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Science News for July 22, 2024


Teens benefit from a new primary care virtual driving assessment model

A new virtual driving assessment model integrated into primary care has shown promising results, with 77% of teens agreeing to recommend it to friends and wanting to retake the test. The assessment provides personalized feedback to identify risks and areas for improvement, addressing a leading cause of adolescent morbidity and mortality.

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

Targeted career support for care-experienced academics would help create a new “effective pipeline”, study says

A new study suggests that targeted career support for care-experienced academics could help boost the number of future care-experienced people in academia. The research found that these individuals face unique challenges in their educational journeys and often struggle with mental health and financial insecurity.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalHigher Education·TypeSurvey·DateJul 22, 2024

Are AI-chatbots suitable for hospitals?

A study found that large language models, despite accuracy in medical exams, fail to consistently request necessary examinations and often deviate from treatment guidelines. In comparison to human doctors, AI diagnoses achieved lower accuracy rates, highlighting concerns about their suitability for everyday clinical practice.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2024

Researchers enhance tool to better predict where and when wildfires will occur

A newly enhanced database is expected to help wildfire managers predict where and when wildfires will occur by incorporating hundreds of additional factors. The revised Fire Program Analysis Fire-Occurrence Database now includes information on 2.3 million fires in the United States from 1992 to 2020, providing a deeper understanding of...

SourceOregon State University·JournalEarth System Science Data·DateJul 22, 2024

Media Tip Sheet: Fire Ecology at ESA2024

The upcoming ESA2024 conference will bring together fire ecology experts to present the latest research on wildland fires. Understanding past, present, and future fire regimes is crucial for developing effective conservation and management strategies. The event will feature talks and posters on topics such as fuel breaks, long-term mon...

Aluminum scandium nitride films: Enabling next-gen ferroelectric memory devices

Researchers have discovered aluminum scandium nitride (AlScN) films that remain stable and maintain their ferroelectric properties at temperatures up to 600°C, making them promising candidates for next-generation ferroelectric memory devices. The films exhibit a high remnant polarization value and only a slight increase in coercive fie...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2024

Genetic diagnostics of ultra-rare diseases

A large multicenter study has identified 34 new genetic diseases using genetic diagnostics, including a novel AI-powered analysis tool called GestaltMatcher. The study analyzed the genetic data of 1,577 patients and found changes in 370 different genes, with 425 children diagnosed with rare diseases.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Genetics·DateJul 22, 2024

Health care providers weigh in on their experiences developing an AI tool to understand primary care patients’ social determinants of health

The study explored how AI can be designed using a collaborative design strategy with input from primary care team members to better capture social determinants of health in clinical settings. Key findings suggest that the integration of AI into healthcare has both opportunities and challenges.

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

More Black Americans die from effects of air pollution

A new study by Stanford Medicine researchers found that Black Americans are more likely to die from causes related to air pollution compared to other racial and ethnic groups. The study attributed this disparity to a combination of factors, including socioeconomic disadvantage, education level, and geographic location.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 22, 2024

Exposing dengue’s invasion strategies

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research have identified the dengue virus genome's use of less efficient codons in its host's machinery to replicate and spread. This discovery has implications for developing novel antiviral treatments and vaccines, as well as understanding the relationship between viruses and their hosts.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2024

Science, Social Studies classes can help young English-learning students learn to read and write in English

A study found that keeping English-learners in science and social studies classes improved their vocabulary, writing skills, and argumentative essay abilities. The intervention used interactive read-alouds and concept mapping to build content knowledge.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 22, 2024

Viano to study school security

A new project led by Dr. Samantha Viano will investigate the impact of school security equipment on minoritized students' educational and carceral outcomes. The study aims to provide empirical evidence on whether school security makes schools safer, shedding light on its role in the school-prison nexus.

There is mathematical proof in the pudding

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a mathematical expression for the blockchain trilemma, revealing ways to improve scalability without compromising security and decentralization. The formula offers new perspectives on solving the long-standing problem of balancing these competing values.

SourceKyoto University·JournalIEEE Access·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 22, 2024

Sexual and gender minority adults avoid necessary care due to identity discordance with clinicians and experiences of discrimination

A study found that sexual minority and gender minority adults are more likely to avoid necessary care due to identity discordance with clinicians, highlighting the need for affirming care. Health care discrimination scores were also higher among these groups compared to heterosexual and cisgender adults.

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

Newly improved method for anti-cancer drug detection: How tiny tumor models could transform drug testing

Researchers introduced a novel method for improving anti-cancer drug detection using advanced three-dimensional cell culture technology. The new platform enables more accurate assessment of chemotherapeutic agents by simulating physiological conditions that cancer cells encounter in the body.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2024

Implementing diabetic retinopathy screening using in-clinic retinal photographs and automated software analysis increases screening rates for diabetic retinopathy among low-income minority patients

Implementing diabetic retinopathy screening using in-clinic retinal photographs and automated software analysis increased screening rates among low-income minority patients. The clinic's strategy, including patient tracking and selective eye dilation, reduced the insufficient exam rate and improved detection rates.

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

Protect the child, save the adult: An opportunity to cut welfare costs by nearly 40%

Research from University of South Australia finds that individuals who experienced child abuse or neglect are three times more likely to receive government income support payments. Cumulative income support payments for those with no protection contact were $38,570, while those in out-of-home care received $181,743.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 22, 2024

Political campaigns can induce stress in minorities

A study by researchers at the University of Zurich found that LGBTIQ+ individuals and their cisgender heterosexual allies experienced higher stress levels during the 2021 Swiss national referendum on marriage equality. The campaign's negative impact was attenuated when individuals saw supportive statements from the 'yes' campaign.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateJul 22, 2024

Virtual reality training for physicians aims to heal disparities in Black maternal health care

A virtual reality training program is being developed to heighten physicians' awareness of implicit bias in patient care and cultural competency skills. The program, tested with medical students and resident physicians, showed significant increases in awareness of implicit bias and attitudes toward culturally competent communication.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHealth Communication·TypeSurvey·DateJul 22, 2024

New UAB study evaluates cardiovascular health scores in predicting mortality risks

A nationwide study from University of Alabama at Birmingham compares two cardiovascular health metrics, Life’s Simple 7 and Life’s Essential 8, with the well-established Pooled Cohort Equation to determine their predictive values for mortality. The researchers found that PCEs outperformed LE8 and LS7 scores in mortality risk prediction.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJACC Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 22, 2024

Genome study informs restoration of American chestnut tree

A genome study has identified regional adaptations in American chestnut trees, informing restoration efforts and climate resilience. The research provides guidance for conserving genetic diversity across the Appalachian region, with a focus on preserving the most genetically diverse southern population.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2024

Association for molecular pathology publishes recommendations to facilitate design and implementation of clinical pharmacogenomic DPYD genotyping assays

The Association for Molecular Pathology has published consensus guidelines for clinical DPYD genotyping assays to improve patient care and standardize testing. The recommendations include a tiered system of variants with well-characterized effects on protein function, gene expression, and minor allele frequency.

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateJul 22, 2024

Amsterdam UMC set to lead large-scale European study into preventing burnout due to stress among staff in and around the operating theatre

The KEEPCARING study aims to develop a digital tool using AI to predict the most effective stress-reducing methods for individual healthcare providers. Researchers will also map and use existing stress measurement methods, and test interventions in clinical trials across multiple European hospitals.

Ore-some: New date for Earth's largest iron deposits offers clues for future exploration

Researchers at Curtin University used a new geochronology technique to accurately date iron oxide minerals, finding the Hamersley deposits formed between 1.4 and 1.1 billion years ago. This discovery enhances our understanding of ancient geological processes and improves predictions for future exploration.

SourceCurtin University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 22, 2024

Enhancing the performance and stability of Solid Oxide Cells (SOC) via in-situ forming of dual phase strontium lanthanum ferrate

A team of scientists developed a new material, La0.4Sr0.6FeO3-δ (LSF-P), to improve the stability and catalytic activity of Solid Oxide Cells (SOCs). The material, combined with strontium lanthanum ferrate (LSF-RP), enhances oxygen surface exchange kinetics and reduces polarization resistance.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateJul 22, 2024

Bipolar disorder & alcohol: It’s not as simple as ‘self-medication’

A new study suggests that even temporary increases in drinking can have lasting effects on bipolar symptoms, but the opposite isn't true. The research found that individuals with bipolar disorder who drink more than typical for them are more likely to experience an increase in depressive and/or manic symptoms over six months.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJul 22, 2024

HKU ecologists discover rare fiddler crab species on Hong Kong coast highlighting the impact of climate change and coastal development

Two rare fiddler crab species, Tubuca dussumieri and T. coarctata, have been confirmed in Hong Kong, with the potential impact of climate change and coastal development on their distribution explored. The study highlights the importance of environmental conservation for these species.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalZootaxa·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2024

Structural racism and inconsistent hospital policies result in health care professionals disproportionately testing black newborns for prenatal drug exposure

A qualitative study found that healthcare professionals disproportionately test Black newborns for prenatal drug exposure, contributing to Child Protective Services reporting and family separation. The study identified three primary themes: levels of racism beyond the hospital structure, inconsistent hospital policies, and healthcare p...

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

Smell of human stress affects dogs’ emotions leading them to make more pessimistic choices

A study found that dogs make more pessimistic choices when exposed to the smell of human stress, reflecting a negative emotional state. The researchers used an observational study with 18 dog-owner partnerships and found that dogs improved their learning about food presence in two trained bowl locations when exposed to stress smells.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJul 22, 2024

Organs on demand? UVA prints its first voxel building blocks

A UVA research team has developed biomaterials with controlled mechanical properties matching those of various human tissues, representing a significant leap in bioprinting technologies. Their unique digital assembly of spherical particles (DASP) technique can deposit particles of biomaterial in a supporting matrix to build 3D structur...

Deep-ocean floor produces its own oxygen

A new study reveals that metallic minerals on the deep-ocean floor can produce oxygen, even in complete darkness. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions that only photosynthetic organisms generate Earth's oxygen and has significant implications for our understanding of the origin of life.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 22, 2024

Astrophysicists uncover supermassive blackhole/dark matter connection in solving the ‘final parsec problem’

Researchers found that pairs of supermassive black holes can merge due to previously overlooked behavior of dark matter particles, proposing a solution to the longstanding final parsec problem. This discovery provides insight into the nature of dark matter and its interaction with supermassive black holes.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 22, 2024

Dutch version of the person-centered primary care measure survey demonstrates sufficient validity and sufficient reliability for use in Dutch primary care practices

The Dutch version of the Person-Centered Primary Care Measure (PCPCM) survey has been translated and adapted for patients with low literacy, demonstrating sufficient validity and reliability. The survey assesses person-centeredness by involving patients in their care decisions.

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

Rice researchers explore the effects of stellar magnetism on potential habitability of exoplanets

A new study by Rice University's David Alexander and Anthony Atkinson extends the definition of a habitable zone for planets to include their star's magnetic field. Only two exoplanets, K2-3 d and Kepler-186 f, meet all conditions for potential habitability, suggesting that stellar magnetism is a crucial factor in determining planetary...

SourceRice University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJul 22, 2024

Revealing the beauty of ciliated eukaryotes: A simple and versatile method for tubulin staining with outstanding performance

A straightforward and adaptable method for tubulin/cilia staining has been developed in ciliates, offering four significant advantages in cytoskeleton research, morphology studies, taxonomy, and ecological studies. The new method enables seamless integration with immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater Biology and Security·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2024

New imaging technique reveals intracellular energy dynamics in kidney cells

A newly developed imaging system has allowed researchers to visualize ATP production and utilization in different kidney cell segments. The study found distinct ATP synthesis pathways in proximal tubules and podocytes, suggesting targeting these pathways could lead to more effective treatments for kidney diseases.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalKidney International·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2024

Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir antiviral combination shows potential in reducing COVID-19 hospitalizations

The nirmatrelvir/ritonavir regimen has shown promise in reducing COVID-19 hospitalizations and potentially lowering all-cause mortality. However, the evidence is limited and varied, with real-world studies showing a high level of variability due to differences in patient characteristics and care practices.

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

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers implement successful virtual driving assessment for teens in healthcare settings

Researchers evaluated the implementation of a virtual driving assessment in primary care settings, resulting in promising initial results with over 75% of teens recommending the assessment to friends. The tool measures driving skills in common serious crash scenarios, providing personalized feedback to families on areas for improvement.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 22, 2024

Research spotlight: Health care discrimination and care avoidance due to patient-clinician identity discordance among sexual and gender minority adults

A study analyzing national data reveals that SGM adults are more likely to avoid healthcare due to perceived differences in identity with their clinicians. The study highlights the importance of diversifying the healthcare workforce and preventing discrimination against SGM patients.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 22, 2024

Tropical plant species are as threatened by climate change as widely feared, study confirms

A recent study by Brown University biologists reveals that even small variations in temperature and moisture can have massive impacts on tropical epiphyte species, threatening ecosystems they support. The research found that most species struggled to survive outside their native ranges in climate conditions differing from what they typ...

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2024

Free software tool to evaluate relative importance of predictors in generalized additive models

A new computer software package, gam.hp R package, calculates individual R² values for predictors in GAMs based on the average shared variance concept. This allows for equitable distribution of shared R² among related predictors and provides a measure of each predictor's unique and shared contribution to the model's fit.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalPlant Diversity·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 22, 2024

Eco-friendly treatment saves squid eggs from newfound parasite

Researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology have successfully treated a newly discovered parasitic copepod species that was killing squid eggs. The eco-friendly treatment uses peracetic acid to kill the parasites in under two minutes, with zero effect on squids or their generations.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2024

Effectiveness of using siRNA to treat Huntington’s disease

A new study published in Nucleic Acid Therapeutics found that siRNA reduces huntingtin mRNA levels in the cytoplasm but not in the nucleus of mouse brains, suggesting a limitation in its effectiveness for treating Huntington's disease. The research highlights the importance of understanding the structure and function of nuclear RNA to ...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2024

Pusan National University researchers revolutionize environmental health with advanced explainable machine learning approach

Pusan National University researchers introduced FLIT-SHAP, an explainable machine learning approach that breaks down pollutant effects in mixtures. The tool revealed significant synergistic and antagonistic interactions, challenging current approaches to regulating pollutants.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2024

Hollings team marks milestone in progress toward investigational new drug for triple-negative breast cancer

A new compound developed by researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center has shown promise in improving response to chemotherapy in preclinical models. The compound inhibits the protein lysyl oxidase, preventing it from producing a stiff environment around tumors and allowing drugs to penetrate better.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateJul 22, 2024

Study shows post-COVID conditions in primary care are comparable to flu and lower than subspecialty and hospital settings

Researchers found post-COVID conditions in primary care comparable to flu-like illnesses and lower than subspecialty and hospital settings. The study analyzed data from a national primary care registry and identified breathing difficulties, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and type 2 diabetes as common long-term health problems.

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

USC scientists use AI to predict a wildfire’s next move

Researchers at USC developed a new method to accurately predict wildfire spread using satellite data and artificial intelligence. The model offers a potential breakthrough in wildfire management and emergency response, providing more precise and timely data for firefighters and evacuation teams battling wildfires.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalArtificial Intelligence for the Earth Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 22, 2024

Combination treatment based on drug repurposing shows promise in the treatment of retinal degenerations

A combination treatment incorporating three drugs – tamsulosin, metoprolol, and bromocriptine – significantly slowed disease progression in four different animal models of IRD. The study suggests that drug repurposing could provide solutions for rare diseases like retinal degenerations, which are currently inaccessible therapeutically.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2024

A novel thermal insulation material for ultra-high temperature applications: Hierarchical porous (Ta0.2Nb0.2Ti0.2Zr0.2Hf0.2)C high-entropy ceramics

Researchers have developed a novel thermal insulation material with exceptional compressive strength and low thermal conductivity, suitable for ultra-high temperature applications. The porous (Ta0.2Nb0.2Ti0.2Zr0.2Hf0.2)C high-entropy ceramic exhibits outstanding mechanical properties and thermal insulation capabilities.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateJul 22, 2024

Study examines the impact of social connections and professional networks of NAPCRG members in driving scientific success

The study used social network analysis to examine the impact of social connections among NAPCRG members on their scientific success. The research found that strong professional networks are crucial for driving scientific advancements, emphasizing the need for continued support and development of these connections.

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