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Science News for September 27, 2024


Using satellite images to understand changes in river flow

Researchers used satellite images to derive a global dataset of river width data, expanding the understanding of at-a-station hydraulic geometry. The study found that a 1% increase in discharge leads to a median 0.2% increase in river width worldwide, with weaker responses in areas with cohesive soil and high forest coverage.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

UCLA at ASTRO: Predicting response to chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer, 2-year outcomes of MRI-guided radiotherapy for prostate cancer, impact of symptom self-reporting during chemoradiation and more

UCLA investigators presented data on chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer, MRI-guided radiotherapy for prostate cancer, and symptom self-reporting during treatment. Researchers developed a predictive model to identify patients most likely to respond to chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer.

Distant relatedness in biobanks harnessed to identify undiagnosed genetic disease

A new method using shared segments within the genome has identified undiagnosed cases of Long QT syndrome, a rare disorder that can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and sudden cardiac death. The approach was developed by researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and applied to a DNA biobank to detect carriers of rare disease-ca...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

ABM releases position statement on breastfeeding in emergency situations

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine has released comprehensive guidelines for protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding in emergency situations. The recommendations aim to safeguard the health and well-being of infants in disasters and conflicts by ensuring safe nutrition and immune protection.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 27, 2024

Longer orbital repeats of satellite altimetry may provide better understanding of inland waters

Researchers found that satellite altimetry missions with longer orbital repeats can provide a clearer understanding of regional and global hydrological cycles. This is because these missions sample lakes several times more frequently, revealing broader perspectives on lake variations across entire regions.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

Breaking the chain of intergenerational violence

A study by researchers from the University of Tokyo found that people with adverse childhood experiences are more likely to commit physical or verbal abuse against older adults. The study, which analyzed over 13,000 responses in Japan, revealed that psychological factors were a key contributor to this behavior.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateSep 27, 2024

Large variation in how girls grow after their first period

A study of 793 girls found significant variation in height growth after their first period, with most not reaching the expected 6-8 cm. Early onset of menstruation is linked to greater growth, while late onset is associated with shorter final height. Childhood BMI also plays a role in determining menarche age and subsequent growth.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2024

Clinical cancer research in the US is increasingly dominated by pharmaceutical industry sponsors, study finds

A recent study reveals that pharmaceutical industry sponsors dominate US cancer research, with a substantial increase in industry-sponsored clinical trials over the past decade. Federally funded studies have been underinvested and have missed opportunities for scientific advancements.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

An ultrasound-activated hydrogel for steady, sustained drug delivery

Researchers at Michigan Medicine develop a composite hydrogel capable of steady, sustained drug release using ultrasound as a trigger. The fibrin hydrogel matrix vaporizes an emulsion upon exposure to ultrasound, releasing the encapsulated drug in a zero-order release process, providing consistent levels over time.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2024

Deep underground flooding beneath arima hot springs: A potential trigger for the 1995 Kobe (Hyogo-Ken Nanbu) earthquake

A study found that a significant increase in plate-derived water beneath Arima Hot Springs occurred before the 1995 Kobe earthquake, potentially weakening the fault and triggering the quake. This phenomenon is similar to increased chloride ions and radon in groundwater, which have been reported as precursors to earthquakes.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateSep 27, 2024

Automatic speech recognition learned to understand people with Parkinson’s disease — by listening to them

Researchers trained an automatic speech recognizer on recordings from people with dysarthria related to Parkinson's disease, achieving a 30% accuracy improvement. The study, led by Mark Hasegawa-Johnson, provides valuable data for improving voice recognition devices.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Speech Language and Hearing Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 2024

Ancient sunken seafloor reveals earth’s deep secrets

Researchers discovered a mysterious subduction zone deep beneath the Pacific Ocean, reshaping our understanding of Earth's interior structure. The team found an unusually thick area in the mantle transition zone, suggesting the presence of colder material that slows down oceanic slabs as they sink through the mantle.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

Discovery of 3,775-year-old preserved log supports ‘wood vaulting’ as a climate solution

A University of Maryland-led study found that burying wood in the right environmental conditions can stop its decomposition and help curb carbon dioxide emissions. The researchers analyzed a 3,775-year-old log and surrounding soil, revealing that it had lost less than 5% carbon dioxide thanks to the low-permeability clay soil.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2024

Return of the elephants seals: From a few to thousands

Northern elephant seals nearly went extinct due to overhunting but have since recovered to around 225,000 individuals. The recent study found the species' genetic diversity was reduced during this period, which may impair their ability to cope with future environmental changes.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

Study highlights complex ocean conditions facing world’s most powerful tidal turbine

Researchers used aerial drone technology and boat-based surveys to map complex tidal flows around the world's most powerful tidal turbine, O2. The study provides new insights into optimal turbine placement and site-specific assessments to address uncertainties surrounding interactions with marine habitats and environments.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNature Communications·TypeSurvey·DateSep 27, 2024

Research findings offer a unique opportunity for early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention for rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers propose a better understanding of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, identifying an early pathogenic macrophage cell/gene signature that shapes the inflammatory environment. This discovery offers a unique opportunity for early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

The Accelerator Laboratory of the University of Jyväskylä has measured more detailed data on the "magic" N=50 neutron shell closure

Researchers from the University of Jyväskylä have measured more detailed data on the magic N=50 neutron shell closure in the silver isotope chain. The new information improves state-of-the-art theoretical models, benefiting the global description of the atomic nucleus.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2024

Estimated long-term benefits of finerenone in heart failure

Long-term treatment with the nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone is estimated to extend event-free survival by up to 3 years among people with heart failure. The FINEARTS-HF randomized clinical trial found this benefit in patients with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateSep 27, 2024

Addressing global water security challenges: New study reveals investment opportunities and readiness levels

A recent study published in Global Environmental Change highlights the pressing need for innovative economic strategies to address global water scarcity and pollution. The research found that 71% of the world's population has high existing water security needs, with significant disparities in readiness across regions.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 27, 2024

Preterm births are on the rise, with ongoing racial and economic gaps

A new study analyzing over five million births found a 10.6% increase in preterm births between 2011 and 2022, with racial and socioeconomic disparities persisting. Factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and mental health conditions became more common, while protective factors such as prenatal care and WIC participation declined.

SourceNew York University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2024

New addition to standard-of-care treatments for non-small-cell lung cancer patients has potential to increase progression-free survival

Researchers developed a mathematical model predicting enhanced survival outcomes for NSCLC patients with novel treatment combinations. The model neutralizes the negative effects of miR-155, boosting standard-of-care treatments like cisplatin and immune checkpoint inhibitors.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalMolecular Cancer·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 2024

Fruit juice offers a fresh take on kombucha

Researchers have successfully fermented fruit juices, including apple and passion fruit, using a SCOBY to create kombucha-like beverages with boosted antioxidant levels. The resulting drinks showed promise as an alternative to traditional kombucha, with the apple juice variant ranking high in taste testing.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Agricultural Science & Technology·DateSep 27, 2024

Menopausal hormone therapy use among postmenopausal women

A cross-sectional study found that menopausal hormone therapy use has decreased significantly over the past two decades among US postmenopausal women. Notably, women from racial and ethnic minority groups had lower rates of menopausal hormone therapy use compared to non-Hispanic white women.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateSep 27, 2024

Global warming leads to higher nitrogen requirements - New wheat varietys can contribute to food security

Researchers found that new wheat cultivars achieve 16% higher yields under current climate conditions, but overall nitrogen needs will increase with global warming. The team recommends a systemic approach to food security, combining agricultural science, environmental aspects, and policy makers.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Plants·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 27, 2024

Temporarily apart

Researchers induced fast switching between electrically neutral and charged luminescent particles in an ultra-thin, two-dimensional material. The result opens up new perspectives for optical data processing and flexible detectors.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2024

Role of hydrogen sulfide in the expression of iron uptake genes in escherichia coli

In this study, researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology found that hydrogen sulfide-dependent transcription factor YgaV regulates iron uptake dynamics in Escherichia coli. The team observed elevated intracellular H2S levels resulting in increased antibiotic resistance and upregulated genes involved in sulfur metabolism.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2024