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Science News for July 22, 2021


Land repair vital for survival

The study highlights the importance of dryland restoration to mitigate climate change and reverse desertification, with seeding efforts showing promising results in nearly a third of treatments. However, the process is also fraught with risks, including high failure rates and declining species populations as projects mature.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 22, 2021

Scientists reverse age-related memory loss in mice

Researchers at the University of Cambridge and University of Leeds successfully reversed age-related memory loss in mice by manipulating the extracellular matrix of the brain. By restoring the balance of compounds known as chondroitin sulphates, they were able to restore neuroplasticity and alleviate memory deficits.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 22, 2021

New insight on the reproductive evolution of land plants

A study published in Nature Plants reveals a comprehensive atlas of gene expression data from ten different species of land plants. The analysis identified novel and missing components involved in the formation of sex organs and cells, showing that many groups of genes emerged through the repurpose of existing genetic material. The tea...

Eco-friendly plastic from cellulose and water

Göttingen University researchers have developed a new type of hydroplastic polymer called cellulose cinnamate (CCi) that can be molded using little more than water at everyday temperature and pressure. The bioplastic exhibits high quality mechanical properties, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 22, 2021

Study points to remotely supervised exercise classes as best option during lockdown

A study of 344 volunteers reveals that remotely supervised exercise classes were more effective than in-person sessions or unsupervised online sessions in improving physical and mental health. The researchers attribute this to the increased intensity of exercises under remote supervision, which led to better outcomes for participants.

Visualizing a city's energy use

A new model estimates annual energy use intensity of 209 structures in Pittsburgh with only a 7% error rate. The Urban Building Energy Model can aid policy makers in setting energy goals and efficiency regulations for commercial buildings.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalEnergy and Buildings·DateJul 22, 2021

Advanced bladder cancers respond to immunotherapy regardless of gene mutation status

Researchers found that patients with advanced bladder cancers and FGFR3 mutations respond to immunotherapy just like those without the mutation. The study's findings suggest that FGFR3-mutated tumors can benefit from immunotherapy treatment, providing a new option for patients who previously had limited treatment options.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateJul 22, 2021

Cell-analysis technique could combat tuberculosis

Researchers developed a cutting-edge method to analyze how individual immune cells respond to Mtb, the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. The study found an almost perfect correlation between the fitness status of the bacterium and the transcriptional profile in the host cell.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 22, 2021

HKU scientists harness the naturally abundant CRISPR-Cas system to edit superbugs with the hope of treating infections caused by drug resistant pathogens

A team of researchers from HKU has developed a transferrable and integrative type I CRISPR-based platform that can efficiently edit Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a superbug capable of infecting various tissues and organs. The technique enables rapid identification of resistance determinants and development of novel anti-resistance strategies.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 22, 2021

Making negative opinions agreeable: Study finds social sharing happens in terms of support

Researchers found that people tend to express themselves in terms of support instead of opposition on social media, regardless of the opinion's positivity or negativity. This phenomenon holds true for various topics, including gun control, same-sex marriage, and self-isolation during COVID-19 outbreaks.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 22, 2021

'Wrapping' anodes in 3D carbon nanosheets: The next big thing in li-ion battery technology

Researchers developed a new anode material that prevents volume change in lithium-ion batteries, leading to improved cycle stability and rate capabilities. The material, composed of manganese selenide nanoparticles anchored in three-dimensional porous carbon nanosheet matrix, demonstrates superior electrochemical properties.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateJul 22, 2021

DeepMind and EMBL release the most complete database of predicted 3D structures of human proteins

The AlphaFold Protein Structure Database provides the most accurate and complete picture of human proteins, enabling researchers to accelerate discovery and advance scientific knowledge. The database covers all ~20,000 human proteins and offers a treasure trove of data that could unlock future advances in AI-enabled biology.

Infrared held in a pincer

Scientists have created the first chromium complex that emits light in the longer wavelength NIR-II range, a significant breakthrough for biomedical imaging. This achievement is expected to lead to cheaper alternatives for luminescence-based applications.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 22, 2021

Journey from smoking to vaping variable - Otago academics

A University of Otago study found that people attempting to switch from cigarettes to vaping reported highly varied smoking and ENDS use patterns. The researchers recommend that individuals persist in their attempts to transition away from smoking, even if progress feels slow and uncertain.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJul 22, 2021

InSight mission: Mars unveiled

The InSight mission has unveiled Mars' internal structure, revealing a large liquid core and an altered crust. The study analyzed seismic waves from over 600 Martian quakes, identifying discontinuities in the crust and determining the upper mantle's structure.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2021

Neurotransmitter levels predict math ability

Researchers found that higher GABA levels in young people were associated with greater math fluency, while lower glutamate levels were related to better math skills. In adults, the opposite was true: low GABA concentrations were linked to greater math fluency and high glutamate levels to poorer performance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 22, 2021

Silicon with a two-dimensional structure

Scientists successfully produce and characterize a crystalline complex with a two-dimensional equivalent of silicon, defying geometric expectations. The resulting structure displays surprising physical and chemical properties, opening up new avenues for catalysis and materials research.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalChem·DateJul 22, 2021

Sylvia Frazier-Bowers wins AADR National Student Research Group Mentor Award

Sylvia Frazier-Bowers, an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry, has been awarded the AADR National Student Research Group Mentor Award. She is recognized for her efforts to bridge the gap between clinical profession and scientific advances in dentofacial variation research.

Pathogens get comfy in designer goo

Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine researchers have developed a new model for studying intestinal infections, using custom hydrogel-based platforms. The study found that softer hydrogels promote bacterial adhesion to epithelial cells, which is crucial for understanding the dynamics of infectious diseases.

SourceRice University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateJul 22, 2021

The anatomy of a planet

Researchers from ETH Zurich analyzed data from NASA's InSight mission, revealing that Mars' crust, mantle, and core have distinct structures. The findings suggest that Mars was once completely molten, but now has a thinner crust with a relatively high proportion of radioactive elements.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2021

'Good cholesterol' may protect liver

A study in mice and human blood samples found that HDL3 protects the liver by blocking gut bacterial signals that cause inflammation. The researchers identified a special type of HDL called HDL3 that is produced by the intestine, which blocks lipopolysaccharide signals that activate immune cells.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2021

Studies find combination chemotherapy beneficial and cost-effective in sub-Saharan Africa

A clinical trial in Malawi showed a five-drug combination chemotherapy provided curative benefit for people diagnosed with lymphoma, compared to current standard-of-care-therapy. The treatment was also found to be cost-effective, preventing more than seven disability-adjusted life years at a lower cost per DALY prevented.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJul 22, 2021

Artificial intelligence models to analyze cancer images take shortcuts that introduce bias

A new study reveals that AI tools analyzing tumor images can make inaccurate predictions due to shortcuts introduced by institutions submitting the images. The models often rely on location-specific signatures rather than biological characteristics, leading to biased outcomes for patients from certain medical centers.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 22, 2021

Higher levels of omega-3 acids in the blood increases life expectancy by almost five years

A study found that higher omega-3 acid levels in the blood are associated with a significant increase in life expectancy, similar to quitting smoking. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,200 people aged 65 and found that four types of fatty acids, including omega-3, can predict mortality risk.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 22, 2021

Big data-derived tool facilitates closer monitoring of recovery from natural disasters

Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a framework to assess community resilience after natural disasters by analyzing location-based data from essential establishments. The study found that communities with low resilience experienced more flooding, but the level of impact did not necessarily correlate with recovery time.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJul 22, 2021

Antibiotics may help to treat melanoma

Researchers at KU Leuven found that certain antibiotics can effectively target melanoma cells' mitochondria, which are vulnerable to specific classes of antibiotics. This suggests that these antibiotics may be repurposed as anti-melanoma agents to buy time for immunotherapy.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 22, 2021

Study: Young workers now value respect over 'fun' perks in the workplace

A recent study found that young workers (21-34 years old) prioritize respectful communication in the workplace over trendy work perks. The researchers believe that leaders and managers can foster supportive cultures by training them on effective communication and recognizing employees' value to their organization.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Business Communication·DateJul 22, 2021