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Science News Archive May 2024 - Page 21


Page 21 of 44

New imaging software improves lung diagnosis for 30% of patients who can't tolerate contrast dye; has added diagnostic benefits for all patients

Researchers developed CT-Derived Functional Imaging, a software program that calculates lung volume changes and blood mass without contrast dye. The technology has improved diagnoses for up to 30% of patients who couldn't tolerate contrast dye, and also benefits all patients with lung issues such as COPD and cancer.

University of Bristol researchers develop world’s smallest quantum light detector on a silicon chip

Researchers at the University of Bristol have integrated a quantum light detector smaller than a human hair onto a silicon chip, enabling high speed quantum communications and optical quantum computers. The detection technology operates at room temperature and can be used for various applications, including sensing and communications.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2024

Model disgorgement: the key to fixing AI bias and copyright infringement?

Model disgorgement is a set of techniques that force generative models to remove content leading to copyright infringement or biased responses. Researchers propose this approach to address issues like stylistic infringement, where models reproduce copyrighted works in the style of famous artists.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 17, 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