Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for August 13, 2021


Russian researchers present ultra-precise brain imaging tool

A team from the Russian Quantum Center developed a novel solid-state supersensitive room-temperature magnetometer capable of registering weak electrical sources in the brain. The device successfully detected alpha rhythm, a sinusoidal electric current in the back of the brain, and showed higher sensitivity than existing systems.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

‘Missing jigsaw piece’: engineers make critical advance in quantum computer design

Quantum engineers at the University of New South Wales have discovered a new technique to control millions of spin qubits, a critical step towards building a practical quantum computer. This breakthrough uses a novel component called a dielectric resonator to focus microwave power and deliver uniform magnetic fields across the chip.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

Back to the land: Research helps farmers sequester soil carbon

Research by Wuletawu Abera and his team has shown that vegetation cover combined with earthworks like retaining walls or trenches can help increase the amount of carbon stored in the soil. The studies focused on the Ethiopian highlands, where land degradation has led to erosion and loss of soil organic matter.

Men, Conservative Party supporters and Brexit-backers more likely to support the use of nuclear weapons, study shows

A recent study published in the European Journal of International Security found that men and supporters of the Conservative Party are more likely to support the use of nuclear weapons. The study analyzed data from the new UK Security Survey and found that those who voted to leave the EU and endorsed superior military power worldwide w...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEuropean Journal of International Security·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 13, 2021

Three-layered control of mRNA tails

A new study reveals that multiple pathways regulate poly(A) tail lengths in yeast, involving poly(A) binding proteins and a self-regulating pathway. This discovery sheds light on the complex control of mRNA tails and their impact on protein production.

SourceAarhus University·JournalGenes & Development·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

Polymer enables tougher recyclable thermoplastics

Cornell researchers created a chemically recyclable thermoplastic by synthesizing long polymer chains using a special catalyst. The resulting material, poly(1,3-dioxolane) or PDXL, has high tensile strength and can be easily depolymerized back to its monomer state, making it suitable for large-scale applications like packaging products.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2021

Navigating the corn maze: FSU researchers develop technique to map out ‘light switches’ of maize genome

Researchers at Florida State University have developed a technique called MOA-seq to map DNA sequences in maize, allowing them to identify regulatory switches that control gene expression. This knowledge could lead to healthier plants, higher nutrient content, and better growth resistance, ultimately improving crop yields.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateAug 13, 2021

Scientists take step to improve crops’ photosynthesis, yields

Researchers at Cornell University have made a significant breakthrough in improving crop yields by enhancing photosynthesis. By removing the enzyme carbonic anhydrase from chloroplasts, scientists have found that plants can still undergo photosynthesis without compromising their growth, paving the way for more efficient food production.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2021

Dog coat patterns have ancient origin

A new study by Professor Danika Bannasch and colleagues reveals that five distinct dog coat patterns have an ancient origin, dating back over 2 million years. The research suggests that lighter coat colors would have been advantageous to an extinct canid ancestor in arctic environments during glaciation periods.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

Fels and Fox Chase researchers highlight roles of TET2 and DNMT3A mutations in personalized medicine-guided synthetic lethality against leukemia

Fels and Fox Chase researchers found specific TET2 and DNMT3A mutations in leukemia patients that affect DNA repair pathways. These mutations make leukemia cells sensitive to PARP inhibitors, a type of targeted therapy, while others are resistant. The study aims to develop personalized therapies for patients with these mutations.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalCancer Research·DateAug 13, 2021

Microbial study reveals extended lifespan of starved bacteria

A study led by Jay T. Lennon found that nearly all bacterial populations persisted for 1,000 days without external food, with some having lifespans exceeding 100,000 years. This suggests that microbes can survive long periods of energy limitation and evolve under such conditions.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

The Lancet Oncology: Excluding race factors during kidney function evaluation may impact treatment of Black cancer patients

An analysis of 15 years of phase 1 clinical trial data found that removing race factors during kidney function evaluation may decrease the proportion of Black patients recommended to receive full doses of anticancer drugs. This could ultimately affect their clinical outcomes. The study used the CKD-EPI equation, which calculates a high...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 13, 2021

UCI researchers find vital enzyme holds key to the fight against cancer and viral infections

A study by UCI researchers reveals two ways APOBEC3A is controlled in response to stress, offering potential therapeutic strategies against cancers and viral infections. The findings could lead to new treatments that prevent DNA mutations caused by the enzyme, reducing disease progression and resistance.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

Crop insurance and unintended consequences

A recent study by North Carolina State University researchers suggests that crop insurance can serve as a disincentive for farmers to adopt climate change mitigation measures. The study found that higher levels of crop insurance participation increase the variability of crop yields due to warmer temperatures, making farming riskier. Po...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEuropean Review of Agricultural Economics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 13, 2021

Faster path planning for rubble-roving robots

Researchers at University of Michigan develop faster path planning approach for rubble-roving robots, enabling them to find stable paths in treacherous terrain more efficiently. The new algorithm outperformed traditional methods in success and total time to plan, with an 84% success rate in virtual experiments.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAutonomous Robots·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

For trees, carbs are key to surviving insect defoliation

A recent study published in Functional Ecology reveals that trees' carbohydrate reserves are crucial for surviving insect defoliation, with a critical threshold of 1.5% carbohydrates in dried wood. Trees growing along forest edges tend to have more reserves, making them more resilient than interior forest trees.

SourceHarvard University·JournalFunctional Ecology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 13, 2021

Gender, personality influence use of interactive tools online

Researchers found that people's personality, such as extroversion, and gender affect their interaction with websites. Extroverted individuals tend to prefer interactive sites that facilitate communication between users, while men and women have different preferences when it comes to interacting with computers.

SourcePenn State·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateAug 13, 2021