Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 2, 2024


Study helps understand how energy metabolism is regulated at cellular level

Researchers discovered a connection between mitochondrial calcium transport and autophagy, a process where cells break down and reuse components. The study found that NCLX protein plays a crucial role in regulating this link, which has implications for understanding energy metabolism and developing disease treatments.

Weight-loss surgery before kidney transplantation improves health and eligibility of patients with obesity and renal failure, Mayo Clinic study finds

A Mayo Clinic study found that laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy can improve the health and eligibility of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and obesity. The procedure reduced cardiovascular risks, including diabetes and hypertension, and improved access to kidney transplantation.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMay 2, 2024

UTA scientists test for quantum nature of gravity

Researchers at UTA used ultra-high energy neutrino particles to search for signatures of quantum gravity, but found no evidence of expected quantum gravitational effects. This non-observation represents a powerful statement about the still-unknown physics operating at the interface of quantum physics and general relativity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalNature Physics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2024

Model predicts future spread of box tree moth in North America

A new model predicts that most of North America will be suitable for the establishment of the box tree moth, a invasive species from Asia. The Ecoclimatic CLIMEX model shows the box tree moth's distribution in Asia is likely incomplete, suggesting further expansion possible in its introduced range.

SourceCABI·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2024

Increasing doses of varenicline or nicotine replacement helps persistent smokers quit

A new study from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found that increasing treatment plan doses or altering regimens significantly improves cessation success for persistent smokers who previously tried to quit and failed. Varenicline was more effective than combined nicotine replacement therapy in aiding smokers to quit.

Positive response to Botox injection predicts better results of migraine surgery

A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that preoperative Botox injections can reliably predict the success of nerve decompression surgery for chronic migraine. Patients who responded positively to Botox injections showed significant improvements in migraine symptoms, with a positive predictive value of nearly 90%.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateMay 2, 2024

New multi-year, multi-million dollar grant supports ongoing partnership between Penn Nursing and City of Philadelphia

The project builds on a sustained strategic partnership between Penn Nursing, the City of Philadelphia, and Philly CEAL to improve chronic disease self-management. Community Health Workers will receive training in the DECIDE intervention, which enhances their skills in group-based chronic disease self-management.

Circadian clocks in the brain and muscles coordinate to support daily muscle function

A new study reveals that coordinated brain-muscle communication is crucial for maintaining healthy daily physiology and preventing age-related muscle dysfunction. By restoring clock function in both brain and skeletal muscle tissue, researchers found that this brain-muscle interaction plays a key role in supporting daily muscle function.

*FREE* Friendship-nomination approach identifies key villagers to diffuse health messages

Researchers developed a new approach to identify influential individuals in social networks, enabling targeted information spreading. This method leverages the 'friendship paradox' and was shown to be more effective than random targeting, with potential far-reaching policy implications for public health interventions.

Dietary changes may treat pulmonary hypertension

Scientists at University of Pittsburgh show that limiting glutamine and serine intake can halt disease progression in rodent models. The findings suggest a potential new therapy for patients with pulmonary hypertension, offering hope for improved treatment options beyond medications.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2024

AI can tell if a patient battling cancer needs mental health support

A new AI model developed by researchers at the University of British Columbia can accurately predict if a patient receiving cancer care will require mental health services. The AI analyzes oncologist's notes and identifies subtle clues that suggest a patient may benefit from early psychiatric or counselling interventions.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 2, 2024

Agricultural management practices evaluated in new nitrous oxide accounting method

A new accounting method evaluates the impact of agricultural practices on nitrous oxide emissions, finding long-term no-till management and specific fertilizer types can effectively cut emissions. The study provides a more accurate estimate of N2O emissions than previous methods, enabling policymakers to make informed recommendations.

Human activity is causing toxic thallium to enter the Baltic sea, according to new study

A new study by scientists affiliated with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that human activities account for a substantial amount of toxic thallium in the Baltic Sea. The research suggests that the amount of thallium could increase due to further anthropogenic or natural activities, posing a concern for marine life.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2024

TAVR is associated with lower in-hospital complications in patients with aortic stenosis and cardiogenic shock compared to SAVR

A nationwide observational analysis found that TAVR was associated with lower odds of stroke, acute kidney injury, and major bleeding, as well as shorter length of stay and lower total costs compared to SAVR. The study suggests that TAVR is a more feasible and safe option for high-risk patients with AS and CS.

Scent sells – but the right picture titillates both eyes and nose, research finds

A new study confirms the positive impact of image-based scented products on consumers, with relevant images scoring better in product evaluations. Adding specific images like cut lemons can magnify the olfactory impact, making it a cost-effective alternative to fragrance infusions.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2024

Testing for residual cancer cells before blood cell transplant therapy is important and practical, new study finds

A new study published in JAMA Oncology highlights the importance of testing for measurable residual disease (MRD) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) undergoing bone marrow transplants. The researchers found that detecting MRD can help predict cancer recurrence and improve patient outcomes.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2024

Random robots are more reliable

Researchers developed a new AI algorithm called Maximum Diffusion Reinforcement Learning (MaxDiff RL) to improve robot reliability. The algorithm enables robots to learn complex skills more efficiently by encouraging exploration of their environments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 2, 2024

Four state-of-the-art, artificial intelligence search engines for histopathology images may not be ready for clinical use

Research suggests that four proposed AI search engines for automating search and retrieval of digital histopathology slides have inadequate performance for routine clinical care. The algorithms showed less than 50% accuracy in some cases, highlighting the need for rigorous external validations and standardization before clinical adoption.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNEJM AI·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 2, 2024

Synchronization between the central circadian clock and the circadian clocks of tissues preserves their functioning and prevents ageing

Researchers have discovered that synchronization between the central circadian clock and peripheral clocks in muscle and skin is crucial for maintaining tissue function and preventing degenerative processes associated with aging. Time-restricted feeding can partially replace the central clock and enhance the autonomy of the muscle cloc...

Low intensity light to fight the effects of chronic stress

A study reveals that photobiomodulation applied to the brain-gut axis is effective in recovering cognitive alterations caused by chronic stress. The technique stimulates the activity of both the brain and the gut, promoting changes in the intestinal microbiota and improving neuroinflammatory processes.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2024

Evolution: Weak magnetic field may have supported diversification of life on Earth

Researchers found that a weak magnetic field coincided with significant oxygen increase in the atmosphere and oceans between 591-565 million years ago, supporting evolution of complex organisms. This weakening led to increased hydrogen escape, resulting in more oxygen and potentially driving animal radiation during Ediacaran Period.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateMay 2, 2024

A link between breast changes and … UTIs?

Researchers found that UTIs can provoke structural changes in breast tissue in mice, which are reversible once the infections are resolved. The study suggests a possible link between UTIs and abnormal breast cell growth, highlighting the importance of considering everyday occurrences on women's well-being.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 2, 2024

New study shows liver patients see benefits after going meatless for one meal

Researchers from VCU School of Medicine and Richmond VA Medical Center discover that replacing meat with plant-based proteins for one meal reduces harmful ammonia levels in people with advanced liver disease. The study found significant differences in blood and urine samples, revealing lower amino acids associated with ammonia production.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalClinical and Translational Gastroenterology·DateMay 2, 2024

Toxic chemicals can be detected with new AI method

A new AI method developed by Swedish researchers can identify toxic substances based on their chemical structure, potentially replacing animal testing. The method has been shown to be more accurate and broadly applicable than existing computational tools, offering a promising alternative for environmental research and authorities.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2024

Warning from the scientific community: Beware of AI-based deception detection

Researchers caution that current AI-based deception detection methods are plagued by a lack of explainability, risk of biased results, and deficits in theoretical foundation. They emphasize the need for controlled laboratory experiments, large and diverse data sets, and validation on independent datasets to ensure accurate results.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 2, 2024

Gene signatures from tissue-resident T cells as a predictive tool for melanoma patients

Researchers found a strong association between favorable survival outcomes and high populations of tissue-resident memory T cells in melanoma patients. The study identified 11 distinct gene signatures that correlate with T cell abundance and patient survival, suggesting a crucial role for T cells in immunomodulation.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournaliScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2024

Blood diagnostics modelled on leeches

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new device for taking blood samples using the leech principle, reducing invasiveness and increasing reliability. The device is made of silicone and steel microneedles, with plans to create biodegradable versions in the future.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMay 2, 2024

Sugar-based catalyst upcycles carbon dioxide

A new sugar-based catalyst has successfully converted carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, a building block for producing fuels that can replace gasoline. The catalyst, made from an inexpensive and abundant metal, offers a potential solution for disposing of captured carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2024

Oil palm plantations are driving massive downstream impact to watershed

Researchers found that oil palm plantations in Indonesia's Kais River Watershed are causing significant increases in precipitation, runoff, and soil moisture, leading to dramatically worse water quality. The transition from tropical rainforest to oil-palm plantation has resulted in a 16.9% increase in sedimentation, 78.1% increase in n...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateMay 2, 2024

Singapore study identifies immunity threshold for protection against COVID-19 in children

Researchers found that T cells and memory B cells provide durable protection against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, with levels attainable after two doses of mRNA vaccination. The study suggests a two-dose vaccination regimen for children against COVID-19.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 2, 2024

*FREE* The effectiveness of early childhood education programs is scientifically uncertain

Recent studies suggest early childhood education programs may not produce long-term positive outcomes for disadvantaged children, contrary to previous assumptions. The American Association for the Advancement of Science review highlights critical gaps in understanding that must be addressed to develop effective ECE programs.

New approach in the synthesis of complex natural substances

Researchers at University of Basel have developed a new method to synthesize complex natural substances like terpenes, which can be used as the basis for new medications. The approach allows for controlled molecular structure and targeted changes to improve properties, paving the way for the development of new therapeutic agents.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 2, 2024

Georgia Tech and Meta create massive open dataset to advance AI solutions for carbon capture

A massive open dataset, OpenDAC, has been created to accelerate direct air capture technology development while reducing costs. The database enables the training of an AI model that predicts material interactions with high accuracy, significantly faster than traditional chemistry simulations.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalACS Central Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 2, 2024

MCG scientists identify new treatment target for leading cause of blindness

Researchers at MCG's Vascular Biology Center have identified a new treatment target for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness. Targeting the adenosine receptor 2A (Adora2a) may block excessive blood vessel growth and fibrosis, potentially offering a more efficient treatment than current therapies.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 2, 2024

Twisting and binding matter waves with photons in a cavity

Researchers at JILA and NIST propose a method to dampen atomic recoil using momentum-exchange interaction, allowing for more precise measurements in quantum sensing. By exchanging photons between atoms, the researchers create a collective absorption of energy, dispersing recoil among the entire population of particles.

SourceJILA·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2024

When working out, males are programmed to burn more fat, while females recycle it—at least in rats

Researchers found that male rats burn fat for energy while female rats preserve their fat mass after vigorous exercise. This sex-dependent difference was attributed to various molecular responses in fat tissue. Exercise made the fat stores of both sexes healthier, with fewer signals associated with obesity.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2024