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Science News Archive March 2024 - Page 40


Page 40 of 42

Although trust in science remains high, public questions scientists’ adherence to science’s norms

A recent survey found that less than half of the U.S. public trusts scientists to overcome human and political biases. Despite high confidence in science overall, many question whether scientists live up to their values. The study highlights the need for trust to be earned through the scientific enterprise's efforts.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 4, 2024

An inside look at Beech tree disease

Researchers have discovered how Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) affects beech trees, revealing a novel mechanistic explanation for its decline. The disease impacts leaf development and photosynthesis, leading to reduced carbon assimilation capacity and potential tree mortality.

SourceYale University·JournalForest Pathology·DateMar 4, 2024

Less ice in the arctic ocean has complex effects on marine ecosystems and ocean productivity

A recent study by researchers at the University of Southern Denmark found that the Arctic Ocean's declining sea ice cover has complex effects on marine ecosystems and ocean productivity. Despite increased sunlight availability, primary production on the seafloor has not seen a corresponding increase, suggesting water transparency may b...

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 4, 2024

WVU research shows government regulation of jobs hinders workers and consumers

West Virginia University researchers introduced a new database showing occupational licensing's impact on the workforce, highlighting how licenses increase cost and time to enter professions, affecting consumers. The database encompasses 50 jobs across all 50 states, providing insights into licensing standards, fees, and requirements.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy·DateMar 4, 2024

JWST captures the end of planet formation

The James Webb Space Telescope has imaged dispersing gas in a young star's disk for the first time. The observations reveal winds driven by stellar photons or magnetic fields, shedding light on the end of planet formation and the evolution of circumstellar disks.

SourceSETI Institute·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateMar 4, 2024

NCI-MATCH cancer trial discovers a potentially broader role for an established dual HER2-blocking treatment

The NCI-MATCH precision medicine trial discovered that trastuzumab-pertuzumab, approved for HER2-positive breast cancer, can shrink tumors in patients with other types of cancer and high levels of the HER2 gene. The study found a 12% confirmed overall response rate, with partial responses in various cancers.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 4, 2024

Deciphering the male breast cancer genome

Researchers deciphered the male breast cancer genome, identifying gene mutations and molecular profiles that could impact diagnosis and treatment. The study found mutations in genes known to drive cancer growth and structural variants impacting other cancer-associated genes.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalModern Pathology·DateMar 4, 2024

University of Cincinnati study: Liraglutide safe, effective for weight loss in patients with stable bipolar disorder

A University of Cincinnati study found liraglutide to be efficacious and safe for weight loss in individuals with stable bipolar disorder, without destabilizing the illness. The drug reduced binge eating behavior and significantly lowered hemoglobin A1C levels.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychopharmacology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 4, 2024

Low-cost liquid tames tooth decay

A new study by NYU College of Dentistry shows that silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an effective alternative to dental sealants for preventing cavities, especially in schools. SDF can increase access to dental care while reducing costs, and its use could keep kids from needing fillings, saving families and the healthcare system money.

SourceNew York University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 4, 2024

Robotic hip exoskeleton shows promise for helping stroke patients regain their stride

A portable robotic device has been developed to improve walking function in stroke survivors by altering gait asymmetry. The study, published in IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, reveals that the exoskeleton can effectively train individuals to modify their walking asymmetry.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2024

A model for the evolution of intelligence

The McGill study found that the ability to solve foraging problems is the only predictor of innovative behavior and brain size in wild birds. The researchers studied 203 individual animals from 15 species, including 13 wild-caught individuals.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 4, 2024

Enhancing statistical reliability of weather forecasts with machine learning

Researchers have developed a non-crossing quantile regression neural network (NCQRNN) model to enhance the statistical reliability of weather forecasts. The NCQRNN model preserves the rank order of output nodes, ensuring lower quantiles stay smaller than higher ones, boosting accuracy and improving forecast interpretability.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMar 4, 2024

Lower risk of death, major adverse cardiovascular events in hyperthyroid patients treated with surgery than with medication

A new study from Boston University School of Medicine found that surgery significantly reduces the risk of death and major adverse cardiovascular events in hyperthyroid patients. Compared to medication, surgery resulted in a 47% lower risk of death and a 24% lower risk of major cardiovascular events.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2024

COVID-19 associated with increased risk for autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases up to a year after infection

A large binational study found that SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with an increased risk of autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) extending up to 12 months after infection. Vaccination showed some protection against AIRDs, particularly among those who were vaccinated.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateMar 4, 2024

Proposals for cell donation procedures to create brain organoids

A comprehensive literature review and analysis reveal uncertainties in obtaining informed consent from cell donors due to the potential for brain organoid consciousness. Researchers propose three methods to address these concerns, emphasizing the importance of tailoring consent procedures and prioritizing ethical oversight.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalScience and Engineering Ethics·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 4, 2024

Programs intended to reduce health insurance premiums may make coverage less affordable for the middle class

A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that reinsurance programs increased minimum cost coverage for middle-class enrollees in Georgia, leading to lower enrollment rates. The programs, intended to reduce premiums, ultimately made coverage less affordable for those with incomes between 251% and 400% of federal poverty level.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2024

Opening a window on the brain

A new method called NIRE enables large-scale and long-term observation of neuronal structures and activities in awake mice. The method uses fluoropolymer nanosheets covered with light-curable resin to create larger cranial windows, allowing for high-resolution imaging with sub-micrometer resolution.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2024

First step toward early diagnosis of metastasis

Researchers have developed a user-friendly method to analyze the basement membrane in human lungs, which is a crucial factor during metastatic process. The study provides valuable insights into the mechanical properties of the basement membrane and its association with metastasis formation.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Protocols·DateMar 4, 2024

Who military service members see as credible to discuss secure firearm storage for suicide prevention

A Rutgers Health study found that military service members view law enforcement officers, military service members, and veterans as the most credible sources to discuss secure firearm storage for suicide prevention. The study suggests that leveraging these sources can help increase secure storage among this population.

SourceRutgers University·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateMar 4, 2024

Modeling the origins of life: New evidence for an “RNA World”

Researchers at Salk Institute unveil an RNA enzyme that can accurately copy functional RNA strands and allow new variants to emerge over time. This discovery brings scientists closer to producing autonomous RNA life in the laboratory, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of the origins of life.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2024