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Science News for November 6, 2024


Lurie Children’s study to link genetics and long-term cardiorespiratory outcomes of children born prematurely for more precise diagnosis and treatment

A new NIH-funded study at Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago will use AI to identify disease subtypes based on genetic data and associated outcomes in premature infants. The four-year study aims to establish disease subtypes that can predict longer-term cardiorespiratory outcomes, enabling earlier interventions.

GIST scientists unveil strategies to make self-driven vehicles passenger-friendly

Researchers developed a multimodal dataset, TimelyTale, to gather passenger-specific sensor data for context-relevant explanations. The approach effectively identified the timing and frequency of passenger demands for explanations, enabling the creation of a machine-learning model to predict the best time for providing an explanation.

Breakthrough in energy-efficient avalanche-based amorphization could revolutionize data storage

Researchers developed a new method for amorphizing indium selenide wires, requiring as little as one billion times less power density. The process resembles an avalanche and an earthquake, triggering rapid deformation and linking small areas into larger ones, potentially unlocking wider applications for phase-change memory technology.

Five minutes of exercise a day could lower blood pressure

A new study suggests that adding physical activity into daily life can help lower blood pressure. Replacing sedentary behaviors with 20-27 minutes of exercise per day was estimated to lead to a clinically meaningful reduction in blood pressure, while just five minutes of activity a day was also associated with reduced levels.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateNov 6, 2024

New analysis uncovers significant decrease in mental health staffing during austerity

The NHS mental health workforce decreased significantly during austerity, with notable disparity in staffing levels across the country. The growth in the mental health workforce appears about half that of the wider clinical workforce, suggesting that ambitions to create a 'parity of esteem' between mental and physical health conditions...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBritish Journal of Mental Health Nursing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 6, 2024

Salmon frequently mislabeled in Seattle grocery stores and sushi restaurants

A recent study by Tracie Delgado and colleagues found that 18% of salmon samples from Seattle grocery stores and sushi restaurants were mislabeled. The researchers called for continued development and enforcement of legislation against salmon fraud to prevent accurate tracking of supply chains and conserve wild salmon.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateNov 6, 2024

Brain stars hold our memories

A study published in Nature reveals that astrocytes, star-shaped brain cells, play a crucial role in storing and retrieving memories. Researchers found that these non-neuronal cell types work closely with groups of neurons called engrams to regulate the formation and recall of memories.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024

Balancing quantity and quality: How X/Twitter's algorithm influences our consumption of news

Researchers found that X/Twitter's algorithm presents users with milder and less polarizing information than chronological timeline news. However, this has implications for the use of these platforms to find trustworthy news, as users question its credibility even when coming from legitimate sources.

Cachexia decoded: Why diagnosis matters in cancer survival

A new study from Japan confirms that definitive criteria for lower cachexia prevalence rates are linked to reduced survival rates in cancer patients. The study found that the diagnostic criteria used for cachexia detection can affect reported prevalence and survival outcomes, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis.

SourceShinshu University·JournalAdvances in Nutrition·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 6, 2024

What happens in your brain while you watch a movie

Researchers used fMRI scans to study how the brain responds to complex audio and visual stimuli while watching movies. They identified 24 distinct brain networks associated with specific aspects of sensory or cognitive processing, such as recognizing human faces or bodies, movement, and social interactions.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024

Nasal swab tests predict COVID-19 disease severity, Emory study finds

Researchers developed a new diagnostic tool called FlowBEAT to measure antibodies in nasal cavities, finding that more than 70% of people with mild or moderate COVID-19 develop protective autoantibodies in the nose. These autoantibodies may play a role in regulating the immune system and preventing excessive inflammation.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024

Very early medication abortion is effective and safe

A large international study found that very early medication abortion is equally effective and safe as waiting for intrauterine pregnancy confirmation. The study included over 1,500 women who received two drugs – mifepristone and misoprostol – in either a delayed or early abortion group.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 6, 2024

Variation in the measurement of sexual orientations is associated with sexual orientation-related mental health disparities

A study found that differences in sexual orientation measurement approaches lead to underestimation of the sexual minority population and their mental health disparities. The research used two survey questions to measure sexual orientation, detecting more respondents as sexual minorities than traditional labels.

SourceAmerican Public Health Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateNov 6, 2024

Does work-related stress compromise cardiovascular health?

A large multi-ethnic study found that work-related stress was associated with unfavorable cardiovascular health metrics, including lower odds of average and optimal health scores. The study's authors emphasize the need for longitudinal research on stress mechanisms and workplace interventions to improve employee well-being.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateNov 6, 2024

Interstellar methane as progenitor of amino acids?

Research finds that gamma radiation can convert methane into glycine and other complex molecules, potentially playing a role in the origin of life. The study also reveals new strategies for industrial conversion of methane under mild conditions.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024

Quantum vortices confirm superfluidity in supersolid

A team of physicists has observed mini-tornadoes in a supersolid quantum gas, confirming the existence of quantized vortices as a hallmark of superfluidity. The discovery is significant for understanding the behavior of supersolids and their potential applications in fields like condensed matter physics.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024

Advances in the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis

Recent advancements in AIH pathogenesis have paved the way for novel therapeutic strategies, including treatments targeting the gut-liver axis and immune system dysregulation. Emerging biologics and immune-modulating drugs show promise in achieving biochemical remission in refractory cases.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateNov 6, 2024

Capacitorless solid-state power filter for single-phase DC-AC converters

A novel capacitorless solid-state power filter (SSPF) has been developed for single-phase DC-AC converters, eliminating the need for LC filters and dc-link capacitors. The proposed concept demonstrates a significant reduction in critical components, leading to enhanced efficiency and reliability.

SourceCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·JournalCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024

Study shows how high blood sugar increases risk of thrombosis

Researchers from Brazil's Center for Research on Redox Processes in Biomedicine found that high blood sugar can cause thrombosis by altering endothelial function and promoting platelet adhesion. They identified a specific molecular mechanism involving protein disulfide isomerase A1 as a key regulator of this process.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis·DateNov 6, 2024

Social media likes and comments linked to young men’s obsession with perfect pecs and a six-pack

A new Australian study found that social media interactions are linked to muscle dysmorphia in young men, who experience small and weak bodies despite having a good physique. The study suggests that taking less notice of social media posts may help combat this issue, along with targeted mental health initiatives.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalNew Media & Society·TypeSurvey·DateNov 6, 2024

Coping and resilience aids parents of disabled children, study says

A study published in the International Journal of Developmental Disabilities found that emotion-focused coping increases resilience in parents of neurodevelopmentally disabled children. This approach helps manage stress and improves quality of life by regulating a person's emotional response rather than solving problems directly.

SourceUniversity of Mississippi·JournalInternational Journal of Developmental Disabilities·DateNov 6, 2024

The World Health Organization system for reporting pancreaticobiliary cytopathology: Standardized categories and practical approaches to pancreatic lesions

The World Health Organization's seven-tiered system standardizes the reporting of pancreaticobiliary cytopathology, providing a framework for guiding interpretation of cytology samples and their clinical management. Ancillary testing plays a crucial role in enhancing diagnostic precision, especially in challenging cases.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Pathology·DateNov 6, 2024

Effects of preterm birth extend into adulthood, study finds

A study of over 2.4 million individuals born in Canada found that preterm birth is associated with lower employment income, university enrollment, and educational attainment through age 28. The findings suggest that long-term supports are vital to mitigate the effects of preterm birth on socioeconomic outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateNov 6, 2024

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric anxiety and depression: Prevalence data, theoretical synthesis, and clinical implications

The COVID-19 pandemic triggers a significant increase in pediatric mental health challenges, with rising rates of anxiety, depression, OCD, and suicidality. Theoretical models such as intolerance of uncertainty offer valuable insights into the mechanisms behind these increases.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalExploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine·DateNov 6, 2024

UVA engineering professor will augment his students’ reality this spring

Devin Harris and his team have developed an augmented reality app, STRUCT-AR, that allows students to 'stress test' virtual bridges, beams, frames, and trusses. The app, which is set to be tested this spring, aims to improve students' understanding of structural behavior by providing a more interactive and immersive learning experience.

A joint research team of Korea University College of Medicine announced the world's first single-port robotic thymectomy comparative results

A joint research team at Korea University College of Medicine announced the world's first comparative results of single-port robotic thymectomy, showing a lower conversion rate to multi-port surgery and shorter hospital stays. The study demonstrated that single-port robotic thymectomy is a safer alternative to traditional VATS thymectomy.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalCancers·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024

High cost of childbirth and postpartum care causes biggest financial hardship for lower-income families with commercial insurance

A Columbia University study finds that lower-income families with commercial insurance experience significant financial hardship due to high childbirth and postpartum care costs. Medicaid coverage provides greater financial protection, with most people with a Medicaid-covered birth having no out-of-pocket spending on childcare or healt...

Mount Sinai researchers have uncovered the mechanism in the brain that constantly refreshes memory

Mount Sinai researchers discovered a neural mechanism for memory integration that involves replaying experiences, integrating new information with existing memories, and linking memories across time. This finding has implications for understanding adaptive and maladaptive memory processes, such as PTSD.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024

Use of “genetic scissors” carries risks

The CRISPR tool was successfully used to correct a genetic defect in cells affected by chronic granulomatous disease. However, the repair process also introduced new genetic defects, highlighting the need for caution when using CRISPR technology in clinical settings.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2024

Do commercial ties influence ESG ratings?

A study published in Journal of Accounting Research finds that conflicts of interest from commercial ties lead to biased ESG ratings. ESG ratings for existing clients increased by 17.16% after the acquisitions, highlighting the need for regulation and investor awareness.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Accounting Research·DateNov 6, 2024