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Science News Archive December 2021 - Page 20


Page 20 of 33

A new mechanism for generation of vesicles that transport molecules and vaccine nanoparticles into living cells

Scientists have identified a biomolecular condensate as the key to initiating endocytosis, a process by which cells absorb nutrients and regulate hormone sensitivity. The discovery sheds light on how membrane buckling occurs and has implications for understanding diseases such as cancers, heart disease, and neuropsychiatric disorders.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2021

A mechanism that allows cells to stop their polarized growth when under stress conditions described

Researchers from the Oxidative Stress and Cell Cycle Research Group at UPF have discovered a mechanism by which cells stop their polarized growth when under stress conditions. The study, published in Cell Reports, found that the MAP kinase Sty1 pathway deregulates the equilibrium between Cdc42 activators and inhibitors.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 10, 2021

Chemicals from hair and beauty products impact hormones, especially during pregnancy

A new Rutgers study found that the use of hair products like hair dyes, bleach, relaxers, and mousse is associated with lower levels of sex steroid hormones in pregnant women. Disruptions to these hormones may contribute to adverse maternal and pregnancy outcomes. Socioeconomic variables also influence personal care product use among p...

SourceRutgers University·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 10, 2021

Speaking "baby talk" to infants isn’t just cute: It could help them learn to make words

Research from the University of Florida found that baby talk can stimulate motor production of speech in infants. By mimicking infant vocal tracts, babies learn how words should sound coming out of their mouths. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the role of baby talk in language development.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalSpeech Language and Hearing·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 10, 2021

Asthma may reduce risk of brain tumors -- but how?

Researchers found that asthma causes immune cells to behave in a way that prevents brain tumor growth, suggesting a potential new therapeutic approach. The findings suggest reprogramming T cells to act like those in asthma patients could be a new treatment for brain tumors.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2021

Dinosaurs and amber: a new window to the Cretaceous world from 110 million years ago

Researchers have reconstructed a swampy paleoenvironment with conifers and diverse plants from 110 million years ago, featuring dinosaurs like Proa valdearinnoensis and Europelta carbonensis. The study of Ariño amber has enabled the differentiation of two types of resin, one produced by tree roots and another by branches, providing ins...

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournaleLife·TypeObservational study·DateDec 10, 2021

Getting childhood obesity initiatives across the finish line

The Medical University of South Carolina's Boeing Center for Children's Wellness offers a menu of wellness initiative options that schools can tailor to their needs. Schools with health professionals on the wellness committee implement 25% more initiatives, leading to a culture change and increased student participation.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of School Health·TypeObservational study·DateDec 10, 2021

Studying the fabrics of the past to understand the ageing of the eco-materials of the future

The study of four Baroque-era paintings reveals that flax fibres from fabrics a few hundred years old have undergone more degradation than those from thousand-year-old Egyptian mortuary linens. The researchers used various high-resolution optical analysis methods to analyse the fibre structure without degrading the samples.

Surviving ‘butterfly disease’: long-term success of a new gene and stem-cell therapy for EB verified

A new gene and stem-cell therapy has been proven to be effective in treating Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a genetic skin disorder, without any side effects. The treatment, which involves transplanting genetically modified skin cells, has resulted in stable results after five years, with the patient now 13 years old.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 10, 2021

First real-world study shows the potential of gait authentication to enhance smartphone security

A new study by the University of Plymouth has demonstrated the potential of gait authentication to protect smartphones from cyber crime. The system achieved an average accuracy rate of around 85% in recognizing individuals' stride patterns, with rates rising to almost 90% when participants were walking normally and fast.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalComputers & Security·TypeObservational study·DateDec 10, 2021

Doctoral student finds alternative cell option for organs-on-chips

A doctoral student at Texas A&M University has discovered blood outgrowth endothelial cells (BOECs) as an alternative to induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs) for organs-on-chips, offering a cheaper and more accessible option for patient-specific research. The new cells can be isolated from just 50-100 milliliters of blood and have sh...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeNews article·DateDec 10, 2021

The tetra-neutron – experiment finds evidence for a long-sought particle comprising four neutrons

Physicists at Technical University of Munich discover potential existence of tetra-neutron, a bound state of four neutrons, which could significantly alter our understanding of nuclear forces. The experiment's results suggest a half-life of 450 seconds and stability comparable to the neutron.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPhysics Letters B·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2021

Molecule from approved malaria medicine protects lung cells against COVID-19

Researchers from Aarhus University have shown that the approved medicine Atovaquone has a protective effect on human lung cells in laboratory settings, potentially preventing Covid-19 infection. The study reveals its potent antiviral properties against various coronavirus variants, offering hope for a new treatment option.

SourceAarhus University·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2021

Stop the clock: new therapeutic strategy targets “old” cells to prevent ageing

Researchers from Juntendo University developed a vaccine targeting senescent cells using glycoprotein nonmetastatic melanoma protein B (GPNMB). The vaccine showed significant improvements in mice with age-related diseases, including atherosclerosis and progeria. This breakthrough has exciting potential for new anti-aging therapies.

SourceJuntendo University·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2021

Catch me if you can: how mRNA therapeutics are delivered into cells

Researchers have visualized the entry routes of mRNA into cells and found that it must escape two barriers to reach the cytoplasm. The study reveals that late endosomes are counterproductive for delivery, increasing cell toxicity. Better vehicles for efficient mRNA delivery can now be developed.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG)·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Common drugs affect our gut microbiome differently, with good and bad impacts on health

Research shows that common medicines have distinct effects on gut bacteria, with some having beneficial and others detrimental impacts. The study found associations between certain medications and changes to the gut microbiome, particularly with statins and gastric acid medication.

Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine incentive lottery programs

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that implementing lottery programs as an incentive for COVID-19 vaccination led to substantial increases in vaccine uptake. The study analyzed data from over 40 states and showed a strong correlation between the implementation of these programs and subsequent vaccine adoption.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 9, 2021

American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association issue coronary artery revascularization guideline

The new guideline recommends a patient-centric approach to managing patients with coronary artery disease, incorporating clinical indications and multidisciplinary team decision-making. The guideline aims to improve quality of care and reduce disparities in treatment, particularly among women and underrepresented racial or ethnic groups.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 9, 2021

Review finds significant barriers in shift to remote mental health services during pandemic

A systematic review found that remote care presented challenges for new patients, those without a private space at home, and individuals with schizophrenia or severe anxiety. Despite the benefits of increased convenience and accessibility, concerns were raised about safety, privacy, and confidentiality in remote care.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateDec 9, 2021

Tropical forests can recover quickly on reclaimed agricultural lands

Tropical forests worldwide have disappeared rapidly due to deforestation. However, they can recover quickly on abandoned lands, with key forest functions rebounding within a decade. The study found that tropical forests can regain 78% of their old-growth values in just 20 years and near-total recovery occurs in less than 10 years.

New mathematical model to predict viruses

A new mathematical model developed by USC researchers uses a generator-based approach to analyze mutations in genomic datasets, allowing for the prediction of virus evolution and detection. This tool can be applied to various pathogens, including crops, enabling proactive protection measures.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateDec 9, 2021

Scientists show how bone-bordering cells may help shape a skull

A new study by researchers at Mount Sinai found that a specific gene, HHIP, helps regulate the development of the coronal suture, a fibrous joint that connects the front and middle bone plates. The study showed that embryos with a missing HHIP gene had misshapen skulls and fewer mesenchymal cells separating the bones.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Violence increased most in marginalized neighborhoods early in the COVID-19 pandemic

A new UC Davis study tracks firearm violence, assault, and homicide in 13 major US cities by zip code, revealing stark disparities. Firearm violence increased 29.3%, homicides by 27.7%, while robberies decreased 23.3% and rapes by 31.4% during the first five months of the pandemic.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2021

NIH study traces molecular link from gene to late-onset retinal degeneration

A NIH study has identified a molecular link between a gene mutation and late-onset retinal degeneration, a rare eye disease. The researchers found that the diabetes drug metformin and gene therapy may be effective treatments for the condition, which can cause abnormal blood vessel growth and deposits of apolipoprotein E.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Circular economy: Researchers show how synthetic rubber raw material can be degraded

Researchers have successfully degraded synthetic polyisoprene using enzyme LCPK30, a breakthrough that could enable recycling of car tires and production of new plastics. The method involves creating an emulsion with the polymer, allowing the enzyme to break down long molecular chains into smaller fragments.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021