Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 16, 2024


Equitable opportunity for transplants: Experts provide disparity-sensitive measures for transplant centers

Expert Insight provides a guide for transplant centers to monitor and address health disparities, including measures of socioeconomic status. The authors emphasize the need for transparency in the transplant process and equitable outcomes. By implementing these measures, transplant centers can improve patient access and quality of care.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalTransplantation·DateMay 16, 2024

Study: Large language models can’t effectively recognize users’ motivation, but can support behavior change for those ready to act

Researchers found that large language model-based chatbots fail to recognize users' motivational states when they are hesitant about making healthy behavior changes. However, the chatbots can provide relevant information and support users who have established goals and a commitment to take action. The study highlights the limitations o...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

More than two hearts beat as one

Researchers found that heart rate synchrony was a reliable measure for assessing and improving team dynamics. The study used fire-walking rituals as an example to demonstrate physiological synchrony, which predicted the probability of groups reaching the correct consensus.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Celiac disease: New findings on the effects of gluten

Researchers at Bielefeld University discovered that certain gluten-derived molecules, including the 33-mer deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP), form nanosized structures that accumulate in gut epithelial cells and lead to leaky gut syndrome. This triggers chronic inflammation and autoimmune responses in celiac disease patients.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Very early blood pressure control confers both benefits and harms in acute stroke

A new study found that very early blood pressure lowering treatment can improve outcomes for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, but worsen outcomes for those with ischemic stroke. Rapid diagnosis of the type of stroke is crucial in harnessing the benefits of this treatment.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 16, 2024

Adverse social determinants of health linked to treatment-resistant hypertension in Black Americans

A recent NIH-funded study found that adverse social determinants of health are linked to treatment-resistant hypertension in Black Americans. The risk was higher among Black adults than white adults, with factors including lower education and income levels contributing to the disparity.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 16, 2024

Airborne technology developed at USC brings new hope to map shallow aquifers in Earth’s most arid deserts

A team of researchers at USC has developed an 'Airborne Sounding Radar for Desert Subsurface Exploration of Aquifers,' nicknamed 'Desert-SEA.' This technique uses low-frequency radar to map the top of shallow aquifers, allowing scientists to assess their sustainability without limitations associated with in-situ mapping. The technology...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalIEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Magazine·DateMay 16, 2024

SAEM publishes new guideline for treatment of nonopioid use disorders in the emergency department

The Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) has released a new guideline for managing nonopioid use disorders in emergency departments. The guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for evaluating and treating conditions such as alcohol withdrawal syndrome, alcohol use disorder, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. The ...

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateMay 16, 2024

Alternative materials to plastics for packaging are not always more sustainable

A recent study analyzed 53 peer-reviewed Life Cycle Assessment studies and found that conventional plastics are not always the least environmentally friendly choice. Bioplastics emerge as a viable alternative for climate change and fossil resource depletion, but other environmental impact categories show some disadvantages. The analysi...

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalWaste Management & Research The Journal for a Sustainable Circular Economy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 16, 2024

Exploration of polymer cononsolvency mechanism through soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy

This study investigates the cononsolvency mechanism of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) in aqueous methanol solutions. PNIPAM forms rounded structures in pure water but chain structures in pure methanol, leading to hydrophobic hydration and aggregation in aqueous methanol solutions.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

The composition of the gut microbiota could influence decision-making

A study found that individuals taking probiotic supplements showed increased sensitivity to fairness and a greater inclination to reject unequal offers. This was accompanied by changes in gut microbiota composition and levels of dopamine precursors. The findings suggest a potential causal mechanism linking gut bacteria to social behavior.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 16, 2024

New gel breaks down alcohol in the body

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a protein gel that quickly and efficiently breaks down alcohol in the gastrointestinal tract. The gel converts alcohol into acetic acid, reducing its harmful effects on the body.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 16, 2024

B cells drive responses of other immune cells, and can be modified to prevent Multiple Sclerosis symptoms

Researchers found that abnormally active B cell metabolism causes an inflammatory immune response in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), leading to nerve damage and symptoms. Emerging BTK inhibitors alter this abnormal B cell respiration, stopping the signaling that leads to MS flare-ups.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

A new ‘rule of biology’ may have come to light, expanding insight into evolution and aging

Molecular biologist John Tower proposes a new 'rule of biology,' selectively advantageous instability (SAI), which suggests that some volatility in biological components provides an advantage to cells. SAI plays a key role in evolution, allowing for genetic diversity and adaptability, and may also contribute to aging.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalFrontiers in Aging·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 16, 2024

Unique brain circuit is linked to Body Mass Index

A newly discovered connection between two brain regions may help regulate how much we eat, according to a Northwestern University study. The weaker the connection between these regions, the higher a person's BMI, suggesting that individuals with weak brain circuits may overeat even when full.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJNeurosci·TypeObservational study·DateMay 16, 2024

Study reveals consumers value animal welfare more than environmental sustainability when buying meat and dairy products

A new study found that consumers prioritize animal welfare, freshness, and quality over environmental sustainability when purchasing meat and dairy products. The research suggests that producers can market sustainably produced food products by highlighting their animal welfare credentials.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalFood Quality and Preference·TypeSurvey·DateMay 16, 2024

Rheumatism: Taking cortisone with antacids can diminish bone density

A Charité study found that taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) simultaneously with cortisone preparations is associated with a higher risk of osteoporosis in patients with inflammatory rheumatic conditions. The study analyzed the bone health of over 1,500 patients and found that PPI use led to significantly lower bone density.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·TypeObservational study·DateMay 16, 2024

Study suggests high-frequency electrical ‘noise’ results in congenital night blindness

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used genetically engineered mice to study the mechanism of congenital stationary night blindness. The findings demonstrate that a mutation in the rhodopsin gene produces unusual background electrical activity, desensitizing rods and causing poor vision in low-light settings.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2024

Tobacco corporation attempts to gain public trust in its science are having success – new research

A new study reveals that Philip Morris International is successfully increasing public trust in industry-funded science by portraying itself as a generous supporter while concealing its involvement through third parties. The tobacco company's efforts to build trust are found to be effective, with participants trusting the science more ...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalFrontiers in Communication·DateMay 16, 2024

Imaging fibrous structure abnormalities of the white of the eye in myopathic patients

A team of researchers from Tokyo Medical and Dental University developed a novel kind of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to investigate the detailed structure of the sclera in living patients. They found that the sclera is divided into inner and outer layers with different structural arrangements, which can provide important insight...

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMay 16, 2024

Using solar energy to generate heat at high temperatures

Scientists at ETH Zurich have engineered a thermal trap that can deliver heat at temperatures of over 1000 degrees Celsius using solar radiation. This technology has the potential to decarbonize energy-intensive industries on a large scale, making it an important step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalDevice·DateMay 16, 2024

Military physicians give high-ranking military patients preferential treatment over lower-ranking patients

A new study found that military physicians provide better treatment to high-ranking patients than lower-ranking ones, with more effort and resources allocated to those above their rank. This highlights the existing power dynamic between doctors and patients in the US Military Health System, favoring the physician's discretion.

Keir Starmer’s reputation as “Mr Rules” reflects the growing “juridifcation” of politics, study shows

A recent study by experts suggests that Keir Starmer's emphasis on probity and competency in politics is symptomatic of the 'juridification' of politics. This trend prioritizes rules, norms, and procedures over values-based politics, leading to a reliance on law and administration to address public policy issues.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBritish Politics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 16, 2024

Shedding light on perovskite hydrides using a new deposition technique

Researchers develop a new method to grow single-crystal perovskite hydrides, allowing for accurate measurement of intrinsic H- conductivity. The technique enables the production of high-quality crystals with minimal imperfections, paving the way for sustainable energy technologies and hydrogen storage applications.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Men at greater risk of major health effects of diabetes than women

A long-term study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that men with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, leg/foot complications, and eye disease compared to women. The study analyzed data from over 25,000 people with diabetes and found that men were 51% more likely to develo...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 16, 2024

What is "time" for quantum particles?

Physicists from TU Darmstadt propose a new approach to define and measure the time required for quantum tunneling. They suggest using Ramsey clocks, which utilize the oscillation of atoms to determine the elapsed time. The proposed method may correct previous experiments that observed particles moving faster than light during tunneling.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal review explores cell-based immunotherapies for sepsis

Researchers review cell-based therapies for comprehensive sepsis management, highlighting the potential of mesenchymal stem cells and innate immune cells like macrophages. The review also emphasizes the need for further studies on optimal dosage, administration routes, and storage methods to maximize efficacy and safety.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 16, 2024

More efficient bioethanol production might be possible using persimmon tannin to help yeast thrive

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University discovered that persimmon tannin improves the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the presence of ethanol. The antioxidant properties of persimmon tannin limit oxidative damage, allowing yeast to thrive and increasing bioethanol production efficiency by 8.9-fold.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Offering both colonoscopy and at-home tests doubled colorectal cancer screening

A study led by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that offering patients a choice between colonoscopy and at-home tests more than doubled colorectal cancer screening rates. Approximately 10% of participants received colonoscopies, while around 11% completed at-home fecal immunochemical tests.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 16, 2024

Early arrival and expansion of palaeolithic people on Cyprus

Researchers found that Pleistocene hunter-gatherers settled in Cyprus around 14,257 to 13,182 years ago, suggesting the island was attractive for early human habitation. The rapid expansion of the population coincided with increased temperature, precipitation, and environmental productivity.

SourceFlinders University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 16, 2024

Healthy diets for people and the planet

Researchers analyzed diets of 856 schoolchildren in Germany, finding potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by changing eating habits. However, nutrient adequacy was not optimized, highlighting the need for context-related nutritional recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 16, 2024

Colorectal cancer: Tracking down subtypes

A meta-analysis suggests combining microsatellite instability (MSI) and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) can optimize prognostic assessment in early-stage colorectal cancer. Patients with high MSI and TIL had the best prognosis, while those with low immune cells found in the tumor tissue had a poor outcome.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 16, 2024

A boost for HIV vaccine research

Researchers at Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard have developed a comprehensive platform for HIV vaccine research using the mRNA-LNP system. The platform has shown promising results in preclinically validating next-step boost immunogens and providing new insights into the basic biology of antibody responses.

Listening to mental health podcasts reduces stigma

A new study finds that listening to mental health podcasts reduces stigma, supports the development of mental health literacy, and increases help-seeking. The research highlights the importance of accessible platforms for education and encourages listeners to develop self-compassion and positive attitudes towards help-seeking behavior.

SourceUniversity College Cork·JournalRural and Remote Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 16, 2024

An endemic island falcon that plays

Researchers discover Striated Caracaras' playful behavior, showing they interact with objects for fun and explore novel items. The study sheds light on how these birds learn about their environment and could provide insights into the evolution of play in nature.

SourceRaptor Research Foundation·JournalJournal of Raptor Research·DateMay 16, 2024

Biomarker could improve prediction of response to immunotherapy in black skin cancer

Researchers have discovered a liquid biopsy biomarker that can identify the effectiveness of treatment at an early stage, enabling more individualized treatment for melanoma patients. The biomarker, SHOX2 methylation in circulating cell-free DNA, was found to be elevated in 60% of melanoma patients and correlated with response to therapy.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalClinical Chemistry·DateMay 16, 2024

Global life expectancy to increase by nearly 5 years by 2050 despite geopolitical, metabolic, and environmental threats, reports new global study

Global life expectancy is forecasted to increase from 73.6 years in 2022 to 78.1 years in 2050, with a convergence of increased life expectancy across geographies. The trend is largely driven by public health measures that have prevented and improved survival rates from cardiovascular diseases, COVID-19, and other communicable diseases.

Judges and physicians have very different views about appointing a legal guardian for people with dementia

Judges and physicians hold vastly different opinions on appointing legal guardians for people with dementia. Cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as memory impairment and impulsivity, are evaluated differently by medical and legal professionals. Research emphasizes the need for consistency in assessments to ensure equal treatm...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEuropean Journal of Neurology·DateMay 16, 2024

The number of people experiencing poor health and early death caused by metabolism-related risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high BMI has increased by 50% since 2000, reveals new global study

The Global Burden of Diseases study reveals a 49.4% increase in global disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to metabolism-related risk factors between 2000 and 2021. High blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high BMI are key contributors to poor health and early death.

Archaeology: Egyptian pyramids built along long-lost Ahramat branch of the Nile

The study reveals that the pyramids were concentrated in a narrow desert strip due to a former river branch, known as Ahramat, which is now buried beneath farmland and desert. The findings suggest that the river branch was used for transporting construction materials and could help prioritize archaeological excavations along its banks.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateMay 16, 2024

Why do we overindulge?

Research found that distractions while engaging in hedonic activities lead to lower enjoyment and satisfaction, resulting in overconsumption. Participants who were distracted during lunch reported lower enjoyment and satisfaction, which was associated with increased snacking later in the day.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Eyes in the sky: How China's advanced earth observation system shapes global progress

China's Earth Observation System has evolved into a sophisticated network of satellites supporting various global applications, including sustainable development, meteorological forecasting, and disaster response. The system's capabilities are enhanced by new technologies, allowing for real-time global surveillance and data collection.

SourceWuhan University·JournalGeo-spatial Information Science·DateMay 16, 2024

Study identifies ‘hot-spots’ of high rates of depression linked to deprivation

Research identifies areas with high rates of depression and poverty, highlighting the need for region-specific interventions. The study found that socioeconomic conditions account for up to 39% of recorded depression levels across England, with pockets of high depression rates in areas such as the North West and North East.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalSSM - Population Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 16, 2024

Ground-breaking accelerated discovery research unveils 21 novel materials for advanced organic solid-state laser technology: a global collaboration success story

Researchers from six teams in five labs worldwide used self-driving labs to discover 21 top-performing OSL gain candidates, accelerating the discovery process by months. The decentralized workflow enabled rapid replication of experimental findings and democratized the discovery process.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2024

SMART breakthrough research identifies mechanism behind drug resistance in malaria parasite

A recent study reveals that a cellular process called transfer Ribonucleic acid (tRNA) modification influences the malaria parasite’s ability to develop resistance. This breakthrough discovery could help researchers develop new drugs to combat resistance and better tools for studying RNA modifications.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Prostate cancer screening: longer screening intervals are safe with low baseline PSA

A new study suggests that longer screening intervals for prostate cancer are safe and effective when the initial PSA test is conducted at a young age. The PROBASE trial found that only 0.45% of men with low-risk PSA levels developed high PSA levels, indicating an increased risk of prostate cancer. This finding supports the idea of rais...

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalEuropean Urology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 16, 2024

Wind farms can offset their emissions within two years, new study shows

A new study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand found that wind farms can offset their carbon emissions within two years. The research used data from a Harapaki onshore wind farm in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, and found that the turbine can generate all the energy consumed across its life-cycle within six months.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of New Zealand·DateMay 16, 2024

Patient “chronotype” could impact best time to take blood pressure medication.

Research suggests that taking antihypertensive medications at times aligned with personal chronotype could reduce the risk of heart attacks. Morning larks and night owls who took their medications in sync with their natural rhythms had lower rates of cardiovascular events compared to those who took them at odds with their chronotypes.

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 16, 2024

How does the brain turn waves of light into experiences of color?

Columbia University neuroscientists have identified brain-cell circuitry in fruit flies that converts raw sensory signals into color perceptions, which could underlie how creatures large and small see wavelengths of light as information-rich hues. The discovery reveals a complex neural mechanism responsible for hue selectivity, allowin...

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

Finding quantum order in chaos

Researchers at Harvard University have successfully demonstrated the survival of quantum coherence in a chemical reaction involving ultracold molecules. The team observed intricate quantum dynamics underlying the reaction process and outcome, revealing that quantum coherence was preserved within the nuclear spin degree of freedom throu...

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024

The tentacles of retracted science reach deep into social media. A simple button could change that.

A new interface developed by researchers at the University of Sydney aims to reduce the spread of misinformation on social media. The tool adds a 'more information' button to posts, linking users to details about retracted science claims, which can help them make informed decisions about their health.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·TypeSurvey·DateMay 16, 2024

Transformation and mechanisms of climate wet/dry change on the northern Tibetan Plateau under global warming: A perspective from paleoclimatology

The study found that the climate during the mid-Holocene warm period was warm and humid, while the medieval climate anomaly was warm and dry. The modern warm period showed a trend of warming and humidification, with future changes expected to intensify regional wet/dry patterns.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateMay 16, 2024

A second chance for new antibiotic agent

Researchers have successfully adapted a modified drug molecule to selectively bind to a protein in bacteria, rather than human cells, making it more effective against bacterial infections. This breakthrough could provide a new avenue for treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2024