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Science News Archive February 2024 - Page 3


Page 3 of 38

Highest quality in residential elder care homes without profit incentives

A new study by University of Gothenburg researchers shows that non-profit organizations provide the highest-quality elderly care in Swedish residential care homes. These homes have the highest staff density, most competent care staff, and highest resident satisfaction compared to homes run by profit-making companies.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Public Administration Research and Theory·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 29, 2024

UC Davis Health team uses AI to predict risk of liver cancer

A machine-learning model developed by UC Davis Health clinicians and data scientists can accurately predict the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The model, which was validated on a large dataset, identified four additional risk factors a...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalGastro Hep Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 29, 2024

Young researcher makes surprising methane discovery in Yukon glaciers: "Much more widespread than we thought"

A young researcher from the University of Copenhagen has made a surprising discovery of high concentrations of methane in meltwater from three Canadian mountain glaciers. The findings challenge previous assumptions that methane in meltwater could only be found in oxygen-free environments under large ice masses.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalArctic Antarctic and Alpine Research·DateFeb 29, 2024

Refrigerate lettuce to reduce risk of E. coli contamination, researchers say

A new study from the University of Illinois examines factors affecting E. coli contamination on five leafy greens, including romaine and spinach. Researchers found that refrigeration significantly reduces E. coli growth on lettuce, while kale and collards are less susceptible due to their natural antimicrobial properties.

Driving an electric car is cheaper in some parts of Canada than others

A new study from the University of British Columbia found that driving an electric car is cheaper in some regions of Canada, such as Quebec and BC, than others, like Nunavut. The researchers analyzed factors like tax rebates, charging costs, and electricity prices to determine the break-even point for electric cars.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Research Infrastructure and Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 29, 2024

Researchers uncover a potential genetic marker associated with better survival outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer

A study published in Cancer Research Communications reveals a potential genetic marker associated with better survival outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer. The researchers found that the presence of a specific genetic variant and higher expression of the GAN gene product gigaxonin may contribute to improved survival rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer Research Communications·DateFeb 29, 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.