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Science News Archive September 2024 - Page 6


Page 6 of 41

Structure attack on full-round DBST

A recent study by Chenhao JIA and colleagues reveals a critical flaw in the DBST cipher, allowing attackers to deduce plaintext-ciphertext pairs without querying the encryption engine. The team proposes modifications to both linear and nonlinear parts of DBST to prevent this structure attack, resulting in improved diffusion performance.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2024

Online tool supports decisions about breast reconstruction after mastectomy

A new online tool has been shown to reduce decisional conflict in women with breast cancer undergoing mastectomy, supporting informed decisions on immediate breast reconstruction. The study found that patients who used the tool felt better prepared for decision-making and had a lower rate of clinically significant decisional conflict.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateSep 26, 2024

Who transports what here?

A new AI-based approach called SPOT can predict substrate matches for transport proteins with an accuracy above 92%, speeding up laboratory experiments and enabling biotechnological applications. The model uses a training dataset of over 8,500 experimentally validated transporter-substrate pairs to make predictions.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 26, 2024

The American Ornithological Society (AOS) awards four 2024 Kessel Fellowships for Ornithological Research

The American Ornithological Society has awarded four $15,000 Kessel Fellowships to Dr. Andre Moncrieff, Glaucia Del-Rio, Felicity L. Newell, and Anne Ausems for their ornithological research in Arctic and tropical ecosystems. The fellowships aim to investigate the drivers and mechanisms of population change and the ultimate impacts on ...

Removal of marine plastic fishery debris greatly reduces entanglement threat for endangered Hawaiian monk seals

A new study found that large-scale removal of discarded fishing gear and plastic debris in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands significantly reduced entanglement rates of endangered Hawaiian monk seals. The findings suggest that marine debris cleanup programs are successful and that reducing plastic inputs can maximize conservation outco...

Unexpected immune response may hold key to long-term cancer remission

A new study published in Nature has found that the type 2 immune response is positively correlated with long-term cancer remission, contradicting previous theories that it promotes tumor growth. The research used samples from pioneering clinical trials and revealed a statistically significant correlation between type 2 immune factors a...

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2024

Genetic rescue for rare red foxes?

Research finds high levels of inbreeding in Lassen and Sierra Nevada red fox populations, highlighting genetic rescue as a viable option for restoration. The study also reveals the potential for reconnection with neighboring populations to increase adaptive potential.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 26, 2024

New mutation linked to early-onset Parkinsonism

A team of scientists has identified a new genetic mutation in the SGIP1 gene that may cause early-onset Parkinsonism. The mutation affects brain cell communication, leading to synaptic dysfunction and recessive Parkinsonism. This discovery provides new insights into the disease's development and potential treatment strategies.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2024

NASA’s Hubble finds that a black hole beam promotes stellar eruptions

Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope discovered that the blowtorch-like jet from a supermassive black hole at the core of a huge galaxy causes stars to erupt along its trajectory. The finding suggests that there is something missing from our understanding of how black hole jets interact with their surroundings.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2024

The Lancet Public Health: MMR vaccine remains the best protection against measles - modelling study in England suggests level of protection decreases slightly over time

A modelling study suggests that slow waning of MMR vaccine-induced immunity may contribute to rising measles cases in double-vaccinated people. However, the MMR vaccine remains the most effective measure to prevent measles infection, and community vaccination levels above 95% are essential to prevent outbreaks.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 26, 2024

BU commentary: Project 2025 could become a ‘political reality that would upend medical practice’

A new JAMA commentary by Boston University School of Public Health researchers warns that Project 2025's conservative blueprint would undermine healthcare and public health. The playbook's proposals, led by The Heritage Foundation, include deregulating healthcare, weakening the ACA, and allowing discrimination within healthcare settings.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 26, 2024

Fluoride-free batteries: Safeguarding the environment and enhancing performance

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a non-fluorinated battery system to comply with environmental regulations and enhance battery performance. The innovative 'APA-LC' system, entirely free of fluorinated compounds, shows improved oxidation stability and higher capacity retention.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateSep 26, 2024

Application-oriented cloud workload prediction: A survey and new perspectives

The article reviews existing cloud workload prediction work from a new perspective, highlighting variability and heterogeneity of application workloads. It classifies recent research into application-oriented categories and discusses challenges and future directions in workload prediction and proactive long-term resource management.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalTsinghua Science & Technology·DateSep 26, 2024

Extreme heat impacts daily routines and travel patterns, study finds

A new study reveals that extreme heat significantly alters how people go about their daily lives, reducing outdoor activities and shifting transportation choices. Vulnerable groups, such as low-income individuals without access to cars, face the biggest challenges in coping with extreme heat.

SourceArizona State University·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2024

Climate change will lead to wetter US winters, modeling study finds

A new study led by University of Illinois Chicago scientist Akintomide Akinsanola found that most Americans can expect wetter winters in the future due to global warming. Winter precipitation and extreme weather events are expected to increase across most of the country, with six regions experiencing more frequent very wet winters.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateSep 26, 2024

Corneal epithelial ingrowth after small incision lenticule extraction surgery: Insights from a case series and mechanistic studies

Researchers investigated the mechanisms behind corneal epithelial ingrowth (EI) after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery. EI is a rare complication that can occur due to the formation of an opaque bubble layer during surgery, which creates microchannels allowing epithelial cells to migrate into the cornea.

Genetic background of pregnant women can influence the result of the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test

A recent study published in Cell Reports reveals that a pregnant woman's genetic background significantly affects the effectiveness of Non-Invasive Prenatal Tests (NIPTs). The study found that a specific genetic variant in approximately 7% of women increases the odds of inconclusive results and impairs test sensitivity. This discovery ...

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2024

Technology that listens: The benefits and challenges of voice assistants for the elderly

A review of studies found that voice assistants can make a direct contribution to reducing loneliness in older people, with 85% of studies concluding this. The use of devices provides a sense of social interaction and emotional support, mitigating feelings of isolation and improving mental health.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalDisability and Rehabilitation·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 26, 2024

Fitness loss through spontaneous mutations will not impact viability of human populations in the near future

A new study using a mammal model suggests that fitness loss through spontaneous mutations will not significantly affect human populations. The research indicates that even without natural selection, the rate of fitness decline is not a cause for concern, providing reassurance about human viability in the near future.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2024

Organoids derived from gut stem cells reveal two distinct molecular subtypes of crohn’s disease

Researchers at University of California - San Diego have discovered that Crohn's disease consists of two distinct molecular subtypes, each exhibiting unique patterns of genetic mutation and cellular phenotypes. This finding could lead to more effective management strategies, with therapies tailored to specific subtypes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateSep 26, 2024

Recording the cats in the hats

Veterinary scientists at Université de Montréal have created a way to scan the brains of cats while they're awake by concealing electrodes in crocheted wool caps. This new technique uses electroencephalograms (EEGs) and can help alleviate chronic pain in cats.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2024

Vape residue may harm unborn babies

New research suggests that exposure to vape and e-cigarette residue on surfaces during pregnancy can cause immune system damage in unborn babies. The study found that maternal third-hand exposure to e-vapour results in significant, long-lasting effects on lung and bone marrow immune cell responses.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2024

Increased antioxidants and phenolic compounds produced in salted red perilla leaves during Japanese apricot pickling

A study found increased antioxidant content and activity in Japanese apricot pickles made with salted red perilla leaves. The phenolic compounds' release was highest before digestion, but a significant increase occurred between 60 minutes and 120 minutes of small intestinal digestion.

SourceChiba University·JournalFood Research International·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2024

New research identifies strong link between childhood opportunities and educational attainment and earnings as a young adult

New research reveals a strong connection between childhood opportunities and long-term academic success, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address opportunity gaps. The study found that increasing access to various educational and social experiences can significantly boost earnings as a young adult.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateSep 26, 2024

Digital biomarkers shedding light on seasonality in mood disorders

A new study published in PLOS Mental Health found a relationship between daily sunlight exposure, physical activity, and depressed state. The research used wrist-based activity sensors to collect data from individuals with depression and those without, revealing that more depressed states were associated with lower daytime activity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2024

Growing divide: Rural men are living shorter, less healthy lives than their urban counterparts

A new study finds that rural men can expect to live two years less than their urban counterparts by age 60, and spend fewer years in good health. The urban-rural gap in life expectancy and health quality has nearly tripled over two decades due to higher rates of smoking, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe Journal of Rural Health·DateSep 25, 2024