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Science News Archive June 2024 - Page 5


Page 5 of 39

Underwater mountains have a big impact on ocean circulation

Researchers at University of Cambridge discovered that underwater turbulence around seamounts significantly influences ocean mixing, contributing to a third of global ocean mixing. This finding has implications for climate models used in policymaking, potentially improving forecasts of the ocean's response to global warming.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2024

Slipping a note to a neighbor: The cellular way

Researchers from PSI and ETH Zurich studied connexin-36 gap junction channels and found that antimalarial drug mefloquine binds to the channels, potentially explaining its severe side effects. The study provides new insights into how drugs interact with connexins and may lead to the development of therapies for neurological diseases.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalCell Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

EventLFM: Event camera integrated fourier light field microscopy for ultrafast 3D imaging

Researchers developed EventLFM, a novel ultrafast 3D imaging technique that integrates an event camera with Fourier light field microscopy to capture dynamic biological processes at kHz speeds. The technique was demonstrated in experiments capturing complex dynamics of rapidly moving 3D objects and imaging high-frequency blinking objects.

Fundamental spatial limits of all-optical magnetization switching

A team of researchers has determined a fundamental spatial limit for light-driven magnetization reversal in nanometer-scale materials. They found that the minimum size for all-optical switching is around 25 nm due to ultrafast lateral electron diffusion, which rapidly cools illuminated regions.

Time-compression in electron microscopy

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have developed a method for all-optical control, compression, and characterization of electron pulses in space and time using terahertz light. This enables unprecedented time resolution in ultrafast electron microscopy, capturing dynamic processes in materials with unparalleled clarity.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 26, 2024

Involving workers essential to ensure industrial policies serve the public interest

A new study finds that Brazilian industrial policies are more effective when involving workers and civil society. Researchers analyzed policy plans and found that those with stronger labor union involvement outperformed weaker ones, highlighting the importance of societal participation in shaping national development goals.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalDevelopment and Change·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 26, 2024

Global consensus for sarcopenia

A new global definition of sarcopenia is proposed, aiming to unify research and clinical practice. The definition may help identify low muscle mass or strength in older people, increasing the risk of poor outcomes such as fragility and disability.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 26, 2024

Review of pathogenesis, research and treatment of amyloidosis published in New England Journal of Medicine

Researchers have made substantial progress in understanding AL amyloidosis, a rare disease that causes progressive organ dysfunction and death, by identifying key determinants of survival such as cardiac involvement and developing new therapies targeting clonal plasma cells and antifibril monoclonal antibodies.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 26, 2024

A chip-scale Titanium-sapphire laser

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a chip-scale Titanium-sapphire laser, four orders of magnitude smaller and three orders less expensive than traditional lasers. This breakthrough enables mass production on wafers, potentially thousands of lasers per disc, democratizing access to these powerful tools.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateJun 26, 2024

Two studies show mixed progress against EoE

Two studies published in The New England Journal of Medicine show mixed results in treating EoE. Dupilumab is found to be effective in children under 12, while benralizumab fails to provide significant relief for patients. These findings challenge the long-held assumption that eosinophils are the primary cause of the disease.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 26, 2024

Early warning systems and plans to avert disasters due to extreme rainfall are still flawed, study shows

A recent study highlights the need for effective contingency plans and local community involvement in disaster response to mitigate losses. The analysis of landslides in São Sebastião, Brazil, revealed a breakdown in the early warning system, resulting in significant economic and human costs.

States with the most restrictive abortion policies saw the biggest declines in use of birth control and emergency contraceptives after Dobbs decision

A new USC study found that states with the most restrictive abortion policies experienced significant declines in the use of birth control pills and emergency contraceptives. The analysis suggests that the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case has had wider ramifications for women's reproductive health than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2024

Take-off! Researchers map fly’s neural networks that control wing and leg movement

Scientists at the University of Washington and Harvard Medical School have discovered the neural circuits that coordinate leg and wing movements in fruit flies. The study uses X-ray holographic nanotomography to map motor neurons controlling legs and wings, revealing pre-motor neurons coordinating motor neuron function.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

A kissing bug humans do not want to canoodle

Researchers identified a kissing bug in Delaware with the Chagas disease-causing parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Entomologists confirmed the insect's presence and found it was infected with the parasite, which can lead to serious heart problems if left untreated.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateJun 26, 2024

Bone stem cells with IFITM5 mutation get caught in a loop leading to osteogenesis imperfecta type V

A study by Baylor College of Medicine reveals the molecular events leading to osteogenesis imperfecta type V, a form of brittle bone disease caused by an IFITM5 mutation. The mutation disrupts normal bone stem cell development, leading to extremely brittle bones and recurrent fractures.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

New metabolic signature predicts immunotherapy response and survival in cancer patients

Researchers identified metabolic signatures that predict immunotherapy response and survival outcomes in cancer patients. The study found four distinct metabolic classes with significant variations in overall survival, highlighting the potential of metabolic profiling to improve immunotherapy treatments.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMedComm – Future Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 26, 2024

Research shows maternal cell phone use may negatively impact infant language development

Research by the University of Texas at Austin found a 16% overall decrease in infants' speech input during real-world interactions when mothers used their phones. Phone use had stronger effects on speech during specific times of the day, highlighting the importance of parents being aware of their phone use's impact on caregiving.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateJun 26, 2024

New study shows alcohol rehabilitation and abstinence reduce the risk of alcohol-associated cancers

A nationwide cohort study in France found that individuals with alcohol dependence who undergo rehabilitation or maintain abstinence experience a nearly 40% reduction in certain types of cancers. The study highlights the effectiveness of treatment strategies in combating cancer risks linked to alcohol dependence.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalPublic Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2024