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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 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

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

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