Articles tagged with Biological Science Policy
A new study by Harvard researchers proposes that social factors, such as gendered variables, may better explain observed sex disparities in adverse drug events. The study highlights the need to consider social and structural differences in individuals' experiences and health outcomes.
A three-year intensive treatment strategy to lower systolic blood pressure below 120mmHg significantly reduced cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, and death, compared to standard treatment. The study found that participants in the intensive group experienced fewer major vascular events and deaths over a two-year period.
A study found that pregnant women with high blood pressure who received tight blood pressure control immediately after pregnancy had lower blood pressure levels and improved cardiac function compared to those with usual care. This could lead to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes.
A new study suggests that a PCSK9 inhibitor given every 1-3 months may effectively lower bad cholesterol levels in people with non-genetic hypercholesterolemia. The medication, recaticimab, showed similar effectiveness and safety as other PCSK9 inhibitors when administered less frequently.
The ORBITA-2 trial found that stenting improves symptoms compared to a placebo procedure, providing evidence-based treatment for stable chest pain. The study suggests updating guidelines for stable coronary artery disease and offers patients and medical teams two treatment strategies with similar benefits.
A new anti-clotting medication, abelacimab, has significantly reduced bleeding among people with atrial fibrillation who are at risk of stroke. The AZALEA-TIMI 71 trial found that abelacimab substantially reduced bleeding compared to the current standard of care use of direct-acting oral anticoagulants.
A phase 4 clinical trial found that apixaban, an anti-clotting medication, reduced the rate of stroke and blood clots in adults with implanted heart devices experiencing short bouts of asymptomatic, irregular heart rhythms. The study suggests that these individuals may benefit from receiving an anticoagulant.
A randomized controlled trial suggests that a more liberal approach to red blood cell transfusions for heart attack patients with anemia may benefit outcomes without significant risk. The study found no statistically significant difference between two transfusion strategies, but results suggest a possible benefit of liberal transfusions.
A four-year blood-pressure intervention significantly reduced the risk of developing dementia among adults with high blood pressure, compared to those who received usual care. The study found that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 130 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure to less than 80 mm Hg reduced dementia risk.
Researchers developed a wireless, leadless pacemaker that can partially recharge its battery by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. The device harvested approximately 10% of the energy necessary to pace the next beat, paving the way for longer battery life and reduced procedures for younger patients.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have tracked tarpon migration patterns using acoustic telemetry, revealing two distinct subgroups of the species. The study, which gathered data over five years, has significant implications for conservation efforts, as tarpon are listed as vulnerable due to fishing, habitat loss, and degraded water quality.
A new study by Yale sociologist Rene Almeling found that despite the shift in social and scientific views on gender, sex, and sexuality, a common metaphor of active sperm penetrating a passive egg remains widely used. However, another more egalitarian metaphor describing sperm and egg as two halves of a whole is also circulating.
A multidisciplinary team investigates hospital wastewater samples and demonstrates the effectiveness of photocatalytic treatment in reducing pharmaceutically active compounds and bacteria. The study highlights the challenges posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria and suggests a promising step towards sustainable wastewater treatment.
Preeclampsia, a major cause of maternal mortality, has increased by 37% in Texas since 2017. A new $1.47 million NIH grant will support research initiatives to address preeclampsia rates in six Panhandle counties.
The International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) has introduced a 'checklist' to promote global best practices for human stem cell research. The checklist aims to increase transparency and clarity in the reporting of key quality control measures, enabling authors to disclose critical experimental details.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that improvements in socioeconomic status are not equally beneficial for all racial or ethnic groups. Higher socioeconomic status is linked to better heart health, but this link is greatest among white adults compared to people in other groups.
A recent UTSA study reveals that 51% of Texas owls have high levels of anticoagulant rodenticides in their systems. The research team recommends using natural methods to control rodents and increasing awareness of the effects on non-target wildlife.
A new study from the University of Washington and Polar Bears International reveals a direct link between cumulative greenhouse gas emissions and polar bear demographic changes. The study shows that reducing greenhouse gas emissions can help protect polar bears, with implications beyond just this species.
A new modeling tool called REBURN can simulate large forest landscapes and wildfire dynamics under different management strategies. The tool shows that setting prescribed burns and allowing smaller wildfires to burn can yield more varied and resilient forests over time.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people who experience pain after a heart attack are more likely to die within the next 8.5 years. The study analyzed data from over 18,300 adults who had a heart attack and found that moderate or extreme pain was linked to a higher mortality risk.
A new American Heart Association science advisory emphasizes the need for more resources and best practices in pediatric preventive cardiovascular care. The survey found that many programs are overwhelmed with referrals and have long wait times, highlighting the importance of updated guidelines and strategic action plans.
Eric Quaempts, Tribal member and Department of Natural Resources Director at Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, has been recognized for his work on First Foods management approach. He received the 2023 ESA Regional Policy Award for integrating tribal ecological approaches into natural resource management.
A new study by Chapman University scientist Joshua Fisher and colleagues provides insight into the Earth's response to rising temperatures due to climate change. By analyzing landscape-level measurements of temperature and carbon dioxide release, the team found that plants' ability to remove carbon pollution from the atmosphere may not...
Research reveals e-cigarettes carry potential health risks, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Long-term studies are needed to fully understand the effects of e-cigarette use on the heart and lungs.
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology identified ApSigma, a nuclear-encoded apicoplast RNA polymerase σ subunit that coordinates gene expression with the life cycle of Plasmodium falciparum and host circadian rhythm. Melatonin is shown to increase apicoplast transcription and expression of the apSig gene.
A recent study by the University of Bologna reveals that the EU is far from meeting its goal of protecting 10% of its land area for biodiversity. The study found that many countries have inadequate protection in place, with some having very few protected areas and others failing to implement integral protection in national parks. To ac...
Vegetation on coastal dunes was found to accelerate erosion during extreme events, contrary to the current understanding that it provides protection. The study found that vegetation creates a physical barrier, decreases wave run-up, and increases water penetration, leading to destabilization and scarp formation.
The latest issue of PLOS Biology features a special collection on biology-based solutions to reduce plastic pollution, carbon dioxide emissions, and produce food or energy more sustainably. Insect enzymes may degrade plastic waste, while photosynthetic algae can capture CO2 produced by industrial applications.
A new study found that toxic online rows about trophy hunting are becoming increasingly abusive on Twitter, with 7% of tweets containing abusive content. This hostile atmosphere is silencing conservation viewpoints and policymakers are less aware of them.
A recent study by a transdisciplinary research team found ample evidence of the negative effects of light pollution on migrating animals, but also areas where more data is needed. The researchers concluded that there's a need for more data to help protect migrating animals, particularly species other than birds.
A new study reveals that high ecosystem resilience is linked to high mortality risk in western US forests, contradicting previous assumptions. The research combines decades of satellite data and ground observations to show a surprising correlation between forest resilience and tree death rates.
A new review article by Brown University biologist Dov Sax and colleagues aims to shift the focus from non-native species' negative consequences to their benefits. The authors argue that most research focuses on threats and harm, clouding public understanding and hindering scientific progress.
New research reveals that over half of threatened species require targeted recovery actions to ensure their survival. The study found that while expanding protected areas and reducing pollution will benefit many species, 57% would still need specialized interventions such as captive breeding, reintroduction, and vaccination.
Researchers at Rutgers University propose a new approach to COVID-19 vaccine testing by combining conventional and challenge trials. This parallel approach, called Combining Conventional and Challenge trials (CCC), aims to facilitate faster and more accurate vaccine assessment and more effective pandemic response.
The EuropaBON project aims to develop a unified approach to monitoring Europe's biodiversity and ecosystems. A list of 15 essential variables has been identified for harmonization across countries, but most are not currently being monitored adequately.
A study analyzing Wikipedia searches found no significant increase in attention towards invasive alien mammals after the publication of a blacklist in Europe. However, temporary peaks in searches were observed following sensational news and viral videos about specific species. The research suggests that blacklists may not be an effecti...
A study published in BioScience found that genetic factors contribute to concern for nature and pro-environmental behavior, with moderate heritability (30-40%) reported. The researchers also observed high genetic correlations between these traits, suggesting a partially shared genetic basis.
A UNSW-led study analyzing 10 years of citizen science data found that almost half of marine debris can be linked to land-based sources. Plastic accounts for 84% of the rubbish found on Australian beaches, with a significant portion coming from external sources such as stormwater drains near capital cities.
Researchers warn that global warming could make the Amazon barren, the Midwest tropical, and India too hot to live in by 2500. Climate models project a future where vegetation and crop-growing areas shift towards the poles, leading to drastic changes and potential human fatalities.
An international study by ICTA-UAB highlights the critical role of indigenous peoples' and local communities in achieving biodiversity goals. The research argues that recognizing their rights and agency is essential to the success of future biodiversity policy.
Researchers at George Mason University are studying the impact of castrating parasites on an estuarine crab host in the Chesapeake Bay. They will investigate how environmental salinity affects parasite survival and metamorphosis.
Carlos Nobre, a Brazilian climate scientist, will receive the AAAS Award for Science Diplomacy for his work on Amazon biodiversity and Indigenous Peoples. The award recognizes his career-spanning contributions to science diplomacy, including leading the comprehensive scientific assessment of the Amazon Basin.
The global rollout of 5G networks should be halted until the safety of the technology is confirmed, warns an expert. The increased transmitter density required for 5G means more people will be exposed to potentially harmful levels of radio frequency electromagnetic fields.
A multidisciplinary coalition proposes a framework for field trials of gene drive organisms to ensure safe, transparent, and publicly accountable implementation. The core commitments address fair partnership and transparency, product efficacy and safety, regulatory evaluation and risk/benefit assessment, and monitoring and mitigation.
A group of US science leaders have issued a clarion call for evidence-based policy in response to ongoing challenges. The American Institute of Biological Sciences has long advocated for informed decision-making based on the best available evidence, highlighting past successes in addressing issues like acid rain and climate change.
Corinn Rutkoski and Renee Collini have been selected as the 2020 AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award recipients, recognized for their leadership skills and aptitude for working at the intersection of science and public policy. The award highlights their efforts to integrate science into coastal decision-making and promote soun...
Researchers from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture join a global call for responsible synthetic biology development. The authors highlight four major areas where improvements are needed to advance the field, including genome design, DNA synthesis, genome editing, and chromosome construction.
Representative Walter J. Leger III will receive the ESA Regional Policy Award for his commitment to science-based restoration of the Gulf Coast. He has championed coastal restoration and preservation, and works to ensure proper use of funds intended for coastal protection and restoration.
The MDI Biological Laboratory has developed a new mobile phone app to help community organizations track and analyze crowd-sourced environmental data. The app, based on the Anecdata.org portal, allows citizen scientists to log data in the field and make it quick and easy to receive notifications and share observations.
A recent study by National Centre for Biological Sciences reveals that high traffic roads and densely populated urban areas hinder tiger movement in Central India. Simulations show that protected corridors delimited by the NTCA can mitigate this impact, highlighting the need for informed development plans that consider biodiversity and...
A recent study found that more than 100 natural World Heritage sites are being severely damaged by encroaching human activities, with many at risk of irreversible damage. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these globally important assets.
Walter Boynton, a renowned Chesapeake Bay scientist, has been awarded the Mathias Medal for his groundbreaking research on nutrient pollution and its impact on the Bay's ecosystem. His work has informed environmental policy and contributed to the development of management plans that have improved water quality.
The Nature Conservation journal has published a study on the illegal trade of Indian Star tortoises across Asia, which gained significant media attention. The journal has also seen a significant increase in publications, authors, and readers over the past four years.
Julia Omotade, a Ph.D. candidate at Emory University, has been awarded the AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award for her leadership in advocating for federally supported research. Her efforts have resulted in over 600 letters to Congress and recognition as an outstanding leader in science policy.
The BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology has selected Industrial Biotechnology as its official journal, providing readers with more in-depth coverage of the industry's science, technology, markets, and policy efforts. The partnership aims to tell compelling stories of industrial biotech development and innovation.
Whole-organism performance capacities are subject to life-history trade-offs with other key determinants of fitness. This approach offers significant promise for understanding ecology and evolution of performance traits.
The summit marked a turning point in global awareness of the importance of credible science in public policy making. Key findings include the need for international collaboration, the role of early career scientists, and the value of involving policymakers and the public in shaping science advice.
A team of researchers from ASU will lead a multi-university project to understand the safety of nanomaterials throughout their life cycles. The project aims to develop molecular-level fundamental theories and provide databases of measurements to ensure manufacturing processes are safer.
The Synthetic Biology Project at Woodrow Wilson International Center has been awarded a €4 million EU grant to foster responsible governance of synthetic biology. The project aims to initiate mutual learning among stakeholders from science, industry, and civil society.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) has selected two graduate students, Jennifer Rood and Paul Tanger, to receive the 2013 Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award for their interest and aptitude in science and public policy. The winners will participate in a training program on communicating with policymakers and brief...