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Science News for June 9, 2022


Research reveals veterans often favor more restrictive gun control legislation than civilians

A new study reveals that veterans tend to be more receptive to certain forms of gun control, such as restrictions on military-style rifles and extended waiting periods for handgun purchases. Researchers found that combat veterans are more supportive of restricting civilian access to powerful firearms in order to ensure public safety.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·TypeSurvey·DateJun 9, 2022

Scientists craft living human skin for robots

Researchers have developed a method to create living human skin on robots, providing a realistic texture and self-healing properties. The skin is made up of collagen and human dermal fibroblasts, which conform to the robot's surface and can even repair wounds with the help of a collagen bandage.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Maintaining the right niche for blood cell development

The study found that mice lacking both Runx1 and Runx2 in CAR cells showed a significant reduction of HSPCs and immune cells, along with an increase in fibrosis. The researchers suggest that Runx1 and Runx2 may be potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of myelofibrosis.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Testing verifies new QOL tool

The Flinders-designed QOL-ACC tool assesses six key quality of life dimensions and has been implemented with over 1000 older Australians, delivering improved standards and transparency in aged care. The results show that the tool performed strongly in a pilot trial, with lower scores for those with poorer self-reported health status.

SourceFlinders University·JournalQuality of Life Research·TypeCase study·DateJun 9, 2022

Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis publishes method for the fast detection of a key antiviral

Researchers developed a novel nanobody-based detection method for recombinant human interferon α2b (rhIFNα2b), which has a lower detection limit than existing methods. The assay's operation time was shortened from two days to a few minutes, making it suitable for rapid market counterfeit detection and early diagnosis of hepatitis.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

New research gives insights into how organelles divide in cells

Scientists have identified a new pathway for peroxisome division, independent of Mitochondrial Fission Factor (MFF). The study, led by Professor Michael Schrader, reveals that PEX11β and FIS1 cooperate to divide peroxisomes, restoring normal morphology. This discovery offers potential therapeutic options for diseases caused by defects ...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Cell Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

German Research Foundation approves funding for excellent research in JGU’s core research areas

The German Research Foundation has granted funding to Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) and its strategic alliance partners for four years. Researchers in materials sciences, biophysics, and medicine are working on three collaborative projects with a total funding volume of EUR 35 million. The focus is on developing multiscale ...

Are we born with a moral compass?

Researchers found that infants can punish antisocial behavior exhibited by a third party, indicating an intrinsic motivation for morality. The study's findings suggest that humans may have acquired behavioral tendencies toward moral behavior during evolution.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Fernandina Island Galapagos giant tortoise is not extinct

A Galapagos giant tortoise species previously believed to be extinct has been confirmed to still exist, thanks to genetic research that sequenced the genome of a single specimen and compared it with living individuals. The study's findings offer hope for the recovery of this species.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 9, 2022

Ultra-thin, flexible probe provides neural interface that’s minimally invasive and long-lasting

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a tiny, flexible neural probe that can record and stimulate neural activity while minimizing injury to surrounding tissue. The probe is ideal for studying peripheral nerves or the spinal cord, where traditional probes may not fit due to its small size and flexibility.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Artificial intelligence reveals a never-before described 3D structure in rotavirus spike protein

Scientists employed artificial intelligence to determine the 3D structure of the VP8* B domain in group B rotavirus, a crucial step towards understanding its interaction with host cells and developing new treatments. The newly described structure reveals unique sugar recognition capabilities, distinct from other rotaviruses.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Portland State study shows how ‘green islands’ help forests regenerate after fire

Researchers found that certain characteristics of refugia led to more tree regeneration, with taller trees and mountain hemlock species showing higher seed dispersal. The study suggests that natural regeneration is possible in some areas, making replanting efforts unnecessary and potentially harmful.

SourcePortland State University·JournalFrontiers in Forests and Global Change·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 2022

Photosynthesis-inspired process makes commodity chemicals

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a photosynthesis-inspired process to convert acetylene into ethylene, a key ingredient in plastics. The new method uses visible light and water instead of high temperatures, flammable hydrogen, and expensive metals, achieving nearly 100% selectivity for ethylene.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Pre-historic Wallacea - a melting pot of human genetic ancestries

Researchers analyzed 16 ancient genomes from Wallacea, revealing striking differences between regions and a previously unknown ancestry contribution from Mainland Southeast Asia. The findings suggest multiple human dispersals into Wallacea and major implications for the understanding of Neolithic dispersals into Island Southeast Asia.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 9, 2022

Older persons with Type 1 diabetes face risk of reduced muscle strength and more cardiovascular issues, researchers find

Researchers at McMaster University found that older adults with Type 1 diabetes are at a higher risk of reduced muscle strength and cardiovascular complications. They discovered abnormally low diastolic blood pressure in these patients, which may indicate early increased cardiovascular disease risk.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalCanadian Journal of Diabetes·DateJun 9, 2022

Study finds evidence of bovine TB in 15% of rhinos at South African national park

A study published in PNAS reveals that about 15.4% of rhinos in Kruger National Park have been infected with M. bovis, the pathogen causing bovine tuberculosis. The finding highlights the need for a one health approach to support global conservation efforts and prevent potential spread to human health.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2022

Air pollution gets worse during winter at airports

Airports in colder climates accumulate more pollutants like PM2.5 during fall and winter months, posing a significant threat to human health and the climate. Researchers recommend targeted reduction of PM2.5 emissions, particularly in cold climate regions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateJun 9, 2022

What happened before, during and after solar system formation? A recent study of the Asteroid Ryugu holds the answers!

The samples returned from the Hayabusa2 mission provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system. The study found that Ryugu contains hydrated minerals and evidence of freeze-thawing, indicating that it experienced both liquid and frozen water in its past.

SourceOkayama University·JournalProceedings of the Japan Academy·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Researchers use CRISPR technology to create map tying every human gene to its function

Using Perturb-seq, researchers created a comprehensive functional map of genes expressed in human cells, tying each gene to its job in the cell. This dataset enables discovery-based research and can help decode cellular effects of genetic changes, with potential applications in understanding gene functions and phenotypes.

SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Research discovers neurons that regulate body temperature and social behaviors

A recent study identified Pdyn-expressing neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus as a novel nucleus controlling homeostatic thermogenesis and social interaction-associated hyperthermia. These neurons respond to cold temperatures, promoting thermogenesis, and also modulate social interactions, leading to increased body temperature.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2022

Schooling status during pandemic predicted parents’ resilience

A Rice University study found that parents accustomed to home schooling felt more resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased physical activity. In contrast, parents whose public-school children were suddenly housebound experienced increased stress and lower resilience. The study highlights the importance of physical activi...

SourceRice University·JournalInternational Journal of Educational Reform·TypeSurvey·DateJun 9, 2022

What is monkeypox?

Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus, typically spread through contact with infected animals or humans. Symptoms include a rash and fever, and treatment involves antiviral medications.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 9, 2022

Robot skin heals

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have created a controllable robotic finger covered with living skin tissue that can heal itself. The development could lead to new possibilities in advanced manufacturing industries, such as automation and cosmetics, reducing costs, time, and complexity of research.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

New research shows climate change impacts on whale habitat use in the warming Gulf of Maine

A new study found climate change is altering how large whales, including the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, use habitats in the warming Gulf of Maine. The research team analyzed over 20 years of data and found that peak use of Cape Cod Bay had shifted almost three weeks later for right whales and humpback whales.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 9, 2022

Chung-Ang University researchers use biomolecule-loaded metal-organic frameworks nanopatterns to aid artificial stem cell differentiation

A new platform mimics live cellular environment to guide stem cell differentiation outside the body. Researchers from Chung-Ang University developed a novel platform based on metal-organic frameworks, which offers advantages over conventional methods for in vitro stem cell differentiation.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Study shows people with a high omega-3 DHA level in their blood are at 49% lower risk of Alzheimer’s

A new study published in Nutrients found that individuals with higher red blood cell DHA levels have a 49% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study, conducted on 1,490 participants aged 65 and older, suggests that increasing dietary omega-3 DHA levels may slow the development of the disease.

SourceWright On Marketing & Communications·JournalNutrients·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 2022

UIC joins national quantum computing center

The University of Illinois Chicago has joined the Co-design Center for Quantum Advantage, a US Department of Energy-funded center focused on building scalable quantum computer systems. The partnership will open new opportunities for UIC students in quantum engineering and collaboration with researchers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 9, 2022

PCR test for Okinawa mozuku could increase yields and lead to climate-tolerant strains

Researchers from OIST developed a PCR test that detects nine sex-determining genes in Okinawa mozuku germlings, enabling the identification of male and female haploid and diploid stages. This allows for crossbreeding to create heat-tolerant strains, improving yields and addressing issues with detachment and contamination.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhycological Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Climate scientists say expected ocean changes require planning for many generations ahead

Climate scientists argue that climate actions need to be established at multiple time scales, with a focus on slow emerging changes such as deep ocean warming and sea-level rise. This requires the development of a system of scientific ocean monitoring with a time-scale in mind, considering risks like abrupt slowdowns of ocean circulation.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJun 9, 2022

Pour me a glass

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed an AI-powered method for robots to recognize and pour transparent liquids like water. The technique uses contrastive learning for unpaired image-to-image translation, enabling robots to see through different backgrounds and pour accurately.

Investigators identify a new candidate therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have identified LIPE, a lipase that degrades triglycerides, as a promising candidate therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease. Inhibiting LIPE reduced alpha-synuclein inclusions and alleviated neurodegeneration in patient-derived neurons and a C. elegans model of toxicity.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·Journalnpj Parkinson s Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Ground-breaking number of brown dwarfs discovered

Researchers have directly imaged four new brown dwarfs orbiting stars from far away, significantly advancing our understanding of these enigmatic objects. The study utilized a novel approach combining space and ground-based facilities to detect hidden companions.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJun 9, 2022

Binge drinking raises risk of developing alcohol problems, even for moderate drinkers

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that moderate drinkers who binge drink are at a higher risk of developing multiple alcohol problems. Researchers analyzed survey responses from over 1,200 adults and found that most cases of binge drinking occurred among individuals who were average moderate drinkers.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 9, 2022

Western diets rich in fructose and fat cause diabetes via glycerate-mediated loss of pancreatic islet cells

A high-fat diet can lead to increased fructose metabolism in the small intestine, resulting in the release of glycerate into circulation. This can cause damage to insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells, increasing the risk of glucose tolerance disorders and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Genetic study offers new insights into DCIS biology, progression

A new genetic study published in Nature Genetics found that roughly one in five invasive breast cancers following ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) are genetically unrelated to the original DCIS. The findings provide a deeper understanding of DCIS biology and suggest that DCIS should be considered a risk factor for the development of inv...

Good bacteria to tackle depression

A study by researchers from the University of Basel found that probiotics can improve depressive symptoms in patients taking antidepressants. The probiotic group showed a greater improvement in symptoms than the placebo group, with changes in intestinal flora composition and brain activity when viewing emotional stimuli.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2022

The gut microbiome as a health compass

Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict NAFLD development based on gut microbiome data, showing 90% of subjects who developed the disease had subtle differences in their samples. The model combines easily measurable information from blood and microbiome data with high accuracy.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 9, 2022

Investigators discover a ‘double life’ for a key Parkinson’s disease protein

A study led by Brigham and Women's Hospital investigators has revealed that alpha-synuclein plays a dual role in Parkinson's disease, interacting with both vesicles and P-body structures. This new understanding may lead to targeted treatments for the disease, with ongoing genetic studies aiming to identify optimal therapeutic targets.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

With Cryo-EM, Sloan Kettering Institute scientists determine structure of key factor in RNA quality control

Researchers have used cryo-EM to visualize the structure of a protein assembly called Nuclear Exosome Targeting (NEXT) Complex, which plays a crucial role in degrading faulty or unwanted RNA molecules. This breakthrough could help understand how defects in RNA degradation pathways contribute to diseases like cancer and cystic fibrosis.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalCell·TypeNews article·DateJun 9, 2022

Heart failure patients unvaccinated against COVID-19 are three times more likely to die from it than boosted heart failure patients

A new study from Mount Sinai Heart found that heart failure patients unvaccinated against COVID-19 are three times more likely to die from it than those who are fully vaccinated and boosted. The research also shows that these unvaccinated patients face higher risks of hospitalization and ICU admission if infected with the virus.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Cardiac Failure·TypeObservational study·DateJun 9, 2022

SLAS Discovery June issue highlights miRNAs, automated electrophysiology platform data and more

The June issue of SLAS Discovery focuses on the role of microRNAs in cancer progression, particularly Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpes virus-derived miRNA K12-1. Researchers have also developed a new software workflow called Screener to automate data analysis from automated patch clamp electrophysiology platforms.

Impostor Phenomenon: When self-doubt gets the upper hand

Researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg found that people with the Impostor Phenomenon devalue their objectively measured performance and attribute positive results to external causes. The study showed no relation between actual intelligence or performance and self-reported degree of Impostor Phenomenon.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2022

Stanford researchers reveal add-on benefits of natural defenses against sea-level rise

A new study by Stanford researchers shows that nature-based solutions, such as conserving marshlands and restoring beaches, can be as effective as concrete seawalls in protecting against sea-level rise. The research found that these solutions provide extra benefits, including opportunities for recreation, climate change mitigation thro...

SourceStanford University·Journalnpj Urban Sustainability·DateJun 9, 2022

As the ocean heats up hungrier predators take control

A new field study found that warmer waters in the Atlantic and Pacific peak at higher temperatures, leading to increased predator activity and altering prey communities. This warming trend may disrupt balances in ocean ecosystems, potentially leading to changes in species interactions and ecosystem function.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Researchers assess the risk of monkeypox transmission following exposure in healthcare settings

Researchers reviewed literature from 2000 to find only one reported case of monkeypox transmission following exposure in non-endemic areas. The study suggests a low risk of nosocomial transmission, but highlights the need for more data on exposure definitions and personal protective equipment use.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 9, 2022