Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive October 2024 - Page 22


Page 22 of 44

A mushroom for colorectal cancer therapy

Researchers discovered a previously unknown class of compounds in the fungus Bipolaris victoriae S27 that effectively kill colorectal cancer cells. The most effective compound, bipoterpride No. 2, targets the DCTPP1 enzyme and shows promise as a potential new treatment option.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

Visible light energy yields two-for-one deal when added to CO2 recycling process

Combining visible light with electrochemistry improves CO2 conversion rates and selectivity, enabling the production of valuable products such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The study's findings have significant implications for catalysis research and industrial applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

Pusan National University researchers develop fast-responding colorimetric sensor with expanded color gamut for real-time monitoring

Researchers at Pusan National University developed a fast-responding colorimetric sensor with an expanded color gamut, capable of detecting humidity and other environmental changes in real-time. The sensor outperforms previous designs with a wide color representation and rapid responsiveness.

SourcePusan National University·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

Drug discovery within the patient

A team of researchers has identified numerous bacteria with potential therapeutic applications, including those related to respiratory diseases. By analyzing the microbiome of humans and animals, they have discovered genetic blueprints for natural products that could be used to develop new medications.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2024

Catching prey with grappling hooks and cannons

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered a new predatory bacterium, Aureispira, that uses grappling hooks and cannons to capture prey. The bacterium's molecular structures resemble those of pirate tools, allowing it to entangle and kill its victims quickly.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2024

The Women's Health Initiative remains an unprecedented resource to improve well-being of postmenopausal women

A special issue of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reviews the history of the Women's Health Initiative, which has contributed significantly to the science of nutrition. The initiative's findings have led to a reduction in breast cancer cases and improved blood lipid management among postmenopausal women.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

Unpaid caregiving is undervalued by society

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that unpaid caregiving contributes billions of dollars' worth of labor annually, yet is often overlooked in societal value. The study suggests that people with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to provide care within their social networks but perceive themselve...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 17, 2024

Why do we love carbs? The origins predate agriculture and maybe even our split from Neanderthals

A new study finds that the gene for starch-digesting saliva may have first duplicated more than 800,000 years ago, seeding genetic variation that shapes modern diet. This early duplication set the stage for significant variation in the amylase region, allowing humans to adapt to shifting diets with increasing starch consumption.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2024

A new approach to capturing complex mixtures of organic chemicals in blood, evaluated in pregnant women

Researchers developed a new method to capture complex mixtures of organic chemicals in blood, finding that many pregnant women carry a mixture of neurotoxic chemicals. The study revealed that these mixtures can act additively to produce harm, even at concentrations below individual chemical thresholds.

A.J. Drexel Autism Institute study highlights key challenges and opportunities in transitioning autistic individuals into adulthood

A new study from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute has released findings that underscore critical challenges and opportunities in transitioning autistic youth into adulthood. The research emphasizes the need for improved services and supports, as well as the importance of prioritizing autistic perspectives and cultural considerations.

SourceDrexel University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 17, 2024

Researchers advance ideas on abiotic organic synthesis

A Chinese research team has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the origin of life by discovering abiotic organic compounds in the oceanic crust. The researchers proposed a molecular mechanism for organic condensation, revealing a crucial role of goethite in catalyzing the synthesis of abiotic carbonaceous matter.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 17, 2024

Mpox in Africa was neglected during the previous outbreak, and requires urgent action and investment by leaders now to prevent global spread

Experts from The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response urge leaders to take action against Mpox, a more dangerous virus now spreading across borders. The previous outbreak was neglected, highlighting the need for increased investment and cooperation to prevent further harm and global spread.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateOct 17, 2024

Buy your groceries online? Watch out for this food labeling gap

A new study reveals that online grocery retailers often don't provide essential nutrition information, such as calories and allergens, making it difficult for consumers to make informed choices. The lack of accessible food labeling poses a significant risk to public health, with marketing claims dominating the online shopping experience.

SourceTufts University·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateOct 17, 2024

Researchers develop new tool for improved diagnosis of common tropical disease

Researchers have created a new diagnostic tool using machine learning to detect schistosomiasis, a persistent parasitic infection affecting an estimated 250 million people. The tool can identify low levels of the infection and distinguish between active and past infections, leading to earlier treatment and improved long-term outcomes.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

Harnessing vibrations: RPI-engineered material generates electricity from unexpected source

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a polymer film infused with a special chalcogenide perovskite compound that produces electricity when squeezed or stressed. The material has shown promising results, including powering LED lights and potentially being used in machines, infrastructure, and biomedical applications.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

Medicaid ACOs have not yet improved care for kids with asthma

A study led by UMass Amherst found no significant improvement in asthma care for Medicaid-insured children compared to those with private insurance. Despite the launch of primary care-oriented Medicaid ACOs in Massachusetts, disparities in quality of care persist, with worsening emergency department/hospital use for children with Medic...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2024

Environmental DNA and epidemics in wood frogs

A team of researchers from UConn and Washington State University explored how environmental DNA (eDNA) can help better understand population size and health in wood frogs. They found that environmental factors impact eDNA concentrations, but the precision of this method remains unclear due to sample-to-sample variation.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

Democrats and Republicans agree on one thing: Censoring hate speech

Researchers found that Democrats and Republicans generally agree on what to censor when it comes to hate speech, with both parties prioritizing similar targets and severity levels. The study's findings suggest that social media companies can find consensus policies that get broad support, even in a highly polarized era.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateOct 17, 2024

AI-assisted deliberation can help people with different views find common ground

A new study shows that an AI tool can help people with different views find common ground by producing statements that convey the majority opinion while incorporating minority perspectives. Participants preferred and rated these outputs as more informative, clear, and unbiased compared to those written by human mediators.

Study: Pediatric healthcare facilities need more staff dedicated to infection prevention

A study at Boston Children's Hospital highlights the complexity of infection prevention and control measures in pediatric healthcare. The conventional method of calculating IP staffing needs does not accurately reflect the current demands of healthcare systems or pediatric patients, leading to a shortage of resources.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2024

Smithsonian receives $12 million from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation for forest carbon verification with GEO-TREES

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute will use the grant to apply a free, definitive standard for quantification of forest carbon everywhere. The project aims to provide accurate estimates of carbon storage and change in forests globally, enabling countries, companies, and landowners to offset their emissions.

Why do we love carbs? The origins predate agriculture and maybe even our split from Neanderthals

A new study published in Science reveals that the salivary amylase gene (AMY1) may have first duplicated more than 800,000 years ago, seeding genetic variation that shapes human digestion of starchy foods. This early duplication allowed for increased starch-digesting efficiency and may have played a role in human adaptation to new diets.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2024

Ozempic (and similar medications) may be the new treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorder

A new study found that people with opioid or alcohol use disorder who take Ozempic or similar medications have a lower rate of opioid overdose and alcohol intoxication. The medication, which treats diabetes and weight-related conditions, may also alter the brain's reward-response pathways associated with substance use.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2024

Laser solid-phase synthesis of graphene shell-encapsulated high-entropy alloy nanoparticles

Researchers develop laser solid-phase synthesis technique to produce graphene-shell encapsulated CrMnFeCoNi nanoparticles, exhibiting excellent electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen evolution reaction. The method offers simplicity, generality, and tunability to synthesize phase-separation-free HEA nanoparticles.

Ultra-processed foods pose unique dangers for people with type 2 diabetes

Researchers found that ultra-processed foods, including diet options, bring distinct risks for people with type 2 diabetes. Consuming more ultra-processed foods is closely linked with higher blood sugar levels, while a diet rich in minimally processed or unprocessed foods improves control.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2024