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Science News Archive April 2022 - Page 12


Page 12 of 37

Researchers boost rice yield by overcoming trait tradeoff between panicle number and size

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a method to overcome the tradeoff between rice yield component traits, including panicle number and size. By modifying the cis-regulatory region of the Ideal Plant Architecture 1 gene, they increased grain yield by 15.9% while maintaining tiller number.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

A fast and accurate innovative imaging technique to monitor modern semiconductor devices

Researchers at Samsung have developed a novel approach to inspect critical dimensions of semiconductor devices, improving speed and resolution. The new 'line-scan hyperspectral imaging' (LHSI) technique offers faster measurements with high spatial resolution, outperforming existing methods.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Micro/Nanopatterning Materials and Metrology·DateApr 21, 2022

Longest known COVID-19 infection – 505 days – described by UK researchers

Researchers from King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust studied nine immunocompromised patients with persistent COVID-19 infections, finding that five developed at least one mutation seen in variants of concern. The study provides evidence that new variants may develop in immunocompromised individuals.

Designing the perfect piece of chocolate

Scientists create S-shaped chocolate metamaterials with adjustable cracking properties and distinct sounds, allowing for a customizable eating experience. The research opens the door to designing foods that are enjoyable to eat and materials that optimize human interaction.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalSoft Matter·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 21, 2022

Breast cancer: Why metastasis spreads to the bone

A team of biologists identified a protein involved in the spread of breast cancer to bones. The discovery confirms the importance of cellular plasticity during the metastatic process and could lead to new treatments. ZEB1, a protein that increases cell plasticity, was found to direct cells with metastatic characteristics to bones.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateApr 21, 2022

Tongue stimulation device reduces sleep apnea in adolescents with Down syndrome

A surgically implanted device has been found to safely and effectively reduce sleep apnea in adolescents with Down syndrome, with significant improvements in daily functioning, behavior, and language. The device, called a hypoglossal nerve stimulator, was tested in a phase I clinical trial and showed promising results.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 21, 2022

Pandemic redeployment caused stress to nurses - study

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that 90% of redeployed nurses felt stressed or anxious during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, many reported strong motivation to help, driven by a sense of duty and care for patients. The research highlights the need for comprehensive resilience strategies in healthcare services.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalDisaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness·TypeSurvey·DateApr 21, 2022

Haber-Bosch at the atomic scale

Researchers have directly observed N2 adsorption and tunneling electron-induced desorption processes at the atomic scale using scanning tunneling microscopy. The study reveals dominant pairwise electrostatic interactions between K and N2, weakening the molecule bond towards dissociation in the Haber-Bosch synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 21, 2022

Symptom data help predict COVID-19 admissions

Researchers used symptom data from over 10 million participants to estimate regional COVID-19 prevalence and predict hospital admissions. The findings confirm previous reports that symptoms are related to community infection rates, providing a scalable tool for pandemic preparedness.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022

Key to improved green tech efficiency found in simple acid treatment

Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory developed a simple acid treatment to improve the efficiency of protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs), overcoming long-standing challenges. The treatment increases the surface area between the electrode and electrolyte, allowing for more efficient flow of hydrogen atoms and improved cell...

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Researchers demonstrate label-free super-resolution microscopy

A new measurement and imaging approach resolves nanostructures smaller than the diffraction limit without dyes or labels, using polarization and angle-resolved images of transmitted light. The method measures particle size and position with high accuracy, closing the gap between conventional microscopes and super-resolution techniques.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateApr 21, 2022

COVID-19 can directly infect and damage human kidney cells

Researchers at Duke University discovered that SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, can directly infect and damage specific types of kidney cells. The virus hijacks the cell's machinery to replicate, leading to structural damage and increased production of viral particles.

SourceDuke University·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Revolutionary images of the birth of crystals

Researchers have successfully visualized crystal nucleation, a crucial stage in crystallization, using Raman microspectroscopy and optical trapping. This breakthrough enables better understanding of molecular dynamics and may lead to the development of purer and more stable crystals for pharmaceuticals and other industries.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateApr 21, 2022

Study casts doubt on impact of menthol-flavored tobacco ban

A new study by Vanderbilt University researchers has cast doubt on the impact of a proposed ban on menthol-flavored tobacco cigarettes. The study found no statistically significant difference in quit rates between menthol and non-menthol smokers, despite earlier reports that menthols were harder to quit. The study's authors suggest cau...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateApr 21, 2022

Environmental DNA reveals secret reef inhabitants

A new study using environmental DNA reveals a 16% higher fish diversity on coral reefs than traditional visual observations. The approach detects pelagic, reef-bound, and cryptobenthic species that are difficult to spot by divers.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

Novel deep learning method provides early and accurate differential diagnosis for Parkinsonian diseases

A new deep learning method, PDD-Net, uses 3D deep convolutional neural networks to extract deep metabolic imaging indices from PET scans for differential diagnosis of parkinsonian diseases. The method achieved high sensitivity and specificity rates for Parkinson's disease and other parkinsonian syndromes.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateApr 21, 2022

Scientists use machine learning to identify antibiotic resistant bacteria that can spread between animals, humans and the environment

A ground-breaking software combines DNA sequencing and machine learning to identify antibiotic-resistant bacteria transmission between humans, animals, and the environment. The study found antimicrobial genes shared across animals, farm workers, and environments, including unknown genes associated with resistance.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 21, 2022

New materials for storing flammable industrial gases

Researchers have created new patented materials that can capture and release acetylene with high efficiency, outperforming existing porous materials. The flexible Metal-Organic frameworks (MOFs) offer tunable gas storage and release conditions suitable for industrial applications.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022

The protein that keeps the pancreas from digesting itself

Researchers identified estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERR γ) as crucial for preventing pancreatic auto-digestion in mice. In humans, lower levels of ERR γ were found in cells affected by pancreatitis. These findings suggest new therapies regulating ERR γ activity could help prevent or treat these conditions.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGastroenterology·DateApr 21, 2022