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Science News for February 9, 2024


Moffitt develops first individualized predictive model for multiple myeloma treatment

Researchers develop a novel genomic classification system that categorizes patients into 12 distinct groups based on their underlying genomic profiles. The individualized risk model, IRMMa, uses advanced statistical methodologies to generate tailored predictions of patient response to different therapies.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 9, 2024

Global study: Wild megafauna shape ecosystem properties

A global meta-analysis of six continents reveals that large wild herbivores have a significant impact on ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem variability. The study found that megafauna communities with larger herbivores tend to have positive effects on local plant diversity, while smaller species communities decrease it.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 9, 2024

New study shows nutritional epigenetics education improves diet and attitude in parents of children with autism and ADHD

Parents who received nutritional epigenetics education reduced ultra-processed food consumption and increased whole organic foods intake, leading to improved behavior and cognition in their children. The education intervention also reduced heavy metal exposures and dietary deficits that disrupt gene function.

SourceFood Ingredient and Health Research Institute·JournalWorld Journal of Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 9, 2024

Innovative coating prevents limescale formation

A team of researchers from ETH Zurich has developed a special coating that prevents limescale formation by using microscopically small ridges to prevent the adhesion of limescale crystals. The coating is biocompatible, environmentally friendly, and more efficient than existing approaches.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2024

Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variant JN.1 raises concerns with increased transmissibility and immune evasion

The newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant JN.1 exhibits increased transmissibility and immune evasion due to its distinct genetic mutations, posing a significant threat to public health. The variant has already surpassed other strains in several countries, including France and Spain.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2024

Robotic-assisted surgery and navigation don't affect infection risk after hip arthroplasty

A recent study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery suggests that robotic-assisted surgery and surgical navigation techniques do not significantly increase the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The researchers analyzed data from nearly 13,000 patients undergoing THA between 201...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateFeb 9, 2024

Having COVID-19 and Long COVID can impact women’s sex lives

A Boston University study of over 2,000 cisgender women found that COVID-19 can impair sexual function, with long COVID having a detrimental effect on arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and pain scores. Women with long COVID had markedly worse sexual well-being, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to address this taboo topic.

SourceBoston University·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 9, 2024

Towards a natural prosthetic hand: A study published in Med has developed a temperature-sensitive prosthetic limb that improves amputee interactions and feelings of human connection

A temperature-sensitive prosthetic limb has been developed to improve amputee interactions and feelings of human connection. Researchers have created a device called MiniTouch that provides realistic and real-time thermal feedback, enabling amputees to discriminate between objects of different temperatures and materials.

SourceSant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa·JournalMed·TypeCase study·DateFeb 9, 2024

Reducing diabetes medication costs can help improve outcomes, especially for low-income patients

A new study found that reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients with diabetes can lead to improved health outcomes, particularly among those living in lower-income areas. The study showed a 10.2% decrease in preventable diabetes complications among PDL members from lower-income areas compared to the control group.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateFeb 9, 2024

Migration solves exoplanet puzzle

Research suggests that planetary migration is the key to explaining the mysterious gap in the size distribution of super-Earths. Simulations show that sub-Neptunes' evolution contributes to the observed radius valley, while rocky planets 'shrink' by losing their atmosphere.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Astronomy·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 9, 2024

New insights in the regulation of genetic information exchange

A study published in Nature Plants reveals that chromosome pairing plays a crucial role in regulating genetic material distribution in plants. Researchers found that the telomeres, specifically located at the ends of chromosomes, are the key players in controlling crossing-over activity, which ensures genetic diversity among offspring.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2024

Finding cannibalized stars

Researchers have directly detected the feeble glow of cannibalized stars, revealing a key stage in the lives of close stellar pairs. The study identifies new orbits of stripped subdwarf stars around fast-spinning massive stars, shedding light on star formation and evolution.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 9, 2024

New: Recommendations for imaging in crystal-induced arthropathies

The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) has introduced new guidelines for imaging in the diagnosis and management of crystal-induced arthropathies. The recommendations prioritize patient-centered care, emphasizing the importance of medical history, laboratory results, and physical examination alongside imaging fi...

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateFeb 9, 2024

Making AI a partner in neuroscientific discovery

A new paper argues that LLMs can interpret and analyze neuroscientific data, unlocking new insights and potential treatments. Lead author Danilo Bzdok suggests that scientists may not always fully understand the mechanism behind biological processes discovered by LLMs.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuron·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 9, 2024

Innovations in depth from focus/defocus pave the way to more capable computer vision systems

A new depth from focus/defocus approach, DDFS, combines model-based and learning-based strategies to achieve notable improvements in performance and applicability. The proposed method outperformed state-of-the-art methods in various metrics for several image datasets.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Computer Vision·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 9, 2024

Research reveals the key to an irresistible online dating profile

A recent study found that people are more satisfied in relationships where they feel like they are being supported, rather than when they feel like they know their partner. By highlighting what you want to be known by a potential partner, you can increase your appeal on dating sites.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2024