Science News for July 24, 2022

A common mechanism for cancer metastasis and atherosclerosis

A team of researchers has discovered that malignant tumors accumulate lipid delivery molecules called LDL and attract immune suppressor cells called neutrophils, leading to tumor progression. The study also shows that targeting the LOX-1/oxidized LDL axis may be a promising strategy for treating both cancer and cardiovascular disease.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2022

CRISPR therapeutics can damage the genome

A new study from Tel Aviv University found that CRISPR therapeutics can lead to a significant loss of genetic material in treated cells, potentially destabilizing the genome and promoting cancer. The researchers detected up to 10% of cells with lost chromosomes, highlighting the need for extra care when using this technology.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJul 24, 2022

New tool uncovers ‘elegant’ mechanism responsible for antibiotic tolerance in golden staph

Researchers used a new tool to capture hundreds of undiscovered mechanisms of gene regulation in MRSA, revealing a previously unknown layer of gene regulation. The study identified a regulatory RNA that promotes an enzyme involved in cell wall thickening, potentially identifying new targets for antibiotic treatment.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 24, 2022

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Visualizing Eigen/Zundel cations and their interconversion in monolayer water on metal surfaces

Scientists successfully visualize the atomic structures of stable Eigen/Zundel cations on metal surfaces using qPlus-based AFM, PIMD simulations and DFT calculations. They reveal a new proton transfer mechanism at water-solid interfaces involving the conversion from Eigen to Zundel cations.

SourcePeking University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2022

The world's largest omnivore is a fish

Researchers discovered that whale sharks eat a significant amount of plant material, including Sargassum seaweed. This challenges previous assumptions about their diet, revealing they are not just filter feeders on krill.

SourceAustralian Institute of Marine Science·JournalEcology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 24, 2022