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Science News for February 4, 2020


Argonne and Washington University scientists unravel mystery of photosynthesis

Researchers at Argonne and Washington University have discovered an engineered version of a protein complex that enables the switch between two possible electron transfer pathways, opening up new opportunities for designing more efficient light-driven biochemical reactions. This breakthrough has significant implications for improving h...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2020

Tiny 'bridges' help particles stick together

A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that when particles are wet and dry, thin solid bridges formed between larger clumps increase aggregates' stability. The size of particles plays a crucial role in determining how strongly they stick together.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2020

Researchers report progress on molecular data storage system

Researchers at Brown University have made significant progress in developing a molecular data storage system, storing over 200 kilobytes of data in custom-synthesized small molecules. The team has shown that this approach has potential advantages over traditional methods, including scalability and higher storage capacity.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2020

Building a better breast

Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a new method for mapping out blood vessels before surgery to minimize the risk of complications in single breast reconstruction. The team found that this approach reduced fat necrosis by 2.7% compared to traditional methods, resulting in improved outcomes and breast shapes.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalJournal of Reconstructive Microsurgery·DateFeb 4, 2020

Grooves hold promise for sophisticated healing

Researchers at Rice University have created a grooved method to seed 3D-printed scaffolds with living cells, enabling the growth of different tissue types in a single platform. This innovative approach protects cells from heat and shear stresses, allowing for the creation of hard implants that can heal bone, cartilage, or muscle.

SourceRice University·JournalBioprinting·DateFeb 4, 2020

New roles for DNA-packaging proteins

Researchers found that linker histone H1 undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation in the nucleus, forming droplets with densely packed DNA and enriching with protein HP1α. This process segregates heterochromatin from euchromatin, revealing a new function of histones in gene regulation.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 4, 2020

Public opinion of drugs effectiveness may be too biased

A study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine found that people with conflicts of interest were more likely to provide positive testaments about psychiatric drug treatments. The authors recommend stricter management or prohibition of COIs to promote transparency and validity in the approval process.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Evidence-Based Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2020

Deep learning accurately forecasts heat waves, cold spells

Rice University engineers developed a deep learning system that uses capsule neural networks to predict extreme weather events, such as heat waves and winter storms, with high accuracy. The system achieves 85% accuracy in five-day forecasts by identifying patterns in pressure systems and regional areas.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems·DateFeb 4, 2020

Sweet nanoparticles trick kidney

Scientists at the University of Freiburg created nanoparticles with polysaccharides, which allow them to pass through the kidneys and be excreted in urine. This breakthrough enables the combination of tumor accumulation and kidney clearance in a single nanoparticle, paving the way for safer nanomedicine administration.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 4, 2020

Sand dunes can 'communicate' with each other

Researchers at University of Cambridge discovered that sand dunes interact with and repel each other as they move, with turbulent swirls controlling the distance between them. The study used a unique experimental facility to observe long-term behavior, challenging existing theories on dune interaction.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 4, 2020

Synthetic mushroom toxin

Researchers at the Technical University of Berlin introduce a new method to synthesize α-amanitin, a highly selective inhibitor of RNA polymerase II. This synthetic route allows for large-scale production and could lead to cancer treatment advancements.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 4, 2020

More than half of US opioid prescriptions for dental procedures exceeded 3-day supply recommendations from CDC 2016 guidelines

A new study found that over half of US opioid prescriptions for dental procedures exceeded the recommended 3-day supply, with nearly 1/3 of patients receiving more powerful opioids than needed. The study suggests that improving guidelines and education for dentists can help reduce overprescription.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2020

Scientists find new ways to prevent skin scarring

Researchers at Oxford University Press USA have identified new ways to prevent skin scarring after injuries. The study suggests that pressure therapy, silicone treatment, and early laser intervention can reduce scar formation and improve therapeutic response. These findings offer promising hope for patients with hypertrophic scars.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBurns & Trauma·DateFeb 4, 2020

Unlocking the secret of cell regulation

Scientists at the University of Bonn have developed a new method to study the structure of long ribonucleic acids, which are crucial for cellular regulation. The technique involves marking specific locations on the RNA with artificial flags and measuring their distances using a molecular ruler.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 4, 2020

Gun owners aren't happier, don't sleep better at night

A study by University of Arizona researcher Terrence Hill found that gun ownership is not associated with improved happiness or better sleep. Gun owners were more likely to be married, which was driving their reported happiness. However, a separate study on sleep disturbance showed no difference between gun owners and non-gun owners.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2020

Does animal size in zoos matter?

A new study finds that zoos with large, iconic animals like rhinos and tigers tend to have higher attendance and contribute more to conservation funding. However, the research also suggests that zoos can increase conservation impact by diversifying their species collections.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2020

Feeding bluebirds helps fend off parasites

New research shows that feeding bluebirds can significantly impact parasitic nest flies and improve nestling survival. The study found that supplementing birds with food reduces the parasite load and improves antibody levels, which help kill the parasites. The timing of feeding is also crucial, with early feeding benefiting young birds...

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateFeb 4, 2020

Save the giants, save the planet

A new study found that protecting large animals and plants can reduce wild animal biomass by 44% and soil fertility by 92%, highlighting their fundamental role in ecosystem integrity. Larger organisms transport nutrients, promoting productivity and ecological services.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2020

JDRF honors type 1 diabetes research leaders

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) honored five researchers for their outstanding contributions to type 1 diabetes research, including breakthroughs in beta cell autoimmunity and immune therapies. The awards recognize significant progress toward curing T1D, with funded research totaling over $2.2 billion.

SourceJDRF·DateFeb 4, 2020

New hope for COPD patients possible with in-home device

In a new study, Mayo Clinic researchers discovered that in-home bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) therapy can significantly improve COPD patient outcomes, including reduced mortality rates and fewer hospital admissions. The treatment helps alleviate shortness of breath and reduces the risk of intubation.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 4, 2020

Researchers successfully test coin-sized smart insulin patch, potential diabetes treatment

A new device can automatically manage glucose levels and deliver needed insulin quickly, eliminating the need for constant blood sugar checks and insulin injections. The adhesive patch, about the size of a quarter, has been successfully tested on mice and pigs, showing promise as a potential diabetes treatment.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateFeb 4, 2020

How many rare diseases are there?

Researchers estimate that there may be as many as 10 million people worldwide suffering from a rare disease, which is likely to hinder treatment development due to inconsistent and imprecise definitions. The study calls for a unified definition of rare diseases to improve care for patients and develop effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalNature Reviews Drug Discovery·DateFeb 4, 2020