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Science News for November 25, 2021


Doing photon upconversion a solid—Crystals that convert light to more useful wavelengths

Scientists discover a promising approach to creating solid materials for photon upconversion, which can transform wasted long-wavelength light into more useful shorter wavelength light. The new van der Waals crystal solution exhibits outstanding performance and efficiency, enabling the development of novel photonic technologies.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalMaterials Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2021

Life in the forest’s understory versus its canopy changes flight among closely related butterflies

A new study found that Morpho butterflies adapted to understory habitats have powerful wing-flapping phases for fast flight, while canopy-dwelling species evolved efficient gliding abilities through unique aerodynamic mechanisms. The findings suggest multiple pathways of adaptive evolution for colonizing the forest's canopy.

Study finds relationship between immune pathway response to influenza and genetic ancestry

A new study at the University of Chicago has found that individuals of European and African genetic ancestry respond differently to influenza infection, with a stronger type I interferon pathway activation in those of European ancestry. This variation in immune response may contribute to disparities in influenza outcomes between differ...

The success of the Life-Saving Lullabies project

The Life-Saving Lullabies project, funded by UK Arts and Humanities Research Council, investigated the potential of song as a novel public health education intervention to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. The project's successes demonstrate a model of best practice in community-led maternal and infant health interventions.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·TypeNews article·DateNov 25, 2021

Study highlights role of disordered protein interactions in gene expression

Researchers have identified a novel mechanism that coordinates the assembly of components inside cells that control gene expression, revealing a widespread role for disordered protein interactions. The findings suggest that disrupting these interactions can lead to impaired gene expression, providing potential new targets for treatment.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2021

CNIO researchers discover a new mechanism involved in early melanoma metastasis

CNIO researchers have identified a new biomarker for early melanoma metastasis, proposing the use of NGFR to predict disease prognosis and define risk groups. Blocking NGFR drastically reduces metastasis in mice, paving the way for a potential first treatment to tackle metastasis in its earliest stages.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2021

A piece of the bigger picture: evidence on HIV prevalence among key populations in Europe

A systematic literature review found HIV seroprevalence in five key populations: men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), prisoners, sex workers, and transgender people. The review identified significant gaps in data, particularly for transgender individuals.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 25, 2021

Benefits of COVID-19 vaccination: An estimated half a million lives saved in the WHO European Region since end of 2020

A recent study estimates that COVID-19 vaccination prevented almost 470,000 deaths among people aged 60 years and older across Europe. The authors found that early implementation of vaccination was associated with the largest reduction in expected deaths.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 25, 2021

Accelerated renewables-based electrification paves the way for a post-fossil future

By 2050, renewable electricity is expected to become the cheapest form of energy globally, accounting for up to three-quarters of all demand. This shift can be achieved through accelerated electrification of industries, such as steel production and transportation, which can reduce energy consumption and lower carbon intensity.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 25, 2021

From ambition to biodiversity action: Time to hold actors accountable

A team of scientists has proposed a three-step framework to implement global biodiversity goals at the national level. The first step involves translating global targets into national action plans, engaging various sectors in co-design. The second step requires implementing actions across sectors using behavioral intervention tools and...

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalConservation Letters·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 25, 2021

‘Super jelly’ can survive being run over by a car

A team at the University of Cambridge created a jelly-like material that can withstand compression forces equivalent to an elephant, while maintaining its original shape. The material's properties are seemingly contradictory, but can be controlled through changing the chemical structure of guest molecules.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2021