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Science News Archive August 2024 - Page 34


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At risk of high cholesterol? Taking fish oil may help

A new study found that taking fish oil supplements can lower blood lipid levels in individuals with a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol. The research used genetic data from over 441,000 participants and found that fish oil supplementation can counteract the genetic risk of developing high cholesterol.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateAug 5, 2024

Planting some tree species may worsen, not improve, NYC air, says new study

A new study found that certain tree species in NYC, such as oaks and sweetgums, produce high levels of isoprene, which interacts with nitrogen oxides to form ground-level ozone. This could lead to increased respiratory problems if current efforts to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions are not accelerated.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2024

Novel ultrafast electron microscopy technique advances understanding of processes applicable to brain-like computing

Researchers developed a new technique to study charge density waves in materials, revealing two previously unobserved ways electricity can manipulate their state. The method allows for the observation of nanoscale lengths and nanosecond speeds, with potential applications in energy-efficient microelectronics.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 5, 2024

New hope for prostate cancer: new form of immunotherapy could prevent resistance to hormone therapy

Researchers from the University of Sheffield have developed a new form of immunotherapy using nanoparticles that delays the onset of resistance to hormone therapy in prostate cancer. This innovative approach stimulates immune cells called T cells to attack cancer cells, marking a significant breakthrough in treating prostate cancer.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalBMJ·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2024

New biomaterial regrows damaged cartilage in joints

Researchers developed a bioactive material that successfully regenerated high-quality cartilage in animal models, promoting enhanced repair and growth of new cartilage containing natural biopolymers. The material's effectiveness was tested in sheep with cartilage defects, showing promising results for potential use in humans.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2024

Put your money where your mouth is to create healthier, greener food systems, Surrey expert urges governments

A study by University of Surrey researchers highlights the importance of public bodies investing in local food systems to create healthier communities. Community cafes and pantries have been shown to empower volunteers and promote knowledge sharing about food, while grant funding and council support can unlock new projects.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalCities·TypeCase study·DateAug 5, 2024

Tradition meets transformation for Maasai women

A new study reveals that Maasai women are gaining access to household decisions through livelihood diversification, education, and secure land tenure. This research contributes to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal of Gender Equality, highlighting the value of empowering decision-making for women in pastoralist communities.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Rural Studies·DateAug 5, 2024

Age impacts pharmacogenomics and treatment outcomes for most common form of leukemia- LINK

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified age-related differences in B-ALL treatment outcomes, with children being more sensitive to certain drugs. The study suggests that both age and individual genomics must be considered to predict treatment response, leading to the need for tailored treatment strategies.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2024

Hunt for herbicide solution in snap bean reveals master switch for stress resistance

A new study reveals that snap bean germplasm has a master switch controlling multiple stress tolerance genes, offering a potential solution to waterhemp and other herbicides. The genomic region responsible for this tolerance acts like an on-and-off switch, with higher expression of certain enzymes and antioxidants in tolerant plants.

Honey added to yogurt supports probiotic cultures for digestive health

New studies from the University of Illinois found that adding honey to yogurt supports the survival of probiotic bacteria in the gut. The research suggests that pairing honey with yogurt is a delicious and healthy way to support digestive health and gut microbiome, with potential benefits for mood and cognition.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2024

Child Mind Institute paper reveals next frontier in reproducible brain imaging for neuroscience discovery

A recent study published in Nature Human Behaviour identified significant challenges in the reproducibility of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) used to understand brain function and behavior. The research proposes concrete solutions, including standardization and clear methodological reporting, to move the field towards gen...

SourceThe Child Mind Institute·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateAug 5, 2024

Forecasting climate’s impact on a debilitating disease

A team of researchers from Stanford University and Brazil has developed models to predict the impact of environmental changes on schistosomiasis, a disease affecting over 200 million people worldwide. The collaboration has helped epidemiologists prioritize public health interventions and identify new transmission hotspots.

SourceStanford University·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateAug 5, 2024

Mapping the invisible: how sub-daily GPS sheds light on early postseismic deformation

Researchers applied sub-daily GPS to measure the spatial and temporal evolution of early afterslip following the 2010 Mw 8.8 Maule earthquake, revealing a nearly 10% reduction in coseismic displacement overestimation. The study enhances seismic hazard assessment and contributes to improving early warning systems.

Greenland fossil discovery reveals increased risk of sea-level catastrophe

A new study confirms that the center of Greenland's ice sheet melted away in recent geological past, exposing a green, tundra landscape. The discovery suggests that the giant ice sheet is more fragile than previously thought and increases the risk of sea-level rise, potentially leading to catastrophic flooding in coastal cities.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 5, 2024

Insufficient evidence to recommend low-dose CT screening in never smokers lung cancer screening: new insights and ongoing debates

Recent studies from Asia indicate that low-radiation dose computed tomography screening is more effective in detecting cancers in those with a family history of lung cancer, but the benefits are uncertain for never-smokers. The authors advocate for more rigorous research to understand the benefits and harms of screening this population.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 5, 2024

Pyramid optical networks for unidirectional image magnification and demagnification

A pyramid-structured diffractive optical network has been developed to achieve unidirectional image magnification and demagnification. The system uses successive transmissive layers optimized through deep learning to perform computational tasks in an all-optical manner.

Towards mixed physical node reservoir computing: Light-emitting synaptic reservoir system with dual photoelectric output

A new mixed physical node reservoir computing system uses artificial light-emitting synapses to effectively extract spatiotemporal characteristics of input signals. The device achieves over 97% recognition accuracy in image classification tasks and improves multi-channel image recognition from 93.16% to 99.25%.

Exploring the impact of meta-learning on post-stroke motor recovery

Researchers developed a motor meta-learning task to assess stroke patients' ability to recognize their learning capabilities and plan practice. The study found a significant correlation between meta-learning ability and improvement index, suggesting that enhanced individual meta-learning ability can improve rehabilitation efficacy.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalEuropean Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine·DateAug 5, 2024

Improved chemokine homing enhances CAR T–cell therapy for osteosarcoma

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified two chemokines, CXCL8 and CXCL16, expressed by osteosarcoma that improved CAR T-cell homing. Modified cells expressing these chemokine receptors showed enhanced infiltration into tumors, leading to prolonged survival in a model of metastatic disease.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2024

An overlooked side-effect of the housing crisis may be putting Californians at increased risk from climate disasters

A new study suggests that California's affordable housing crisis is driving increased development in and near wildlands, putting residents at higher-risk for climate-related natural disasters. The research aims to understand the drivers of Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) growth and its impact on environmental dynamics.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2024

New PET/MRI probe developed by IOCB Prague promises early discovery of covert diseases

A new hybrid contrast agent has been developed to combine the benefits of MRI and PET imaging techniques, offering improved accuracy and opening new diagnostic applications. The agent has shown potential in detecting kidney problems and other conditions, paving the way for personalized diagnostics and precise imaging.

Sex bias in pain management at emergency departments new study reveals

A new study found a significant sex bias in pain management at emergency departments, with female patients consistently receiving fewer pain medication prescriptions compared to male patients. Female patients also spend more time in the emergency department and have their pain scores less frequently recorded.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2024

Ultrafine particles linked to over 1,000 deaths per year in Canada’s two largest cities

A study by McGill University researchers has found a link between ultrafine particle exposure and increased mortality risk, particularly for respiratory deaths and coronary artery disease. Long-term exposure to these tiny particles is associated with a 7.3% increase in non-accidental death risk.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2024

Sometimes it hurts to think

A meta-analysis of 170 studies found that mental effort is consistently associated with unpleasant feelings such as frustration, irritation, stress or annoyance. The association holds true across different populations, including health care employees, military personnel, amateur athletes and college students.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 5, 2024

Heart transplant list doesn’t rank kids by medical need, Stanford Medicine-led study finds

A Stanford Medicine-led study found that the US method for ranking children on the waitlist for heart transplants does not consistently rank patients based on their medical need. The current system prioritizes geographic location, immune compatibility, and body size over medical urgency.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2024

Early menopause linked to increased breast cancer risk

A recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that women who underwent menopause before age 46 were nearly twice as likely to develop breast cancer as other women of similar ages. Relatives of these women were also more likely to have breast, prostate, or colon cancer.

SourceHuntsman Cancer Institute·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 5, 2024

Unlocking clarity in the skies: subcarrier modulation for enhanced GNSS

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) researchers have developed a novel approach to enhance the precision of signal acquisition and tracking using subcarrier modulated signals. The innovations sharpen spectral efficiency and accuracy, tackling ambiguity challenges inherent in conventional GNSS algorithms.

Does transparency help or hurt businesses dominated by one-time transactions

A recent study published in the American Economic Review suggests that transparency about past transactions can improve market efficiency when sellers have high profits due to competition. However, it may worsen outcomes when buyers observe previous sales quantities, as sellers are more likely to heavily discount their services.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2024

Cancer screening estimated to cost $43 billion a year in the United States

A modeling study estimates that cancer screening costs over $40 billion annually in the US, with an emphasis on enhancing equitable access to recommended screenings. However, experts argue that this estimate may underestimate the true cost due to lack of consideration for subsequent testing, ineligible patients, and overdiagnosis.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 5, 2024