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Science News Archive November 2024 - Page 42


Page 42 of 44

Teenage hormonal shift surprises scientists – opposite impacts on kidney injury

Researchers found that female sex hormones may increase susceptibility to kidney injury during puberty, contradicting the protective effects seen in adulthood. The study suggests that developmental changes driven by the hormonal surge in puberty may override the benefits of female sex hormones later in life.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalKidney International·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2024

Origami-inspired architecture

A multidisciplinary team of engineers and architects applied origami techniques to create living buildings that respond to environmental factors. The researchers combined human design creativity with computational intelligence to increase the effectiveness of designs for environmentally responsive building technologies.

The changing 'history' of a global ice sheet

A computer modeling study found that glacial isostatic adjustment caused downward movements in the eastern US, while upward movements occurred in eastern Canada, contributing to relative sea-level rise. The research will help generate maps for aquifer management and inform decisions on sea-level rise impacts.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth·DateNov 4, 2024

The secrets of baseball's magic mud

A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science has confirmed that baseball's 'magic mud' works, providing the right mixture for spreading, gripping, and stickiness. The study also highlights the potential for natural materials like the mud to be used as sustainable lubricants.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2024

Influence of tool corner radius on chip geometrical characteristics of machining Zr-based bulk metallic glass

Researchers investigated the effect of tool corner radius on chip formation in Zr-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) machining. The study found that increasing the corner radius leads to an increase in serrated frequency and secondary shear bands within individual sections, affecting surface quality.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Manufacturing Science and Technology·DateNov 4, 2024

Survey finds continued declines in HIV clinician workforce

The survey found that the number of US clinicians available to provide HIV prevention and treatment is shrinking, with 10.5% of current clinicians reporting they would leave HIV care in the next five years. Younger clinicians and those from certain regions are more likely to continue providing HIV care.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care·DateNov 4, 2024

Deep-sea corals are home to previously unknown bacteria with extremely small genomes

Researchers have discovered two previously unknown bacterial species in deep-sea corals from the Gulf of Mexico. These bacteria have extremely reduced genomes and lack the ability to break down carbohydrates, surviving on amino acids instead. The discovery provides insights into the unique adaptations of deep-sea organisms.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 4, 2024

Medicaid funding for addiction treatment hasn’t curbed overdose deaths

A new study by Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that Medicaid waivers for addiction treatment have not led to increased treatment or reduced nonfatal overdoses in 17 states. The authors suggest that while the waivers may be necessary, they are insufficient to address the national opioid epidemic.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 4, 2024

The high cost of complexity

A new study led by Arizona State University researcher Michael Lynch explores the substantial energy demands required to maintain and evolve multicellular life. Multicellular organisms require a tenfold increase in energy compared to protists, highlighting how respiration and metabolic processes are crucial for advanced life forms.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2024

Lying, sitting or all-fours position?

Researchers found that women who chose their birthing position voluntarily were more satisfied with the birth experience. Around three quarters of mothers gave birth lying on their side or back, but up to 40% stated they didn't choose their position. Women who had autonomy over their birthing position reported higher satisfaction rates.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalArchives of Gynecology·DateNov 4, 2024

Toddlers understand concept of possibility

Two- and three-year-old children distinguish between improbable and impossible events, demonstrating an understanding of possibility. They learn significantly better after experiencing impossible occurrences, which drives them to search for explanations.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2024

Unlocking next-gen chip efficiency: UVA researchers confirm thermal insights for tiny circuits

Researchers at the University of Virginia have confirmed a key principle governing heat flow in thin metal films, paving the way for advancements in technology and more efficient devices. The study validated Matthiessen's rule in ultra-thin copper films, providing a blueprint to mitigate thermal bottlenecks.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2024

With the help of AI, UC Berkeley researchers confirm Hollywood is getting more diverse

Researchers used facial recognition technology to track actor screen time in over 2,300 films, confirming a shift towards greater diversity. The study found that individual film casts are becoming more diverse, with non-leading roles exhibiting more variety than leading ones.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 4, 2024

Virginia Tech researchers find menthol restrictions may drive smokers to healthier alternatives

Researchers at Virginia Tech's Fralin Biomedical Research Institute found that restricting menthol cigarettes led to an increase in the purchase of nicotine replacement options. This shift is likely due to the fact that menthol flavors are perceived as more appealing, making alternative products a practical substitute.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2024

New research identifies ways to protect neurons from the negative effect of high-fat diet on multiple sclerosis progression

Researchers found that specific enzymes in neurons mediate the toxicity of diets rich in palm oil, leading to mitochondrial damage and neurodegeneration. Inactivating these enzymes provides neuroprotection, suggesting a potential pathway for slowing diet-induced symptom severity in MS patients.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalGlia·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2024

Remote medical interpreting is a double-edged sword in healthcare communication

A recent study from the University of Surrey found that remote medical interpreting (RMI) can compromise the quality of communication in healthcare settings. Interpreters reported mixed experiences with technology during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for careful consideration of interpreting methods based on the nature o...

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalPerspectives·TypeObservational study·DateNov 4, 2024

Synthetic genes engineered to mimic how cells build tissues and structures

Scientists have engineered synthetic genes that can assemble into complex biomaterials like nanoscale tubes, using a modular approach similar to building furniture. This breakthrough enables the creation of distinct materials that can spontaneously develop from a finite set of parts by rewiring the timing of molecular instructions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2024

Federal government may be overpaying for veterans’ health care in Medicare Advantage plans

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that the federal government may be paying for veteran healthcare twice due to high-veteran Medicare Advantage plans. The research found that nearly one in five veterans enrolled in these plans did not incur any Medicare services, highlighting concerns about inefficient s...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 4, 2024

An old drug with new tricks

A new study by MUSC researchers reveals how cancer cells develop resistance to hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug repurposed for cancer therapy. The findings suggest that targeting specific metabolic and export pathways can prevent resistance, opening the door for novel combination therapies.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalCell Cycle·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2024

Decadal climate patterns reveal new insights into tropical cyclone formation and ENSO link

A new study reveals how decadal-scale climate fluctuations impact tropical cyclone frequency in response to ENSO events. The FGOALS-g3 large ensemble model shows improved performance in capturing the ENSO-affected cyclone activity, highlighting the importance of accounting for decadal variability.

Megan Huisingh-Scheetz, MD, MPH, of the University of Chicago recognized with AFAR’s Terrie Fox Wetle Rising Star Award in Health Services and Aging Research

Dr. Megan Huisingh-Scheetz, a researcher at the University of Chicago, has received the AFAR Terrie Fox Wetle Rising Star Award for her groundbreaking work on frailty science and technology-based solutions to support older adults. Her research focuses on harnessing health services research to fuel frailty implementation and innovation.

Scientists determine why some patients don’t respond well to wet macular degeneration treatment, show how new experimental drug can bridge gap

Researchers have identified a new experimental drug that can bridge the gap between patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and existing treatments. The drug, 32-134D, decreases levels of a key protein involved in AMD, leading to improved vision outcomes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2024

Small reductions to meat production in wealthier countries may help fight climate change, new analysis concludes

Researchers suggest that small cutbacks in higher-income countries could remove 125 billion tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, allowing forests to regrow and sequester more CO2. This approach would require cutting global cattle herds by less than half, while still maintaining livestock grazing on native grasslands.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2024