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Science News Archive June 2022 - Page 29


Page 29 of 40

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

Zoom fatigue during the COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study has found that prolonged use of videoconferencing for work, known as 'Zoom fatigue,' is associated with increased levels of loneliness, depression, and even food insecurity. The researchers concluded that employers and employees should consider the impact of videoconferencing on mental health and productivity.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking·TypeCase study·DateJun 8, 2022

Updating our understanding of Earth’s architecture

Researchers have created new geological models that provide a better understanding of the Earth's history and natural hazards. The models include updated maps of tectonic plates and geological provinces, offering new insights into plate boundary zones and the formation of supercontinents.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 8, 2022