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Science News for May 23, 2024


Wayne State University awarded $1.3 million from Department of Defense to fine-tune augmented reality exposure therapy for PTSD

A Wayne State University team, led by Dr. Arash Javanbakht, will study augmented reality-enhanced exposure therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The technology aims to provide immersive real-life environments for patients to practice comfort and interaction with diverse characters.

Black Americans: A link between cognitive health and financial instability

A new study reveals that Black Americans trail white Americans in financial stability, which may impact brain health. The study found that lacking low-cost debt constrains Black Americans' ability to accumulate wealth, leading to lower cognitive function and increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series B·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 23, 2024

Features of bloodstream infection among immunocompromised oncology patients presenting to the emergency department with fever

The study found a 5.7% blood culture positive rate among eligible Hem-Onc patients, with 56% having an absolute neutrophil count greater than 500 µL at presentation. Gram-positive organisms were the most common isolates, highlighting the diversity of bloodstream infection causes in this patient population.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalOncology Advances·DateMay 23, 2024

New study further illuminates ability of cancer drug to lower blood sugar

A new study reveals that a cancer drug can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels, but eliminating a specific gene related to fat metabolism worsens insulin resistance. The research highlights the interconnectedness of fat metabolism in organs and the need for simultaneous treatment of obesity and insulin sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024

Sequencing of the developing human brain uncovers hundreds of thousands of new gene transcripts

A recent study has cataloged gene-isoform variation in the developing human brain, providing crucial insights into neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. The research found thousands of isoform switches that occur during brain development, implicating previously uncharacterized RNA-binding proteins.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 23, 2024

From burns to the wave nature of heat – via the telegraph equation

Researchers from the Polish Academy of Sciences find that wave phenomena, like sound waves, may be responsible for heat transport in complex systems. The study uses the telegraph equation to describe how electric current propagates with attenuation along one spatial dimension.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateMay 23, 2024

Big data, AI, and personalized medicine: scientists reveal playbook aiming to revolutionize healthcare

A team of scientists outlines a bold vision for precision approaches to understanding, preventing, and treating diseases using revolutionary technologies and interdisciplinary collaborations. They emphasize the need for increased funding and research to address future challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic illnesses.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 23, 2024

Helping qubits stay in sync

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new technique to enhance quantum entanglement stability in qubits. This breakthrough addresses the challenges of maintaining coherence and reliability in quantum systems.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024

Silky shark makes record breaking migration

A recent study documented the most extensive migration ever recorded for a silky shark, revealing critical insights into its behavior and emphasizing the need for international management measures. The adult female shark, nicknamed 'Genie', was tracked for over 1.5 years, covering over 27,666 kilometers and highlighting the urgent need...

SourceSave Our Seas Foundation·JournalJournal of Fish Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 23, 2024

HKU scientists develop a novel approach to interrogate tissue-specific protein-protein interactions, paving ways to understand organ development and disease pathogenesis

Researchers at The University of Hong Kong have developed a novel method to label proteins in specific cells and capture their interactions. This approach, MACSPI, uses a chemical probe to isolate and study tissue-specific protein-protein interactions, shedding light on organ development and disease pathogenesis.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024

The Lancet: 750,000 deaths linked to antimicrobial resistance could be prevented every year through available vaccines, water and sanitation, and infection control methods

A new Lancet Series estimates that over 750,000 deaths associated with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could be prevented annually through improved prevention methods. AMR poses significant threats to newborns, elderly individuals, and those with chronic illnesses, causing nearly 5 million deaths globally each year.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 23, 2024

Scientists develop technique to analyze RNA structures in ultra-high definition

Scientists at the University of Nottingham have created a powerful method to analyze RNA structures in unprecedented detail. By combining cryogenic OrbiSIMS with advanced computational modelling and automation, they can now determine RNA structures in a matter of days, significantly advancing the field of RNA structural biology.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024

Study: Integration of pharmacies with physician practices has little impact on cancer drug expenditures

Researchers found a slight increase in utilization of oral oncology drugs but no significant change in expenditures. The study also showed that integration did not improve medication adherence or reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients. Despite this, the shift towards oral cancer therapies may lead to changes in physician revenue.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 23, 2024

Weighted blankets do not improve sleep among children with a history of maltreatment

A recent study by University of Houston sleep expert Candice Alfano found that weighted blankets do not improve sleep for children who have experienced various types of maltreatment, including abuse or neglect. Despite the popularity of weighted blankets as a sleep aid, research has been lacking on their effectiveness in this population.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateMay 23, 2024

Psychedelic drug-induced hyperconnectivity in the brain helps clarify altered subjective experiences

A new study shows that psilocybin initiates a pattern of hyperconnectivity in the brain linked to the ego-modifying effects and feelings of oceanic boundlessness. The findings provide insights into how the brain works on psychedelic drugs and their potential use to treat psychiatric disorders.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 23, 2024

Two new studies by Mount Sinai researchers in science offer key insights into the origins and potential treatment of mental health disorders

Two studies published in Science reveal significant advances in understanding the molecular biology of neuropsychiatric disease, including a comprehensive map of regulatory components of the brain. The research provides critical insights into the pathogenesis of mental health disorders and holds promise for therapeutic applications.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 23, 2024

Producing novel liquid crystals by stacking antiaromatic units

Scientists have developed a new approach to designing materials with useful electronic and optical properties. By stacking antiaromatic units using van der Waals interactions, researchers created highly conductive liquid crystals. This breakthrough could lead to advances in organic electronics, optoelectronics, and sensing devices.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024

Artificial intelligence resolves conflicts impeding animal behavior research

Researchers developed AI software to analyze animal behavior, enabling precise linking of brain circuits and neurons. The program reconciles differing results by providing transparent explanations for machine-learning predictions, facilitating cross-lab comparisons and reproducibility in behavioral research.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024

Electromechanical material doesn’t get ‘clamped’ down

Researchers have identified a class of materials called antiferroelectrics that produce an electromechanical response up to five times greater than conventional piezoelectric materials, even in films as thin as 100 nanometers. This breakthrough could enable the development of next-generation electronics and devices.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 23, 2024

Baby bonuses and wedding bells: how life's big moments can challenge startups

A study by ECU's Professor Pi-Shen Seet and Associate Professor Wee-Liang Tan found that positive family events have a greater influence on the survival of new ventures, leading to overconfidence and poor decision-making. This can increase vulnerability to making mistakes that harm the venture.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalInternational Entrepreneurship and Management Journal·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 23, 2024

Shaping the future: breakthrough method minimizes alignment errors in microlens array production

Researchers have developed a novel strategy to significantly reduce alignment errors in double-sided microlens arrays (DSMLAs) during precision glass molding. By utilizing mold assemblies composed of materials with differing thermal expansion rates, the team achieves unprecedented precision in DSMLAs.

A new approach for deducing rms proton radii from charge-changing reactions of neutron-rich nuclei and the reaction-target dependence

Researchers develop new method to extract point-proton distribution radii from charge-changing reaction data on various targets, resolving discrepancies in experimental results. The findings provide consistent results for even proton numbers and shed light on the effect of hadron probes on neutron-rich nuclei.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateMay 23, 2024

Fred Hutch at ASCO: Progress in treating metastatic cancer, hospice access for cancer patients, use of machine learning with CAR T-cell therapy

Fred Hutch researchers present progress in treating metastatic cancer with novel therapies, including a Phase II study testing TNF-a inhibitors for castration-resistant prostate cancer. The center also explores improving hospice access and using machine learning with CAR T-cell therapy to enhance patient outcomes.

The global clean water crisis looms large

The global clean water crisis is projected to intensify by the end of the century, affecting 66% of the population in areas with lack of clean water for at least a month. Climate change and socioeconomic developments drive water scarcity, particularly in developing countries.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 23, 2024

Charting a pathway to next-gen biofuels

Researchers at Princeton University have modeled a supply chain for second-generation biofuels, which are derived from agricultural waste or non-food crops and can produce more sustainable substitutes for fossil fuels. The study found that careful management of the supply chain could result in systems with lower costs and emissions imp...

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 23, 2024

Study: increase in taxpayers reporting self-employment earnings cannot be attributed to increase in gig work

A study by Carnegie Mellon University and others found that the increase in taxpayers reporting self-employment earnings since 2000 cannot be attributed to the rise of gig economy platforms. Instead, it was driven by self-reported earnings due to tax code incentives, with individuals more likely to report income when they had an incent...

How family economic insecurity can hurt child mental health

A new study found that economic difficulty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to a cascade of connected problems for parents, resulting in higher levels of depressive symptoms and poorer relationship quality. This was then associated with harsh parenting practices, which in turn linked to increased internalizing behaviors in children.

SourceOhio State University·JournalChild & Family Social Work·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 23, 2024

Researchers unveil shared and unique brain molecular dysregulations in PTSD and depression

A comprehensive study by McLean Hospital researchers reveals both shared and unique molecular changes across brain regions, genomic layers, cell types, and blood in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). The findings provide potential avenues for novel therapeutics and biomarkers.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 23, 2024

Factors potentially contributing to the decline of the mpox outbreak in the Netherlands, 2022 and 2023

The 2022-2023 mpox outbreak in the Netherlands declined due to infection-induced immunity in high-risk groups, highlighting the importance of prompt vaccination implementation and ongoing surveillance. The study recommends swift vaccination programs and continuous monitoring to mitigate future outbreaks.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeObservational study·DateMay 23, 2024

Does it matter if your kids listen to you? When adolescents reject mom’s advice, it still helps them cope

A recent study published in ScienceDirect found that adolescents who receive cognitive reappraisal solutions from their mothers experience more adaptive coping strategies, whereas those who receive strategizing or help-seeking solutions do not. On the other hand, children who reject or respond ambiguously to their mother's cognitive re...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 23, 2024

Finding the beat of collective animal motion

Researchers found that zebrafish synchronize movements by taking turns to move and responding to neighbors' timing, a two-way process known as reciprocity. Virtual reality experiments confirmed the principle, enabling the recreation of natural schooling behavior in fish and virtual conspecifics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 23, 2024

YouTubers cheer people up more than casual friends

A new study by the University of Essex suggests that watching online stars like Zoella and PewDiePie can be more emotionally fulfilling than talking to casual friends. The research found that parasocial relationships with YouTubers offer positive reinforcement, despite not being able to respond. People of all ages reported feeling a st...

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateMay 23, 2024

Predicting cancer risks on the basis of national health data

Researchers developed a predictive model using Danish health data to quantify individual cancer risks for 20 types of cancer, achieving an accuracy of 81% over a lifetime. The model enables risk stratification and can inform targeted early detection tests, potentially reducing unnecessary procedures and false positives.

SourceGerman Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ)·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 23, 2024

Drought in the Cerrado (Neotropical savanna) is the worst for at least seven centuries, study shows

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that the Cerrado biome in Brazil is experiencing its worst drought in at least 700 years, caused by global warming. The research used chemical analysis of stalagmites to extend the perception of drought back seven centuries and linked it to disruption in the hydrological cycle.

CHEST Critical Care and CHEST Pulmonary receive indexation with Directory of Open Access Journals

The American College of Chest Physicians' CHEST Critical Care and CHEST Pulmonary journals have been indexed with the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), enhancing their open access content's accessibility and usage. The indexation is attributed to strong editorial boards led by Hayley Gershengorn and Matthew Miles.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·JournalCHEST Critical Care·DateMay 23, 2024

VIDEO: Surrey astrophysicists explore new galaxies and streams of stars using new data from Euclid space telescope

Researchers confirm model predicting galaxy clusters' separation via gravity, while identifying potential new galaxies with Euclid's powerful equipment. The telescope's early release observations reveal millions of objects in a single day, opening up new possibilities for dark matter research.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 23, 2024

PolyU study reveals effectiveness of GBGI infrastructure in mitigating urban heat, proposing nine-stage framework for development of a sustainable city

The study found that green infrastructures such as botanical gardens, wetlands, and street trees are effective in cooling urban heat, with temperature reductions ranging from 9.63°C to 17.7°C. A nine-stage framework has been proposed to facilitate GBGI implementation and maximize benefits.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalThe Innovation·DateMay 23, 2024

Scientists map networks regulating gene function in the human brain

Researchers create largest and most advanced multidimensional maps of gene regulation networks in the brains of people with and without mental disorders. The study uses postmortem brain tissue from over 2,500 donors to map gene regulation networks across different stages of brain development and multiple brain-related disorders.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024

Poor access to essential surgery is costing lives - study

A new study reveals that poor access to simple elective surgery in developing countries is storing up future health problems for patients. Inguinal hernia repair was used as a tracer condition, showing that untreated hernias can lead to delayed recovery and higher healthcare costs due to the need for more complex emergency surgery.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 23, 2024

ASTRO clinical guideline on radiation therapy for bone metastases emphasizes patient-centered care

The updated clinical guideline recommends multiple dose-fractionation schemes to relieve pain and symptoms of bone and spine lesions. Advanced radiation techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) are now routine clinical care for many patients.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateMay 23, 2024

Approximately one in nine U.S. children diagnosed with ADHD, as new national study highlights an “ever-expanding” public health concern

A national US study finds approximately one in nine children have ever received an ADHD diagnosis, with 11.4% of children aged 3-17 currently living with the condition. The study also highlights socioeconomic and geographic factors influencing diagnosis and treatment patterns.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateMay 23, 2024

A new study reveals key role of plant-bacteria communication for the assembly of a healthy plant microbiome supporting sustainable plant nutrition

A new study in Nature Communications reveals that symbiotic bacteria play a critical role in modulating the profile of root secreted molecules, influencing the assembly of a symbiotic root microbiome. The findings provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between nitrogen nutrition and plant-bacteria interactions.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024

Exposure to mixtures of endocrine-disrupting chemicals during pregnancy is associated with higher odds of metabolic syndrome in children

A new study found that prenatal exposure to a combination of endocrine-disrupting chemicals is associated with poorer metabolic health in childhood, increasing the risk of metabolic syndrome in adulthood. Mixtures of metals, PFAS, and organochlorine pesticides were linked to higher risks.

Unlocking complex sulfur molecules: a novel approach for synthesis of functionalized benzenethiol equivalents

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a new method to synthesize complex sulfur molecules, including phenothiazines and thianthrenes, with high stability and control over reaction conditions. This approach uses readily available aryne precursors and avoids foul odors associated with conventional methods.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalOrganic Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024

Continuing study: Tel Aviv University researchers identify the pathogen causing sea urchin mass mortalities in the Red Sea; The epidemic has spread to the Indian Ocean possess an eminent threat to coral reefs

A deadly epidemic discovered last year in the Red Sea has spread to the Indian Ocean, annihilating most sea urchin populations and threatening coral reef stability. The researchers identified a scuticociliate parasite as the cause of the mass mortality.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 23, 2024

Developing novel methods to detect antibiotics in vegetables and earthworms

The IBeA research group has developed two analytical methods to detect very low concentrations of antimicrobials in vegetables and earthworms. These methods enable the simultaneous determination of a wide range of antimicrobial drugs and their transformation products, revealing data on antimicrobial contamination in the Basque Country.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024

Research spotlight: AI enabled body composition analysis predicts outcomes for patients with lung cancer treated with immunotherapy

A recent study uses AI to analyze body composition in patients with lung cancer treated with immunotherapy, finding that changes in muscle mass and fat quality are important indicators of outcomes. The research provides a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between body composition and response to immunotherapy.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 23, 2024

Sylvester research shows new treatment may enable more patients with high-risk blood cancers to receive stem cell transplants

Researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a new treatment approach that enables more patients with high-risk blood cancers to receive stem cell transplants from unrelated, partially matched donors. The study found an overall survival rate of 79% and impressive metrics in high-risk patients.

Combatting invasive species globally with new algorithm - new study

A new computer algorithm has been developed to enhance the management of invasive species globally, optimizing resource allocation and reducing costs. The innovative tool is adaptable to various population dynamical models and treatment methods, improving the effectiveness of environmental conservation efforts.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 23, 2024