Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for February 22, 2024


How discrimination, class, and gender intersect to affect Black Americans’ well-being

A new study explores how discrimination, gender, and social class intersect to affect Black Americans' personal and relational well-being. Researchers found that racial discrimination and financial strain were associated with lower levels of psychological well-being.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 22, 2024

Irrecoverable carbon in the mountains: Embracing the opportunity of agroforestry

A new study reveals that even small incremental increases in tree cover on agricultural land in mountain regions can provide significant climate change mitigation benefits within a decade. Agroforestry practices can help conserve irrecoverable carbon, improve biodiversity, and enhance ecosystem services in mountain systems.

SourceCMCC Foundation - Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change·JournalCircular Agricultural Systems·DateFeb 22, 2024

AI aids efforts to cut nuisance alerts for health care teams: Study

A new study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center demonstrates the potential of AI to help target computerized alerts intended for healthcare teams. The approach uses machine learning to analyze user interactions with alerts, predicting when specific alerts will be dismissed by users. The model's suggestions were found to align wit...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateFeb 22, 2024

Women in healthcare face significantly higher burnout rates compared to their male colleagues

A new study finds women in healthcare occupations endure significantly more stress and burnout compared to their male counterparts. Job satisfaction and better work-life balance can mitigate this stress. The analysis also highlights the need for healthcare employers and policymakers to develop solutions to prevent burnout.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalGlobal Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health·DateFeb 22, 2024

A new chapter for all-attosecond spectroscopy

A team of researchers from the Max Born Institute has demonstrated a new approach to all-attosecond pump-probe spectroscopy using a compact intense attosecond source. This enables the investigation of extremely fast electron dynamics in the attosecond regime, which is not accessible by current attosecond techniques.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2024

Fewer nurses linked to delayed care and serious outcomes in emergency departments

A new review of research evidence suggests that having fewer nurses on shift in emergency departments is associated with longer waits, patients leaving without being seen, and a higher number of cardiac arrests. This is linked to increased pressure on the healthcare system due to increasing demand and complex health problems.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalInternational Journal of Nursing·DateFeb 22, 2024

New method for marking neurotransmitter receptors expressed in the living animal brain

Researchers have developed a new method to label naïve neurotransmitter receptor proteins in living animal brains without genetic manipulation. This technique, known as ligand-directed acylimidazole chemistry (LDAI chemistry), uses pulse-chase analysis to track the movement and fate of proteins in real-time.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2024

Elenagen, a novel DNA immunotherapy for the deadliest form of ovarian cancer, delays disease progression

Researchers created Elenagen, a novel DNA immunotherapy for deadly ovarian cancer, which significantly enhances standard chemotherapy and provides clinical benefits. The study shows that Elenagen delays disease progression in patients with stage III and IV platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

SourceCureLab Oncology Inc.·JournalFrontiers in Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 22, 2024

Killer instinct drove evolution of mammals’ predatory ancestors

Researchers found that a significant shift in synapsid jaw function occurred roughly 270 million years ago, linked to a change in predatory behavior with important implications for the evolution of our earliest ancestors. As herbivores grew larger and faster, carnivores adapted to become bigger and better predators to survive.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 22, 2024

Triboelectric nanogenerators for scientific instruments and devices

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are used in various applications, including self-powered sensors, blue energy instruments, high voltage sources, micro/nano-energy devices, and liquid-solid interface probes. TENGs offer unique advantages such as generating self-powered signals without additional energy supply systems.

SourceAdvanced Devices & Instrumentation·JournalAdvanced Devices & Instrumentation·TypeNews article·DateFeb 22, 2024

Moffitt study highlights urgent need to address impact of extreme weather events on cancer survivorship

A recent study from the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center highlights the significant gaps in understanding and addressing the effects of hurricanes and extreme weather events on biological, psychosocial, and clinical outcomes among cancer survivors. The research reveals that these events can disrupt cancer care, exacerbate stress levels, an...

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 22, 2024

Climate change linked to rise in mental distress among teens, according to Drexel study

A recent Drexel University study found that high school students who experienced climate disasters had a 20% higher odds of developing mental distress. The research also discovered that the impact of climate change on mental health is strongest in the two years immediately following a disaster, with effects gradually weakening over time.

SourceDrexel University·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 22, 2024

Physical fitness in adolescence linked to less atherosclerosis in middle age

A Swedish study of over 9,000 men found that those who were physically fit in adolescence had a lower risk of atherosclerosis nearly 40 years later. The researchers used advanced imaging technology to examine plaques in the coronary arteries and found associations with both good cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength in youth.

SourceLinköping University·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2024

Strategic grazing could boost conservation of ‘near-threatened’ sage-grouse

A University of Nevada, Reno study links strategic grazing to increased food supply for the greater sage-grouse, a keystone species in the Great Basin region. The research found that targeted grazing can boost insect populations and flowering plant growth, benefiting the species' reproductive phase.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2024

AI-driven method helps improve quality assurance for wind turbines

Researchers have developed an AI-driven method to detect possible anomalies beneath the surface of wind turbine blades using patented radar technology. The non-destructive approach supports agile data acquisition and analysis, enabling faster detection of manufacturing defects and improved overall quality assurance.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 22, 2024

Chronic stress spreads cancer … here’s how

A recent study by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory researchers reveals that chronic stress can increase cancer's ability to spread. By mimicking chronic stress in mice with cancer, the team discovered that stress causes neutrophils to form sticky web-like structures called NETs, making body tissues more susceptible to metastasis.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCancer Cell·DateFeb 22, 2024

Zinc discovery holds promise for people with cystic fibrosis

Researchers at University of Queensland have discovered a zinc pathway defect in immune cells of people with cystic fibrosis, leading to increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. The team identified a potential solution by restoring the macrophages' ability to kill bacteria with a zinc transport protein.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2024

Study finds black children in UK at four times greater risk of complications following emergency appendicitis surgery compared with white children

A UK study published in Anaesthesia found that black children are at a significantly higher risk of postoperative complications following emergency appendicitis surgery, with a four-fold greater risk compared to white children. The study also identified other risk factors for complications, including pre-existing medical conditions and...

SourceAAGBI·JournalAnaesthesia·DateFeb 22, 2024

Releasing “brakes” in the brain

A team of researchers used deep brain stimulation to localize disrupted neural pathways in patients with Parkinson's disease, dystonia, OCD, and Tourette's syndrome. The study identified specific brain circuits associated with each disorder, revealing overlapping malfunctions that suggest a complex network of brain dysfunctions.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 22, 2024

Treating newly-diagnosed Crohn’s patients with advanced therapy leads to dramatic improvements in outcomes

A large-scale clinical trial has shown that offering early advanced therapy to newly-diagnosed Crohn's patients can drastically improve outcomes, including reducing the need for urgent abdominal surgery. The 'top-down' treatment strategy, which involves providing infliximab as soon as possible after diagnosis, resulted in significantly...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 22, 2024

Whole breast ultrafractionation radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery in early breast cancer had no severe toxicities and did not affect patient-reported outcome

A single-center study found that ultrahypofractionated whole breast irradiation after breast-conserving surgery had no severe toxicities and did not affect patient-reported outcomes. Most patients (83.9%) were diagnosed with pathological stage I disease, and cosmetic effects showed no obvious differences before and after treatment.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalMalignancy Spectrum·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 22, 2024

Brightest and fastest-growing: astronomers identify record-breaking quasar

The discovery of J0529-4351 reveals the most luminous object in the known Universe, with a mass of 17 billion Suns and an accretion disc seven light-years in diameter. The quasar's brightness surpasses that of 500 trillion Suns, providing valuable insights into supermassive black holes and their role in shaping the early Universe.

SourceESO·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 22, 2024

Study shows how local fishers respond to climate challenges

Local fishers in Mexico's Gulf of California respond to climate challenges through self-governance and organizational structures, with cooperative fishing organizations adopting conservation measures for specific high-value species. The study reveals tradeoffs between specialization and adaptability, suggesting that social structures c...

SourceDuke University·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2024

Artificial intelligence matches or outperforms human specialists in retina and glaucoma management, Mount Sinai study finds

A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology suggests that artificial intelligence can match or exceed the expertise of seasoned ophthalmic specialists in diagnosing and treating patients with glaucoma and retina disorders. The AI system, GPT-4, demonstrated superior performance in response to glaucoma questions and case-management advice.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalOphthalmology·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 22, 2024

Protein integral to sperm development and male fertility identified

A team of researchers has identified the protein ATF7IP2 as crucial for ensuring male fertility. In sperm-forming cells, ATF7IP2 recruits the SETDB1 enzyme to compact X and Y chromosomes, preventing genomic errors. The protein also activates genes on non-sex chromosomes, important in recombination and sorting of chromosomes into sperm ...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalGenes & Development·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2024

Review seeks to understand and manage risk factors for common heart condition

A large-scale review published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe provides an update on the recent advances in understanding and managing risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF). AF affects around 1.4 million people in the UK, causing irregular heart rates and impairing quality of life. Researchers found that a more individualized ...

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 22, 2024

Study suggests people in urban areas with more green space have better mental health

A new study from Texas A&M University suggests that city dwellers who have more exposure to urban green spaces require fewer mental health services. The researchers used the NatureScore database to assess mental health at the neighborhood level and found a correlation between urban nature exposure and better mental health.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 22, 2024

UC Irvine study shows similarities and differences in human and insect vision formation

A recent UCI study found profound similarities between humans and insects in producing the critical light-absorbing molecule of the retina, 11-cis-retinal. The research provides new insights into retinal disease origins and potential therapeutic targets, with implications for understanding loss-of-function mutations in RPE65.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateFeb 22, 2024

The severity of the disturbance plays a pivotal role in determining the long-term recovery dynamics after an industrial disaster

A 10-year study monitored the recovery of macroinvertebrate communities after a red sludge disaster in Hungary, finding that severe disturbances hinder long-term recovery. Community recovery dynamics were found to vary with disturbance severity.

SourceHun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 22, 2024

Latest research redefines neurodevelopmental risks, outcomes for congenital heart disease

A new American Heart Association scientific statement offers the latest knowledge on neurodevelopmental outcomes in people of all ages with congenital heart disease. The statement highlights that neurodevelopmental difficulties are common complications faced by individuals with congenital heart disease, affecting their ability to funct...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 22, 2024

COVID vaccine during pregnancy improves neonatal outcomes

A recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of neonatal infections and premature birth. Vaccinated mothers' babies had lower rates of respiratory distress syndrome and days spent in the NICU compared to unvaccinated mothers.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateFeb 22, 2024

Cooler, wetter parts of Pacific Northwest likely to see more fires, new simulations predict

A new study predicts that cooler, wetter parts of the Pacific Northwest will experience increased fires due to climate change. The region's highly productive forests are vulnerable to larger and more frequent blazes, which could impact drinking water sources, timber resources, and biodiversity.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Biogeosciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 22, 2024

Understanding uncertainties in projected summer precipitation changes over the Tibetan plateau

A recent study found persistent increases in precipitation throughout the 21st century, with significant variability among climate models. The study identified the vertical thermodynamic component as a major driver of this variability, with a weak effect from the vertical dynamical term.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 22, 2024

Live imaging reveals key cell dynamics in 3D organ formation: Spotlight on the Interplanar Amida Network (IPAN) in Drosophila wings and its crucial role in growth and mitosis

Researchers developed a live imaging protocol to observe 3D tissue dynamics and discovered the Interplanar Amida Network (IPAN), which supports cellular connections during early inflation stages and enables mitotic spindle reorganization.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2024

Researchers use deep brain stimulation to map therapeutic targets for four brain disorders

A new study from Mass General Brigham used deep brain stimulation to identify specific brain circuits associated with different disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and obsessive compulsive disorder. The researchers were able to apply these findings to fine-tune DBS treatments and demonstrate preliminary improved results in three cases.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 22, 2024

What does a physicist see when looking at the NFT market?

Researchers from IFJ PAN examined publicly available data on popular NFT collections, analyzing changes in financial parameters such as capitalization, minimum price, and transaction volume. The study found evidence of power laws and long-term memory in the market's fluctuations, similar to those observed in reputable markets.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·DateFeb 22, 2024

Moving “beyond Mendel” in genetics education can reduce racism, new study suggests

A new study suggests that teaching genomic concepts in a 'humane genomics education' framework can help students disbelieve genetic essentialism and develop a more nuanced understanding of race as a social concept. The approach has been shown to reduce racist beliefs and promote a more scientifically accurate understanding of genetics.

World’s first real-time wearable human emotion recognition technology developed!

A groundbreaking technology recognizes human emotions in real time, combining verbal and non-verbal expression data for accurate emotional information extraction. The system features a personalized skin-integrated facial interface that enables self-powered, flexible, and transparent emotion recognition.

Damage to cell membranes causes cell aging

A recent study published in Nature Aging suggests that mechanical damage to the cell membrane can induce cellular senescence, a state characterized by cell cycle arrest and tissue dysfunction. This mechanism involves calcium ion influx and the tumor suppressor gene p53, offering new insights into the aging process.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2024

The help of AI significantly improves colonoscopy

A new AI-powered system has been shown to detect 40% more polyps during colonoscopies, a crucial step in preventing colorectal cancer. This breakthrough technology uses artificial intelligence to examine every pixel in the image and alert doctors to potential issues, allowing for more accurate diagnoses.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 22, 2024

Wake-up call for us all to establish regular healthy sleeping patterns

A global study found that only 15% of adults slept the recommended 7-9 hours per night for five or more nights in a row. The researchers used sleep tracker data from almost 68,000 adults worldwide to examine sleep durations over nine months. Establishing regular healthy sleeping patterns is crucial for overall health and wellbeing.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSleep Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 22, 2024

Bright and tough: A material that heals itself and glows

Researchers at RIKEN CSRS have created a self-healing material that can emit high levels of fluorescence when absorbing light, leading to improved durability for organic solar cells. The material's unique structure allows it to self-repair without external stimuli or energy, making it suitable for various environments.

SourceRIKEN·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2024