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Science News for January 12, 2024


A special Journal of Intensive Medicine issue explores the depths of intensive care medicine

A special Journal of Intensive Medicine issue explores the latest research findings on ICU infections, prevention strategies, and innovative approaches to sepsis management. The studies shed light on key challenges and advancements in critical care, highlighting the need for personalized treatment methods.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 12, 2024

For surgery patients, AI could help reduce alcohol-related risks

A new study suggests that using artificial intelligence to scan surgery patients' medical records can identify those with risky drinking habits who may benefit from education or treatment. The AI system analyzed over 53,000 patient records and found three times more patients with high-risk alcohol use than diagnosis codes alone.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAlcohol Clinical and Experimental Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 12, 2024

Spying on a shape-shifting protein

Scientists at the Advanced Science Research Center used X-ray crystallography with elevated temperature and pressure to observe distinct shapes in a protein molecule. The study reveals how proteins change shape to bind metabolites or other proteins, offering insight into disease treatment and development of novel drugs.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 12, 2024

Core-shell ‘chemical looping’ boosts efficiency of greener approach to ethylene production

Researchers have developed a new catalyst that exceeds 30% yield for the production of ethylene through oxidative coupling of methane, a more sustainable and economically viable method. The core-shell Li2CO3-coated mixed rare earth oxides catalyst enables sequential oxygen switching, replenishing its ability to provide oxygen for the r...

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 12, 2024

Want safer prescribing? Provide doctors with a plan for helping patients in pain

Physicians who received notifications with additional planning guidance reduced prescriptions of opioids by nearly 13% and prescriptions of the anxiety medication benzodiazepines by more than 8%. The study suggests that providing physicians a simple plan to guide them at patient visits can help temper their use of these drugs.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 12, 2024

Smallpox vaccine efficiently induces immunity against monkeypox virus infection in people living with HIV

Researchers found that intradermal administration of the JYNNEOS smallpox vaccine induces an efficient immune response, protecting people living with HIV from contracting the monkeypox virus. Individuals with low CD4 T cell levels require a booster dose to compensate for their immunosuppressed status.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalJournal of Medical Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2024

Capturing greenhouse gases with the help of light

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method to capture CO2 using photoacids that react to light. The process can switch between acidic and alkaline states rapidly, allowing for quick carbon capture and release. This method requires less energy than existing technologies.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2024

How fruit flies smell CO2

Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum have identified molecules that block CO2 receptors in fruit flies, leading to potential insect repellents. The team's findings could also enable the development of a CO2 biosensor for detecting volatile substances.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2024

Healthcare ethics? Think like an engineer

Researchers from NUS Medicine and University of Oxford applied engineering techniques to improve creativity in healthcare, identifying 100 potential blockchain-based solutions for ethical goals. The methods, called Innovation Enhancing Techniques, help overcome psychological barriers to generate innovative ideas.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 12, 2024

How should boards handle visionary CEOs?

A new model shows that boards should invest more resources to confirm the CEO's plan when they are mildly overconfident. However, if the CEO is highly confident, the board should act as a monitor and only intervene if necessary. In extreme cases, visionary CEOs may be allowed to run with their ideas without intervention.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Accounting Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 12, 2024

Novel approach for lymph node metastasis treatment

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a novel approach for treating lymph node metastasis by administering anticancer drugs directly into the LNs, improving efficacy and reducing side effects. The Lymphatic Drug Delivery System (LDDS) targets sentinel lymph nodes, generating antitumor effects locally.

SourceTohoku University·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·DateJan 12, 2024

Male gender expression in schools is associated with substance abuse later in life

A new study by University of Chicago researchers found that changes in male gender expression from adolescence to young adulthood align closely with school environment norms and are associated with subsequent patterns of substance abuse. The study suggests that public health experts can play a role in countering detrimental cultural na...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 12, 2024

News media trigger conflict for romantic couples with differing political views

A study by University of Illinois professor Emily Van Duyn found that news media consumption can trigger conflicts in couples with differing political views. Couples often struggle to decide which media to follow, leading to disagreements over news sources and content. This conflict can also affect the relationship, causing individuals...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPolitical Communication·TypeSurvey·DateJan 12, 2024

Incurable autoimmune disease Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): New genetic findings open up perspectives for future therapeutic approaches

Researchers identified a mutation in the UNC93B1 gene in patients with SLE, which leads to selective overactivation of TLR7 receptor and results in an immune attack on normal cells. The findings demonstrate that UNC93B1 controls the activity of specific nucleic acid receptors, such as TLR7, thereby preventing autoimmunity.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalScience Immunology·DateJan 12, 2024

Study uncovers potential origins of life in ancient hot springs

Researchers at Newcastle University discovered that mixing hydrogen, bicarbonate, and iron-rich magnetite can form organic molecules, including fatty acids. These findings suggest that life's essential molecules could be produced from inorganic chemicals, shedding light on the origins of life on Earth.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 12, 2024

Drinkable, carbon monoxide-infused foam enhances effectiveness of experimental cancer therapy

Researchers developed a drinkable foam infused with carbon monoxide to enhance the effectiveness of autophagy inhibition in treating various cancers. The study showed significant reductions in tumor growth and progression in mice and human cancer cells, opening a promising new approach for therapies.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2024

Stress, via inflammation, is linked to metabolic syndrome

A new study found that stress drives up inflammation in the body, which is linked to metabolic syndrome. Stress management techniques may be a way to improve biological health outcomes. The research suggests that reducing inflammation can help mitigate the connection between stress and metabolic syndrome.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 12, 2024

African women living with HIV have an effective option to prevent malaria during pregnancy

The MAMAH trial found that preventive treatment with DHA-PPQ significantly reduces the risk of malaria infection and disease in pregnant women living with HIV. Women in the treatment group had almost eight times lower risk of clinical malaria and half the risk of becoming infected compared to the placebo group.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 12, 2024

Biomineralization mechanism revealed

Living organisms produce minerals through a complex process involving pre-nucleation clusters, mobile water molecules, and dissolved hydroxide ions. The study provides a structural model for amorphous calcium carbonate and sheds light on the conductivity of ACC particles.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 12, 2024

Psychotherapy effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder following multiple traumatic events

A meta-analysis of 10,600 patients reveals that psychological interventions are highly effective in treating PTSD following multiple traumatic events. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy is the first line of treatment recommended in national guidelines, offering improved patient and therapist outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 12, 2024

The fate of novel ideas

Research by University of Utah scholar Wayne Johnson found that novel ideas are more likely to be met with disagreement and reduced support as they become less familiar. This can lead to missed opportunities, as conflicting evaluations are often seen as a negative signal rather than evidence of creative potential.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 12, 2024