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Science News for June 4, 2024


How can we make good decisions by observing others? A videogame and computational model have the answer

Researchers developed a computational model to understand key decision-making processes, showing how group rewards improve performance. A videogame model inferred sequences of decisions from visual data, revealing the importance of balancing exploration and resource usage in collective behavior.

Gold nanoparticles that selectively emit left-/right-handed light

Researchers found that chiral gold nanoparticles exhibit high selectivity for left- or right-handed circularly polarized light with a dissymmetry factor of approximately 0.7, outperforming previous materials. The findings suggest potential applications in anti-counterfeiting and quantum information using circularly polarized light.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

Taking care of caregivers of children with ADHD

A new 13-week group-based parent training program, Well Parent Japan (WPJ), has been shown to be effective in reducing parenting-specific stress, improving parenting efficacy, and reducing family strain for Japanese mothers of children with ADHD. The program provides social support and encourages shared learning amongst participants.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 4, 2024

Rocky shores of Pacific Northwest show low resilience to changes in climate

Researchers found that sessile invertebrates like mussels and barnacles became more abundant during the study period, while seaweed species like kelps declined. The rocky shore communities did not return to their baseline conditions after the epidemic ended, suggesting low resilience to changes in temperature and predator numbers.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 2024

Researchers explore the neurobiological basis of child abuse by maltreating mothers

A study using diffusion tensor imaging found reduced white-matter structural features in maltreating mothers' brains, linked to impulsivity and voluntary movement control. The findings suggest potential physiological causes underlying child abuse and represent a crucial step towards developing effective prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Fukui·JournalScientific Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 4, 2024

Comparative study on dual vs single cardioversion for atrial fibrillation in obese patients

A recent study published in JAMA Cardiology found that dual direct-current cardioversion is significantly more effective than single cardioversion in restoring sinus rhythm in obese patients with atrial fibrillation. The study demonstrated a 98% success rate for dual cardioversion, compared to an 86% success rate for single cardioversion.

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJun 4, 2024

Videoconferencing gets older adults moving as health lessons put to practical use

A 12-week health education program using videoconferencing software showed improved physical activity and adherence to health advice compared to a control group. The study suggests that videoconferencing can be an effective tool for promoting sustainable behavioral changes among older adults, regardless of location or distance.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Aging and Physical Activity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 4, 2024

Researchers developed a model that allows a computer to understand human emotions

A new AI model developed by researchers at the University of Jyvåskilö can predict and respond to human emotions, improving user experience. The model simulates cognitive evaluation processes to assess emotional responses to events, enabling computers to preemptively predict and mitigate negative emotions.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 4, 2024

Surgical site infection rates and other secondary outcomes decrease dramatically at multi-state hospital system through standardized, preoperative, surgical, antibiotic practices

A six-state hospital system reported significant decreases in surgical site infections, mortality, length of stay, and readmissions after implementing a comprehensive SSI prevention bundle. Orthopedic patients showed the most benefit, with a 32.8% reduction in SSI rates.

New test detects more cases of cervical cancer

A new molecular test WID-qCIN detects significantly more cancers and precancerous stages than current methods, identifying 100% of invasive cervical cancer and 93% of serious precancerous lesions. The test reduces the need for colposcopy examinations by 40%, improving the effectiveness of screening programs.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Medicine·DateJun 4, 2024

Duke-NUS breakthrough discovery identifies first step in allergic reactions, paving the way for new preventative strategies

Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified how mast cells release bioactive chemicals after encountering allergens, a critical step in anaphylactic shock. The discovery could lead to the development of drugs to prevent severe reactions and offers new hope for millions with asthma and food allergies.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

Olivine unlocks the secrets of the Moon’s interior

Researchers investigate partition coefficients of first-transition row elements in olivine and silicate melt to understand petrogenetic processes in planetary basalts. The study reveals the role of Cr-rich cumulates in lunar basalts and implications for reducing conditions in the lunar mantle.

SourceEhime University·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateJun 4, 2024

Slow-spinning radio neutron star breaks all the rules

Astronomers from the University of Sydney and CSIRO have detected a slow-spinning neutron star with a period of nearly an hour, breaking all known rules. This discovery provides new insights into the complex life cycles of stellar objects and may prompt a reconsideration of our understanding of neutron stars or white dwarfs.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 2024

Lived experience should be centered in future mental health research, say people with mental health conditions and their families and carers in nationwide Australian survey

A nationwide Australian survey highlights the importance of centering lived experience in future mental health research. The study, which gathered insights from people with mental health conditions and their families and carers, emphasizes the significance of connections and experiences over individual conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeSurvey·DateJun 4, 2024

Intracerebral hemorrhage stroke outcomes improve with early minimally invasive surgery evaluated in clinical trial

Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage have better medical outcomes when surgeons perform early minimally invasive removal of a hematoma compared to standard care. The study found improved survival rates and functional outcomes at 180 days for patients who received early surgical intervention.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 4, 2024

Managing mental health should be about more than mind

A holistic approach to mental health management involves integrating medication with lifestyle changes, social support, and community engagement. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental factors affecting mental health, emphasizing individual rights and dignity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 4, 2024

How an Indian government policy backfired: the unintended consequences of price regulation of prescription drugs

A new study found that India's Drug Price Control Order in 2013 led to a shift in pharmaceutical firms' marketing efforts, disproportionately affecting prescriptions issued by less formally educated physicians. Sales volumes of regulated drugs declined, while those for unregulated but related drugs increased.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJun 4, 2024

BTK inhibitor-related cardiotoxicity: the quest for predictive biomarkers and improved risk stratification

Researchers discuss Ibrutinib, a BTK inhibitor approved for chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment, noting 20-25% of patients experience dose-limiting cardiovascular toxicities. A recent study identifies genetic biomarkers, such as KCNQ1 and GATA4, associated with cardiotoxic events, which may improve risk stratification.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 4, 2024

NRG Oncology abstract considered “best of ASCO” for 2024 shows difference in outcomes for node-negative versus node-positive pancreatic cancer patients when adding chemoradiation to systemic therapy

The NRG-RTOG 0848 clinical study found that adding chemoradiation to adjuvant systemic therapy improves overall survival for node-negative pancreatic cancer patients, but not for those with node-positive disease. Disease-free survival was also improved in both groups.

Flow research on the outskirts of space

A European research team conducted experiments in weightlessness to isolate the classic diffusion phenomenon, closing the gap with experimental validation. The study used a sounding rocket to create a state of almost complete weightlessness, allowing researchers to run their experiments automatically.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·Journalnpj Microgravity·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

Beyond lithium: new solid state ZnI2 battery design opens doors for sustainable energy storage

Researchers have developed a new class of fluorinated block copolymers as solid electrolytes for solid-state ZnI2 batteries, promoting stable fluoride-rich SEI layer and preventing zinc dendrite growth. The battery demonstrates excellent cycle performance, maintaining stability for approximately 5000 hours at room temperature.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

Autism screening tool goes global

A new autism screening tool, Autism Detection in Early Childhood (ADEC), has been successfully adapted for a Spanish-speaking population in Ecuador. The study found that ADEC can be used to identify children with high likelihood of developing autism, providing a cost-effective way to improve early diagnosis and support.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

High-risk percutaneous coronary intervention: challenges and considerations

Innovative devices and techniques have been developed to treat high-risk patients with comorbidities, coronary lesion characteristics, and hemodynamic status. The use of adjunctive mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices is supported for severely reduced left ventricular function or acute decompensated heart failure with complex c...

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateJun 4, 2024

New method for safe and efficient cell transfection developed by SIAT researchers

Researchers at Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology (SIAT) have developed a novel acoustothermal transfection device to enhance the permeability of cell and nuclear membranes. The study found that the method achieved efficient cargo delivery into hard-to-transfect cells with high efficiency.

SourceShenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 4, 2024

Unraveling the physics of knitting

Researchers have developed a mathematical theory of knitted materials, enabling the creation of programmable textiles with adjustable elasticity. The study, led by Georgia Tech physicists, explores the relationships between yarn manipulation, stitch patterns, and fabric behavior to expand knitting's applications beyond clothing.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

Injury prediction rule could decrease radiographic imaging exposure in children, study shows

Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital developed a highly accurate prediction rule to identify children at risk of cervical spine injuries, allowing for reduced use of CT scans and decreased radiation exposure. The rule is easy to use and relies solely on symptoms and physical examination, with the potential to improve clinical ...

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 2024

How stress knocks out your cognitive reserve

A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that stress weakens the association between cognitive reserve and improved cognition in memory clinic patients. Cognitive reserve is built through experiences like higher education and social interactions, but high or persistent stress levels can impair these benefits.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 2024

Hypoxemia due to sleep apnea is associated with risk of lung cancer reoccurrence

A new study has found a strong association between sleep apnea-induced hypoxemia and the risk of lung cancer reoccurrence. The research involved a retrospective record review of adult patients with non-small cell lung cancer, finding that measures of hypoxic burden were strongly correlated with accelerated cancer reoccurrence.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 2024

Brigham researchers find GLP-1 medications safe to continue before surgery in patients with diabetes and obesity

A meta-analysis of 15 randomized studies found that patients taking GLP-1 medications experienced only mild differences in gastric emptying, delaying solid food by about 36 minutes. The findings suggest it may be safe to continue these medications before surgery without a high risk of aspiration.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe American Journal of Gastroenterology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 4, 2024

Methods to quit smoking effective regardless of mental health history

A survey of over 5,000 smokers found that mental health conditions do not affect the effectiveness of smoking cessation aids. The most effective aids were vaping products, varenicline, and heated tobacco products, with no differences in efficacy between people with mental health conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeSurvey·DateJun 4, 2024

Giant viruses found on Greenland ice sheet

Giant viruses have been found living on the surface ice and snow of Greenland, regulating algae growth. These viruses, which are larger than bacteria and have a much bigger genome, feed on snow algae and could work as a natural control mechanism to reduce ice melting caused by algal blooms.

SourceAarhus University·JournalMicrobiome·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

A new way of designing auxetic materials

Researchers have created a new algorithm to design auxetic materials with precise three-dimensional properties. Auxetics can provide greater resistance to impact and improve protection in buildings and automobiles. They also offer potential benefits for clothing, such as more comfortable pressure distribution.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 4, 2024

Zapping the right brain cells: The path to improved stimulation

Scientists at the Allen Institute and Cedars-Sinai have made a groundbreaking discovery about how neurons respond to electrical stimulation. The study found that different types of neurons exhibit distinct patterns of synchronization with electrical fields, varying depending on the rate of stimulation delivery.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

Shining a light on molecules: L-shaped metamaterials can control light direction

A team of researchers from Penn State and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln developed an optical element that can control the direction of polarized electromagnetic light waves. This allows them to identify the chirality of molecules by determining how polarized light interacts with them, which is crucial for biomedicine applications.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

Soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy analysis of isolated water molecules within aqueous acetonitrile solutions

Researchers used O K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy to analyze isolated water molecules in aqueous acetonitrile solutions. The study found that these molecules exhibited distinct electronic and structural properties compared to small water clusters.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

When mothers and children talk about problems, environment matters

A new study from the University of Illinois found that adolescents and their mothers preferred specific locations for discussing problems, with the house in general, bedroom, kitchen, and living room being top choices. These environments were perceived as safe spaces where conversation could flow more easily. Families also considered e...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Early Adolescence·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 2024

Wistar scientists develop novel antibody treatment for kidney cancer

Researchers at The Wistar Institute have developed a new, long-lasting antibody treatment called Persistent Multivalent T Cell Engager (CA9-PMTE) that targets clear cell renal cell carcinoma. This innovative therapy has shown promise in pre-clinical models and could potentially be used to treat other difficult-to-treat cancers.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024

5-minute test leads to better care for people with dementia in the primary care setting

A new study found that an easy, five-minute assessment paired with recommendations in the electronic medical record system led to a three-fold improvement in diagnosis and treatment for patients with dementia. The '5-Cog paradigm' was developed to address cultural differences and testing disparities.

SourceAlbert Einstein College of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 4, 2024

AI-driven tool for distinguishing Lewy body dementia via changes in vocal emotional expression

A new AI-driven tool can accurately diagnose Lewy body dementia by analyzing changes in vocal emotional expressions. The study found that individuals with Lewy body dementia exhibited more negative and calmer emotional expressions compared to those with Alzheimer's disease and healthy controls.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Diagnosis Assessment & Disease Monitoring·DateJun 4, 2024

Ad­dress­ing eco­log­i­cal chal­lenges in higher mu­sic ed­u­ca­tion re­quires a rad­i­cal change in mind­sets

The ArsADAPT project integrated music education with ecological themes, promoting a new approach to sustainability in higher music education. Researchers found that embracing aesthetic disruption and avoiding instrumentalization of music led to active engagement in socio-ecological issues among teachers.

SourceUniversity of the Arts Helsinki·TypeCase study·DateJun 4, 2024