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Science News Archive June 2024 - Page 25


Page 25 of 39

Adding genetic information to health checks improves identification of people at risk of heart attacks and strokes

Researchers have discovered a better way to identify those at high risk of potential heart attacks and strokes by adding genetic information to health checks. The study found that combining clinical risk scores with polygenic risk scores significantly improves identification rates, especially among younger people.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2024

Virus-like nanoparticles control the multicellular organization and reproduction of host bacteria

Researchers discovered that Streptomyces davawensis produces virus-like particles facilitating host reproduction. The particles contain an enzyme degrading genomic DNA, allowing for extracellular DNA release and scaffold creation. This finding reveals the exploitation mechanism of virus-related nanoparticles for bacterial proliferation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 11, 2024

Nearly 1 in 4 people with a history of bipolar disorder achieve complete mental health

A study by the University of Toronto found that 43% of Canadians with a history of bipolar disorder were symptom-free and 23.5% had achieved complete mental health. Factors contributing to psychological flourishing included having a trusted confidant, using spirituality as coping mechanisms, and absence of disabling chronic pain.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders Reports·TypeSurvey·DateJun 11, 2024

Specialist and migratory birds at greater risk under climate change

A new study analyzing historical data on biodiversity and climate for North America reveals a significant negative impact of climate change on birds. Specialist and migratory species are particularly at risk, with projected declines ranging from 2-16% by century's end due to habitat loss, pollution, and changes in food supply.

New study shows the power of social connections to predict hit songs

Researchers at the Complexity Science Hub analyzed friendships and listening habits to find social networks are a crucial predictor of song popularity. The study showed that individuals with strong influence and large friend circles accelerate a song's popularity, making social connections a key factor in music trends.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 11, 2024

Shaping nanoparticles with enzymes

Scientists at Hokkaido University have created a new technique for building nanoparticles using enzymes, enabling the production of various nanomaterials with controlled size and properties. This method has potential applications in technology, medicine, and quantum computing.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNanoscale Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Researchers at Houston Methodist find survival improves with open radical hysterectomy in early-stage cancer

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology finds that open radical hysterectomy leads to better survival and lower recurrence rates for early-stage cervical cancer patients. The research, led by Houston Methodist researchers, builds on earlier findings that suggested minimally invasive surgery carries a higher risk of di...

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2024

From seashells to cement, nature inspires tougher building material

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new cement composite that mimics the strength and flexibility of seashells, increasing crack resistance and ductility. The composite, inspired by nacre's microstructure, exhibits improved fracture toughness and deformability, making it potentially tougher, safer, and more durable.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

OHIO researchers explore alignment between hospitals and public health departments in addressing community health needs in paper published in “Health Affairs”

Researchers found low alignment between hospitals and health departments, particularly concerning social determinants of health, despite both entities having formal responsibilities to their communities. The top identified health needs included mental health, substance use, and obesity.

SourceOhio University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2024

Revolutionizing energy conversion: Pt-Co@NCS catalyst unveils breakthrough synergy for enhanced alkaline hydrogen evolution

A new Pt-Co@NCS catalyst achieves exceptional performance in alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction, overcoming slow water dissociation. The unique porous structure and nitrogen-rich surface enhance hydrophilicity and catalytic interaction, promoting efficient water dissociation.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Coptis teeta Wall.: A comprehensive overview of its traditional uses, pharmacological uses, phytochemicals and conservation

Coptis teeta Wall. has been traditionally used to treat malaria, stomach ache, diarrhea, skin conditions, eye disorders, and gastrointestinal issues. The plant's compounds have shown antibacterial activity, anti-inflammatory effects, and potential in treating chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalFuture Integrative Medicine·DateJun 11, 2024

Transparent organic–inorganic hybrid photoresist with highly tunable refractive index for advanced display

Researchers at Beijing University of Chemical Technology and BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd. have developed a novel transparent organic-inorganic hybrid photoresist with a highly tunable refractive index of up to 2.0, allowing for precision machining of optical microstructures and improving display device efficiency. The material exhibi...

SourceEngineering·JournalEngineering·DateJun 11, 2024

Cognitive test is poor predictor of athletes’ concussion

A study by University of Washington School of Medicine found that a cognitive test is an inaccurate predictor of athletes' concussions. Instead, symptom reports were the most accurate indicator of concussion. The study involved 92 NCAA Division I athletes who sustained a concussion and their teammates as matched control subjects.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Inclusive education improves students' socio-emotional skills

A comprehensive study by researchers at the University of Córdoba found that teachers' commitment to inclusive education positively impacts students' socio-emotional skills. The study, involving over 3,500 students and 294 teachers, reveals the decisive role of teachers in boosting social-emotional skills through inclusive education.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalLearning and Instruction·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Use of WhatsApp messages by public health service to treat depression in older people produces results, study shows

A new WhatsApp-based program has shown significant improvements in treating depression among older adults in Brazil. The Viva Vida program used simple audio messages and images to provide education on depression and behavioral activation, with a 10-point improvement in symptom reduction between intervention and control groups.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 11, 2024

Chinese wisdom and modern innovation of aquaculture

This study introduces modern innovations in Chinese aquaculture, focusing on genetic breeding, fertility biotechnology, polyculture, eco-agriculture, smart aquaculture, and eco-engineered aquaculture. The research proposes ten paradigm changes to promote sustainable aquaculture development and global food security.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater Biology and Security·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 11, 2024

New technique could help build quantum computers of the future

Researchers have developed a method to create and control optical qubits in silicon with high precision, enabling the fabrication of reliable quantum computers. This breakthrough could advance quantum computing and networking capabilities, paving the way for breakthroughs in human health, drug discovery, and artificial intelligence.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

AI and socioeconomic inequalities

Generative AI has both positive and negative effects on social equality, impacting work, education, healthcare, information, and misinformation. Policymakers are urged to implement policies such as tax code changes, data unions, and anti-misinformation campaigns to ensure the technology is used to increase equality

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 11, 2024

Buck researchers explore how the immune system goes awry during space travel and the implications for human aging on earth

Scientists studied how microgravity impacts human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and identified potential compounds to counter its effects, including the antioxidant quercetin. The findings have implications for immune aging on Earth and provide a resource for developing countermeasures.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Monitoring shows chikungunya epidemics can be predicted by means of surveillance

A study in São Paulo state found that chikungunya virus circulated silently for years before causing major epidemics. The researchers monitored residents for four years and discovered a significant rise in seroprevalence from 0.35% to 2.3%. This finding underscores the need for strengthened disease surveillance.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 11, 2024

A mountainous mystery uncovered in SA’s pink sands

A University of Adelaide research team used a new method to date garnet grains in South Australian pink sand, revealing they are around 590 million years old. This age does not match local geological events, suggesting the garnet originated from an unknown ancient Antarctic mountain belt beneath the ice sheet.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJun 11, 2024

Few UK people likely to be suitable for new Alzheimer’s drugs when they come on stream

New Alzheimer's drugs aim to halt condition progression, but UK patients may face limited eligibility due to lack of biomarker testing and diagnostic scans. The study suggests that over 20,000 people per year will need access to confirmatory investigations to determine suitability for treatment.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 11, 2024

Study reveals significant increasing nitrous-oxide emissions from human activities, jeopardizing climate goals

Nitrous-oxide emissions have increased by 40% over the past four decades, resulting in accelerating atmospheric accumulation of this potent greenhouse gas. Agricultural production is the largest source of emissions, and improving practices can help reduce nitrous-oxide emissions and water pollution.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEarth System Science Data·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2024

New ACAAI position paper examines safety of receiving live vaccines while on dupilumab

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) has issued a position paper on the safety of administering live vaccines to patients treated with dupilumab. The review suggests that treatment should not be stopped, but rather, shared decision-making between doctors and patients is recommended to weigh risks and benefits.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 11, 2024

Clemson researchers tackle challenge in new quantum materials design

Researchers at Clemson University have developed a new noncentrosymmetric triangular-lattice magnet, CaMnTeO6, which displays strong quantum fluctuations and nonlinear optical responses. This breakthrough material has the potential to lead to advancements in solid-state quantum computing, spin-based electronics, resilient climate chang...

SourceClemson University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Price sensitivity to unhealthy foods

Research shows people with obesity are more sensitive to price when buying unhealthy foods, while those with normal weight are not. A 10% price hike on these categories can lead to a significant reduction in consumption, such as decreased frozen pizza purchases.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 11, 2024

Controlling the precise timing of electrical pulses may offer promise for treating mild traumatic brain injury

Scientists at Virginia Tech have discovered that controlling the precise timing of electrical pulses can rebalance synaptic connections between nerve cells, selectively up- or down-regulating those connections. This finding suggests potential avenues for more effective treatment strategies for mild traumatic brain injuries.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024