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Science News Archive October 2024 - Page 13


Page 13 of 44

Need for psychology referrals increasing for children with food allergies

A study found that anxiety related to food allergies increased significantly in children, leading to an average of 2.1 allergens per patient and a 69% incidence of food-related anxiety. Psychology referrals for these patients increased by 50% over four years, with 60% completing at least one appointment.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 24, 2024

Study: Parents’ understanding of atopic dermatitis may influence child’s diet

A survey of 298 parents with children diagnosed with atopic dermatitis found that parents' understanding of the condition and its dietary links significantly influenced their children's diets. The most frequently identified trigger foods were milk, tree nuts/seeds/peanuts, and eggs.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeSurvey·DateOct 24, 2024

Phase Two results with CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing support further development as treatment for hereditary angioedema (HAE)

A CRISPR-Cas9 based gene editing therapy has been shown to reduce angioedema attacks and sustainably lower kallikrein levels in patients with hereditary angioedema, offering a potential treatment option. The therapy was tested on 27 patients across two dosages compared to placebo.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 24, 2024

Feeding practices play a central role in infants’ rapid weight gain, UNC Greensboro researchers find

A UNC Greensboro study of 299 women and their infants found that obesogenic feeding practices, such as watching TV while feeding or formula-feeding, are strongly correlated with rapid infant weight gain. The researchers also found that mothers' prenatal psychological risk increases the likelihood they will engage in these unhealthy pra...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Greensboro·JournalPediatric Obesity·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2024

No significant PFAs emissions caused by waste incineration

Researchers found that incineration of household waste containing fluoropolymers at temperatures typical for municipal waste incineration resulted in nearly complete mineralization, with over 99.99% reduction rate. This finding suggests that standard combustion conditions are sufficient to remove fluoropolymers from the environment.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalChemosphere·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2024

No wasted effort: Effective wastewater surveillance methods for monitoring infections gleaned from COVID-19 case study in Japan

A study from Osaka University found a reliable wastewater surveillance method, tracking regional infection trends with high sensitivity and reproducibility. The research team concluded that at least three samples per week are required for accurate monitoring.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2024

University of Barcelona team rejuvenates brain neurons through cellular reprogramming: More neurons and more brain plasticity

Researchers at the University of Barcelona have developed a method to rejuvenate brain neurons in mice using controlled cellular reprogramming cycles with Yamanaka factors. This process recovers altered neurological properties and functions, and has been shown to increase neuron count and brain plasticity.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2024

Scientists may have discovered important step in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Researchers at Aarhus University have decoded part of the bacterial defense mechanism against antibiotics, providing a crucial step towards treating resistant MRSA infections. Understanding the molecular composition of the biofilm-forming protein PSMα1 could lead to new strategies and treatments to prevent biofilm formation.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2024

Vaccine refusal lower in minorities in new study

A new study at an allergy clinic in a diverse community found that self-identified non-White patients were less likely to show vaccine hesitancy than the White patient group. Ethnicities included in the study showed Black, Hispanic and Asian ethnicities with lower rates of refusal compared to Whites.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2024

Take aim at the pause!

Researchers have uncovered a new mechanism in the growth of amyloid β (Aβ) fibrils, which are closely associated with Alzheimer's disease. The team found that each Aβ fibril is composed of two thin strands called protofilaments, and when their ends align, the fibril enters a paused state where growth temporarily stops.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2024

Illinois researchers receive two NIH grants to study infant development with innovative methods

Researchers at the University of Illinois are using a wearable device called LittleBeats to collect data on infant behavior in real-world settings. The first grant focuses on infant-parent interactions and emotional regulation, while the second grant explores infant sleep/wake patterns and health outcomes.

By studying new species of tardigrade, researchers glean insights into radiation tolerance

Researchers studied a newly identified species of tardigrade to gain insights into its ability to withstand radiation. The study found that the animal's robust DNA repair capabilities and expression of specific proteins protect it from radiation damage, offering potential inspiration for promoting human health.

Stopping surprise ambulance bills a tough policy puzzle

A study by Ohio State University found that ground ambulance providers raised their prices in response to a New York law aimed at preventing surprise, expensive out-of-network emergency ambulance bills. The law increased prices by 13%, which is likely to hit health consumers' bank accounts through elevated insurance premiums.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHealth Services Research·DateOct 24, 2024

Plant diversity enhances soil carbon retention

A new study reveals that increasing plant diversity in agriculture can significantly improve soil carbon retention by fostering stronger positive interactions between microbes. This practice not only promotes healthier ecosystems but also offers a viable solution for maintaining crop output while sequestering more carbon in soils.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2024

Millions in the U.S. may rely on groundwater contaminated with PFAS for drinking water supplies

According to a new USGS study, approximately 71-95 million people in the Lower 48 states may rely on groundwater containing detectable concentrations of PFAS for their drinking water supplies. The predictive model helps understand the potential for PFAS contamination and informs strategic planning for water resources.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 24, 2024

New performance record for eco-friendly nanocrystal solar cells

ICFO researchers have reported on a post-deposition in situ passivation strategy that improves surface passivation, yielding nanocrystal ink films with enhanced optoelectronic properties. This approach has led to the development of ultrathin solar cells with higher power conversion efficiency than their multi-step deposition counterparts.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateOct 24, 2024

Researchers improve speed and accuracy of 3D surface measurements

The new fringe photometric stereo technique reduces scanning time by over two-thirds while achieving micrometer-level accuracy, ideal for real-time scanning applications such as industrial inspection and medical procedures. The approach 'feels' the surface by projecting light patterns, improving precision measurements.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateOct 24, 2024

New JNCCN study suggests Medicaid expansion improves cancer care and survival for people with aggressive type of breast cancer

A new study published in JNCCN found that Medicaid expansion was associated with longer survival rates and reduced treatment delays for patients with HR-negative, HER2-positive breast cancer. The study used data from the National Cancer Database to review results for women diagnosed with this type of breast cancer between 2010 and 2018.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateOct 24, 2024

Study increases understanding of what makes multiply recurrent meningiomas a most aggressive form of brain tumor

A study published in Science Advances has identified key characteristics of multiply recurrent meningiomas (MRMs), a highly aggressive form of brain tumor. Researchers found that MRMs are more numerous, larger and more common in men than women, with increased chromosomal instability and DNA methylation.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2024

NTU Singapore scientists develop grain-sized soft robots controlled by magnetic fields for targeted drug delivery

Researchers developed grain-sized soft robots that can transport up to four different drugs, release them in reprogrammable orders and doses, and navigate complex environments inside the human body. The robots' precision functions have the potential to significantly improve therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2024

On the way to light-controlled medicine

Scientists have discovered a way to switch cellular activities on and off using light, opening up new possibilities for biological research and medical applications. The researchers created photoreceptors similar to those in the retina, which can be triggered by light pulses to initiate specific cellular signalling processes.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2024