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Science News Archive June 2024


Page 1 of 39

Protective role of the curcumin derivative, FM0807, in regulating JAK2/STAT3 and TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 signaling pathways in glomerular mesangial cells and renal function in db/db mice

FM0807 reduces blood glucose levels, improves liver function, and decreases kidney damage in diabetic mice. The compound also inhibits inflammatory markers and alters SMAD2/3 expression, suggesting a protective role in regulating JAK2/STAT3 and TGF-β1/SMAD2/3 signaling pathways.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalActa Materia Medica·DateJun 30, 2024

This desert moss has the potential to grow on Mars

A new study reveals that a type of desert moss called Syntrichia caninervis has the potential to grow on Mars due to its ability to tolerate extreme temperatures, radiation, and dehydration. The researchers tested the moss's resilience in various conditions and found it to be one of the most radiation-tolerant organisms known.

SourceCell Press·JournalThe Innovation·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2024

Insurance coverage disruptions, challenges accessing care common amid Medicaid unwinding

A recent study found that nearly half of those who lost Medicaid coverage during the Medicaid unwinding process were left uninsured by late 2023. The researchers also discovered that individuals who had been disenrolled reported significantly worse access to healthcare, including more cost-related delays in care and less affordability.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeSurvey·DateJun 29, 2024

Coverage and access changes during Medicaid unwinding

A survey study found that 6 months into Medicaid unwinding, 1 in 8 beneficiaries reported exiting the program, with wide state variation. Many who lost coverage experienced gaps in care, and adults exiting Medicaid faced more difficulties accessing healthcare services than those remaining enrolled.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJun 29, 2024

Mount Sinai study reveals significant differences in RNA editing between postmortem and living human brain

Researchers found major differences between postmortem and living prefrontal cortex brain tissues, with higher levels of RNA editing in postmortem tissues. These discoveries will shape the development of diagnostics and therapies for brain diseases, highlighting the need to study both living and postmortem samples.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2024

New study shows meaningful social interactions boost well-being, but context matters

A new study found that engaging in meaningful social interactions with peers is associated with lower loneliness and greater affective well-being. The research also highlights the importance of context in these interactions, suggesting that online or offline settings have a positive impact on well-being during lockdowns.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2024

Climate change to shift tropical rains northward

A study predicts that tropical rains will shift northward in the coming decades, impacting regions such as central Africa, northern South America, and Pacific island states. The shift is caused by changes in the atmosphere spurred by carbon emissions, which would have significant effects on agriculture and economies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 28, 2024

City of Hope study suggests changing the gut microbiome improves health outcomes for people newly diagnosed with metastatic kidney cancer

Researchers found that a live biotherapeutic product CBM588, when taken orally, can improve health outcomes in people with metastatic kidney cancer. The study, published in Nature Medicine, suggests that the agent may enhance effectiveness of FDA-approved cancer immunotherapies by adjusting the gut microbiome.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 28, 2024

Deep learning-assisted lesion segmentation in PET/CT imaging: A feasibility study for salvage radiation therapy in prostate cancer

Researchers explore the feasibility of deep learning models in segmenting lesions on PET/CT images to improve salvage radiation therapy planning for prostate cancer. The study demonstrates promising potential to reduce inter- and intra-observer variations, leading to more accurate treatment outcomes.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 28, 2024

UEA leads Europe-wide project to revolutionise childhood bone cancer treatment and research

A new Europe-wide clinical framework aims to collect high-quality biological samples from patients, enabling researchers and clinicians to understand the genetic, biological, and other factors involved in childhood bone cancer. This will guide the development of tailored treatments for each patient's cancer type.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 28, 2024

New class of Mars quakes reveals daily meteorite strikes

Researchers estimate that between 280 to 360 meteorites strike Mars each year, forming impact craters greater than 8 meters across. The study uses seismic data from the NASA InSight Mission to make this estimate, which is five times higher than previously thought.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 28, 2024

Creating supranormal hearing in mice

Researchers successfully increase inner ear synapses in young mice to produce supranormal hearing, supporting a hypothesis on the cause of hidden hearing loss in humans. The study suggests that preserving or increasing synapses may improve auditory processing and offer new treatment options for certain hearing disorders.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2024

Tiny bright objects discovered at dawn of universe baffle scientists

Scientists have discovered tiny, bright objects in the early universe that are packed with hundreds of millions of years old stars, defying conventional thinking about galaxy evolution. The objects also harbor surprisingly large supermassive black holes, estimated to be 100 to 1,000 times more massive than our Milky Way's black hole.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 28, 2024

Moffitt researchers develop synthesis method to enhance access to cancer-fighting withanolides

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have developed a groundbreaking synthesis method for producing withanolides, a class of compounds that inhibit cancer cell growth and induce cell death. The scalable production of these compounds will advance cancer research and treatment development, offering new hope for patients.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2024

Peak performance: Plants' genetic strategies for surviving high-altitude habitats

Researchers uncover the plant's sophisticated genetic adaptations, including a whole-genome duplication event that bolstered its cold tolerance and other alpine-specific survival traits. The discovery provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of alpine adaptation and could inform agricultural practices in challenging environments.

ETRI pioneers mass production of quantum dot lasers for optical communications

South Korean researchers have successfully developed technology to mass-produce quantum dot lasers, widely used in data centers and quantum communications. The ETRI Optical Communication Components Research Section has developed indium arsenide/gallium arsenide (InAs/GaAs) quantum dot laser diodes on gallium-arsenic (GaAs) substrates.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateJun 28, 2024

Mechanobiomaterials: A rising field using mechanobiology principles to program the functional biomaterials

Researchers develop mechanobiomaterials inspired by biomechanics to modulate biological responses with material-tissue mechanical interactions. This approach aims to create biomaterials that can adapt to changing mechanical environments in vivo, enhancing the body's regenerative potential and repairing various tissues.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalMechanobiology in Medicine·DateJun 28, 2024

From vine to wine: Decoding Malbec's genetic diversity for clonal excellence

A team of researchers has completed the diploid genome assembly of the Malbec grapevine, revealing the genetic factors that contribute to its exceptional wine quality. The study identifies polymorphic regions and gene expression differences among clones, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms driving clonal variation.

The beginnings of fashion

Researchers suggest eyed needles were used for adornment, signifying the transition from utilitarian to social purposes in clothing. The innovation allowed for more complex, layered clothing and decorative items, marking a significant shift in human attire.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 28, 2024