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Science News for January 29, 2024


How obesity dismantles our mitochondria

A study published in Nature Metabolism reveals that obesity is associated with the fragmentation of mitochondria in fat cells, leading to reduced energy burning and weight gain. Researchers identified a single gene responsible for this process and found that deleting it protected mice from diet-induced weight gain.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJan 29, 2024

NUS scientists develop novel method to estimate biodiversity loss in Singapore over the past two centuries

A new study reveals that Singapore has lost 37% of its species over the past two centuries, with larger mammals and forest-dependent birds being particularly at risk. The researchers recommend prioritizing landscape-scale conservation efforts for charismatic species, such as tigers and orangutans, to mitigate extinction rates.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 29, 2024

Performance in 20-meter shuttle run test is positively associated with brain health in children with overweight or obesity

Research suggests that high aerobic fitness in children with overweight or obesity is linked to improved executive functions, academic performance, and larger brain volume. The 20-meter shuttle run test is a reliable predictor of brain health outcomes in this population.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateJan 29, 2024

How a walk in nature restores attention

Researchers at the University of Utah found that participants who walked through nature showed improved executive attention compared to those walking in urban areas. The study used EEG data to measure brain activity and controlled for factors such as exercise.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

Protein identified as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for aggressive neuroendocrine carcinomas

Researchers have identified UCHL1, a protein found in highly aggressive neuroendocrine carcinomas and neuroblastoma, as a potential molecular biomarker for diagnosing these cancers and predicting responses to therapy. Targeting UCHL1 with inhibitors has been shown to delay the growth and spread of these tumors in pre-clinical models.

Innovative school Citizen Science project involving over 1000 scientists, 110 schools, 800 samples and U.K.’s synchrotron published in CrystEngComm

A systematic study of this scale has never been conducted at Diamond or anywhere else in the world. The project involved over 1000 scientists, 800 samples and 110 UK secondary schools, analyzing how different additives affect calcium carbonate formation.

SourceDiamond Light Source·JournalCrystEngComm·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 29, 2024

Study helps explain why stress in adolescence can lead to predisposition to mental illness in adulthood

A study in rats found that excessive adolescent stress alters genes associated with energy metabolism, leading to behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders in adulthood. The prefrontal cortex's response to stress was also affected, suggesting a link between mitochondrial function and emotional regulation.

Broaden the range of contraceptive methods offered in the consultation room

A recent study by Ellen Algera and colleagues highlights the need for healthcare providers to be more informed about hormone-free and digital contraceptive methods. The researchers found that providers often prioritize risk minimization, leading to a lack of personalized guidance and person-centered care. To address this, Algera calls ...

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalEuropean Journal of General Practice·TypeObservational study·DateJan 29, 2024

Large Finnish study finds that maternal pulse recording during childbirth prevents encephalopathy in newborn babies

A large Finnish study found that external fetal heart rate monitoring without simultaneous maternal pulse recording increases the risk of neonatal encephalopathy and acidemia. The study suggests that combining maternal pulse recording with fetal heart rate monitoring can effectively prevent these complications and improve neonatal outc...

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJan 29, 2024

Nearly two-thirds of low-risk pulmonary embolism patients are hospitalized after ED visit

A study of over 1.6 million ED visits found that nearly two-thirds of low-risk pulmonary embolism patients were hospitalized, despite evidence suggesting safety in outpatient management. Researchers suggest further investigation into ED triage decisions to improve appropriate use of outpatient care.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJan 29, 2024

Cancer treatment two and a half times more effective when tumours have defective "energy factories"

Researchers have discovered that tumours with mitochondrial DNA mutations are up to two and a half times more likely to respond to immunotherapy, opening a new avenue for improving cancer treatment. This finding could enable doctors to identify patients who would benefit most from immunotherapy before starting treatment.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

“All_Aboard” app effectively aids blind and visually impaired commuters in finding bus stops

A new smartphone app called All_Aboard has been developed to aid blind and visually impaired individuals in finding bus stops. The app uses artificial intelligence and camera technology to detect street signs and provide auditory cues, achieving a success rate of 93% compared to Google Maps' 52%.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalTranslational Vision Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

High power fiber laser at 1.2 μm waveband

Researchers have successfully generated high power fiber lasers at 1.2 μm waveband using stimulated Raman scattering effect in phosphorus-doped fibers, achieving record-breaking output powers of up to 735.8 W. This breakthrough has significant implications for photodynamic therapy, biomedical diagnosis, and oxygen sensing applications.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

Organ donations after MAiD made up 14% of deceased donations in Quebec

A new study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that organ donations after medical assistance in dying (MAiD) represented 14% of all deceased organ donations in Quebec in 2022. The majority of donors had neurodegenerative diseases, with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis being the most common condition.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 29, 2024

Psychology research: Women more sensitive to cocaine

A recent study by researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington found that women are more susceptible to cocaine addiction than men due to fluctuations in sex hormones. The study discovered that the female sex hormone estradiol enhances the rewarding effects of cocaine, leading to increased sensitivity among females.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalPharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

Destroying tumor cells with calcium

Researchers have developed a synergistic antitumor drug that activates calcium channels in tumor cells, leading to a deadly influx of calcium ions. The treatment involves using a bioactive agent to generate reactive oxygen species, which triggers the activation of calcium channels in both the outer membrane and endoplasmic reticulum.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

Researchers leverage AI to develop early diagnostic test for ovarian cancer

Researchers have developed an AI-driven test that accurately diagnoses ovarian cancer in women clinically classified as normal, improving detection of early-stage disease. The test uses machine learning and blood metabolite information to assign a probability of disease presence or absence, offering a more clinically informative approach.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalGynecologic Oncology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 29, 2024

A firm eye on the proboscis

A study by Konstanz biologists reveals that the moths use visual feedback to move and correct the movement of their proboscis, similar to humans grasping objects. The animals' efficient way of working is also great models for applied research in robotics and understanding the visual control of appendages.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2024

High school students who report using alcohol, cannabis or nicotine at higher risk for suicidal thoughts and other mental health disorders

A recent study found that high school students who use substances are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric symptoms. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, highlights the need for comprehensive screening, prevention, and intervention efforts to address mental health needs.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJan 29, 2024

Breast cancer test may make bad chemotherapy recommendations for Black patients

A study found that the 21-gene breast recurrence score test may underestimate chemotherapy benefits for young Black women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The researchers recommend lowering the test's cutoff point to ensure accurate treatment recommendations for all patients regardless of race or ethnicity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateJan 29, 2024

RNA sequencing analysis may hold the key to more accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment of pediatric B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia

A pilot study proposes a promising global genomic assay for diagnosing molecular subtypes in pediatric B-ALL, leading to more accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment options. RNA sequencing analysis accurately identified subtypes in all known cases and determined genetic subtype in 79% of previously unknown cases.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

New technology makes cancer easier for immune system to find and destroy

A new CRISPR-based technology, TRED-I, has been developed to increase visibility of cancer cells to the immune system by augmenting MHC class I molecules. This technology has shown promising results in animal cancer models, reducing tumor sizes and enhancing treatment efficacy when used with existing immunotherapy.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

Controlling respiratory syncytial virus: real life data from Luxembourg

Early data from Luxembourg's national immunisation campaign against severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 2023 showed a decline in hospitalisations, especially among infants under six months old. The authors attributed this to the administration of a monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab, shortly after birth. Additionally, the mean age...

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 29, 2024

Integrated design of Global Ocean Observing System essential to monitor climate change

The study found that different instrumental systems in the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) complement each other and are essential for accurately monitoring ocean warming. The GOOS, which includes platforms such as free drifting instrumented floats, mooring buoys, and autonomous pinniped data, provides a comprehensive view of ocea...

SourceOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research (OLAR)·JournalOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 29, 2024

New tests of quantum electrodynamics in extreme fields with the heaviest two-electron ion

Researchers have successfully carried out high-precision x-ray spectroscopy on helium-like uranium, disentangling one-electron and two-electron quantum electrodynamics effects. The measurement achieves an accuracy of 37 parts per million, setting a new benchmark for QED in the strong field domain.

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

Students are missing more school, and school nurses may be well-positioned to help

A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Knoo Lee found that school nurses are well-positioned to identify students at-risk for chronic school absenteeism. Students who have many partial-day absences often proactively seek out school nurses as a source of comfort and support, presenting an opportunity for intervention before...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of School Nursing·TypeSurvey·DateJan 29, 2024

Quick and easy preparation of small-sized metal nanoparticles by microchip laser

The development of a compact microchip laser system paves the way for simple benchtop preparation and direct use of metal nanoparticles in catalytic reactions. The study reveals that the microchip laser exhibits high ablation efficiency despite having smaller pulse energy compared to conventional lasers, making it an attractive alterna...

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

PolyU develops high-efficiency carbon dioxide electroreduction system for reducing carbon footprint and progressing carbon neutrality goals

Researchers from PolyU develop a durable, highly selective and energy-efficient CO2 electroreduction system that converts CO2 into ethylene for industrial purposes. The APMA system achieves high specificity of 50% and operates for over 1,000 hours at an industrial-level current of 10A.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

A manifold fitting approach for high-dimensional data reduction beyond Euclidean space

A new technique accurately describes high-dimensional data using lower-dimensional smooth structures, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods. The approach achieves cutting-edge estimation accuracy and convergence rates while enhancing computational efficiency through GANs.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 29, 2024

Enzyme for biocatalysis uses solvent as a substrate

Researchers developed a new enzyme that uses formamides as a substrate for biocatalysis, achieving equivalent or slightly better results than traditional formate-based systems. The enzyme converts formamides into NADPH, producing CO2 as a waste product and opening up new possibilities for asymmetric reductive amination.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

Rice scientists pull off quantum coup

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a new material that exhibits both quantum correlations and geometric frustration, resulting in a unique flat band structure. This finding provides empirical evidence of the effect in a 3D material and has implications for understanding exotic features in materials science.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

Unveiling and decoding the regulatory mechanisms of secondary cell wall formation: The multilayered network and its dynamic control

Researchers decoded the complex gene regulatory network governing secondary cell wall formation, highlighting its role in diverse structures. The study reveals a multilayered network with dynamic control, shedding light on environmental fluctuations and post-transcriptional modifications.

SourceBioDesign Research·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 29, 2024

Racial and ethnic differences in hypertension-related telehealth

A new study found that Hispanic adults had the highest proportion of hypertension-related telehealth visits, while those with lower levels of hypertension awareness and treatment received more in-person visits. Telehealth use increased among Medicaid recipients regardless of race or ethnicity during the pandemic.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 29, 2024

Supporting childbearing women to maintain a healthy weight could reduce the risk of pregnancy complications, study finds

A recent study published in BMC Medicine found that higher maternal body mass index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of several pregnancy complications, including high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia. However, being overweight also has a lower risk of anaemia during pregnancy and low birthweight babies. The research used mul...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 29, 2024

Pusan National University researchers decode the link between smoking and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk

Researchers from Pusan National University found a notable association between smoking and an increased risk of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), particularly among female smokers. The study revealed a dose-response relationship, with the risk peaking at moderate to heavy smoking levels.

SourcePusan National University·JournalTobacco Induced Diseases·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 29, 2024

Endangered seabird shows surprising individual flexibility to adapt to climate change

Researchers found that individual Balearic shearwaters are adapting to climate change by shifting their migratory range northwards, with a speed of 25km per year. However, this flexibility comes with constraints, as the birds have further to fly back in the autumn, and the impact on breeding success and survival is still unclear.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2024

Two-thirds of patients with low-risk pulmonary embolism are admitted to hospital unnecessarily

A study by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that despite guidelines supporting outpatient management, nearly two-thirds of low-risk PE patients remain hospitalized. The findings suggest that many patients with acute PE are being needlessly admitted to the hospital for inpatient management.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 29, 2024

High time to rethink how we define scientific expertise and authority, argue psychologists

Researchers argue that a non-individualist model focusing on competent and responsible epistemic performance is needed for psychology's self-correction capacity. They propose replacing metrics of eminence with metrics capturing track records of expert performance, such as false discovery risk indices or empirical replicability audits.

SourceThe Polish Association of Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateJan 29, 2024