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Science News for July 8, 2022


Researchers warn about the climate change effects on fisheries and agriculture in tropical coastal communities

Researchers warn that climate change will cause significant food losses in tropical coastal communities due to increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The study predicts greater losses for fisheries than agriculture, highlighting the need for climate change mitigation.

SourceInstitut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC)·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 8, 2022

New paper from University Hospitals examines transfusion utilization and appropriateness: Thinking differently at a tertiary academic medical center

Researchers from University Hospitals developed a transfusion appropriateness algorithm to analyze blood transfusions for adult patients. The algorithm led to a decrease in transfusions and an increase in appropriate use, resulting in cost savings of $2.5 million over 12 months.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalPhysician Leadership Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2022

A 'wise counsel' for synthetic biology

A team of researchers at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft developed METIS, a modular software system for optimizing biological systems using machine learning. The tool allows users to optimize their already discovered or synthesized biological systems and can be used with different lab equipment.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 8, 2022

Swans sacrifice rest to squabble

Scientists studied mute and whooper swans, finding a trade-off between aggression and rest. The study suggests that providing enough foraging spots can reduce the need for aggression, allowing birds more time to rest.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2022

Moffitt researchers identify pathway that regulates angiogenesis in tumors

YAP1 controls angiogenesis by expressing genes involved in blood vessel formation, and its activity is regulated by PHD2 and VHL under normal oxygen conditions. In hypoxic conditions, YAP1's nuclear localization enables it to interact with HIF1α, leading to increased expression of pro-angiogenic proteins.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Research Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2022

Surfaces at realistic conditions

The Replica Exchange Grand Canonical (REGC) method describes how surfaces change in contact with reactive gas phases under different temperature and pressure conditions. The approach identifies 25 thermodynamically stable surface phases and predicts stability phase diagrams for real systems.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2022

How society thinks about risk

Researchers at the University of Basel developed a method to determine how risk is perceived within a society. The study found that threat and fortune are the most prominent components of risk, with threat being more closely associated with older people and women. The results also indicate that there are universal correlations in risk ...

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 8, 2022

Quality control for antibodies

A team led by Dr. Johan Duchêne investigated commercial antibodies against ACKR1, refuting a previous study that claimed its expression on macrophages and monocytes. The study emphasizes the significance of antibody specificity and demonstrates the importance of publishing corrections in scientific research.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 8, 2022

Potential energy surfaces of water mapped for the first time

Researchers have successfully mapped the potential energy surfaces of individual water molecules in liquid water at room temperature and normal pressure. This breakthrough uses X-ray analysis and statistical modeling to reveal the complex behavior of water molecules, shedding light on their role as a solvent.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2022

Researchers identify cells causing neuronal death in a mitochondrial disease animal model

In a new study, researchers found that microglia cells are responsible for neuronal death in a mitochondrial disease mouse model. Suppressing these cells with the drug Pexidartinib increased life expectancy and reduced motor problems. Further research is needed to understand the specific process by which microglia attack neurons.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalGlia·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2022

Moffitt researchers identify splice variant biomarkers in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Moffitt researchers have identified key splicing variants associated with clear cell renal cell carcinoma outcomes and developed a survival risk tool based on their combined expression levels. The study found that altered splicing variants may play a crucial role in disease development and progression, enabling the creation of a non-in...

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalEuropean Urology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2022

Scientists discover key genes behind insect migrations

Researchers have identified over 1,500 genetic differences between migratory and non-migratory hoverflies, shedding light on the genetic pathways involved in migration. The study reveals suites of genes being activated in concert, including insulin signalling for longevity and pathways for immunity.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 8, 2022

Responsive soft robots inspired by sputtering ketchup bottle

Researchers at AMOLF developed a soft robot that uses a 'hysteretic valve' to respond to changes in its environment, mimicking the movement of living organisms. The robot's natural gait and tactile responses were achieved through the use of air pressure, eliminating the need for computer control.

SourceAMOLF·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2022

Building blocks for RNA-based life abound at center of our galaxy

A team of researchers has discovered a wide range of nitriles, key molecular precursors for life, in the interstellar molecular cloud G+0.693-0.027 near the Milky Way center. The study provides important insights into the chemical ingredients available in the nebula that give rise to our planetary system.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2022

Electric vehicles pass the remote road test

A new study from Australian National University finds that electric vehicles can handle the distances required to travel to essential services in remote and regional Australia. The results show that 93% of residents could do these trips with even lower-range electric vehicles, without needing to recharge en route.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalAustralian Geographer·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 8, 2022

IPBES assessment report: 50,000 wild species meet needs of billions worldwide; experts offer options to ensure sustainable use

The IPBES assessment report reveals that billions of people rely on wild species for food, energy, and income, with 10,000 species harvested for human consumption. However, the report warns that unsustainable use is threatening the survival of these species, driven by drivers such as land changes, climate change, and pollution.