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Science News Archive July 2024 - Page 25


Page 25 of 41

Variation in the permafrost active layer over the Tibetan Plateau since 1980

The Tibetan Plateau's permafrost active layer has shown significant interdecadal changes since 2000, with a decrease in overall thickness and regional inconsistencies. Environmental factors such as temperature and precipitation significantly impact the active layer's transformation under global warming.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJul 12, 2024

Living in disadvantaged neighborhoods influences stress-related genes, which may contribute to aggressive prostate cancer in African American men

A study found that living in disadvantaged neighborhoods is associated with higher stress-related gene activity, which could contribute to aggressive prostate cancer in African American men. The research also linked five genes related to inflammation to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJul 12, 2024

Neural networks made of light

Researchers at Max Planck Institute propose a new method for implementing neural networks with optical systems, which could lead to faster and more energy-efficient alternatives. The approach allows for parallel computations in high speeds limited by the speed of light, and can be applied to various physically different systems.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2024

Microbeads with adaptable fluorescent colors from visible light to near-infrared

The team created microbeads that emit various colors of light depending on the illuminating light and bead size, offering a wide range of applications. The use of plant-derived materials allows for low-cost and energy-efficient synthesis, making them an attractive alternative to conventional luminescent devices.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2024

Why are board games so popular among many people with autism? New research explains

A new study reveals that people with autism are overrepresented in board gaming compared to the general population, and playing modern board games provides a social outlet in a structured space. The research also shows that board games take pressure off meeting and interacting with others, offering a form of escapism.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·TypeObservational study·DateJul 12, 2024

The OHStat Guidelines for Reporting Observational Studies and Clinical Trials in Oral Health Research

The IADR and AADOCR published the revised OHStat guidelines to improve reporting in oral health research, incorporating CONSORT, STROBE, and SAMPL guidelines. The guidelines also recommend estimating results in clinically meaningful units using confidence intervals, rather than relying on P values.

With gene editing, mice with a form of inherited deafness can hear again

Researchers used gene editing to restore hearing in adult mice with a form of inherited deafness called autosomal dominant deafness-50 (DFNA50). The approach involved shutting down a damaged copy of the microRNA (miRNA) gene, which enabled the animals to regain hearing. This method may eventually lead to potential treatments for inheri...

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2024

Severe droughts limit Amazonian communities' access to basic services

A recent study found that nearly 50% of non-Indigenous localities and 54% of Indigenous villages in the Brazilian part of the Amazon basin are prone to isolation during severe droughts. Severe droughts result in extended periods of low water levels, affecting communities' access to goods, services, healthcare, education, and livelihoods.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 12, 2024

Brain inflammation triggers muscle weakness after infections

Researchers identified a protein that travels from brain to muscles, causing muscle fatigue. Studies in fruit flies and mice found that this process is relevant to inflammatory diseases, including bacterial infections, Alzheimer's disease, and long COVID. Blocking this pathway may prevent or treat muscle weakness.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2024

Sant Pau researchers discover a new gene that causes ALS

A study by Sant Pau Research Institute identified a new mutation in the ARPP21 gene linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 10 patients from 7 unrelated families. The finding suggests that ARPP21 is a novel ALS-causing gene with potential for personalized therapies and diagnosis.

SourceInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau (Sant Pau Research Institute)·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2024

New ways to study spinal cord malformations in embryos

Researchers created tiny force sensors directly in chicken embryos to study spinal cord malformations. The study aims to prevent congenital malformations by identifying new preventative and therapeutic strategies. Quantifying mechanical forces during embryonic development promises a step change in understanding development.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2024

Groundbreaking study reveals insights into Alzheimer's disease mechanisms through novel hydrogel matrix

Researchers have developed a multi-component hydrogel scaffold to mimic the amyloid-beta containing microenvironment associated with AD. The study found elevated levels of neuroinflammation and apoptosis markers in healthy neuronal progenitor cells cultured within this environment.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalActa Biomaterialia·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2024

Complex impact of large wildfires on ozone layer dynamics unveiled by new study

Researchers found that wildfire-induced aerosols can lead to both ozone depletion and increase at different atmospheric layers, with the middle stratosphere experiencing an increase in ozone concentrations. This complex interplay buffers approximately 40% of ozone depletion observed in the lower stratosphere.

Study examines urban forests across the United States

Researchers analyzed six US cities and found that tree species in parks were more drought-tolerant and reflected greater native biodiversity than those in residential yards. The study highlights the importance of planting drought-tolerant trees in urban areas to adapt to future climate change.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 12, 2024

Progress in the management of patients with cholestatic liver disease: where are we and where are we going?

Significant progress has been made in understanding and managing cholestatic liver diseases, with emerging therapies like OCA, fibrates, and budesonide. Multidisciplinary approaches involving hepatologists, gastroenterologists, and primary care physicians are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJul 12, 2024

Unprecedented warming threatens earth’s lakes and their ecosystems

A recent study predicts that lakes worldwide will experience unprecedented surface and subsurface warming, leading to severe disruptions in ecosystems. Tropical lakes are expected to be the first to emerge from natural temperature bounds, while high-latitude lakes may shield their subsurface layers from surface warming.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 12, 2024

Melanopsin DNA aptamers can regulate input signals of mammalian circadian rhythms by altering the phase of the molecular clock

Researchers developed DNA aptamers of melanopsin to regulate mammalian circadian rhythms. Four Melapts induced a phase advance and seven caused a delay in the biological clocks of cells and mice. The aptamers may have potential therapeutic applications by manipulating melanopsin's input signals to the central clock.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2024

Study challenges traditional views of evolution

A study on Daphnia pulex found that natural selection pressures vary significantly over time, maintaining genetic variation and enhancing adaptability. The research reveals a more dynamic and complex understanding of evolution, suggesting the environment influences genes frequently, potentially helping species adapt to future conditions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2024

UMass Amherst awarded $2.1 million to advance the science of engagement in community-academic research partnerships

The study aims to empower underrepresented populations in health research through a novel approach called engagement mapping, which identifies barriers to research partnerships and co-designs strategies to address them. The pilot study will test the feasibility of this approach with community advisory councils at two institutions.

Climate change: Thick sea ice flowing from Arctic Ocean shortening shipping season in Northwest Passage

A recent analysis found that thick sea ice flowing south from the Arctic Ocean has shortened the shipping season in several parts of the Northwest Passage between 2007 and 2021. This means the region is unlikely to become a viable alternative to traditional shipping routes despite hopes fueled by global warming.

SourceSpringer·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 11, 2024