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Science News Archive September 2024 - Page 30


Page 30 of 41

Is hormone therapy good for heart health?

A new study based on Women's Health Initiative data suggests that certain estrogen-based hormone therapies may have a beneficial impact on cardiovascular biomarkers, except for triglycerides. The study found significant improvements in HDL-C and LDL-C levels, as well as reductions in insulin resistance and lipoprotein(a) levels.

​​​​​​​Study identifies areas of Europe at risk from dengue fever due to spread of Asian tiger mosquito

A new study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology predicts high-risk towns across Europe for dengue fever outbreaks, with southern France and northern Italy being most affected. The research uses advanced high-resolution modeling to provide daily risk assessments for each area.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 10, 2024

Unaffordable food putting mums-to-be at risk

Research from Newcastle University finds that pregnant women with limited access to affordable food are up to four times more likely to experience poor mental health. The study also reveals increased risks of obesity, pregnancy-related diabetes, and dental problems.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 10, 2024

Circulation: A new mechanism of early-onset atherosclerosis in a premature aging syndrome

Researchers at CNIC have identified endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition as a novel mechanism in premature atherosclerosis in progeria. The study proposes a new therapeutic target for this disease and highlights the importance of investigating rare diseases like progeria.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2024

Dyslexia and ADHD share genetic links, DNA study shows

A DNA study by the University of Edinburgh has identified shared genetic links between dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), affecting approximately 10% of the population. The study found that specific genetic regions overlap between the two conditions, with some genes shared between them.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2024

Finding the right path(way) to reduce fat accumulation in the liver

A team at Medical University of South Carolina identified a pathway to reduce fat accumulation in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). They used a novel stem cell platform and screened 1,100 compounds to find five that more than halved fat droplets on treated liver cells.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2024

University of Barcelona team describes new biochemistry for RNA at low temperatures

A University of Barcelona team has described new biochemistry for RNA at low temperatures, revealing unexpected novel structures that emerge below 20°C. This phenomenon is believed to be universal and common to all RNA molecules, with implications for the biochemistry and biological functions of RNA.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2024

Study indicates delayed feedback enhances learning performance in individuals with traumatic brain injury

A novel study found that delayed feedback improves learning outcomes for individuals with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury. Delayed feedback may engage brain regions associated with memory retrieval and confidence, bypassing impaired pathways. The study suggests a valuable tool for improving learning in TBI individuals.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 10, 2024

World’s strongest battery paves way for light, energy-efficient vehicles

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have created a world-leading structural battery that can halve the weight of laptops and make mobile phones as thin as credit cards. The battery has increased its stiffness, allowing it to be used in vehicles, increasing their driving range by up to 70 percent on a single charge.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2024

Pausing biological clock could give boost to lab-produced blood stem cells

Researchers at Iowa State University have discovered a potential breakthrough in producing lab-grown blood stem cells by pausing the initial activation of inflammatory signals. This allows for the production of hundreds of functional stem cells, which could replace bone marrow transplants for blood disorders such as leukemia and anemia.

SourceIowa State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

X-rays from atomic systems could reveal new clues about rival quantum theories

Physicists propose a refined way to test the validity of alternative quantum models, which offer a possible explanation for quantum-classical transition. The team found big differences with previous expectations for low-energy X-ray radiation, depending on atomic species and specific collapse model.

SourceFoundational Questions Institute, FQXi·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2024

Quantum physics: Describing chaotic systems

A research team led by Professor Monika Aidelsburger and Professor Immanuel Bloch found indications that chaotic many-body systems in the quantum realm can be described using fluctuating hydrodynamics. This approach simplifies the macroscopic description of such systems, obviating the need to engage with microscopic interactions.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

Adaptive-optical 3D microscopy for microfluidic multiphase flows

Researchers developed a novel adaptive optics approach to correct dynamical aberrations in optical microscopy, enabling accurate three-dimensional flow measurements. The system reduces measurement uncertainty, paving the way to better understanding water droplet formation and detachment mechanisms for fuel cells.

FDA issues ‘letter of support’ encouraging use of synuclein-based biomarker, αSyn-SAA, in clinical trials in Parkinson’s and related diseases

The FDA Letter of Support recognizes the potential of αSyn-SAA to accelerate clinical trial design in Parkinson's and related disorders. This biomarker can objectively detect early biology related to these diseases, enabling research toward tailored therapies and potentially delaying or preventing disease onset.

SourceCritical Path Institute (C-Path)·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateSep 9, 2024

Surprising hormone-related gene activity discovered in the early larval stage of the Malabar grouper

Researchers have identified a surprising surge in thyroid and corticoid gene activity during the early larval stage of the Malabar grouper, which could help address disease management challenges in aquaculture. The study provides new insights into the complex hormone-driven processes underlying fish development and metamorphosis.

While vaccines target the changing parts of coronavirus, researchers suggest it’s the unchanging parts we also need to pay attention to

A new study published in Microorganisms highlights the importance of small molecule drugs that target the unchanging parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The research suggests that these stable targets could provide a consistent and reliable treatment option for COVID-19, even as vaccines are updated to address changing viral strains.

SourceCorewell Health·JournalMicroorganisms·DateSep 9, 2024

Diagnostic tool identifies puzzling inflammatory diseases in kids

A Cornell University-led collaboration has developed a machine learning model that uses cell-free molecular RNA dregs to diagnose pediatric inflammatory conditions, including Kawasaki disease and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children. The diagnostic tool accurately determines the patient's condition while monitoring organ health.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2024

Strolling around a Singapore town: What makes a neighbourhood ideal for walking?

A Singapore University of Technology and Design study identified key factors that influence a neighbourhood's walkability, including pedestrian safety, covered walkways, and opportunities for social interaction. The research aims to aid urban planners in creating people-centric built environments that promote healthier lifestyles.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·DateSep 9, 2024

Research Spotlight: The public health impact of the FDA’s request for additional safety data on cytisine for tobacco cessation

A new study finds that making cytisine available immediately could lead to approximately 71,000 more people quitting smoking over one year and maintaining long-term abstinence. This would produce over 500,000 additional life-years. A delay in approval by the FDA may result in reduced population-level gains of up to 10,000 life-years.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2024

Tiny heroes and innovative technology are here to fight back against antibiotic-resistant biofilms

Researchers create silver nanoparticles infused with azithromycin that effectively break down biofilms and unveil a new sensing method to assess antimicrobial activity. The novel approach offers a promising solution against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, with potential applications in coating medical devices.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNanoscale·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

AI can slash indoor farming energy use

Researchers at Cornell University found that integrating AI into environmental control systems can reduce energy consumption in indoor agriculture by up to 25%. By optimizing lighting and climate regulation, AI helps create an energy-efficient solution for optimal plant growth, carbon dioxide levels, and ventilation requirements.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Food·DateSep 9, 2024

Drugs prescribed off-label may do more harm than good

A new study from King's College London found that a common antidepressant does not improve breathlessness in patients with respiratory disease and may cause side effects. The researchers call for further research into potential therapies for severe breathlessness and recommend using non-pharmacological approaches to treat the symptom.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateSep 9, 2024