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Science News for December 27, 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

Eye scratching mechanisms in rats

Researchers investigate neural mechanisms behind itchy eyes in rodents and find the GRP-GRPR pathway plays a crucial role in transmitting itch signals. Rats exhibit a right-sided preference when scratching itchy eyes, which could lead to new therapeutic approaches for eye conditions.

SourceOkayama University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateDec 27, 2022

Low tortuosity electrode design facilitates the development of high-performance LMO batteries

A new low-tortuosity electrode design for LMO batteries improves lithium-ion diffusion, reduces concentration polarization, and alleviates irreversible phase transitions. This structure gives the battery excellent rate performance and cycling stability, making it a competitive cathode material.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 27, 2022

Health care is increasingly unaffordable for people with employer-sponsored health insurance—especially women

Researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health found that healthcare costs and out-of-pocket expenditures have continued to rise despite the Affordable Care Act improvements. Women with employer-sponsored insurance report greater difficulty paying for needed health care services, particularly dental and mental health care.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateDec 27, 2022

tRNA-MaP: functional analyses of RNA-related enzymes using a next-generation DNA sequencer

The study developed a new high-throughput assay method tRNA-MaP to identify characteristic properties of tRNA modification enzymes. Using this technique, researchers predicted numerous natural modifications in Geobacillus stearothermophilus tRNAs and analyzed the substrate recognition mechanism of tRNA m1A22 methyltransferase TrmK.

SourceEhime University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 27, 2022

Unlocking cancer’s ancestry

A new software developed by researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory can accurately infers continental ancestry from tumor DNA and RNA. This technology has the potential to lead to more targeted and personalized cancer treatments by identifying genetic connections between cancer and race or ethnicity.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCancer Research·DateDec 27, 2022