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Science News Archive March 2024 - Page 8


Page 8 of 42

Flu-vaccine education in the emergency department helps people get their shot

A cluster randomized controlled trial found that patient education about flu shots during a non-life threatening emergency department visit increases vaccination rates, particularly in patients without regular primary care. The study showed that participants who received video education materials were more likely to get vaccinated, wit...

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNEJM Evidence·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 26, 2024

Using machine learning to save lives in the ER

A study published in Critical Care identified eight different trauma phenotypes associated with lower in-hospital mortality when treated with tranexamic acid. The researchers used a machine learning model to analyze data from over 50,000 patients and found subgroups of patients who received no benefit from treatment.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCritical Care·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2024

Handing out vapes in A&E helps smokers quit

A UK trial found that giving e-cigarette starter packs to smokers in emergency departments led to a significant increase in quitting, with nearly one-quarter of participants successful after six months. The intervention also helped those who didn't quit reduce their cigarette smoking.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 26, 2024

Young Black men are dying by suicide at alarming rates

A new study from the University of Georgia reveals that young Black men are experiencing suicidal thoughts at alarming rates, with one in three rural Black men reporting ideation or death thoughts. Childhood adversity and racism are major contributing factors, leading to feelings of mistrust and isolation.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalCultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology·DateMar 26, 2024

Faux reefs for coastal protection

Engineers have developed a modular artificial reef structure made of concrete voxels that can dissipate wave energy more effectively than natural coral reefs. The design, optimized through hydrodynamic modeling and experimental testing, has been confirmed by tests at the MIT Towing Tank.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMar 26, 2024

Researchers from IOCB Prague challenge the limits of molecular memory, opening the door to the development of molecular chips

Researchers from IOCB Prague have developed a molecule that can switch between three distinct states, enabling the storage of complex information. This achievement opens the door to the development of molecular chips with unprecedented capabilities.

Optimizing electronic health records: Study reveals improvements in departmental productivity

A study by Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine reveals that collaborative EHR optimization efforts can significantly improve departmental productivity. The research found notable enhancements in monthly charges and payments, with improvements attributed to accommodations, creations, discoveries, and modifications.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 26, 2024

NHM scientists discover first-ever mineral-based treatment for widespread disease using the structure of crystals

Researchers develop innovative treatment to alleviate deleterious effects of hyperkalemia, a disease affecting 350 million people worldwide. The new mineral-based therapy uses ion transfer to flush excess potassium from the body, offering a safer alternative to existing treatments.

SourceNatural History Museum of Los Angeles County·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2024

Novel nanocomposites suggested for highly-efficient removal of Cr(VI) in complex environment

Researchers have designed iron-based nanocomposite materials that combine galvanic reactions and nanoconfinement effects to efficiently remove trace Cr(VI) from acidic or alkaline water. The CnZVI/Cu composites show great promise for practical applications in heavy metal pollution remediation.

Implantable device delivers HIV antiviral with more potency than oral drugs

A new nanofluidic implant has been shown to deliver an HIV drug with increased potency compared to existing oral medications, providing a potential breakthrough in addressing treatment nonadherence. The device is intended for long-term controlled release and avoids repeated systemic treatment, which can lead to adverse side effects.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2024

Drug development advances in beneficial loss-of-function (LOF) mutation targets validated by human genetics

Beneficial LOF mutations have been identified as potential targets for disease prevention, with drugs like PCSK9 inhibitors and ANGPTL3 monoclonal antibodies already approved or in clinical trials. New targets like ASGR1 and KHK are also being explored for lipid-lowering and fructose metabolism therapies.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMedComm·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 26, 2024

The construction of visual attention highlighted at the neuronal level

Researchers used intracortical recordings to study the neural mechanisms behind exogenous attention, identifying three cortical networks activated in sequence as attention was captured by visual stimuli. The findings suggest a continuum of activity in the cortex, with attention emerging as a bridge between perception and action.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2024

Artificial reef designed by MIT engineers could protect marine life, reduce storm damage

The MIT-designed 'architected' reef could dissipate more than 95% of incoming wave energy using a fraction of the material needed, reducing erosion and flooding. The cylindrical structure's unique design leverages turbulence to efficiently break waves, making it a potential solution for coastal protection in various water conditions.

Johns Hopkins Children’s Center study shows negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on youth minority mental health

A recent Johns Hopkins Children's Center study reveals a significant negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth minority mental health. The research found increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among adolescents in racial and ethnic minorities, with Black females showing a 90.2% increase in suicidal thoughts.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAcademic Pediatrics·DateMar 26, 2024

How genes work together to shape how much you smoke

A recent study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers sheds light on the interactions between genetic variants and their impact on smoking behaviors. The study found that certain gene variants can interact with each other and with Mr. Big, a widely replicated genetic variant associated with smoking behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 26, 2024

Collaborative University of Cincinnati Cancer Center team opens Phase 2 brain tumor trial

The University of Cincinnati Cancer Center team has opened a Phase 2 clinical trial to test a new combination treatment for glioblastomas, a deadly form of brain tumors. The treatment uses letrozole, a drug that targets an enzyme present in breast cancer cells, and temozolomide, a chemotherapy drug already approved as a GBM treatment.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 26, 2024

Italians’ and Swedes’ gestures vary when they tell stories, which may show cultures think differently about narratives

Italian speakers gesture more frequently than Swedes when retelling a story, using pragmatic gestures to present new parts of the narrative. Swedes instead rely on representational gestures to convey events and actions, indicating differing rhetorical styles and ways of conceptualizing narratives.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Communication·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2024

Structural basis for the regulatory mechanism of mammalian mitochondrial respiratory chain megacomplex-I2III2IV2

Researchers have solved the high-resolution structures of porcine megacomplex-I2III2IV2, showing a plausible regulatory mechanism for its activation/deactivation process. The complex shifts from active to deactive states through conformational changes, with key interactions between CI and CIII playing a critical role in electron transfer.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalhLife·DateMar 26, 2024

Safe viewing of solar eclipses

Experts recommend using handheld solar viewers with a solar filter to safely view the eclipse. The American Academy of Ophthalmology also warns against using home-made filters or pinholes to view the eclipse.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMar 26, 2024

New data offer reality check on blood-based colorectal cancer screening

New data suggest that blood-based colorectal cancer screening tests could lead to more cases and deaths than established methods, despite improving outcomes for unscreened individuals. The tests are predicted to be less effective and more costly, making them unsuitable replacements for current screening programs.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 26, 2024

Researchers a step closer to a cure for HIV

Researchers have found an effective and affordable targeted treatment strategy for an HIV cure, using a virus-like particle that can 'shock and kill' latent HIV reservoirs. The study demonstrates the therapy is 100 times more effective than other candidate HIV cure therapeutics.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalEmerging Microbes & Infections·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2024