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Science News Archive March 2024 - Page 21


Page 21 of 42

UMD researchers develop genomic method of monitoring for pesticide resistance

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a genomic method to monitor pesticide resistance in crops, allowing for early detection of emerging threats. The approach identifies specific genes with mutations that can explain toxin resistance, and provides insights into how common strategies may be facilitating resistance.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

Study eases concern at antipsychotics use in pregnancy

A new international study led by UNSW Sydney found no increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders and learning difficulties after exposure to antipsychotics during pregnancy. The study tracked the long-term risk of intellectual disability, poor academic performance in maths and language, or learning, speech and language disorders.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 18, 2024

Over half of global commutes are by car, says study

According to a new study, around 51% of global commutes are made by car, varying greatly across regions. In contrast, cities like Copenhagen, Paris, and Utrecht rely heavily on cycling and public transportation. The US also shows minimal variation in modal share across cities, with nearly 92% of commutes made by car.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalEnvironment International·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 18, 2024

Sustainable development of unconventional resources: Analysis of transient linear flow oriented straight-line analysis technique

Researchers review advances and challenges in applying SLA to evaluate unconventional reservoirs, highlighting its simplicity and convenience. The study proposes modifications to address reservoir heterogeneity and suggests combining SLA with machine learning algorithms for improved accuracy.

SourceEnergy Reviews·JournalEnergy Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 18, 2024

Attacking metastatic prostate cancer early with combination treatment approach improves outcomes in preliminary study

A combination of short-course hormonal therapy and stereotactic body radiation therapy has been shown to be safe and effective in treating metastatic prostate cancer. In a preliminary study, 50% of patients remained recurrence-free six months after treatment, with less than a quarter experiencing severe side effects.

Overeating and starving both damage the liver: Cavefish provide new insight into fatty liver disease

Researchers have identified a gene responsible for the development of starvation-induced fatty liver in cavefish, which are able to protect their liver due to reduced fat accumulation. This genetic basis has implications for understanding and addressing liver conditions in humans, including Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

Research shows that Black individuals with a genetic mutation in the TTN gene have increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation, heart failure

Researchers found that Black individuals carrying genetic variants in the Titin, TTN gene have a high risk of developing atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and dilated cardiomyopathy. The study used data from the All of Us Research Program to examine the role of these genetic mutations in African ancestry individuals.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 18, 2024

Can used coffee grounds help clean up environmental toxins?

New research reveals spent coffee grounds can act as an efficient adsorbent of bentazone, a highly neurotoxic herbicide. Activated carbon from spent coffee grounds showed a 70% efficiency in bentazone removal and high sensitivity to pollutants.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology·DateMar 18, 2024

Rehabilitative reform

University of Missouri researcher Kelli Canada is using a $2.8 million grant to transform prison conditions in four Missouri prisons. Her multi-pronged mission includes staff training, physical space changes, skill building for residents, and community connections.

Laws that punish drug use during pregnancy likely lead to worse health outcomes for families

A study by researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that laws criminalizing or punishing drug use during pregnancy are more likely to worsen rather than improve health outcomes. The findings suggest that punitive policies are ineffective and may even increase harm to pregnant individuals and their babies.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateMar 18, 2024

Mimicking exercise with a pill

Researchers have discovered compounds that can activate estrogen-related receptors (ERRs), similar to the effects of exercise on metabolism and muscle growth. The new compounds may offer a substitute for exercise in people with medical conditions, such as heart failure and neurodegenerative disease.

Backyard insect inspires invisibility devices, next gen tech

Researchers have precisely replicated the complex geometry of leafhopper particles, called brochosomes, which absorb visible and ultraviolet light. The unique design serves a dual purpose, reducing visibility to predators and scattering visible light for potential threats.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

A wetter world recorded in Australian coral colony

Researchers analyzed coral core samples from northeastern Queensland, Australia, to reconstruct past rainfall patterns. The study found a significant correlation between increased rainfall and geochemical signals in the corals, indicating a 10% increase in wet-season rainfall and more than doubled extreme rain events since 1750.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateMar 18, 2024

New discovery concerning occurrence of antibiotic resistance

A new study by Uppsala University researchers demonstrates that heteroresistance, a common transient resistance in bacteria, can facilitate the development of antibiotic resistance. The study found that heteroresistant bacteria carrying more resistance gene copies result in slower growth and increased risk of treatment failure.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

Middle-aged Americans lonelier than European counterparts

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that middle-aged adults in the US tend to report significantly higher levels of loneliness compared to their European counterparts. The study suggests that cultural norms, socioeconomic influences, and social safety nets between the two regions may contribute to the 'lo...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Psychologist·TypeSurvey·DateMar 18, 2024

Americans support democratic norms, elected officials don't

A recent study found that most Americans support democratic norms, with 17.2% of Democrats and 21.6% of Republicans supporting at least one norm violation. However, the researchers also discovered a divide between everyday citizens and elected officials who are pushing against democratic governance.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 18, 2024

Understanding what causes trastuzumab’s cardiotoxicity

A meta-analysis of mitochondria-related gene expression data reveals an imbalance in mitochondrial functions after trastuzumab treatment, potentially leading to heart failure. The study provides innovative insights into the mechanisms of trastuzumab cardiotoxicity and informs future drug discovery and precision oncology research.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalOMICS A Journal of Integrative Biology·TypeCase study·DateMar 18, 2024

Eyes open and toes out of water: how a giant water bug reached the island of Cyprus

Citizen science plays a crucial role in detecting the giant water bug's presence on Cyprus, with seven sightings recorded in 2020 and 2021. The species, known for its painful bites and hunting habits, is unlikely to have gone unnoticed for too long, sparking discussions about possible migration events.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalTravaux du Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle “Grigore Antipa”·DateMar 18, 2024

Reimagining the future of solar energy

Scientists at the University of Cambridge discovered that making solar cells super-efficient is harder than thought, but found alternative ways to improve energy capture. They proposed flexible, semi-transparent panels that can fold up and be integrated into various settings.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJoule·DateMar 18, 2024

Clinical, biomarker, and research tests among US government personnel and their family members involved in anomalous health incidents

A recent study investigated anomalous health incidents among US government personnel and their family members. The researchers found that individuals experiencing these incidents did not show significant differences in clinical measures compared to matched control participants, except for fatigue, posttraumatic stress, and depression.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 18, 2024

Innovative magnetic levitation: New material offers potential for unlocking gravity-free technology

Researchers at OIST create a floating platform using graphite and magnets that operates without external power, opening potential for ultra-sensitive sensors and precision measurements. The new material, derived from graphite, overcomes energy loss challenges, allowing the platform to achieve 'frictionless' motion.