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Science News for June 23, 2020


Existing drugs may limit damage caused by HIV

Yale researchers identified four approved drugs that can suppress HIV reactivation and reduce damaging immune responses. These drugs, including ruxolitinib and mycophenolic acid, show promise as a complement to antiretroviral therapy in treating HIV infection.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 23, 2020

Breaking the limit

Scientists have synthesized brand-new transition metal carbonyl complexes, including Ta2(CO)12 and M(CO)7+, which transcend new chemical frontiers. These substances go beyond current compound limits, offering new possibilities for practical use and basic science research.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 23, 2020

Sweet or sour natural gas

Researchers developed tailored polyimide membranes to efficiently separate H2S and CO2 from sour gas. By adjusting the ratio of building blocks, they achieved balanced separation efficiency for both gases.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 23, 2020

Prenatal stress associated with infant gut microbes

A new study from the University of Turku found that prenatal stress is associated with changes in infant gut microbiota composition, specifically with increased abundances of Proteobacteria and decreased abundances of Akkermansia. The study also discovered a link between low cortisol concentrations and increased Lactobacillus bacteria ...

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateJun 23, 2020

New research deepens mystery of particle generation in proton collisions

Researchers have found that neutral pions emitted in the very forward area of polarized proton-proton collisions retain a large degree of left-right asymmetry. This finding suggests reevaluation of previous theories on particle generation. Further study is needed to understand the mechanism underlying this phenomenon.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 23, 2020

Virtually captured

Researchers analyzed the Venus flytrap's biomechanical properties using digital 3D image correlation methods and finite element simulations. They found that the trap snaps shut when under prestress, and only traps with three tissue layers can close correctly.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2020

Supply chain expert reveals methodology behind Bordeaux pricing model

A study published in Production and Operations Management reveals a new methodology behind the Bordeaux pricing model, which uses four factors to estimate prices for fine wines. The model provides a transparent approach to setting realistic prices, reducing opportunistic behavior and adding systemic structure to decision-making.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateJun 23, 2020

Reducing the damage of a heart attack

Cardiology researchers from San Diego State University found that the protein MANF acts as a regulator, minimizing damage after a heart attack. The discovery could lead to the administration of MANF as a drug in ambulances to reduce damage and improve recovery rates.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 23, 2020

Researchers identify distinct subtypes of polycystic ovary syndrome with novel genetic associations

Researchers identified reproductive and metabolic subtypes of PCOS associated with novel gene regions, promising to transform understanding of the disorder. The study used clustering of clinical, metabolic, and hormonal data from women with PCOS, revealing two distinct subtypes with different genetic architectures.

Helicopter or cartwheel?

The study investigates how molecules rotate when colliding with surfaces and its impact on the outcome of collisions. The research found that the rotational orientation of hydrogen molecules significantly influences their interaction with a Lithium Fluoride surface, affecting scattering probabilities, adsorption, or decomposition.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2020

Genetic analysis suggests distinct subtypes of polycystic ovary syndrome

A study funded by NIH analyzed nearly 900 women with irregular menstrual periods and identified two PCOS subtypes, each associated with distinct groups of gene variants. The reproductive subtype had higher levels of luteinizing hormone and lower BMI, while the metabolic group had a higher BMI and insulin levels.

Obesity linked to higher dementia risk

A new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that obesity is associated with a higher risk of dementia, with women facing a 39% increased risk. The study suggests that weight management could play a significant role in reducing this risk.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateJun 23, 2020

A bacterial toxin turning cells into swiss cheese

Researchers from Kanazawa University purified and characterized Monalysin, a pore-forming bacterial toxin, to study its interaction with the innate immune system. The study revealed that activated Monalysin forms pores in cell membranes, leading to cell death, and that it preferentially inserts into curved parts of membranes.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJun 23, 2020

Simple device monitors health using sweat

Researchers at Penn State and Xiangtan University developed a device that analyzes sweat for biomarkers like pH and glucose to monitor health conditions. The single-opening device reduces evaporation and allows for on-the-spot analysis using a colorimetric approach.

SourcePenn State·JournalLab on a Chip·DateJun 23, 2020

Study: Air pollution major risk for cardiovascular disease regardless of country income

A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that long-term exposure to fine particulate outdoor air pollution is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease and death worldwide. The study analyzed data from 157,436 adults across 21 countries and found a significant link between PM2.5 exposure and cardiovascular events.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateJun 23, 2020

Tracking down cryptic peptides

Scientists at the University of Würzburg have identified thousands of cryptic HLA peptides in tumor immunopeptidomes using a novel bioinformatics method. These peptides may serve as effective targets for cancer immunotherapies and vaccines against virus-infected cells.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateJun 23, 2020

Getting real with immersive sword fights

A team at the University of Bath has developed Touche, a data-driven computer model that generates responsive animations against attacks and eliminates non-reactive behavior from characters. This framework simplifies the necessary technical work to achieve a convincing simulation, resulting in more realistic results for game developers.

Illuminating cell surface receptors

Researchers have developed a method to label and image cell surface receptors on live cells with two different colors, allowing for the study of receptor dynamics and pharmacology in their native setting. This innovation expands the possibilities for studying G-protein coupled receptors and other important drug targets.

SourceScience For Life Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 23, 2020

Welfare concerns highlighted over 'institutional hoarding' of cats

A new epidemiological study found significant welfare concerns for hoarded cats not just from home environments but also from institutional settings. The study, which analyzed 371 hoarded cats relinquished to a shelter, showed that conditions such as overcrowding, uncontrolled breeding, and neglect were prevalent.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateJun 23, 2020

Are you a hugger? It might be hereditary

Researchers found that genetic influences account for 45% of the variation in women's affectionate behavior, whereas environmental factors explain 55%. Men's affectionate behavior is entirely determined by their surroundings. The study aimed to determine whether social behaviors are learned or genetically driven.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCommunication Monographs·DateJun 23, 2020

Faulty brain processing of new information underlies psychotic delusions, finds new research

Researchers from the University of Cambridge and King's College London discovered that problems in how the brain recognizes and processes novel information lie at the root of psychosis. The study found that defective brain signals in patients with psychosis could be altered with medication, leading to new treatment development pathways.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJun 23, 2020

An environmental warning system to monitor the coast

Researchers at the University of Seville developed a monitoring system using sessile bioindicators to detect changes in coastal environments. The SBPQ methodology confirmed its usefulness in detecting long-term trends and changes in coral reef communities, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 23, 2020

Healthcare facilities rapidly adapt & refine practices based on new evidence & supply shortages

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare epidemiologists used resourceful strategies to keep personnel and patients safe, including extending PPE use and reprocessing respirators. The survey of 69 facilities found that many were experiencing shortages and had to get creative with supply management.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJun 23, 2020

Machine learning has a flaw; it's gullible

Researchers found that humans can complement machine learning in correcting for biases. Vintage-specific skills and domain expertise are key attributes that help humans guide machines in mitigating bias. Human collaboration improves ML productivity but its impact on long-term productivity is unclear.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateJun 23, 2020

CAR T cell therapy: potential for considerable savings

Researchers at the German Cancer Research Center found that CAR T cell production can be significantly reduced in an academic setting, from EUR 320,000 to around EUR 60,000. This could lead to substantial cost savings and faster treatment times for patients, as well as increased accessibility of this life-saving therapy.

Tropical forest loss

A new study finds that investments in tree plantations and palm oil production consistently lead to higher rates of tropical deforestation. Governments must provide transparent information on land deals to protect forests effectively.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 23, 2020