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Science News for February 13, 2024


Advancing biomedical diagnostics: Compact photoacoustic sensing instrument for breast tissue characterization

Researchers developed a compact, cost-effective PA sensing instrument for biomedical tissue diagnosis, showcasing its potential to streamline sampling processes and improve diagnostic accuracy for breast disease. The instrument successfully differentiated various tissue types based on quantitative spectral parameters.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateFeb 13, 2024

Stopping HIV in its tracks

Researchers have discovered how lenacapavir disrupts the HIV life cycle by fortifying the capsid and making it brittle. This leads to a premature breakage of the capsid, exposing the viral genetic material to the host cell cytoplasm.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Critical Habitats at Risk: Three-quarters of vegetation types in the Americas are under-protected

A study published in Global Ecology and Conservation found that three-quarters of vegetation types in North, Central, and South America fall below the Global Biodiversity Convention's target of 30% protection. The research highlights that over 40% of threatened bird and mammal species are mostly found in a single vegetation type.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

A closer look at cannabis use and binge eating

A recent Drexel University study found nearly a quarter of binge eating patients have used cannabis in the past three months. Cannabis use was related to drinking patterns and problems with drinking, but not to severe eating disorder symptoms or depression.

SourceDrexel University·JournalExperimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateFeb 13, 2024

Would you prefer a mammogram, MRI, or saliva on a test strip?

Researchers have developed a hand-held biosensor that can detect breast cancer biomarkers from saliva with high accuracy and efficiency. The device is portable, reusable, and cost-effective, making it an excellent choice for communities or hospitals without access to advanced technologies like MRI.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Vacuum Science & Technology B Microelectronics and Nanometer Structures Processing Measurement and Phenomena·DateFeb 13, 2024

Plant-based diet tied to improved sexual health in men treated for prostate cancer

A study of over 3,500 men with prostate cancer found that a plant-based diet significantly improved measures of sexual function, urinary health, and vitality scores. The research suggests that adding more fruits and vegetables to the diet while reducing meat and dairy can have a positive impact on quality of life.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCancer·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Hostile environment policies linked to prolonged distress in people with Black Caribbean ancestry

A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found a causal link between government policies and mental health decline in people with Black Caribbean heritage. The research team analyzed data from over 58,000 participants and found an increase in psychological distress after the 2014 Immigration Act and the Windrush scandal.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Joro spiders well poised to populate cities

Researchers found Joro spiders can thrive near busy roads, attacking simulated prey 59% of the time, despite slight differences in attack rates, without compromising their health or body mass. The species' ability to tolerate urban vibrations and sounds is likely a key factor in its exponential growth

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalArthropoda·DateFeb 13, 2024

Virginia Tech researchers discover that blocking an essential nutrient inhibits malaria parasite growth

Researchers at Virginia Tech found that blocking two enzymes in the malaria parasite prevents it from growing, offering a potential new way to fight the disease. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, used an in vitro culture dish and discovered compounds that can inhibit parasitic growth.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2024

New assay identifies clinically relevant gene fusions in pediatric tumors more accurately and efficiently

Researchers developed a novel assay that integrates data from four fusion callers to identify disease-related gene fusions in pediatric tumors with high accuracy and efficiency. The new bioinformatics platform detected fusions, prioritized them, and custom curated downstream processes for consensus fusion calling.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2024

U of M study finds bias-based bullying amplifies emotional distress in youth with multiple marginalized social positions

A new U of M Medical School study reveals that bias-based bullying amplifies emotional distress in youth with multiple marginalized social positions, such as race, ethnicity, and LGBTQ+ status. The research analyzed over 80,000 students and found a significant reduction in emotional distress among those who experienced no bias-based bu...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

Immunotherapy before surgery leads to promising long-term survival in sarcoma patients

A Phase II trial found that neoadjuvant immunotherapy significantly reduced residual tumor and improved overall survival for patients with undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, with 90% having less than 15% viable tumor cells remaining. The treatment approach is a promising option for patients with limited systemic therapy options.

Quality of care for patients who call 911 varies greatly across the United States, study finds

A new study from the Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai reveals significant variations in emergency medical service (EMS) performance across the United States. The research found that EMS agencies in rural areas were less likely to provide optimal care, including treating low blood sugar and pain for trauma patients.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalPrehospital Emergency Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

Road features that predict crash sites identified in new machine-learning model

Researchers used data from 9,300 miles of Greek roads to develop a machine-learning model predicting crash sites. The model identified key features such as abrupt speed limit changes and incomplete lane markings as predictors of crashes. The study's findings have implications for improving road safety globally.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 13, 2024

Better diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis

The new guideline aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of cryptococcosis, a fatal fungal infection that affects mainly the lungs and brain. It provides practical guidance for medical staff to recognize and manage invasive fungal infections, with the goal of improving patient survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Low-cost microbe can speed biological discovery

Researchers at Cornell University have created a new version of the Vibrio natriegens microbe to speed up biological discovery, enabling cost-effective and scalable synthetic biology experiments. This microbe can be engineered within hours and works effectively without costly equipment, making it ideal for testing protein variants.

SourceCornell University·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 13, 2024

Greetings from the island of enhanced stability: The quest for the limit of the periodic table

Experts summarize the current state of knowledge and challenges in creating superheavy elements. The 'island of enhanced stability' is confirmed experimentally, but its size and location remain unknown. Breakthrough results have been obtained on production, nuclear structure, and chemical properties.

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·JournalNature Reviews Physics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

University of Limerick, Ireland study reveals eco-friendly way to generate power from waste wood

Researchers at University of Limerick in Ireland have discovered a way to efficiently convert low-grade heat into electricity using lignin-derived membranes. The breakthrough technology has significant potential for developing sustainable heat-to-electricity applications, reducing waste heat's environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 13, 2024

New study reveals dynamic impact of nicotine on brain regions responsible for reward and aversion

A new study published in eNeuro explores the intricate interplay between brain regions involved in nicotine's effects on the human brain. Researchers discovered that the medial habenula experiences fluctuations in activity based on factors such as dosage and sex, highlighting a nuanced relationship.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournaleNeuro·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Polar bears unlikely to adapt to longer summers

A recent study found that polar bears, closely observed by scientists, struggled to maintain weight when their preferred seal prey was out of reach during longer ice-free seasons. Despite trying various strategies, including resting and foraging, nearly all the bears lost weight rapidly, highlighting their vulnerability to climate change.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2024

Climate indices and precipitation anomalies - implications for the Middle East

A recent study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem uncovers notable correlations between the Indian Ocean and precipitation in the Middle East, which may lead to seasonal prediction of Fall precipitation. The research highlights a discernible upward trend in crucial Indian Ocean climate indices over the last four decades, indicatin...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

Gastric bypass improves long-term diabetes remission, even after weight recurrence

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that gastric bypass surgery results in high rates of Type-2 diabetes remission five years after the operation, even after patients regain a significant amount of weight. In contrast, patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy and regained their weight were five t...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 13, 2024

Children's Hospital Los Angeles researchers uncover social and economic factors that influence acute liver failure in children—and ways to overcome them

A CHLA research team found that socio-economic factors like family support, employment status, patient age, race, and language spoken can impact clinical outcomes. Children with limited social support systems and working caregivers have worse outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalPediatric Transplantation·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024

New data speed record on optical fiber

Researchers developed a compact indium phosphide (InP)-based coherent driver modulator that achieved a record-high baud rate and transmission capacity per wavelength, exceeding existing CDMs. The new CDM demonstrated an unprecedented net bit rate of 1.8 Tbps over 80-km standard single mode fiber in the C+L band.

SourceOptica·DateFeb 13, 2024

Migrant and refugee children need early education supports too

Researchers found that childcare workers in informal creche settings need training to better support non-English speaking migrant and refugee children. The study showed that on-site professional learning improved emotional literacies and strategies for supporting these children, resulting in happier outcomes for families.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalEarly Childhood Education Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Anabolic steroid use can increase heart disease risk

A new study has found that anabolic steroid use can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation in individuals with existing genetic predisposition to heart diseases. Researchers discovered that testosterone and other male sex hormones used for muscle building can lead to electrical problems in the heart, particularly in young men.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2024

The Spanish version of a scale evaluating negative attitudes towards bisexuality is validated

A team of researchers from the University of Córdoba has translated and validated a scale to evaluate negative attitudes towards bisexuality, highlighting gender differences and correlations with sexism and social dominance. The scale aims to promote equal treatment and move towards a more egalitarian society.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalSexuality Research and Social Policy·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Determining who gets blamed when cars hit pedestrians

A new study found that urban environment, road types, and crosswalk access play a major role in determining who gets blamed for crashes. Pedestrians were more likely to be blamed on roads with high traffic speeds and few crosswalks, while drivers were more likely to be faulted in areas with pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Transport and Land Use·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

Study finds childhood bullying linked to distrust and mental health problems in adolescence

A new study found that young teenagers who develop a strong distrust of others as a result of childhood bullying are substantially more likely to have significant mental health problems as they enter adulthood. Researchers used data from 10,000 children in the UK and found that adolescents who were bullied at age 11 and developed great...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

Hankering for status drives non-executive directors to outstay effectiveness

A study by the University of Bath and Queensland University of Technology found that non-executive directors who serve beyond recommended tenure limits prioritize their social status over their duty to shareholders. Prolonged tenures can compromise board renewal, financial performance, and governance concerns for boards and shareholders.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalAccounting Forum·TypeCase study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Study finds high levels of physical activity lowered risk of developing COVID-19 infection and hospitalization

A cohort study of older adults found that those who followed recommended exercise guidelines before the pandemic had significantly lower odds of being infected or hospitalized from COVID-19. Physical activity was associated with a 10% lower risk of infection and 27% lower risk of hospitalization.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Do apes have humor?

Great apes engage in playful teasing behaviors, including provocative actions and one-sided provocation, similar to human infant teasing. This study suggests that the cognitive prerequisites for humor evolved in the human lineage at least 13 million years ago.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Desert ants: the magnetic field calibrates the navigation system

Desert ants of the Cataglyphis genus possess abilities that distinguish them from other creatures: they can orient themselves to the Earth's magnetic field. Researchers discovered this and found it is primarily processed in the ant's internal compass and mushroom bodies. The study shows that information about the magnetic field serves ...

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024

Irrigation strengthens climate resilience in Mali

The installation of small-scale irrigation systems in Mali improved agricultural productivity, reduced child malnutrition, and decreased local conflict. Long-term data shows a significant increase in rice yield and greenness around pump irrigation projects, providing critical support against climate change.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 13, 2024

Drug used for cocaine addiction may pave way for new treatment of advanced colon cancer

A new study from the University of Ottawa proposes using vanoxerine, a drug initially developed for cocaine addiction, to potentially treat advanced colon cancer. Vanoxerine has been found to suppress cancer stem cell activity in colon cancer patients' tissues and tumours implanted in laboratory animals. The drug works by interfering w...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalNature Cancer·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

Poor quality clinical data informing NICE decisions on treatments in over half of cases

A recent analysis by researchers found that the quality of evidence submitted to NICE for informing its decisions on treatments is poor in more than half of cases. The study, which reviewed data from 2000 to 2019, showed that only 1% of submissions had good-quality evidence, while 55% were deemed poor. The analysis highlights the need ...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024

Mount Sinai ophthalmologists develop novel protocol to rapidly diagnose and treat eye stroke

Researchers at Mount Sinai Health System developed a novel protocol for rapid diagnosis of eye stroke, improving outcomes and preserving vision. The protocol uses high-resolution retinal imaging in emergency rooms, along with remote consultation, to confirm diagnosis and expedite care.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalOphthalmology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 13, 2024