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Science News for June 21, 2024


New research casts doubt over cryptocurrencies’ ‘safe haven’ properties

A recent study published in the International Review of Financial Analysis suggests that cryptocurrencies are not completely disconnected from economic risks. The research found that during turbulent periods like the COVID-19 pandemic and Ukraine war, cryptocurrency prices experienced increased volatility.

SourceBangor University·JournalInternational Review of Financial Analysis·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 21, 2024

Cleveland Clinic study shows weight loss surgery cuts risk of heart complications and death in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and obesity

A Cleveland Clinic study finds bariatric surgery cuts the risk of major cardiovascular events by 42% and all-cause mortality by 37% in patients with obesity and moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea. The study analyzed data from 13,657 adult patients who underwent weight loss surgery between 2004 and 2018.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2024

New study reveals the costs of sanctions

A new study examines the economic effects of sanctions on Iran and Russia, finding significant declines in GDP and prosperity. The researchers propose transferring funds to mitigate welfare losses among participating countries, suggesting a more effective approach to sanctioning.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalEconomic Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 21, 2024

Cannabis use tied to increased risk of severe COVID-19

A new study by Washington University School of Medicine found that cannabis users are nearly twice as likely to need hospitalization and intensive care when infected with COVID-19. Cannabis use was associated with a higher risk of severe illness, similar to tobacco smoking.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2024

Lab-grown muscles reveal mysteries of rare muscle diseases

Researchers at Duke University have developed a technique to grow complex, functional 3D muscle tissue from stem cells in the laboratory, replicating patient symptoms and treatment responses. The study reveals biological mechanisms underlying LGMD2B's characteristic loss of mobility and demonstrates that existing treatments may allevia...

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2024

Pacific Northwest Research Institute uncovers hidden DNA mechanisms of rare genetic diseases

Researchers at PNRI reveal how specific DNA rearrangements called inverted triplications contribute to the development of various genetic diseases. These complex rearrangements are caused by segments of DNA switching templates during the repair process, leading to disruptions in normal gene function and contributing to genetic disorders.

SourcePacific Northwest Research Institute·JournalCell Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2024

Transforming drug discovery with AI

TopoFormer uses a transformer model trained on tens of thousands of protein-drug interactions to recreate 3D structures as one-dimensional information that current models can understand. This enables more accurate predictions of new drug interactions and potentially reduces development time and costs.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJun 21, 2024

Human activity: A double-edged sword in the face of drought

A new study suggests that human activities may actually reduce the severity of droughts in certain regions. Climate model simulations indicate that aerosols and greenhouse gases produced by human activities have opposite effects on atmospheric chemical composition and precipitation mechanisms. This research challenges previous conclusi...

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJun 21, 2024

CAMH research suggests potential targets for prevention and early identification of psychotic disorders

A new study by CAMH found that nearly 75% of young Ontarians with a psychotic disorder had at least one mental health service visit within three years prior to their first diagnosis. The study suggests that youth with a psychotic disorder are nearly four times as likely to have a previous mental health-related hospital admission.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 21, 2024

How old is your bone marrow?

A study published in Blood reveals that hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow of genetically identical middle-aged mice aged differently. The team found that subtle changes in the bone marrow microenvironment and two growth factors, Kitl and Igf1, correlated with age-associated molecular programs in the stem cells.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2024

Grafted cucumbers get a boost: pumpkin's secret to withstanding salinity

Researchers at Huazhong Agricultural University discovered a genetic synergy between pumpkin and cucumber that fortifies the latter's resilience against salinity. The CmoDREB2A gene from pumpkin interacts with the CmoNAC1 gene in cucumbers to enhance salt tolerance through regulating H2O2 and ABA signaling and K+/Na+ homeostasis.

Researchers unveil molecular mechanisms of somatostatin receptor 5 activation by neuropeptides and drugs

A study published in PNAS reveals the molecular mechanisms underlying SSTR5 activation by neuropeptides and drugs, including cortistatin-17 and octreotide. The researchers employed single-particle cryo-electron microscopy to determine three-dimensional structures of SSTR5 bound to these ligands, showing how they trigger conformational ...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2024

Landmark Nature Medicine study reports promising new treatment reduces suffering in Sanfilippo syndrome

A landmark clinical trial collaboration has reported significant improvements in neurobehavioral and functional outcomes for children with moderate to advanced stages of Sanfilippo syndrome. The study found anakinra, a recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, to be safe and effective in reducing disease symptoms.

SourceThe Lundquist Institute·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 21, 2024

Body image and overall health found important to the sexual health of older gay men, according to new studies

Research from George Mason University found that internalized gay ageism negatively impacts older gay men's sexual satisfaction when mediated by body image. However, internalized gay ageism does not influence erectile dysfunction. Older gay men in open relationships are more likely to be sexually satisfied.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJournal of Homosexuality·TypeSurvey·DateJun 21, 2024

Towards error-free quantum computing: A symbolic model checking approach to verify quantum circuits

Researchers developed a symbolic model checking approach to verify quantum circuits, addressing the gap between model-checking quantum programs and quantum circuits. They used Maude programming language to formally specify and verify quantum circuits, confirming their correctness and paving the way for error-free quantum computing.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalPeerJ Computer Science·DateJun 21, 2024

New insights into methyl jasmonate-induced saponin biosynthesis in balloon flower

A study reveals the PgbHLH28 gene plays a crucial role in saponin biosynthesis in Platycodon grandiflorus, leading to enhanced medicinal value and potential for pharmaceutical industry applications. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for improving saponin content through genetic engineering and advanced cultivation practices.

Cannabis, tobacco use, and COVID-19 outcomes

A cohort study found that cannabis use was an independent risk factor for COVID-19-related complications, even after considering other risk factors. The study suggests that cannabis may increase the risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 21, 2024

Heart failure in space: scientists calculate potential health threats facing future space tourists in microgravity

Researchers used a model of the heart and lung system to simulate how microgravity could affect space tourists with underlying health issues, such as heart conditions. The study found that entry into microgravity increases cardiac output in all individuals, but for heart failure patients, this increase is accompanied by a dangerous ris...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 21, 2024

Most young people have at some point inflicted offline or online violence on their partners

A recent study by the University of the Basque Country found that 80.4% of young people admitted to inflicting offline violence on their partners, while 55% said they had done so online. The researchers also discovered differences in psychological profiles between victims of face-to-face and online dating violence.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalPsicologia Reflexão e Crítica·TypeCase study·DateJun 21, 2024

After ISIS bombs, an urgent call to preserve an ancient Syrian temple

The Temple of Bel in Palmyra faces significant damage after ISIS bombing, highlighting the need for its preservation and the return of the local population. The site's history and archaeological importance are crucial to stabilize, ensuring global cooperation and a shared ambition to protect the monument.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalBulletin of the American Society of Overseas Research·DateJun 21, 2024

Researchers find depression assessments reliable across technology, setting, and type

A new study by researchers at New York University finds that electronic forms and phone interviews are as reliable as in-person assessments for diagnosing depression symptoms. The study evaluated over 60,000 people using three different assessment tools and found negligible differences in scores across different modalities.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 21, 2024

Boosting biodiversity without hurting local economies

A new study by Duke University researchers finds that nearly half of protected areas can benefit both nature and people, with a balanced approach. The study suggests smaller, closer-to-market protected areas are more likely to achieve this balance, without harming local economic growth.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 21, 2024

Metformin and AGIs show potential for improved outcomes in COVID-19 patients with type 2 diabetes

A comprehensive retrospective study found metformin and AGIs reduced all-cause mortality in COVID-19 patients with T2DM, while insulin use was linked to increased risk of death. The study suggests these treatment options may be more suitable for this vulnerable population.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMolecular Biomedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 21, 2024

Up to 30 percent more time: Climate change makes it harder for women to collect water

A new study finds that climate change could lead to a doubling of daily water collection times for women in certain regions by 2050. The researchers estimate that this would result in substantial welfare losses, equivalent to tens to hundreds of millions of US dollars per country and year.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 21, 2024

Study identifies first drug therapy for sleep apnea

Researchers have developed a novel drug therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which has shown significant improvements in reducing breathing interruptions and improving overall health. The treatment targets both respiratory and metabolic complications, providing a promising alternative to existing therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 21, 2024