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Science News Archive December 2022 - Page 27


Page 27 of 31

NSF funds sixth annual tissue engineering solicitation for research leveraging the ISS National Lab

The NSF is funding projects that utilize the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory to advance tissue engineering and mechanobiology research. This solicitation aims to further drug discovery and therapeutic development through space-based research, with potential impacts on regenerative medicine and disease diagnosis.

Food: climate change exacerbates the gap between North and South of the Mediterranean

A study by Marta Antonelli and colleagues highlights the pressing challenges in the Mediterranean region, including worsening water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and nutritional imbalances. The gap between North and South countries is expected to grow, with climate change exacerbating environmental pressures and threatening food security.

What does a diffuse midline glioma look like?

A study using spatial single-cell transcriptomics reveals the spatial organization of cancer cells in patient tissues across ages and locations. The research highlights age- and location-dependent differences in tumor biology, suggesting that kids and adults with diffuse midline gliomas may need different treatments.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 5, 2022

Two-billion-year-old enzyme reconstructed

Researchers successfully reconstructed a two-billion-year-old enzyme, shedding light on an ancient evolutionary mechanism that enables modern enzymes to work efficiently despite interruptions. The study reveals the ancestral enzyme is processive, removing correctly added nucleotide building blocks, and shows how bioinformatics and bioc...

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2022

Using hearing aids decreases the risk of cognitive decline by 20%, a NUS Medicine study

A new study published in JAMA Neurology found that using hearing aids can decrease the risk of cognitive decline by 20%. The study, conducted by researchers at NUS Medicine, analyzed data from over 130,000 participants and found a significant association between hearing aid use and reduced cognitive decline. The findings suggest that t...

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2022

Study shows the majority of California’s coastal airports are vulnerable to increased flooding caused by climate change

A new study found that 39 out of 43 California's coastal airports have assets exposed to projected flooding by 2100. Sixteen airports have assets within their boundaries, while 23 have assets outside their jurisdiction at risk from flooding. The study highlights the need for collaborative climate adaptation plans to address this issue.

SourceSociety for Risk Analysis·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 5, 2022

Transcriptomic technique may help identify infections after knee and hip replacement

A new study suggests that a transcriptomic technique can help distinguish between infections and non-infectious causes of complications following knee and hip replacement surgery. The technique uses RNA sequencing to determine which genes are expressed and identifies specific immune cell types involved in the response to infection.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateDec 5, 2022

The first complete picture of Arctic sea ice freeze-thaw cycle highlights sea ice response to climate change

Researchers synthesized multisource data to explore spatiotemporal variations of melt/freeze onsets, revealing a 3-month delay in basal freeze onset compared to surface. The study highlights the importance of synchronous monitoring of air-ice-ocean system and suggests a possible delay in Arctic sea ice loss due to climate change.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalThe Cryosphere·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 5, 2022

Cosmic ray counts hidden in spacecraft data highlight influence of solar cycle at Mars and Venus

A study published in the Astrophysical Journal reveals a strong correlation between cosmic ray counts and the solar cycle at Mars and Venus. The research found that cosmic rays are suppressed during peak solar activity, highlighting the importance of understanding these interactions for future robotic missions and human exploration.

SourceEuroplanet·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2022

Guiding conservation with local touch

A group of biologists is exploring the potential of seed banks, frozen zoos, gene editing, and assisted gene flow to create second chances for species affected by climate change. By understanding local adaptation strategies, conservationists can design more effective conservation actions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBioScience·DateDec 5, 2022

Why synonymous mutations are not always silent

Researchers modeled how genetic changes affecting protein synthesis speed can lead to misfolding and altered activity levels in proteins. This finding suggests the importance of kinetics alongside sequence for determining protein structure and function, with potential implications for fields such as biopharmaceutics and medicine.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 5, 2022

Financial incentives boost weight-loss programs

A new study shows that paying cash to people with obesity for losing a specific amount of weight works better than offering free tools like weight-loss programs and wearable fitness trackers. Incentives tied to actual weight lost were most effective in the short term, while goal-focused financial rewards performed better in the long run.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 5, 2022

Scientists invent pioneering technique to construct rare molecules discovered in sediments from the Bahamas with potential to help treat disease and infection

Researchers at the University of Bristol have created a new technique to construct rare molecules found in Bahamian sediments, which could lead to cheaper and more accessible treatments for diseases. The breakthrough reduces the production time of these complex molecules from over 20 steps to just 14.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2022

Understanding the cryptic role fungi play in ecosystems

Researchers analyzed over 4,500 documents to understand fungal dispersal across spatial scales. They identified four scales of movement, from microscopic to landscape, and found that climate change affects where fungi reside. More data is needed to understand the biodiversity of fungi and their movement in ecosystems.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAnnual Review of Ecology Evolution and Systematics·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 5, 2022