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Science News for April 23, 2021


Using spatial distance strategically with luxury and popular product displays

Researchers found that maintaining a distance between products and consumers boosts the perceived value of luxury items, while proximity increases the perceived sincerity of popular products. Marketers can leverage visual cues to enhance value and increase consumer willingness to pay by strategically matching distance with brand image.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateApr 23, 2021

Muscle gene linked to type 2 diabetes

Scientists at Lund University discovered a key role for the VPS39 gene in regulating muscle stem cells' ability to create new mature muscle cells. The study found that individuals with type 2 diabetes have altered epigenetic patterns and impaired sugar uptake, leading to compromised muscle function.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021

From individual receptors towards whole-brain function

A research team created a computer model that can simulate the impact of individual receptor types on brain activity. The model uses data from three imaging techniques to quantify receptor-specific modulations of brain states. By predicting changes in brain dynamics after receptor activation, the researchers hope to develop new diagnos...

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalFEBS Journal·DateApr 23, 2021

How oxygen radicals protect against cancer

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt discovered that Nox4, an enzyme producing H2O2, prevents cancer by keeping phosphatases out of the cell nucleus, thus allowing DNA damage to be recognized and repaired. In its absence, mutated cells multiply uncontrollably, leading to tumour formation.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2021

Quantifying the level of pollution in marinas

A new index, MEPI, quantifies environmental pollution in marinas by combining chemical and biological parameters. The study's innovative approach provides a simple and complete ecological analysis method to determine a port's quality, enabling authorities to establish minimum ecological quality levels.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateApr 23, 2021

Research shows pain relieving effects of CBD

A new study led by Syracuse University researchers finds that CBD reduces pain intensity while making it less unpleasant. The study reveals a complex interplay between the drug's physical effects and participants' expectations, challenging previous assumptions about pain relief.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalExperimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateApr 23, 2021

Arena Pharmaceuticals presents clinician and patient reported outcomes data from phase 2b ADVISE trial evaluating etrasimod in adult atopic dermatitis during a late-breaking session at American Academy of Dermatology VMX

Etrasimod demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in both clinical signs of atopic dermatitis and patient reported outcomes. The treatment group achieved statistical significance in the percentage change in weekly peak pruritis, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM).

From toxic ions to single-atom copper

Researchers have discovered a new method for converting toxic copper ions into stable single-atom copper using bacteria found in copper mines. This process is safer and more efficient than current methods, which often require harsh chemicals and labor-intensive processes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 23, 2021

Mount Sinai study finds that blood clotting drug commonly used for orthopedic surgeries does not increase complications for high-risk patients

A Mount Sinai study of over 40,000 patients reveals that tranexamic acid use in high-risk patients does not increase complications such as deep vein blood clots or strokes. The study confirms prior findings and provides new insights into the safety of the drug when used in high-risk patients undergoing hip and knee replacement surgeries.

Targeting drug-resistant breast cancer with estrogen

Researchers at Dartmouth's Norris Cotton Cancer Center have found that cycling between estrogen treatment and anti-estrogen therapies can dramatically increase the duration of tumor regression in mice. This unconventional approach suggests treating short-term with estrogen before resistance occurs, leading to better long-term control.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalOncogene·DateApr 23, 2021

An easy-to-use platform is a gateway to AI in microscopy

Researchers have developed a cloud-based platform called ZeroCostDL4Mic that uses artificial intelligence to analyze microscopy images, improving image quality and detecting features such as tumors in biopsy samples. The platform is freely available online and requires no coding expertise, making it accessible to non-experts.

SourceAbo Akademi University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021

Citizen science data tracks battle of birds vs bacteria

New research from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology analyzes the impact of a bird eye disease on house finch populations, revealing an escalating arms race between the birds' immune systems and bacterial strains. The study suggests that imperfect immunity is driving this battle, with bacteria evolving to overcome strengthened finch defenses.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateApr 23, 2021

Patching up your health

Researchers at Osaka University and JOANNEUM RESEARCH developed ultrathin self-powered e-health patches that can monitor a user's pulse and blood pressure. The patches use embedded piezoelectric nanogenerators to harness biomechanical energy, enabling wireless health monitoring without the need for wires or batteries.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021

Newly discovered immune cell function vital to healing

Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered that macrophages, a common immune cell, play a crucial role in re-establishing blood flow in damaged tissue. This finding could lead to the development of new treatments for cardiovascular diseases by increasing local concentrations of signal substances in damaged muscles.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCirculation Research·DateApr 23, 2021

Gauging groundwater

A comprehensive study finds that many global groundwater wells are at risk of running dry due to declining water levels. The researchers analyzed construction records and monitoring well data from 40 countries, finding that 6-20% of wells may dry up if water levels continue to decline.

Bacteria and viruses infect our cells through sugars: Now researchers want to know how they do it

A study by University of Copenhagen researchers reveals how sugar molecules bind to cell receptors, activating the immune system in autoimmune diseases. The discovery also sheds light on the development of Alzheimer's disease, identifying a potential natural sugar that binds to the Siglec-3 receptor.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 23, 2021

Quantum steering for more precise measurements

Researchers at the University of Basel have proposed a new scheme for measuring magnetic or electric fields using quantum steering, which enhances measurement precision. By analyzing entangled particle states, scientists can make more accurate predictions about possible measurement results.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021