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Science News Archive March 2024 - Page 19


Page 19 of 42

Epidemic of fatal prion disease kuru likely led to migration of women in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea

Researchers found that genetic variants in the Fore population made them resistant to kuru, while a large influx of females migrated into the region due to flexible kinship systems. The study suggests an alternative theory on how Fore communities interacted with neighboring communities despite fears of kuru.

SourceCell Press·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024

Circulating tumor DNA levels predict treatment outcomes for patients with gastroesophageal cancer treated with a novel immunotherapy combination

A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that circulating tumor DNA levels can accurately assess how gastroesophageal cancers respond to treatment and predict future prognosis. The study tracked minimal residual disease by analyzing ctDNA, showing a correlation between ctDNA clearance and cancer-free survival.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 19, 2024

New data show pembrolizumab improves breast cancer outcomes regardless of age or menopausal status

New data show that adding pembrolizumab to chemotherapy before and after surgery for breast cancer leads to better outcomes, with significant increases in pathological complete response rates across all age groups. The study also found similar rates of breast-conserving surgery and mastectomy, as well as lower residual cancer burdens.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 19, 2024

Using ‘time travel’ to think about technology from the perspective of future generations

A study by Osaka University found that thinking about sustainability from the perspective of imaginary future generations yields new insights into technological innovation and societal trends. Participants in workshops ranked indicators differently after adopting this perspective, perceiving technology's feasibility more accurately.

SourceOsaka University·JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change·TypeCase study·DateMar 19, 2024

A new study contextualizes ownership competence in private firms

Owner-managers' matching competence is essential in the early years of a firm to theorize about potential value combinations. The study also found that family dynamics can hinder growth by constraining owners' judgment and preventing professionalization, but introducing governance mechanisms can resolve this challenge.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Entrepreneurship Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 19, 2024

Numerical models for a better understanding of long-term effects on lake ecosystems

Numerical models help assess ecological impacts of climate change on lakes by simulating changes in phytoplankton composition and community stability. The study found that warming increased seasonal variability in phytoplankton, leading to reduced overall evenness and increased species loss over time.

SourceHun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 19, 2024

New analysis offers policy solutions for intensive care crisis in rural America

A new policy analysis from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute identifies the intensive care crisis in rural America and proposes comprehensive solutions. The study suggests policies like reducing uninsured populations through ACA Medicaid expansion and increasing healthcare workforce can strengthen rural intensive care capacity.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateMar 19, 2024

Greenhouse gas emissions in Global South countries linked with IMF lending policies

A recent study suggests that IMF lending policies, especially structural loans, lead to significant increases in greenhouse gas emissions in Global South countries. This effect is most pronounced with second or subsequent loans, which can result in immediate spikes in emissions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSocio-Economic Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 19, 2024

It’s not a hookup: Research reveals what college students mean when they say they’re ‘just talking’

Researchers at Binghamton University found that college students' term 'just talking' refers to building intimacy in a stigmatized environment. The study revealed that romance is more important to emerging adults than expected, and people who engage in 'just talking' often communicate via smartphones and social media.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalEmerging Adulthood·DateMar 19, 2024

Sea surface temperature research provides clear evidence of human-caused climate change

Scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution find strong correlation between CO2 increases and changes in seasonal sea surface temperature patterns. The study reveals distinct features, including increased warming in summer months and thinner mixed-layer depths, with implications for marine ecosystems.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeObservational study·DateMar 19, 2024

Spectroscopy and theory shed light on excitons in semiconductors

Researchers have developed a new method to visualize the quantum mechanical wave function of excitons in organic semiconductors. This understanding is essential for developing more efficient materials with organic semiconductors. The technique, known as photoemission exciton tomography, provides insights into the behavior of excitons i...

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024

Researchers design new open-source technology for interfacing with living neurons

Researchers developed a new open-source system to interface with living neurons, offering enhanced control and precision in measuring neural processes. The system boasts over 500 electrodes, allowing for more data collection and customization, while being 10 times cheaper than commercial systems.

Did the first cells evolve in soda lakes?

Researchers found that spontaneous RNA extension occurred at rates comparable to laboratory conditions in lake water with low Mg2+ concentrations. Fatty acids formed membranes in dilute water, which persisted even when surrounded by concentrated lake water.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMar 19, 2024

Low social status increases risk of health problems from alcohol problems

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that individuals with lower income or education levels are more likely to develop medical conditions related to alcohol abuse. The research suggests that these groups may benefit from additional screening by clinicians to evaluate their alcohol consumption and identify related conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 19, 2024

Metamaterials and AI converge, igniting innovative breakthroughs

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs by harnessing AI in metamaterials research, leading to faster device development and more precise data analysis. This convergence of AI and metaphotonics has the potential to transform various domains, including diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and security.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalCurrent Opinion in Solid State and Materials Science·DateMar 19, 2024

Research case series presents food as medicine as a potential treatment for lupus and other autoimmune diseases

A new research case series presents three women with systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's syndrome who achieved remission of symptoms after following a predominantly raw dietary pattern high in cruciferous vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids. All three patients have remained symptom-free, with two reporting no symptoms for more th...

SourceAmerican College of Lifestyle Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Nutrition·TypeCase study·DateMar 19, 2024

Details in pregnancy history shed light on risk of dying of cardiovascular disease

Research found that certain patterns of pregnancy history, including early deliveries and multiple hypertensive disorders, are associated with high risk of heart attack and stroke. Others with fewer or no complications have lower risk, suggesting other factors may also play a role in predicting cardiovascular disease mortality.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalPaediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 19, 2024

Immune evasion tactics of liver cancer cells revealed

A faulty beta-catenin gene helps tumours evade immunity by stopping tumor cells releasing message-containing cargoes called exosomes. Silencing mutant-beta-catenin could be a viable therapeutic strategy to trigger immune cell infiltration and increase tumour-to-immune cell communication.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateMar 19, 2024

Continuous non-invasive glucose sensing on the horizon with the development of a new optical sensor.

Researchers have developed a miniaturized optical sensor that can detect glucose levels in human blood plasma with comparable sensitivity to laboratory-based sensors. The device operates wirelessly using a coin battery and has demonstrated its viability in detecting glucose levels between 50-400mg/dL.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Sensor Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 2024

A breakthrough in solid-state electrolytes for all-solid-state batteries: Twice the quality with streamlined processes

Researchers at KERI developed a grinding-free wet synthesis process for solid electrolytes, achieving doubled quality with reduced processing time and cost. This innovation enables mass production of high-quality solid-state electrolytes, crucial for all-solid-state battery commercialization.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·DateMar 19, 2024

Genetic test identifies patients with triple negative breast cancer who are unlikely to respond to immunotherapies

A new genetic test has identified patients with triple negative early-stage breast cancer who are unlikely to respond to immunotherapy drugs. The test, called ImPrintTN, can predict a patient's likelihood of responding to these treatments and help avoid severe side effects.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 19, 2024

An innovative mixed light field technique for immersive projection mapping

A novel mixed light field technique was developed to achieve immersive augmented reality experiences in bright environments, preserving natural shadows and contrast. The approach utilizes ray-controlled lighting and a binary search algorithm to remove ambient lighting from PM targets.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

Scientists’ discovery could reduce dependence on animals for vital anti-blood clot drug

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a patented process to produce heparin in the lab, offering a consistent and safe supply of the essential medicine. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize the production of heparin, reducing reliance on animal-derived sources and addressing global supply chain issues.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024