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Science News for July 18, 2022


Scientists identify what makes the Delta variant dangerous and explain the recent surge in COVID-19 infections

Researchers analyze delta variant's biophysical characteristics, revealing unique traits that evade neutralizing antibodies and contribute to severe symptoms. The study sheds light on why vaccinated individuals can still contract the virus and why delta variant hospitalizations are higher than other variants.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Molecular Biology·DateJul 18, 2022

The retron switch

Scientists identified that retrons encode toxin proteins kept inactive by a small DNA fragment, unleashing them upon viral attacks. The EMBL team discovered how retrons form antitoxins and found natural switches to trigger growth inhibition complexes.

Investigational blood tests can detect multiple signs of brain cancer to help improve diagnosis and monitoring

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a blood test that can detect multiple mutations associated with brain cancer, including EGFRvIII. The test showed high sensitivity and specificity, making it a powerful tool for diagnosing gliomas and monitoring tumor progression.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Robot dog learns to walk in one hour

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems created a robot dog named Morti that can walk smoothly within an hour. The robot uses a Bayesian optimization algorithm to learn from sensor data and adapts its virtual spinal cord, allowing it to optimize its walking pattern and minimize stumbling.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Proportion of healthy-weight young people trying to shed the pounds in England nearly tripled

The proportion of healthy-weight young people trying to shed pounds in England has nearly tripled from around 1 in 20 to nearly 1 in 7 over 20 years. Reported slimming attempts among all children, particularly those who are overweight and obese, have shot up, surpassing the rise in excess weight gain and service provision.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 2022

HKU Faculty of Dentistry utilises AI technology to automate the process of denture design and enhance treatment efficiency without compromising accuracy

The University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Dentistry has developed an AI-powered approach to automate denture design, allowing for high accuracy and reducing treatment time. The new method uses a 3D Generative Adversarial Network (3D-GAN) algorithm to reconstruct the shape of natural teeth and generate prosthetic teeth.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 18, 2022

Researchers lift the veil on stubborn probiotic

NC State researchers discovered a new way to make the difficult-to-characterize gut bacterium Bifidobacterium more responsive to antibiotics. They also found tiny changes in different strains that reflect large differences in their characteristics, highlighting the need for individualized CRISPR-based genome engineering approaches.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Operando optical fiber monitoring of nanoscale and fast temperature changes during photo-electrocatalytic reactions

Researchers developed an optical fiber sensor to measure local temperatures on metal surfaces during photo-electrocatalytic reactions. The sensor achieved a thermal resolution of 0.1°C and temporal resolution of 0.1 seconds, revealing correlations between light-induced heating and catalytic activities.

A quantum wave in two crystals

A team of scientists has successfully built a neutron interferometer using two separate crystals, a major breakthrough in quantum physics. This achievement opens up new possibilities for quantum measurements and research on quantum effects in a gravitational field.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Crystallography·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Study finds new links between dogs’ smell and vision

Researchers at Cornell University found connections between the brain's olfactory pathway and visual cortex in dogs, showing that olfaction is integrated with vision in terms of learning about the environment. This study corroborates clinical experiences with blind dogs who function remarkably well despite their condition.

SourceCornell University·JournalJNeurosci·DateJul 18, 2022

Diabetes: a step closer to a life without insulin

Researchers at UNIGE have found that the S100A9 protein can significantly improve insulin metabolism in diabetic patients, reducing the risk of severe side effects associated with insulin therapy. The protein's anti-inflammatory effect may also help to normalize ketone production and prevent life-threatening conditions.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 18, 2022

UMass Amherst researcher uses graphene for same-time, same-position biomolecule isolation and sensing

New research by UMass Amherst professor Jinglei Ping demonstrates the use of graphene for electrokinetic biosample processing and analysis, allowing for faster and more efficient detection of biomolecules. This breakthrough enables the creation of smaller lab-on-a-chip devices with improved time and size efficiencies.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Skin: An additional tool for the versatile elephant trunk

Researchers found that an elephant's folded skin plays a crucial role in its flexible and strong trunk, enabling it to grasp fragile vegetation and rip apart tree trunks. The study suggests that wrapping soft robotics with a skin-like structure could give machines protection and strength while maintaining flexibility.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 18, 2022

Off-axis high-temperature hydrothermal field discovered at the East Pacific Rise 9°54'N

Researchers from Lehigh University discovered a new, high-temperature, off-axis hydrothermal vent field called YBW-Sentry. The field covers an area equivalent to a football field, roughly twice the size of nearby active vents, and is hotter than any other studied along this section of the East Pacific Rise.

SourceLehigh University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Childhood loneliness linked to stress and problem drinking in young adults

A new study from Arizona State University found that childhood loneliness is strongly linked to increased stress levels and problem drinking in young adults. The research suggests that mitigating childhood loneliness could be a key strategy for reducing the risk of alcohol use disorders in adulthood, particularly among women.

SourceArizona State University·JournalAddictive Behaviors Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Cardiac death rates declined for both Black and white Americans since 1999, but racial disparities persist

Researchers found a decline in cardiovascular mortality rates for both Black and white adults over the last 20 years. However, significant disparities in cardiovascular mortality between Black and white adults continue to exist, particularly among younger Black women and those living in highly-segregated areas.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalCirculation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 2022

Leading scientists use Genomics England data set to propose updated global guidelines to improve rare disease diagnosis

Leading scientists propose updated global guidelines to improve rare disease diagnosis using whole-genome sequence data, building on insights from Genomics England's rare disease participants. The guidelines aim to address the challenge of interpreting non-coding region variants and provide a framework for standardizing diagnoses.

SourceGenomics England·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 2022

Over half of threatened species require targeted recovery actions

New research reveals that over half of threatened species require targeted recovery actions to ensure their survival. The study found that while expanding protected areas and reducing pollution will benefit many species, 57% would still need specialized interventions such as captive breeding, reintroduction, and vaccination.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 2022

With radically improved pain control, bone marrow donors can gift stem cells without worry of undue side effects or opioid use

Bone marrow donors can now receive significantly reduced opioid medication during and after the donation procedure, resulting in a more comfortable experience. The new pain control method, using regional anesthesia, drastically decreased opioid usage from 84% to 23% among patients.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Customized vortex beam creates golden opportunities for nanoimaging and communications

Researchers have developed a method to generate and control mid-infrared hyperbolic polariton vortices at the nanoscale, enabling new opportunities for super-resolution sensing, imaging, and communication systems. The study uses hexagonal boron nitride as a host material and achieves broad reconfigurability of topological charges.

Race-based spirometry equations may miss emphysema

A secondary analysis of the CARDIA Lung study found that a substantial proportion of middle-aged adults with normal spirometry findings had emphysema on CT scan. Race-specific interpretations of spirometry may underestimate respiratory symptom burden and risk for death in Black adults, perpetuating structural racial inequities.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 18, 2022

Synthetic tools conduct messages from station to station in DNA

Researchers used deactivated Cas9 proteins to target key segments of the human genome and synthetically trigger gene transcription. The study revealed that enhancers can send messages in both directions, but with a predominant regulatory mode where an enhancer tracks toward corresponding promoters.

SourceRice University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Water resources to become less predictable with climate change

A new climate change study finds that water resources will become more variable and unpredictable due to declining snowpack, resulting in less reliable runoff and streamflow. This decline will have cascading impacts on ecosystems that rely on snow-based water resources, including drying out soils and increasing fire risk.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2022

High blood viscosity can predict higher risk of death in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with high blood viscosity have a 60% higher death rate than those with low blood viscosity. The study suggests that checking for blood viscosity early on could help determine the best treatment course and improve outcomes.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 18, 2022

Did gonorrhea give us grandparents?

A new study suggests that a unique gene variant supporting cognitive health in older humans may have first emerged to protect against infectious pathogens like gonorrhea. This variant, linked to CD33, allows brain immune cells to break down damaged brain cells and amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJul 18, 2022

New research puts your online privacy preferences to the test

A new study highlights the importance of distinguishing between consumers' intrinsic and instrumental privacy preferences when providing data-sharing options. The research found that marketers and websites should separate these two components to reduce bias in analysis and improve understanding of consumer behavior.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·TypeCase study·DateJul 18, 2022

When disaster strikes, these Americans may not be ready

A new national study found that households led by women, those with children under age 18, renters, low-income individuals, and minority groups are less likely to be minimally prepared for disasters. The researchers recommend targeting these vulnerable groups with disaster preparedness resources.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 18, 2022

Novel multi-proton carrier complex as efficient proton conductor at high temperatures

A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science has developed a novel multi-proton carrier complex that shows efficient proton conductivity even at high temperatures. The resulting starburst-type metal complex acts as a proton transmitter, making it 6 times more potent than individual imidazole molecules.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Houston residents’ chemical exposure increased post-Hurricane Harvey, OSU study finds

A new study by Oregon State University found that Houston residents experienced a significant increase in chemical exposure after Hurricane Harvey, with 75% of chemicals detected at higher concentrations. The study used silicone wristbands to measure exposure to hazardous chemicals, including pesticides and industrial compounds.

SourceOregon State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Intelligent wireless walls for contactless in-home monitoring

A team of scientists has developed a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) called 'Intelligent Walls' for controlling electromagnetic waves to monitor human activities remotely. The technology harnesses ambient signals and can track activities like walking, sitting, and standing with high resolution.

New study finds environmental injustice is key to decoding climate change debate

A new study from the University of Miami found that Miami's history of environmental injustice is a key factor in understanding why different groups are talking at cross-purposes about climate change. The research highlights how community histories, such as experiences of privilege or dispossession, shape opinions on climate change.

IVI kicks off first ‘Introductory Course for Biologics Development and Manufacturing’ to train 117 people from 25 LMICs on July 18

The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has launched a two-week training course for biologics development and manufacturing, targeting low- and middle-income countries. The program aims to enhance local production of vaccines and biologics in LMICs to address vaccine inequity and global pandemic preparedness.

How does reduced gravity affect astronauts’ muscles and nerve responses? Japanese researchers answer

Researchers from Japan review the effects of reduced gravity on muscles and nerve responses, suggesting that afferent neural activity plays a key role in regulating muscle properties. They recommend exercise countermeasures such as walking with rear foot-strike landing and periodic passive stretching to prevent neuromuscular problems.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalNeuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 18, 2022

Adhesion from cold to hot

Researchers have developed a supramolecular adhesive that exhibits outstanding gluing properties across a wide range of temperatures. The new adhesive consists of a protein and crown ether component, which form a tight interlocking structure through molecular interactions, resulting in exceptional adhesion even at low temperatures.

SourceWiley·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

How ultrathin polymer films can be used for storage technology

Scientists from Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg discovered that precisely applied mechanical pressure can improve the electronic properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films. The team used atomic force microscopy to control and reorient electrical charges in the material, enabling stable nano-scale structures with high ...

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

FSU team makes discovery advancing epilepsy research

A FSU team found a specific protein's gradient distribution in the brain linked to neurodegeneration in individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The discovery using area-specific tissue analysis will help researchers narrow focus for developing therapies, promoting the discovery of more effective treatments.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateJul 18, 2022

Researchers uncover unanticipated aspects of the genetic regulation of different brain tumors

A team at Baylor College of Medicine found that Sox9, a well-known transcription factor, affects brain tumor growth differently in various tumor types. The study revealed distinct mechanisms for regulating epigenetic patterns, which may lead to new possibilities for developing novel therapies.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Clinicians who responded to recent mass shootings release recommendations for an effective healthcare response in the future

The study provides guidelines for healthcare facilities to respond effectively to mass shooting incidents. The clinicians identified the importance of modified triage plans, prioritizing patients based on anatomical considerations, and clear communication with emergency responders. By implementing these strategies, hospitals can better...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJul 18, 2022

Visualization of binding processes of cell-cell adhesion molecules in solution

The study reveals multiple dimeric structures of cadherins in solution, including W-, cross-, and S-shaped dimers. The researchers propose a novel conformation, the S-shaped dimer, and suggest that binding mechanism progresses through sliding motion followed by flipping motion to form stable SS-dimers.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Clever COVID-19

MU researchers have identified specific mutations in the Omicron variant's spike protein that help it evade existing antibodies from vaccines or previous COVID-19 infections. These findings can inform developers of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines, which may need to target different parts of the virus to produce effective outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 18, 2022

Anti-rejection medication and immunotherapy kicks cancer and protects kidney transplants

Researchers at the University of South Australia have discovered that combining anti-rejection medication with immune checkpoint inhibitors can significantly reduce the risk of organ rejection and eliminate cancer cells in a quarter of patients. The study involved 22 patients with renal transplants and incurable locally advanced or met...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

Novel SERS Method developed to capture target molecules

A team of scientists developed a new Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) method that captures target molecules in small gaps, increasing sensitivity by 2-3 orders of magnitude. The method uses a multilayer nanoparticle film with natural gaps less than 3 nm, allowing for trace dynamic detection and monitoring of biological systems.

Wistar scientists reveal new function of enzyme ADAR1 linking it to age-related diseases via a role independent of RNA-editing during aging

Researchers at The Wistar Institute discovered that the enzyme ADAR1 plays a crucial role in regulating cellular senescence and tissue aging through a mechanism independent of RNA editing. This finding may lead to new therapeutic strategies for age-related disorders, such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular disease.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022

RGB WGM lasing woven in fiber braiding cavity

Researchers achieve red-green-blue whispering gallery mode lasing with large color gamut using fiber braiding cavity. The lasing emissions cover a color gamut 86.7% larger than standard RGB space, showing great potential for compact white sources and laser display devices.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Information Sciences·DateJul 18, 2022

Six-country African study shows COVID-19 can be dangerous in pregnancy

A recent six-country African study reveals that pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 are at double the risk of ICU admission and four times the risk of dying compared to non-pregnant counterparts. The researchers emphasize the need for pregnant women to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect themselves and their unborn children.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateJul 18, 2022

Biodiversity survey reveals that more species are threatened with extinction than previously thought

A new biodiversity survey found that approximately 30% of species have been globally threatened or driven extinct since 1500, according to experts from around the world. The study synthesized perspectives of thousands of biodiversity experts worldwide and highlighted significant demographic and geographic differences in their estimates.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJul 18, 2022

Plant study hints evolution may be predictable

A Yale University-led team found that a plant lineage independently evolved three similar leaf types over and over again in various mountainous regions across the neotropics. The study's findings provide evidence for 'replicated radiation,' suggesting that evolution can be predictable under certain circumstances.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 18, 2022

Anthropogenic monoterpenes are worsening urban ozone pollution

This study reveals that anthropogenic monoterpenes are a major contributor to urban ozone pollution, with emissions from biomass burning activities exacerbating the problem. The researchers estimate that monoterpene oxidation can provide an additional 4-9 ppb of ozone during daytime, accounting for up to 13% of total ozone production.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 18, 2022

Discovery of molecular signatures of immature neurons in the human brain throughout life provide new insights into brain plasticity and other functions, according to Penn Medicine researchers

A team of researchers has used advanced techniques to identify immature hippocampal neurons in significant numbers throughout the human lifespan. The findings resolve a long-running controversy over adult neurogenesis and provide insights into brain plasticity, memory, mood, behavior, and brain disorders.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 18, 2022

A new look at disordered carbon

Scientists at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have made significant advancements in understanding the electronic properties of amorphous carbon. By integrating quantum principles, they predicted a higher electrical conductivity than previously expected. This breakthrough has implications for applica...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 18, 2022