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Science News for February 28, 2024


Characterizing climate change from heating, not merely temperature

The study emphasizes that human-induced climate change primarily arises from the planet's heating, leading to energy imbalance and altered flows of energy through the climate system. This framing changes how climate change is manifested, particularly in extremes such as droughts, storms, and flooding.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalJournal of Climate Action Research and Policy·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 28, 2024

Molecular clusters on glial cells show they are more than our brain’s ‘glue’

Neuroscientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center have found that glial cells use different molecules to communicate with different neurons, enabling distinct 'conversations' with each neuron. This clustering of molecules ensures that the glial cell can influence how neurons respond to environmental cues like temperature and smell.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Most LGBTQ+ orthopaedic trainees and professionals report workplace bias

A survey of 156 individuals found that 94% of LGBTQ+ respondents were open about their identity in the workplace, but 74% reported experiencing bullying, discrimination, or being treated differently. The authors recommend creating safer environments by enforcing no-tolerance policies and promoting diversity and sensitivity training.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateFeb 28, 2024

Nanocarrier with escape reflex

A new nanocarrier has been developed that can selectively release drugs in cancer cells through controlled endosomal escape. The approach exploits the unique enzymatic activity of cancer cells, allowing for targeted delivery and reduced harm to healthy cells.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Biomolecules from formaldehyde on ancient Mars

Scientists from Tohoku University investigated whether early Martian conditions could foster biomolecule formation, finding that formaldehyde production was possible in a temperate climate environment. This raises the possibility that detected organic materials on Mars originated from atmospheric sources.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 28, 2024

Immunotherapy combination may benefit patients with transplanted kidneys and advanced skin cancers

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have reported promising results from a clinical trial testing a novel immunotherapy combination to target advanced, potentially lethal skin cancers in kidney transplant patients. Two out of six patients experienced complete tumor regression after adding a second checkpoint inhibitor to the regimen.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 28, 2024

Odours hasten mortality and reproductive ageing – study finds

A University of Otago-led study found that sensory cues alone can drive ageing effects in animals. Researchers tested male mice exposed to female odours and found reduced fertility and increased mortality later in life. The study highlights the importance of sensory perception of mates in influencing life-history trade-offs.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2024

Consumers empowered with the facts on dairy’s nutritional benefits buy and consume more dairy foods

A new study shows that education on dairy nutrition increases purchasing and consumption of dairy products, including a 53% increase in milk consumption. Participants who learned about dairy's nutritional benefits bought and consumed more cheese, ice cream, yogurt, and milk, with average increases of 26%, 20%, 26%, and 23%, respectively.

SourceElsevier·JournalJDS Communications·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 28, 2024

Climate change shrinking fish

A new study by University of Tokyo researchers found that fish weight in the western North Pacific Ocean decreased in the 2010s due to warmer waters limiting food supplies. Climate change is exacerbating competition for resources among fish species, with implications for fisheries and policymakers.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalFish and Fisheries·DateFeb 28, 2024

Study identifies blood biomarkers to predict risk of cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers identified six blood biomarkers associated with increased cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These biomarkers improved the ability to predict arterial inflammation, an indicator of cardiovascular risk, compared to standard clinical indices.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 28, 2024

Significant proportion of cancer drugs lack proof of added benefit

A study found that over half of cancer drugs approved through expedited pathways recover research and development costs within three years, despite lacking proof of added benefit. The researchers emphasize the need for better alignment between regulatory and reimbursement processes to promote effective drug development.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Data-processing tool could enable better early stage cancer detection

A team of Rice University researchers has developed a platform for integrating DNA and RNA data from single-cell sequencing with greater speed and precision. The method, MaCroDNA, relies on a classical algorithm to identify matching pairs of data and outperformed state-of-the-art technologies in accuracy measurements.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2024

CityUHK develops world-leading microwave photonics chip for high-speed signal processing

A research team from City University of Hong Kong has developed a world-leading microwave photonic chip capable of performing ultrafast analog electronic signal processing. The chip, 1,000 times faster and consuming less energy than traditional processors, has wide applications in 5/6G wireless communication, AI, and computer vision.

Sensory nerves appear to drive head and neck cancer growth

A study published in the journal Med found that sensory nerves accelerate tumor growth by suppressing specific immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. Blocking nerve activity with FDA-approved drugs like botox or gabapentin can stop cancer progression for about six weeks, and may have synergistic effects with radiation treatment.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalMed·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Rising focus on 'inceptor' as a type 2 diabetes therapeutic target

A novel study in mice with diet-induced obesity demonstrates that the knock-out of inceptor enhances glucose regulation, prompting its exploration as a drug target for type 2 diabetes treatment. Inhibiting inceptor function may enhance insulin signaling, required for beta cell function and survival.

Light stimulates a new twist for synthetic chemistry

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new category of molecules that can undergo internal rotation on interaction with light, opening possibilities for photochemical switching functions and bioactive molecules. This breakthrough could lead to precisely targeted applications in biological systems and eventual therapeutic p...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Could fiber optic cable help scientists probe the deep layers of the moon?

Researchers propose using fiber seismic networks to detect seismic waves on the Moon and provide information about its deep core structure. By analyzing artificial seismograms created from Apollo mission data, they found that a fiber network could identify specific seismic waves hidden in scattered signals.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Pancreatic cancer lives on mucus

Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have uncovered a mechanism involved in pancreatic cancer transformation, discovering that low-grade pancreatic cancer cells depend on mucus to survive and thrive. This knowledge could help set the stage for future diagnostic or therapeutic strategies.

Vest can detect earlier signs of heart muscle disease

A new vest can map electric impulses of the heart in fine detail, detecting abnormalities from a potentially fatal heart disease much earlier. The study found that the vest identified electrical changes among 1 in 4 individuals with a gene mutation for whom no signs of disease were detected via standard tests.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Under pressure

Scientists have created a novel instrument that enables the precise measurement of superconductors under extreme pressure, overcoming existing limitations. The new tool uses quantum sensors integrated into a standard pressure-inducing device, allowing for direct imaging of the material's behavior.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024

New study unveils scalable and efficient photoelectrode modules for green hydrogen production

Researchers at UNIST have developed a scalable and efficient photoelectrode module for green hydrogen production, overcoming challenges of efficiency, stability, and scalability. The team's innovative approach achieved unprecedented efficiency, durability, and scalability in producing green hydrogen using solar energy.

The James Webb Space Telescope reveals the central role of low-mass galaxies in the reionization process of the Universe

A new study using JWST data shows that small galaxies played a major role in cosmic reionization, outnumbering massive galaxies by a factor of 100. These findings contradict current theories and suggest that low-mass galaxies were responsible for the ionizing photons required for reionization.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2024

New tool helps decipher gene behaviour

Researchers have created a new tool called epidecodeR to analyze epigenetic marks and predict their impact on gene activity. The tool can identify correlations between specific modifications and gene responses in various conditions, including cancer and neurological disorders.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBriefings in Bioinformatics·DateFeb 28, 2024

Knowing when you can return to work or send your child back to school/nursery – personalised care for influenza and flu-like illness

A new review focuses on personalised care for diseases like influenza, enabling accurate determination of when the infectious part has passed. The approach involves dialogue about treatment and prevention options, as well as individualised risk assessments to promote transparency and equity in medical care.

Calcium crystal deposits in the knee contribute to joint damage

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have found that calcium crystal deposits in the knee can contribute to worsening of joint damage. The study, using computerized x-ray imaging, detected a higher amount of deposits than previously found by plain radiographs, and found an increased risk of cartilage damage.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Ai finds key signs that predict patient survival across dementia types

Researchers used machine learning to identify key predictors of mortality in dementia patients across various types. The study found neuropsychological test results were a better predictor of mortality risk than age-related factors, highlighting the potential for personalized care and more effective interventions.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 28, 2024

‘gene of prejudice’ demystifies autism

Scientists have identified the 'gene of prejudice' GTF2I as crucial in regulating social behavior. The gene's deletion or duplication leads to variations in personality, with individuals having either a 'cocktail party personality' or autistic traits. This research may lead to new treatments for autism and shed light on human sociality.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 28, 2024

AGA announces 12-point plan to improve the care of all patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

The American Gastroenterological Association has proposed a 12-point plan to enhance IBD care in the US, focusing on insurer-mandated barriers such as prior authorization and step therapy. The plan aims to improve treatment access and quality for over three million Americans living with IBD.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 28, 2024

Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine researchers develop a new toolkit in fruit flies to study Zika virus

Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine researchers have created a toolkit of transgenic flies expressing all ten Zika virus proteins. The study found that these protein expressions induced diverse effects on the developing nervous system, including lethality, reduced brain size, and functional defects. This new experi...

SourceTexas Children's Hospital·JournalDisease Models & Mechanisms·DateFeb 28, 2024

A safer treatment path for high-risk children to overcome food allergies

A new study from the University of British Columbia has found that sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is safe and effective for older children with multiple food allergies, who cannot risk consuming allergens orally. The treatment involves placing smaller amounts of food allergens under the tongue, allowing patients to build up their resi...

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Smoking cannabis associated with increased risk of heart attack, stroke

A large observational study found that frequent cannabis smoking is associated with a significant increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Daily use was linked to a 25% increased likelihood of heart attack and a 42% increased likelihood of stroke, while less frequent use also showed an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 28, 2024

Understanding genetic risk could save sight and predict multiple sclerosis earlier in young people

Researchers have developed a genetic risk tool that combines genetic factors with demographic information to improve MS risk prediction in young people presenting with optic neuritis. The study shows that this approach can help identify patients at high risk of MS, potentially enabling earlier treatment and improving long-term health.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Quantum films on plastic

A research team has discovered a material that exhibits non-linear Hall effect, which could be applied in technologies for controlled use of terahertz high-frequency signals on electronic chips. The thin-layer films can be applied to plastic substrates and control the effect through micro-fabrication.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024

International team led by BSC develops artificial intelligence technology to improve treatment of rare diseases

An international team of scientists developed AI technology to analyze limited data on rare diseases. The method uses multi-layer networks to explore relationships between genes in patients, revealing genetic causes and severity. This breakthrough opens new avenues for treating rare diseases, including myasthenic-congenital syndromes.

SourceBarcelona Supercomputing Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2024

Think smoking cannabis won’t damage your heart? Think again

A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that daily cannabis users had a 25% increased risk of heart attack and a 42% increased risk of stroke compared to non-users. The study also found significant cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use, including coronary heart disease and the combination of heart attack and stroke.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 28, 2024

New study finds high-dose inhaled nitric oxide decreases the risk of death among critically ill Black patients with COVID-19

A new study found that high-dose inhaled nitric oxide improves oxygenation and reduces mortality risk among critically ill Black patients with COVID-19. The treatment was more effective for Black patients, who have a suppressed nitric oxide system at baseline.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 28, 2024

Promising pathways to simplified Alzheimer's diagnosis unveiled in groundbreaking study

A groundbreaking study has unveiled promising pathways to simplified Alzheimer's diagnosis using blood tests, demonstrating strong correlations with brain amyloid plaques across diverse populations. The Bio-Hermes study shows that blood tests can be used to identify persons with amyloid plaques in the brain, regardless of symptoms or r...

SourceGlobal Alzheimer's Platform Foundation·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateFeb 28, 2024

In fight against brain pathogens, the eyes have it

Researchers found that vaccines injected into mouse eyes can disable the herpes virus and activate an immune response through lymphatic vessels along the optic nerve. This discovery highlights a shared immune response between the brain and eyes, providing a potential new approach to combating ocular and central nervous system diseases.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateFeb 28, 2024

Who owns prehistory? How an early 20th century debate over fossils in China shaped the relationship between science and sovereignty

A controversy in the 1920s pitted American paleontologists against emerging Chinese scientific nationalists over the ownership of fossils. The Americans claimed that fossils were universal and could be exported, while the Chinese argued that they should be viewed as local, contingent property.

Phase transition analysis of two classes of regular exact (k,d)-SAT problems

Researchers analyze complexity of two classes of regular exact (k,d)-SAT problems, finding phase transition points and bounds through experimental simulation. The study reveals theoretical results consistent with experimental findings, providing clearer upper and lower bounds for instances that are satisfied and unsatisfied.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Detroit scientists develop a simple blood test to quickly diagnose sarcoidosis

A research project led by Lobelia Samavati has developed a tool to rapidly and inexpensively diagnose sarcoidosis using a simple blood test. The tool can accurately identify the disease in patients and may reduce the need for invasive diagnostic tests.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Experiment captures why pottery forms are culturally distinct

Researchers capture cultural differences in pottery forms without selective transmission, attributing them to cognitive biases and community-specific techniques. This finding has implications for interpreting archaeological artifacts, potentially leading to new insights into the dynamics of cultural assimilation and artistic innovation.

SourceKobe University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Rapidly-intensifying tropical cyclones likely to increase flood hazard in the North Atlantic as climate warms

A recent study found that rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones (RI) are already more hazardous than normal TCs and will worsen coastal flooding under future climate warming. RI events may increase by 10-30% for each degree of global mean temperature increase, posing a significant threat to coastal communities.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2024

Hourly heat exposure and acute ischemic stroke

A study of 82,000 patients found a strong association between hourly heat exposure and the onset of acute ischemic stroke. The findings suggest that high ambient temperatures may contribute to an increased risk of cerebrovascular events under global warming.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 28, 2024

For Type II diabetes prevention, tap into AI

A novel AI-driven model developed by Maytal Saar-Tsechansky predicts which patients are most likely to benefit from preventive treatment for Type II diabetes. The model, trained on electronic health records of 89,191 prediabetic patients, improved both health and economic efficiency, enabling data-driven allocation of resources.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalManufacturing and Service Operations Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2024

Neurons help flush waste out of brain during sleep

Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine discovered that neurons coordinate to produce rhythmic waves that propel fluid through dense brain tissue, washing the tissue in the process. This finding has implications for delaying or preventing neurodegenerative diseases by enhancing the brain's cleaning abilities.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2024

Factors that increase risk of frailty in old age are different in men and women

A study analyzing ELSA data found that osteoporosis, heart disease, and poor hearing increased frailty risk in men, while high fibrinogen levels, diabetes, and stroke were linked to higher risks in women. This highlights the importance of gender-specific action plans and intervention for older people.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics·DateFeb 28, 2024

Double trouble at chromosome ends

Scientists have discovered two new end-replication problems in DNA replication, affecting both the leading and lagging strands. This revelation changes our understanding of telomere biology and may hold clinical implications for individuals with telomere disorders, such as Coats plus syndrome.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateFeb 28, 2024

How air pollution can harm team performance

High levels of air pollution have a significant negative impact on teams' ability to solve complex problems, such as developing clean energy technologies and vaccines. The study used escape-room games data to estimate that high-pollution days can lead to up to 5% longer completion times for teams.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Economic Psychology·DateFeb 28, 2024