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Science News for March 14, 2024


SickKids program provides integrated, trauma-informed care for pregnant and parenting adolescents

A recent study from The Hospital for Sick Children found that pregnant teenagers in Ontario were at a 50% higher risk of premature death before age 31 compared to those with no teen pregnancy. The Young Prenatal Program and Young Families Program offer integrated physical, mental, and developmental care to support adolescent parents.

SourceThe Hospital for Sick Children·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 14, 2024

The Lancet Neurology: Neurological conditions now leading cause of ill health and disability globally, affecting 3.4 billion people worldwide

The study reveals that neurological conditions are the leading cause of ill health and disability globally, with 3.4 billion people affected in 2021. The analysis shows a significant increase in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) caused by these conditions over the past three decades.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 14, 2024

A new ion trap for larger quantum computers

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new ion trap for larger quantum computers using static magnetic fields, overcoming previous limitations with oscillating fields. The Penning trap design allows for arbitrary transport and control of qubits, enabling future supercomputers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateMar 14, 2024

Nucleophilic amino acids as a renewable alternative to petrochemically-derived amines in glycerol epoxy resins

Amino acids from lysine, glutamic acid, leucine, and serine exhibit superior curing properties compared to commercial hardeners. This study demonstrates the potential of these bio-based epoxy curing agents as a renewable alternative to petrochemical-derived amines.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

Researchers can reveal illegal timber exports

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg developed a new method to identify the origin of harvested trees using chemical footprints in wood tissue. The study focused on Eastern European countries, but the method is applicable worldwide, tackling over half of tropical timber's illegal harvest.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Plants·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 14, 2024

Study: How home food availability affects young children’s nutrient intake

A new study from the University of Illinois found that changes in home food availability between 2 to 4 years old are associated with changes in nutrient intake. The researchers used the Home Food Inventory (HFI) to measure food availability and found significant changes in several food categories over time.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2024

Improving education and human security for vulnerable refugee children

A seven-year remedial education program in Jordan improved attendance rates, test scores, and social connections among Syrian refugee and Jordanian students. The program's interactive learning approach, psychosocial activities, and positive disciplining strategies empowered children to feel safer and more welcomed in school.

SourceSophia University·JournalInternational Journal of Comparative Education and Development·TypeSurvey·DateMar 14, 2024

Study identifies molecular alterations in brain tissue and blood of people who committed suicide

Researchers analyzed molecular data from brain tissue and blood of individuals who committed suicide, identifying risk markers for novel therapeutic targets. The study found alterations in the prefrontal cortex and inhibitory neurotransmitters, highlighting potential new approaches for preventing suicidal behavior.

Long COVID ‘indistinguishable’ from other post-viral syndromes a year after infection

Research suggests that long COVID's impact on the health system is due to high volumes of COVID-19 cases rather than symptom severity. Symptoms reported with long COVID include fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath, but are indistinguishable from those experienced by individuals with seasonal influenza or other post-viral illnesses.

Supercharging fuel cells with caffeine

Researchers at Chiba University have discovered that adding caffeine to certain platinum electrodes can increase the activity of the oxygen reduction reaction. This discovery has the potential to reduce platinum requirements in fuel cells, making them more affordable and efficient.

SourceChiba University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

Age and sex associated with patient’s likelihood of antimicrobial resistance

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found distinct patterns of antimicrobial resistance prevalence by age and sex across Europe. The study analyzed data from nearly one million people in 29 European countries, revealing that peaks in resistance varied by bacterial species and often occurred at the youngest and oldest ages.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2024

A new world of 2D material is opening up

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a method to synthesize hundreds of new 2D materials, expanding the possibilities for energy storage, catalysis, and water purification. The study uses a three-step process, including large-scale computations and chemical exfoliation, to identify and create suitable materials.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience·DateMar 14, 2024

Advanced analytical technologies for controlling medical cannabis production

Researchers at the University of the Basque Country have developed an advanced technology to rapidly classify cannabis plants by chemotype. This non-invasive method uses hyperspectral imaging and machine learning to differentiate between plant types, allowing for efficient quality control in production.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

Researchers find the key to genome-modifying drugs sensitivity in malignant blood diseases

A study by Dr Manel Esteller and colleagues identified an epigenetic signature associated with a good clinical response to hypomethylating drugs, enabling early detection of resistant patients. The research found single genes that facilitate the development of biomarkers and rescue strategies for non-responder patients.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalBritish Journal of Haematology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

Discovered: Cellulose-degrading gut bacteria in the human gut, although at lower levels in industrialized countries

Researchers discovered three previously undescribed cellulosome-producing bacteria species in the human gut, abundant in ancient and hunter-gatherer microbiomes but rare in industrialized populations. These bacteria facilitate fermentation of dietary fiber into short-chain fatty acids, supporting host health and gut stability.

Tissue samples show the deep genetic and cellular impacts of smoking

A new study from the University of Chicago analyzed DNA methylation in tissue samples from former smokers, finding evidence of the body's attempts to defend itself from tobacco smoke. The research team identified new regions associated with smoking and found that DNA methylation varies dramatically across cell types and tissue types.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 14, 2024

New research at Georgia Aquarium helps conserve endangered beluga whales in Alaska

A new study at Georgia Aquarium reveals belugas have big caloric needs to maintain their cold-water lifestyle, limiting their ability to escape human disturbances. The data will inform management decisions for Cook Inlet belugas and help create predictive energy models to evaluate the impact of human activities.

SourceGeorgia Aquarium·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

New study shows analog computing can solve complex equations and use far less energy

Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed an analog computing device called a memristor that can complete complex scientific tasks while reducing energy consumption. The device uses physical laws to perform computations in a massively parallel fashion, accelerating matrix operations and overcoming the limitations of digital computing.

Infections from these bacteria are on the rise. New blood test cuts diagnosis time from months to hours

Tulane University researchers have developed a CRISPR-based platform for diagnosing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections, allowing for accurate results in as little as two hours. The blood test can identify over 93% of patients with an NTM infection, enabling rapid treatment plans and reducing the risk of complications.

SourceTulane University·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 14, 2024

Shade-grown coffee demonstrates the benefits of combining agriculture and conservation, an Oxford Brookes University study reveals

A new study by Oxford Brookes University has found that shade-grown coffee increases biodiversity and provides a home to more plant and animal species. The research also highlights the benefits of preserving biodiversity for farmers, including improved natural pest control and soil quality.

SourceOxford Brookes University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 14, 2024

SMART and NTU Singapore researchers develop method to measure carbon stored in bogs, aiding peatland restoration efforts

Researchers at SMART and NTU Singapore have developed a method to accurately measure the amount of carbon stored in bogs, which aids peatland restoration efforts. The new method uses satellite data and reduces the need for on-site sampling, making it possible to describe and compare the shape of bogs worldwide.

Vac to the future

A competition among researchers predicted B. pertussis vaccine responses based on a simple correlation between calendar age and antibody responses. The result highlights the need for further research to understand variability in vaccination outcomes.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 14, 2024

Adavosertib-encapsulated metal-organic frameworks for p53-mutated gallbladder cancer treatment via synthetic lethality

Researchers developed a novel MOF-based drug delivery system combining adavosertib with sonodynamic therapy to enhance synthetic lethal effect in p53-mutated gallbladder cancer. This approach provides a tumor-targeting ability and reduces drug resistance, offering a promising strategy for treating refractory cancers.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateMar 14, 2024

Bariatric surgery linked to heart health improvements in people with severe obesity

A new study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found significant cardiometabolic improvements in patients who underwent bariatric surgery, including lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The study analyzed over 7,800 patients and showed that younger females and whites experienced greater post-surgery cardiometabol...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 14, 2024

PIANO: a new operator learning framework that deciphers and incorporates invariants from the PDE series via self-supervised learning and attention technique, achieving superior performance in scenarios with various physical mechanisms

Researchers proposed PIANO, an operator learning framework that deciphers and incorporates physical invariants from PDE series via self-supervised learning and attention technique. This approach achieves superior performance in scenarios with different physical mechanisms.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 14, 2024

Therapy using intense light and chronological time can benefit heart

A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus suggests that managing circadian rhythms through intense light and chronologically timed therapy can help prevent or treat various circulatory system conditions, including heart disease. The research found that intense light stabilizes the PER2 gene and increases level...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCirculation Research·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2024

CFOSAT wind and wave observations reveal the seasonal variations in wave-induced stress over global ocean

Researchers analyzed one-year wind and wave observations from CFOSAT to understand the modulation characteristics of wave-induced stress on wind stress. The study found significant seasonal variations in wave-induced stress globally, with stronger effects in Southern Hemisphere westerly belt and high-latitude areas.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateMar 14, 2024

Ginkgo biloba compounds improve cognitive function following stroke

A study published in Open Medicine found that Ginkgo Diterpene Lactone Meglumine (GDLM) improves cognitive function in patients who recently experienced an acute ischemic stroke. The treatment showed anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects, reducing inflammation and coagulation markers.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 14, 2024

UChicago Medicine helps bring first-of-its-kind drug for metabolic liver disease to the clinic

Resmetirom, a new medication, has been approved to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a more advanced stage of MASLD characterized by liver inflammation and scarring. The drug was shown to improve fibrosis and reduce disease progression in patients with MASLD.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 14, 2024

Chiral transmission by an open evolution trajectory in a non-Hermitian system

Researchers have developed a new approach to induce chiral response in non-Hermitian systems by exploring open evolution trajectories. Chiral conversion between localized modes is demonstrated, enabling high-efficiency transmission and relaxation of fabrication requirements.

Mind the mask!

An experimental study on over 6,000 unvaccinated individuals in Europe reveals that people perceive less risk of contagion when wearing masks and meeting in open spaces. The study highlights the importance of improving behavioral aspects of health policies and public health literacy.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

Gut bacteria important for overcoming milk allergy

Researchers at RIKEN found that gut bacteria, particularly Bifidobacterium, are associated with higher chances of successful milk-allergy treatment. However, only 7 out of 28 children who underwent oral immunotherapy passed the food challenge after a two-week milk avoidance period.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAllergology International·DateMar 14, 2024

Training dairy cows with positive reinforcement can turn otherwise stressful events into play

A recent study in the Journal of Dairy Science found that training dairy cows with positive reinforcement can improve their emotional state and overall welfare. The researchers trained Holstein dairy heifers using food rewards and observed increased anticipatory behaviors and play, indicating a positive experience for the animals.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

Scientists use an innovative approach to provide relevant insights into a rare neurologic disorder

Researchers have discovered new genetic mechanisms related to spinocerebellar ataxia type 37, a rare neurological disorder that affects balance and movement. The study employed advanced techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and machine learning to uncover the disease's underlying causes.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalHuman Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

Shedding new light on brain calcification

Researchers at the University of Bergen have identified a new gene linked to primary familial brain calcification (PFBC), a rare neurodegenerative condition. The discovery provides new insight into how brain calcifications occur and may help explain the development of dementia.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2024

New approach to plastic production, under more sustainable conditions

Researchers have created a novel method to control long-chain branching in polyethylene under solution-phase conditions, producing a plastic with properties similar to LDPE. The new approach uses dual-chain catalysts and is industrially viable, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional high-pressure synthesis processes.

University of Maryland, Baltimore researchers call for regulation of direct-to-consumer microbiome tests

Direct-to-consumer microbiome testing services claim to reveal a person's 'healthy' microbiome, but researchers argue that there is no scientifically agreed-upon definition and no clinical proof of effectiveness. The authors call for federal regulation and standards for analytical validity, reporting, and comparative testing.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 14, 2024

Large-scale study explores genetic link between colorectal cancer and meat intake

Researchers linked red/processed meat consumption to increased colorectal cancer risk, highlighting two genetic markers (HAS2 and SMAD7) that alter cancer risk levels based on meat intake. The study analyzed data from nearly 70,000 people and found a 30-40% increased risk for those with high red or processed meat intake.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 14, 2024

Surprising insights about debris flows on Mars

A recent study by Lonneke Roelofs from Utrecht University suggests that debris flows on Mars can be driven by evaporating CO2 ice, not just liquid water. This new understanding pushes the presence of water on Mars further back in time, making it less likely for life to have existed.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

Study finds media coverage focused on Katherine Johnson's achievements, treated discrimination as past problem

A study found that media coverage of Katherine Johnson's death emphasized her exceptional mathematical skills but downplayed the ongoing racism and sexism she faced in NASA and society. The research highlights how journalists often focus on a person's achievements without critically examining systemic inequalities.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Black Studies·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 14, 2024

Poor neighborhoods linked to elevated dementia risk and faster brain aging

A Duke University-led study suggests that targeting disadvantaged neighborhoods for dementia prevention programs could help lower dementia risk. People living in poorer neighborhoods show early signs of cognitive decline and have measurably poorer brain health as early as age 45, regardless of their own personal income or education.

SourceDuke University·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2024

Small amounts of licorice raise blood pressure

A study by Linköping University found that a daily intake of liquorice containing 100mg glycyrrhizic acid raised blood pressure by an average of 3.1mmHg in young healthy people. This effect was seen in all participants, but the most sensitive individuals showed increased fluid volume and heart workload.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 14, 2024

New excitation method of stimulated Raman scattering achieves natural-linewidth-limit spectral lines

A new excitation method called transient stimulated Raman scattering (TSRS) has been developed to achieve natural-linewidth-limit spectral lines with sub-mM sensitivity. TSRS uses broadband femtosecond laser pulse trains to manipulate vibrational wave packets in the time domain, enabling high-density Raman probes and barcode imaging.

Automatic design of metaheuristics: The future of optimization?

A review published in Intelligent Computing outlines the strengths of automatic approaches to designing metaheuristics, which can lead to more successful outcomes and reduce redundant, metaphor-based algorithms. The authors encourage research that relies on automatic design, utilizing modular software frameworks and configuration tools.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 14, 2024