Keeping telomerase in check
Researchers discovered that ATR kinase inhibits telomerase, preventing it from adding excessive telomeres to damaged DNA. This finding has implications for optimizing CRISPR techniques and studying cancer.
Science News Archive February 2024
Page 21 of 38
Study: Traumatic brain injury leads to widespread changes in neural connections
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine found that traumatic brain injuries lead to widespread changes in neural connections throughout the brain. The study used imaging technology to track neuronal activity after a brain injury, revealing new pathways formed by both hemispheres.
Introducing Cresomycin, a synthetic antimicrobial molecule highly effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria
Researchers developed cresomycin, a conformally restricted antibiotic molecule that optimizes for ribosomal binding, inhibiting Gram-negative and positive bacteria, including multi-drug resistant strains. The findings portend favorably for the future discovery of antibacterial agents broadly effective against antimicrobial resistance.
Leading Valley fever expert shares ‘state-of-the-art’ knowledge about fungal disease
Renowned expert John Galgiani, MD, shares current body of knowledge about endemic fungal diseases, focusing on Valley fever and histoplasmosis. Early diagnosis is crucial to avoid unnecessary treatments and complications.
Earthquake fatality measure offers new way to estimate impact on countries
The EQFL measurement calculates earthquake-related fatalities as a ratio to the country's population size, revealing Ecuador, Lebanon, Haiti, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Portugal have experienced the greatest impact. Smaller countries suffer more from earthquake fatalities due to their larger proportion of their population.
MSU, Carnegie Science introduce a big new idea with the help of tiny plankton
Researchers at MSU and Carnegie Science have developed a model connecting microscopic plankton relationships to predictably affect food webs on an ecosystem level. This new model could deepen understanding of nature's laws and create opportunities in ecosystem management.
Study reveals accelerated aging in women living with HIV
A recent study by Rutgers Health professor Stephanie Shiau and colleagues found that women with HIV experience accelerated DNA aging, linked to poorer physical function. The research highlights the unique challenges faced by women with HIV as they age, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions.
Altermagnetism experimentally demonstrated
Altermagnetism has been experimentally demonstrated by researchers at Mainz University, showing promise for increasing storage capacity in spintronics. The discovery was made using a momentum microscope to visualize the velocity distribution of electrons in altemagnetic RuO2.
Competition for food drives the planet’s remaining mass migration of herbivores
A recent study published in Science found that wildebeest and zebra compete for nutrient-dense grasses in Serengeti, pushing each other along in a 'push-pull' hypothesis for grazing succession. This challenges the prevailing theory of how mass-migration patterns occur in the park.
How is deforested land in Africa used?
Researchers created a comprehensive map of land use after deforestation in Africa, identifying 15 forms of land use including crops, pastureland, and mining. The study provides improved insights for enhancing transparency on commodity expansion leading to deforestation.
Discovery of new Li ion conductor unlocks new direction for sustainable batteries
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have discovered a new solid material that rapidly conducts lithium ions, replacing liquid electrolytes in current battery technology. The discovery provides a platform for optimising chemistry to enhance material properties.
Which countries are most likely to make the deep sustainability turn?
A new study identifies countries with high potential for transformative change, combining data on attitudes, institutional quality, environmental regulations, and more. Sweden tops the list, while Kuwait ranks last, highlighting the need for policymakers to reconsider how societies think about science and technology.
Choice and consistent shift patterns could improve nurses’ work-life balance
The study found that nurses prefer consistent and predictable shift patterns to help them balance work with personal commitments. Many expressed concerns over caring for family members, while others valued the flexibility of longer shifts with more overtime opportunities.
How parents can help prevent the development of ADHD symptoms
A new study published by a University of Waterloo researcher suggests that specific parenting behaviors, such as guiding verbal and physical cues, can help break down pathways leading to ADHD symptoms. Early targeted intervention is crucial in predicting the development of ADHD symptoms in children with exuberant temperament.
The ties that bind
A common mineral in red soils, goethite locks away trace metals over time, rendering them unavailable for plants and animals. The study found that up to 70% of nickel was non-recoverable and only 8% of cadmium was irreversibly bound.
The brain processes speech and its echo separately
A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that the human brain can segregate direct speech from its echo, allowing for reliable recognition of echoic speech. This neural separation is essential for understanding conversations in noisy environments and is supported by magnetoencephalography recordings.
UC Irvine researcher co-authors ‘scientists’ warning’ on climate and technology
Experts stress that innovations like clean energy and AI can help mitigate climate change, but also carry risks. The researchers propose two methods to reduce fossil fuel use: infrastructural substitution and 'undesign,' which encourages alternative technologies and cultural narratives.
Introducing competition between schools involves a lot of work and major costs
A new study published in Socio-Economic Review found that introducing competition between upper secondary schools in Sweden required nearly a decade of reorganisation, training, and changes in admission rules. The study highlights the significant costs and disruption involved in establishing competition, contrary to previous assumptions.
Dementia researchers share recruitment strategies for pragmatic clinical trial
The D-CARE Study successfully enrolled 2,176 racially/ethnically diverse persons with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias and their caregivers, highlighting the importance of adaptable recruitment strategies. The study provides valuable insights into how to better support patients with dementia and their caregivers.
Companies sell medical tests with feminist rhetoric
Researchers analyze how companies use feminist narratives to promote unscientific tests and treatments for women, often with uncertain effectiveness. This marketing behavior risks harming women, contributing to overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
Prizewinner’s research unveils STING as a pivotal immune sensor channel
Bingxu Liu's research reveals STING as an ion channel that senses danger in mammalian cells, inducing multiple defenses against viruses, bacteria, and tumors. The discovery hints at the adaptability of innate immune proteins like STING, suggesting they have evolved to acquire diverse new functions.
JNM outlines the future of theranostics in neurooncology
Recent advances in permeating the brain-blood barrier hold promise for using radiopharmaceuticals to treat brain tumors. Theranostic approaches show encouraging preliminary results, particularly for meningiomas and pediatric brain tumors.
Meow or rooaaar - exotic cats' ability to recognize familiar caregivers' voices
A recent study found that exotic cats, including lions, tigers, and cheetahs, can discriminate between familiar and unfamiliar human voices. The researchers used carefully designed experiments to investigate this phenomenon, finding consistent evidence of voice recognition across 25 cats.
How Chinese migrants in Los Angeles Chinatown gained self-reliance
Researchers found that Chinese migrants in Los Angeles Chinatown overcame economic barriers by raising pigs and distributing pork, a practice similar to traditional South China pig husbandry. The study analyzed dental calculus on pig teeth, revealing rice as the primary food source.
Study shows background checks don’t always check out
A new study by University of Maryland researchers found that background checks can produce inaccurate results due to flawed data and algorithmic errors. The study showed that over half of participants had false-positive errors and nearly 90% had false-negative errors on both regulated and unregulated background checks.
Targeting the transporter
Researchers discover how S1P molecules are released from SPNS2 protein via small cavities, enabling potential treatment for inflammatory diseases. The study provides a foundation for designing future drugs targeting the protein.
UCLA-led research results in FDA approval of 4-drug combination for frontline treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer
A four-drug chemotherapy regimen, NALIRIFOX, has been approved by the FDA for frontline treatment of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The regimen, combining irinotecan liposome, oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and fluorouracil, resulted in longer overall survival compared to a two-drug protocol.
Scientists achieve first total synthesis of potentially anti-rheumatic sesquiterpene merillianin
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science achieve first total synthesis of merrillianin, a complex sesquiterpene with potential anti-rheumatic activity. The breakthrough method involves 30 reaction steps and could lead to the development of new treatments for nervous system diseases.
SwRI scientists find evidence of geothermal activity within icy dwarf planets
Researchers found evidence of hydrothermal or metamorphic activity within the icy dwarf planets Eris and Makemake, which have methane deposits with geochemical origins. The discovery suggests elevated temperatures in their rocky cores, potentially leading to liquid water and habitability.
Inequities in HIV testing, diagnosis and care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
A study by Michigan Medicine University found large disparities in HIV care for Black patients, those with autism, and individuals with co-occurring intellectual disabilities. These groups were less likely to receive antiretroviral therapy, highlighting the need for better support and education.
Plant disease: Mapping the spread of potato blight prior to the Irish potato famine *IMAGES*
Researchers mapped potato blight outbreaks in the US from 1843-1845, revealing the disease's early spread and public understanding of its causes during the mid-19th century. The study provides insight into the disease's history and its impact on crop losses.
Hackensack meridian health biologist-turned-med student publishes COVID-19 vaccine study
A clinical study published in Microbiology Spectrum found that COVID-19 vaccines still provide a robust immune response in immunocompromised individuals, including cancer patients undergoing treatment. This finding is crucial for clinicians and patients, as it suggests vaccination can help prevent infection and disease progression.
Language and culture may influence how our brain processes emotional faces
A study found that exposure to emotion category words affects how brains process others' facial expressions, with culturally diverse groups showing different neural responses. The findings suggest that AI tools designed to read emotions from faces must account for cultural variation to avoid misinterpretation.
Do AI-driven chemistry labs actually work? New metrics promise answers
Researchers at North Carolina State University are developing a suite of performance metrics to standardize the evaluation of self-driving labs in chemistry and materials science. These metrics aim to compare different lab technologies and identify areas for improvement, ultimately advancing the field and accelerating discovery.
Ancient retroviruses played a key role in the evolution of vertebrate brains
Researchers found that ancient retroviruses are essential for myelin production in mammals, amphibians, and fish. The gene sequence RetroMyelin is likely a result of ancient viral infection, and its presence is necessary for myelination to occur.
Habenular astrocytes tuning anxiety with the ‘marble blues’
Astrocytes in the habenula region of the brain play a crucial role in regulating anxiety. The study found that artificial alkalization of these cells reduces theta band neuronal activity, while optogenetic alkalization increases it. This suggests that astrocytes tune into the 'marble blues' to control anxiety responses.
Proteins guide electrons to the right place
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg discovered how proteins deform to create efficient transport routes for electrons, powered by solar energy. This finding could lead to more efficient solar cells and batteries.
Weight loss treatment and longitudinal weight change among patients with obesity
Weight loss treatments such as nutrition counseling and bariatric surgery increased the patient-level probability of achieving significant weight loss. Current treatment utilization rates are insufficient to impact the population level, highlighting a need for improved access.
New study by researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill finds chemical composition of US air pollution changed over time
A new study by researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill found that the chemical composition of US air pollution has changed over time. The analysis of space and time trends for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the continental US suggests targeted strategies to reduce specific pollutants for different regions can further reduce total air pollut...
Measuring neutrons to reduce nuclear waste
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a method to accurately measure and predict neutron-induced transmutation, which can make nuclear waste more stable. This technique could lead to improved nuclear waste treatment facilities and new theories about the creation of heavier elements in the universe.
Environmental monitoring offers low-cost tool for typhoid fever surveillance
A new study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that detecting bacteriophages specific to Salmonella Typhi can accurately estimate typhoid fever cases. This cost-effective surveillance method could help policymakers plan effective vaccination strategies.
A battery’s hopping ions remember where they’ve been
In a groundbreaking study, researchers observed that battery ions change direction and return to previous positions before resuming their random travels. The 'fuzzy memory' of the ions lasts just a few billionths of a second but will help scientists predict ion behavior.
Chronic fatigue syndrome: number of patients is expected to double due to long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine identifies potential biomarkers for ME/CFS diagnosis and treatment. Researchers found that patients can be divided into subgroups based on immune system function, revealing differences in intestinal barrier function and immune competence.
Protein-rich breakfast boosts satiety and concentration
A new Danish study finds that a protein-rich breakfast increases satiety and improves concentration, but eating the same meal in larger quantities may lead to consuming more calories. The study's results suggest that replacing a carbohydrate-rich diet with a protein-rich diet can have a positive impact on preventing weight gain.
Overconsumption of fructose by parents increases risk of cardiometabolic disease in offspring, study shows
Rats fed high-fructose diets exhibit disturbances in autonomic nervous and cardiovascular systems, increasing risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity. Fructose consumption by parents is also associated with impaired physiological regulation of their offspring's cardiovascular system.
Study: Ablative stereotactic magnetic resonance-guided adaptive radiation therapy may improve overall survival in patients with pancreatic cancer
The Phase 2 SMART trial demonstrates that ablative stereotactic magnetic resonance-guided adaptive radiation therapy improves local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) in patients with borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreas cancer. Long-term outcomes show encouraging OS and limited toxicity.
How do oceans start to close? New study suggests the Atlantic may ‘soon’ enter its declining phase
A new study using computational models suggests that a subduction zone below the Gibraltar Strait will migrate into the Atlantic, contributing to an Atlantic ring of fire. This process, called subduction invasion, is expected to happen in approximately 20 million years.
Car fumes, weeds pose double whammy for fire-loving native plants
New research shows that native wildflowers, which typically thrive after wildfires, are losing out to invasive plants due to nitrogen pollution from vehicle emissions. Invasive species outcompete native ones, leading to declining plant diversity and ecosystem imbalance.
The brain is 'programmed' for learning from people we like
The brain is wired to learn from people who are liked, making connections and updates more likely when faced with information from familiar individuals. This study shows how our brains draw inferences and remember selectively, influencing polarization and knowledge resistance.
First-ever atomic freeze-frame of liquid water
Researchers use a new technique to isolate energetic electron motion in liquid water, providing a window into electronic structure on an attosecond timescale. This breakthrough resolves long-standing debates about X-ray signals in liquid water and opens up a new field of experimental physics.
UIC research helps create new antibiotic that evades bacterial resistance
Scientists at UIC and Harvard developed an antibiotic that effectively suppresses pathogenic bacteria resistant to many commonly prescribed antimicrobial drugs. The new antibiotic, cresomycin, binds strongly to ribosomes, disrupting their function and overcoming several common types of drug resistance.
Researchers characterize the immune landscape in cancer
A study of over 1,000 tumors across 10 different cancers reveals complex interplay of immune cells in tumors. The research aims to identify patient groups more responsive to immunotherapy and develop new treatment strategies.
Altermagnetism proves its place on the magnetic family tree
Researchers have proved the existence of altermagnetism, a new type of magnetism that offers distinct advantages for next-generation magnetic memory technology. Altermagnets exhibit strong spin-dependent phenomena like ferromagnets while possessing zero net magnetization.
Study: New treatment method helps reduce suicide among military and veterans
A study by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that crisis response planning can rapidly reduce suicidal thoughts among U.S. military members and veterans receiving massed cognitive processing therapy for PTSD. The intervention was tested in a randomized controlled trial involving 157 participants, with promising results.
Researchers shed light on river resiliency to flooding
Macroscale controls determine the recovery of river ecosystem productivity following flood disturbances. The study suggests that rivers can take months to recover from major floods.
Treating liver cancer with microrobots piloted by a magnetic field
Researchers have developed magnet-guided microrobots that can target and treat liver tumors using an MRI device. The robots are guided by a magnetic field and use gravity to navigate to the tumor, preserving healthy cells.
Saldaña receives prestigious humanities fellowship
Saldaña's book project explores Spanish and Mexican settlements in Texas prior to US-Mexico border establishment. Her research focuses on Tejano communities, their architecture, and social history.
Novel drug combination shows promise for advanced her2-negative breast cancer
A novel three-drug combination of an HDAC inhibitor with two types of immunotherapy achieved a 25% overall response rate and 50% progression-free survival in women with advanced HER2-negative breast cancer. Patients with triple-negative breast cancer had a higher response rate, highlighting the need for further clinical evaluation.
Prosocial preferences produce socially-optimal outcomes for subsistence farming communities amid rising climate risks
A study suggests that promoting prosocial preferences in smallholder farming communities can minimize economic losses from extreme weather events. By diversifying risk transfer mechanisms and implementing formal insurance, communities can shield farmers from individual risks while protecting against collective-scale volatility.
Global health photographers navigate murky ethical waters for clients
Global health photographers often engage in moderation, enhancement, and staging of images to meet marketing goals, leading to concerns over representation and consent. The study highlights the need for a more photojournalistic approach to global health imagery, prioritizing ethical clarity over economic considerations.