Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for November 23, 2021


Chemistry: Researchers develop novel, inexpensive catalysts enabling noble metal chemistry

Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed novel, inexpensive catalysts for alkynes reactions. Alkynes are activated through a soft manner, mimicking gold and platinum-based catalysts, with aluminum oxide being a more accessible alternative.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

New precision approach against coronavirus infection: How the ACE2 receptor blocks the 'gateway' into human cells

Researchers from Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia have developed a new precision strategy to hinder coronavirus infection by blocking the ACE2 receptor. The study, published in Pharmacological Research, reveals two anti-K353 aptamers that dose-dependently inhibit viral spike protein binding to human ACE2, preventing cell infection.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalPharmacological Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

New project to support student carers

A new project aims to provide peer support and research opportunities for students with caring responsibilities. The study reveals that without adequate support, caring can negatively impact physical and mental health, university performance, and social life.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalInternational Journal of Inclusive Education·DateNov 23, 2021

Successful identification of the cause and cellular physiology of apoptosis caused by microplastics introduced into the brain

A joint research team identified the mechanism of microplastic-induced apoptosis in the brain by administering MPs orally to mice for 7 days. Microglial cells recognize MPs as external threats, leading to phagocytosis and apoptosis. The study reveals that smaller MPs (<2㎛) have a greater impact on cellular physiology.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateNov 23, 2021

Examining the dynamics of complex networks

The special issue examines the collective dynamics of complex networks with applications in neuroscience, climate modelling, and Earth science. The papers cover a broad range of topics including dynamics of excitable systems, cluster dynamics, and interplay of noise and feedback.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Special Topics·DateNov 23, 2021

The role of bitter receptors in cancer

A systematic review of bitter taste receptors in cancer found that overexpression of these receptors stimulates anti-cancer mechanisms, reducing cell division and migration while increasing programmed cell death. Conversely, downregulation of bitter taste receptor genes is common in cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCancers·DateNov 23, 2021

Novel aptamer-SERS detection protocol developed to detect hepatic inflammation related MiR-122

Researchers developed a novel biosensor using aptamer-combined SERS to detect miR-122 in cell-secreted exosomes, providing a potential biomarker for radiation-induced organ injury and liver inflammation. The method offers rapid separation of analytes using magnetic NPs, enabling early diagnosis of hepatic inflammation cases.

Deafness trumps HIV for deaf people living with HIV

A University of California, Riverside-led study found that deafness is a significant barrier to accessing health care and resources for deaf individuals living with HIV. The research highlights the need for improved communication, cultural competency, and accessibility in healthcare services to support aging deaf people with HIV.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care·TypeSurvey·DateNov 23, 2021

Finding the perfect match

A new paper proposes a means of filtering for candidates who identify with organizational goals and are willing to go the extra mile. Researchers found that those who strongly identified with the organizational goal were willing to expend significantly more effort towards finding ways to reduce carbon emissions.

SourceElsevier·JournalManagement Accounting Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

Strengthening the food supply chain in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

The article examines how the pandemic affected the protein sector's food supply chains, discussing lessons learned from the experience. The authors highlight the importance of building food supply chain resilience through improved efficiency and technology adoption, but warn that larger firms may pose a threat to smaller local systems.

SourceElsevier·JournalApplied Animal Science·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 23, 2021

Researchers study extent of healthcare avoidance during COVID-19

A new study found that 20.2% of participants reported avoiding healthcare during the pandemic, with those who are most likely to be affected being older individuals and those with low perceived health. The study calls for targeted public education to urge vulnerable citizens to seek medical attention.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 23, 2021

New method allows for a closer look at the effect of endocrine disrupting chemicals on gene expression

Researchers developed a new live cell quantitative analysis of ER dynamics using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) to study the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on gene expression. The method enables faster and more accurate testing of larger numbers of compounds, revealing complex dynamics between receptor mob...

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

Latte lovers rejoice! Study reveals drinking coffee could lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease

A long-term study has revealed that drinking higher amounts of coffee may make you less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The study found an association between coffee and several important markers related to Alzheimer’s disease, including executive function and amyloid protein accumulation in the brain.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·TypeSurvey·DateNov 23, 2021

UMBC researchers develop new approach to nanoparticles that stop internal bleeding

Researchers at University of Maryland Baltimore County have developed a novel approach to modifying nanoparticles' surfaces to provide infusions with reduced negative reaction risks. By changing the core material, they reduced markers associated with infusion reactions, improving the effectiveness and safety of life-saving medications.

Using machine learning and natural language processing to measure consumer reviews for product attribute insights

Researchers develop a methodological framework to extract and monitor information from consumer reviews, providing actionable insights on product attributes and their benefits. The study also extends sentiment analysis by demonstrating hierarchical sentiment analysis, enabling managers to generate tailored dashboards and inform decisions.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 23, 2021

An exploration of tipping in complex systems

This special issue examines the nature of tipping in complex systems, revealing recent trends and challenges. The studies highlight the pressing need to control tipping phenomena and harness their potential for efficient logic operations.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Special Topics·DateNov 23, 2021

Dopamine plays key role in songbird mating

Researchers found that dopamine stimulates female songbirds' preference for certain songs, affecting mating choice and memory. By manipulating dopamine levels, the team demonstrated lasting changes in song preferences, advancing our understanding of auditory perception.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 23, 2021

Magellanic Stream arcing over Milky Way may be five times closer than previously thought

New astronomical models suggest the Magellanic Stream could be just 20 kiloparsecs from Earth, potentially colliding with the Milky Way and fueling new star formation. The revised distance may also affect estimates of the stream's mass and density, which could require revision.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 23, 2021

Tectonic shift in Southern Ocean caused dramatic ancient cooling event

A new study suggests that the tectonic opening of Southern Ocean seaways led to a sudden cooling event 34 million years ago, contributing to the formation of Antarctic ice sheets. High-resolution simulations showed that this event caused a dramatic drop in coastal temperatures and initiated the Earth's transition into an Icehouse world.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 23, 2021

Reboot and recall: new brain hub for memory restoration identified

Researchers have found that stimulating the anterior thalamus can increase memory-related brain activity and restore memory function in rats with MTT lesions. The study suggests that therapies targeting this region could help recover memory in patients with brain injury, challenging previous notions of memory recovery.

SourceElsevier·JournalCurrent Research in Neurobiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 23, 2021

Can we perceive gender from children's voices?

Researchers at the University of California, Davis and the University of Texas at Dallas found that listeners can reliably identify the gender of individual children as young as 5. They also discovered that identification of gender must take place jointly with the identification of age and likely physical size.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateNov 23, 2021

Clinical trial denounces use of platelet-rich plasma injections for knee joint osteoarthritis

A recent clinical trial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that platelet-rich plasma injections had no significant benefits for reducing knee pain in people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. The study, which involved 288 participants, compared platelet-rich plasma injections to placebo injections and...

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 23, 2021

New method gives rapid, objective insight into how cells are changed by disease

A new 'image analysis pipeline' called TDAExplore gives scientists rapid insight into how cells are changed by disease, using a combination of microscopy, topology, and artificial intelligence. This approach can provide objective information on cell changes, such as the movement of proteins like actin, even with limited training data.

Hepatitis drug increases antibiotic potency, limits antibiotic resistance

A study led by New York University researchers found that the FDA-approved hepatitis C treatment telaprevir can increase bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics and reduce antibiotic resistance. The antiviral blocks the function of essential proteins in bacteria, revealing an opportunity to repurpose the drug to use alongside antibiotics.

SourceNew York University·JournalCell Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

For a fungus, the right “accessories” can make or break a relationship with a plant

A new study explores how plants respond differently to useful and harmful microbes, revealing that accessory chromosomes from fungal strains dictate these responses. Most plant genes are expressed similarly in response to both beneficial and pathogenic fungi, but with key differences occurring just 12 hours after interaction.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

New process makes every atom matter for sustainable catalyst production

Scientists have discovered a new process to break bulk metal into atoms for sustainable catalyst production. The method uses magnetron sputtering to achieve record-breaking rates of atom dispersal, enabling the fabrication of valuable catalyst materials. This breakthrough has significant implications for industries reliant on catalysts.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

Salvaging rare earth elements from electronic waste

A new nanotechnology developed by Penn State researchers selectively recovers neodymium and other rare earth elements from electronic waste using plant cellulose. The process is environmentally friendly and can separate neodymium in seconds, making it a sustainable solution for recycling.

SourcePenn State·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateNov 23, 2021

New index tracks US state progress on promoting the health and well-being of older populations for the first time

A new index ranks US states based on their support for successful aging across five domains: productivity, security, equity, cohesion, and well-being. The study found that no single domain drives the results, and state policies play a significant role in adapting to an aging population.

Deeper defense against cyber attacks

A KAUST team developed an improved method for detecting malicious intrusions using deep learning, achieving accuracy rates of up to 99% in simulations of different kinds of attacks. This stacked deep learning approach promises an effective defense against cyberattacks and could prevent outages in critical infrastructure.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalCluster Computing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 23, 2021

Remote responders

A new study by UNM researchers found that patients treated in rural emergency departments had similar outcomes to those receiving care in urban EDs for life-threatening conditions. However, rural patients with vague symptoms fared worse due to limited diagnostic capabilities and transfer processes.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeCase study·DateNov 23, 2021

Less than 10% of opioid overdose patients are prescribed potentially lifesaving medications after emergency treatment

A Michigan Medicine study found that only 7.4% of patients received naloxone and 8.5% received buprenorphine prescriptions within 30 days of an opioid overdose. The low rates highlight missed opportunities for equipping patients with rescue medicines to use in case of future overdoses.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 23, 2021

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: First real-world study reports effectiveness of BBV152 against symptomatic COVID-19 in India

A real-world study of BBV152 found that two doses resulted in 50% effectiveness against symptomatic COVID-19 in hospital workers. The study's findings support the importance of a second dose for maximum protection, but highlight limitations in estimating vaccine effectiveness against severe outcomes.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateNov 23, 2021

Ultrashort-pulse lasers kill bacterial superbugs, spores

Researchers have found that ultrashort-pulse lasers can inactivate antibiotic-resistant bacteria and bacterial spores, reducing their numbers by over 1,000 times. The technology has the potential to be used to sterilize wounds and disinfect blood products, and may also be used to treat bloodstream infections.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Biophotonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

Athletes need thorough tests after long COVID

A new study published in Annals of Medicine recommends that athletes returning to training after long COVID undergo a series of tests and receive regular advice from medical specialists. The researchers defined long COVID as symptoms lasting more than four weeks, and warned of the risk of organ damage and mental health issues.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalAnnals of Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 23, 2021

Researchers investigate link between bilingualism and false memories

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that false information in both native and second languages equally contribute to the formation of false memories. The researchers used an online experiment with participants speaking Russian and English to assess the influence of misinformation and source misattribution on memory recall.

How eating less in early life could help with reproduction later on

Researchers found that females who consumed less food for their entire lives lived longer but didn't reproduce as well as better-fed counterparts. However, those who switched to unlimited food after early life restriction started mating and reproducing more, producing three times more offspring than restricted diet flies.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

Understanding Eraser Enzymes

MRNA eraser enzymes play a crucial role in regulating gene expression and cell fate decisions. Research on these enzymes may lead to the development of therapeutics that target misbehaving erasers in disease. The team aims to understand how these enzymes recognize and choose specific methyl groups to remove from RNA.

Measuring inequality in COVID-19 mortality

The study found significant disparities in COVID-19 mortality rates among racial and ethnic groups and those with different levels of educational attainment. The researchers analyzed data from 219 million adults aged 25 or older to identify these inequalities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 23, 2021