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Science News Archive January 2024 - Page 33


Page 33 of 37

Mobile phone data sheds light on unhealthy food consumption disparities during COVID-19

A pioneering study using mobile phone data analysis sheds light on socioeconomic disparities in unhealthy food reliance during COVID-19, particularly among racial minorities and low-income households. The study found that COVID-19 has exacerbated convenience store reliance, especially in Hispanic-majority counties and areas with older ...

SourceHealth Data Science·JournalHealth Data Science·DateJan 7, 2024

Scientists develop high-resolution method to analyze skin gene expression post burns

Researchers developed a high-resolution cell type deconvolution mode method using CIBERSORTx to analyze pooled skin bulk transcriptome data, identifying eight different skin cell types. This allowed for more accurate analysis of gene expression changes post-burn injury and exploration of new targets for clinical wound healing.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Burn Care & Research·DateJan 7, 2024

To explore an alternative urbanization that is different from the present through historical environment preservation and regeneration—an interview with Aya Kubota

Aya Kubota emphasizes the importance of engaging local residents in historical environment preservation and regeneration. This approach supports the preservation and utilization of 'Legacy of Catastrophe' and presents a valuable alternative to current urbanization methods.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLandscape Architecture Frontiers·TypeCase study·DateJan 7, 2024

About 22 high school age adolescents died each week from overdoses in 2022, driven by fentanyl-laced prescription pills

A new study found that fentanyl-laced prescription pills are driving a surge in overdose deaths among high school age adolescents in the US. The death rate for this group has increased to 5.2 per 100,000, with Arizona and Colorado experiencing rates double the national average.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2024

Can we fight back against Parkinson’s disease? These research volunteers hope so

Researchers at Boston University's Center for Neurorehabilitation have made two important advances that may help people with Parkinson's disease walk more smoothly. Wearable soft robotic apparel and a music-based technology were tested in studies, showing promising results in increasing walking duration and distance.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 5, 2024

Getting a better look at tumors

A new MRI-based method uses CEST technology to detect water cycling across cellular membranes, providing a non-invasive way to assess tumor malignancy and treatment effectiveness. The technique sheds light on tumor phenotype and offers a promising tool for personalized cancer diagnosis and therapy.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 5, 2024

JNM publishes procedure standard/practice guideline for FES PET imaging of breast cancer

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has published a new procedure standard/practice guideline for estrogen receptor imaging of breast cancer patients using FES PET. The guideline aims to promote the appropriate use of FES PET and enhance research, providing advantages in assessing tumor ER expression and predicting re...

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 5, 2024

A new approach can address antibiotic resistance to Mycobacterium abscessus

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have designed a new version of the drug spectinomycin that overcomes efflux, a key mechanism driving antibiotic resistance in Mab infections. The modified compound, eAmSPCs, shows enhanced antimicrobial efficacy and works well with various classes of antibiotics.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2024

New study reveals crucial 'housekeeping' genetic elements and their potent role to fight cancer

A new study reveals around 11,000 housekeeping cis-regulatory elements (HK-CREs) that play a crucial role in maintaining cellular stability and function. These elements were found to have potential as essential housekeeping tumor suppressors, with reduced activity in diverse cancer subtypes.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2024

Protected areas for elephants work best if they are connected

A new study published in Science Advances suggests that protected areas for elephants are most effective when connected to allow populations to stabilize naturally. This approach, known as 'connecting parks,' enables herds to move freely and absorb immigrants, reducing the need for human intervention.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2024

After COP28 “insider” climate activists will become increasingly important, study suggests.

A new study suggests climate activists are increasingly adopting 'insider' activist roles, working within their own organizations to drive meaningful change. Researchers identify different types of activists, including those who seek to undermine or challenge organizations, highlighting the growing importance of collaborative and conte...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2024

Hainan's quest for pristine air: Charting a course to global air quality leadership by 2035

A comprehensive approach has been developed to create Hainan's own ambient air quality standards, tailored to the province's specific conditions. The new standards aim to reduce common pollutants and improve health outcomes, with estimates suggesting thousands of premature deaths could be prevented annually.

SourceNanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE·JournalEco-Environment & Health·DateJan 5, 2024

The evolution of photosynthesis better documented thanks to the discovery of the oldest thylakoids in fossil cyanobacteria

Researchers have identified the oldest thylakoid membranes, 1.2 billion years older than previously known, in 1.75 billion-year-old fossil cyanobacteria. This discovery provides a new approach to understand the early diversification of life and the role of cyanobacteria in the Great Oxygenation Event.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 5, 2024

nTIDE December 2023 Jobs Report: People with disabilities maintain strong employment levels through end of year, staying at historic highs

In December 2023, people with disabilities in the US maintained their employment-to-population ratio near historic highs. The labor force participation rate for individuals with disabilities also remained steady around 40% throughout the last half of 2023. In contrast, those without disabilities experienced slight declines in both rates.

Ancestors of primates lived in pairs

A study published in PNAS found that 70 million years ago, primates' ancestors mostly lived in pairs, with only 15% opting for solitary lifestyles. This flexible pair-living ancestor likely offered benefits such as easier reproduction and thermoregulation.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2024

Hypertension's hidden hand: pressure-driven foam cell formation revealed as key driver of arterial disease, paving the way for new therapies

Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism by which elevated blood pressure transforms muscle cells into 'foam cells' that form the building blocks of plaque buildup in arteries. This finding provides crucial insights for developing new therapies to control or reverse arterial disease.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJan 5, 2024

PTSD, depression, and anxiety nearly doubles in Israel in aftermath of Hamas attack

A nationwide prospective study found a sharp increase in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety in Israelis following the October 2023 Hamas attack. The study nearly doubled the prevalence of these conditions, which were already higher than those reported in previous studies on terrorist events.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2024

Soil fungi may help explain the global gradient in forest diversity

Researchers found that mycorrhizal fungi form mutually beneficial relationships with plant roots, improving juvenile survival and promoting species diversity. The study suggests that these symbiotic relationships between plants and fungi may play a role in driving global patterns of forest tree diversity associated with latitude.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2024

Novel compound protects against infection by virus that causes COVID-19, preliminary studies show

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have discovered a novel compound that can protect against COVID-19 infection by targeting the virus's 'landing gear'. The stapled lipopeptide, which acts as a nasal spray, has shown promise in preventing infection and could potentially be used to treat or prevent COVID-19.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2024

African One Health network launched to prevent disease

The ADAPT project is a new initiative to prevent antimicrobial resistance and neglected tropical diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. By analyzing biological-medical and socio-cultural factors, the network aims to enhance policy-makers' technical expertise and increase efficiency in disease prevention.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 5, 2024

Asbestos: the size and shape of inhaled nanofibers could be exclusively responsible for the development of pulmonary fibrosis

Research reveals that inhaling asbestos or similar nanofibers can lead to pulmonary fibrosis due to their inability to be fully encapsulated by macrophages. The study found that fibers over 15 microns in length cause leaked secretions harmful to alveolar walls, leading to repeated pulmonary lesions and potential fibroma development.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 5, 2024

Historic urban Landscape Paradigm—A tool for balancing values and changes in the urban conservation process

The Historic Urban Landscape paradigm shifts focus from iconic buildings to city communities, highlighting the importance of nostalgia in understanding the past's impact on present and future development. This approach provides a balance between preserving cultural heritage and adapting to urban changes.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLandscape Architecture Frontiers·TypeCase study·DateJan 4, 2024

Women undergoing fertility treatment who are stressed may have heart health issues during pregnancy

A new study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found that stressed women undergoing fertility treatment may experience higher blood sugar levels during pregnancy, which can lead to weaker cardiovascular health. Women who conceived through intrauterine insemination (IUI) had higher stress and blood sugar levels than those...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateJan 4, 2024