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Science News for March 25, 2024


Annual vaccination campaign with second dose protects high-risk groups from SARS-CoV-2 and may save health care costs

A study found that an annual vaccination campaign with a second dose for children under 2 years old and individuals aged 50 and over can significantly reduce hospitalizations, deaths, and healthcare spending. The optimal timing for the second vaccination is delivering it 5 months after initial vaccination.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 25, 2024

New evidence-based guideline for the management of osteoporosis in men

The International Osteoporosis Foundation and European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis have issued new guidelines for managing osteoporosis in men. These recommendations cover disease burden, fracture risk assessment, treatment thresholds, and interventions to reduce the substantial morbidity and mortality ass...

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalNature Reviews Rheumatology·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 25, 2024

A study led by IBEC successfully mimics the complex neuroblastoma vasculature on a chip to explore treatments for this pediatric cancer

Researchers at IBEC have created in vitro models of neuroblastoma vasculature, replicating the tumor's characteristic blood vessel formation and identifying GB3 as a potential therapeutic target. The study uses stiffness-based models and microfluidic chips to explore treatments for this pediatric cancer.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalCancers·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

Enhancing safety in green adipic acid synthesis: the role of EDTA stabilizer and microchannel flow technology

Researchers investigated the role of EDTA stabilizer and microchannel flow technology to improve safety in green adipic acid synthesis. The study found that EDTA mitigates thermal runaway risks by reducing maximum temperatures, and microchannel reactors can efficiently synthesize adipic acid with high yields.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalEmergency Management Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

Humans pass more viruses to other animals than we catch from them

Researchers found that humans transfer viruses to domestic and wild animals at a rate twice that of animal-to-human transmission, highlighting the importance of monitoring viral exchange between species. This study's findings have significant implications for understanding zoonotic diseases and conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 25, 2024

New study reveals influencers of global biogenic volatile organic compound emission trends over the last 20 years

A new study by Chinese Academy of Sciences and Texas A&M University reveals regional to global changes in biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions from 2001 to 2020. The research, published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, highlights the impact of global greening trends on BVOC emissions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateMar 25, 2024

Patients With multimorbidity and limited life expectancy may undergo lung cancer screening unaware that it could cause them more harm than good

Patients with multimorbidity and limited life expectancy are often unaware of the potential harms of lung cancer screening. Despite this, many agree to undergo screening due to personal health goals, trust in their clinician, and anticipation of regret over not getting screened. Discussions between patients and clinicians about the ben...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 25, 2024

DEI and antiracism curriculum must connect the classroom to the clinic to educate medical students about racism in medicine

A new approach to incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and antiracist concepts into undergraduate medical education is presented. The approach involves three phases: framework development, curriculum content development, and implementation with ongoing evaluation and refinement.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 25, 2024

Breakthrough antibiotic shows promise against obstinate mycobacterial infections

Researchers have developed a new antibiotic candidate, COE-PNH2, which demonstrates high efficacy against Mycobacterium abscessus and shows a blend of potency and safety. The molecule targets both replicating and dormant forms of the bacteria, exhibiting robust bactericidal activity and reducing the likelihood of relapse.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 25, 2024

20,000 years of shared history on the Persian plateau

A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that the Persian Plateau was the ancestral home of all present-day non-African human populations, who lived there for approximately 20,000 years before expanding across Eurasia and beyond. The researchers used a novel genetic approach to identify the plateau as the likely 'Hub'...

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 25, 2024

Rice husk can be used as a promising sustainable packaging material

Researchers have developed a biodegradable chitosan-based composite film reinforced with lignin-rich nanofibers extracted from rice husks, reducing waste and promoting circular economy practices. The material showcases improved strength, durability, and unique properties like UV-blocking capabilities.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

Patient-derived organoids in human cancer: a platform for fundamental research and precision medicine

Organoid technology holds great potential for clinical applications, particularly in cancer. Patient-derived tumor organoids effectively recapitulate the histopathologic characterization of parental tumors and exhibit a degree of preservation of genomic features.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMolecular Biomedicine·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 25, 2024

An effective method for improving energy storage performance in (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3-based lead-free relaxor ferroelectrics

Researchers develop an effective method to improve energy storage performance in (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3-based lead-free relaxor ferroelectrics by utilizing high-entropy concept and A-site disorder. The new approach enhances ion disorder, forming isolated polar nanoclusters that promote good energy storage performance.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateMar 25, 2024

Revolutionizing fire safety: the emergence of PA-DAD as a sustainable flame retardant for epoxy resin composites

Researchers have developed a bio-based hyperbranched flame retardant called PA-DAD, which significantly improves the limiting oxygen index values and UL-94 ratings of epoxy resin composites. The addition of PA-DAD also enhances the mechanical properties of EP composites, including tensile, flexural, and impact strengths.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalEmergency Management Science and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

ChatGPT’s potential and limits in summarizing medical research for clinicians

A recent study investigated ChatGPT-3.5's ability to produce high-quality summaries of medical research abstracts, finding that it was accurate but not always fact-based and prone to minor inaccuracies. The model showed promise as a screening tool to help clinicians quickly evaluate article relevance but should not be relied upon for c...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 25, 2024

Caller ID of the sea

Researchers simultaneously tagged many humpback whales from the same pod to analyze their vocalization and compare individual calls. This study provides new information about whale behavior and communication, crucial for informing future conservation efforts.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 25, 2024

Essays on democracy draw attention to critical threats, explore safeguards ahead of Jan. 6

A collection of essays from leading scholars explores the vulnerabilities in the US democratic system and proposes practical steps to strengthen and safeguard it. The authors examine the rise of fascist politics, divisive rhetoric, and social divisions that threaten American democracy.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 25, 2024

Survey on genital tucking among transgender and gender diverse individuals: Majority of respondents desire open conversation with health care providers

Respondents to a survey on genital tucking express a need for more open discussions with healthcare providers. The majority of respondents (70%) say they would feel comfortable having this discussion, suggesting that education and empathy are key.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 25, 2024

Patient recovery after surgery for esophageal cancer isn’t influenced by using standard or keyhole incisions

Researchers found no significant differences between standard and keyhole surgical incision types on short-term clinical outcomes, physical function recovery, or NHS resource costs for oesophageal cancer patients. The ROMIO study suggests that surgeons can maintain their preferred procedure type without compromising patient care.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·TypeObservational study·DateMar 25, 2024

Wild bird gestures “after you”

Researchers at the University of Tokyo discovered that Japanese tit birds use wing movements as a symbolic gesture to communicate with their mates, mirroring human-like behavior. The study found that the birds' wing-fluttering display prompted the mate to enter the nest box first, while the one who fluttered entered second.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 25, 2024

Cool paint coatings help pedestrians feel up to 1.5 degrees Celsius cooler in urban setting, NTU Singapore field study finds

A study by NTU Singapore researchers found that cool paint coatings can reduce city heat by up to 2 degrees Celsius, improving pedestrian thermal comfort levels. The coatings reflected sunlight and absorbed less heat, resulting in cooler temperatures and reduced indoor air-conditioning energy consumption.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

Breakthrough in modeling

Researchers developed a new type of ocean model that can simulate the transport, storage, and turnover of carbon in the global coastal ocean. The model shows that intense plankton growth is key to enhanced CO2 uptake in coastal oceans, which could strengthen with ongoing CO2 emissions.

SourceUniversity of Hamburg·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 25, 2024

Cancer therapies show promise in combating tuberculosis

Researchers have identified a combination of medications that may improve blood flow within granulomas, benefiting drug delivery and reducing bacterial burden in tuberculosis-infected rabbits. The study leverages decades of cancer research to study tuberculosis-affected lung tissue and improves treatment.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2024

Human brains are getting larger. That may be good news for dementia risk

A new study found that human brains are getting larger, with participants born in the 1970s having 6.6% greater brain volume and almost 15% larger brain surface area than those born in the 1930s. This increased brain size may lead to a higher brain reserve, potentially reducing the overall risk of age-related dementias.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 25, 2024

Study links long-term consumption of reused deep-fried oil with increased neurodegeneration

Rats consuming reheated sesame or sunflower oil showed increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, leading to significant damage in the colon and changes in endotoxins. The study suggests that long-term deep-fried oil consumption may contribute to neurodegeneration and highlight the need for further research on this topic.

Fathers’ perceptions of their teen sons’ readiness for sex linked to their likelihood to provide guidance on condom use

Researchers identified three key factors influencing fathers' assessments: completion of life milestones, cognitive-social emotional maturity, and preparedness to have sex safely. This study offers practical suggestions for engaging fathers in primary care to promote adolescent male correct and consistent condom use.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 25, 2024

Citizen scientists contribute vital information about 35 seahorse species: their geographic ranges, habitats, and pregnancy seasonality

Researchers from Project Seahorse analyzed 7,794 validated iSeahorse observations from 96 countries, revealing new information on sex ratio and pregnancy seasonality. The study found that many seahorse species have larger geographic ranges, more diverse habitats, and shallower depth ranges than previously known.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Fish Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 25, 2024

Annals of Family Medicine: Study shows Latino and Black fathers' perception of sons' sexual readiness is key to effective condom guidance

A new study reveals that a father's understanding of his son's readiness for sexual relationships is key to effective condom guidance. Fathers consider factors beyond age, such as maturity and life opportunity trajectories, when deciding when to initiate discussions.

SourceInstitute for Health Policy Solutions, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateMar 25, 2024

How firearms move from legal purchase to criminal use

A new study analyzing California gun data found that guns lost or stolen are three times more likely to be used in a crime, while cheap, semiautomatic, and large caliber handguns are also at higher risk. The study suggests securing firearms from theft or loss should be a primary focus for preventing firearm-related crimes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalInjury Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 25, 2024

A self-cleaning wall paint

Researchers developed a self-cleaning wall paint using waste-valorized titanium oxide nanoparticles, which can bind and break down pollutants, and then degrade them when exposed to sunlight. The paint combines several advantages, including air pollutant removal, longer durability, and reduced production costs.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

A national quality improvement initiative provides insight into how to successfully implement change in primary care practices

The EvidenceNOW initiative, launched by AHRQ in 2015, aimed to improve cardiovascular care in small and medium-sized primary care practices. The program provided external quality improvement support and funding to seven regions across the US, resulting in improved quality of care and heart health outcomes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 25, 2024

Pediatric health care disrupted by COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by existing barriers such as systemic racism

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly interrupted pediatric healthcare, resulting in foregone care, well-child visits, and vaccinations for vulnerable populations. Non-Hispanic White children were less likely to experience these gaps, while virtual school formats increased the risk of foregone care.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 25, 2024

Filming ultrafast molecular motions in single crystal

Scientists have applied time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (TR-SFX) to study molecular motion in real-time with atomic resolution, revealing three pathways of structural change in a porous coordination network sample. This breakthrough unlocks new opportunities for investigating chemical systems and material science.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

Chinese Society of Cardiology guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of adult fulminant myocarditis

The Chinese Society of Cardiology has released the first diagnostic and treatment guidelines for adult fulminant myocarditis, focusing on early identification, diagnosis, and immunomodulatory therapy. The new regimen aims to reduce mortality rates from over 50% to below 5% with life support-based comprehensive treatment.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateMar 25, 2024

Comparative study of type 2 diabetes medications show differences in medication acceptance, quality-of-life, insulin secretion and mortality

A comparative study of four major type 2 diabetes medications reveals differences in medication acceptance, quality of life, insulin secretion, and mortality. The GRADE Study found that younger age and higher blood sugar levels at baseline were associated with poor blood sugar control over time.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMar 25, 2024

Seeing the forest for the trees: Species diversity is directly correlated with productivity in eastern U.S. forests

A new study shows that species richness is strongly correlated with forest productivity, while phylogenetic and functional diversity are negatively correlated. This finding suggests that focusing on planting more tree species can be an effective way to restore degraded ecosystems.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2024

Global study could change how children with multiple sclerosis are treated

A global study has found that children with multiple sclerosis who are treated early and with the same high-efficacy therapies as adults have better outcomes. The study, which analyzed data from over 5,000 people diagnosed with MS during childhood, suggests that these therapies can help preserve neurological capacity before it's damaged.

SourceMelbourne Health·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 25, 2024

How many fish constitute a school?

A team of physicists discovered that groups of just three zebrafish exhibit coordinated movement patterns similar to those in large schools. In contrast, pairs of fish behave differently, with one leading the other. The study's findings suggest that three is a critical number for group cohesion in schooling behavior.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 25, 2024

GPT-4 for identifying cell types in single cells matches and sometimes outperforms expert methods

A study published in Nature Methods found that GPT-4 can accurately interpret cell types from single-cell RNA sequencing data, matching human expert annotations in over 75% of cases. The model's robustness and speed were also demonstrated, making it a promising tool for cost-efficient and seamless cell type annotation.

Novel quantum algorithm for high-quality solutions to combinatorial optimization problems

Researchers have proposed an innovative quantum algorithm that effectively solves combinatorial optimization problems with constraints in a short time. The pVSQA algorithm uses a quantum device to generate a variational quantum state and transform infeasible solutions into feasible ones, achieving near-optimal performance.

SourceWaseda University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Quantum Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 25, 2024

Pushing back the limits of optical imaging by processing trillions of frames per second

A new ultrafast camera system called SCARF has been developed by Professor Jinyang Liang's team at INRS, capturing up to 156.3 trillion frames per second with astonishing precision. This breakthrough enables real-time imaging of unique phenomena that are ultrafast, non-repeatable, or difficult to reproduce.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024

Decreases in social disparities in air pollution during lockdown suggest the need for sustainable policies

A study found significant decreases in average nitrogen dioxide concentrations and social inequities in California's air pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Non-urban areas saw a 17% decrease, while urban areas experienced a 50% reduction, primarily due to reduced traffic.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateMar 25, 2024

AACR: Progress treating pancreatic cancer, immunotherapy for head and neck cancers, potential biomarker for aggressive neuroendocrine carcinomas and more

Researchers present findings on immunotherapy approaches, a potential biomarker for neuroendocrine carcinomas, and improved treatments for pancreatic cancer and melanoma. A UCLA team identified UCHL1 as a molecular indicator and therapeutic target for aggressive neuroendocrine cancers.

Physician work hours, especially for male doctors, have declined since 1987

Physician work hours in Canada have decreased over the past three decades, particularly among male and married physicians, with a possible shift towards achieving better work-life balance. The study found no correlation between higher payments and reduced working hours, indicating that other factors may be at play.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 25, 2024

Friend or foe: A closer look at the role of health care algorithms in racial and ethnic disparities

A new study by Penn researchers finds that healthcare algorithms can have a nuanced impact on racial and ethnic disparities, sometimes reducing disparities but also affecting other outcomes. The research team identified strategies to mitigate disparities, including adding non-race variables and using diverse data sets.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 25, 2024

The future of independent primary care practices serving vulnerable populations depends on new policies that support health equity

A mixed-methods study examines the challenges faced by independent family physicians in urban communities, who serve socially vulnerable patients with limited support from healthcare entities. The researchers propose that health equity-focused policies and new payment models could help these practices stay afloat.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 25, 2024

Collaboration between medical department staff and their IT colleagues on an EHR optimization project leads to improved productivity

A four-month department-wide EHR optimization project led to improved usability and reduced administrative burdens. The study demonstrates that successful EHR workflow optimization is possible at the departmental level through ongoing collaboration between EHR users and IT colleagues.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 25, 2024

Novel study compares fracture patterning in fatal, survived intimate partner violence cases

A new study compares fracture patterns in fatal and survived intimate partner violence cases, finding that fractures were more frequent in the upper face and cranial vault regions. The study also identified that most fractures were comminuted or linear, with a significant variability in skeletal trauma associated with IPV.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalForensic Science International·TypeCase study·DateMar 25, 2024

Why scientists are making space data into sounds

Researchers translate visual data of celestial objects into sonified sounds to improve accessibility and trust in scientific discoveries. The study shows significant learning gains and positive experiential responses among participants, increasing access to astronomy for everyone.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Communication·TypeSurvey·DateMar 25, 2024

Gotta go? New bladder device lets you know

A new implant and smartphone app monitor bladder fullness in real time, offering a game-changer for people with paralysis, spina bifida, or end-stage bladder disease. The device's success has been demonstrated in small animal studies and non-human primate trials.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2024