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Science News for December 7, 2021


Danforth Center scientists develop an unprecedented three-dimensional X-ray microscope methodology to image plants at cellular resolution

Plant scientists can now image above and below-ground structures with unprecedented clarity, revealing new insights into biological processes. The development of three-dimensional X-ray microscopy enables the observation of microscopic molecular and cellular processes driving plant phenotypes.

SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateDec 7, 2021

Leveraging machine learning to rapidly discover novel beneficial microbes

A recent study uses machine learning to rapidly discover bacterial isolates with antifungal properties, identifying promising new compounds for crop protection. The approach analyzes thousands of microbial genomes at once, allowing researchers to identify novel beneficial microbes and bypass traditional screening tactics.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2021

Denisovans or Homo sapiens: Who were the first to settle (permanently) on the Tibetan Plateau?

A new study suggests that Denisovans arrived on the Tibetan Plateau around 160,000 years ago and contributed to the adaptation of modern humans to high altitudes. Genetic analysis reveals that Denisovans passed on genes such as EPAS1, which improves oxygen transport in the blood, to modern Tibetans.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 7, 2021

Researchers identify significant differences in tumor characteristics between younger and older cancer patients

Investigators at Weill Cornell Medicine identified significant age-related differences in tumor characteristics across various cancers, suggesting potential for personalized treatment approaches. They found that tumors from younger patients showed advanced signs of aging and more mutations associated with aggressive disease.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 7, 2021

Large field hospital study shows rapid Covid-19 test compares solidly with PCR detection

A large field hospital study shows that a rapid Covid-19 test is as accurate as PCR detection, with high sensitivity rates for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The rapid antigen test's ease of use, time savings, and cost effectiveness make it an ideal solution to reduce testing disparities in medically underserved communities.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·DateDec 7, 2021

New study shows novel way to prevent postoperative complication after pancreatic surgery

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science have developed a novel polymer-based hydrogel that can prevent postoperative pancreatic fistulae, a frequent complication of pancreatic surgery. The Exceval hydrogel shows great promise for clinical applications due to its adjustable properties and high absorption abilities.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPolymers for Advanced Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2021

A picture worth a thousand words: Identifying landscape preferences using social media algorithms

A recent study used computer vision algorithms to analyze nearly 9,400 Flickr photos taken along Colorado's Front Range, identifying preferred outdoor landscapes with moderate accuracy. The algorithm performed well for images of water, structures, and agricultural lands, but struggled with forests. Combining social media data with on-s...

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 7, 2021

A light in the dark tissue: Switchable proteins for biomedical imaging

Researchers developed photoswitchable label proteins to visualize small numbers of cells in live organisms, enabling improved understanding of diseases like the immune system or tumor development. They also created sensors for optoacoustic and super-resolution imaging to visualize small molecules or ions at nanometer resolution.

Elacestrant may improve outcomes for patients whose metastatic breast cancers progressed on prior endocrine therapy

In a phase III trial, elacestrant showed significant benefits in decreasing death or disease progression and increasing progression-free survival compared to standard of care. The treatment was well-tolerated with manageable side effects, offering hope for patients with ER-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer.

Revealed: How SARS-CoV-2 evades our immune system

Researchers at Hokkaido University and Texas A¼M University identified a key mechanism used by SARS-CoV-2 to evade host immune systems, targeting the MHC class I pathway. The study found that the virus suppresses the activation of this pathway using the ORF6 protein, allowing it to persist in the body and infect others.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2021

UConn study: Improved parenting reduced youth suicide risk by combating negative self-views in bereaved children

A UConn study found that supporting surviving parents can reduce youth suicide risk by combating negative self-views in bereaved children. The Family Bereavement Program improved parenting skills and needs, leading to reduced aversive self-views and increased child positive connectedness.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2021

Melting glaciers may produce thousands of kilometers of new Pacific salmon habitat

A study predicts that 6,150 km of new Pacific salmon habitat will emerge in the Pacific mountains by 2100, with most occurring in Alaska and the transboundary region. This newly formed habitat can support rapid colonization by salmon populations, offering local opportunities for some species but posing challenges under climate change.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2021

Study shows that consumption of a pro-inflammatory diet is associated with increased odds of frailty onset in middle-aged and older adults

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming a pro-inflammatory diet is associated with a higher risk of developing frailty in middle-aged and older adults. Regularly eating anti-inflammatory foods such as fiber and antioxidants may help prevent frailty, according to researchers.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2021

Which personality traits can be improved without personal motivation? Research says 'it depends'

Research by Southern Methodist University professor Nathan Hudson found that conscientiousness can be improved through tasks, even if participants are not motivated. However, emotional stability requires active participation and investment to change. The study suggests that schools and companies can use interventions to improve employe...

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 7, 2021

Using genomics to match treatments improved outcomes for certain patients with metastatic breast cancer

The study used multigene sequencing to identify genomic alterations in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Patients with genomic alterations ranked as ESCAT I/II saw improved progression-free survival with targeted therapies matched to their genomic changes, while those without these alterations did not benefit from the treatment.

Early warning signals could help monitor disease outbreaks

Researchers developed a novel sequential analysis method to detect EWSs in daily COVID-19 case data across 24 countries, finding warnings were regularly detectable prior to exponential cases changes. The reliability of these signals depended on the time between successive waves and mathematical likelihood of critical transition.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalBiology Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 7, 2021

Efficient coding: How the brain optimizes allocation of resources

A study published in eLife found that rats exhibit efficient coding processes for visual stimuli, similar to those observed in humans. This suggests a universal principle in vision, where the brain adapts to its environment by specializing in the recognition of informative signals, thereby conserving computational resources and energy.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2021

Novel chemical design makes hard crystals stretchy

Researchers have designed porous, carbon-based crystals that can stretch to more than twice their length, making them suitable for nanofiltration and pollutant removal. By adding 'soft joints' into the crystal's scaffold, they can be disrupted by specific chemicals, causing the crystal to expand and contract rapidly.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalChem·DateDec 7, 2021

Scientists discover triboionization in discontinuous atmospheric pressure inlet for miniature ion trap mass spectrometer

Researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics discovered triboionization in a discontinuous atmospheric pressure interface, enabling analytes to be detected without an extra ionization source. By adjusting the pinch valve frequency, signal intensity was improved by nearly 20 times.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 7, 2021

Smart transformable nanoparticles promise advances in tumor diagnoses, treatment

Researchers have developed smart transformable nanoparticles that can alter their size and shape in response to physiological conditions, improving particle circulation, biodistribution, and targeted therapy for cancer theranostics. These particles promise enhanced tumor diagnoses and treatment by adapting to the physiology of tumors.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2021

Better understanding impact of shame on HIV patients can help improve healthcare, study argues

A recent study published in lambda nordica suggests that recognizing the psychological, social, and physical effects of shame on HIV patients is crucial for enhancing their medical treatment. The research argues that healthcare workers should be more aware of how shame contributes to poor health outcomes, particularly in individuals wi...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·Journallambda nordica·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2021

Hybrid strategy captures a larger picture of wild mandrills

Researchers at Kyoto University used a hybrid strategy to study wild mandrill movement patterns, combining direct tracking with camera trap data. The findings show that mandrill groups change their travel speed during the day and exhibit flexible dietary and ranging behaviors influenced by seasonality.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Mammalogy·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2021

Unique look at the self-destruction of a star is presented in 3D

Researchers have captured a 1,000-year-old supernova in 3D images, revealing unprecedented details about the elements ejected during a star's explosion. The study provides a three-dimensional map of these elements, shedding light on the conditions at the time of the explosion and the importance of asymmetries in supernovae.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 7, 2021

LSU Health New Orleans study finds dramatic drop in opioid rx after state legislation enacted

A LSU Health New Orleans study reports a nearly 70% decrease in morphine milligram equivalent (MME) per discharge opioid prescriptions for patients who underwent common lower extremity surgical procedures. The study also found a significant decline in new opioid prescriptions, from 50% in 2013 to 19.3% in 2018.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 7, 2021

Urbanization improves out-group trust

Research conducted in rural and urban Chinese villages found that residents of Jincheng gave more tokens to strangers than those from Liangang, suggesting increased trust in out-group members. Effective governance was also linked to higher levels of out-group trust, contradicting concerns about urbanization eroding community bonds.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Economic Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2021

Impact of obesity and metabolic disorders on severity of COVID-19 and vaccine-breakthrough infections

A study found that obesity is associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospital admission or death. Additionally, accelerated immunosenescence may be a key mechanism explaining the relationship between obesity and T2DM in severe COVID-19. Vaccination effectiveness may also be impacted by metabolic disorders.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalNature Reviews Endocrinology·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 7, 2021

Face masks help jurors tell lies from truth

Researchers from University of Portsmouth and John Jay College of Criminal Justice found that face masks do not hamper a jury's decision making. Instead, they improve the ability to differentiate between truth and lies by reducing non-verbal behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 7, 2021

Digital pill system tracks HIV prevention pill adherence with 98 percent accuracy

A digital pill system has been found to be a feasible and accurate intervention for tracking HIV prevention pill adherence, with 98% accuracy. The system uses radiofrequency transmitters and wearable reader devices to track pill ingestion, providing a novel solution for individuals with low compliance.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes & Human Retrovirology·DateDec 7, 2021

Ferocious fungus

Scientists at the University of Utah studied the defense mechanism of Armillaria ostoyae, a parasitic fungus that infects and kills over 600 types of woody plants. They found that the fungus's outer layer has a strong protective role, containing calcium to protect itself from chemicals and insects.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2021

A new drug target for kidney disease

A new study led by Prof. Motoko Yanagita found that the suppression of two molecules, CD153 and CD30, expressed on immune cells mitigates the progression of kidney disease in aged kidneys. This discovery identifies a promising therapeutic target for kidney treatment in the elderly.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2021

Severe COVID could reduce male fertility

A recent study suggests that severe COVID-19 may cause long-term damage to the testes, leading to reduced sperm count and quality. The virus's interaction with testicular cells and potential effects on fertility are being explored through an experimental framework.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalNature Reviews Urology·DateDec 7, 2021