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Science News for November 19, 2021


Carbon labelling can potentially encourage eco-friendly E-commerce

Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design found that adding carbon emission labels can influence online shoppers to choose more sustainable shipping options. The study showed that slow shipping options result in lower emissions but longer delivery times, with an 81% reduction in emissions possible.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateNov 19, 2021

Repurposed ALS drug shows promise in mouse model of rare childhood genetic disorder

A study published in Molecular Genetics and Metabolism found that riluzole slows the progression of Niemann-Pick disease type C1 by reducing glutamate toxicity, increasing mouse survival by 12%. Researchers believe similar drugs may help slow disease progression in patients with NPC1.

Breaking down cancer’s defenses

Researchers engineered a probiotic designed to target and break down cancer cell defenses, allowing therapies to kill tumors more effectively. The new probiotic was tested in animal models of breast and colon cancer, showing promising results with improved survival rates.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2021

Unborn babies could contract Covid-19 says study, but it would be uncommon

A new study suggests that unborn babies could contract Covid-19 if their gut is exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, researchers say that this risk is extremely limited due to the placenta's protective shield. Vaccination against Covid-19 during pregnancy is still recommended as a way to protect the unborn baby.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 19, 2021

Cystic fibrosis faithfully modeled in a human Lung Airway Chip

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a microfluidic Organ Chip device that accurately models cystic fibrosis lung airway pathology. The model replicates key pathological hallmarks, including mucus layer changes and inflammatory responses, providing a comprehensive preclinical human model for investigating new therapies.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalJournal of Cystic Fibrosis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2021

New link between diet, intestinal stem cells and disease discovered

A new study reveals that a high-sugar and high-fat diet can disrupt the natural adaptation of the digestive system by accelerating the division and differentiation of intestinal stem cells. This can lead to an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and gastrointestinal cancer.

Ternary ruthenium complex hydrides can catalyze ammonia synthesis under mild condition

Researchers have developed efficient catalysts for ammonia synthesis under mild conditions using ternary ruthenium complex hydrides. The unique configuration and function mechanism of these complexes enables non-dissociative activation of nitrogen, leading to superior kinetics and favored ammonia production.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 19, 2021

Plant-derived antiviral drug is effective in blocking highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, say scientists

Scientists at the University of Nottingham found a plant-based antiviral treatment to be effective in blocking the highly infectious SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. The novel natural antiviral drug, thapsigargin, was shown to trigger a broad-spectrum host-centred antiviral innate immune response against all variants of the virus.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalVirulence·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2021

Reading the mind of a worm

Researchers used a machine-learning algorithm to identify differences in how the brain responds to various chemicals, including salt and benzaldehyde. The study provides insight into how brains process information and may help understand sensory processing disorders.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 19, 2021

Urbanization not always bad for food and land use diversity

Researchers developed a framework to evaluate urbanization's impact on food and land use biodiversity. Urban areas can provide a range of approaches to increasing food diversity, including peri-urban agriculture and small farms. Strengthening food biodiversity among the urban poor can improve nutrition and security.

SourcePenn State·JournalOne Earth·DateNov 19, 2021

Two is better than one: Single-atom dimer electrocatalyst for green hydrogen production

Researchers developed a nickel-cobalt metal dimer on nitrogen-doped carbon that can catalyze electrolysis under both acidic and basic conditions. The new system exhibits comparable overvoltage to commercial Pt-based catalysts and shows significant activity enhancements compared to individual single-atom catalysts.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2021

Study: COVID tech took a toll on work-from-home moms

A new UNLV research study found that remote work technology exacerbated stress and mental health issues among working mothers with children. The study suggests that asynchronous communication methods like email may be more effective in alleviating stress, while synchronous forms like video chats and texting can hinder multitasking.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalCommunication Reports·TypeSurvey·DateNov 19, 2021

Climate uncertainty colors flood risk assessment

A new framework assesses flood risk by integrating climate model outputs and hydrologic models to predict uncertainty. The study found that climate uncertainty dominates overall uncertainty, and areas prone to flooding in the future will be mostly the same as current ones.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Hydrometeorology·DateNov 19, 2021

Researchers use model of hypothalamus to implicate genes associated with sleep, BMI, puberty, and more

A study led by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers used stem cells to implicate several genes involved in bodily functions associated with the hypothalamus. The findings could help clinicians identify potential causes of dysfunction for traits regulated by the hypothalamus, such as sleep and stress.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2021

Delta-like SARS-CoV-2 variants are most likely to increase pandemic severity

A mathematical model suggests that SARS-CoV-2 Delta-like variants, which combine enhanced transmissibility and partial immune escape, will cause more severe pandemics than variants with either trait alone. Vaccination is predicted to be highly beneficial in these cases, preventing more infections and breakthroughs.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalCell·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 19, 2021

Wearable tech confirms wear-and-tear of work commute

A Dartmouth study uses mobile sensing to predict individual job performance based on commute data, revealing the link between work commute and job quality. The research also shows how data from personal tech devices can help improve employee productivity and satisfaction.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalIEEE Pervasive Computing·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 19, 2021