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Science News for September 5, 2024


ZJU researchers address oxidation issue of copper by laser writing towards in-situ integrated sensing

Researchers from Zhejiang University have developed a hybrid laser direct writing technique that enables the creation of functional copper interconnects and carbon-based sensors within a single integrated system. The process allows for real-time temperature monitoring over extended periods, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateSep 5, 2024

Understanding food insecurity and its effects on gestational diabetes risk among American Indian and Alaska Native females can lead to better outcomes

A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior examines the connection between food insecurity and gestational diabetes risk among young American Indian and Alaska Native females. The research highlights how targeted risk reduction methods could significantly improve diabetes health outcomes for this popula...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateSep 5, 2024

Starting a fluorescent biosensor revolution

A novel synthetic biology platform enables rapid and cost-effective transformation of protein binders into high-contrast nanosensors for various applications. The platform uses fluorogenic amino acids to increase fluorescence up to 100-fold, enabling the detection of specific proteins, peptides, and small molecules.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2024

Study finds using an AI technology improves sexual and reproductive health education

A study published in BMC Global and Public Health found that using an AI-powered conversational agent (ECA) improved knowledge about family planning methods, folic acid use, and healthy eating among young women in Lesotho. The ECA model was adapted to the local culture and used a professional nurse midwife persona to engage users.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBMC Global and Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateSep 5, 2024

New AI-driven tool could revolutionize brain pressure monitoring in intensive care patients

Researchers at Mount Sinai developed an AI model that predicts brain blood pressure using noninvasive data, enabling swift detection of critical changes and potentially saving lives. The study showed strong performance in detecting intracranial pressure within seconds.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 5, 2024

New study shows cells get involved in unhealthy relationships after acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice

Researchers have identified key cellular interactions and microenvironments that contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) after acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice. The study, published in Nature Communications, provides new insights into how damaged cells interact within disease-promoting microenvironments.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2024

Gut bacteria influence responses to immunotherapy in patients with asbestos related cancer, Leicester study finds

A University of Leicester study has found that certain gut bacteria may influence whether a patient's immune system is successful in fighting mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer. Researchers suggest that dietary changes, such as increased fibre intake, could improve the benefits of immunotherapy for these patients.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 5, 2024

Researchers reveal new central action target of the “weight loss miracle drug” GLP-1R agonists in mice

Researchers have identified the lateral septum as a key region in the brain that regulates feeding behavior, leading to the development of new anti-obesity strategies. The study found that GLP-1R agonists like liraglutide activate neurons in this region to suppress appetite and reduce body weight.

SourceShenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 5, 2024

Researchers find ideal place to take reptiles’ pulse rate

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered an easy-to-reach location on the back of a reptile's head to take their pulse rate, corresponding to heart rate in healthy animals. This technique allows for a more complete cardiovascular examination and can be used to treat animals under anesthesia or when they're feeling defensive.

SourceCornell University·JournalVeterinary Record·DateSep 5, 2024

Making baby food safer

Researchers at the University of Delaware found that flooded rice fields contain higher amounts of arsenic and lower amounts of cadmium. The drier conditions lead to lower arsenic and higher cadmium levels. This study provides potential guidance for reducing toxic metals in foods typically eaten by infants and children.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEnvironmental Geochemistry and Health·DateSep 5, 2024

Serotonin to bounce back from adversity

Researchers at UNIL find that observing others cope with trauma increases resilience and prevents pathological states. Serotonin release in the habenula brain structure is identified as the key mechanism, offering new perspectives for understanding depression and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Lausanne·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2024

Risky combos of psychiatric drugs prescribed for young patients

A new study reveals that young patients treated with psychiatric medications receive potentially dangerous combinations at a concerning frequency. Researchers analyzed New York State Medicaid records for over 141,000 patients and found nearly 400 received at least one potentially dangerous combination for one month or longer.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBMC Primary Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 5, 2024

Faster detection of dangerous infections

Researchers developed an algorithm to analyze peptides in infected wounds, revealing unique biomarkers that enable earlier and more accurate diagnoses. This breakthrough method uses mass spectrometry and machine learning to diagnose infections in just a few minutes.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2024

Shining light on new supercapacitor

Researchers designed a new supercapacitor that can store more energy through electrochemical phenomena, with increased capacitance when exposed to UV light. The device uses ZnO nanorods and liquid electrolyte, enabling fast-charging capabilities and opening doors for innovative applications in electronics.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateSep 5, 2024

K-State researchers determine molecular interactions in plants

Researchers led by Kathrin Schrick discovered a new type of molecular interaction between a protein and a phospholipid molecule, which regulates gene expression levels. This finding has significant implications for developing crops that can efficiently use phosphorus, essential for plant growth, to withstand drought and climate change.

SourceKansas State University·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 5, 2024

SNU-Stanford researchers jointly identify key visual perceptual factors enhancing 3D display realism

The study reveals that parallax significantly impacts the perceived realism and immersion of 3D images viewed through holographic displays. The research team confirmed that 3D images generated by the light field method were preferred over those using the multilayer method.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2024

Novel study reveals how aging immune system fuels cancer growth, potentially opening new avenues for prevention

Researchers found that an aging immune system spurs tumor growth by promoting inflammation, which can drive cancer development. Blocking specific inflammatory pathways may reverse this process, offering a potential new approach to preventing cancer development in humans.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2024

First sustained remission of HIV infection following a bone marrow transplant in the absence of protective mutation

A groundbreaking study published in Nature Medicine reports the first sustained remission of HIV infection following a bone marrow transplant in a patient without the CCR5-delta 32 mutation. Despite remaining susceptible to HIV, the virus remains undetectable nearly three years after antiretroviral treatment was stopped.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Medicine·TypeCase study·DateSep 5, 2024

Center for BrainHealth investigates the relationship between cannabis use, sleep and memory

A recent study by the Center for BrainHealth found that long-term cannabis use is associated with poorer sleep quality, which in turn affects memory performance. The research, published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, involved 141 adults with cannabis use disorder and 87 non-users.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2024

Wellesley team's new research on anesthesia unlocks important clues about the nature of consciousness

A study by Wellesley College researchers found that anesthesia affects microtubules in neurons, leading to a longer recovery time under anesthesia. This discovery supports the idea that consciousness is related to quantum mechanics and could have significant implications for our understanding of brain function and behavior.

SourceWellesley College·JournaleNeuro·TypeObservational study·DateSep 5, 2024

Virtual learning detrimental to school attendance, especially in districts with higher poverty rates, study finds

A study by the University of Notre Dame found that virtual learning led to a significant increase in chronic absenteeism, particularly in school districts with higher poverty rates. This resulted in lower test scores, reduced social interactions, and decreased high school graduation rates. The research suggests that students from vulne...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 5, 2024

Hit or miss: Collisions affect raptors on a global scale

A new Conservation Letter reviews the impact of built environments on raptors, identifying vehicles, wind turbines, and windows as consistently problematic obstacles. Proposed solutions include flight diverters, bird-friendly products, and habitat management to reduce collision fatalities and support conservation efforts.

SourceRaptor Research Foundation·JournalJournal of Raptor Research·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 5, 2024

Researchers identify another common and harmful experience among Latinx immigrants traveling to the US: Extortion

A new study reveals that Latinx immigrant adults are extorted an average of $804 during their journey to the US southern border. The most common perpetrators were police officers and immigration officials. Experts say extortion should be considered an extreme stressor, which can inform mental health treatment for newly arrived immigrants.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalInjury Epidemiology·DateSep 5, 2024

Study on E. coli outbreak in the UK demonstrates increasing impact of climate change on public health and food security

A study on the UK E. coli outbreak identified contaminated lettuce as the primary source of infection, with heavy rainfall carrying STEC from animal feces to the crops. The investigation demonstrated the value of a One Health approach in predicting and preventing future outbreaks.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeObservational study·DateSep 5, 2024

AI unlocks new path to personalized cancer treatments

Researchers at Auburn University have developed a novel approach integrating artificial intelligence with molecular dynamics simulations and network analysis to enhance the prediction of binding sites on the PD-L1 protein. Their findings could improve immunotherapies like pembrolizumab, revolutionizing cancer treatment.

SourceAuburn University Department of Physics·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2024

Research spotlight: Radiology test can be used to diagnose immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated acute kidney injury

F18-FDG PET-CT scans showed significantly higher levels of radioactively-labeled glucose in kidneys for patients with ICI-AKI compared to those with AKI from non-ICI causes. This suggests a potential non-invasive testing option for differentiating cause of AKI as being ICI-related vs. non-ICI-related.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 5, 2024

Study shows long-term effects of immigration on Chinese Americans’ cardiovascular health

A new UCLA-led study found that Chinese American immigrants' cardiovascular health increases with length of residence and varies by US location. Participants who resided in Chicago showed lower mortality levels from heart disease compared to those in Los Angeles.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 5, 2024

New study in JNCCN supports chemotherapy option that reduces side effects for people with gastrointestinal cancers

Researchers found that omitting the bolus-specific 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) portion from common chemotherapy regimens improves tolerability without sacrificing treatment effectiveness. The study of 11,765 patients shows no decrease in overall survival but a notable reduction in cytopenias.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateSep 5, 2024

New Chinese Medical Journal Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine study provides key insights into pathogenesis mechanisms of lung fibrosis

A literature review examines key cell-cell interactions driving pulmonary fibrosis, revealing complex interplay between diverse lung cell types and intricate processes. The study highlights potential ligands involved in PF, including tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1β, and ADAM17, and suggests targeting CCIs for novel therapies.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal - Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 5, 2024