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Science News for September 18, 2024


UT Health San Antonio finds higher levels of leptin indicate brain protection against late-life dementia

A new study by UT Health San Antonio found that higher levels of leptin are associated with better signal-transmitting brain white matter in middle-aged adults. The researchers also discovered a link between leptin bioavailability and reduced risk of cognitive impairment, providing potential insights into obesity's role in dementia.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 18, 2024

Metal exposure can increase cardiovascular disease risk

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that metal exposure is associated with the progression of plaque buildup in arteries, comparable to traditional risk factors like smoking and diabetes. Metal levels in urine were found to increase coronary calcification over time, with higher levels linked to a grea...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 18, 2024

Drug testing evolved

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a human iPS cell-derived kidney organoid-based proximal tubule-on-chip that mimics in vivo renal physiology. This model exhibits enhanced expression and polarity of essential renal transporters, making it a powerful tool for assessing drug transport and nephrotoxicity.

SourceKyoto University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024

Clinical trial successfully repurposes cancer drug for hereditary bleeding disorder

A clinical trial found that an oral cancer drug reduced nosebleed severity and improved quality of life in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). The PATH-HHT study showed significant improvements in disease manifestations, including severe nosebleeds and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 18, 2024

Cleveland Clinic study is first to show success in treating rare blood disorder

Researchers found pomalidomide to be safe and effective in reducing nosebleed severity, improving quality of life, and decreasing the need for blood transfusions in adults with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. The trial stopped early due to successful findings, offering a promising treatment option for this rare bleeding disorder.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 18, 2024

Pupils with SEND continue to fall behind their peers

A study by Durham University reveals that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are consistently outperforming their peers in reading, writing, and maths skills, with the gap widening over time. Increased professional development and targeted support are called for to address this issue.

SourceDurham University·JournalEuropean Journal of Special Needs Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 18, 2024

Plant pathogen battle: SlSYTA protein's dual role in defense and susceptibility

Researchers found that SlSYTA overexpression increases vulnerability to pathogens, while its suppression enhances resistance through modulation of ROS signaling and other immune responses. This discovery paves the way for developing disease-resistant crops, supporting sustainable agriculture and food security.

Chinese Medical Journal review article explores cerebellar involvement in Parkinson's disease

Researchers comprehensively reviewed cerebellar involvement in Parkinson's disease, highlighting the pathophysiological role of the cerebellum in motor and non-motor symptoms. Studies showed abnormal α-synuclein aggregation, neurodegeneration, and altered functional connectivity between the cerebellum and other brain regions.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 18, 2024

Like humans, artificial minds can learn by thinking

A recent review suggests that artificial intelligence can learn by thinking, similar to humans, through processes such as explanation, simulation, analogy, and reasoning. This finding has implications for understanding the similarities and differences between human and artificial cognition, and could lead to improvements in AI systems.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 18, 2024

The Lancet Neurology: Air pollution, high temperatures, and metabolic risk factors driving global increases in stroke, with latest figures estimating 12 million cases and over 7 million deaths from stroke each year

The global stroke burden has increased significantly over the past three decades, driven by rising levels of air pollution, high temperatures, and metabolic risk factors. The study found that the number of people experiencing new strokes rose to 11.9 million in 2021, with an additional 93.8 million survivors and 7.3 million deaths.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 18, 2024

Tailoring radiation therapy for brain cancer treatment: a personal investigation

Researchers have developed a novel platform for testing radiation therapy effects on brain cells, providing insights into how the brain reacts to cancer treatment. The study aims to improve treatment strategies by understanding the impact of radiation on neural circuits, ultimately leading to personalized care for patients.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024

Publication demonstrates appeal of menthol cigarettes to young people

A University of Oklahoma researcher found that menthol cigarettes are more addictive and appealing than non-menthol cigarettes, especially among racial and ethnic minorities and the LGBTQ population. Participants were willing to work harder for puffs of menthol cigarettes, indicating a heightened risk of nicotine dependence.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2024

Constriction junction, do you function?

Scientists from Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a new type of qubit that can be easily manufactured without sacrificing performance. The constriction junction architecture offers a simpler alternative to traditional SIS junctions, using a thin superconducting wire instead of an insulating layer.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review A·DateSep 18, 2024

New Alzheimer’s studies reveal disease biology, risk for progression, and the potential for a novel blood test

Researchers discovered microRNA biomarkers that can diagnose mild cognitive impairment and predict dementia conversion, offering a novel blood test for early detection. The findings provide insights into molecular mechanisms driving the disease and may inform therapeutic targets.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAlzheimer’s & Dementia·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024

Iron given through the vein corrects iron deficiency anaemia in pregnant women faster and better than iron taken by mouth

A recent clinical trial found that an IV iron treatment called ferric carboxymaltose works faster and better than oral iron tablets in treating anaemia during pregnancy. The study showed improved haemoglobin levels and iron correction with the IV treatment, with comparable side effects.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 18, 2024

Location, location, location: Snowpack storage and runoff timing in burn scars depend on site and terrain

Snowmelt rates vary by slope orientation and receive varying amounts of solar radiation. The study found that burned south-facing slopes accumulate less snow and melt earlier than other aspects due to increased solar radiation absorption. This understanding will improve models and tools for water managers.

SourceColorado State University·JournalWater Resources Research·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2024

Proteins in meat, milk, and other foods suppress gut tumors

A new study published in Frontiers in Immunology reveals that certain food proteins like milk and meat can help keep gut tumors from growing by triggering the intestinal immune system. This discovery has potential clinical implications for patients with gastrointestinal conditions.

SourceRIKEN·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateSep 18, 2024

Penny for your thoughts? Master copper regulator discovery may offer Alzheimer’s clues

A recent study by FAU researchers links copper regulation to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's. The team discovered that a specific gene, swip-10, plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of copper in cells, which can prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024

South African rock art possibly inspired by long-extinct species

A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that South African rock art from the 19th century may be inspired by an extinct species of tusked animal called a dicynodont. The artwork, created by the San people, features a long-bodied animal with downward-turned tusks that is comparable to fossilized remains found in the region.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2024

Cancer Cooperative Group leaders propose a re-engineering of the nation’s correlative science program for cancer

The Cancer Cooperative Group System is being re-engineered to bring new money to correlative science research through public-private partnerships, aiming to remove barriers for researchers to access biological samples. This will facilitate the integration of innovative science into cancer clinical trials.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 18, 2024

Sea surface temperature record in the southwestern Pacific: Coral colony from Fiji reveals warmest temperatures in over 600 years

A coral colony from Fiji has provided a new record of sea surface temperatures in the southwestern Pacific, revealing that 2022 was the warmest year in over 600 years. The reconstruction uses data from the giant coral Diploastrea heliopora, which records long-term climatic and environmental changes.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 18, 2024

Incidence of neuroleptic malignant syndrome during antipsychotic treatment in children and youth

A new study found that patients with 4 or 5 identified risk factors, including age 18-24 years and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, had over 100 times the incidence of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. The data provide a basis for early identification and monitoring of children and youth at elevated risk.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 18, 2024

Why petting your cat leads to static electricity

Researchers at Northwestern University have finally uncovered the mechanics of static electricity generated by rubbing objects together, explaining how forces on different parts of an object create electrical charges and a current. This breakthrough could lead to new solutions for industrial fires, pharmaceutical dosing, and other issu...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 18, 2024

When serotonin dims the light

Researchers discover 5-HT2A receptor selectively suppresses visual information strength without inhibiting parallel processes. This mechanism regulates the importance attached to incoming information, which could help develop new therapies for psychiatric diseases.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024

Widely used test for gestational diabetes misses 70% of cases

A Kobe University study found that the widely used casual blood glucose testing method for screening pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus misses 70% of cases. The researchers recommend using more reliable tests to prevent pregnancy complications and type II diabetes in mothers and children.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Diabetes Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 18, 2024

From neutralizing water contamination to creating full-taste, reduced alcohol wine and spirits: success in world first liquid-liquid extraction trial opens up a realm of possibilities

Researchers at the University of Birmingham used Porous Liquids to separate harmful alcohols from water mixtures, consuming up to 88% of the PL pore volume. This innovation can reduce alcohol content in drinks while retaining flavor profiles, aligning with growing consumer demand for low-alcohol beverages.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024

How do look for microbes in nature that are beneficial to plant?

This study identifies Paenarthrobacter nitroguajacolicus as a potential biocontrol agent against cucumber corynespora leaf spot fungus, promoting cucumber growth and reducing disease severity. BJ-5 inhibited the germination of fungal spores and caused atrophy in budding tubes, with an inhibition efficacy rate of 63%.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024

Scientists quantify energetic costs of the migratory lifestyle in a free flying songbird

Researchers found that migrating blackbirds do not save energy in warmer climates, but instead reduce their metabolism before departure. The study reveals a previously unknown mechanism used by migrants to save energy prior to migration, and suggests alternative physiological adaptations may offset the energy costs of migration.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2024

Greenhouse gains: cucumbers get a genetic upgrade through innovative pollen tech

Scientists at Pusan National University have achieved a breakthrough in plant biotechnology by introducing foreign genes into cucumber pollen using DNA-coated magnetic nanoparticles. The new technique significantly streamlines crop genetic modification, offering a quicker and more accessible method to produce transgenic plants.

An innovative system for seeing into the bowels of volcanos

Researchers from CNRS and Paris Institute of Planetary Physics developed an innovative imaging method to probe volcano internal structure. The study revealed a large magma storage zone beneath La Soufriere volcano, providing greater anticipation for volcanic eruptions.

SourceCNRS·JournalCommunications·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 18, 2024

New study unveils the impact of mutations in the calcium release channel on muscle diseases

Mutations in the fifth segment of the ryanodine receptor channel (S5) lead to altered gating mechanisms and muscle disorders. The study identified three mutations linked to malignant hyperthermia and eight associated with central core disease, highlighting a novel regulatory mechanism of the RyR1 channel.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024

Versatile knee exo for safer lifting

A new knee exoskeleton has been developed to support the quadriceps muscles during lifting tasks, helping workers maintain better posture even when fatigued. The device, which uses a complex algorithm to predict assistance needs, enabled participants to lift faster and with improved posture.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Robotics·DateSep 18, 2024

One in five UK doctors use AI chatbots

A survey of UK general practitioners reveals that 20% of doctors use generative AI tools like ChatGPT in their practice. The study highlights the potential benefits of AI in reducing administrative burdens and supporting clinical decision-making, but also raises concerns about errors, biases, and patient privacy.

SourceUppsala University·JournalBMJ Health & Care Informatics·TypeSurvey·DateSep 18, 2024

Mental health challenges faced by children with cystic fibrosis are the focus of a major, multisite study led by UB

A University at Buffalo psychiatrist has been awarded $3 million to focus on the mental health of children with cystic fibrosis. The study will evaluate national prevalence of mental health concerns in children under 12, identify best screening methods and characterize issues seen in treated children. Early identification and addressin...

Research shows finger counting may help improve math skills in kindergarten

Research suggests that teaching a finger counting strategy can enhance arithmetic performance in kindergarten-age children, with benefits extending to reducing inequity in math education. The study, which included 328 five- and six-year-olds, showed significant improvements in math skills among trained children who initially did not us...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024

How Ukraine can rebuild its energy system

Researchers have identified Ukraine's renewable potential as exceeding the generation capacity destroyed during the war. The study recommends developing a distributed power supply system and investing in solar and wind energy, particularly in the south and east of the country.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJoule·DateSep 18, 2024

Activity monitoring and lifespan: a longitudinal study

Researchers from the University of California, Davis, present a comprehensive framework for analyzing longitudinal activity and behavior. By employing advanced statistical techniques, they explore the relationship between activity and age-at-death in Mediterranean fruit flies, shedding light on potential links to human lifespan.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeNews article·DateSep 18, 2024

Serial-autoencoder for personalized recommendation

A new research on serial-autoencoder-based personalized recommendation was published in Frontiers of Computer Science. The team proposes to retain the reconstructed auxiliary information in the decoding layer to further enhance the rating information, resulting in improved representation learning and scalability. This approach aims to ...

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024