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Science News for March 20, 2024


Electroacupuncture with different parameters regulate the endogenous opioid peptide system

A new study published in the World Journal of Acupuncture - Moxibustion reveals that electroacupuncture has a frequency-response specificity in regulating the endogenous opioid peptide system. The low frequency stimulates enkephalin, β-endorphin, and endomorphin release, while high frequency activates dynorphin selectively.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWorld Journal of Acupuncture - Moxibustion·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 20, 2024

Experimental gene therapy for giant axonal neuropathy shows promise in NIH clinical trial

A clinical trial at NIH demonstrated that experimental gene therapy slowed loss of motor function in patients with giant axonal neuropathy, a fatal childhood disease. The treatment also showed signs of regeneration in sensory nerves, offering new hope for those affected.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 20, 2024

Machine learning tools can predict emotion in voices in just over a second

Researchers developed machine learning models that can recognize emotions in voice recordings as short as 1.5 seconds with high accuracy comparable to humans. The study used three ML models and achieved an accuracy of over 90%, with potential applications in therapy, interpersonal communication technology and more.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2024

Excess temperatures cause low flocking concerns

A study found that days above 32°C during the mating week caused a 2.1 million fewer lambs produced in Australia each year. If global warming increases by 1°C or 3°C, annual losses could increase to 2.5 million and 3.3 million, respectively. The research also found that heat stress can reduce lamb birthweight by 0.6-1.4kg.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Food·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

Lu(a)minar Flow Odyssey – the power of water and light towards early leukemia diagnostics

Researchers developed a unique microfluidics-based diagnostic system that combines optical tweezers with stimulated Raman spectroscopy to enable fast and accurate diagnosis of leukemia. The device can identify cancer cells based on their metabolic activities and metabolites, providing tailored treatment options.

Skeleton-wide study of blood cell formation yields surprising findings

A study published in Nature found that the response to hematopoietic insults differs across the skeleton, with certain bones specialized to respond to specific stresses. The research uses confocal imaging microscopy to count different cell types and provides new insights into blood cell production, potentially leading to improved treat...

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2024

An endless domino effect

Topological solitons are created in a robotic metamaterial and move through the chain without needing 'reset' thanks to non-reciprocal interactions. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in robotics, sensing, and communication.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalNature·DateMar 20, 2024

Engineered for precise control of the active sites on Au@AuxIr1−x core-shell surface for efficient and durable water splitting in acidic media

Scientists designed a series of sub-10 nm core-shell nanocatalysts with an Au core and Au <sub> x </sub> Ir <sub> 1-x </sub> alloy shell to enhance water-splitting performance. The optimal ratio of IrO <sub> x </sub> combined with a suitable <em>d</em>-band center yields the best OER activity.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 20, 2024

Rheumatic diseases associated with childbearing problems

Women with selected rheumatic diseases experience a higher prevalence of childlessness, while risks for pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, and preterm delivery are increased for many conditions. Men with rheumatic conditions also face a higher risk of childlessness, although the impact on fertility varies among different diseases.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalRheumatology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

Ice-ray patterns: A rediscovery of past design for the future

A study discovers that traditional Chinese ice-ray lattice designs can provide unique stiffness and strength under asymmetric loads, offering an alternative to conventional gridshells. The research also explores the potential of integrating complex geometry into facade design and micro-scale material design.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalFrontiers of Architectural Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2024

New route to recyclable polymers from plants

Researchers have created a method to make fully recyclable polymers from plant cellulose, which can replace some plastics and reduce plastic pollution. The new polymers have various structures that offer different applications, including high-performance materials for optical, electronic, and biomedical uses.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Macro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2024

Mass timber could replace concrete and steel in high-rise U.S. buildings and significantly reduce carbon emissions, per modelling study examining this laminated timber product

A modelling study suggests mass timber can significantly reduce carbon emissions in high-rise US buildings by replacing traditional materials like concrete and steel. The study's findings have significant implications for the construction industry and could pave the way for more sustainable building practices.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 20, 2024

AI can now detect COVID-19 in lung ultrasound images

Artificial intelligence has been developed to spot COVID-19 features in lung ultrasound images, combining computer-generated images with real scans to identify signs of disease. The tool holds potential for developing wearables that track illnesses like congestive heart failure and monitor fluid buildup in patients' lungs.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateMar 20, 2024

Low-dose radiotherapy boost helps prevent local recurrence with better cosmetic outcomes in young breast cancer patients

Researchers found that young breast cancer patients who received a low-dose radiotherapy boost had a lower risk of local recurrence after 10 years, with only 4.4% experiencing recurrence. In contrast, high-dose boosts resulted in fewer recurrences but also more severe fibrosis and cosmetic issues.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 20, 2024

How neural inhibition could reduce alcohol use

A Scripps Research team found that inhibiting stress neurons may decrease alcohol consumption in comorbid cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder. However, this approach did not mitigate anxiety. The study suggests that CRF plays a role in alcohol use among those with comorbid PTSD and AUD.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 20, 2024

“Tiny, beautiful, and completely unknown animals”: Citizen scientists discover new beetles from the Borneo forest

A team of citizen scientists, including local students, discovered a new beetle species in the Ulu Temburong forest. The newly described Clavicornaltica mataikanensis is one of the largest known relatives among its tiny flea beetle cousins, highlighting the need for further research on their ecology and diversity.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateMar 20, 2024

Prenatal exposure to antiseizure medication topiramate may not increase children’s risk of autism spectrum disorder

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that prenatal exposure to antiseizure medication topiramate does not increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children. In contrast, valproate has been linked to a heightened risk of ASD.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

The first Neolithic boats in the Mediterranean

Excavations at La Marmotta, Italy, uncovered five Neolithic canoes dating between 5700-5100BC, featuring advanced construction techniques. The discovery provides invaluable insights into early navigation and the technological sophistication of ancient communities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

Revolutionizing gastric cancer treatment through personalized 3D bioprinting

Researchers have developed a vascularized organoid model (VOM) that accurately replicates the actual vasculature and environment of gastric cancer, enabling patient-specific predictions of response to anticancer drugs. The VOM demonstrates high cell viability rates and similarity to actual gastric cancer conditions.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 20, 2024

New study suggests that while social media changes over decades, conversation dynamics stay the same

A recent study analyzed data from multiple social media platforms over three decades, finding that toxic interactions are a persistent aspect of online discussions. The study suggests user resilience to negativity and highlights the importance of understanding human behavior in digital environments.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2024

Scientists uncover a causal relationship between remote extreme heat and the Canadian wildfires in 2023

A study by Prof. Xu YUE from Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology found a causal relationship between remote extreme heat and the 2023 Canadian wildfires. The research revealed a significant correlation between high temperatures and fire intensity, with anomalies in maximum temperatures preceding severe wildfire events.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 20, 2024

Ageing reduces the ability of regulatory T cells to enhance myelin regeneration, study finds

Researchers found that ageing reduces the ability of regulatory T cells to enhance myelin regeneration, which can have profound consequences for neurological functions. The study suggests that the loss of function may be reversible, and two new molecules, ITGA2 and MCAM, have been identified as potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2024

Adding ribociclib to hormone therapy reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence

Adding ribociclib to hormone therapy improves invasive disease-free survival by 90.4% at three years, distant disease-free survival by 90.8%, and recurrence-free survival by 91.7%. The study found a 25% relative reduction in recurrence rate for patients with stage 2 or 3 HR-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 20, 2024

Doctors’ pay in England has declined by 25% since 2008

A 25% decline in doctors' real terms salary since 2008 has significantly reduced their purchasing power, with junior doctors facing particularly challenging affordability issues. The study reveals a substantial rise in the cost of living and house prices, making home ownership and financial stability unaffordable for many doctors.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2024

Introducing Floorlocator: a game-changer in indoor navigation technology

Researchers developed FloorLocator, a game-changer in indoor navigation technology combining Spiking Neural Networks with Graph Neural Networks for remarkable accuracy and scalability. It surpasses traditional methods by leveraging deep learning without the drawbacks of extensive training data and high computational costs.

Truth and reconciliation: New study finds people less likely to acknowledge war crimes on social media

A new study has found that people are less likely to acknowledge war crimes on social media, citing fear of being stereotyped and judged. The research suggests that social media can be a barrier to post-conflict reconciliation, particularly when it comes to discussing the legacy of war.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Intervention and Statebuilding·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

Treating anxiety, depression significantly impacts heart disease outcomes

A new study from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that treating anxiety and depression significantly improves heart disease outcomes, with a 75% reduction in hospitalizations or emergency room visits. The study suggests a collaborative care model is essential for managing cardiovascular and mental health.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 20, 2024

New commentary: Combatting digital redlining is imperative for advancing health equity

A new commentary from Boston University School of Public Health emphasizes the need to address digital redlining, which disproportionately affects people of color, low-income communities, and rural populations. The authors propose standardizing social determinants of health screenings to include questions about broadband access.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 20, 2024

AI tool predicts risk of side effects after surgery and radiotherapy in breast cancer patients

A new AI tool can predict which breast cancer patients are at risk of chronic arm swelling after surgery and radiotherapy. The tool, developed by international researchers, uses machine learning algorithms to analyze patient data and provides easily understandable explanations for doctors and patients.

Universal controller could push robotic prostheses, exoskeletons into real-world use

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a universal approach to controlling robotic exoskeletons that requires no training, calibration, or adjustments. The system uses deep learning to autonomously adjust assistance levels for walking, standing, and climbing stairs, reducing user effort and metabolic expenditure.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2024

New insights on the transcriptional regulation of seed germination

Researchers at CRAG have made groundbreaking discoveries on seed germination, identifying key regulatory features and non-coding RNAs that drive the process. The study reveals that transcription restarts much earlier than previously thought, opening up new avenues for investigation into the role of the non-coding genome.

SourceCenter for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG)·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2024

New study highlights troubling trends in midlife mortality in the US and UK

A new study reveals that US working-age adults are dying at higher rates than their peers in high-income countries, driven by highly preventable causes of death. Midlife mortality among younger US females has worsened significantly over the past three decades, with the UK and other high-income countries experiencing similar trends.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2024

Bacteria subtype linked to growth in up to 50% of human colorectal cancers, Fred Hutch researchers report

Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that a specific subtype of Fusobacterium nucleatum is responsible for tumor growth in up to 50% of human colorectal cancers. The study identifies the exact bacterial lineage associated with colorectal cancer, offering opportunities for developing microbial cellular therapies.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

Verifying the work of quantum computers

Researchers have developed a new method to verify the accuracy of complex quantum systems using classical computers. The method allows for estimating error rates and is mathematically sound, providing a benchmark for analyzing errors in quantum computing systems. This breakthrough enables improvements to be measured effectively.

Study shows a more diversified clinical workforce needed to effectively serve a growing Hispanic population in underserved areas

A new study found that while NHSC clinicians increased from 2003-2008 to 2009-2019, concordance with the target population remained low. After expansion, concordance was achieved for non-Hispanic White and Black individuals, but Hispanic clinicians were still underrepresented.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2024

A computational model has been created to simulate the biomechanical growth of breast tumors

Scientists from UC3M and Johns Hopkins University have developed a computational model that simulates the invasion process of cancer cells based on the characteristics of surrounding tissue and cell junctions. The model allows for predicting tumor evolution in patients by analyzing mechanical properties of the microenvironment.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalActa Biomaterialia·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2024

Many publicly accessible AI assistants lack adequate safeguards to prevent mass health disinformation

Researchers tested publicly accessible AI assistants on two health disinformation topics, finding that many consistently generated disinformation despite having built-in safeguards. Experts call for enhanced regulation, transparency, and routine auditing to prevent LLMs from contributing to the mass generation of health disinformation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

Millions are at risk using high arsenic water for cooking

A new study from the University of Sheffield found that around 32% of the global population is at risk of serious health issues due to high levels of arsenic in drinking water. The majority of these countries are in Asia, where rice is a staple food and exposure can be exacerbated by cooking with contaminated water.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2024

Ancient giant dolphin discovered in the Amazon

A new species of freshwater dolphin, Pebanista yacuruna, was found in the Peruvian Amazon region and is dated to be 16 million years old. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of freshwater dolphins, revealing a deep connection with South Asian river dolphins.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateMar 20, 2024

Deep Earth electrical grid mystery solved

Researchers at Yale University and NOVA University Lisbon discovered that a single family of proteins in soil bacteria acts as plugs to power nanowires, creating a natural electrical grid. This finding has implications for developing new energy sources and biomaterials, as well as mitigating methane emissions.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 20, 2024

ALG6 acts as a modifier gene in the inherited genetic eye disease retinitis pigmentosa 59

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham discovered that the ALG6 variant is associated with altered phenotypes in patients with RP59, including delayed peripheral rod degeneration and diminished macular cone photoreceptor health. This study highlights the complex effects of modifier genes in human genetic disease.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 20, 2024

Study suggests an ‘odor sensor’ may explain male and female differences in blood pressure

A Johns Hopkins Medicine research team found a cell surface protein that senses odors and chemicals may be responsible for the long-known difference in blood pressure between females and males. The study, published in Science Advances, used data from mice and humans to investigate the link between an odor sensor and blood pressure.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 20, 2024

Nudging the public’s thirst for draught alcohol-free beers could significantly reduce alcohol-associated harms, new study finds

A new study found that making draught alcohol-free beer more widely available in pubs and bars can lead to a five per cent reduction in sales of alcoholic drinks, equivalent to 51 pints per week. This change increases the options available to customers without restricting their choice.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalAddiction·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

In sickness and in health, older couples mostly make Medicare moves together

A study of older adults in Medicare Advantage plans found that both members of a couple tend to stick with each other's enrollment decisions. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,800 couples and found that about 80% of Partner A individuals stayed in the same plan, and among those who changed, most partners did as well.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2024

Metalloimmunotherapy: Combination of cisplatin and STING agonist into one molecule shows promise in boosting cancer immune response

Researchers have developed a single molecular entity combining cisplatin and STING agonist, exhibiting potential as a versatile anticancer drug specifically targeting pancreatic cancer. The conjugate shows promise in elevating innate immunity and boosting the infiltration of natural killer cells into tumors.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 20, 2024

Digital twin allows for tailored medication

A study published in Genome Medicine uses digital twins to computationally treat thousands of medications in individual patients with autoimmune diseases, finding promising results in mice and human tissue samples. The technology has the potential to revolutionize precision medicine by providing tailored medication for each patient.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalGenome Medicine·DateMar 20, 2024

Quantum talk with magnetic disks

A Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf research team introduces a new approach for transducing quantum information by harnessing the magnetic field of magnons within microscopic magnetic disks. This method could enable more efficient and effective control over qubits, paving the way for practical quantum computing applications.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 20, 2024

Early settlers of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) cultivated both traditional Polynesian and South American crops, including breadfruit, yam, and sweet potato, according to starch analysis of their tools

Researchers identified traditional Polynesian and South American crops, such as breadfruit and yam, at early Rapa Nui settlements through starch analysis. These findings provide insight into the island's early agriculture and cultural exchange with South America.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 20, 2024

Scientists weigh up current status of blue whale populations around the world

A major new study has taken a stocktake of blue whale populations worldwide, identifying significant genetic differences among eastern Pacific, Antarctic subspecies, and pygmy subspecies. The research also found no evidence of inbreeding, but highlights ongoing human threats such as climate change, pollution, and shipping.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAnimal Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

Self-emergence of stational periodic arrangement of dual microdroplets through quasi one-dimensional confinement

A research team from Doshisha University discovered a novel phenomenon for generating self-organized characteristic patterns through phase separation of polymer solutions in glass capillary tubes. They created uniform microdroplets containing DNA and medicines, which maintained their alignment for eight hours, offering insights into bi...

SourceDoshisha University·JournalACS Macro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2024