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Science News Archive 2022


Page 1 of 448

Landing therapeutic genes safely in the human genome

A team of researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute and ETH Zurich have developed a computational approach to identify genomic safe harbors (GSHs) with high potential for safe insertion of therapeutic genes. The study validated two GSH sites in adoptive T cell therapies and in vivo gene therapies for skin diseases.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2022

Engineered by KAIST mechanics - a quick but clingy creepy-crawler that will MARVEL you

M.A.R.V.E.L.'s magnetic soles made of Electro-Permanent Magnet (EPM) and Magneto-Rheological Elastomer (MRE) enable fast movement on uneven surfaces. The robot can climb at speeds of up to 70 cm/s on walls and 50 cm/s on ceilings, making it the world's fastest walking climbing robot.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Robotics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 31, 2022

Study discovers triple immunotherapy combination as possible treatment for pancreatic cancer

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered a novel triple immunotherapy combination targeting checkpoints in T cells and myeloid suppressor cells, improving anti-tumor responses and survival rates in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. The study found that neutralizing specific immunosuppressive mechanisms dramatical...

For antiphospholipid syndrome patients, lab results don’t always paint the full picture

APS patients often experience internal feelings of poor health despite normal lab values, with significant impairments in physical and cognitive function linked to lifestyle factors and mental health medications. Researchers are now working to better understand these impacts through systematic patient-reported outcomes measures.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalACR Open Rheumatology·TypeSurvey·DateDec 30, 2022

Seafloor video shows landslide was not the source of 1918 Puerto Rico tsunami

Researchers used seafloor video and carbon dating to determine that an underwater landslide scar is too old to be associated with the 1918 earthquake and tsunami. Instead, they propose a rupture of a two-segment fault along the eastern wall of the Mona Rift as the source of the tsunami.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeObservational study·DateDec 30, 2022

DGIST Professor Hwang Jae-yoon's team writes letters with ultrasonic beam! Develops deep learning based real-time ultrasonic hologram generation technology

The research team proposes a deep learning-based framework that can generate ultrasound holograms in real time, enabling precise and quick beam focusing. This technology has the potential to be used in patient-specific precision brain stimulation and general ultrasound fields.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control·DateDec 29, 2022

Water pollution, a major environmental contamination issue, solved by developing eco-friendly materials capable of purifying water at high speed with inexpensive raw materials!

Researchers developed an eco-friendly porous polymer material that removes phenolic organic contaminants and microplastics from water at ultra-high speeds. The material can be reused multiple times without losing performance, making it a promising solution for efficient water purification.

Oncotarget | Serum microRNAs as new criteria for referral to early palliative care services in treatment-naïve advanced cancer patients

Researchers developed predictive models using serum microRNAs to identify patients at risk of requiring early palliative care. The study used serum samples from 178 patients with various types of cancer and found that miRNA-based models had higher accuracy than clinical models in predicting referral to a palliative care unit.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateDec 29, 2022

New study on the circadian clock of the fruit fly

Researchers discovered a point mutation in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster that leads to a temperature-dependent lengthening of circadian clock periods. The mutation affects the nuclear export signal of the PERIOD protein, resulting in its retention in the cell nucleus at higher temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 29, 2022

Aging | DNA methylation-based measures of biological aging and cognitive decline over 16-years: preliminary longitudinal findings in midlife

A 16-year longitudinal study found associations between DNA methylation-based measures and neuropsychologically-validated cognitive decline in midlife. The results suggest that these measures may serve as biomarkers for a molecular aging mechanism, potentially identifying individuals at risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateDec 29, 2022

Dual‐site collaboration boosts electrochemical nitrogen reduction on Ru‐S‐C single‐atom catalyst

Researchers demonstrate that a dual-site cooperative catalytic mechanism on Ru-S-C single-atom catalyst significantly enhances electrochemical nitrogen reduction. The Ru/S dual site facilitates the activation and first protonation of N2 in the rate-determining step, leading to improved activity and selectivity.

Scientific criteria for assessing the safety of probiotics

A new paper highlights the need for globally harmonized probiotic regulatory approaches, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive genomic characterization. It proposes a risk-tier system based on strain history and genome analysis, recommending more extensive testing for innovative strains before marketing.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalRegulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 29, 2022

Try to be a pioneer

Researchers found no evidence of a critical mass needed to start and maintain new research fields. Instead, pioneering regions with early investment can establish dominance. However, late-comers face significant costs to catch up, as seen in China's semiconductor science, where strategic interventions over decades led to a dominant role.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalChaos Solitons & Fractals·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 29, 2022

Human brain organoids implanted into mouse cortex respond to visual stimuli for first time

Researchers have successfully demonstrated that human brain organoids implanted in mice can establish functional connectivity and respond to external sensory stimuli, including visual cues. The breakthrough uses a combination of transparent graphene microelectrode arrays and two-photon imaging, enabling real-time observation of neural ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2022

Singing supports stroke rehabilitation

A recent study at the University of Helsinki found that singing-based group rehabilitation can increase communication and speech production in stroke survivors, while also reducing social isolation. The study's results suggest that this type of rehabilitation could be a valuable addition to existing aphasia treatment protocols.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBrain Communications·DateDec 28, 2022

Modelling the collective movement of bacteria

Researchers developed a mathematical model of bacterial movement that includes cell division and death. The model predicts bacteria can form colonies through travelling waves of concentrated 'packages' of bacteria.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateDec 28, 2022

Development of bio-friendly transparent temperature sensor technology that precisely measures temperature changes by light

Researchers developed a transparent temperature sensor that can measure rapid temperature changes in less than a few milliseconds. The sensor uses the thermoelectric effect and achieves high transparency, making it suitable for various photothermal bioengineering and medical applications.

Oncotarget | The role of pyrethroid derivatives in autophagy and apoptosis crosstalk signaling and potential risk for malignancies

Researchers found that pyrethroid derivatives induce autophagy, increase reactive oxygen intermediates, and alter membrane fluidity in human primary cells. These findings suggest a potential risk for malignancies and highlight the need for further investigation into pyrethroid-related cancer risks.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateDec 28, 2022

Changes in state-level cigarette sales during pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, state-level cigarette sales varied significantly across the US. The analysis found lower per capita sales in eight states and higher sales in 22 states compared to expected levels. These findings may be related to differences in state responses to the pandemic and tobacco control policies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 28, 2022

Good and bad feelings for brain stem serotonin

Researchers at Hokkaido University identify a nerve pathway in the brain stem involved in processing rewarding and distressing stimuli, opposing a previously identified pathway. This finding could lead to developing drug treatments for mental disorders like addiction and major depression.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2022

Review on intrinsic electrocatalytic activity of transition metal nitrides on HER

Transition metal nitrides (TMNs) show high intrinsic electrocatalytic activities on hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), thanks to their unique electronic structures and properties. Recent strategies like facet, alloying, doping, vacancy, heterostructure, and hybridization have improved TMN performances.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 28, 2022

A glimpse of a cell’s sense of touch

Researchers reveal how cells use their sense of touch to make vital decisions during embryogenesis, including testing the surroundings and sensing tissue architecture. The study provides new insights into cell communication and may lead to the development of more robust synthetic tissues in tissue engineering.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 28, 2022

A checkerboard pattern of inner ear cells enables us to hear

A recent study published in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology has found that the unique checkerboard pattern of cells in the organ of Corti is essential for proper hearing. The researchers discovered that when hair cells adhere to each other abnormally, it leads to apoptosis and a decrease in hair cell numbers, resulting in h...

SourceKobe University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 27, 2022