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Science News for October 7, 2024


NASA: new insights into how Mars became uninhabitable

Researchers used instruments on board Curiosity to measure the isotopic composition of carbon-rich minerals and discovered extreme evaporation, suggesting a climate that could only support transient liquid water. This finding rules out life on Mars' surface but leaves open the possibility of an underground biosphere.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 2024

Better-prepared emergency departments could save kids’ lives cost-effectively, Stanford Medicine-led study finds

A new study by Stanford Medicine found that upgrading emergency departments to be more prepared for pediatric care could save children's lives and reduce costs. The research team analyzed data from hundreds of hospitals in 11 states and found that doing so would cut deaths of pediatric emergency patients by almost half.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2024

Study finds common breast cancer treatments may speed aging process

A new study found that common breast cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, can increase expression of aging markers in breast cancer survivors. The study suggests that these treatments can have a more extensive impact on the body than previously thought, leading to accelerated biological aging.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 7, 2024

Bias found when drug manufacturers fund clinical trials

A recent study found that psychiatric drugs are 50% more effective in clinical trials funded by the manufacturer compared to those sponsored by other groups. The researcher attributed this phenomenon to the sponsorship effect, which is reduced by 20% when unpublished trials are included in the analysis. Preregistration has helped reduc...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Political Economy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2024

Ultra-powered MRI scans show damage to brain’s ‘control center’ is behind long-lasting Covid-19 symptoms

Damage to the brainstem, the brain's control centre, is behind long-lasting physical and psychiatric effects of severe Covid-19 infection. Researchers used ultra-high-resolution scanners to observe the damaging effects of Covid-19 on the brain, finding inflammation in key regions associated with breathlessness, fatigue and anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBrain·DateOct 7, 2024

Using mice to understand the link between prostate cancer and gut bacteria

A recent study published in The Prostate used genetically modified mice to investigate the relationship between gut dysbiosis and prostate cancer. The researchers found that both humans and mice exhibited marked differences in their gut microbiome composition, with certain bacteria positively associated with prostate cancer. Additional...

SourceKindai University·JournalThe Prostate·TypeObservational study·DateOct 7, 2024

A new study reveals a key mechanism driving atherosclerosis in Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome

A team of researchers has identified the activation of the YAP/TAZ pathway as a major contributor to atherosclerosis in patients with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. This discovery sheds light on the vascular problems faced by HGPS patients and opens up potential new avenues for treatment.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2024

The way sensory prediction changes under anesthesia tells us how conscious cognition works

Researchers found that conscious thought requires synchronized communication—mediated by brain rhythms in specific frequency bands—between basic sensory and higher-order cognitive regions of the brain. Under anesthesia, communication was lost, highlighting the key role of frontal areas in consciousness.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2024

Arm position and blood pressure readings

A crossover randomized clinical trial found that using lap or side positions for blood pressure readings leads to substantial overestimation. This misdiagnosis could have serious consequences, particularly for patients with hypertension.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 7, 2024

Autobiographical memory in the digital age: Our lives in the mirror of our data

Researchers explore the influence of digital resources on autobiographical memory, highlighting its potential benefits, such as supporting people with memory difficulties, and risks, like manipulation through deepfakes. The study aims to better understand the interplay between recorded data and memories stored in our minds.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPsychological Inquiry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 7, 2024

How a common economic theory could help save endangered frogs

A new study applies modern portfolio theory to conserve the coquí llanero frog by diversifying investments and managing risk under future climate uncertainty. The analysis suggests that relying on existing protected areas may not be enough to mitigate climate risks, and investing in additional habitats could be worth the cost.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2024

What turns bacteria into spirals?

A team of researchers discovered a mechanism that determines the spiral shape of Rhodospirillum bacteria, revealing a novel link between cell shape and fitness. The study found that an outer membrane porin-lipoprotein complex modulates elongasome movement to establish cell curvature in R. rubrum.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 7, 2024

Fairness attitudes in children

Research shows that girls are more compassionate than boys, while both exhibit envy when a boy receives more. However, boys display spite towards other boys and tend to share with girls more than others. Gendered differences in fairness attitudes emerge in young children.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalCommunications Psychology·DateOct 7, 2024

Study explores novel therapeutic treatment for glioblastoma

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that combining pimozide with CB-839 can effectively suppress glioblastoma growth by blocking lipid production and starvation of tumor cells. This innovative combination may also hold promise for treating other cancers relying on glutamine and lipids.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 7, 2024

Space oddity: Most distant rotating disc galaxy found

Astronomers have detected the most distant Milky-Way-like galaxy, REBELS-25, with a rotation and structure similar to our own galaxy. The galaxy is estimated to be 700 million years old, challenging current understanding of galaxy formation.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 7, 2024

Study finds telehealth effective for HIV patients

A Rutgers Health study suggests telehealth is a viable long-term option for people living with HIV, maintaining treatment regimens and health outcomes. Researchers found that 69.2% of participants accessed healthcare via telehealth, with 92.4% rating the quality as 'excellent' or higher.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care·TypeSurvey·DateOct 7, 2024

Benzoyl peroxide acne drugs lack stability and degrade into carcinogenic benzene including when kept at room temperature, new study

A new study found that benzoyl peroxide acne treatments lack stability and degrade into carcinogenic benzene when exposed to heat, UV light, or stored at room temperature. Refrigeration may be a practical solution to minimize unnecessary exposure until safer formulations are developed.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2024

Food deserts, limited access to transportation linked to more complications among preschool children with SCD

A new study found that preschool-aged children with sickle cell disease who live in food deserts and have limited access to transportation are at greater risk for acute complications and hospitalizations. Living in a household located more than one mile from a supermarket was associated with a 44% increase in hospitalizations.

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateOct 7, 2024

Scientists decode black widow spider venom

Researchers at the University of Münster deciphered the structure of α-latrotoxin, a potent neurotoxin that interferes with nervous system transmission. The toxin forms calcium-permeable membrane pores, inducing muscle contractions and spasms.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 7, 2024

Plenty more fish in the sea? Environmental protections account for around 10 percent of fish stocks on coral reefs

A recent study from the University of Sydney found that international conservation efforts account for approximately 10 percent of fish biomass on coral reefs. Increasing Marine Protected Areas and implementing fisheries restrictions are key to sustaining fish populations, but more work is needed to meet the 30x30 initiative.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 7, 2024

Singapore families show high resilience during pandemic

A new study by NUS Medicine reveals that Singaporean families with young children successfully adapted to the pandemic's challenges, with 31% showing economic security and relational strengthening. Families with strong relational factors, such as maternal self-efficacy and quality family time, demonstrated higher relational resilience.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 7, 2024

Head gets in the way of recovery – new research

Research has shown that people with hip osteoarthritis are unable to activate their muscles as efficiently due to the brain's inhibitory response. Dr. Myles Murphy and his team investigated muscle function in patients with hip osteoarthritis, finding a strong correlation between muscle activation and joint degeneration.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalSports Medicine and Health Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 7, 2024

Brain’s waste-clearance pathways revealed for the first time

A new study has definitively revealed the presence of an efficient waste-clearance system within the human brain, showing that cerebrospinal fluid flows through specific pathways to clear metabolic wastes generated by brain energy. Lifestyle measures and medications can maintain and enhance this system.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 7, 2024

Penn Nursing study finds link between nurse work environment quality and COVID-19 mortality disparities

A new Penn Nursing study found a strong association between the quality of the nurse work environment and COVID-19 mortality rates among socially vulnerable Medicare beneficiaries. Hospitals with high-quality nurse work environments were associated with reduced COVID-19 mortality among these patients.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalINQUIRY The Journal of Health Care Organization Provision and Financing·DateOct 7, 2024

Low stream diatom biodiversity potentially decreasing stream oxygen production in remote islands

Research finds that low stream diatom biodiversity on islands may decrease oxygen production due to reduced biodiversity. This could have implications for freshwater ecosystems and the animals that depend on them. The study examines how island location, age, and distance from continents affect diatom diversity and oxygen levels.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2024

Systematic review highlights decline in mental health care and increase in suicides following FDA youth antidepressant warnings

A systematic review found that FDA-issued warnings about antidepressant use among youth led to a decline in pediatric mental health care and an increase in suicides. The study suggests that these warnings, intended to encourage physician vigilance, had unintended consequences.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 7, 2024

HPV vaccination switch to 1-dose gender-neutral approach

A new Canadian study models a 1-dose HPV vaccination approach and finds it could prevent a similar number of cervical cancers as 2 doses if vaccine protection remains high. The switch is projected to be a more efficient use of vaccine doses, potentially eliminating cervical cancer in Canada by 2040.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 7, 2024

Aussies above 50 are living longer, while younger people are suffering

New research from the Australian National University reveals that Australians under 50 are experiencing stagnating life expectancy, while older cohorts are living longer. The study found that external causes of death, such as substance use disorders and traffic accidents, were major contributors to this trend.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 7, 2024

A compost in the sea that produces oxygen

A study on Posidonia seagrass meadows in the Mediterranean Sea reveals surprising results: dead leaves break down like compost, producing oxygen through photosynthetic organisms. The researchers also found a two-way exchange between macroalgae on rocks and seagrass, with organic molecules diffusing between them.

Decoding bacterial genomes using single-cell genomics

Researchers developed a novel single-cell genome approach to analyze microbial diversity and genetic features, recovering 300 missed bacterial species and providing insights into antibiotic resistance genes and gene exchange networks. The study has potential applications in public health, environmental monitoring, and agriculture.

SourceWaseda University·JournalMicrobiome·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2024

Revealing disparities in hepatitis C care for reproductive-aged women to break cycle of viral transmission

A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases reveals that Asian and Black individuals are less likely to be tested for hepatitis C, while American Indian/Alaska Native women are more likely to receive treatment. The findings highlight the need to prioritize equity in healthcare approaches to ensure timely diagnosis and effective t...

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateOct 7, 2024