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Science News Archive April 2025 - Page 40


Page 40 of 51

Smoke from US wildfires, prescribed burns caused premature deaths, billions in health damages

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that smoke from US wildfires and prescribed burns caused $200 billion in health damages in 2017, resulting in 20,000 premature deaths. Senior citizens were disproportionately affected, with Native American and Black communities experiencing the greatest harms per capita.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateApr 8, 2025

Discovery of mitochondrial protein by researchers at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University opens path to therapeutic advances for heart and Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists have discovered a novel regulator of the mitochondrial sodium-calcium exchanger (NCLX), which helps maintain calcium balance in mitochondria. The discovery of TMEM65 could lead to new therapeutic agents to combat calcium overload associated with heart failure and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalNature Metabolism·DateApr 8, 2025

Mirvie announces results from largest molecular study in pregnancy and clinical validation of simple blood test to predict risk for preeclampsia months before symptoms

Researchers used data from 9,000 pregnancies to discover and validate RNA signatures that distinguish between severe and mild hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The study validates Mirvie's simple blood test to predict preeclampsia early, at 17.5-22 weeks gestational age.

SourceMirvie·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 8, 2025

The Lancet: Nearly 500,000 children could die from AIDS-related causes by 2030 without stable PEPFAR programmes, expert policy analysis estimates

Expert policy analysis estimates nearly 500,000 children could die from AIDS-related causes by 2030 if PEPFAR programmes are not stable. The authors call for urgent action to ensure the continuation of life-saving interventions and support for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 8, 2025

Positron emission tomography in psychiatry: Dr. Romina Mizrahi maps the molecular future

Dr. Romina Mizrahi's PET-based neuroimaging sheds light on brain workings, integrating genetics, environment and imaging to understand psychiatric illness as a complex biological puzzle. She advocates for precision psychiatry paradigm with customized treatments based on molecular profiles, and calls for diversity in academic leadership.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalBrain Medicine·TypeNews article·DateApr 8, 2025

Eye health linked to dementia risk

Researchers have discovered that the blood vessels at the back of the eye can show early signs of dementia, including narrower arterioles and thinner retinal nerve fibre layers. This finding offers new hope for early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2025

Scientists assemble worlds first immune cell atlas from diverse Asian populations

Researchers have created the world's first Asian Immune Diversity Atlas, profiling healthy immune systems of diverse Asian populations. The study identified unique molecular properties and refined biomarkers for diagnosing diseases, which could help develop targeted therapies tailored to Asian patients.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalCell·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 7, 2025

Revealing long-term changes in the marine environment and ecosystems of the Southern Ocean

A multidisciplinary survey in the eastern Indian sector of the Southern Ocean found that the southern boundary of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current has shifted southward, causing a change in water temperature and mac zooplankton composition. The survey also estimated the biomass of Antarctic krill in the area, with comparable results t...

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProgress In Oceanography·TypeObservational study·DateApr 7, 2025

Singapore scientists pioneer non-invasive 3D imaging to transform skin cancer management

Researchers develop innovative MSOT-AI technology to improve basal cell carcinoma diagnosis and surgical planning, reducing repeat procedures and improving patient outcomes. The technique captures detailed 3D views of tumours, enabling clearer insights into tumour boundaries.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalEuropean Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateApr 7, 2025

Researchers’ study show advancements in GP38 contributions to CCHFV and monoclonal antibody therapies

Researchers have made significant discoveries about the role of GP38 in viral infections and pathogenesis, highlighting its potential as a target for vaccines and medical countermeasures. Non-neutralizing GP38-specific antibodies have shown protective efficacy against lethal challenge, reducing circulating GP38 and vascular leak.

SourceUS Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2025

Chatbot opens computational chemistry to nonexperts

A new web platform, AutoSolvateWeb, developed at Emory University enables chemists of all levels to configure and execute complex quantum mechanical simulations through chatting. The free platform uses cloud infrastructure and automates software processes on the backend.

SourceEmory University·JournalChemical Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 7, 2025

Creativity and problem-solving: How design thinking transforms university teaching

A study at ESPOL found that Design Thinking fosters essential skills in a world of constant change, allowing students to build their own knowledge through experiential learning. The course has been shown to increase student motivation to apply DT in other contexts, with over 85% of students reporting this after the course.

SourceEscuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral·JournalThinking Skills and Creativity·TypeObservational study·DateApr 7, 2025

Fees can help the FDA ensure food safety

A new analysis suggests that fees for food companies could generate much-needed resources for the FDA to strengthen its oversight of foods and keep unsafe ingredients out of the market. The FDA's current lack of resources hampers its ability to ensure the safety of the country's food supply, with growing concerns about the agency's ina...

SourceNew York University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 7, 2025

Medically tailored meal programs could yield significant health care savings across 49 US states

A simulation model predicts that medically tailored meals designed for patients with diet-sensitive conditions can improve health outcomes and save healthcare costs nationwide. The program is estimated to avert over 3.5 million hospitalizations annually and could transform care for vulnerable patients across the US.

SourceTufts University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 7, 2025

Coding differences in Medicare Advantage plans led to $33 billion in excess revenue to insurers

An analysis of differential coding patterns between Medicare Advantage (MA) and Traditional Medicare (TM) plans estimated that MA plans received an estimated $33 billion in additional revenue due to coding differences. The study found that UnitedHealth Group received the most additional revenue, with a $1,863 increase per member.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateApr 7, 2025

Study finds global downturn in bias against stigmatized groups

Researchers found significant decreases in self-reported bias against stigmatized groups, including age, race, body weight, skin tone, and sexual orientation. However, implicit bias trends varied across countries, with some seeing improvements while others experienced increases or stability.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology General·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 2025

Multiple proteins viewed as never before

The CombPlex technology developed at Weizmann Institute allows for the simultaneous imaging and quantification of nearly two dozen proteins within individual cells. This breakthrough enables researchers to measure lots of proteins at the same time, crucial for understanding tissue function and disease processes.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 7, 2025

The lush past of the world’s largest desert

A recent study by an international team reveals that the Arabian Peninsula's desert was once home to a vast lake and river system, which fostered grasslands and savannahs, enabling human migration. The findings highlight the impact of climate cycles on landscapes and human societies.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeNews article·DateApr 7, 2025

Hospital addiction consultation service increases medication treatment for opioid use disorder

A new study by RAND Corporation found that a specialized hospital service can significantly increase patients with opioid use disorder to start FDA-approved medication treatment. The trial showed that patients receiving the service were twice as likely to begin treatment and 72% more likely to link to post-discharge care.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 7, 2025