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Science News for August 30, 2024


SNU researchers develop ultra-high efficiency next-generation perovskite light-emitting diodes by strengthening perovskite lattice

Researchers at Seoul National University developed ultra-high efficiency perovskite nanocrystal LEDs by incorporating conjugated molecular multipods to strengthen the lattice and reduce dynamic disorder, leading to improved luminescence efficiency. This achievement is expected to significantly accelerate the commercialization of next-g...

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2024

New clues on how the heart makes arteries

Researchers have elucidated how new arteries form in the heart using single-cell sequencing and 3D mapping. Pre-arterial cells play a major role in growing new arteries, contradicting current thinking about artery development. This discovery opens possibilities for developing treatments that stimulate regenerative pathways.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2024

What a submerged ancient bridge discovered in a Spanish cave reveals about early human settlement

A new study by University of South Florida geologist Bogdan Onac and colleagues has found that humans settled the western Mediterranean much earlier than previously believed. The discovery of a 25-foot submerged bridge, dated to nearly 6,000 years ago, provides compelling evidence of earlier human activity on Mallorca's island.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2024

NCT/UCC Dresden: Millions in funding from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative for state-of-the-art imaging to accurately detect minute tumors

The NCT/UCC Dresden research team will utilize the funding to carry out fundamental studies and develop novel physical effects to optimize short-wave infrared imaging. This technology has the potential to enable non-invasive microscopic examination of deeper tissue layers, improving tumor diagnosis and therapy.

Coordination dynamics of iron enables the selective C-N coupling but bypasses unwanted C-H hydroxylation in Fe(II)/-ketoglutarate-dependent non-heme enzymes

The study reveals that conformational change of Fe(IV)=O species and substrate coordination are key to the selective C-N coupling. The aziridination reaction involves rotation of the side-chain, causing steric hindrance that inhibits it. In contrast, hydroxylation has minor steric effects.

When the heat makes you disoriented

Researchers find that heatwaves significantly impair bumblebees' ability to detect floral scents, leading to up to 80% deterioration in female workers. The study highlights the importance of considering climate change's impact on insect-plant interactions for future species conservation initiatives.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateAug 30, 2024

Atrial fibrillation guidelines focus on shared and equal care, patient empowerment, comorbidities, evidence-based management and dynamic re-evaluation

The new ESC Guidelines focus on tackling atrial fibrillation's growing impact by emphasizing equal care, education, and dynamic re-evaluation. Comorbidities and risk factors are critical to managing AF, with a 'safety-first' approach and shared-decision making on treatment.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 30, 2024

New study finds Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees experience similar declines in frailty over one year compared with Traditional Medicare (TM) enrollees

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees experience similar declines in frailty over one year compared to Traditional Medicare (TM) enrollees. The researchers suggest that future work should examine the impact of specific services covered by health insurance on frailty and health trajector...

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2024

Semaglutide reduces COVID-19 related deaths in patients with obesity and CVD

A new substudy of the SELECT Trial found that semaglutide reduced rates of all-cause death, CV death, and non-CV death, including death from COVID-19, in patients with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease without diabetes. Semaglutide also showed protective effects against COVID-19-related adverse events.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 30, 2024

Biodiversity loss: Many students of environment-related subjects are partly unaware of the causes

A worldwide survey by Goethe University Frankfurt found that students in environmental studies are unaware of the main causes of biodiversity loss. The study identified eight response types with varying levels of understanding, with climate change being underestimated in many countries. The researchers suggest that this lack of knowled...

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·Journalnpj Biodiversity·TypeSurvey·DateAug 30, 2024

CNIC scientists discover a new cardiovascular risk factor and identify a drug able to reduce its effects

Researchers at CNIC discover clonal hematopoiesis as a new cause of atherosclerosis, while identifying the ancient medication colchicine as a potential treatment. Clonal hematopoiesis is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with no influence on the progression of mutated blood cells.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 30, 2024

Cancer tool “unable to accurately predict” toxicity levels in UK patients

A UK study found that a widely-used cancer treatment tool is unable to accurately predict toxicity levels in older adults. The Cancer Aging Research Group (CARG) score was developed to estimate severe chemotherapy-related side effects but failed to provide reliable results in this population. In contrast, frailty screening tools showed...

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalBMJ Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2024

Doughnut-shaped region found inside Earth’s core deepens understanding of planet’s magnetic field

Scientists from Australian National University have discovered a doughnut-shaped region in the liquid core, providing new clues about the dynamics of Earth's magnetic field. The region sits parallel to the equator and has low seismic speeds, indicating a high concentration of light chemical elements.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 30, 2024

New Chronic Coronary Syndrome (CCS) Guidelines expand diagnostic tools and ways to prevent major adverse events and enhance quality of life

The new guidelines emphasize the importance of detecting non-obstructive coronary artery disease (NOCA/INOCA) caused by microcirculation dysfunction. A risk factor-weighted clinical likelihood model helps estimate pre-test likelihood, allowing for targeted testing and treatment. The guidelines also recommend invasive coronary functiona...

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 30, 2024

How hope beats mindfulness when times are tough

A recent study by North Carolina State University suggests that hope is more beneficial than mindfulness in helping people manage stress and stay professionally engaged. The study found that hopeful individuals experience less distress, are more engaged with their work, and feel less tension related to their professional lives.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalStress and Health·TypeSurvey·DateAug 30, 2024

Metal foil as 3D scanner for electron beam

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed a novel method to measure the structure of microbunched plasma-wakefield-accelerated electron beams using metal foil. This technique enables precise control over the electron bunches, leading to brighter and more stable light in free-electron lasers.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2024

New ESC Hypertension Guidelines recommend intensified BP targets and introduce a novel elevated blood pressure category to better identify people at risk for heart attack and stroke

The new guidelines recommend intensified BP targets, introducing a novel elevated blood pressure category to identify individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease. The updated recommendations also focus on 'frailty' rather than chronological age and introduce a new systolic BP treatment target range of 120-129 mmHg.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 30, 2024

Brigham-led study finds weight loss drug semaglutide reduced COVID-19 related deaths during the pandemic

A recent study led by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that semaglutide reduced deaths from cardiovascular disease and infections, including COVID-19, in obese and overweight patients. The study involved over 17,000 participants and showed a 19% lower overall death rate compared to placebo.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 30, 2024

Study combines data, molecular simulations to accelerate drug discovery

Researchers have developed a new method to increase speed and success rates in drug discovery by combining data from the Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular Signatures with targeted docking simulations. This approach can accelerate the drug research process, identifying potentially effective compounds more efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 30, 2024

New ESC Guidelines combine peripheral arterial and aortic diseases for first time, emphasising interconnectivity of whole arterial system

The new guidelines evaluate PAAD as part of the same cardiovascular system, acknowledging the interconnectedness between aortic and peripheral vascular diseases. The updated recommendations focus on chronic management, screening, and comprehensive treatment strategies to improve treatment outcomes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateAug 30, 2024