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Science News Archive May 2024 - Page 29


Page 29 of 44

Rice study reveals insights into protein evolution

Researchers at Rice University have made a groundbreaking discovery about protein evolution, revealing that pseudogenes can provide clues to the evolutionary journey of proteins. The team found that certain mutations can stabilize the folding of pseudogenes, but also disrupt their biological functions.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2024

DeepCRBP: Improved predicting function of circRNA-RBP binding sites with deep feature learning

A new research team has proposed a novel method, DeepCRBP, to predict the binding sites of circRNAs and RBP. It uses a combination of spatial encoding and sequence encoding modules to capture local and global contextual features in circRNA sequences. The performance of DeepCRBP surpasses several state-of-the-art methods.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

When consumers would prefer a chatbot over a person

A new study by Ohio State University found that people prefer interacting with chatbots when they feel embarrassed about what they're buying online, such as personal care products. Chatbots are perceived as less judgmental and less emotionally expressive, reducing embarrassment and increasing willingness to provide personal info.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Study reveals patients with brain injuries who died after withdrawal of life support may have recovered

Researchers analyzed data from 1,392 TBI patients and found that some who died after withdrawing life support may have survived and recovered independence. The study suggests delaying decisions on withdrawal might be beneficial for certain patients, as assumptions about poor outcomes can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 13, 2024

Concussion, CTE experts warn term used to describe head impacts – “subconcussion” – is misleading and dangerous

Researchers from top institutions argue that 'subconcussion' is a misleading term that should be replaced with more specific alternatives to better understand the risks of brain injuries. The authors recommend using 'nonconcussive' to describe head impacts without a concussion, highlighting the importance of accurate nomenclature for e...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 13, 2024

Island birds more adaptable than previously thought

A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society found that birds on islands are more evolutionarily similar and diverse than expected, with more species thriving in agricultural areas. The research suggests that there may be fundamental principles of ecology at play, influencing bird evolution on islands.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 13, 2024

Taking electroretinography to the next level with a soft multi-electrode system

A new soft multi-electrode system for electroretinography has been developed to overcome the limitations of traditional devices. The system uses a commercially available soft disposable contact lens with gold mesh electrodes, allowing for simultaneous measurement of electrical potentials from different regions of the retina. This innov...

SourceWaseda University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Mount Sinai study identifies genetic link between inflammatory bowel disease and Parkinson’s disease

Researchers at Mount Sinai identified genetic connections between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), highlighting potential for joint therapeutic strategies. The study found mutations in the LRRK2 gene as a common element linking both conditions, with implications for innovative treatments.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 13, 2024

Study findings demonstrate benefit to pediatric celiac disease mass screening

The study, conducted by Children's Hospital Colorado, found improvements in symptoms and quality of life for children diagnosed with celiac disease after participating in a mass screening program. Mass screening for pediatric celiac disease may become more common in the US, following similar conclusions drawn from European studies.

SourceChildren's Hospital Colorado·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 13, 2024

Milestone in plasma acceleration

The HZDR team has made a significant advance in laser plasma acceleration, achieving energies of up to 150 MeV for protons. This breakthrough opens up promising applications in medicine and materials science, including new radiobiological concepts for tumor treatment.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

In a reservoir in Southeast Brazil, introduction of a fish native to the Amazon has reduced native species diversity

The introduction of the Silver croaker fish to a Brazilian reservoir has led to a sharp decline in native species diversity. The study, published in Biological Invasions, analyzed data from 2001-2016 and found that the invader had become the most abundant fish species, negatively affecting local biodiversity.

The search for habitable planets beyond Earth remains a complex and ongoing endeavor, requiring a deep understanding of planetary evolution and the intricate interplay of atmospheric and surface conditions

The study highlights the impact of volatile elements, convective mechanisms, liquid water, and carbon cycles on planetary habitability. Volatile elements affect atmospheric composition, while convection mechanisms shape surface conditions and regulate nutrient cycles.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace Science & Technology·DateMay 13, 2024

New findings released from US 2020 Facebook and Instagram election study

Researchers found that taking a break from Facebook and Instagram in the weeks leading up to the 2020 presidential election had little effect on people's political views or negative opinions of opposing parties. However, users who were off Facebook were worse at answering news quiz questions but less likely to fall for misinformation.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2024

Variations in telomere lengthening genes may predispose some people to papillary thyroid cancer

Researchers found a correlation between genetic variations in three telomere-related genes and an increased risk of developing papillary thyroid cancer. The study suggests that individuals with these variants may benefit from closer monitoring for secondary cancers, and highlights the role of long telomeres in cancer development.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 13, 2024

New gel breaks down alcohol in the body

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a protein gel that breaks down alcohol in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing blood alcohol levels and acetaldehyde production. The gel shows promising results in mice studies, demonstrating a lower alcohol level and therapeutic effect on liver damage and weight loss.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

World's largest hummingbird is actually two species

Researchers identified two distinct species of Giant Hummingbirds, differing in their migratory patterns and genomes. The northern population remains in the high Andes year-round, while the southern population migrates up to 14,000 feet for non-breeding months.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024