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Science News for January 16, 2024


Researchers find that using patients’ own blood, rather than saline, helps preserve veins in coronary bypass grafts

Researchers at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and Carilion Clinic found that preserving leg vein grafts in heparinized arterial blood, rather than saline, improves their health and viability. This discovery could lead to better outcomes for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft procedures.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Vascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

A single session of aerobic exercise improves blood pressure in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Rheumatoid arthritis patients who underwent a single session of aerobic exercise experienced temporary reductions in blood pressure at rest and under stress. The study, conducted at the University of São Paulo, demonstrates the benefits of moderate-intensity walking for cardiovascular management and blood pressure control.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Human Hypertension·DateJan 16, 2024

Method improves detection of potential therapeutic tumor targets in human biopsies

A new method has been developed to detect potential therapeutic tumor targets in human biopsies, which could lead to more effective personalized medicine. The kinase inhibitor pulldown assay (KiP) enriches and quantifies small amounts of kinases present in biopsy samples, paving the way for future clinical applications.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalClinical Proteomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Novel AI platform matches cardiologists in detecting rheumatic heart disease

A new AI platform matches cardiologists in detecting rheumatic heart disease, demonstrating its potential to prevent hundreds of thousands of unnecessary deaths worldwide annually. The AI algorithm identified mitral regurgitation in up to 90% of children with RHD, making it a promising tool for early detection and treatment.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 16, 2024

Researchers examine accuracy of adult body weight estimates in the emergency department

A systematic review of 95 studies found that 3D camera system estimates, patient self-estimates, and the Lorenz method are accurate for estimating adult body weight. However, no method is foolproof, and alternative strategies should be available when patients are unable to provide an estimate.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe American Journal of Emergency Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 16, 2024

Do violent video games numb us towards real violence?

A recent neuroscientific study investigated whether violent video games affect adult empathy. Contrary to previous findings, the research found no negative impact on empathy and brain activity. The study's authors caution against jumping to conclusions, emphasizing the need for further research to understand potential effects on vulner...

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournaleLife·DateJan 16, 2024

Some states, plans limit access to opioid use disorder treatment prescription through prior authorization practices

A study by Christina Andrews and her team found substantial variation in prior authorization use among different states and plan types. For-profit plans and those located in Republican-majority states were more likely to impose prior authorization policies, restricting access to life-saving treatment buprenorphine.

SourceArnold School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJan 16, 2024

Thermoelectric permanent magnet opens new possibilities in thermal management technologies

A NIMS research team developed a hybrid material capable of simultaneously exhibiting three types of TEC phenomena, including magneto-thermoelectric effects. By incorporating permanent magnets, the team achieved improved transverse TEC efficiency without external magnetic fields.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Supports help keep Aussie firefighters safe

Research from University of South Australia shows professional firefighters have lower movement quality as they age, which could put them at greater risk of injury. Functional strength training can help maintain a fit and healthy workforce.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2024

Rice engineers propose hybrid urban water sourcing model

Rice University engineers have developed a hybrid urban water supply system that combines conventional, centralized water sources with reclaimed wastewater to save energy and reduce freshwater use. The system is also more resilient against disruptions such as hurricanes and flooding.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Water·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2024

Study examines how ad strategies of the Great Depression can inform today's crisis communications

Researchers studied newspaper ads from Dust Bowl states in 1934 to understand how businesses and companies reached consumers during a dual crisis. The study found that essential services used informational approaches while nonessential services relied on sensory appeals, offering valuable lessons for current mass media during emergencies.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournalism History·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 16, 2024

Real-time photonic processor for dynamic RF interference with picosecond latency

A new system-on-chip employs silicon photonics to process broadband information, reducing latency through direct analogue processing. The device successfully tested in two dynamic interference scenarios, demonstrating error-free operation and maintaining signal-to-noise ratios over 15 dB.

Unpacking social equity from biodiversity data: an interdisciplinary policy perspective

Researchers found that biodiversity data is concentrated in wealthy countries, with implications for conservation projects. This context should be considered to prevent inequitable implementation, Chapman argues. The team hopes to see more inclusive science policy collaboration to ensure that biodiversity data is applied justly.

Chronic inflammation and poverty are a ‘double whammy’ for mortality risk

A new study by University of Florida researcher Arch Mainous III found that people with chronic inflammation living in poverty have a significantly increased risk of dying from heart disease (127% increase) and cancer (196% increase) within 15 years. The study analyzed data from over 95 million Americans ages 40 and over, highlighting ...

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2024

The medical community should not stand silent on medicalized rape at CIA secret prisons, BU researchers argue in new commentary

Boston University School of Public Health researchers Sondra Crosby and Leonard Glantz denounce rectal feeding practices at CIA secret prisons, equating them to torture. They call for medical officers who authorized or participated in these nonconsensual practices to be held accountable for violating ethical and legal standards.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 16, 2024

Contact lenses to diagnose glaucoma

A new type of contact lens has been developed to diagnose glaucoma by monitoring eye pressure, providing a more accurate diagnosis and easier treatment. The lenses contain micro-sensors that track changes in intraocular pressure over several hours, sending the data wirelessly for analysis by an ophthalmologist.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalContact Lens and Anterior Eye·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2024

HudsonAlpha researchers conduct in-depth characterization of a major gene involved in neurodegenerative diseases

HudsonAlpha researchers have identified a major gene involved in neurodegenerative diseases, tau, and its regulatory regions. The study found 97 candidate regulatory elements that control tau expression, some of which may hold promise for new therapeutic targets.

SourceHudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Is soil nitrogen mineralization important in agricultural intensive areas?

Soil nitrogen mineralization is a key process controlling soil nitrogen availability to plants. The study found that soil N mineralization rate and nitrate release varied with elevation, soil pH, and other factors. Soil N mineralization plays a crucial role in agricultural sustainability, but excessive nitrate release can lead to water...

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

PNU researchers reveal cutibacterium acnes as a potential cause of lichen striatus hypopigmentation

A study by Pusan National University researchers found a significant association between Cutibacterium acnes and lichen striatus hypopigmentation, suggesting the potential for targeted therapy to reduce LS duration and hypopigmentation. The research team identified other likely candidates in skin microbiota imbalance.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2024

Study: New deepfake detector designed to be less biased

Researchers at UB have developed a new deepfake detection algorithm that reduces biases in facial recognition, with one method classifying videos based on demographics and the other relying on features not visible to the human eye. The algorithms improved fairness metrics and reduced disparities in accuracy across races and genders.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2024

No increase in preventable illnesses, deaths in kids during pandemic, but delays in some diagnoses

Despite pandemic disruptions, emergency visits, hospital admissions, and intensive care unit stays were lower for children. However, there were delays in new diagnoses of cancer and diabetes, and an increase in diabetic ketoacidosis among children with diabetes. Researchers urge education campaigns to improve future pandemic preparedness.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2024

AI naturalists record rare bird behavior

Researchers have developed an AI-enabled bio-logger that captures rare bird behaviors, including vigorous head shaking before flight and deep-sea mating rituals. The system uses outlier detection to identify unusual behaviors in real-time, providing valuable insights into animal biology and ecology.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 16, 2024

Palliative telecare significantly improves quality of life for those with chronic illnesses, and results last for months

Researchers found that a team intervention provided by phone leads to persistent improvements in depression, anxiety, and quality of life for people managing chronic illnesses. The program demonstrated early, persistent, and clinically meaningful improvements in adults with COPD, HF, or ILD.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJan 16, 2024

Allergic reactions prevented with decorated nanoparticles

Scientists have created a new therapy using nanoparticles to target specific immune cells responsible for allergic responses. The approach, which combines an allergen with antibodies that selectively inhibit mast cells, has shown promising results in a mouse study, preventing allergic reactions without causing side effects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Employer-sponsored health insurance premium cost growth and its association with earnings inequality among families

A study of U.S. families with employer-sponsored health insurance found a significant association between rising premiums and reduced annual earnings, as well as increased earnings inequality by race and ethnicity and wage level. The research suggests that this growth may have contributed to wage stagnation over the past three decades.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 16, 2024

Help people monitor their own air quality to save lives, say pollution experts

Researchers from the University of Surrey created a new way to monitor air quality in real-time, empowering communities to take action. The study found that large gatherings and outdoor pollution can worsen indoor air quality, but knowledge is power. Public awareness campaigns led to tips on improving ventilation in homes and workplaces.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalSustainable Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Research shows association between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and mortality in some solid organ transplant recipients

A study published in Transplantation Proceedings found an association between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and increased mortality in solid organ transplant recipients. Patients with MASH had a higher risk of death compared to those without, highlighting the importance of early identification.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalTransplantation Proceedings·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2024

Higher acetaminophen intake in pregnancy linked to attention deficits in young children

A new study links increased acetaminophen use during pregnancy, particularly in the second trimester, to noticeable increases in attention and behavior problems in 2-, 3- and 4-year-olds. The study found modest but notable increases in attention-related issues and ADHD-type behaviors with increasing acetaminophen use.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNeurotoxicology and Teratology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2024

Dirt-powered fuel cell runs forever

A new Northwestern University-led fuel cell harvests energy from microbes in soil to power underground sensors, potentially offering a sustainable alternative to batteries. The technology outlasts similar technologies by 120% and can operate in both wet and dry conditions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Being rough and hairy isn't all it's cracked up to be - at least if you're a tree

Researchers found that evergreen trees with smaller leaves, particularly those with awl-shaped leaves like Yew and Japanese cedar, were most effective at catching particles of pollution. In contrast, the study showed that the size and shape of the leaf, rather than its roughness or hairiness, was key to removing pollutants.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Molecular ‘super-glue’ shows promise of cancer drug discovery platform

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed a molecular glue that sticks to the cancer-related protein casein kinase 1 alpha (CK1α), leading to its destruction. The compound, SJ3149, displays broad anti-cancer activity and may have clinical utility as an alternative to conventional small molecule inhibitors.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2024

BU/BMC researchers create first model of the most common genetic cause of childhood interstitial lung disease: ABCA3 mutations

Researchers developed a disease model using induced pluripotent stem cells from children with ABCA3 mutations, revealing key differences between diseased and healthy cells. The study opens doors for therapeutic discovery and highlights the utility of pluripotent stem cells for disease modeling.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Spider venom heart drug a step closer

A University of Queensland team has developed a spider venom molecule, Hi1a, that protects cells from heart attack and stroke damage. The drug candidate has passed critical benchmarks in preclinical tests, which indicate it could be an effective therapeutic with reduced side effects.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Two atoms playing ping-pong

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a 'quantum ping-pong' where two atoms bounce a single photon back and forth. The team used a Maxwell fish-eye lens to achieve pinpoint accuracy, allowing the photons to be transferred from one atom to another with high efficiency.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 16, 2024

IAA-miR164a-NAC100L1 mediates graft incompatible

Researchers found that the IAA-miR164a-NAC100L1 module induces callose deposition to mediate graft incompatible cucumber/pumpkin seedlings. The module regulates callose synthase activity and interacts with NAC100L1 to enhance symbiotic incompatibility.

SourcePlant Phenomics·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

How did free wi-fi help unlock Hanoi wet markets’ mysteries?

A study analyzed mobile device tracking data from 25 Wi-Fi access points to characterize changes in behavior at five wet markets in Hanoi. The researchers found a significant decrease in visits and market engagement during the initial COVID-19 crisis phase, with peak shopping times shifting due to behavioral changes.

New study reveals significant reduction in lumbar spine reoperation with chiropractic spinal manipulation

A new study published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders found that chiropractic spinal manipulation significantly reduces the likelihood of undergoing additional lumbar surgery. Adults who received CSM for sciatica experienced a substantial 45% reduction in lumbar spine reoperation compared to those receiving usual medical care.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalBMC Musculoskeletal Disorders·DateJan 16, 2024

New method for addressing the reliability challenges of neural networks in inverse imaging problems

Researchers introduce a cycle-consistency-based uncertainty quantification technique to enhance the reliability of deep neural networks in solving inverse imaging problems. The method uses forward-backward cycles to estimate network uncertainty, demonstrating improved accuracy in detecting image corruption and out-of-distribution images.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·DateJan 16, 2024

A new, rigorous assessment of OpenET accuracy for supporting satellite-based water management

A new study provides a comprehensive assessment of OpenET accuracy for various crops and natural land cover types, with high accuracy found for agricultural settings. OpenET data has an average error rate of approximately 10-20% for annual crops, making it useful for water management in arid regions like California and the Southwest.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalNature Water·DateJan 16, 2024

Evolutionary conservation of CD4 and LAG-3 and their cytoplasmic tail motifs with opposing immune functions: do we finally understand LAG-3?

Researchers have discovered that CD4 and LAG-3 are conserved throughout jawed vertebrate species, including sharks. The study reveals that the cytoplasmic tail motifs of these proteins have opposing immune functions, with CxC/H promoting activation and ITIM-like motif inhibiting cell activity.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2024

Largest-ever study of palliative care demonstrates scalable strategy to increase support for seriously ill patients in the hospital

A new study demonstrates a simple, pre-programmed order in electronic medical records can increase palliative care consultation rates and reduce hospital stay length for patients with COPD, dementia, or kidney failure. This scalable strategy improves quality of life and symptom management for critically ill patients.

The commonalities of common sense

A unique framework measures individual perceptions of common sense and collective beliefs across groups, finding that larger groups have fewer common beliefs. Demographic factors like age or education do not influence common sense, but social perceptiveness does correlate with higher levels.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 16, 2024

Innovative COVID-19 analysis supports prevention protocols in health care settings

Researchers analyzed electronic health records and contact tracing data to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention measures implemented during the pandemic. Universal masking was found to be a crucial factor in preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmissions in healthcare settings, with airborne negative pressure rooms and N95 respirator masks no...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJan 16, 2024

Novel MRI technique improves the lasting effects of treatment for severe depression

A new MRI technique has shown that patients with severe depression can experience substantial improvements in symptoms and quality of life for at least six months. The technique uses functional MRI to guide the delivery of magnetic stimulation to specific areas of the brain, reducing variability and increasing effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2024

Silkmoths: Different olfactory worlds of females and males

Research found that female silkmoth long sensilla recognize silkworm feces as a deterrent, helping females avoid mulberry trees with high silkworm populations. In contrast, male silkmoths have specialized antennae to detect female sex pheromones, but no clear male counterpart has been identified.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Cannabis has no clear effect on treatment of opioid addiction, US study finds

A new peer-reviewed study suggests that cannabis is having no significant effect on people's use of opioids, taken outside of medical guidance. The findings have substantial implications for U.S. treatment programs, which still require patients to abstain from cannabis before qualifying for potentially life-saving treatment.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 16, 2024