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Science News for October 4, 2019


Researchers find antibiotic resistant genes prevalent in groundwater

Researchers found ubiquitous presence of antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) in groundwater samples, despite advanced treatment facility reducing ARGs to below detection limits. The study highlights the need for interdisciplinary approaches to address the global spread of antibiotic resistance and ensure clean water supply.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateOct 4, 2019

Weak spot in pathogenic bacteria

Scientists have elucidated the structure of the ClpX-ClpP proteolytic complex, a key to developing innovative antibiotics that target bacterial degradation processes. The complex's unique mechanism of action has considerable innovation potential in the fight against pathogenic bacteria.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 4, 2019

Long-term study data shows DBS is effective treatment for most severe form of depression

A recent study found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subcallosal cingulate area provides a robust and sustained antidepressant effect in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Most participants experienced an antidepressant response and maintained it over eight years, with significant improvements in quality of life.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 4, 2019

Global danger

A recent study published in Nature warns that nearly 20% of global catchments areas are already experiencing low stream and river flows due to groundwater pumping. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to 50%, posing a significant threat to global freshwater ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature·DateOct 4, 2019

CNIO uses organoid technology and single-cell sequencing to advance in the study of bladder cancer

Researchers from CNIO developed stable long-term cultures of mouse urothelial cells, enabling the study of biological mechanisms underlying bladder cancer. They identified a small population of stem cells that gives rise to cancer, providing new insights into disease development and tissue regeneration.

MSU economist's research on colony collapse disorder published in national journal

The study found that the supply of queens and packaged bees is sufficiently elastic to absorb demand increases due to colony collapse disorder, leading to no significant price hikes. Beekeeper methods of offsetting winter losses, such as splitting hives, remained relatively inexpensive and effective in meeting pollination contracts.

SourceMontana State University·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·DateOct 4, 2019

New 3D printing technique for biomaterials

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a new 3D printing technique called Suspended Layer Additive Manufacturing (SLAM) that can create soft biomaterials for repairing body defects. The technique uses a polymer-based hydrogel with self-healing properties, allowing for precise detail and support without sagging.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 4, 2019

The fast dance of electron spins

Computer simulations reveal that certain metal complexes can exhibit rapid spin-flip processes, making them useful for precise control of electron spins in quantum computers. The study used enormous computational power to model the behavior of rhenium complex and found a spin-flip process taking place within ten femtoseconds.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalChemical Science·DateOct 4, 2019

A cosmic pretzel

Astronomers using ALMA have imaged a cosmic pretzel, a network of gas and dust surrounding two young binary stars. The structure is similar to the asteroid belt in our Solar System, with spiral shapes displaying complex dynamics.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateOct 4, 2019

Ingestible sensor allows patients to be independent but still supported during TB treatment

A randomized controlled trial demonstrates Wirelessly Observed Therapy (WOT) superior to directly observed therapy (DOT) in boosting TB treatment adherence, with all patients cured and preferring WOT. The novel technology allows for private medication taking while preserving patient autonomy and enabling targeted treatment support.

SourceSpecialists in Global Health·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 4, 2019

Long-term mental health benefits of gender-affirming surgery for transgender individuals

A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that gender-affirming surgery significantly reduces mental health treatment use among transgender individuals with gender incongruence. The study, which analyzed over 2,500 individuals, showed a 8% reduction in mental health treatment odds for every year since receiving ...

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 4, 2019