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Science News Archive January 2024 - Page 10


Page 10 of 37

Mass General Brigham study highlights varied risk of persistent COVID-19 infection among immunocompromised patients

Researchers found that patients with severe immunosuppression, such as those with hematologic malignancies or organ transplants, were most likely to have chronic, prolonged infections. In contrast, patients with mild immunosuppression had similar viral shedding dynamics to non-immunocompromised participants.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 24, 2024

People with suicidal thoughts help each other through tough times

Researchers found that people with suicidal thoughts use closed peer groups on Danish social media to navigate the healthcare system and receive emotional support. These online communities provide a safe space for individuals to share their struggles and connect with others who understand their experiences.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalMental Health & Prevention·TypeCase study·DateJan 24, 2024

A study of how Americans die may improve their end of life

Researchers at Rutgers University analyzed Medicare records to identify nine distinct end-of-life care trajectories among older Americans. The study found that nearly all patients followed one of these paths in their last three years of life, with significant variations by sociodemographic and health-related factors.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBMC Geriatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 24, 2024

Women farm owners more apt to binge drink

A study by University of Georgia researchers found female farmers report higher levels of stress and are more likely to binge drink when they do consume alcohol. The pattern holds true for those who own or manage farms, where women face unique challenges in male-dominated industries.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJan 24, 2024

New pieces in the puzzle of first life on Earth

Researchers have uncovered evidence of complex microbial communities existing in ecosystems over 3 billion years ago, with a diverse carbon cycle involving various microorganisms. The study provides a rare glimpse into the Earth's early ecosystems and advances our understanding of ancient microbial ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPrecambrian Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2024

New study unveils how plants control the production of reactive oxygen species

A recent study by Tokyo University of Science researchers has uncovered the mechanisms by which plants regulate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The findings, published in Physiologia Plantarum, reveal that ROS-generating enzymes are activated through two conserved mechanisms involving calcium ions and phosphorylation, ...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPhysiologia Plantarum·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2024

New study assesses long term risk of invasive breast cancer after pre-invasive disease

A recent study published in The BMJ found that women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) outside the NHS breast screening programme are four times more likely to develop invasive breast cancer and die from breast cancer. The increased risk lasts for at least 25 years after diagnosis, suggesting longer-term monitoring is needed.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2024

The costly, unintended consequences produced by the National Flood Insurance Program

A new study finds that NFIP insurance adoption leads to a significant increase in population growth in high-flood-risk areas. The authors estimate that the program contributes to 5% more population per standard deviation increase in historical flood risk, resulting in higher damages from disasters like Hurricane Katrina and Harvey.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·DateJan 24, 2024

Most clean power purchasing strategies do little to cut emissions, study finds

A Princeton-led study found that most common clean energy procurement strategies are ineffective in reducing long-term emissions in the US. However, one approach called temporal matching can have a substantial effect when companies purchase clean energy hourly to match their real-time energy consumption.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalJoule·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 24, 2024

AA attendance lower among African American, Hispanic and young populations

A new study found that African Americans, Hispanics/Latinx, and young adults are less likely to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings compared to White counterparts. The study also found that these disparities have persisted despite the evolution of AA and the availability of alternative mutual-help groups.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeSurvey·DateJan 24, 2024

Breakthrough technology offers promising treatment for ischemic retinopathy

Researchers develop technology that alleviates retinal pathologies by targeting mitochondrial chaperone TRAP1, which is implicated in the breakdown of blood-retinal barrier and pathological neovascularization. This treatment approach holds great promise for revolutionizing the treatment landscape for ischemic retinopathy.

Contrasting characteristics and outcomes of sports-related and non–sports-related traumatic brain injury

This study found that sports-related traumatic brain injuries (TBI) result in higher rates of functional limitations six months after injury. In contrast, patients with non-sports related TBI exhibit better mental health and post-concussion symptom recovery. The findings highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of TBI outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 24, 2024

Study explains why protein-poor diet during pregnancy increases risk of prostate cancer in offspring

Researchers at São Paulo State University found a link between a protein-poor diet during pregnancy and an increased risk of prostate cancer in offspring. The study detected changes in the expression of over 700 genes in offspring, including the gene ABCG1, which is associated with prostate cancer.

Paper provides a clearer picture of severe hydro hazards

A recent study examines the frequency of compound drought and pluvial flooding, as well as their reverse patterns, finding that 15.46% of meteorological droughts are succeeded by a pluvial the following season globally, with regional variability existing in Eurasia, western North America, South Asia, and Australia.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalWater Resources Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 24, 2024

Gene therapy restores hearing in children with hereditary deafness

A novel gene therapy has been shown to restore hearing function in six children with DFNB9, a form of autosomal recessive deafness. The treatment, which uses an adeno-associated virus carrying a version of the human OTOF gene, demonstrated significant improvements in speech perception and ability to conduct normal conversation.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalThe Lancet·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2024

A pathway to environmental restoration: Sustainable strategies for cesium removal from radioactive wastewater

Cesium removal from radioactive wastewater is a challenging task due to the complex chemical nature of cesium and sheer volume of contaminated water. Recent studies have explored various methods, including adsorption and membrane separation, which show promise for effective treatment with low environmental impact.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2024

Exposure to flame retardants linked to premature birth, higher birth weight

A large study found that exposure to organophosphate ester flame retardants during pregnancy was associated with preterm birth, especially among female newborns. Higher birth weight was also linked to increased obesity risk. The chemicals are widely used in building materials, furniture, and electronics.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2024

Finding the right diagnosis with liver biopsy

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that liver biopsy was essential to making the correct diagnosis in over a third of cases. Biopsy was particularly valuable in diagnosing autoimmune hepatitis and was also used to diagnose liver fibrosis more than two-thirds of the time.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Clinical Gastroenterology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 24, 2024

Centralized social networks potentially hinder innovation by making decision-making too similar

A study by researchers at the University of Sydney and Stockholm University found that centralized social networks can lead to a culture of homogeneity, where innovative voices are crowded out and traditionalist practices prevail. This can have significant consequences for the environment and global food security.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPeople and Nature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 24, 2024

Water self-purification achieved via electron donation: Novel catalyst enables sustainable wastewater treatment

A novel self-purifying water treatment system uses CoFe quantum dots to remove over 70% of emerging contaminants from wastewater within two hours. The system harnesses internal energy for purification, operating at ambient temperature and pressure without external oxidants.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateJan 24, 2024

Disinformation can reinforce polarization in society

New research from Aalto University reveals how disinformation and conspiracy theories persist despite external threats, bridging partisan divides only when shared democratic norms are condemned. The study found that social bubbles built on disinformation can be difficult to break, even in the face of dramatic events.

SourceAalto University·JournalEPJ Data Science·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 24, 2024

A new design improves water decontamination via plasma jet

Researchers at the University of Córdoba designed a new plasma reactor that generates reactive species capable of degrading organic compounds and killing microorganisms in water. The new configuration expands the applicability of this type of plasmas, enabling efficient removal of high concentrations of dyes from water in minutes.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalChemosphere·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2024

Lights, detector, action!

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a novel method for quantum infrared spectroscopy, generating a wider range of infrared photons with improved sensitivity. This breakthrough enables compact, high-performance scanners for various applications in environmental monitoring, medicine, and security.

SourceKyoto University·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2024

Retinal imaging and genetics data used to predict future disease risk

A study combines retinal imaging, genetics, and big data to estimate the likelihood of developing eye and systemic diseases. The researchers identified significant associations between retinal layer thickness and increased risk of various diseases, including ocular, neuropsychiatric, cardiac, metabolic, and pulmonary diseases.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 24, 2024

Researchers suggest changing gold standard of spine surgery from operative microscope to 3D exoscope

A recent study published in World Neurosurgery found that the use of a 3D exoscope in spinal surgery resulted in more favorable outcomes for patients, including shorter hospital stays and operating room times. The device allows for increased visualization during procedures, leading to fewer errors and better patient outcomes.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalWorld Neurosurgery·DateJan 24, 2024