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Saving endangered species: New AI method counts manatee clusters in real time

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University's College of Engineering and Computer Science have developed a new AI method to accurately count manatee aggregations in real-time. The method uses images captured from CCTV cameras and outperforms existing baselines, offering potential ways to aid endangered species.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 13, 2023

The Lancet Psychiatry: Mental health care and research must directly confront systemic racism to improve the health and lives of Black Americans

Research highlights the role of racism in producing mental health disparities among Black Americans, calling for community-driven action to reduce inequitable care. The study's findings emphasize the need to address systemic racism as a root cause of poor mental health outcomes.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 13, 2023

Deaths from heart valve infections drop across U.S. overall, but surged among young adults

A new study found that deaths from infective endocarditis decreased overall in the US, but rose sharply among people ages 25-44, likely linked to the opioid crisis. Researchers call for more investigation into the trends and recommend comprehensive care plans including substance use disorder screening and treatment.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateDec 13, 2023

Health impacts of abuse more extensive than previously thought, research says

Research found elevated risks between intimate partner violence and childhood sexual abuse and various health conditions. Intimate partner violence was associated with increased risk of major depressive disorders, maternal abortion, and alcohol misuse, while childhood sexual abuse linked to increased risk of self-harm and alcohol use.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 11, 2023

Study: Women-led groups were key to food security during COVID-19 in India

A new study found that women-led self-help groups in Odisha, India played a crucial role in maintaining food security during the COVID-19 lockdowns by procuring fresh produce from farmers and selling it to local markets. The groups also provided training and support to their members, enabling them to start their own businesses.

Patients with a common form of acute myeloid leukemia report better quality of life when treatment includes new drug quizartinib

A new study led by Dr. Mikkael Sekeres found that patients with a common form of acute myeloid leukemia reported better quality of life when treated with quizartinib, which targets the FLT3-ITD mutation. The study also showed minimal side effects and improved survival rates compared to those who didn't receive the drug.

Real world data shows impact of immunotherapy in populations underrepresented in clinical trials, according to JNCCN study

A recent study published in JNCCN found that patients from underrepresented groups treated with first-line immunotherapy for advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) showed similar survival outcomes as their White counterparts. The study analyzed data from 248 patients and highlighted the need for more diverse patient representation...

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateDec 11, 2023

AI-driven breakthroughs in cells study: SFU-UBC collaboration introduces "MCS-detect" for advancements in super-resolution microscopy

Researchers from SFU and UBC introduce MCS-DETECT, an AI-driven algorithm that detects membrane contact sites in large microscopy volumes without segmentation. This innovation enhances super-resolution microscopy capabilities, contributing to a better understanding of cellular interactions and complex diseases.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateDec 8, 2023

Thermal impact of 3D stacking photonic and electronic chips

The study found that 3D integration can lead to significant heat spreading and crosstalk, reducing heater efficiency by up to -43.3% and increasing thermal crosstalk by up to +44.4%. However, optimizing design variables, such as spacing between µbumps and interconnect linewidth, can minimize the thermal penalty of 3D integration.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateDec 7, 2023

Scientists plead to be heard in pesticide debate: Exposure linked to risk of developing parkinson's disease via changes in gut microbiome

A review article links pesticide exposure to an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease through alterations in the gut microbiota. The authors recommend reducing or replacing agrochemicals and implementing coordinated efforts to develop standardized biomarkers for gut integrity and microbiome changes.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Parkinson’s Disease·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 6, 2023

AI takes the reins in deep-tissue imaging

Researchers at Purdue University developed a novel AI engine to control and optimize optical microscopes, enabling 3D ultrastructure visualization of the brain circuitry with nanometer resolution. This technology has the potential to shed light on human development and disease, particularly autism and Alzheimer's disease.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 6, 2023

NUS-SCELSE scientists uncover plant hormone that recruits good bacteria to boost plant growth by 30%

Researchers at NUS-SCELSE have discovered a plant hormone, methyl jasmonate, that communicates with beneficial microorganisms in the soil, boosting crop growth by 30%. This finding holds great promise for sustainable agriculture and could lead to the development of nature-based agrochemicals.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023

From infamy to ingenuity

Researchers have uncovered the intricate molecular mechanism used by parasitic phytoplasma bacteria to manipulate plants. The discovery sheds light on a peculiar phenomenon in nature, where plants exhibit 'zombie-like' effects due to bacterial infection.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2023

Small but mighty: Microparticles from the placenta may offer major clues on the in utero development of neurobehavioral disorders

Researchers discovered how biological information travels between mothers and babies during pregnancy. Microscopic extracellular vesicles, produced by placental cells, act as a protective mechanism transporting important biological information to emerging neurons.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalBiology of Reproduction·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2023

Unveiling a new era of imaging: Boston University engineers lead breakthrough microscopy techniques

Researchers create new methods to visualize and understand samples with increased accuracy and sensitivity. The development of photothermal microscopy, also known as VIP microscopy, enables scientists to probe specific chemical bonds in a specimen, allowing them to map molecules at low concentrations without dye labeling.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Strange burn: new research identifies unique patterns in Utah wildfires

Researchers analyzed satellite data on medium-sized and large wildfires in Utah from 1984 to 2022, finding that medium-sized fires had significant impacts despite smaller size. The study suggests that looking at these 'hidden' fires can help inform decisions on prescribed burns and predict future fire behavior

Endovascular catheter opens blocked arteries deep within lungs, researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University report

Researchers at Temple University Health System report that the BASHIR Endovascular Catheter reduces blockages in lung arteries and correlates with improved right ventricle function, suggesting better survival outcomes. The catheter also shows significantly lower bleeding rates compared to other devices.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJACC Advances·DateDec 4, 2023

More than $13M awarded to study childhood obesity interventions in rural and minority communities in Louisiana and Tennessee

Researchers aim to determine optimal duration and intensity of behavioral interventions for childhood obesity among rural and minority children. The five-year study, funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, will enroll 900 parent-child pairs and compare different 'dosing' combinations of face-to-face intervention time.

Tis the season to recognize chocolate: researchers highlight high quality cacao in Colombia

A study published in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture proposes a framework to characterise the unique properties of cacao beans in the Buenaventura region. The research highlights the benefits of establishing Denominations of Origin for cacao, including higher market prices, cultural preservation, and sustainable practices.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateNov 30, 2023

Coronary heart disease before age 45 may increase risk of dementia later in life

Research found a significant linear relationship between age of coronary heart disease onset and dementia, highlighting the detrimental influence of premature cardiovascular events on brain health. Adults diagnosed with coronary heart disease at a young age may be at increased risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascu...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateNov 29, 2023

The role of marketing in disrupted health care markets: It’s time to move beyond conventional strategies to account for new actors, roles, and exchanges

Disrupted health care markets have changed the creation, provision, and consumption of health care. Marketing strategies need to account for new producers, providers, and consumers. The editorial calls for a research agenda outlining opportunities for marketing scholars to examine the impact of disrupted exchanges on consumer welfare.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 29, 2023

NTU Singapore scientists find both potential threats and promising resources in the thriving colonies of bacteria and fungi on ocean plastic trash

A team of NTU scientists found a mix of harmful microorganisms, including Labyrinthulaceae and Lyngbya, that can poison marine life. However, they also discovered potential plastic-eating bacteria, such as Muricauda and Halomonas, which could aid in plastic degradation.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalEnvironment International·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 26, 2023

Predicting the molecular functions of regulatory genetic variants associated with cancer

Researchers discuss a new approach integrating genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and machine learning methods to identify functional genetic variants and characterize their mode of action in regulating target genes. This method aims to improve understanding of disease etiology and prioritize causative inherited genetic variants.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2023

Alarming rates of suicidal ideation among older transgender adults revealed on Transgender Day of Remembrance

A recent study reveals that over one-quarter of older transgender adults have seriously contemplated ending their lives, highlighting the urgent need for targeted support and interventions. The study found that experiencing challenges in areas such as workplace issues and personal safety significantly increased the odds of contemplatin...

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAging & Mental Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 20, 2023