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Science News for September 16, 2020


A 'cell-less' therapy may regenerate heart tissue without cell transplant risks

Researchers developed an 'cell-less' therapy that accelerates recovery from heart attack in pigs by injecting tiny membrane-bound sacs containing proteins and DNA into the heart. This approach avoids safety concerns associated with whole-cell transplants, which often fail to engraft and can cause severe health issues.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 16, 2020

BU study discovers connection between contact sports, CTE and troubling sleep behaviors

Researchers found a connection between contact sports participation and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) leading to sleep dysfunction. The study revealed that tau pathology in brainstem nuclei is more strongly associated with sleep symptoms than Lewy body pathology, suggesting a new link between CTE and REM sleep behavior disorder.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalActa Neuropathologica·DateSep 16, 2020

Systematic parental training helps the well-being of preschool children with ADHD

Research from Aarhus University shows that systematic parental training can significantly improve the quality of life for preschool children with ADHD. The study found that treatment without medication led to improved psychosocial scores and increased self-confidence among parents, resulting in better social skills for the children.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 16, 2020

Legacy high performance computing system seeds supercomputing excellence at UT Dallas

The University of Texas at Dallas has gained access to high-performance computing resources through the donation of systems like Stampede1, increasing its research capabilities. The introduction of Ganymede has enabled researchers to conduct complex projects like seismic imaging and data science, reducing computation time by up to 5 days.

Temple researchers discover new path to neuron regeneration after spinal cord injury

Researchers at Temple University Health System have identified a new mechanism for promoting neuron regeneration after spinal cord injury, involving the metabolic switch associated with glucose metabolism in glial cells. The study found that upregulating glycolysis in glial cells can stimulate axon growth and improve functional recovery.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalCell Metabolism·DateSep 16, 2020

Stop Livin to make lymphoma cells stop living

Lymphoma cells can resist therapy by evading apoptosis due to the presence of the Livin protein. Targeting Livin using inhibitors may be effective in refractory cases. Researchers have identified a promising immunotherapeutic strategy by combining CD40-mediated Fas expression with specific targeting of Livin.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCancer Research·DateSep 16, 2020

Scientists studied color change from green to red in the fluorescent protein

Researchers from Skoltech and MSU have deciphered the molecular mechanism of GFP's green-to-red photoconversion, shedding light on its practical implications. The study suggests that understanding this process may hold key to uncovering ancestral proteins' functions and mitigating photobleaching in microscopy.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Biosciences·DateSep 16, 2020

Controlled dynamics of colloidal rods

Scientists create controlled dynamics of colloidal rods on a magnetised chip using mathematical coding, increasing efficiency in research and potential applications in biomedicine and biotechnology. The study paves the way for mini-laboratories to study materials and biochemical agents.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2020

Scientists look into tropopause to find early signals of persistent strong rainfall

Researchers tracked precursors near the tropopause to predict persistent heavy rainfall in South China, finding anomalies in Arctic and tropical regions. The study revealed a special configuration of synoptic systems that leads to persistent heavy rainfall, providing new insights for regional prediction.

4TEEN4's first-in-class therapeutic antibody Procizumab restores heart function in life-threatening cardiac depression induced by sepsis

The study data show that Procizumab promptly restored cardiac dysfunction in a preclinical sepsis model by inhibiting the cardiac depressant factor DPP3. The administration of Procizumab improved heart function by increasing cardiac output, stroke volume, and left ventricular shortening fraction.

Source4TEEN4 Pharmaceuticals GmbH·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 16, 2020

Choosing the right cover crop to protect the soil

A recent study tested various cover crops to determine their effectiveness in protecting soil. While some cover crops had little impact, others showed promise in reducing erosion and nutrient loss. Researchers recommend choosing cover crops that can survive winter, grow well in spring, and hold onto soil for extended periods.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateSep 16, 2020

Researchers have developed the world's smallest ultrasound detector

Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München and TUM developed the world's smallest ultrasound detector, leveraging silicon photonics technology to achieve super-resolution imaging. This innovation enables high-sensitivity detection in smaller sizes than previously possible, opening up new avenues for sensing and imaging applications.

Skoltech research puts exciton-polaritons in their place with new artificial laser-built lattices

Researchers at Skoltech have developed a method to synthesize artificial solid-state crystal structures using only laser light, creating arbitrarily shaped and reprogrammable lattices for exciton-polaritons. This allows for the study of dissipative many-body quantum physics in a unique lattice environment.

Eyeglasses and COVID-19

Researchers investigated the association between wearing eyeglasses daily and susceptibility to COVID-19. The observational study found that individuals who used eyeglasses daily had lower rates of infection compared to non-users.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateSep 16, 2020

New gene implicated in neuron diseases

A new study identifies NEMF as a driver of motor neuron diseases, linking defective protein quality control to motor neuron death. The research suggests that dysfunction of ribosomal quality control causes neurodegeneration, providing strong evidence for the link between protein quality control and human disease.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2020

From plastic to protein powder

Researchers at Michigan Tech and the University of Illinois are working on a project to convert plastic waste into protein powder and lubricants using chemical and high heat deconstruction. The team aims to develop a system that can break down plastic quickly, producing nutritional supplements and fuel.

Pollution exposure linked to stroke risk in people with common heart rhythm disorder

A recent study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that people with atrial fibrillation have a 1.2-fold higher risk of stroke when exposed to greater levels of pollution. The study, which included neighborhood-specific pollution data, emphasizes the importance of air pollution alerts in advising the ...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 16, 2020

Anti-reflective coating inspired by fly eyes

A team from UNIGE has successfully replicated a nanoscale coating on different surfaces, mimicking the natural anti-reflective and anti-adhesive properties of fly eyes. The coating consists of two ingredients: retinin and corneal wax, which work together to generate a regular network of protuberances.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateSep 16, 2020

Generation of three-dimensional heart organoids

Scientists developed three-dimensional heart organoids resembling the developing heart using mouse embryonic stem cells and fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4). The organoids exhibit functional properties similar to their in vivo counterparts, offering a promising biomimetic model for studying heart development and testing novel drugs. T...

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2020

Fast calculation dials in better batteries

A simpler analytical model developed by Rice University researchers can quickly evaluate the rate capability of batteries and identify optimal electrode materials. The model's accuracy is within 10% of more computationally intensive algorithms, making it a game-changer for battery optimization.

SourceRice University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateSep 16, 2020

Blonde Scandinavians or well-travelled Southern Europeans? Research busts myths of Vikings

The study sequenced the genome of 442 bone fragments from the Viking Age and found that Vikings had a lot more genes from Southern and Eastern Europe than anticipated. This suggests that the Vikings frequently interbred with people from other parts of the world, contradicting traditional images of them as Nordic blonds.

Reaching 90% PL quantum yield in 1D metal halide by pressure-suppressed nonradiative loss

Researchers discovered a method to enhance the photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) of 1D metal halide C4N2H14PbB4 by suppressing non-radiative loss under high pressure. The findings reveal that pressure-tuned STE binding energy and confined motion of organic cations contribute to the PL enhancement.

SourceCenter for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 16, 2020

Biggest fish in the sea are girls

Female whale sharks grow more slowly than males but eventually surpass them to reach an average adult length of 14 metres. The study found that only one pregnant whale shark had produced 300 young, highlighting the benefits of large size for female whales.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateSep 16, 2020

A new discovery in regenerative medicine

A new discovery in regenerative medicine may lead to new treatments for placenta complications during pregnancy. Researchers at Monash University and Duke-NUS have developed a method to create induced trophoblast stem cells (iTSCs) that can be used to make placenta cells.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature·DateSep 16, 2020

New targets for melanoma treatment

A collaborative study has uncovered new markers uniquely present on melanoma tumours that can be recognised by the immune system. These markers, known as spliced peptides, can be used to develop therapeutic vaccines to combat melanoma.

SourceMonash University·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateSep 16, 2020

Physical diseases can negatively affect a depression

Patients with a first-time depression diagnosis have an increased risk of worsening and requiring hospitalisation if they have previously been treated for a physical disease at a hospital. The risk is also influenced by age and the number of physical diseases, with more diseases under 65 increasing the risk.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateSep 16, 2020

Where trouble starts

Researchers, led by University of Delaware biologist Shuo Wei, have won $1.8 million in NIH support for their study on birth defects caused by genetic mutations in neural crest stem cells. The study focuses on the DDX3X gene and its role in developmental disorders.

Researchers 3D print tiny multicolor microstructures

The new method enables precision fabrication of optical components and multimaterial structures, eliminating assembling processes. It allows the production of devices with high precision and low cost, and could aid in the miniaturization of optical devices used for medical treatments and diagnoses.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateSep 16, 2020

Extent of India's COVID nudge campaign revealed

A new study by the University of Cambridge suggests that India's government used nudge theory to maintain a strict lockdown and influence public behavior during the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign included policy nudges, social media campaigns, and appeals to powerful values such as patriotism and community.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 16, 2020

Discovery of a new mass extinction

A new mass extinction event was discovered 233 million years ago, which led to the dinosaur takeover of the world. The Carnian Pluvial Episode caused widespread biodiversity loss due to climate change and increased greenhouse gases, but ultimately paved the way for the evolution of modern ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 16, 2020

A new species of spider

A new species of spider, Ocrepeira klamt, has been discovered by a University of Bayreuth researcher in the highlands of Colombia. The spider differs from related species in its reproductive organs and is native to an altitude of over 3,500 meters above sea-level.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 16, 2020

The accident preventers

Researchers at TUM have developed a software module that analyzes and predicts events while driving, ensuring the vehicle will not cause accidents. The system determines movement options and emergency maneuvers to prevent collisions, using simplified dynamic models for swift calculations.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateSep 16, 2020

Tortoise hatchlings are attracted to faces from birth

New research from Queen Mary University of London reveals that tortoise hatchlings are attracted to face-like shapes from birth. The study suggests this early behavior may have evolved for reasons other than parental care, as tortoises do not form social groups and typically ignore members of the same species in early life.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2020

Lessons learned from Deepwater Horizon

Scientists studied the Deepwater Horizon spill's environmental and public health impacts, learning about dispersant effectiveness, oil degradation and marine life harm. Dispersants' benefits include reducing coastal ecosystem damage, but their chemical effects on marine life remain a concern.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 16, 2020