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Science News for June 28, 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

Tackling the dual threat: a global strategy for PM2.5 and O3 pollution

A recent study reveals that nearly 50% of cities worldwide are affected by PM2.5-O3 compound pollution, with significant spatial correlations between the two pollutants. The research proposes a framework for synergistic control measures, leveraging their spatial and chemical interactions to improve urban air quality and public health.

SourceNanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE·JournalEco-Environment & Health·DateJun 28, 2024

Kids given ‘digital pacifiers’ to calm tantrums fail to learn how to regulate emotions, study finds

A study published in Frontiers found that relying on digital devices to calm children's tantrums leads to poorer anger management skills and less effortful control. Children who used digital devices more frequently showed increased frustration and decreased ability to regulate emotions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2024

Heritability of body mass index among familial generations

Research emphasizes the impact of parental factors on offspring's health outcomes. The study discovered a significant association between parents' weight status at 17 and their children's risk of obesity. This finding suggests that health issues can be inherited across generations, with parental characteristics playing a crucial role.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 28, 2024

Depictions of depression are often misleading

A recent study found that leading health organizations inaccurately portray depression as a disorder that causes symptoms. Researchers suggest this circular reasoning makes it harder for people to understand their distress. The study's authors aim to promote accurate understanding of mental health conditions.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalPsychopathology·DateJun 28, 2024

Air pollution exposure during childhood linked directly to adult bronchitis symptoms in new research

A new study reveals a direct connection between childhood air pollution exposure and adult bronchitis symptoms, suggesting that subtle effects on the respiratory system can persist into adulthood. The research, based on the USC Children's Health Study, found that even when adjusting for asthma or bronchitis symptoms in childhood, expos...

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 28, 2024

NUIST constructed a cross-component background error covariance for strongly coupled land-atmosphere data assimilation

A new study by NUIST's team constructs a coupled background error covariance that considers the interaction between land and atmosphere variables. The results show strong correlations between surface temperature errors and atmospheric temperature, with varying relationships at different altitudes.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJun 28, 2024

Chemo drug may cause significant hearing loss in longtime cancer survivors

A study by researchers at the University of South Florida found that 78% of testicular cancer survivors experience significant difficulties with everyday listening situations, leading to a reduced quality of life. The research highlights the need for regular auditory evaluations to manage and mitigate long-term hearing damage caused by...

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2024

Study shows corporate social misbehavior hurts brands

A study by University of Akron researchers found that corporate social irresponsibility like pollution, corruption, discrimination, or poor labor conditions in supply chains significantly damage brand reputation. Clear communication and ethical standards across global operations are crucial to make a positive impression in the market.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalGlobal Strategy Journal·TypeCase study·DateJun 28, 2024

Visualizing core pathologies of Parkinson’s disease and related disorders in live patients

A novel radiotracer, C05-05, enables multi-scale imaging of α-synuclein depositions in living patients with Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. The tracer shows high binding affinity and selectivity to α-synuclein, providing a powerful tool for understanding its role in neurodegeneration.

SourceThe National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2024

Enhancing nasal endoscopy with AI

A new study uses convolutional neural networks to improve nasal endoscopy accuracy and efficiency. The model achieved impressive results, identifying the inferior turbinate and middle turbinate with an average accuracy of 91.5%, precision of 92.5%, and recall of 93.8%.

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalInternational Forum of Allergy & Rhinology·DateJun 28, 2024

Serotonin 2C receptor regulates memory in mice and humans – implications for Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers have found that the serotonin 2C receptor plays a crucial role in regulating memory in both mice and humans. The study discovered that non-functional mutations of the receptor are associated with memory deficits in humans, and that administering a serotonin analog can improve memory in animal models of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2024

New computational microscopy technique provides more direct route to crisp images

Researchers at Caltech have developed a new microscopy technique called APIC that can produce clear, high-resolution images covering large fields of view without the need for iterative trial-and-error methods. This breakthrough eliminates guesswork and allows for faster, more accurate image acquisition.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2024