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Science News Archive December 2021 - Page 30


Page 30 of 33

Georgia State University Center for Translational Antiviral Research reports a novel broad-spectrum antiviral drug class with activity against SARS-CoV-2

Researchers at Georgia State University have developed a new candidate antiviral drug, 4’-FlU, which shows potent activity against SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory RNA viruses. The study demonstrates that 4’-FlU induces termination of the viral polymerase, aborting replication and offering a strong therapeutic asset.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

How food intake modifies the gut

Researchers found that increasing food amount elevates intestinal absorptive surface and function due to enhanced PPARα expression. Food restriction reverses this process, suggesting potential avenues for limiting obesity.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

In Bangladesh, mask-wearing reduced COVID-like illness, cluster-randomized controlled trial shows

A cluster-randomized controlled trial in rural Bangladesh shows that proper mask-wearing significantly reduces symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections. Mask distribution and promotion increased community-wide mask-wearing by 29% and reduced reported COVID-like illness, especially among high-risk individuals.

Tracking the neurons that make us social

A team from UNIGE found that dopaminergic neurons in the reward system are responsible for motivating social interactions. The study used mice to demonstrate how these neurons release dopamine, crucial for motivated behaviors and learning.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

Light vs. data: Backpropagation advancing optical metrology and inverse design process

A new technique using thin-film neural networks (TFNNs) improves processing times for all-optical neural networks and enables fast optimization of photonic devices. The approach accelerates the design and fabrication of multilayer thin films, mimicking human retina cells.

Predictive analytics pays off with complementary investments

A study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that predictive analytics can increase revenue by $500,000 to $1 million for manufacturers who invest in IT capital, educate their workforce, and implement high-efficiency manufacturing processes. The research team surveyed over 30,000 manufacturers and found that...

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalBusiness Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 2, 2021

Boosting thermopower of oxides via artificially laminated metal/insulator heterostructure

Researchers developed a new method to significantly enhance thermoelectric voltage at low temperatures by creating laminate structures with transition metal oxide and insulating layers. The 'phonon-drag effect' is responsible for the enhancement, where flowing phonons drive electrons to produce extra thermoelectric voltage.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

Subminiature multifunctional brain chip analyzes brain activity from multiple aspects

A subminiature multifunctional brain chip has been developed to analyze brain activity from multiple aspects. The chip integrates a fluid channel for extracting cerebrospinal fluid, injecting medicine, and measuring brain signals, minimizing brain damage and enabling precise analysis of neurotransmitters and brain signals.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateDec 2, 2021

Scientists identify animal model for two emerging tick-borne hemorrhagic viruses

Researchers have identified pigtailed macaques as a suitable animal model for studying two emerging tick-borne hemorrhagic viruses, Kyasanur Forest disease and Alkhurma hemorrhagic disease. The study found that infected macaques exhibited symptoms similar to those in humans, including loss of appetite, dehydration, and hemorrhaging.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

New insights to combat soft drink consumption

Research from Flinders University found self-regulatory control and evaluative bias towards soft drinks associated with increased consumption. The study aimed to identify new methods to help habitual soft drink users regulate their intake. Young adults are the core consumers of soft drinks, posing a major public health problem.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAppetite·TypeObservational study·DateDec 2, 2021

Mouse study suggests manipulation of certain nerve cells can help regenerate lost heart muscle

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that manipulating certain nerve cells may trigger the formation of new heart muscle cells, restoring heart function after heart attacks. The study found that removing specific genes associated with circadian rhythms increased neonatal heart size and cardiomyocyte numbers by up to 10%.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 2, 2021

Perceiving sound-letter associations in English can help learn to read it better, Pusan National University scientist says

A new study from Pusan National University suggests that phonological awareness (PA) and phonics instruction can significantly improve the reading skills of English language learners. The meta-analysis of 46 studies found a moderate effect of PA and phonics on word reading, but a larger impact on pseudo-word reading.

SourcePusan National University·JournalSAGE Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 2, 2021

Caught on Camera: Live Imaging of Transcription Using Active RNA Polymerase II-Specific Probes

Scientists from Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a genetically encoded probe to visualize active transcription sites in living cells. The probe successfully identified phosphorylated Ser2 in RNA polymerase II, allowing for the localization of elongation phase transcription sites in real-time.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

Twisting elusive quantum particles with a quantum computer

Scientists from TUM and Google Quantum AI used a highly controllable quantum processor to simulate exotic particles called anyons, which can emerge as collective excitations in two-dimensional systems. The study reveals the properties of these particles through braiding statistics, a key feature of topologically ordered states.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 2, 2021

Predicting protein-protein interactions

A deep-learning model called D-SCRIPT predicts protein-protein interactions from primary amino acid sequences with high accuracy. The model enables the detection of functional subnetworks and can be applied to many species, including those with rare or lacking PPI data.

SourceTufts University·JournalCell Systems·DateDec 2, 2021

Parent-teacher relationship vital to home schooling

A new study reveals the vital role primary school teachers play in supporting families during home schooling, particularly for middle-income families who struggle to balance work and childcare responsibilities. The research highlights the range of resources and services provided by teachers to help mitigate socio-economic disadvantages.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEducational Review·TypeSurvey·DateDec 2, 2021

PCORI Board approves $49.5 million to fund new research studies addressing pain relief, smoking cessation, mental health and other conditions

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Board approved funding for nine new comparative clinical effectiveness research studies addressing various health conditions. These studies focus on telehealth and mobile health strategies, reducing disparities in maternal health, and improving care for people with intellectual a...

Blue hydrogen can help protect the climate

A study by the Paul Scherrer Institute finds that blue hydrogen can play a positive role in the energy transition under certain conditions, especially when carbon capture and storage is used effectively. However, methane leakage along the supply chain can reduce its climate benefits.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalSustainable Energy & Fuels·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 2, 2021

‘Immune imprinting’ by different SARS-CoV-2 spike sequences from variants and vaccines means we now have diverse patterns of protection against new variants

A study by Imperial College London found that the first SARS-CoV-2 spike protein encountered through vaccination or infection influences subsequent immune responses to current and future variants. This 'immune imprinting' affects the rate of decay of protection and impacts antibody levels over time.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateDec 2, 2021