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Science News Archive August 2024 - Page 2


Page 2 of 38

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

What’s in the microbiome of the foods we eat?

Researchers have developed a comprehensive database of the 'food microbiome' by sequencing metagenomes from 2,533 foods, identifying 10,899 food-associated microbes. The study shows that these microbes can influence human health and provide insights into how to improve food quality, safety, and authenticity.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

Muslims felt excluded from health policies during COVID-19

A new study by the University of Leeds has found that British Muslims faced significant challenges accessing palliative care services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research highlighted the need for culturally aware healthcare policies and greater inclusion of minority groups in decision-making processes to address these inequities.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalBMJ Open·TypeSurvey·DateAug 29, 2024

The Lancet: Managing early stages of abortion care at home after 12 weeks of pregnancy is safe and reduces time spent in hospital, study finds

A randomized controlled trial found that administering the first dose of misoprostol at home reduces hospital stay time by 71% and improves patient satisfaction. Women who took misoprostol at home also reported feeling more autonomous during a stressful process.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 29, 2024

Wavelength-independent and photoinitiator-free laser 3D nanolithography

Researchers develop wavelength-independent 3D polymerisation using low peak power laser oscillators, enabling rapid and efficient printing of non-photosensitized materials. The method uses high pulse repetition rate oscillators to achieve localized photo-crosslinking and controlled energy deposition per focal volume.

Morphing facial technology sheds light on the boundaries of self-recognition

A study by Dr. Shunichi Kasahara found that levels of identification with one's face remain consistent regardless of agency or control over facial movements. The results suggest that a sense of agency does not significantly impact our ability to judge our facial identity, even in scenarios like deepfakes.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

MCG scientists working to understand why men with prostate cancer are at higher risk of Alzheimer’s

Researchers investigated the connection between androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer and Alzheimer's disease. They found that ADT can exacerbate cognitive decline by increasing brain immune cell infiltration, but a combination with Natalizumab improved integrity of the blood-brain barrier and reduced inflammation.

Snapshot compressive microscopy: Advancing in-situ and real-time monitoring in laser material processing

A team of researchers developed a novel imaging system to address real-time monitoring challenges in ultrafast laser material processing. The Dual-Path Snapshot Compressive Microscopy (DP-SCM) system offers high-speed, high-resolution imaging capabilities.

Messinian salinity crisis nearly reset Mediterranean biodiversity

A recent meta-analysis found that the Messinian Salinity Crisis significantly altered Mediterranean biodiversity, with 66.8% dissimilarity between species before and after the crisis. The study also showed that only a few endemic species survived the event, while new species were introduced following the reconnection to the Atlantic.

Gene therapy gets a turbo boost from University of Hawaii researchers

Researchers at the University of Hawaii have developed a new gene editing technology that can efficiently deliver healthy genes to the body. This method addresses limitations of current methods and has shown success rates of up to 96%, potentially leading to faster and more affordable treatments for various genetic diseases.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

New study assesses the efficacy of suvorexant in reducing delirium in older adults

Researchers tested suvorexant's effectiveness in reducing delirium in older adults, with findings suggesting it may benefit hyperactive and mixed subtypes but not hypoactive delirium. The study included 203 Japanese adults aged 65-90 years hospitalized for sudden illness or scheduled surgery.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 29, 2024

Children contribute to group projects when there are clear and common goals

A study found that children as young as six can contribute to group projects when there are clear and common goals. The researchers used a game where children worked together to fill a pool with water, with benefits for the whole group but individual costs. The results showed that most groups achieved their objectives and cooperated, e...

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalPsychological Science·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2024