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Science News Archive March 2024 - Page 17


Page 17 of 42

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

BU study finds coping is related to longevity in older men

A new study from Boston University found that older men's ability to cope with stressors is crucial for their longevity. The researchers analyzed data from 743 men and discovered that the overall effort put into coping was more important than specific strategies or perceived stress levels. This finding suggests that older adults who st...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Gerontology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 19, 2024

Intersectional stereotypes in English text

Researchers developed a method to extract intersectional stereotypes from large datasets of English text, revealing pervasive androcentric and ethnocentric biases. The study found that certain traits were associated more frequently with specific intersectional groups, such as 'White Men' but not 'Black Women'.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMar 19, 2024

Change in MYCN-driven cell state opens therapeutic window in high-risk neuroblastoma

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered a potential therapeutic target for high-risk neuroblastoma by studying the cellular personality switch driven by the MYCN protein. Inhibiting the protein KDM4 showed promising anticancer activity, blocking MYCN expression and repressing key oncogenes in disease models.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024

Brain recordings in people before surgery reveal how all minds plan what to say prior to speaking

A new study reveals that pauses in speech can provide information about how people's brains plan and produce speech. The research found that neighboring brain regions play a crucial role in speech planning, with longer latencies corresponding to planning and shorter latencies indicating physical mechanics of speaking.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024

Colorectal cancer screening in Araba (Basque Country)

The study found that 90.98% of participants obtained a definitive result from colorectal cancer screening, with 31.71% being normal and 5.49% having non-neoplastic polyps. The results suggest the importance of primary care physicians in promoting secondary prevention and informing the population about the program.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalCancer Screening and Prevention·DateMar 19, 2024

People who are ‘double jointed’ may be at heightened risk of long COVID

A case-control study found that individuals with joint hypermobility were 30% more likely to not fully recover from COVID-19 infection and experience persistent fatigue associated with long COVID. The study, published in BMJ Public Health, also identified other underlying health conditions as risk factors for developing long COVID.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 19, 2024

Novel material for perovskite solar cells can improve their stability and efficiency

Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology developed a new material for perovskite solar cells, which exhibits better power conversion efficiencies and operational stability. The material, synthesised through polymerisation, can be used in both regular and inverted architecture solar cells.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024

Revolutionizing field phenotyping: A novel glare correction technique using polarized light

A new method for correcting glare in plant phenotyping has been developed, using polarized light to improve accuracy and reduce complexity. The technique has been validated in field trials, showing significant improvements in image data accuracy and reduction of error and variance.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024

Researchers support increased genomic sequencing of dengue for more effective prevention

Researchers support increased genomic sequencing of dengue for better understanding of genetic diversity, transmission dynamics, and virulence. This could lead to the development of vaccines that don't require pre-screening for serotypes, enabling more efficient vaccination campaigns against this global disease.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 19, 2024

Knitting brings calmness and structure to the lives of people with mental illness

A University of Gothenburg study reveals that knitting supports improved health by enabling people to unwind, offering a low-stakes social context, and providing structure. Knitting is found to improve both short-term and long-term mental health outcomes, with many participants noticing a decrease in anxiety and stress.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Occupational Science·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 19, 2024

Empty “backpacks” activate the immune system against cancer

Researchers have demonstrated that attaching 'empty' backpacks to neutrophils activates them against cancer. The treated neutrophils infused into mice with cancer activated other immune cells and reduced tumor size. This technique is attractive as a 'drug-free' cell therapy for cancer.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024

MRI and lumbar puncture not necessarily required to manage CAR T-cell therapy complications

A new study suggests that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and lumbar puncture may not be necessary for diagnosing and managing immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) in CAR T-cell therapy recipients. EEG findings often led to adjustments in medications, indicating its continued importance as a diagnostic tool.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateMar 19, 2024

Monoclonal Antibodies in Immunodiagnosis and Immunotherapy appoints new Editor-in-Chief, Cory Brooks, PhD

Cory Brooks has been appointed as the new Editor-in-Chief of the journal, bringing his expertise in structural biology and antibody research to the role. He aims to advance understanding of antibody therapeutics and promote sharing of research on hybridoma technology.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalMonoclonal Antibodies in Immunodiagnosis and Immunotherapy·TypeNews article·DateMar 19, 2024