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Science News for June 18, 2024


Gastroenterologists generally trust and accept use of AI medical tools in clinics and hospitals, finds NTU Singapore study

A study by Nanyang Technological University found that eight in 10 gastroenterologists in the Asia-Pacific region accept and trust AI-powered tools for diagnosing colorectal polyps. The study also highlights the need for more research into what influences doctors' acceptance of AI in their medical practice.

ASTRO issues clinical guideline on radiation therapy for patients with HPV-related throat cancer

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has published an updated clinical guideline for treating patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The guideline emphasizes the importance of tailored radiation strategies to maximize patient survival while minimizing side effects. It provides recommendations fo...

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 18, 2024

What happens when neutron stars collide?

New simulations show that neutrinos created during neutron star collisions can be trapped at the interface of merging stars and interact with matter for 2-3 milliseconds. This brief out-of-equilibrium phase is crucial in understanding the physics of these extreme events.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 18, 2024

A breakthrough in observing a large anomalous hall effect triggered by spin-fluctuating devil's staircase

Researchers observed a significant anomalous Hall effect at temperatures above the magnetic transition temperature in SrCo6O11, which exhibits unique spin-fluctuation phenomenon. This large effect is attributed to intense electron scattering due to spin-flip fluctuations and has implications for magneto-thermoelectric conversion.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·Journalnpj Quantum Materials·DateJun 18, 2024

Blood markers detect rare forms of dementia as well as the neurological diseases ALS and PSP

Researchers have developed a blood test that can detect rare forms of dementia, such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), as well as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The test uses biomarkers, including tau and TDP-43 proteins, to identify underlying pathology.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 18, 2024

Decoding the principle of functional brain development: thalamocortical connectivity and the formation of functional networks

This study reveals that thalamocortical connectivity plays a vital role in the formation of functional brain networks. The researchers used advanced neuroimaging techniques and computational models to map changes in thalamocortical connectivity across different age groups, from infancy to adulthood.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2024

University of Nevada, Reno research focuses on use of cactus pear in biofuel production

A recent study found that a hybrid variety of cactus pear produced eight times more biomass than the poorest performing variety, making it an attractive water-efficient source of biofuel. The research built on earlier findings and identified high-production varieties suitable for producing biomass under semi-arid conditions.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalJournal of Agronomy and Crop Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 18, 2024

The world's oldest wine discovered

A team of researchers identified an ancient white wine from a 2,000-year-old glass funerary urn in Carmona, Spain. The wine was preserved due to the tomb's exceptional conservation conditions, and its chemical analysis revealed it contained polyphenols typical of white wines from the region.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science Reports·DateJun 18, 2024

Interdisciplinary team at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center maps role of P. gingivalis in drug resistance

An interdisciplinary team at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center discovered how P. gingivalis interferes with mitophagy, allowing oral cancer tumors to become resistant to chemotherapy. The study identified the role of fimbriae in attaching to specific proteins on the mitophagic membrane, blocking the chemotherapy drug from its attachment point.

Authority's physical proximity means greater obedience. New look at results of famous experiment

Researchers from SWPS University have re-examined the causes of obedience in the iconic Milgram experiment. The team found that physical proximity to the experimenter enhances subjects' willingness to obey, while proximity to the learner reduces it. This new understanding sheds light on the complex dynamics underlying human behavior.

SourceSWPS University·JournalThe Journal of Social Psychology·DateJun 18, 2024

Non-native plants and animals expanding ranges 100 times faster than native species, finds new research led by UMass Amherst

A new research study led by UMass Amherst found that non-native species are expanding their ranges much faster than native ones, with a speed of 35 kilometers per year on their own and 1,883 kilometers per year when humans factor in their role. This means that native species cannot keep up with climate change without human help.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAnnual Review of Ecology and Systematics·DateJun 18, 2024

Rutgers Health researchers find disparities in outcomes of hospice discharges

Black patients with short hospice stays and those from for-profit hospice services are at higher risk of hospitalization after discharge. Researchers found that uninterrupted hospice care may be suitable for many individuals discharged from hospice, while inpatient respite and general inpatient care can lower hospitalization odds.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 18, 2024

Surprising origins for a rare cancer

Researchers have discovered that a rare liver cancer called fibrolamellar carcinoma is not caused by the fusion of two genes, but by the overexpression of a protein called protein kinase A. This finding has potential to reveal pathways for broad range of cancers and offer new treatment possibilities.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCancer Research·DateJun 18, 2024

Heavy resistance training around retirement preserves vital leg strength years later

A clinical trial found that heavy resistance training for 12 months preserved leg strength in older adults, while moderate intensity training and comparison groups experienced declines. The study suggests that resistance training with heavy loads at retirement age can have long-term effects on muscle strength.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 18, 2024

CWRU researcher, interdisciplinary team discover breakthrough on body’s adaptation to COVID-19

Researchers from CWRU and NJIT have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how the body adapts to COVID-19 infection. The study suggests a potential link between elevated hemoglobin levels and the body's response to the virus, shedding light on the enigmatic phenomenon of silent hypoxemia.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalBiological Cybernetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 18, 2024

Medication treatment for opioid use disorder offered at only a third of outpatient mental health facilities

A new RAND study found that only a third of outpatient community mental health treatment facilities in the US offer medication treatment for opioid use disorders. Clinics with integrated mental and substance use disorder treatment were more likely to provide such services. The findings suggest efforts are needed to strengthen these ser...

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateJun 18, 2024

Tanzania fertilizer use increased after intervention, but changes were not sustained, study shows

A study found that smallholder farmers in Tanzania used more fertilizer and had higher crop yields after an intervention, but the benefits did not last. The researchers attribute the lack of long-term adoption to liquidity constraints and structural factors such as fertilizer availability.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEconomic Development and Cultural Change·TypeObservational study·DateJun 18, 2024

Hidden mechanisms behind hermaphroditic plant self-incompatibility revealed

A new study presents an evolutionary-biophysical model that sheds light on the evolution of collaborative non-self recognition self-incompatibility in plants. The model introduces promiscuous molecular interactions, enhancing our understanding of genetic diversity and evolution in hermaphroditic plants.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 18, 2024

Family stress can lead to work-related guilt for military

A new study from the University of Georgia found that military stress can lead to feelings of guilt among service members about their work impacting family life. The researchers analyzed data from over 200 military families and discovered that when fathers reported struggling with military demands, they perceived their work as not enri...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalMilitary Psychology·DateJun 18, 2024

Restored rat-free islands could support hundreds of thousands more breeding seabirds

Researchers found that removing invasive rats and restoring native vegetation could help bring back hundreds of thousands of breeding pairs of seabirds lost to tropical islands. The restored populations would have enough fish in the sea for them to hunt, supporting nearly 280,000 breeding pairs on islands with full vegetation restoration.

SourceLancaster University·JournalConservation Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 18, 2024

For sustainable livestock farming bordering the Amazon Rainforest, look to the women

Research finds that women in southern Colombia are more likely to adopt silvopastoral systems, which integrate nature into livestock farming, and are motivated by environmental reasons and a desire for future generations. These systems offer numerous benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions and increased farm income.

Anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib could reduce risk of colon cancer recurrence for a subset of patients

A subset of patients with stage 3 colon cancer who have PIK3CA mutations may benefit from celecoxib treatment, which improved overall survival and reduced disease-free survival rates. The study's findings suggest a potential personalized approach to additional therapy for patients with early-stage colon cancer.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 18, 2024

Western superbugs do not dominate in Pakistan

A recent study found that antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria endemic to the UK and Norway are not prevalent in Pakistan despite widespread use of antibiotics. The study used genomic surveillance to map different strains of Escherichia coli, highlighting the importance of understanding bacterial threats in specific regions.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 18, 2024

Assessing regressive erosion effects: Unveiling riverside land use land cover changes post hydroelectric project construction

Researchers evaluated the impact of hydroelectric project construction on regressive erosion and land use/land cover changes in Ecuador's Coca River. The study found an acceleration of regressive erosion post-CCSHP implementation, affecting fluvial dynamics and environmental protection.

SourceEscuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral·JournalEnvironmental Challenges·TypeCase study·DateJun 18, 2024

New study explores how local firms should adopt market and nonmarket strategies in the face of foreign direct investment

A new article suggests that local firms in emerging markets should adopt a balanced approach to contend with the competition challenges brought by inward foreign direct investment. The authors argue that relying solely on political connections may not be effective, and instead recommend combining market and nonmarket strategies.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalGlobal Strategy Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 18, 2024

Illinois-led study reveals stable soil moisture variability within fields and opens the door for satellite remote sensing for future measurements

A recent Illinois-led study found that soil moisture variability remains consistent across growing and non-growing seasons in fields across the Midwest. The research team used sensor measurements and remote sensing data to reveal a stable pattern of dry and wet areas, which can be used to estimate high-resolution soil moisture products.

Is coffee good for you or bad for you?

A genome-wide association study found consistent positive genetic associations between coffee consumption and harmful health outcomes in two large datasets. However, the relationship with psychiatric conditions was more complicated, showing both positive and negative correlations across different cohorts. The study highlights the compl...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJun 18, 2024

Harnessing ecological theory for successful ecosystem restoration

Scientists have developed a research framework to incorporate ecological theory into ecosystem management, enabling more effective restoration and counteracting rising carbon dioxide emissions. The approach maps ecological theories to desired restoration outcomes, prioritizing climate-smart restoration and rebuilding ecosystems faster.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 18, 2024

Private school and/or ‘higher status’ university education linked to better mid-life health

A private school secondary education was associated with better cardiometabolic health outcomes than a comprehensive school education. Attending a higher status university was also linked to better cognitive function, while no degree was linked to poorer health compared to normal status university attendance.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateJun 18, 2024

Women who experience depression during pregnancy or after birth have higher risk of cardiovascular disease

Research published in the European Heart Journal found that women diagnosed with perinatal depression are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. The study included data from around 600,000 women and found a strong link between perinatal depression and risks of high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 18, 2024

The "Queen of the Night" does not whistle

A new study by the University of Vienna rejects the idea that opera singers rely on a specialized 'whistle' voice register to produce high-pitched notes. Instead, researchers found that vocal folds vibrate at extremely fast rates to create these sounds, similar to speech and other forms of singing.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 18, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInformatics in Education·DateJun 18, 2024

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...

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalEcology and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 18, 2024

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.

SourceKobe University·JournalNeurology Neuroimmunology & Neuroinflammation·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2024

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.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalAnnals of the Academy of Medicine Singapore·DateJun 18, 2024

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.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeNews article·DateJun 18, 2024

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.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 18, 2024

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.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2024

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.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 18, 2024

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.

SourceNiigata University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 18, 2024

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.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2024

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.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Pathology·DateJun 18, 2024

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.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalPolitical Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 18, 2024