Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Study suggests ‘biodegradable’ teabags don’t readily deteriorate in the environment and can adversely affect terrestrial species

A new study found that biodegradable teabags made from polylactic acid (PLA) can take years to break down in soil and cause harm to earthworms. The research highlights the need for clear disposal information on product packaging, as many manufacturers are not providing accurate guidance.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

Research to uncover the impact of water use in the Colorado River Basin

A new study by Virginia Tech researchers reveals that agricultural demand for water is significantly higher than cities, with crops used for feeding cattle being the largest consumers. The researchers also found that reservoir levels are dropping due to overuse and climate change, highlighting the need for efficient water use strategies.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 28, 2024

CHEST Critical Care and CHEST Pulmonary receive indexation with Directory of Open Access Journals

The American College of Chest Physicians' CHEST Critical Care and CHEST Pulmonary journals have been indexed with the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), enhancing their open access content's accessibility and usage. The indexation is attributed to strong editorial boards led by Hayley Gershengorn and Matthew Miles.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·JournalCHEST Critical Care·DateMay 23, 2024

Excessive patient loads were the greatest cause of moral distress among health personnel during the pandemic

A study by the University of Córdoba found that excessive patient loads were the greatest cause of moral distress among health personnel during the pandemic. Women, nurses, and those working in community services faced a higher risk of moral stress due to scarcity of resources and high levels of responsibility.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalBMC Medical Ethics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2024

CU Anschutz researchers hope to bridge gap in care and treatment for heart disease in women

Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus identified key elements to improve diagnosis and treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) in women, addressing the common misdiagnosis of heart attacks. The new guidelines provide recommendations to help clinicians better address sex-specific symptoms and treatments.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Women s Health·DateMay 21, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal review explores cell-based immunotherapies for sepsis

Researchers review cell-based therapies for comprehensive sepsis management, highlighting the potential of mesenchymal stem cells and innate immune cells like macrophages. The review also emphasizes the need for further studies on optimal dosage, administration routes, and storage methods to maximize efficacy and safety.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 16, 2024

Tobacco corporation attempts to gain public trust in its science are having success – new research

A new study reveals that Philip Morris International is successfully increasing public trust in industry-funded science by portraying itself as a generous supporter while concealing its involvement through third parties. The tobacco company's efforts to build trust are found to be effective, with participants trusting the science more ...

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalFrontiers in Communication·DateMay 16, 2024

How to ensure biodiversity data are FAIR, linked, open and future-proof? Policy makers and research funders receive expert recommendations from the BiCIKL project

The BiCIKL project has shared lessons learned on improving data findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability (FAIR-ness) of various biodiversity data types. The project's policy briefs provide recommendations for policymakers and research funders to adopt best practices and guidelines.

Genetics provide key to fight crown-of-thorns starfish

Researchers have identified over 2000 protein-coding genes that change significantly between summer and winter in the starfish's reproductive process. This study provides a promising breakthrough in understanding how crown-of-thorns starfish communicate during reproduction, which could lead to the development of natural pest control me...

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 14, 2024

Why students cheat in online exams

Researchers at the University of Cologne found that students' negative perceptions of online exams can lead to increased cheating behavior, while positive perceptions and moral norms can reduce it. The study suggests that lecturers should consider students' psychological factors when designing courses and exam formats.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of Computer Assisted Learning·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 2024

The beginning of becoming a human

Researchers Polina A. Loseva and Vadim N. Gladyshev challenge the existing definition of human life, suggesting a new meaning for the 14-day stage in organismal life grounded in recent mechanistic advances and insights from aging studies. This stage defines the separation of soma from the germline and marks the boundary between rejuven...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 9, 2024

Weight-loss surgery before kidney transplantation improves health and eligibility of patients with obesity and renal failure, Mayo Clinic study finds

A Mayo Clinic study found that laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy can improve the health and eligibility of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and obesity. The procedure reduced cardiovascular risks, including diabetes and hypertension, and improved access to kidney transplantation.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMay 2, 2024

Brief anger may impair blood vessel function

A new study found that brief anger episodes can negatively impact blood vessel function, leading to increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The researchers investigated the effects of anger, sadness, and anxiety on blood vessel function and found that evoking an angered state led to blood vessel dysfunction.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 1, 2024

Good heart health in middle age may preserve brain function among Black women as they age

A new study found that better heart health in middle-aged Black women is linked to reduced cognitive decline and preserved brain function. However, this benefit was not observed among white women. The study suggests that taking care of one's heart may have a positive impact on brain function and overall well-being.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 24, 2024

ECOG-ACRIN research at ASCO 2024

The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group will present late-breaking findings on prostate cancer, breast cancer, and pancreas cancer at ASCO 2024. These studies include optimal chemotherapy for Black women with breast cancer and results from the first randomized national trial in older adults with pancreas cancer.

Understanding the cellular mechanisms of obesity-induced inflammation and metabolic dysfunction

The study reveals that TM4SF19 protein inhibits a pump in lysosomes, impeding macrophage clearance of dead cells. Macrophages lacking TM4SF19 demonstrate enhanced efficacy in clearing dead adipocytes, reducing weight gain and metabolic dysfunction. The findings may open new avenues for treating obesity and related metabolic disorders.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2024

Tracking a protein’s fleeting shape changes

Researchers developed a powerful new technique to generate dynamic structural data of proteins. They applied it to Glt Ph, revealing previously unseen structural states and uncovering the basis of wanderlust kinetics. The approach opens up possibilities to track protein structure in real-time.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateApr 17, 2024

The Lancet: Many people with breast cancer ‘systematically left behind’ due to inaction on inequities and hidden suffering

A new Lancet Commission reveals that many people with breast cancer are being systematically left behind due to inaction on inequities and hidden suffering. The commission highlights the need for better patient support, including improved communication between patients and healthcare professionals.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 15, 2024

Supercool delivery: final section of souped-up neutron source trucks out of Jefferson Lab

The Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is receiving a major upgrade thanks to US neutron science facility Jefferson Lab. The final cryomodule has been successfully delivered and will double the power capability of the linear accelerator, enabling next-generation neutron science research. This delivery marks the ...

Smart droplets: elevating tiny tech with liquid metal magic

A team of researchers has developed a signal-switching mechanism using non-toxic liquid metal droplets, enabling precise activation of integrated sensors without visual confirmation. This innovation streamlines device architecture and introduces a mercury-free alternative for medical and environmental applications.

Treating gum disease after heart rhythm ablation reduced risk of AFib recurrence

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that treating gum disease after a heart rhythm ablation procedure can lower oral inflammation and reduce the risk of AFib recurrence. Researchers found that an index measuring the severity of gum inflammation was associated with the return of AFib, highligh...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 10, 2024