Connecting Research and Experts with Journalists

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A new study reveals how sunlight can drive the purification of lake water by breaking down harmful contaminants. By comparing two photochemical pathways—triplet sensitization and direct photolysis—the research highlights how these mechanisms function differently across various lake environments. The study points out that while certain pollutants are degraded through organic carbon interactions, others rely heavily on sunlight intensity, suggesting a combined strategy for more effective water purification.

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A cutting-edge study has unveiled the genetic mechanisms that shape the vibrant purple leaves of tea plants, renowned for their health-enhancing anthocyanins. By exploring the genetic variations and differential gene expression behind this unique coloration, the research provides key insights into the molecular control of anthocyanin biosynthesis, paving the way for innovations in tea breeding.

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A low calorie diet and high intensity exercise can reduce nerve damage in prediabetic mice, according to a Michigan Medicine study. Researchers say findings reinforce the potential of lifestyle factors to treat peripheral neuropathy, a prevalent and painful complication of obesity, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

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Researchers tested new nanoink and printing technologies on the "roller coaster" of NASA microgravity flights. They demonstrated that electronic circuits can be printed in zero gravity -- potentially leading to electronic repairs or manufacturing in space.

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Kettlebell training may help reduce inflammation and increase muscle strength as we age, even in people who have not been physically active in the past. The findings from a new study will be presented at the 2024 Integrative Physiology of Exercise conference, Nov. 20–22, in State College, Pennsylvania.

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Soaking in a hot tub may be preferable to an icy cold bath after exercise if the goal is to maintain optimum performance, according to a new study. This is especially true for those competing in back-to-back races in a short time span. The research will be presented at the 2024 Integrative Physiology of Exercise conference, Nov. 20–22, in State College, Pennsylvania.

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Females may begin to recover twice as fast as males when it comes to muscle injuries, according to a new study in mice. The findings support the idea of forming individualized treatment plans based on a person’s biological sex. The research will be presented at the 2024 Integrative Physiology of Exercise conference, Nov. 20–22, in State College, Pennsylvania.

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In a polarized nation, there is one thing that nearly all Americans agree on, according to a recent study: Sports are good for us. Researchers found that more than 9 out of 10 Americans agreed that sports build character and improved one’s health, while 84% agreed playing sports makes one popular in school and 85% said it makes one more well-known in the community.

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In a groundbreaking new study, conducted within the framework of the FWF-funded Cluster of Excellence "Microbiomes drive Planetary Health", scientists from the University of Vienna, in collaboration with the University of Southampton, Aalborg University and Boston University, have revealed that the widely prescribed Parkinson's disease drug entacapone significantly disrupts the human gut microbiome by inducing iron deficiency. The study, published in Nature Microbiology, provides new insights into the often-overlooked impact of human-targeted drugs on the microbial communities that play a critical role in human health.

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Chronic pain patients using spinal cord stimulators experienced pain relief, improvement in disability and sleep, and reduction in opioid use with fast-acting subperception therapy (FAST). The positive findings continued over a 12-month period.