Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2021 - Page 22


Page 22 of 38

History of the spread of pepper (C. annuum) is an early example of global trade

Genomic data analyzed over 10,000 pepper samples from worldwide genebanks to reconstruct the history of pepper's global expansion. The study found significant duplication of samples and regions with unique peppers, indicating human culture played a primary role in shaping pepper's spread globally.

SourceLeibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021

New analysis reveals how region-wide policies might be ineffective in eliminating local risk factors for coronavirus spread

Researchers found regional lockdowns did not sufficiently address local COVID-19 risk differences in Italy. Instead, targeted interventions focused on high-risk areas could help strike a better balance between public health and economic damage. The study provides guidance for policy-makers to design effective interventions.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·DateAug 16, 2021

Scientists with the help of computer modeling discover a substance that blocks coronavirus

Researchers at South Ural State University used computer modeling to identify a substance that can block the spread of coronavirus. The study found that ligands must match RNA polymerase as closely as possible to be effective, and scientists have developed an equation to test other ligands' effectiveness on receptors.

SourceSouth Ural State University·JournalMolecules·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 16, 2021

Berkeley Lab science snapshots

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have made significant breakthroughs in developing a highly effective COVID-19 antibody therapy and an efficient thermoelectric system that can convert waste heat to electricity. The new antibody, S309, has been shown to neutralize all known SARS-CoV-2 strains and may be more difficult for new mutants to escape.

Survivors of trauma struggle to move on from the loss of loved ones

A study found that trauma survivors who experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were more likely to experience complicated grief, a type of prolonged and intense sorrow. Researchers suggest that treating PTSD symptoms early may help prevent persistent grief in the long term.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2021

Chaos in the brain

A defective KCNQ3 channel disrupts the brain's navigation system, leading to disorganized place cell activity patterns. This study provides new insights into the role of KCNQ3 channels in Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders, suggesting potential targets for future drug research.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 16, 2021

Insects’ sense of smell gives insight into better repellent design and drug screening

Researchers studied insect olfactory system to improve repellent design and drug screening. They found that chemoreceptor tuning depends on ligand-binding subunit identity, revealing diverse molecular mechanisms. These findings have potential applications in 'mammalian' chemogenetics and insect-based research.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalMolecular Biology Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2021

Antipsychotics during pregnancy

This observational study found no association between prenatal antipsychotic exposure and increased risk of preterm birth, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder in children. The study's findings suggest that antipsychotics during pregnancy do not pose a significant risk to fetal development.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 16, 2021

Evaluation of data from a large-scale SARS-CoV-2 surveillance study reveals that comorbidities predict positive RT-PCR testing. Study finds equal risk of asymptomatic infection among children, teenagers, and working-age adults

A large-scale surveillance study in Madurai, India, found that comorbidities are a significant predictor of positive RT-PCR testing. The study also revealed an equal risk of asymptomatic infection among children, teenagers, and working-age adults, highlighting the importance of non-communicable disease control in COVID-19 containment s...

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateAug 16, 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