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Science News Archive March 2024 - Page 25


Page 25 of 42

Ginkgo biloba compounds improve cognitive function following stroke

A study published in Open Medicine found that Ginkgo Diterpene Lactone Meglumine (GDLM) improves cognitive function in patients who recently experienced an acute ischemic stroke. The treatment showed anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects, reducing inflammation and coagulation markers.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 14, 2024

UChicago Medicine helps bring first-of-its-kind drug for metabolic liver disease to the clinic

Resmetirom, a new medication, has been approved to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a more advanced stage of MASLD characterized by liver inflammation and scarring. The drug was shown to improve fibrosis and reduce disease progression in patients with MASLD.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 14, 2024

Chiral transmission by an open evolution trajectory in a non-Hermitian system

Researchers have developed a new approach to induce chiral response in non-Hermitian systems by exploring open evolution trajectories. Chiral conversion between localized modes is demonstrated, enabling high-efficiency transmission and relaxation of fabrication requirements.

Mind the mask!

An experimental study on over 6,000 unvaccinated individuals in Europe reveals that people perceive less risk of contagion when wearing masks and meeting in open spaces. The study highlights the importance of improving behavioral aspects of health policies and public health literacy.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

Gut bacteria important for overcoming milk allergy

Researchers at RIKEN found that gut bacteria, particularly Bifidobacterium, are associated with higher chances of successful milk-allergy treatment. However, only 7 out of 28 children who underwent oral immunotherapy passed the food challenge after a two-week milk avoidance period.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAllergology International·DateMar 14, 2024

Training dairy cows with positive reinforcement can turn otherwise stressful events into play

A recent study in the Journal of Dairy Science found that training dairy cows with positive reinforcement can improve their emotional state and overall welfare. The researchers trained Holstein dairy heifers using food rewards and observed increased anticipatory behaviors and play, indicating a positive experience for the animals.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

Scientists use an innovative approach to provide relevant insights into a rare neurologic disorder

Researchers have discovered new genetic mechanisms related to spinocerebellar ataxia type 37, a rare neurological disorder that affects balance and movement. The study employed advanced techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and machine learning to uncover the disease's underlying causes.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalHuman Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

Shedding new light on brain calcification

Researchers at the University of Bergen have identified a new gene linked to primary familial brain calcification (PFBC), a rare neurodegenerative condition. The discovery provides new insight into how brain calcifications occur and may help explain the development of dementia.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2024

New approach to plastic production, under more sustainable conditions

Researchers have created a novel method to control long-chain branching in polyethylene under solution-phase conditions, producing a plastic with properties similar to LDPE. The new approach uses dual-chain catalysts and is industrially viable, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional high-pressure synthesis processes.

University of Maryland, Baltimore researchers call for regulation of direct-to-consumer microbiome tests

Direct-to-consumer microbiome testing services claim to reveal a person's 'healthy' microbiome, but researchers argue that there is no scientifically agreed-upon definition and no clinical proof of effectiveness. The authors call for federal regulation and standards for analytical validity, reporting, and comparative testing.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 14, 2024

Large-scale study explores genetic link between colorectal cancer and meat intake

Researchers linked red/processed meat consumption to increased colorectal cancer risk, highlighting two genetic markers (HAS2 and SMAD7) that alter cancer risk levels based on meat intake. The study analyzed data from nearly 70,000 people and found a 30-40% increased risk for those with high red or processed meat intake.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 14, 2024

Surprising insights about debris flows on Mars

A recent study by Lonneke Roelofs from Utrecht University suggests that debris flows on Mars can be driven by evaporating CO2 ice, not just liquid water. This new understanding pushes the presence of water on Mars further back in time, making it less likely for life to have existed.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2024

Study finds media coverage focused on Katherine Johnson's achievements, treated discrimination as past problem

A study found that media coverage of Katherine Johnson's death emphasized her exceptional mathematical skills but downplayed the ongoing racism and sexism she faced in NASA and society. The research highlights how journalists often focus on a person's achievements without critically examining systemic inequalities.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Black Studies·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 14, 2024

Poor neighborhoods linked to elevated dementia risk and faster brain aging

A Duke University-led study suggests that targeting disadvantaged neighborhoods for dementia prevention programs could help lower dementia risk. People living in poorer neighborhoods show early signs of cognitive decline and have measurably poorer brain health as early as age 45, regardless of their own personal income or education.

SourceDuke University·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeObservational study·DateMar 14, 2024

Small amounts of licorice raise blood pressure

A study by Linköping University found that a daily intake of liquorice containing 100mg glycyrrhizic acid raised blood pressure by an average of 3.1mmHg in young healthy people. This effect was seen in all participants, but the most sensitive individuals showed increased fluid volume and heart workload.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 14, 2024

New excitation method of stimulated Raman scattering achieves natural-linewidth-limit spectral lines

A new excitation method called transient stimulated Raman scattering (TSRS) has been developed to achieve natural-linewidth-limit spectral lines with sub-mM sensitivity. TSRS uses broadband femtosecond laser pulse trains to manipulate vibrational wave packets in the time domain, enabling high-density Raman probes and barcode imaging.

Automatic design of metaheuristics: The future of optimization?

A review published in Intelligent Computing outlines the strengths of automatic approaches to designing metaheuristics, which can lead to more successful outcomes and reduce redundant, metaphor-based algorithms. The authors encourage research that relies on automatic design, utilizing modular software frameworks and configuration tools.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 14, 2024

Drug design at the atomic level to thwart COVID-19

A Stanford University research team has developed a potential new anti-coronavirus drug that binds more tightly and durably than current treatments like Paxlovid. The compound, ML2006a4, performed well in preclinical experiments against SARS-CoV-2 variants that have evolved resistance to Paxlovid.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 13, 2024

Cancer deaths plummet in middle-aged people

A study by Cancer Research UK reveals that mortality rates have dropped by 37% in men and 33% in women, with significant reductions in cervical cancer and lung cancer. However, cancer cases are on the rise overall, and researchers warn of an immense challenge ahead to maintain progress.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 13, 2024

Air quality in Europe shows significant improvements over the last two decades, study finds

A study reveals significant improvements in European air quality over the last two decades, with declining levels of PM10 and NO2. However, 98.10% of the population lives in areas exceeding WHO recommended levels for PM2.5, leading to 86.34% experiencing unclean air days annually.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 13, 2024

Poor sleep linked to migraine attacks in new UArizona Health Sciences study

A new study by UArizona Health Sciences researchers found that sleep disturbances increase the vulnerability to migraine attacks. Improving sleep health may decrease the likelihood of migraine attacks in people with migraine. The study used preclinical mouse models and found no link between migraine-like pain and disrupted sleep.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalBrain Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 13, 2024

A micro-accelerator for mega-electronvolt electrons: TIFR Hyderabad researchers generate super-fast electrons with table-top laser systems

Scientists from TIFRH successfully generate MeV temperature electrons at a fraction of the previously thought necessary laser intensity. The technique uses two laser pulses to create tiny explosions in microdroplets and accelerate electrons to megaelectronvolt energies.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalCommunications Physics·DateMar 13, 2024