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Science News Archive June 2024 - Page 7


Page 7 of 39

AI-based Alphafold: Its potential impact on predictive medicine

AlphaFold's groundbreaking ability to predict protein structures is set to transform predictive medicine, enabling the development of personalized vaccines and adaptive clinical trials. However, the review also highlights crucial challenges and ethical considerations surrounding AI integration with clinical data.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAI in Precision Oncology·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 26, 2024

USTC develops high-performance anion exchange membranes for sustainability applications

Researchers at USTC developed a novel spiro-branched polymeric membrane with exceptional performance in flow battery applications, exceeding 60 mS cm-1 chloride ion conductivity. The membranes demonstrated superior power density and energy efficiency, potentially addressing various energy and environmental challenges.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 25, 2024

Korea University identifies novel inhibitor HVH-2930 showing promise in overcoming trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive breast cancer

A novel inhibitor HVH-2930 targeting heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) demonstrates efficacy against drug-resistant breast cancer cells. It selectively downregulates HER2 signaling, crucial for breast cancer progression, without triggering the heat shock response.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalTheranostics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2024

Music sends our brainwaves dancing

A study from Aarhus University and the University of Oxford reveals that listening to music sets off a complex chain reaction in the brain, involving areas for sound, emotions, and memory. This understanding could lead to new interventions for improving cognitive function in individuals with neurological conditions.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 25, 2024

Uncovering the drivers of a million-year-old glacial transition

Researchers from the Mann Research Group found strong path dependence in Plio-Pleistocene glaciations, driven by a gradual decrease in regolith and volcanic outgassing. The study suggests that carbon dioxide levels determine the onset of the Mid-Pleistocene Transition, and that it's not too late to act to prevent ice sheet collapse.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 25, 2024

For better loan terms, find a partner

Researchers found that companies in strategic alliances can access more favorable loan rates and terms through the financial networks of their partners. This is because banks with existing relationships with an alliance partner offer lower interest rates to a company entering the alliance.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Accounting Review·DateJun 25, 2024

Amazon rainforest faces drought risk despite carbon removal efforts

The Amazon rainforest, a crucial carbon sink, may experience reduced precipitation due to increased CO2 concentrations, leading to higher tree mortality rates and forest shrinkage. A recent study found that rainy season precipitation in the Amazon is irreversible under a CO2 removal scenario, putting the region at risk of drought.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Sciences·DateJun 25, 2024

Why people resort to lynching

A new dataset reveals that lynchings in Latin America are often triggered by alleged theft or murder, with groups of 20-99 individuals involved. Close-knit community ties and peer pressure play a significant role in ordinary civilians taking part in acts of violence against alleged wrongdoers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJun 25, 2024

Fewer GP appointments and the COVID lockdown have exacerbated declining continuity of care in English general practices

A study analyzing data from 6,010 English practices between 2018 and 2022 found that the national average dropped from 29.3% to 19% of patients able to see a preferred doctor. Practices with more doctors and higher same-day appointment rates showed slower declines in continuity.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 25, 2024

Species composition and succession of coral reef fishes in Huaguang Reef, Xisha Islands

This study identified 299 coral reef fish species in Huaguang Reef, with Perciformes exhibiting the highest species count. Notably, a reduction in species at the order and family levels was observed compared to historical data. The succession patterns indicate a notable impact of overfishing on coral reef fishes.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater Biology and Security·TypeSurvey·DateJun 25, 2024

Artificial intelligence predicts upper secondary education dropout as early as the end of primary school

Researchers developed machine learning models predicting upper secondary education dropout from kindergarten age, using a 13-year longitudinal dataset. The study marks an advancement in early automatic classification, potentially leading to transformative changes in educational systems and policies.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 25, 2024

Study provides the first anatomical and functional representation of the ocular surface in the central nervous system

Researchers characterize thalamic and cortical neurons responding to ocular surface stimulation, showing diverse multimodal response profiles. The study provides insights into how sensory stimulus information is integrated from the peripheral nervous system into the brain's cortical networks.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalPhysiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2024

Robots face the future

The team, led by Professor Shoji Takeuchi, created a layer of skin that can bind to complex forms of humanoid robots, granting them increased mobility and self-healing abilities. The research has potential applications in the cosmetics industry, medical research, and robotics.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2024

Following the ‘BATT Signal:’ A new signaling pathway controlling planarian germ cells

In planarian flatworms, biogenic monoamines play a critical role in regulating female and male germ cells. Researchers discovered that these molecules form a novel signaling pathway controlling planarian germ cells, producing the 'BATT Signal' to regulate reproductive development. The study highlights the importance of monoamine conjug...

SourceMorgridge Institute for Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2024

Farmland weeds help to combat pests

A University of Bonn study found that leaving some weeds between crops helps combat pests. Intercropping with wildflowers also attracts beneficial insects, making it harder for weeds to grow and pests to infest the field. The study suggests tolerating residual weeds as a farming practice.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Pest Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2024

Study identifies gene targets to combat cognitive decline

Researchers identified changes in gene activity underlying cognitive decline in older nematode C. elegans, providing evidence for neuroprotective genes that may preserve cognition later in life. Reducing expression of certain genes improved memory performance in aged animals.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateJun 25, 2024

Research in cognitive aging and age-related memory loss boosted through renewed $4,626,500 funding of Innovator Awards

The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) has received renewed funding of $4,626,500 from the McKnight Brain Research Foundation to support scientists pursuing groundbreaking studies in cognitive aging. The funding will support high-risk/high-gain research proposals that may yield transformative discoveries.

Gold membrane coaxes secrets out of surfaces

Researchers developed a thin gold membrane with pores to selectively amplify Raman signals from surfaces, enabling the study of surfaces for the first time. This breakthrough improves the efficiency and degradation behavior of batteries, catalysts, and solar cells.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 25, 2024

Researchers evaluate the benefit of dual therapy for children at risk for spinal muscular atrophy

A first-of-its-kind study compared preventative therapy efficacy between two groups: gene therapy alone and in combination with risdiplam or nusinersen. Dual therapy showed promise in independent sitting outcomes, but not in walking age or muscle disease progression prevention.

SourceClinic for Special Children·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2024