Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 22, 2021


Researchers hope a protein blueprint might aid infertility treatments

Scientists at the University of Cincinnati have developed a blueprint for the protein anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), which plays a crucial role in reproductive organ development. Understanding how AMH interacts with its signaling receptor may lead to novel treatments for infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and even feral cat ...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2021

Flash mob in the nucleus

Researchers clarify the role of SMN complexes in splicing and Cajal body formation, which is crucial for protein translation. The study reveals kinases play a key role in regulating these processes, potentially leading to new therapies for spinal muscular atrophy.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 22, 2021

Targeted tumors attack not-innocent bystanders

The study found ADCs made with cleavable linkers can decrease small-cell lung cancer tumor size in PDX mouse models, showing promise for improved efficacy. The 'bystander effect' kills nearby nontargeted cancer cells often found near malignant tumors.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2021

Did the ancient Maya have parks?

Researchers found over 30 species of plants along the banks of Tikal's reservoirs, including trees like ramón and cabbage bark. The study suggests that the Maya protected these areas as sacred groves to provide medicinal or edible plants and fruits.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 22, 2021

The very venomous caterpillar

A team of researchers from the University of Queensland has discovered a venomous caterpillar that produces peptides with high potency against nematode parasites and disease-causing pathogens. The study also unlocks a source of bioactive peptides with potential uses in medicine, biotechnology, and scientific tools.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2021

Cohesin opens up for cell division

A study by Nagoya University researchers reveals that cohesin's ring needs to open for certain processes, like DNA replication and chromosome segregation. This opening facilitates the progressive replication of the DNA double helix and allows DNA looping, crucial for regulating gene expression.

SourceNagoya University·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 22, 2021

Not all dietary proteins are created equal

A recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that animal-based protein food sources elicited greater anabolic responses and increased whole-body net protein balance compared to plant-based protein food sources. This suggests that 'ounce equivalents' of protein food sources are not metabolically equivalent, and animal prot...

SourceFoodMinds LLC·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateJun 22, 2021

Switching from Western diet to a balanced diet may reduce skin, joint inflammation

A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that a Western diet rich in sugar and fat disrupts gut microorganisms, leading to psoriasis flares. Switching to a balanced diet restores gut health and suppresses skin inflammation, offering a potential solution for managing the condition.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJun 22, 2021

A more robust memory device for AI systems

Researchers developed a new magnetic memory device using antiferromagnetic materials, offering improved scalability, write speed, and security. The device's unique structure allows for simultaneous writing and reading of data, addressing key challenges in high-performance AI applications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 22, 2021

Foreign-born status, but not acquired US citizenship, protects many immigrants from criminal victimization

A recent study found that foreign-born status, but not acquired U.S. citizenship, protects against criminal victimization. Researchers used new data to explore the association between citizenship status and risk of victimization, finding significantly lower rates of victimization among foreign-born citizens compared to U.S.-born citizens.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology·DateJun 22, 2021

Transforming CO2 and sugars into biofuel

University of Delaware researchers are developing a system to produce bioenergy from microbes that convert carbon dioxide into useful chemicals. The team aims to refine the technology to produce desirable metabolites and consume less useful ones, paving the way for sustainable production of chemicals and fuels.

Health care leaders call for national focus on preventing hospital-acquired pneumonia

A joint task force of healthcare stakeholders recommends educating patients and staff about prevention measures, including standardized oral care. The initiative aims to reduce harm from non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (NVHAP), which causes high mortality rates and prolonged hospital stays.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJun 22, 2021

Open learning spaces do not increase children's physical activity

A recent study by the University of Jyváskylæ found that open learning spaces do not directly increase children's physical activity, despite more breaks from sedentary time observed in these spaces. The CHIPASE study suggests that teachers' adaptations to open learning spaces may limit students' movement during lessons.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalFrontiers in Sports and Active Living·DateJun 22, 2021

Mental well-being higher in the summer vs. fall

Research from Binghamton University found that mental distress is lower in summer compared to fall. Good quality diet, good sleep quality, and higher exercise frequency are all associated with better mental well-being. Seasonal changes impact diet quality and mental health.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders Reports·DateJun 22, 2021

Nightside radio could help reveal exoplanet details

Scientists at Rice University have developed a new model to detect magnetospheres in distant solar systems using nightside radio signals. This could provide valuable information about the characteristics of exoplanets, including their ability to protect themselves from solar winds.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJun 22, 2021

WVU research finds 'excess deaths' in Amish and Mennonite communities during pandemic

Researchers analyzed obituary data to examine excess deaths among the Amish population in 2020, finding a spike in November that mirrored general COVID-19 infection waves. The study suggests that face-to-face interactions and distrust in preventative medicine contributed to these 'excess deaths', which may or may not be directly relate...

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Religion and Health·DateJun 22, 2021

Study finds common protein in blood enables human fertilization and fighting infection

A University of California, Irvine-led study reveals albumin activates a proton channel giving sperm the ability to penetrate and fertilize an egg, and allowing white blood cells to secrete inflammatory mediators. The interaction also enables neutrophils to produce and secrete inflammatory mediators that kill bacteria and fight infection.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 22, 2021

Analysing volcanoes to predict their awakening

A team of geologists reviewed the literature on volcanic eruptions, determining that most magma rising from depth doesn't cause an eruption. Older volcanoes produce less frequent but larger eruptions. The analysis helps refine models to reduce the impact of volcanic eruptions on nearby populations.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·DateJun 22, 2021

Multiple long-term physical health problems increase risk of depression later in life

A large-scale analysis of over 150,000 middle-aged people found that those with two or more physical health conditions were at greater risk of developing depression and anxiety. The study confirmed the importance of integrating mental health support into care plans for individuals with multiple physical health conditions.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·DateJun 22, 2021