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Science News for November 13, 2021


researchers revealed a new inhibitory mechanism against bacterial DNA replication

Researchers at USTC found Gp168 protein from bacteriophage Twort inhibits β-clamp function by occupying the DNA sliding channel, revealing a new class of proteins. This discovery provides inspiration for developing new antimicrobial reagents and offers an alternative mechanism for bacteriophages to inhibit bacterial replication.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateNov 13, 2021

Researchers reveal composition mechanism of the nematode PICS complex

The study comprehensively investigates the composition mechanism of the PICS complex in nematodes, uncovering key factors in piRNA biogenesis and chromosome segregation. The results highlight the importance of subunit interactions in regulating the complex's formation and localization.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2021

Pregnancy experts call for Medicaid policy change

Experts urge policymakers to address disparities in access to postpartum sterilization, which disproportionately affects Black, Latinx, and Native American communities. The 30-day waiting period can lead to unnecessary pregnancies, causing emotional, physical, and financial burdens.

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 13, 2021
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Make carbonate not carbon dioxide

LMU scientists create a light-triggered system that produces hydrogen and carbonate, capturing carbon as carbonate without releasing CO2. This process has potential applications in scalable fabrication and could enable carbon-neutral production of hydrogen from low-cost alcohols.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 13, 2021

Researchers develop ultra-sensitive solar-blind photodectors for harsh environments

The research group developed ultra-sensitive solar-blind ultraviolet photodetectors (SBPDs) using amorphous gallium oxide (AGO) with high tolerance and spectrum-selectiveness. The SBPDs showed remarkable performances, including high response current and improved photoelectric performances under extreme conditions.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 13, 2021

Low-frequency intermittent fasting prompts anti-inflammatory response

A new study from Intermountain Healthcare found that low-frequency intermittent fasting raises galectin-3 levels, a protein tied to inflammatory response, and lowers rates of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. This suggests that even occasional fasting may have positive health effects.

SourceIntermountain Healthcare·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 13, 2021

Researchers develop passive microwave remote sensing technology in monitoring carbon fixing ability of vegetation

Researchers developed a new light use effective model coupled with a passive microwave vegetation index to monitor terrestrial ecosystems' carbon fixing ability. The study found that this method outperforms traditional methods in certain environments, offering accurate daily GPP estimation.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateNov 13, 2021

Depression and anxiety worsened during the pandemic, putting patients at higher heart disease risk, study finds

A new study by Intermountain Healthcare finds that nearly 40% of patients reported new or continuing symptoms of depression during the pandemic. This increase in depression was associated with higher emergency department visits for anxiety and chest pain, highlighting the negative impact of the pandemic on physical and mental well-being.

SourceIntermountain Healthcare·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2021
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Universal traits spotted in early evolution of sex chromosomes

Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University identified unifying features in the early evolution of X and Y chromosomes. They found common genetic compensation mechanisms, deterioration, and similarities between sex chromosomes derived from the same non-sex chromosome. These findings suggest universal traits in sex chromosome evolution.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalGenome Research·DateNov 13, 2021

Researchers develop a recursively embedded atom neural network model

A new recursively embedded atom neural network (REANN) model improves material simulation accuracy by incorporating local completeness and nonlocality. The model outperforms current machine learning models in describing the local environment, enabling more accurate predictions.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 13, 2021

Penicillin significantly reduces rheumatic heart disease progression in children

A new study found that regular antibiotic treatment with penicillin significantly reduced the risk of underlying rheumatic heart disease progression in children and adolescents. Early screening was critical in preventing serious disease progression and death in young children.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 13, 2021

Researchers find benefits and drawbacks to two-step surgical approach for “leaky heart valves”

A NIH-funded study found that patients with a two-step surgical approach for 'leaky heart valves' had better short-term outcomes, but were more likely to need a pacemaker. The procedure involved repairing the tricuspid valve at the time of mitral valve surgery, and results showed reduced risk of death, reoperation, or severe regurgitat...

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 13, 2021
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Penicillin slows devastating impacts of rheumatic heart disease in children from Uganda

A large-scale trial found that penicillin can prevent progression of latent rheumatic heart disease in Ugandan children. The study enrolled 818 children and showed that early detection coupled with prophylactic treatment significantly reduced worsened heart conditions, offering hope for addressing this neglected disease.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 13, 2021