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Science News for December 28, 2021


Immune system can detect disease during pregnancy

Researchers have discovered a pattern of immune activity in normal pregnancies that can detect abnormalities and predict complications. The study found elevated immune activation in the first three months, followed by a calmer phase, and higher activity in the last three months, especially when childbirth is imminent.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 28, 2021

Scientists find ways to help perovskite solar cell "self-healing"

Researchers have successfully developed a type of self-healing perovskite solar cell by functional combination of PVP, which controls crystal growth and endows devices with self-healing ability in a moisture environment. The introduction of PVP also improves crystal growth with fewer defects and larger grains.

Scientists invent lead-free composite shielding material for neutron and gamma-ray

Researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science have developed a lead-free composite shielding material with high shielding properties. The modified-gadolinium oxide/boron carbide/high density polyethylene composite shows excellent performance in shielding both neutrons and gamma rays.

Microglial methylation “landscape” in human brain

A new study reveals distinct DNA methylation profiles of human microglia cells across different age groups, disease states, and brain regions. The researchers found that interindividual differences in methylation variability had a larger impact than regional or diagnostic differences.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2021

Autism can be identified as early as the first year of life

Researchers found that infants with autism symptoms can show significant improvement in just a few months through targeted therapeutic interventions. The studies suggest that bridging the gap between early detection and intervention may significantly reduce the severity of lifelong developmental deviation.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalInternational Journal of Pediatrics & Neonatal Care·DateDec 28, 2021

Scientists from CNIO and Massachusetts General Hospital develop tools to visualize DNA repair as never before

Scientists from CNIO and Massachusetts General Hospital have developed new approaches to visualize DNA repair by analyzing hundreds of proteins at once. They discovered nine new proteins involved in DNA repair and identified key players in the process, which could lead to improved cancer treatments.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2021

New inoculation method can protect soybeans against devastating leaf blight

A new inoculation method can identify resistance against one of the CLB pathogens, allowing breeders to select candidates for genetic material against the disease. This method uses detached leaflets for inoculation and offers an advantage in small experimental designs, enabling screening of soybean genetic materials.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytoFrontiers™·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2021

Screen use, mental health symptoms in children during pandemic

A recent study by Xuedi Li and colleagues found that excessive screen time was associated with increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research suggests that parents should monitor their child's screen use to mitigate potential mental health effects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 28, 2021

Scientists digitally ‘unwrap’ mummy of pharaoh Amenhotep I for the first time in 3,000 years

Researchers from Egypt used 3D CT scanning to 'digitally unwrap' the mummy of Pharaoh Amenhotep I, dispelling a theory that 21st dynasty restorers reused old royal burial equipment. The study revealed that the priests lovingly repaired injuries inflicted by tomb robbers and preserved the pharaoh's jewelry and amulets.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2021

Nits on ancient mummies shed light on South American ancestry

Scientists have developed a new technique to extract DNA from the 'cement' head lice that attached eggs to hairs of ancient humans. This method reveals clues about pre-Columbian human migration patterns in South America, allowing for the study of unique samples from mummified remains where bone and tooth samples are unavailable.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2021