer

A pilot study by UCLA Health investigators suggests that treating patients with immunotherapy and chemotherapy before surgery may improve long-term outcomes for those with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer. The study found a higher rate of successful tumor removal and increased overall survival when compared to historical controls.

First cardiac bioimplants for the treatment of patients with myocardial infarction using umbilical cord stem cells

A clinical trial with PeriCord, a new tissue engineering product derived from umbilical cord and pericardium stem cells, confirms its feasibility in repairing damaged heart tissues after a heart attack. The therapy has demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and anti-inflammatory properties.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 5, 2024

How do manufacturing choices affect microfibre shed?

A study by researchers at the University of Leeds found that changes to fibre composition and yarn spinning system significantly reduce microfibre release. Current product specifications do not include these details, making it challenging for brands to make informed choices about garment sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2024

Common loons threatened by declining water clarity

Climate change is impacting Common Loons through reduced water clarity, making it difficult for adults to find prey, leading to low chick weight and higher mortality rates. The study's findings suggest that heavy rainfall in July negatively affects water clarity, posing challenges for adult loons feeding their offspring.

SourceChapman University·JournalEcology·DateApr 5, 2024