Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive January 2024 - Page 13


Page 13 of 37

Live animal transport regulations not ‘fit for purpose’, major international study finds

The study's findings highlight serious failures in animal welfare protection during transportation, with all countries falling short of guaranteeing adequate protection. The researchers propose updating the regulations to address major risk factors such as excessively long journeys and hot weather, drawing key future directions for new...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 23, 2024

A neurological disease paradigm shift

Researchers at McGill University propose a new biological classification system for Parkinson's disease, considering alpha-synuclein, neurodegeneration, and genetics. This shift in thinking aims to diagnose the disease earlier, targeting specific patient groups with more common biology, improving treatment development success.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 23, 2024

Maternal autistic traits and adverse birth outcomes

A study of 87,000 women found a higher level of maternal autistic traits associated with increased risk of adverse birth outcomes, including very preterm birth. The researchers emphasize the need for tailored and timely antenatal care support for women with high levels of autistic traits.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 23, 2024

Gene expression atlas captures where ovulation can go awry

A gene expression atlas has been developed to map the complex cellular and molecular interactions that drive ovulation in mice. The findings reveal a previously unknown layer of selection that determines which follicles will release eggs, and highlight the importance of early differentiation markers for fertility management.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2024

Colorado State research quantifies greenhouse gas emissions from US irrigation pumping

A Colorado State University study quantifies greenhouse gas emissions from US irrigation pumping, highlighting the significant impact of groundwater pumping and location on emissions. The research estimates that electric pumps can play a key role in decarbonizing irrigation systems as the electrical grid becomes cleaner.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 23, 2024

Rutgers health researchers develop software to predict diseases

The IntelliGenes software combines conventional statistical methods with cutting-edge machine learning algorithms to produce personalized patient predictions and visualize significant biomarkers for disease prediction. Researchers applied the software to discover novel biomarkers and predict cardiovascular disease with high accuracy.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBioinformatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 23, 2024

A new 3D bioprinted model offers a novel tool to study common liver disease, and perhaps find an effective treatment

A new 3D bioprinted liver tissue model has been developed to study nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a serious complication of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The model, created using liver cells from healthy or NASH-diseased donors, displays all characteristics of the disease, including fibrosis.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 23, 2024

Research from the Korea University College of Medicine explores the combined health impact of diabetes and sarcopenia in the elderly

A study from the Korea University College of Medicine reveals that co-occurrence of diabetes and sarcopenia significantly elevates cardiovascular mortality, with nearly doubling the risk of both all-cause and cardiovascular deaths. Implementing preventive measures such as lifestyle changes, exercise, and balanced diet can mitigate this...

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalMetabolism·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2024

Uncovering the secrets behind the silent flight of owls

Studies investigated the effect of trailing-edge fringes on owl wings, finding reduced noise levels and maintained aerodynamic performance. The simulations revealed two complementary mechanisms: reducing airflow fluctuations and suppressing feather interactions, leading to improved low-noise fluid machinery applications.

SourceChiba University·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 23, 2024

Reflecting on your legacy could make you more philanthropic, new research finds

Researchers found that prompting people to consider their long-term impact inspires them to allocate more wealth to collective causes like charities. This phenomenon, dubbed the 'Andrew Carnegie Effect', has significant societal benefits. Future research will track participants over time to determine its lasting impact.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeSurvey·DateJan 23, 2024

Bloom-forming cyanobacteria and dinoflagellates in five Argentinian reservoirs: a multi-year sampling

Researchers in Argentina have found that cyanobacteria blooms are becoming more intense in five reservoirs, particularly in the warmest areas. The team also detected positive records of cyanotoxins only in the last four years of the study period, highlighting a significant underestimation of the problem.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater Biology and Security·TypeCase study·DateJan 23, 2024

Supportive, stable caregiving in childhood protects heart health in adulthood

Research reveals that stable and supportive caregiving during childhood can protect cardiovascular health later in life, contrary to previous findings on childhood adversity. The study analyzed over 2,000 participants and found that each additional unit score of caregiver warmth was associated with 11.7% higher odds of cardiovascular h...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2024

New rapid prototyping method for microscale spiral devices

Researchers from Tohoku University and OIST have introduced a miniaturized rotational thermal drawing process, enabling the rapid prototyping of three-dimensional microfluidic systems. This innovation facilitates precise biofluid manipulation and unlocks endless possibilities for combining diverse materials.

SourceTohoku University·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateJan 22, 2024

Breaking through the limits of a single fiber laser amplifier - Coherent Beam Combination

Researchers developed an ultrafast fiber laser system with a record-breaking average power output of 403 W, 0.5 mJ pulse energy, and 260 fs. The integrated electronic dispersion hardware effectively compensates for high-order dispersion, optimizing pulse width while achieving superior improvement in pulse quality.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2024

Integrating physics and AI: Novel graph neural network models enhance precipitation forecasting

A research team developed novel graph neural network models that improve precipitation forecasting skills by coupling physical variables, revealing a significant improvement over traditional numerical models. The models demonstrated superior consistency and forecasting skills, especially for heavy rainfall events.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 22, 2024

Older adults spend 3 weeks each year receiving health care outside of the home

A cross-sectional study of over 6,500 adults aged 65+ found that older adults spent an average of 20.7 days per year receiving healthcare outside the home. The 'health care contact days' metric can help evaluate care and identify areas for improvement, such as coordinating tests with visits and reducing Friday office visits.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJan 22, 2024

Primary care physicians and urologists work together to provide optimal care for men with low-risk prostate cancer

This study explores the perspectives of primary care physicians (PCPs) and urologists on active surveillance (AS) care for men with low-risk prostate cancer. Key findings include the importance of patient education and clear communication among care team members to prevent loss to follow-up.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 22, 2024

Low-frequency ultrasound can improve oxygen saturation in blood

Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology found that low-frequency ultrasound influences blood parameters, improving oxygen saturation and lowering blood pressure. The study used artificial intelligence to analyze 300 blood samples, revealing the potential for non-pharmaceutical treatment to improve oxygen circulation.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalApplied System Innovation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2024

Follow the salt: connecting salt concentrations and motion in roundworms

Researchers discovered that a specific phase of neck motor neuron activation in roundworms adjusts their trajectory toward higher salt concentrations. This finding highlights the neural mechanisms underlying navigation and sensory-motor integration, shedding light on how even simple animals adapt to environmental changes.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2024

Salad in space? New study says it's not a healthy choice

Researchers from the University of Delaware found that plants grown in simulated microgravity conditions are more prone to infections from Salmonella, a human pathogen. The study suggests that space-grown lettuce may not be as healthy for astronauts as previously thought due to its increased susceptibility to bacterial contamination.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 22, 2024

Patients who obtained telemedicine medication abortions (TeleMAB) through primary care have positive feelings about their experience

The study found that patients had a positive experience obtaining TeleMAB through their primary care health system, citing ease of access, autonomy, and reduced anxiety. This normalizes abortion care within the context of comprehensive primary care, improving access for many people of reproductive age.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 22, 2024

A “radically different” way of looking at Parkinson’s Disease

Scientists propose a new biologically-based classification system for Parkinson's disease, considering three biological factors: pathologic α-synuclein, neurodegeneration, and gene variants. This 'S-N-G' system aims to better understand the complex biology of PD and identify subgroups with distinct disease processes.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 22, 2024

The serious risks and high costs of monoclonal antibodies may outweigh the benefits for patients with Alzheimer dementia

A recent meta-analysis of 20,000 patients with Alzheimer's disease found no clinically significant improvement in cognitive or functional abilities from monoclonal antibody treatment. The studies also revealed a high risk of serious harms, including cerebral edema and death, associated with the use of these expensive medications.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 22, 2024