Transient creep in olivine controls post-seismic deformation
Transient creep of olivine explains long-lasting crustal deformation after great earthquakes. High-viscosity upper mantle rocks are not the cause, contrary to previous assumptions.
Science News Archive June 2024
Page 17 of 39
AI education in Finland: Enhancing children’s understanding, critical thinking and creativity through collaborative designing of AI apps
A Finnish study found that teaching AI basics to 4th and 7th graders improved their understanding of the technology. The students designed and created AI apps, which helped them develop conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills. The program also explored the impact and ethics of AI on children's daily lives.
Tight-knit communities can prevent environmental progress
A recent study by the University of Sydney reveals that tight-knit communities can resist environmental initiatives due to the creation of echo chambers and groupthink. Strong local bonds can lead to resistance against sustainability programs and greenhouse gas reduction projects, making it challenging for policymakers to implement eff...
Sepsis patients could get the right treatment faster, based on their genes
A new study uncovers how different people respond to sepsis based on their genetic makeup, which could help identify who would benefit from certain treatments. The research found two groups of patients with opposite immune responses and identified the genetic regulators involved.
Sound stimulation with precise timings can help understand brain wave functions
Researchers used a closed-loop auditory stimulation approach to target alpha rhythms in the brain, revealing that sounds at specific phases can manipulate alpha oscillations. The study's findings suggest that sound stimulation could be used to enhance cognition and sleep in people with dementia.
LMU researchers film energy materials as they form
Researchers used iSCAT microscopy to visualize COF formation in real-time, gaining insight into the early stages of synthesis and identifying key factors controlling reaction kinetics. The study's findings aim to improve energy material manufacture.
Treatment for autoimmune disorder acts on balance of immune cell types
A Kobe University study finds that a new treatment for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder shifts the balance of immune cells, increasing anti-inflammatory signals. The discovery may enable clinicians to determine treatment effectiveness and move towards personalized medicine for autoimmune diseases.
Mirror-image chemicals may revolutionize drug delivery
Scientists have created mirror-image cyclodextrins in the laboratory, which could make it easier to formulate and deliver complex medications. These discoveries may also lead to improved treatment of cardiovascular diseases caused by atherosclerotic plaques.
New study: Unplanned healthcare utilization increases cost burden for patients with cognitive impairment
A new study by Duke-NUS Medical School reveals that individuals with cognitive impairment spend an additional S$700 per year on healthcare bills, mainly due to emergency department visits and hospital admissions. The researchers emphasize the need for proactive monitoring and care strategies to mitigate this growing burden.
Social inequalities widen after a breast cancer
A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that socioeconomic status significantly impacts the quality of life of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds experience more pronounced physical and psychological side effects, despite similar medical treatment.
Regular snoring could be bad for your heart
A new study found that regular snoring is associated with elevated blood pressure and uncontrolled hypertension, particularly in overweight middle-aged men. The research used multiple night home-based monitoring technologies and objective assessments to explore the connection between snoring and hypertension.
Surf’s up: Australia’s breaks inject almost $3 billion into the economy each year
Surfing provides a significant economic boost to Australia, with adult surfers spending over $3,700 per year on domestic travel and surf-related accessories. The sport also has a positive impact on physical and mental wellbeing, as well as fostering a sense of community connection.
Over-the-counter supplement improves walking for peripheral artery disease patients
A preliminary clinical trial found that nicotinamide riboside, a form of vitamin B3, increased the walking endurance of patients with peripheral artery disease by over 57 feet. The study suggests that nicotinamide riboside may be a new option for treating chronic leg disease.
Allison Lopatkin named 2024 Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences
Lopatkin's lab will investigate how bacterial metabolism contributes to antibiotic resistance using sophisticated tools and techniques. The research aims to identify drug-resistance mutations that arise in bacteria adapting to different antibiotics and metabolism-altering chemicals.
Breakthrough may clear major hurdle for quantum computers
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have created a unique system that combats the trade-off problem between operation complexity and fault tolerance. The system uses harmonic oscillators to encode information linearly, offering a seamless gradient of colors and providing far richer possibilities than traditional qubits.
This new way to recycle steel could reduce the industry’s carbon footprint
Researchers have designed a new way to recycle steel using an electrochemical pathway that removes contaminants like copper, reducing carbon emissions. The process generates liquid iron and sulfur as by-products and has potential for higher-grade product creation.
Investigating the causes of fetal growth disorders
A study found that overexpressing a gene responsible for amino acid transport in the placenta can cause fetal growth to increase by 27%, while also providing insights into pregnancy complications like IUGR and obesity. The research has therapeutic implications, potentially informing treatments to prevent or treat these conditions.
When does a melanoma metastasize? Implications for management
Researchers identify key factors that determine when melanoma metastasizes, shedding light on optimal treatment strategies. Understanding tumor doubling time and risk assessment can help clinicians select high-risk patients who may benefit from adjuvant systemic therapy.
Perineal cut reduces the risk of serious birth injury
A randomized clinical study found that a lateral episiotomy reduced the risk of obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) by 53% in first-time mothers. The procedure also did not increase the risk of other complications, but may lead to wound complications.
A new tuberculosis vaccine candidate recombinant protein with additional post-translational modifications occurring in Mycobacterium tuberculosis cells
Researchers have identified a new tuberculosis vaccine candidate recombinant protein MDP1 with additional post-translational modifications occurring in Mycobacterium tuberculosis cells. When expressed in M. smegmatis, MDP1 triggered notably higher levels of IFN-gamma production compared to E. coli-expressed variant.
Using digital technology and data to sustain intermittent fasting and improve health outcomes: one man’s journey
A researcher's 7-month journey of 20-hour fasts, fitness regimen, and clean eating shows significant improvements in weight loss, grip strength, and overall health. The study uses digital health technologies to monitor biomarkers and achieve a personalized 'metabolic switch', promoting sustained user engagement for better health outcomes.
IISc physicists find a new way to represent ‘pi’
Scientists at IISc have found a new series representation for pi that combines specific parameters in a way that rapidly arrives at the exact value of pi. This discovery could lead to practical applications in physics and potentially solve long-standing challenges in representing pi as a combination of mathematical components.
Study forecasts 110,000 premature deaths by 2050 due to PM2.5 and aging
A new study from POSTECH forecasts over 110,000 premature deaths in Korea by 2050 due to PM2.5 exposure and rapid population aging. To mitigate this burden, PM2.5 concentrations must be reduced to approximately 6 µg/m³.
Innovative method enhances brillouin optical fiber sensing for infrastructure monitoring
Researchers developed a novel method to estimate modulation amplitude and determine spatial resolution in Brillouin optical correlation-domain reflectometry (BOCDR) without costly equipment. This innovation simplifies the process, reducing costs and enhancing convenience.
Blood test could predict Parkinson’s seven years before symptoms
A team of researchers has developed a simple blood test that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to predict Parkinson's disease up to seven years before the onset of symptoms. The test analyzes a panel of eight blood-based biomarkers with concentrations altered in patients with Parkinson's, providing a diagnosis with 100% accuracy.
Study finds air pollution can increase cardiovascular risk for cancer patients
A new study published in JACC: CardioOncology found that air pollution significantly increases cardiovascular disease and mortality in cancer patients, contributing to health disparities. Short-term exposure to high pollution levels rapidly impacts cancer patients' cardiovascular health.
Planetary boundary layer revealed: satellites illuminate atmospheric mysteries
A new study sheds light on how surface-to-atmosphere temperature gradients impact atmospheric pollutant detection, enhancing satellite sentinels' reconnaissance of terrestrial pollutants. The research uncovers daily ebb and flow and seasonal variations in thermal contrast, crucial for refining climate models and forecasts.
A review and update on therapy of gastrointestinal tract tumors: from the bench to clinical practice
Gastrointestinal cancers represent a significant global health burden due to high incidence and mortality rates. The review analyzes molecular characteristics, prognosis, and current therapeutic strategies for these malignancies, including esophageal, gastric, small bowel, and colorectal carcinomas.
Unpopular political proposals affect electoral outcomes even if not implemented
A study by Simon Gren and Elena Leuschner from the University of Gothenburg analyzed municipal election results in Sweden from 2002 to 2018. They found that voters who lived close to schools threatened with closure were more likely to support the leading party in the next election compared to those living further away.
Surrey researchers teach AI to spot what you're sketching
A new AI model developed by Surrey researchers and Stanford University can accurately identify objects in complex scene sketches, even from non-artists. The model achieved an 85% accuracy rate, outperforming previous approaches that relied on labelled pixels.
Risk factors for long COVID revealed
A new study by Columbia University researchers confirms the high burden of long COVID, shedding light on who's at greatest risk. The study found that women, adults with pre-pandemic cardiovascular disease, and those with chronic conditions were more likely to experience prolonged recovery times.
New technology allows researchers to precisely, flexibly modulate brain
A new technology combining holographic acoustic devices with genetic engineering allows precise targeting of affected neurons in the brain, potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases. The technique, AhSonogenetics, uses a noninvasive wearable ultrasound device to alter genetically selected neurons in mice, alleviating Parkinson's-...
New study reveals urgent need for region-specific models to improve brain health in diverse settings
A new study highlights the limitations of current brain health models, which may not apply to diverse populations in Latin America. The research emphasizes the need for tailored and personalized models that consider unique factors such as genetic admixture, socioeconomic inequities, and social determinants.
Potential new treatment option for diabetic retinopathy
Researchers have developed a new treatment for diabetic retinopathy that addresses the root cause of the disease, preventing progression and potential blindness. The anti-ceramide immunotherapy has been shown to be effective in animal and cell culture models, offering a safer alternative to current treatments.
Study suggests at-camera gaze can increase scores in simulated interviews
Researchers found that direct eye contact via webcam improves interviewee favorability and reduces biases. The study suggests using 'mutual gaze' can establish trustworthiness and credibility with evaluators.
If you feel unsafe in your neighborhood, a new study shows you are more likely to smoke
A new University of Houston study reveals that residents in neighborhoods with higher crime rates and lower police presence are more likely to smoke. The research found that these areas amplify feelings of powerlessness, leading to maladaptive coping behaviors like smoking.
The declining diet of Japan’s youth
Researchers found a negative association between highly processed food consumption and healthy eating among Japanese children and adolescents, with confectioneries positively correlated. The study suggests that reducing processed food intake could be beneficial for public health.
Treating the gut-brain connection with B vitamins to treat Parkinson’s Disease
Researchers found a link between gut microbiota and Parkinson's disease, revealing reduced B vitamins and intestinal barrier issues. Treatment with B vitamins could alleviate PD symptoms and slow disease progression.
A million light years and still going
Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have discovered that the rotation curves of galaxies remain flat for millions of light years, defying expectations and challenging traditional understanding of cosmology. This finding suggests that dark matter may not exist or that alternative gravity theories could explain this phenomenon.
Molecular sponge for the electronics of the future
Researchers have developed dynamic COFs that can open and close pores in a controlled manner, enabling targeted manipulation of structural and optoelectronic properties. This ability makes the materials promising for future applications in electronics and information technology.
Wildfire smoke and health
Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of wildfires in Canada, resulting in increased exposure to hazardous wildfire smoke. Health care practitioners play a crucial role in mitigating the health effects of wildfire smoke by providing guidance and support to vulnerable populations.
AI shows how field crops develop
The University of Bonn has developed an AI software that can simulate the growth of field crops using drone photos. This allows farmers to estimate parameters such as leaf area or yield with high accuracy, and even predict the outcome of certain interventions. The software also focuses on polycultures, which can boost yields by reducin...
Epidemiologic features of recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection
A cohort study found that more than 1 in 5 adults did not recover within 3 months of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The risk of recovery was lower among women and those with preexisting cardiovascular disease, but higher among vaccinated individuals during the Omicron variant wave.
Researchers develop plant gene drive system for enhanced trait inheritance
A new plant gene drive system, CRISPR-Assisted Inheritance (CAIN), has been developed to enhance trait inheritance in plants. The system uses a toxin-antidote mechanism to override Mendelian inheritance, allowing for the spread of beneficial genes at higher rates.
Previously uncharacterized parasite uncovered in fish worldwide
A new group of parasites, ichthyocolids, have been discovered in many marine fish species around the world, according to a recent study published in Current Biology. The parasite is widespread and has been found in all oceans, with potential implications for commercial fishing and oceanic food webs.
Specialist training transforms football coach attitudes towards intervening to prevent violence and abuse, study shows
A study has found that specialist training for football coaches increases their confidence to intervene when witnessing abusive behaviour towards females. The programme also promotes positive role models among players, shaping social attitudes towards women.
Chronic high blood pressure during pregnancy doubled between 2008 and 2021 in the U.S.
The number of US individuals with chronic hypertension in pregnancy increased significantly, while medication treatment remained low, according to a new study. The findings highlight the need for improved maternal health strategies to address high blood pressure and cardiovascular complications.
Duke-NUS study reveals high use of physical restraints in home care for older adults with dementia
A new Duke-NUS study found that nearly half of caregivers reported using physical restraints on family members with advanced dementia living at home. The study highlights the need for better guidance and support to prevent the use of restraints, which can impact older adults' physical and psychological health.
Golden ball mills as green catalysts
The study introduces a new method for selectively oxidizing alcohols into aldehydes without secondary reactions, using gold-coated ball mills. This approach reduces the formation of unwanted byproducts and minimizes environmental impact, making it more sustainable and cost-effective.
Study finds US does not have housing shortage, but shortage of affordable housing
A recent study by the University of Kansas found that while most US markets have enough housing units available, nearly all lack affordability for very low-income households. The study suggests that addressing housing prices and low incomes are more urgently needed than simply building more homes.
Researchers shed light on cause of 'happy hypoxia' in COVID-19 patients
A team of researchers has made a breakthrough discovery about the mysterious condition known as 'happy hypoxia,' which affects some COVID-19 patients despite critically low blood-oxygen saturation. Elevated hemoglobin levels in certain patients' blood may play a key role in enabling the respiratory system to sustain low oxygen levels w...
Mindfulness alleviates stress and anxiety among nursing staff, study confirms
A systematic review of 14 studies found that mindfulness reduced anxiety and stress to a statistically significant extent. The study highlights the importance of combining mindfulness with improving work conditions to manage symptoms of anxiety and stress among nursing staff.
Study proposes novel hypothesis to explain occupation of Brazil’s southern coast 2,000 years ago
Archaeologists have re-analyzed material from the Galheta IV site in Laguna, Santa Catarina state, and found that the sambaqui builders were not replaced by ancestors of the Southern Jê. The study suggests that the sambaqui builders lived there from birth and had different funerary practices and pottery styles.
Circadian rhythm drives the release of important immune cells
A Michigan Medicine study reveals that circadian rhythms play a crucial role in mobilizing innate lymphoid cells, which defend barrier tissues. The study found that clock genes regulate the activation of these cells at different times of day.
Satellites to monitor marine debris from space
Researchers have demonstrated that satellites can estimate the amount of litter in the sea, highlighting the importance of factors such as population density and geography. The study suggests installing specific plastic detection sensors on satellites to improve monitoring capabilities.
Repurposed drug may help stabilize vision in rare disease
Researchers find that a repurposed drug, crizanlizumab, stabilizes vision in patients with retinal vasculopathy with cerebral leukoencephalopathy and systemic manifestations (RVCL-S) after two years of treatment. The study suggests that this may give patients additional years to read, drive, and enjoy activities.
Towards wider 5G network coverage: novel wirelessly powered relay transceiver
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology designed a novel transceiver that improves 5G network coverage even in areas with link blockage. The device features efficient wireless power transmission and high-power conversion efficiency, enabling simultaneous data and power transmission.
Understanding the Green Sahara’s collapse
Scientists at TUM develop advanced early detection method to predict abrupt shifts in natural systems. The new approach enhances ability to monitor and respond to potential tipping points, potentially anticipating large-scale climate events.
A call for renaming clinical research partnerships
The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and Georgetown University School of Nursing argue that the traditional term
Anesthesia workforce shortage poses threat to health care
The US healthcare system faces a growing imbalance in anesthesia care providers, with major implications for patient care. Short-term and long-term solutions are needed to address the crisis, including reassessing workforce strategies and optimizing perioperative performance.