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Science News for December 30, 2021


Changes in calorie content of menu items after calorie labels mandate

Researchers evaluated changes in calorie content at 59 large restaurant chains before and after implementing mandatory menu labels. After label implementation, restaurants reduced average calorie per item by 11%. The study aimed to understand the impact of labeling on menu nutrition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 30, 2021

UCSF-led study uncovers unique stem cell trajectory in lungs damaged by COVID-19 and pulmonary fibrosis

Researchers discovered that human lung stem cells can undergo abnormal differentiation in response to injury from diseases like COVID-19 and pulmonary fibrosis. This aberrant process prevents the restoration of normal lung function, but the study also identified a potential therapeutic target for reversing damage.

SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 30, 2021
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Possible chemical leftovers from early Earth sit near the core

New research suggests that ultra-low velocity zones in the deep mantle may be regions made of different rocks than the rest of the mantle, with compositions potentially linked to the early Earth. The study's findings imply the presence of layered structures within these zones, shedding light on their origin and evolution.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 30, 2021

From the past to the present: How do irregular oceans close? How do curved orogenic belts develop?

Researchers propose a new plate tectonic model explaining the closure of irregular oceans and formation of curved orogenic belts through rollback subduction and rotation of convergent blocks. The study provides critical constraints on the Central Asian Orogenic Belt using digital mapping and giant 'tightly folded' magmatic belts.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 30, 2021

Reasons for missing medical care during pandemic

A survey study investigated the prevalence of missing medical care among Medicare beneficiaries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that the gap in healthcare access has persisted and worsened over time, highlighting ongoing concerns about social determinants of health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateDec 30, 2021

‘Cryobioprinting’ serves up towers of frozen cells

Researchers have developed a technique called cryobioprinting that combines bioprinting with cryopreservation to create frozen, complex structures. The technology allows for the fabrication of anisotropic tissues with microscale pores aligned in specific directions, opening up new possibilities for muscular tissue engineering and beyond.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 30, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Leveraging space to advance stem cell science and medicine

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have identified opportunities to use microgravity in space for large-scale stem cell production, disease modeling, and biofabrication. This could lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and the development of new treatments.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateDec 30, 2021

Charité experts support Colombian SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic efforts

Experts from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin will deliver SARS-CoV-2 tests and train laboratory staff to monitor the Mu variant, which has spread widely throughout Colombia. The team will also support local authorities with antibody testing and knowledge transfer to inform pandemic control decisions.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·DateDec 30, 2021

High-resolution lab experiments show how cells ‘eat’

A new study published in Developmental Cell reveals the mechanism of membrane curvature that allows cells to form pockets to capture substances. The researchers used high-resolution fluorescence imaging to watch these pockets form within live cells, providing a clearer understanding of how cells 'eat' and consume substances.

SourceOhio State University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateDec 30, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

The tallest Begonia species in all Asia found in Tibet, China

The newly discovered Begonia giganticaulis, a type of plant genus Begonia, has been found to be the tallest species in Asia, reaching heights of up to 3.6 meters. Its conservation status is currently listed as Endangered due to its fragmentary distribution in southern Tibet.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalPhytoKeys·DateDec 30, 2021

Cancer deaths rose to 10 million worldwide in 2019

The study found that cancer was the second leading cause of death globally in 2019, accounting for 10 million deaths and 23 million new cases. Despite increases in absolute burden, global age-standardized mortality and incidence rates decreased by 5.9% and 1.1%, respectively.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 30, 2021

Russian scientists named biomarkers of a long-lasting PTSD

Researchers at South Ural State University have identified biomarkers for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans with long-lasting symptoms. Gamma-aminobutyric acid levels were found to be the most sensitive indicator, differing from reference values even years after traumatic events.

SourceSouth Ural State University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateDec 30, 2021

Sloan Kettering Institute Scientists retool CAR T cells to serve as ‘micropharmacies’ for cancer drugs

Researchers have developed SEAKER cells, which combine target-seeking power with the ability to locally generate potent anticancer drug for double effect. The cells use an enzyme to release active prodrug at tumor site, killing both cancer cells and those nearby that do not contain the marker.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 30, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Head impacts, cognitive, behavioral outcomes in youth tackle football

A study of 70 youth tackle football players aged 9-12 over four seasons found a significant association between head impacts and cognitive and behavioral outcomes. The research suggests that repeated head impacts in youth tackle football may lead to long-term consequences for young athletes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 30, 2021

Association of gestational weight gain with infant illness, death

A large US-based study found that optimal gestational weight gain ranges associated with lower infant illness and death risks exist for different maternal weight categories. The study used birth data to identify these ranges and provide insights into the relationship between maternal weight gain and infant health outcomes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 30, 2021