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Science News Archive January 2024 - Page 5


Page 5 of 37

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