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Science News for March 15, 2024


Experts document a decade of progress under the workforce innovation and opportunity act benefiting students with disabilities

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) has improved pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) for students with disabilities, but challenges remain. Research highlights the need for targeted technical assistance, support, and innovation to improve outcomes.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 15, 2024

Same target, different effects

Researchers have identified five LpxC inhibitors that can bind to and inhibit the enzyme, leading to accumulation of inactive enzyme and bacterial cell death. Compound-specific differences were observed in membrane composition and stress responses.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2024

Sylvester researchers, collaborators call for greater investment in bereavement care

The Lancet Public Health paper emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in bereavement care, with researchers advocating for transitional care models that integrate hospital and community-based support. The proposed model aims to bolster community capacity to support grievers and prioritize bereavement as a vital part of ethical health...

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateMar 15, 2024

Less social with age

Researchers studied female Assamese macaques for eight years, finding that social networks decrease with age due to physical limitations and a desire to protect themselves from predators. The study's findings shed light on the biological roots of social aging in humans.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 15, 2024

Women involved in car crashes may be more likely to go into shock than men

Researchers analyzed trauma injury data from over 56,000 car crash victims and found that women have a higher shock index, indicating a greater risk of hemorrhagic shock. This suggests that female bodies may handle blood loss differently than male bodies, warranting further investigation into car safety design and first aid response.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 15, 2024

Revealing nature's secrets from space: satellite data unlocks drought's impact on Southwest China's carbon cycle

A new study finds a significant increase in aboveground carbon in Southwest China from 2013 to 2021, contrary to expected effects of extreme droughts. This suggests the region's role as a substantial carbon sink, thanks to ecological projects and remote sensing techniques.

Revealing environmental exposure to liquid crystal monomers from digital displays

A team of researchers developed an innovative technique to identify 60 different liquid crystal monomers in various samples, including electronic waste and even in dog feces and urine. The method demonstrated satisfactory levels of precision and accuracy, providing insight into the biological and environmental exposure to these chemicals.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEnvironmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2024

Special section of The Permanente Journal focuses on how early-life trauma correlates to poor health outcomes

A special section of The Permanente Journal explores the correlation between early-life trauma and poor health outcomes. The collection features 13 articles on innovation in trauma-informed health care, including research on adverse childhood experiences and the importance of clinical practice stepping up to meet growing demand.

SourceThe Permanente Federation·JournalThe Permanente Journal·TypeNews article·DateMar 15, 2024

Photocatalytic synthesis of aryl acetic acid via C=C double bond cleavage with CO2

A new photocatalytic synthesis method has been developed for the creation of arylacetic acid analogs with diverse functional groups from CO2. The method leverages a visible-light photoredox-catalyzed carboxylation reaction, showcasing mild reaction conditions and good tolerance of functional groups.

Groundbreaking study reveals extensive leatherback turtle activity along U.S. coastline

A new study tracked 52 leatherback sea turtles off the coasts of Cape Cod and Beaufort, North Carolina, revealing significant foraging activities in the Mid-Atlantic Bight and Southern New England. The research highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to mitigate risks such as incidental capture by fisheries and vessel strikes.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateMar 15, 2024

DNA origami-based vaccines toward safe and highly-effective precision cancer immunotherapy

A new DNA origami platform, DoriVac, enables precise spacing of adjuvant molecules and a variety of antigens to enhance anti-tumor responses. The vaccine demonstrated enhanced efficacy in controlling tumor growth and prolonging survival in mice, synergizing with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2024

How the brain translates motivation into goal-oriented behavior, according to new study

The study reveals that two neural pathways in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus participate in dynamic regulation of goal pursuits, with PVT+ neurons encoding execution and termination of actions, respectively. Activity in these neurons mirrors motivation parameters such as vigor and satiety.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2024

UC study: Subcutaneous infusion pump safe, effective for Parkinson’s treatment

A phase 3 trial co-led by a University of Cincinnati researcher found that subcutaneous levodopa delivery through an infusion pump is safe and effective in reducing symptoms for longer periods. The study resulted in almost two hours of additional 'on time' compared to traditional oral medication, paving the way for potential FDA approval.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 15, 2024

Printed polymer allows researchers to explore chirality and spin interactions at room temperature

Researchers have developed a printable organic polymer that enables them to measure charge-to-spin conversion in spintronic materials at room temperature, revealing new insights into the mechanics of spintronics. The findings suggest longer spin lifetimes and tunability, paving the way for more efficient and energy-friendly devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2024

Sleep apnea solution could be right under your nose

Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a bedtime nasal spray that can reduce the severity of sleep apnea in people and lower their blood pressure. The study found that the spray, which blocks potassium channels, improved oxygen levels and reduced markers of OSA severity in 7 out of 10 participants.

SourceFlinders University·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 15, 2024

Shark-bitten orcas in the Northeastern Pacific could be a new population of killer whale

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered a new population of killer whales in the Northeastern Pacific, with distinct physical characteristics and a diet that includes marine mammals and sea turtles. The orcas were identified through shark-bitten scars and observations by fishermen and birding enthusiasts.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAquatic Mammals·DateMar 15, 2024

Global warming may intensify the modulation of tropical cyclone genesis by summer intraseasonal oscillation

Research suggests global warming enhances the modulation of tropical cyclone genesis by summer intraseasonal oscillation. The study found increased water vapor content and convective activity under global warming conditions, leading to enhanced formation density of tropical cyclones.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 15, 2024

Machine learning classifier accelerates the development of cellular immunotherapies

A machine learning classifier developed by German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) scientists has accelerated the development of personalized T cell therapies for cancer patients. The technology, called predicTCR, can identify tumor-reactive T cell receptors with 90% accuracy in a matter of days, regardless of tumor type.

New research in April: colorectal cancer, kidney health, OR supply costs, and more

Research highlights new findings on social vulnerability and survivorship after colorectal cancer resection, as well as disparities in kidney recovery among Black donors. Additionally, studies reveal cost savings from implementing quality interventions and explore eligibility for transplants in obese patients with end-stage renal disease.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 15, 2024

Breakthrough in ultraviolet spectroscopy

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics have successfully developed a new technique for deciphering the properties of light and matter, enabling precise spectroscopy under low-light conditions. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for novel applications in photon-level diagnostics, precision spectroscopy, and biom...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMar 15, 2024

Do school grades influence parental support?

A recent study by Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research found that parents in low-income families support their children equally regardless of grades. In contrast, parents from higher income groups tend to give more support to children with lower grades. This suggests that these patterns may contribute to low social mobility.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEuropean Sociological Review·DateMar 15, 2024

Less is more: Not placing a drain improves distal pancreatectomy outcomes

A study published in Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that not placing a drain during distal pancreatectomy surgery improves patient outcomes. The study, involving 282 patients across ten Dutch and two Italian hospitals, demonstrated a significant reduction in postoperative pancreatic leaks and overall morbidity.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 15, 2024

A universal insertion of various molecules into ionic crystals under high pressure

Researchers have discovered a universal propensity for forming stable hybrid compounds when molecules are inserted into ionic crystals under high pressure. This process can lead to the formation of novel materials with promising properties for green energy storage and potentially reveal insights into giant planets' structure and dynamics.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 15, 2024

China's urban jungles: how city parks are winning the battle against concrete

A recent review highlights China's successful urban greening efforts, with over 60% of cities demonstrating substantial recovery of greenness post-2011. This shift reflects the positive impact of rigorous urban planning and greening policies, enhancing biodiversity, improving air quality, and elevating city dwellers' quality of life.

Oregon State researchers take deep dive into how much water is stored in snow

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new metric to measure water storage in snowpacks, which reveals a 22% drop in annual storage over the past four decades. This finding is important for water managers as it can help make long-term planning decisions for adjusting infrastructure options.

SourceOregon State University·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 15, 2024

Eliminating socioeconomic disparities in youth physical activity can save over $15 billion

A new study shows that eliminating disparities in physical activity levels between low and higher socioeconomic groups could save over $6.93 billion in direct medical costs and $8.67 billion in productivity losses. The study suggests tailoring physical activity interventions towards lower income groups to maximize cost savings.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 15, 2024

The atlas of unburnable oil in the world

A new study by the University of Barcelona presents an atlas of unburnable oil in the world, highlighting areas where exploiting oil resources would be incompatible with meeting global warming targets. The atlas warns against extracting oil from sensitive ecosystems, indigenous territories, and areas of high endemic species richness.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 15, 2024