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Science News for March 12, 2024


A simple intervention benefits cancer patients while saving hospitals money, Pitt study showed

A Phase III clinical trial showed that cancer patients who received specialized mental health support experienced lasting improvements in quality of life, reduced pain, depression, and fatigue. The intervention also led to lower risk of cardiovascular disease in family caregivers and substantial cost savings for the healthcare system.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 12, 2024

Discovery of a natural protective response in the brain could lead to treatments for concussions

A team of researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina has discovered a novel protective response by which the brain naturally repairs itself after traumatic brain injury. Protein p17 plays a crucial role in this process, triggering the restorative mechanism of mitophagy to remove damaged tissue and initiate healing.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2024

Study reveals the role of the protein Kdm1a in maintaining neuronal identity

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that the Kdm1a protein is essential for preserving neuronal identity, and its loss or natural aging triggers the expression of genes that normally should not be expressed in neurons. The researchers found that eliminating this protein accelerates neuronal aging at an epigenetic level.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2024

Maternal obesity may promote liver cancer

A study found that maternal obesity increases the risk of developing liver disease and liver cancer in offspring, due to the transmission of an altered gut microbiota. The risk is significantly higher in mice fed a junk food diet, highlighting the importance of microbiome health.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJHEP Reports·TypeNews article·DateMar 12, 2024

Human activity on Curaçao began centuries earlier than previously believed, study finds

A team of international partners has extended the earliest known human settlement of Curaçao by centuries, adding pieces to the puzzle of pre-Colombian Caribbean history. The study, published in the Journal of Coastal and Island Archaeology, places human occupation on the island as far back as 5735 – 5600 cal BP.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalThe Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology·DateMar 12, 2024

US drug approvals 2010-2019 align with US, but not global, burden of disease; expedited approval programs may make the gap worse

A study from Bentley University's Center for Integration of Science and Industry found that US drug approvals were aligned with the US, but not global, burden of disease. The increasing number of expedited approval programs may make this gap worse, as these programs tend to favor conditions with lower disease burden.

SourceBentley University·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2024

Exploring the transferability of extracytoplasmic function switches across bacterial species

A recent study successfully transferred ECF switches from Escherichia coli to Sinorhizobium meliloti, demonstrating high transferability and functionality across species. The findings suggest that these bacteria could serve as universal hosts for synthetic biology applications.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalBioDesign Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2024

How does AI work?

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University discovered that each filter recognizes small clusters of images, with sharpened recognition as layers progress. This breakthrough can improve AI performance by reducing latency and memory usage while maintaining accuracy.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 12, 2024

Multi-objective multigraph feature extraction for the shortest path cost prediction

Researchers develop novel feature extraction methods for multigraphs to predict shortest path costs, improving airport operations and sustainability. The proposed statistics-based and learning-based approaches show promising results, outperforming traditional exact search algorithms in computational efficiency.

SourceGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·JournalGreen Energy and Intelligent Transportation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2024

‘Curved’ walking and a depth camera: new tool detects early cognitive decline

A first-of-its-kind study uses gait analysis to detect subtle impairments in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, suggesting curved path walking as a more sensitive detection method. The novel system employs a non-invasive depth camera to record gait and provides detailed information on functional performance.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Alzheimer s Disease Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 12, 2024

Ultrablack coating could make next-gen telescopes even better

Researchers have created an ultrablack thin-film coating that absorbs nearly all visible light, enhancing the performance of advanced telescopes and optical systems. The coating, developed using atomic layer deposition, is durable enough to withstand harsh conditions and has been applied to magnesium alloys used in aerospace applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Vacuum Science & Technology A Vacuum Surfaces and Films·DateMar 12, 2024

Expertly engineered saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain in the optimized production of carotenoids

A novel S. cerevisiae yeast strain has been successfully developed to selectively overproduce carotenoids, overcoming the challenges of extraction and purification from natural sources. The optimized strain can increase carotenoid output by 5-fold and store carotenoids within the yeast microorganisms.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalBioDesign Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2024

IMS developing Japan's first "Cold (neutral) atom" quantum computers: new collaboration with 10 industry partners toward commercialization

The Institute for Molecular Science (IMS) is accelerating the development of novel quantum computers based on 'cold (neutral) atom' technology, leveraging expertise from 10 industry partners. The partnership aims to launch a start-up company and develop practical applications of quantum computers by end FY2024.

Maternal health support critical in the development of children born to mothers with pre-existing diabetes

A meta-analysis by Associate Professor Diana Arabiat found that children born to mothers with pre-existing diabetes have lower mental and psychomotor development scores compared to those without previous exposure. This delay in psychomotor development can be related to numerous risk factors, including premature birth or intrauterine gr...

SourceEdith Cowan University·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 12, 2024

Researchers expand our understanding of how the body and brain communicate

Researchers have discovered that specific neurons in the thalamus are actively involved in processing cardiac and respiratory signals. This breakthrough understanding of brain-body integration may help characterize how subcortical regions process signals through a functional pathway from internal organs.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2024

CHLA researchers find that length of opioid treatment for hospitalized infants differs by institution and geography

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found significant variation in opioid treatment for critically ill infants across different institutions and geographic regions. The study reports wide variability in opioid prescribing practices, which can impact hospitalization length of stay, healthcare costs, and long-term outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2024

Researchers provide recommendations for understanding music therapy’s impact on chronic pain

A recent article recommends measuring meaningful outcomes such as pain interference, self-efficacy, and physical functioning to improve the evidence-base for music therapy within sickle cell disease populations. Music therapists can play an important role in chronic pain management by addressing stress, depressed mood, and loneliness.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalNordic Journal of Music Therapy·DateMar 12, 2024

“In−N−Out” design enabling high-content triethyl phosphate−based non−flammable and high−conductivity electrolyte for lithium−ion batteries

Researchers have developed a novel 'In−N−Out' strategy to mitigate safety issues in flammable electrolytes. The design allows for high-phosphate-content electrolytes without compromising Li+ insertion at the graphite anode. Excellent ion conductivity is achieved, making it suitable for extended battery application.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateMar 12, 2024

Rope entanglement cause of low breeding rates in right whales

A new study published in Proceedings B of the Royal Society found that every injury from rope entanglements impacts North Atlantic right whale population recovery. Modelling data shows female whales who get tangled in fishing gear are less likely to calve, potentially leading to extinction.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2024

Shopping study in a virtual supermarket

A recent study by the University of Bonn and TU Munich found that banners with information on animal welfare had no effect on purchasing decisions in a virtual supermarket. Researchers invited test subjects to shop in a simulated environment, but even prominent labeling did not change buying behavior.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2024

Rice paddy snake diversification was driven by geological and environmental factors in Thailand, molecular data suggests

A University of Kansas study reveals that rice paddy snakes in Southeast Asia diversified after the Khorat Plateau rose, driven by environmental factors. The research uses molecular data and ecological niche modeling to shed light on the snakes' evolution and habitat suitability.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 12, 2024

Study finds higher risk for fracture from falls in men than in women

A recent study found that self-reported falls and prior falls increase fracture risk more significantly in men than women. The meta-analysis recommends integrating previous falls into FRAX algorithms to enhance predictive accuracy and improve patient outcomes for both men and women.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalOsteoporosis International·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 12, 2024

Global ecosystem contribute trillions in its services with key synergies and trade-offs

A study estimates that global ecosystems provide USD 112-197 trillion to the economy, with forests and wetlands accounting for nearly 80% of this value. Strong synergies are found among oxygen release, climate regulation, and carbon sequestration services, while trade-offs occur between flood regulation and other services.

SourceEurasia Academic Publishing Group·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2024

You didn’t see it coming: the spontaneous nature of turbulence

Researchers have discovered that a tiny disturbance in a fluid system can amplify into large-scale patterns of randomness, making it difficult to predict turbulent flows. This phenomenon, known as spontaneous stochasticity, occurs regardless of the initial disturbance and has implications for weather forecasting and astrophysics.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 12, 2024

Lower survival rates for women than men with germ cell tumors

A new study from Uppsala University found that women with germ cell tumors have a significantly lower five-year survival rate (85.2%) compared to men (98.2%). The researchers suggest that concentrating patients in fewer hospitals and using treatment strategies for testicular cancer could improve survival rates and reduce side effects.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 12, 2024

New traffic signal would improve travel time for both pedestrians and vehicles

A new traffic signal concept, known as the 'white phase,' uses autonomous vehicles to expedite traffic flow at intersections. The concept has been shown to improve travel time for both pedestrians and vehicles, especially when autonomous vehicles make up a higher percentage of traffic.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalComputer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 12, 2024

When a team is less than the sum of its parts: tensions between individual and team wellbeing

A study of 69 people across 12 teams found that prioritizing individual needs over team wellbeing can lead to burnout, while prioritizing team needs at the expense of individual wellbeing increases risk of burnout. Effective communication and reflection are key to striking a balance between individual and team wellbeing.

SourceAalto University·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·DateMar 12, 2024

Who benefits from direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising?

A UMass Amherst study found that government vaccine recommendations can benefit drugmakers like Pfizer, while also increasing vaccine uptake among seniors. However, the study suggests that direct-to-consumer advertising did not lead to a significant reduction in infection and mortality rates from pneumococcal disease.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2024

Gun manufacturers’ ads appeal to women as ‘serious students’ of firearms to boost sales

A new study reveals that gun manufacturers have shifted their marketing strategy to appeal to women, portraying them as responsible and capable gun owners. The study found that the 'serious student' framing became popular between 2016 and 2020, depicting armed American women as pursuing expertise with firearms through focused training.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Macromarketing·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 12, 2024

School-age girls with obesity are more likely to experience joint and muscle pain

Research by Queen Mary University of London found that girls with obesity are 1.7 times more likely than those with a healthy weight to have at least one GP consultation for musculoskeletal symptoms or diagnosis in childhood. Knee pain was the most common symptom reported, and researchers hope their findings will raise awareness about ...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2024

AI analysis of historical satellite images show USSR collapse in 1990s increased methane emissions, despite lower oil and gas production

Research using historical satellite images shows that methane emissions in Turkmenistan increased following the Soviet Union's collapse, contradicting previous theories. This finding suggests that economic decline led to reduced oversight and more deliberate off-gassing of methane from oil and gas wells.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2024

Women with depression face higher cardiovascular risk than men

A Japanese study published in JACC: Asia found that women with depression are at a greater relative risk of developing heart-related negative health outcomes compared to men. The study identified sex-specific factors contributing to the increased CVD risk and emphasized the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 12, 2024

Researchers reveal interfacial confinement on open space of oxide-oxide catalysts

A study by researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics reveals the interface confinement effect on open space in In2O3-TiO2 catalyst, leading to enhanced activity and stability. The formed InOx nanolayers show distinct chemistry and can be confined on various oxide surfaces.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 12, 2024

Climate policies to reduce motor vehicle emissions can improve children’s health, save money

A new study finds that reducing CO2 emissions from motor vehicles can bring large benefits to children's health, saving over $82 million annually. The Transportation and Climate Initiative policy framework is proposed to achieve this goal, with significant health co-benefits for vulnerable populations.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2024

Beer byproduct behind Marmite could help us recycle metal waste

Researchers discovered that spent brewer's yeast, used in Marmite production, can selectively capture metals from electronic waste streams, recovering over 50% of aluminum, copper, and zinc. The yeast can be reused multiple times, making the process economically feasible.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2024

Spiral wrappers switch nanotubes from conductors to semiconductors and back

Duke researchers have developed a new technique to engineer carbon-based semiconductors by wrapping metallic nanotubes in spiral polymers, transforming them into semiconducting forms that can be switched on and off. This method enables the creation of semiconductors that can control electricity with low-energy light wavelengths, openin...

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2024

Same ER. Same patient. Different visit. Different race and ethnicity?

A new study shows that hospitals struggle to consistently collect accurate racial and ethnicity data from patients who visit their emergency department multiple times. The findings suggest that nearly a quarter of adult patients and up to 32% of children receive different race or ethnicity designations on subsequent visits, indicating ...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2024

Major typhoid fever surveillance study in sub-Saharan Africa indicates need for the introduction of typhoid conjugate vaccines in endemic countries

A new study finds that the high burden of typhoid fever in sub-Saharan African countries calls for stronger prevention strategies, including the use and implementation of typhoid conjugate vaccines. The study estimates that there are 12.5 to 16.3 million cases of typhoid every year with 140,000 deaths.

SourceInternational Vaccine Institute·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2024

A coral superhighway in the Indian Ocean

Researchers at Oxford University have discovered a network of ocean currents that scatter coral larvae between remote islands in the Seychelles. This 'coral superhighway' suggests that centrally located reefs may play a crucial role in linking distant islands, supporting regional reef resilience.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 12, 2024

In the resuscitation discussion, do words matter between doctors and patients?

A pilot study found that highly satisfying conversations about CPR preferences occurred regardless of the terms used by doctors. Discussions took less than five minutes on average and were satisfactory to participants. The study suggests physicians should ask all patients their code status, regardless of phrasing used.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeSurvey·DateMar 12, 2024

Study finds pronghorn population declining due to human development

A new paper published in Global Ecology and Conservation found that pronghorn productivity is declining due to oil and gas development and woody encroachment. The study recommends preemptive management of woody vegetation to ensure sufficient forage for pronghorns, a crucial step in preventing population decline.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalGlobal Ecology and Conservation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 12, 2024

Scientists propose ten key components to foster climate-smart marine spatial planning globally

A new study identifies ten key components to promote sustainable, equitable, and climate-smart ocean planning initiatives worldwide. The proposed components include foundational principles and operational pathways that aim to support marine managers and planners in developing climate-smart ocean plans.

SourceFaculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon·Journalnpj Ocean Sustainability·DateMar 12, 2024

JWST reveals a massive and ancient galaxy that challenges our models of the young Universe

Astronomers have made unprecedentedly detailed observations of an early galaxy merger using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The findings suggest that stars developed much faster and more efficiently than expected, contradicting current models of galaxy formation.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2024

More than flying cars

eVTOL batteries require varying amounts of power for flight stages such as climbing, hovering and descent. Researchers developed new energy-dense materials and tested them against the current state-of-the-art version, showing improved performance.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2024

Research finds a college degree remains a sound investment despite rising tuition

The study found that earning a college degree still yields strong economic returns, with median rates of return ranging from 8% to 13%. The analysis considered various factors, including college majors and demographics. The findings suggest that selecting high-return majors is a sound financial decision.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateMar 12, 2024

Turning “drug” into “phosphor”— tailoring raloxifene into single-component molecular crystals enjoying multilevel stimuli-responsive room-temperature phosphorescence

Researchers designed and synthesized raloxifene analogues, exhibiting dual-emission properties with blue fluorescence and orange phosphorescence. The crystals' RTP behavior is influenced by packing modes, allowing for multilevel stimuli-responsiveness to mechanical force, solvent vapor, and heat.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateMar 12, 2024

Exploring arctic plants and lichens: An important conservation baseline for Nunavut’s newest and largest territorial park

A team of scientists has discovered over 1,000 new plant and lichen species in Agguttinni Territorial Park, including rare species found nowhere else in Canada. The comprehensive checklist provides valuable information for park managers and botanists, aiding in the conservation and management of the protected area.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalCheck List·DateMar 12, 2024

Study reveals key mechanisms of rare form of epilepsy

A study identifies a genetic mutation underlying KCNQ2 encephalopathy, a rare and devastating form of epilepsy. The research reveals key mechanisms by which the disorder manifests in patients, including suppression of normal gene function and altered protein distribution.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateMar 12, 2024