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Science News Archive June 2021 - Page 32


Page 32 of 51

Trapping DNA damage

Researchers at Kyoto University have uncovered how XRCC1 protein disarms PARP traps, preventing DNA damage accumulation. This discovery may lead to improved cancer treatments using PARP inhibitors.

SourceKyoto University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJun 10, 2021

Anomalous weak values via a single photon detection

Researchers demonstrate a novel measurement paradigm dubbed Robust Weak Measurement, measuring an anomalous weak value with a single photon detection event. The team obtains an observable with eigenvalues in the range [-7,7] and reports a weak value of the pre- and postselected system on which a single-click measurement was performed.

Olfactory virtual realities show promise for mental health practices and integrative care

A study published in the Journal of Medical Research and Health Sciences found that scent-enhanced virtual reality technologies can improve therapeutic benefits for chronic pain, anxiety, and mood disorders. Participants reported significant reductions in anxiety levels after OVR sessions, with improvements lasting up to three hours.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Medical Research and Health Sciences·DateJun 10, 2021

How cells measure themselves

Researchers found that cells regulate their own size by using DNA content as an internal scale. Cells with too little KRP4 delay DNA replication until they catch up, while those with too much dilute KRP4 to speed up the process. This mechanism keeps meristem cells within a narrow size range.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalScience·DateJun 10, 2021

Soot from heaters and traffic is not just a local problem

A study by the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research found that soot particles from oil and wood heating systems as well as road traffic contribute significantly to air pollution in Europe. The researchers estimated that 48% of local soot emissions and 52% of long-distance soot emissions reached the measurement site.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateJun 10, 2021

Moral disgust has a 'bad taste'

A study found that witnessing moral transgressions can inhibit tongue movements, similar to tasting something unpleasant. This reaction may reflect an avoidance-defensive mechanism, adapting as a response to shared moral norms.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateJun 10, 2021

Ion and lipid transporters specialize for their niche

Researchers have discovered that ion and lipid transporters have evolved distinct structural features to optimize the transport of their respective substrates. Crystal structures reveal a pump primed for dephosphorylation in Ca2+-ATPase, while a novel mechanism is uncovered in P4-ATPases, enabling efficient lipid flippase activity.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateJun 10, 2021

Discovery of ray sperms' unique swimming motion and demonstration with bio-inspired robot

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have discovered that ray sperms rotate both their head and tail to move, creating a heterogeneous dual helix propulsion system. This unique motion provides high environmental adaptability and efficiency, enabling bidirectional swimming and maneuverability in various viscosities.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2021

Active platinum species

Researchers investigated individual platinum atoms and small clusters on special zeolite supports, finding they are significantly more active than larger clusters in splitting oxygen. Platinum clusters also dominate CO oxidation, while individual atoms enable efficient methane combustion.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 10, 2021

Researchers' algorithm to make CRISPR gene editing more precise

Researchers have developed a new method to select efficient gRNA molecules for CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, achieving high efficiency and precision. The algorithm uses deep learning and large datasets to predict the efficiency of gRNAs, promising improved outcomes in genetic disorders and biotechnology applications.

New method makes generic polymers luminescent

Researchers have successfully developed a new method to give luminescent properties to generic polymers like polystyrene and polyethylene. The technique makes it possible to easily prepare luminescent polymers without complicated organic synthetic methods.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 10, 2021