Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for September 16, 2024


Study finds mine-drainage treatment cost effective, but far more costs lay ahead

New research from the University of Pittsburgh shows that treating abandoned mine drainage in Pennsylvania is both successful and cost-effective, particularly benefiting vulnerable communities. However, current appropriations are insufficient for long-term treatment and addressing other hazards, requiring an additional $3.9 billion.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 16, 2024

How gaps in the canopy of a floodplain influence microclimate and soil biological activity

Researchers studied the effects of forest gaps on microclimate and soil biological activity in a European mixed floodplain forest. Temperature fluctuations increased in areas with gaps, but decomposition rates remained relatively stable. The study highlights complex interactions between forest structure, microclimate, and soil processes.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2024

Navigating space: Dual maps discovered in the brain

Researchers have found two distinct maps in the brain's secondary motor cortex that enable spatial planning and navigation, with implications for understanding neurological conditions such as stroke. The study discovered a self-centred map used for planning actions and a world-centred map used to determine body position in the world.

SourceSainsbury Wellcome Centre·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2024

Immigration detainer holds linked to lower Medicaid and SNAP enrollment among eligible adults

A study published in Health Affairs found that people living in areas with high detainer requests are less likely to enroll in Medicaid and SNAP due to fear of deportation. The study suggests that immigration enforcement activities can have a significant impact on daily life for immigrants and their families.

SourceDrexel University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 16, 2024

Electronic and coordination structures of metal porphyrin complexes in aqueous solutions probed by soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy

The study probed the electronic structures of metal and ligand sides using soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy, revealing differences in energy shifts between cobalt and iron protoporphyrin IX complexes. The results show that CoPPIX maintains its five-coordination geometry in aqueous solution.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2024

US COVID-19 rates oscillate every six months

Researchers analyzed COVID-19 cases in US states, finding oscillating waves every six months that start near the southern border in July-August. The data suggests a larger pattern sweeping up and down North America, but further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these seasonal oscillations.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 16, 2024

NIH study links neighborhood environment to prostate cancer risk in men with West African genetic ancestry

A new NIH study finds that West African genetic ancestry is linked to increased prostate cancer risk among men living in disadvantaged neighborhoods, possibly due to chronic stress. The study suggests that neighborhood environment may play a role in determining how genetic ancestry influences prostate cancer risk.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeCase study·DateSep 16, 2024

Food insecurity in early life, pregnancy may be linked to higher chance of obesity in children, NIH-funded study finds

A new NIH-funded study found that children who experienced food insecurity during early childhood or whose mothers experienced it during pregnancy had a higher BMI and increased chance of developing obesity. Researchers explored how neighborhood food access affected child body mass index and obesity over time.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2024

Breakthrough study reveals how mutant p53 protein converts other proteins into cancer drivers

Researchers have uncovered a critical mechanism by which mutant p53 protein converts other proteins into cancer-promoting agents, driving tumor growth. Heparin, a widely used anticoagulant, can inhibit the formation of these harmful aggregates, providing a potential therapeutic approach.

SourceInstituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INBEB)·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2024

Quality-of-life outcomes reported from NRG Oncology trial studying whole-breast irradiation vs accelerated partial-breast irradiation after breast-conserving surgery

A new study from NRG Oncology found that whole-breast irradiation (WBI) was not statistically equivalent to accelerated partial-breast irradiation (APBI) in local tumor control. The QOL sub-study also showed that APBI may be preferred by some patients due to reduced fatigue and extended treatment time.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 16, 2024

Immunotherapy after surgery helps people with high-risk bladder cancer live cancer-free longer

A new clinical trial shows that immunotherapy treatment with pembrolizumab can significantly extend the cancer-free period for patients with high-risk, muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The study found that adjuvant pembrolizumab treatment nearly doubled the median length of time patients remained cancer-free compared to observation.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 16, 2024

EarthCARE's lidar shows particles in the atmosphere in detail

The ATLID atmospheric lidar is a state-of-the-art instrument that records detailed vertical profiles of aerosols and clouds in the atmosphere. The new data from EarthCARE's lidar will significantly advance our understanding of aerosols, clouds, and their interactions with climate change.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2024

Improving eye tracking to assess brain disorders

A University of Houston team developed non-invasive, comfortable, and safe wearable sensors to monitor eyeball movements, providing early warning signs of brain-related disorders. The new sensors have potential applications in diagnosing conditions like ADHD, autism, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injuries.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateSep 16, 2024

Computational marathon matches the efficiency of the AiiDA platform with the power of Switzerland Alps supercomputer

A team of scientists successfully interfaced AiiDA with the Alps supercomputer, completing over 100,000 calculations in just 16 hours. The run demonstrated the maturity of Swiss-made software tools for computational materials science and showcased the power of Switzerland's main supercomputing facility.

Study: Backward hopping may be better indication of recovery from ACL reconstruction

A University of Kansas researcher has found that single leg backward hopping can accurately measure knee strength and recovery in patients after ACL reconstruction. This method shows significant changes in knee mechanics compared to forward hopping, making it a potentially superior indicator of quadriceps strength deficiency.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Sport and Health Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2024

The Lancet: More than 39 million deaths from antibiotic-resistant infections estimated between now and 2050, suggests first global analysis

A new study estimates that more than 1 million people died each year due to antibiotic-resistant infections between 1990 and 2021. The study predicts that this number could increase to nearly 2 million by 2050, with a significant age-related shift in the impact of AMR on children under five years old.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2024

New battery technology could boost renewable energy storage

Researchers have created a new electrolyte that enhances the energy density and power density of intermediate-temperature K/Na/S batteries, enabling them to operate at lower temperatures while achieving maximum possible energy storage capacity. This breakthrough could provide a stable and reliable power supply from renewable sources.

New insights into DNA organization during embryonic development

Researchers from the Kind Group have gained new insights into the mechanism behind the spatial organization of DNA within cells of early embryos. They found that DNA regions near the nuclear edge are repelled by a specific protein modification, leading to an unusual organization that enables cells to differentiate into various types.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2024

Students with multiple marginalized identities face barriers to sports participation

A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health examines the inequities faced by adolescents with multiple marginalized social identities, including assigned sex, gender modality, sexual identity, racial and ethnic identity, access to economic resources, weight status, and mental health. The research suggests that initiatives aim...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 16, 2024

Wildland firefighters hit their STRIDE

Researchers from University of Utah introduced Simulating Travel Rates in Diverse Environments (STRIDE) model to predict walking travel times with unprecedented accuracy. The model considers slope steepness, vegetation density, and ground surface roughness for efficient routes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 16, 2024

“Will not the caption become the most important part of the photograph?”: how a German peasant became the face of Nazi race laws

A photograph of a German peasant was taken in 1929 as part of an anthropological study, but its use evolved over time to support Nazi racial purity and anti-Semitism. The image has been misattributed to the Nazi regime, used to justify discrimination against Jews, and even repurposed to promote Turkish nationalism.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Journal of Modern History·DateSep 16, 2024

New research solves Crystal Palace mystery

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University reveals that the Crystal Palace was constructed using a standard screw thread, allowing for rapid completion in just 190 days. This innovation played a significant role in the building's success and had far-reaching implications for engineering and construction.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal for the History of Engineering & Technology·DateSep 16, 2024

Pusan National University researchers develop precise pricing formula for perpetual American strangle options

A team of researchers at Pusan National University developed a pricing formula for perpetual American strangle options (PASOs) using a stochastic volatility model. The formula is accurate and provides a better understanding of the risks and returns associated with PASOs, especially in low-volatility environments.

SourcePusan National University·JournalMathematics and Computers in Simulation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 16, 2024

Is CREME AI’s answer to CRISPR?

CREME, a new AI-powered virtual laboratory, allows scientists to run thousands of virtual experiments with the click of a button to identify key regions of the genome. This breakthrough may lead to discovering new therapeutic targets and giving scientists access to cutting-edge technology without a real laboratory.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 16, 2024

Beware of toxic TikTok #fitspo videos

A study analyzing 200 'fitspiration' videos on TikTok found that most presented incorrect or harmful information, promoting idealised views of body types and triggering negative body image issues. The content often featured sexualisation, body shaming, and excessive dieting, with most influencers lacking credible health qualifications.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBody Image·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 16, 2024

Study shows therapy dog program works as needed mood-booster for health care workers

A pilot study by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that therapy dog interactions increased self-reported positive mood nearly doubling among healthcare workers. The program improved work engagement and reduced emotional exhaustion, burnout, and stress among staff.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine·DateSep 16, 2024

Waiting is the hardest part: Medical field should address uncertainty for cancer patients under active surveillance

Patients with low-risk cancers undergoing active surveillance experience anxiety caused by uncertainty, a problem that persists even after diagnosis, leading to negative responses such as fear and avoidance of decision-making. Medical interventions are needed to address this anxiety and improve patient-centered care.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateSep 16, 2024

Paper: Ads featuring interracial couples produce mixed results for brands

Researchers found that consumers view interracial couples as warmer but also less warm than minority couples, producing mixed attitudes. The study suggests that marketers should consider individual differences in social dominance orientation when representing diversity in ads.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 16, 2024

Generative AI model study shows no racial or sex differences in opioid recommendations for treating pain

A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers found that large language models demonstrated no racial or gender discrimination in opioid treatment recommendations. The results suggest that these AI models have the potential to reduce bias and improve health equity in pain management, which is a critical area where disparities exist.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalPain·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 16, 2024

Alliance presents final results from phase III CABINET pivotal trial evaluating cabozantinib in advanced neuroendocrine tumors at ESMO 2024 and published in New England Journal of Medicine

The CABINET trial demonstrates that cabozantinib significantly improves median progression-free survival (PFS) for patients with advanced pancreatic and extra-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The treatment also shows promise across all clinical subgroups, including primary tumor site and grade.

Calls for more accurate testing to prevent antibiotic allergies in children

Research from Edith Cowan University highlights the need for accurate testing to prevent antibiotic allergies in children. Most suspected antibiotic allergies are inaccurate, with symptoms often caused by underlying illness. Testing once the child is well enough can help identify true allergies and ensure timely treatment.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2024

Analysis finds cardiac devices recalled for safety reasons infrequently subjected to premarket or postmarket testing

A cross-sectional study of cardiovascular devices found that most recalled devices did not undergo clinical testing before authorization and were not required to undergo postmarket surveillance studies. The study highlights the need for more rigorous testing and monitoring of these devices to ensure patient safety.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 16, 2024

AI-based tool reduces risk of death in hospitalized patients

A new AI-based system has been shown to reduce the risk of unexpected deaths in hospitalized patients by identifying those at high risk of deteriorating health. The system, CHARTWatch, uses real-time alerts and enhanced communication between nurses and physicians to support high-quality care.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 16, 2024