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Science News Archive March 2024 - Page 23


Page 23 of 42

Groundbreaking study reveals extensive leatherback turtle activity along U.S. coastline

A new study tracked 52 leatherback sea turtles off the coasts of Cape Cod and Beaufort, North Carolina, revealing significant foraging activities in the Mid-Atlantic Bight and Southern New England. The research highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to mitigate risks such as incidental capture by fisheries and vessel strikes.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateMar 15, 2024

DNA origami-based vaccines toward safe and highly-effective precision cancer immunotherapy

A new DNA origami platform, DoriVac, enables precise spacing of adjuvant molecules and a variety of antigens to enhance anti-tumor responses. The vaccine demonstrated enhanced efficacy in controlling tumor growth and prolonging survival in mice, synergizing with immune checkpoint inhibitors.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2024

How the brain translates motivation into goal-oriented behavior, according to new study

The study reveals that two neural pathways in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus participate in dynamic regulation of goal pursuits, with PVT+ neurons encoding execution and termination of actions, respectively. Activity in these neurons mirrors motivation parameters such as vigor and satiety.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2024

UC study: Subcutaneous infusion pump safe, effective for Parkinson’s treatment

A phase 3 trial co-led by a University of Cincinnati researcher found that subcutaneous levodopa delivery through an infusion pump is safe and effective in reducing symptoms for longer periods. The study resulted in almost two hours of additional 'on time' compared to traditional oral medication, paving the way for potential FDA approval.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 15, 2024

Printed polymer allows researchers to explore chirality and spin interactions at room temperature

Researchers have developed a printable organic polymer that enables them to measure charge-to-spin conversion in spintronic materials at room temperature, revealing new insights into the mechanics of spintronics. The findings suggest longer spin lifetimes and tunability, paving the way for more efficient and energy-friendly devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2024

Sleep apnea solution could be right under your nose

Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a bedtime nasal spray that can reduce the severity of sleep apnea in people and lower their blood pressure. The study found that the spray, which blocks potassium channels, improved oxygen levels and reduced markers of OSA severity in 7 out of 10 participants.

SourceFlinders University·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 15, 2024

Shark-bitten orcas in the Northeastern Pacific could be a new population of killer whale

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered a new population of killer whales in the Northeastern Pacific, with distinct physical characteristics and a diet that includes marine mammals and sea turtles. The orcas were identified through shark-bitten scars and observations by fishermen and birding enthusiasts.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAquatic Mammals·DateMar 15, 2024

Global warming may intensify the modulation of tropical cyclone genesis by summer intraseasonal oscillation

Research suggests global warming enhances the modulation of tropical cyclone genesis by summer intraseasonal oscillation. The study found increased water vapor content and convective activity under global warming conditions, leading to enhanced formation density of tropical cyclones.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 15, 2024

Machine learning classifier accelerates the development of cellular immunotherapies

A machine learning classifier developed by German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) scientists has accelerated the development of personalized T cell therapies for cancer patients. The technology, called predicTCR, can identify tumor-reactive T cell receptors with 90% accuracy in a matter of days, regardless of tumor type.

New research in April: colorectal cancer, kidney health, OR supply costs, and more

Research highlights new findings on social vulnerability and survivorship after colorectal cancer resection, as well as disparities in kidney recovery among Black donors. Additionally, studies reveal cost savings from implementing quality interventions and explore eligibility for transplants in obese patients with end-stage renal disease.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 15, 2024

Breakthrough in ultraviolet spectroscopy

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics have successfully developed a new technique for deciphering the properties of light and matter, enabling precise spectroscopy under low-light conditions. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for novel applications in photon-level diagnostics, precision spectroscopy, and biom...

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMar 15, 2024

Do school grades influence parental support?

A recent study by Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research found that parents in low-income families support their children equally regardless of grades. In contrast, parents from higher income groups tend to give more support to children with lower grades. This suggests that these patterns may contribute to low social mobility.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEuropean Sociological Review·DateMar 15, 2024

Less is more: Not placing a drain improves distal pancreatectomy outcomes

A study published in Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that not placing a drain during distal pancreatectomy surgery improves patient outcomes. The study, involving 282 patients across ten Dutch and two Italian hospitals, demonstrated a significant reduction in postoperative pancreatic leaks and overall morbidity.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 15, 2024

A universal insertion of various molecules into ionic crystals under high pressure

Researchers have discovered a universal propensity for forming stable hybrid compounds when molecules are inserted into ionic crystals under high pressure. This process can lead to the formation of novel materials with promising properties for green energy storage and potentially reveal insights into giant planets' structure and dynamics.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 15, 2024

China's urban jungles: how city parks are winning the battle against concrete

A recent review highlights China's successful urban greening efforts, with over 60% of cities demonstrating substantial recovery of greenness post-2011. This shift reflects the positive impact of rigorous urban planning and greening policies, enhancing biodiversity, improving air quality, and elevating city dwellers' quality of life.

Oregon State researchers take deep dive into how much water is stored in snow

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new metric to measure water storage in snowpacks, which reveals a 22% drop in annual storage over the past four decades. This finding is important for water managers as it can help make long-term planning decisions for adjusting infrastructure options.

SourceOregon State University·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 15, 2024

Eliminating socioeconomic disparities in youth physical activity can save over $15 billion

A new study shows that eliminating disparities in physical activity levels between low and higher socioeconomic groups could save over $6.93 billion in direct medical costs and $8.67 billion in productivity losses. The study suggests tailoring physical activity interventions towards lower income groups to maximize cost savings.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 15, 2024

The atlas of unburnable oil in the world

A new study by the University of Barcelona presents an atlas of unburnable oil in the world, highlighting areas where exploiting oil resources would be incompatible with meeting global warming targets. The atlas warns against extracting oil from sensitive ecosystems, indigenous territories, and areas of high endemic species richness.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMar 15, 2024

SickKids program provides integrated, trauma-informed care for pregnant and parenting adolescents

A recent study from The Hospital for Sick Children found that pregnant teenagers in Ontario were at a 50% higher risk of premature death before age 31 compared to those with no teen pregnancy. The Young Prenatal Program and Young Families Program offer integrated physical, mental, and developmental care to support adolescent parents.

SourceThe Hospital for Sick Children·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 14, 2024

The Lancet Neurology: Neurological conditions now leading cause of ill health and disability globally, affecting 3.4 billion people worldwide

The study reveals that neurological conditions are the leading cause of ill health and disability globally, with 3.4 billion people affected in 2021. The analysis shows a significant increase in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) caused by these conditions over the past three decades.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 14, 2024

A new ion trap for larger quantum computers

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new ion trap for larger quantum computers using static magnetic fields, overcoming previous limitations with oscillating fields. The Penning trap design allows for arbitrary transport and control of qubits, enabling future supercomputers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateMar 14, 2024

Nucleophilic amino acids as a renewable alternative to petrochemically-derived amines in glycerol epoxy resins

Amino acids from lysine, glutamic acid, leucine, and serine exhibit superior curing properties compared to commercial hardeners. This study demonstrates the potential of these bio-based epoxy curing agents as a renewable alternative to petrochemical-derived amines.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

Researchers can reveal illegal timber exports

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg developed a new method to identify the origin of harvested trees using chemical footprints in wood tissue. The study focused on Eastern European countries, but the method is applicable worldwide, tackling over half of tropical timber's illegal harvest.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Plants·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 14, 2024

Study: How home food availability affects young children’s nutrient intake

A new study from the University of Illinois found that changes in home food availability between 2 to 4 years old are associated with changes in nutrient intake. The researchers used the Home Food Inventory (HFI) to measure food availability and found significant changes in several food categories over time.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2024