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Russ Roberts (https://hawaiisciencejournal.blogspot.com).
Younger workers feel stressed, lonely and undervalued Younger workers are struggling with feelings of loneliness and a lack of appreciation at work and tend to feel more comfortable working with people their own age, according to a recent survey.
Image: CrizzyStudio/Shutterstock.com Does having a child with low birth weight increase a person's risk of dementia? People who give birth to infants less than 5.5 pounds may be more likely to have memory and thinking problems later in life than people who give birth to infants who do not have a low birth weight, according to a new study. The effect on memory and thinking skills was equivalent to one to two years of aging for those with low-birth-weight deliveries. Depressive symptoms in young adults linked to thinking, memory problems in midlife People who experience prolonged depressive symptoms starting in young adulthood may have worse thinking and memory skills in middle age, according to a new study. The study also found that depressive symptoms were experienced more often by Black adults than white adults. Exposure to heat and cold in early life may affect development of white matter in the brain Brain scans of more than 2,000 preadolescents suggests that early life exposure to heat and cold may have lasting effects on the microstructure of white matter in the brain, especially when living in poorer neighborhoods. The study highlights the vulnerability of fetuses and children to extreme temperatures. Swimming microrobots deliver cancer-fighting drugs to metastatic lung tumors in mice Engineers have developed microscopic robots, known as microrobots, capable of swimming through the lungs to deliver cancer-fighting medication directly to metastatic tumors. This approach has shown promise in mice, where it inhibited the growth and spread of tumors that had metastasized to the lungs, thereby boosting survival rates compared to control treatments. Mobile monitoring for an airborne carcinogen in Louisiana's 'Cancer Alley' Louisiana's southeastern corridor is sometimes known colloquially as 'Cancer Alley' for its high cancer incidence rates connected to industrial air pollution. Most of the region's air pollution-related health risks are attributed to ethylene oxide, a volatile compound used to make plastics and sterilize medical equipment. Researchers measured concerning levels of ethylene oxide in this area with mobile optical instruments, a technique they say could improve health risk assessments. Putting the brakes on chronic inflammation Scientists have discovered a previously unknown link between two key pathways that regulate the immune system in mammals -- a finding that impacts our understanding of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). This family of disorders severely impacts the health and quality of life of more than 2 million people in the United States. To heal skin, scientists invent living bioelectronics Engineers have created a patch that combines sensors and bacteria to interact with the body. Robot radiotherapy could improve treatments for eye disease Researchers have successfully used a new robot system to improve treatment for debilitating eye disease. Towards a new era in flexible piezoelectric sensors for both humans and robots Flexible piezoelectric sensors are essential to monitor the motions of both humans and humanoid robots. However, existing designs are either are costly or have limited sensitivity. In a recent study, researchers tackled these issues by developing a novel piezoelectric composite material made from electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers combined with dopamine. Sensors made from this material showed significant performance and stability improvements at a low cost, promising advancements in medicine, healthcare, and robotics. AI better detects prostate cancer on MRI than radiologists AI detects prostate cancer more often than radiologists. Additionally, AI triggers false alarms half as often. This was a large-scale study where an international team transparently evaluated and compared AI with radiologist assessments and clinical outcomes. Age is just a number: Immune cell 'epigenetic clock' ticks independently of organism lifespan Researchers use epigenetic clock, DNA methylation and mouse model to demonstrate that T cell proliferation can stretch past organism lifespan and acuta lymphoblastic leukemia T cells appear hundreds of years old. Site new care homes near trees and away from busy roads to protect residents' lungs To shield older residents from dangerous air pollution, new care homes should be built as far from heavy traffic as possible, according to a new study. Nasal microbiota is potential diagnostic biomarker for sepsis A new study shows that analyzing nasal microbiota outperforms gut microbiota analysis to predict sepsis in the ICU. Boosting CAR-T cell therapies from under the skin CAR-T cell therapies are transforming the treatment of previously incurable blood cancers, but a large proportion of patients still responds only poorly or not at all to them, calling for new strategies to overcome this challenge. Now, a research team has developed a simple intervention in the form of a biodegradable scaffold material called 'T-cell enhancing scaffolds' (TES) that can be locally injected under the skin and used to restimulate CAR-T cells after their administration. This increased their therapeutic efficacy and significantly curbed tumor growth and prolonged animal survival in an aggressive mouse lymphoma model. An AI-powered wearable system tracks the 3D movement of smart pills in the gut Scientists have developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered system to track tiny devices that monitor markers of disease in the gut. Devices using the novel system may help at-risk individuals monitor their gastrointestinal (GI) tract health at home, without the need for invasive tests in hospital settings. A mother's contribution to the makeup of a newborn baby's microbiota has been well documented. Now a new article shows the important contributions that fathers make to the composition of microorganisms colonizing a baby's gut as well. Furthermore, the study confirmed that maternal fecal microbiota transfer (FMT) in babies born by caesarean section can help to correct the microbiota disturbances often observed in babies who are not born vaginally. AI-powered simulation training improves human performance in robotic exoskeletons Researchers have demonstrated a new method that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and computer simulations to train robotic exoskeletons to autonomously help users save energy while walking, running and climbing stairs. New technique reveals earliest signs of genetic mutations Mutations are changes in the molecular 'letters' that make up the DNA code, the blueprint for all living cells. Some of these changes can have little effect, but others can lead to diseases, including cancer. Now, a new study introduces an original technique, called HiDEF-seq, that can accurately detect the early molecular changes in DNA code that precede mutations. Researchers have reconstructed the evolutionary history and global spread of malaria over the past 5,500 years, identifying trade, warfare, and colonialism as major catalysts for its dispersal. Just thinking about a location activates mental maps in the brain Researchers found that mental representations known as cognitive maps, located in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, are activated when the brain performs mental simulations of a navigational route. Obesity-cancer connection discovery suggests strategies for improving immunotherapy Immune system cells called macrophages play an unexpected role in the complicated connection between obesity and cancer. The findings provide a mechanistic explanation for how obesity can contribute to both increased cancer risk and enhanced responses to immunotherapy. Smartwatches offer window into Parkinson's disease progression New research adds to growing evidence that widely used and user-friendly consumer devices, in this instance an Apple Watch paired with an iPhone, can detect changes in Parkinson's symptoms over time in individuals in the early stages of the disease. Hybrid work is a 'win-win-win' for companies, workers In the largest study yet of working-from-home professionals, economists reveal that employees who work from home two days a week are just as productive, likely to get promoted, and far less prone to quit. Inherited genetic factors may predict the pattern of X chromosome loss in older women Researchers have identified inherited genetic variants that may predict the loss of one copy of a woman's two X chromosomes as she ages, a phenomenon known as mosaic loss of chromosome X, or mLOX. These genetic variants may play a role in promoting abnormal blood cells (that have only a single copy of chromosome X) to multiply, which may lead to several health conditions, including cancer. Study on fruit flies could benefit eggs of older women A new study conducted on fruit flies reports the first evidence that oocytes -- the cells that become eggs -- regularly rejuvenate the critical protein linkages that bind chromosomes together. The findings are a potentially important step toward helping women reduce their risk of pregnancy complications as they age. Painful truth about knee osteoarthritis: Why inactivity may be more complex than we think Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of pain and joint stiffness. And while physical activity is known to ease symptoms, only one in 10 people regularly exercise. Preparing for a world where Alzheimer's disease is treatable Drugs with the potential to change the course of Alzheimer's disease are expected to be approved by mid-year in the UK. Healthcare services may need to change to ensure that all patients have equitable access to these new modifying anti-amyloid therapies, according to new research. Female AI 'teammate' generates more participation from women An artificial intelligence-powered virtual teammate with a female voice boosts participation and productivity among women on teams dominated by men, according to new research. Do traumatic life experiences impact perception of distressing imagery? Researchers have examined viewer responses to images of distressing and neutrally decorated masks and whether personal life history, particularly past experiences of trauma and difficulty, affected how the person perceived the imagery. New biomarker database designed to improve astronaut health may also be useful to earthlings As space travel becomes more frequent, a new biomarker tool was developed by an international team of researchers to help improve the growing field of aerospace medicine and the health of astronauts. Haiku may shine a light on humans' relationship with insects Haiku poems have reflected humans' experiences in nature for hundreds of years, including observations of bugs and other wildlife. Recently, researchers analyzed which insects were mentioned the most in haiku -- with butterflies, fireflies and singing insects such as crickets topping the list. Precision medicine for sepsis in children within reach Sepsis -- the leading cause of mortality in children around the world -- can present with a wide range of signs and symptoms, making a one-size-fits-all treatment strategy ineffective. Pursuing a precision medicine approach for pediatric sepsis, researchers used artificial intelligence to analyze a large set of clinical data and find a distinct group of patients who might respond better to targeted treatments. Research on the visual rabbit illusion takes a leap forward Researchers have discovered new variations of an illusion created when we see three rapid flashes in our side vision. Regardless of the position of the second flash, the illusion causes the brain to perceive the flashes in a straight line, with the second near the midpoint. The findings suggest that our brain processes the flashes as a whole, rather than independently, showing that later events determine our perception of past location. AI model may yield better outcomes for prostate cancer By using AI to assist with cancer contouring, the researchers found predicting the cancer size was 45 times more accurate and consistent than when physicians used only conventional clinical imaging and blood tests to predict the cancer extent. Underlying mechanisms behind regular exercise benefits Scientists studied both male and female rats over eight weeks of endurance exercise and found thousands of molecular alterations. These findings have implications for human health, such as in liver disease, bowel disease, cardiovascular health, and tissue recovery. Cognitive test is poor predictor of athletes' concussion When college athletes are evaluated for a possible concussion, the diagnosis is based on an athletic trainer or team physician's assessment of three things: the player's symptoms, physical balance and cognitive skills. Research published today suggests that almost half of athletes who are ultimately diagnosed with a concussion will test normally on the recommended cognitive-skills test. How the immune system goes awry during space travel and the implications for human aging on earth Researching the immune system in space could have payoffs for human aging on earth. Scientists have revealed how the lack of gravity affects the cells of the immune system at single cell resolution. Would astronauts' kidneys survive a roundtrip to Mars? The structure and function of the kidneys is altered by space flight, with galactic radiation causing permanent damage that would jeopardise any mission to Mars, according to a new study led by researchers from UCL. Depressive symptoms may hasten memory decline in older people The researchers concluded that depression and memory were closely interrelated, with both seeming to affect each other. Shedding light on the origin of a genetic variant underlying fungal infections Variants in the CARD9 gene increase susceptibility to severe fungal infections. However, individuals in different parts of the world tend to carry specific CARD9 variants, making it complex to track the origin of these mutations. In a recent study, a research team conducted genetic analyses on Japanese, Korean, and Chinese patients, revealing that they all shared a variant of CARD9 stemming from a common ancestor from less than 4,000 years ago. Researchers reveal new pathway to improve traumatic brain injury outcomes Working together to understand the factors which could be used to predict outcome following TBI, researchers examined factors related to social support, health, clinical care, biological markers, acute interventions, and longer-term outcomes. Detecting early linguistic signs of dementia by studying the natural speech of seniors A study led by linguists has found that early linguistic signs of dementia can be detected through the study of the natural speech of senior Singaporeans. The novel study revealed that participants with memory-related mild cognitive impairment spoke less and used fewer, but more abstract, nouns that is consistent with the speech pattern of Alzheimer's patients. Reading pleasure and pain from the brain Researchers have revealed how the brain processes emotions related to sustained pain and pleasure. Shaping nanoparticles with enzymes The selective bond-breaking powers of enzymes bring new versatility for building nanoparticles with a wide range of technical and medical potential. We spend more with cashless payments A study has found that when using cashless methods of payment, individuals tend to spend more when purchasing. Promising role of antidiabetic drug in cancer control Researchers have analyzed how an antidiabetic treatment could help control the growth of tumors, potentially paving the way for the design of better cancer treatments. New insights on polymicrobial infections in chronic lung diseases Chronic lung diseases are often accelerated and exacerbated by polymicrobial infections. An international study has identified two types of these so-called dysbioses in cystic fibrosis. They display distinct ecology and are also likely to respond differently to treatment. 'Self-taught' AI tool helps to diagnose and predict severity of common lung cancer A computer program based on data from nearly a half-million tissue images and powered by artificial intelligence can accurately diagnose cases of adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, a new study shows. Gene that helps cancer cells spread throughout the body Expression of Gstt1 enables the cells to change the surrounding environment to support their growth. The findings could lead to new strategies to treat metastatic cancer and would be particularly impactful for patients with pancreatic cancer. New AI tool finds rare variants linked to heart disease in 17 genes Using an advanced artificial intelligence tool, researchers have identified rare coding variants in 17 genes that shed light on the molecular basis of coronary artery disease (CAD), the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The discoveries reveal genetic factors impacting heart disease that open new avenues for targeted treatments and personalized approaches to cardiovascular care. First week after birth is critical for development of senses Researchers have found that the maturation of the senses for smell and touch is closely linked in mice and that this strong interaction takes place within a narrow developmental time window. These findings not only underline the importance of environmental stimuli for brain assembly in early life, but also the interdependent development of the senses. Scientists have grown 'mini-guts' in the lab to help understand Crohn's disease, showing that 'switches' that modify DNA in gut cells play an important role in the disease and how it presents in patients. The researchers say these mini-guts could in future be used to identify the best treatment for an individual patient, allowing for more precise and personalized treatments. How the brain is affected by Huntington's Disease The genetic disease Huntington's not only affects nerve cells in the brain but also has widespread effects on microscopic blood vessels according to research. These changes to the vasculature were also observed in the pre-symptomatic stages of the disease, demonstrating the potential for this research for predicting brain health and evaluating the beneficial effects of lifestyle changes or treatments. Huntington's disease is an inherited genetic condition leading to dementia, with a progressive decline in a person's movement, memory, and cognition. There is currently no cure. Treating rare skin diseases by transplanting healthy skin Researchers have successfully treated the skin diseases epidermolytic ichthyosis and ichthyosis with confetti by transplanting genetically healthy skin to inflamed areas. Their work could pave the way for a new and effective treatment strategy for these skin disorders. Feeling rough after your COVID shot? Congrats, it's working! One of the most common reasons for bypassing the COVID vaccine is concern about side effects like tiredness, muscle and joint pain, chills, headache, fever, nausea and feeling generally unwell. But a new study has found that the symptoms indicate a robust immune response that is likely to lessen the chances of infection. Unregulated sales of a toxic and hallucinogenic mushroom endanger public health Americans' interest in a potentially harmful 'magic mushroom' is soaring, according to a new study. The scientists suggest that the growing market for Amanita muscaria may be sparked in part by emerging clinical research supporting the safety and efficacy of psilocybin as a treatment for depression. Brain's structure hangs in 'a delicate balance' Researchers examined anatomy of neurons from humans, mice and fruit flies. They discovered that the cellular structure of the brain is at a critical point, poised between two phases. New insights could help design computational models of the brain's complexity. Protein study could help researchers develop new antibiotics A team has found a way to make the bacterial enzyme histidine kinase water-soluble, which could make it possible to rapidly screen potential antibiotics that might interfere with its functions. Study reveals target for reversing scar tissue after heart attack New research discovers a potential path to prevent permanent scarring and heart failure following a myocardial infarction. Further ExploreVisit ScienceDaily for your latest research news. Enjoyed this newsletter? Share the knowledge with your friends and colleagues!
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