Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2024 - Page 24


Page 24 of 38

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