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Science News for November 24, 2021


Mars seismic deployment lays groundwork for future planetary missions

Researchers analyze new seismic data from the Mars InSight mission to plan for future planetary seismographs. The findings provide insights into Martian seismic activity, signal processing, and instrument operation, paving the way for upcoming missions to the Moon, Mars, and Jupiter's moon Titan.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Belzutifan induced strong responses in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated kidney cancer

The Phase II trial demonstrated a significant clinical response to belzutifan, with 49% of patients experiencing objective responses and 96% reaching progression-free survival after 24 months. This breakthrough treatment offers new hope for patients with VHL disease-associated kidney cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 24, 2021

A better estimate for tick numbers with ‘citizen science’ data

A team of University of Pennsylvania biologists used citizen science data to create a comprehensive abundance map of the black-legged tick, responsible for transmitting Lyme disease. By correcting biases in the data, they were able to increase its value and provide insights into tick distribution across the Northeast US.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 24, 2021

New study shows that treating insomnia with cognitive behavioral therapy can prevent major depression in older adults

A new study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-I) prevented major depression in older adults with insomnia, decreasing the likelihood of depression by over 50%. CBT-I was more effective than sleep education therapy in preventing depression and promoting sustained remission of insomnia.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 24, 2021

GIST scientists showcase the potential of demand response in reducing CO2 emissions

A team of scientists from GIST developed an AI-based approach to analyze and extract user behavior data, estimating the optimal demand response management for each household. The study showcases how AI can improve electricity consumption, leading to lower prices and a smaller carbon footprint.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Smart Grid·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 24, 2021

New study shows electric fields can improve the efficiency of wastewater purification

Researchers from South Korea have demonstrated that applying an electric field during air stripping can significantly improve ammonia removal efficiency from wastewater. The study found that electric fields with alternating current of 50 MHz and power of 15 V/cm increase efficiency from 51% to 94%, even under sub-optimal conditions.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalWater Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Sugar could help repair artificial human joints

Researchers at Durham University have developed a sugar-containing polymer coating that can repair damaged artificial joint implants by mimicking the way cartilage works to lubricate human joints. The coating uses water to create a slippery surface, protecting the surfaces from wear and tear.

SourceDurham University·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Plants’ reaction to stress

Plants form cytoplasmic complexes called stress granules as a defense mechanism to promote cell survival. A recent study identified TSN protein as a crucial scaffolding protein that recruits plant-specific components, including SnRK1 kinase, to stress granules.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 24, 2021

Social media firms can tackle wildlife trade

Researchers examined social media posts promoting live bird sales from West Africa, finding 83 species for sale, including endangered parrots. Social media platforms must work with wildlife experts to detect harmful content, as algorithms alone are not enough.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalConservation Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 24, 2021

A seemingly unattainable energy transition

Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery by exciting an unattainable energy transition in an artificial atom using laser light. The radiative Auger process allowed them to stimulate electrons to emit energy and transfer it to another electron, achieving a seemingly impossible transition.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2021

Mental health of Italian health care workers during COVID-19

A study of 2,800 Italian healthcare workers found a significant decrease in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 14 months after the COVID-19 pandemic began. The study suggests that healthcare workers have begun to recover from the emotional toll of working during the pandemic.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 24, 2021

Study: Exercising at the start of fast can help people reach ketosis 3.5 hours faster

A new study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that exercising intensely at the start of a fast can maximize health benefits by speeding up the transition to ketosis. Participants who exercised reached ketosis on average three and a half hours earlier, producing 43% more B-hydroxybutyrate.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Almost all asylum-seeking children and parents who had been forced to separate at the US-Mexico border were subsequently diagnosed with PTSD, depressive and/or anxiety disorders, even after reunification

Forced family separation on the US-Mexico border led to a high incidence of PTSD, depressive, and anxiety disorders in asylum-seeking children and parents. Reunification did not alleviate these symptoms, highlighting the need for continued support and intervention.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 24, 2021

How far away is help? Researchers map access to HIV care

A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health has mapped the distance to HIV care services in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting that 7 million people live more than 10 minutes away and 3 million people live more than 30 minutes away. The research aims to develop cost-effective policies for HIV interventions in underserved areas.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 24, 2021

Extremely hot days linked to higher risk of emergency hospital visits

A large study found that extremely hot days are associated with a higher risk of emergency department visits for various health conditions. The study suggests that adults of all ages are at increased risk of heat-related health effects, and the risk is more pronounced in certain geographic regions, age groups, and socioeconomic statuses.

SourceBMJ Group·TypeObservational study·DateNov 24, 2021

Psychedelics show promise in treating mental illness

Researchers have made significant breakthroughs using psychedelics to treat mental illnesses such as addiction, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Studies have found that these substances can induce profound effects on perception, behavior, and gene expression, with long-lasting epigenomic changes detected in mice.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 24, 2021

For the first time, DNA and proteins sensed by de novo-designed nanopore

Researchers in Japan have designed the first de novo-designed peptides that can form artificial nanopores to identify and enable single molecule-sorting of genetic material in a lipid membrane. The peptides can detect specific molecules, including DNA, and have the potential to mimic natural proteins' ability to detect specific proteins.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 24, 2021

UK study suggests COVID-19 became much more lethal in late 2020

A new statistical analysis supports the notion that COVID-19 became more lethal in the UK in late 2020, with increased lethality attributed to factors beyond just the alpha variant of the virus. The study used Bayesian inference to draw stronger conclusions from weekly data on cases and deaths.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 24, 2021

Robots good for gender equity, not so good for stability/fertility of marriage: study

A recent study found that robots negatively impact marriage stability and fertility, while improving gender pay equity. The research revealed that exposure to industrial robots worsens men's economic stature and reduces their ability to form long-term commitments, but boosts women's earnings and increases their labor force participation.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Human Resources·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 24, 2021

Unveiling the hidden cellular logistics of memory storage in neurons

University of Michigan scientists found that RNAs associated with an understudied cell compartment in hippocampal neurons vary greatly between sleeping and sleep-deprived mice after learning. These changes are present almost exclusively on ribosomes associated with neuronal cell membranes, suggesting a novel mechanism for memory storage.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

How the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis secretes and trafficks its only known exotoxin

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham discovered the mechanism of secretion and trafficking of Mycobacterium tuberculosis' toxin TNT, which kills over 1 million people annually. The ESX-4 type VII secretion system plays a crucial role in transporting TNT across cell membranes.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Daughter’s rare disorder makes supporting TGen on giving Tuesday an obvious choice for her mom

A sixth-grader with a rare disorder, Emma, was diagnosed through TGen's genetic sequencing, providing validation to her family. The diagnosis led to awareness of the disorder and hope for treatments, thanks to TGen's Center for Rare Childhood Disorders.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalJournal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus·TypeCase study·DateNov 24, 2021

Tempera painting probed on the molecular scale

Researchers studied 15th century tempera recipes to understand the mixture's properties on a molecular scale. They found that the combination of egg-yolk and clay-based pigment creates a network that improves paint flow and covering properties.

SourceCNRS·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Sun compass on demand

Researchers from the University of Würzburg discovered that monarch butterflies process sun information as a compass during migration, but only when flying actively. The butterfly's brain represents the heading direction relative to the sun in a similar way to a compass.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Immune cell receptor and ligand regulation: A therapeutic avenue for inflammatory diseases

A study by Tokyo University of Science researchers identifies a novel regulatory axis targeting dendritic cell activity, suppressing autoimmune disease symptoms and bone loss. They discovered DCIR binds to glycoproteins on macrophages and osteoclasts, reducing inflammation and immune responses.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Common medication hindering lung cancer treatment

Research found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may reduce the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. PPI use was associated with worse survival rates and a significant decrease in the benefit of immune therapy treatment.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·TypeObservational study·DateNov 24, 2021

Endangered deer's prion gene could protect it from chronic wasting disease

Researchers found two prion gene variants in Père David's deer that may reduce susceptibility to CWD. The genetic variants were surprising given the population's small founder size and conserved prion protein gene. Studies are needed to confirm whether these variants provide protection against CWD.

Robots in Europe vote for the radical right

A recent study by Bocconi University professors reveals that individuals exposed to automation are more likely to support radical-right parties. The researchers found a strong correlation between automation exposure and poorer economic conditions, lower job satisfaction, and increased support for the radical right.

SourceBocconi University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2021

Antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus reduces risk of post-treatment liver cancer progression, study shows

A cohort study of 165 patients with hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma found that treating the virus with direct-acting antivirals reduces tumor progression and metastasis. The study showed a 72% reduction in tumor progression and an 88% reduction in risk of death from HCC.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalJournal of Viral Hepatitis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

How school attendance data could play crucial role in targeting mental health support for pupils

Researchers found that pupils with mental and neurodevelopmental disorders or who self-harm are more likely to miss school, indicating potential indicators of current or future poor mental health. The study highlights the importance of integrated school-based and healthcare strategies to support young people's engagement with education.

SourceSwansea University·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 24, 2021