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Science News for July 15, 2024


University of Cincinnati study: Long-term stroke survival improving, but racial disparities remain

A University of Cincinnati study found that long-term stroke survival is improving, but racial disparities remain, with Black individuals experiencing worse long-term outcomes. The research analyzed five-year mortality rates after stroke and found that overall rates are declining, while disparities persist among Black patients.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNeurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2024

Breakthrough wildlife tracking technology that adheres to fur delivers promising results from trials on wild polar bears

A new tracking technology that adheres to a polar bear's fur has shown promise in studying the behavior and movements of subadult and adult male bears. The technology, known as Burr on Fur, allows researchers to track these groups without the need for satellite collars, providing valuable insights into their habits.

SourceYork University·JournalAnimal Biotelemetry·DateJul 15, 2024

How climate change is altering the Earth’s rotation

Research finds climate change is slowing down Earth's rotation by a few milliseconds, with implications for navigation in space. The study also reveals polar motion changes caused by melting ice sheets and internal movements of the Earth's core.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 2024

Protein droplets likely don’t cause Parkinson’s

Researchers investigated the relationship between protein aggregation and liquid-liquid phase separation, finding that droplet formation may actually protect against aggregation. The study, led by Paul Scherrer Institute, used over 500 conditions to test the behavior of alpha-synuclein proteins.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2024

Research spotlight: The impact of tobacco smoking and smoking cessation on the life expectancy of people with HIV in South Africa

Research found that smoking decreases life expectancy of HIV patients by 3-6 years, but smoking cessation can regain up to 5 years. Integrating tobacco cessation interventions into HIV care could substantially improve life expectancy for this population.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of the International AIDS Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 15, 2024

Use of massage therapy for pain

The study found that massage therapy has moderate-certainty evidence for some conditions but rare conclusive evidence of its superiority over other treatments. The review highlights the need for more research in this area.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 15, 2024

Study unveils complexity of zoonotic transmission chains

Researchers identified six distinct communities of zoonotic agent sharing in Austria, influenced by highly connected infectious agents, proximity to humans, and human activities. The study highlights the importance of a holistic approach to understanding and managing zoonoses, emphasizing the role of food and water in transmission.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2024

Who responds to an adaptive treatment for adolescents with anorexia nervosa using family based treatment?: Outcomes from a randomized clinical trial

A randomized clinical trial found that adding Intensive Parental Coaching (IPC) to Family-Based Treatment (FBT) improves outcomes for adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) who don't respond to FBT. The study identified specific families who can benefit from IPC, highlighting the need for precision medicine in mental health.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2024

Study: Opioid use disorder patients were more likely to stick with treatment if referred through telemedicine vs. the emergency department

A study published by University at Buffalo researchers found that telemedicine referrals led to increased patient retention in treatment, with 65.1% of telemedicine patients still in care at the 30-day mark versus 22.2% of those referred from an emergency department visit. This suggests that telemedicine can remove barriers to care and...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment·TypeObservational study·DateJul 15, 2024

A new biomarker shows potential to evaluate treatment response for metastatic colorectal cancer

Researchers have identified a potential biomarker, CXCL13, that correlates with treatment response and prognosis in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. High levels of CXCL13 are associated with positive treatment response and improved survival, while low levels indicate non-response and poorer prognosis.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2024

When to let Amazon sell for you

New research from Texas McCombs suggests that small sellers have more options than previously thought. The study modeled the interactions between companies and consumers, considering factors like other channels, number of players, and substitutability. Sellers can choose to retain control over their prices or sell to Amazon, weighing t...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateJul 15, 2024

Wildfire smoke has a silver lining: It can help protect vulnerable tree seedlings

Researchers at Oregon State University found that wildfire smoke can reduce temperature stress on young seedlings, making them more resilient to extreme heat events. The study showed a significant cooling effect of wildfire smoke, similar to an increase in canopy cover, which can provide benefits for tree regeneration.

SourceOregon State University·JournalCanadian Journal of Forest Research·TypeObservational study·DateJul 15, 2024

Visualizing addiction: How new research could change the way we fight the opioid epidemic

A new technological breakthrough has enabled scientists to visualize opioid signaling in the brain in real-time, providing a deeper understanding of how opioids affect the brain. This breakthrough has opened up new avenues for developing more effective and safer therapeutics for pain management and mental health disorders.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2024

You're just a stick figure to this camera

A new camera system called PrivacyLens can replace people in images with generic stick figures, protecting their identities and reducing unnecessary surveillance. This technology could prevent embarrassing photos from being shared online and make patients more comfortable using cameras for chronic health monitoring.

New soft multifunctional sensors mark a step forward for physical AI

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University's PAI Lab developed groundbreaking multifunctional material-sensors that emulate natural systems, advancing Physical AI. The sensors can process diverse signals concurrently through ions and electrons, enabling versatile and lifelike interactions in fields like robotics and healthcare.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2024

Study shows timely transition from pediatric to adult care is critical for young adults with sickle cell disease

A study by Texas A&M University researchers found that individuals with sickle cell disease who experience a delay of more than six months after transferring from pediatric to adult care are twice as likely to be hospitalized compared to those who transition in less than two months. The research suggests that early introductions to adu...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalBlood Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2024

Phytic acid-based nanomedicine against mTOR for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis therapy

Researchers develop a phytic acid-based nanomedicine that targets and inhibits the mTOR pathway, reducing lipid accumulation and inflammation in liver tissue. The treatment shows promise in alleviating the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and improving liver function.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2024

We're not eating Peppa! Preschoolers befriend farm animals

Researchers from SWPS University found that assigning individual characteristics to farm animals can change children's attitudes towards eating meat. In studies involving preschoolers aged 5-6, those who were given a name and unique habits showed increased desire to befriend the animal and decreased willingness to eat its meat.

SourceSWPS University·JournalAppetite·DateJul 15, 2024

New geological datings place the first European hominids in the south of the Iberian Peninsula 1.3 million years ago

The study places human remains found in Orce, Spain as the oldest in Europe, dating back to approximately 1.3 million years ago. The analysis of paleomagnetism and fauna found at the site suggests that humans arrived in Europe through the Strait of Gibraltar, contradicting the previous theory of returning via the Asian route.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2024

30-year risk of cardiovascular disease may help inform blood pressure treatment decisions

A new study published in Hypertension journal suggests that both 30-year and 10-year risk predictions should be considered when making high blood pressure treatment decisions. The researchers compared two risk prediction tools and found that long-term, 30-year risk may be more important than short-term, 10-year risk for informing medic...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalHypertension·DateJul 15, 2024

Existence of lunar lava tube cave demonstrated

A team of international scientists has demonstrated the existence of a lunar lava tube cave, with radar reflections indicating an underground conduit in Mare Tranquillitatis. This discovery provides crucial evidence for safe site selection on the Moon and supports future exploration missions.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2024

Unlocking secrets of stomatal regulation: Phosphoactivation of SLAC1 in plant guard cells

Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences have provided mechanistic insights into the activation of SLAC1, a key anion channel involved in plant guard cell signaling. Phosphorylation of SLAC1 facilitates anion efflux, leading to membrane depolarization and stomatal closure.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2024

The reliability and robustness of a spatial microsimulation (SMS) method for providing insights to carbon tax consequences

A new article assesses the reliability and robustness of a spatial microsimulation method for calculating carbon tax incidence. The authors demonstrate the approach's ability to generate granular household-level estimates, providing unique insights into the distributional consequences of carbon taxes. They find that different revenue r...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·DateJul 15, 2024

Most Salmonella illnesses from chicken caused by few products with high levels of virulent strains

A new study reveals that a small number of products containing high levels of virulent Salmonella strains are responsible for most salmonellosis cases from raw chicken parts. The researchers suggest regulating these high-risk contamination events rather than frequency of detection to protect public health.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Food Protection·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 15, 2024

Scorching storms on distant worlds revealed in new detail

Astronomers have created the most detailed weather report for two distant worlds, measuring light waves emitted from their surfaces to track atmospheric changes. The study uses NASA's JWST to capture the extreme conditions on brown dwarfs, providing insights into the potential missing link between stars and planets.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 15, 2024

Media Tip Sheet: Symposia at ESA2024

The Ecological Society of America's Annual Meeting in Long Beach will feature symposia addressing nonmaterial ecosystem services, nature-based solutions to urban heat and stormwater runoff, conserving soil biodiversity, harnessing AI for ecology, and other topics. Media attendees can access scientific sessions, press room amenities, an...

New concept explains how tiny particles navigate water layers – with implications for marine conservation

Researchers have unveiled insights into how microscopic organisms such as marine plankton move through water with different density layers. The study reveals two types of microscopic swimmers that navigate density gradients differently, with pullers moving parallel to the gradient and pushers swimming perpendicular.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 15, 2024

Survey finds women in their 40s may choose to delay mammography when informed about the benefits and harms

A nationally representative US survey found that women aged 39-49 who received a decision aid describing the benefits and harms of breast cancer screening were more likely to delay or forego screening. The study suggests that providing accurate information may change intention to screen for some women, particularly those with higher br...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJul 15, 2024

Children living in deprived areas are three times more likely to need dental extractions in hospital

A study published in BMJ Public Health found that children living in deprived areas have a three times higher risk of needing dental extractions under general anaesthesia. This highlights the need for targeted interventions and improved access to preventive dental services to address socioeconomic and ethnic inequalities in oral health.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBMJ Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2024

Unlocking the mystery of preexisting drug resistance: New study sheds light on cancer evolution

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University discovered that ecological interactions between resistant cells and their ancestors play a pivotal role in reducing the costs of resistance. This finding has significant implications for understanding cancer evolution and developing innovative treatment strategies.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPRX Life·TypeObservational study·DateJul 15, 2024

Cosmic wrestling match

A team led by Jamie McCullough and Daniel Grün has analyzed the largest dataset to date, shedding light on what the color of various galaxies says about their true distance. The results make it possible to statistically determine the true distance of each galaxy observed in images taken by Euclid or the Dark Energy Survey.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateJul 15, 2024

Lowering systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg may reduce dementia risk among Black, Latino populations

A new study suggests that lowering systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg over time may produce slight health-protective benefits against late-life dementia. The study found that middle-aged adults who lower their systolic blood pressure, particularly Black and Latino individuals, had a reduced risk of developing dementia.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2024

Off-the-shelf wearable trackers provide clinically-useful information for patients with heart disease

A study published in Nature Medicine found that off-the-shelf wearable trackers can monitor the response to two treatments for atrial fibrillation and heart failure. The devices provided clinically useful information similar to in-person hospital assessments, with a neural network helping to analyze missing data.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 15, 2024

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers develop antioxidant strategy to address mitochondrial dysfunction caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers have developed a new strategy to treat complex COVID-19 cases by targeting the mitochondria with antioxidants. This approach aims to reduce the effects of the virus while avoiding viral gene mutation resistance, which may be useful for treating other viruses.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2024

With the rise of global mobility, the topic of international employees’ adjustment needs attention

A recent study by KTU and Germany highlights the lack of research on international employee adjustment, particularly for self-initiated expatriates and migrants. The study proposes a future research agenda to address organisational support, individual factors, and demographics influencing adjustment.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 15, 2024