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Science News for March 2, 2022


Tiny biohybrid robots for intelligent drug delivery

Biohybrid micro- and nanorobots promise to deliver drugs to body tissues with high precision, enabling tasks such as cancer treatment, cell microsurgery, and tissue engineering. Researchers envision incorporating novel biological components into robots to overcome immune responses and increase efficiency in manufacturing.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

First potential immunization against RSV for healthy infants found highly effective in phase 3 trial

A single dose of nirsevimab protected healthy infants from medically attended lower respiratory tract infections caused by RSV with 74.5% efficacy. This breakthrough results suggest a broad immunization approach is needed to mitigate the global burden of RSV on infants and healthcare services.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 2, 2022

Neuropathy Score Reporting and Data System (NS-RADS) validated for MR neurography

A multicenter study validates the accuracy and reliability of NS-RADS for classifying and grading peripheral neuropathies, with high interrater agreement across different reader experience levels. The study shows promising results for routine practice, suggesting NS-RADS as a standardized guideline for reporting peripheral neuropathies.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 2, 2022

Discovered: An easier way to create "flexible diamonds"

A team of scientists led by Samuel Dunning has developed an original technique to predict and guide the ordered creation of strong, yet flexible, diamond nanothreads. The innovation allows for easier synthesis of the material, which has potential applications in space elevators, ultra-strong fabrics, and other fields.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Better assessment of risk from heart surgery results in better patient outcomes

A large international study assessed patients undergoing heart surgery and measured troponin levels before and after surgery. The findings showed that higher troponin levels are associated with an increased risk of death within 30 days, enabling healthcare teams to monitor patients more effectively.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 2, 2022

Plotting the placental protein NRK: Understanding the molecular evolution processes underlying placenta acquisition in eutherian ancestors

Researchers from Tokyo Tech elucidated the molecular evolution of NRK, revealing a novel mechanism regulating placental development by modulating the CK2-PTEN-AKT pathway. The study showed that NRK underwent rapid molecular evolution to acquire its function in eutherian ancestors.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Cutting through the clutter

A new tool called vibration of effects (VoE) has been developed to analyze the reliability of reported links between gut microbes and various diseases. The tool found that a third of reported microbe-disease associations were inconsistent, with outcomes changing depending on study design and variable inclusion.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 2, 2022

SLAS Technology February issue highlights the “Technology Top Ten” from 2021 and thirteen original articles

The February issue of SLAS Technology features an article on biosensor detection of airborne respiratory viruses, highlighting the effectiveness of this technology in identifying pathogens. Additionally, the issue includes an article on simple assessment of viability in 2D and 3D cell microarrays using single-step digital imaging.

A new molecular family tree of grasses

A new molecular study of grasses reveals a clear picture of their evolutionary relationships, shedding light on the evolution of C4 photosynthesis involved in heat and drought tolerance. The research provides evidence that this type of photosynthesis evolved independently multiple times within different grass lineages.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Plant·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

National Athletic Trainers’ Association position statement: Reducing intentional head-first contact behavior in American football players published in Journal of Athletic Training

The National Athletic Trainers' Association has updated its position statement to reduce intentional head-first contact behavior in American football players. The new recommendations address education and administration, skill development and behavior modification, rules and regulations, and technology and scientific research.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·JournalJournal of Athletic Training·DateMar 2, 2022

A solar illusion: Coronal loops may not be what they seem

A new study led by NCAR suggests that many coronal loops on the Sun are actually wrinkles in a bright plasma veil, rather than distinct strands of plasma. This finding has significant implications for understanding the Sun's atmosphere and density, temperature, and other physical characteristics.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 2, 2022

Rainfall strongly affects infectious Vibrio bacteria in Ala Wai Canal

A recent study found that rainfall significantly affects the abundance of Vibrio vulnificus in the Ala Wai Canal, with moderate rainfall leading to high concentrations of the bacterium. The researchers suggest that while exposure is still a risk, precautions such as washing off with soap and water can minimize the danger.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 2, 2022

Everybody makes mistakes and so do biological systems: a theoretical framework for generating research questions in biology

Biological systems have the potential to make mistakes, providing a starting point for generating new scientific questions. The authors propose a theoretical framework that describes the nature of mistake-making and its common processes, with applications to blood clotting.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 2, 2022

Bull ant evolves new way to target pain

Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered a venom molecule in bull ants that targets the echidna's pain pathway, potentially leading to new treatments for long-term pain. The molecule exploits an EGF signalling pathway, similar to those used in anti-cancer therapy.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Magneto-electrodeposition technique offers new solution for supercapacitors

Researchers developed a new magneto-electrodeposition technique to improve the electrochemical performance of layered materials, resulting in high energy density and outstanding cycling stability. The technique allows for scalable production and construction of flexible hybrid supercapacitors suitable for portable electronics.

Study identifies virus responsible for high mortality rate among pigeons in São Paulo City

A study found that a subtype of Newcastle disease virus caused the deaths of dozens of pigeons in São Paulo City. The researchers sequenced the viral genome and identified tissue wounds to determine the cause of death, revealing subgenotype VI.2.1.2 as the responsible pathogen. The risk to humans and poultry is considered low.

Marine plastic pollution could contribute to the introduction of invasive species

A new study reveals that marine organisms attach themselves to plastics and are transported by marine currents, contributing to the introduction of non-native species. The research found diverse marine life attached to plastic debris, including bryozoans, which could become invasive and alter ecosystems.

SourceInstitut de Ciències del Mar (ICM-CSIC)·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Nature Medicine publishes full results from axial therapeutics’ phase 1b/2a clinical trial in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The Phase 1b/2a clinical trial found that AB-2004 lowered blood and urinary levels of gut-derived metabolites and improved irritability and anxiety in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The study's results support the potential of AB-2004 as a novel therapeutic approach for treating co-occurring conditions associated with ASD.

SourceDigital Mantra Group·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 2, 2022

BU study: Having assets may protect people from persistent depression during COVID

A new BU study found that individuals with physical, social, and financial assets, particularly higher incomes and fewer savings, were less likely to experience sustained depression during the first year of the pandemic. Persistent depression was highest among people in low-income households and those with fewer savings.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

“Closest black hole” system found to contain no black hole

Astronomers have found that the HR 6819 system, once thought to be the closest black hole to Earth, is actually a binary system without a black hole. The discovery was made using new data from ESO's Very Large Telescope and Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer instruments.

SourceESO·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateMar 2, 2022

New lab model simulates effects of exercise on muscles

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new lab-based system to grow human muscle cells that contract vigorously. They found that muscle cells from patients with sporadic inclusion body mitosis (sIBM) have similar muscular properties to healthy humans but exhibit altered responses to exercise.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2022

Study maps stress changes around fault activated by hydraulic fracturing

Researchers mapped stress changes before and during an earthquake induced by hydraulic fracturing in Alberta, Canada. The study used seismic anisotropy to monitor the processes that occur when hydraulic fracturing causes induced earthquakes, revealing a network of tensile fractures created during fluid injection.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Using two different elements creates new possibilities in hybrid atomic quantum computers

University of Chicago researchers create hybrid array of neutral atoms from two different elements, allowing for easier measurement and manipulation of individual atoms. The hybrid design also enables the creation of a larger quantum computer with more qubits, which could lead to new insights into large-system quantum effects.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Developing different hydrometeor spectra parameterizations for simulating convective clouds

Researchers develop relative dispersion parameterizations to accurately describe hydrometeor spectra in convective clouds, improving atmospheric radiation transfer and water cycle models. The study finds negative correlations between ice crystal spectra and volume-mean diameter, and positive correlations for other hydrometeors.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 2, 2022

Researchers identify the role of three key molecules in the pig immune system against one of the viruses most dangerous to the swine industry

A study by the University of Córdoba has identified three key molecules that play a crucial role in the pig immune system against the pathogen PRRSV. These molecules, T-BET, FOXP3, and EOMES, regulate different aspects of the immune response, including cell activation and inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateMar 2, 2022

Invasive alien species? Isn't there an app for that?

A review of invasive alien species reporting apps for citizen science identified key features and areas for improvement. The study emphasizes the importance of user-friendly apps with gamification, AI-powered photo identification, and coordination among developers to enhance public participation and data management.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeoBiota·DateMar 2, 2022

In one cleft surgery NGO mission trip in Morocco, an all-female healthcare team empowered volunteers to seek further mentorship as well as to mentor others

In a cleft surgery NGO mission trip in Morocco, an all-female healthcare team empowered volunteers to seek further mentorship and to mentor others. The team's influence on female healthcare professionals was found to be significant, promoting a supportive environment for growth and development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateMar 2, 2022

Scientists discover excimer laser-induced damage mechanism of CaF2 crystal

Researchers at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science discovered the damage mechanism of CaF2 crystal caused by excimer laser exposure. The study found that different crystal planes exhibit distinct damage morphologies, with plane (111) showing lamellar stripping and planes (110) and (100) experiencing burst-like damage.

Sewer treasure

Researchers at Stanford University developed an electrochemical sulfur oxidation process that can transform wastewater into valuable materials. The technology has the potential to power renewable energy-powered wastewater treatment, creating drinkable water.

SourceStanford University·JournalACS ES&T Engineering·DateMar 2, 2022

Who is taking care of the kids?

A comprehensive analysis of 1,800 bird species found that adult sex ratios are the main driving force behind differences in sex roles. Climate, life histories, and social environment were not significant factors. The study provides new insights into the evolution of sex roles in birds.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalEcology Letters·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 2, 2022

Female chimpanzees avoid humans

Research shows female chimpanzees tend to avoid villages and farmland, while males are more likely to encounter humans, leading to smaller social gatherings for females. This sex difference in risk perception could have significant consequences for the survival of chimpanzees.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateMar 2, 2022

Are urban railways in Tokyo on the right track? Researchers from Japan attempt to answer

Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology analyzed 18 Tokyo Metropolitan Area railway lines to understand the impact of in-vehicle congestion on efficiency. They found that incorporating congestion rates into efficiency analysis can help develop better public transit strategies, leading to higher service levels and sustainability.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalTransport Policy·TypeObservational study·DateMar 2, 2022

Mammoths, meet the metaverse

Researchers at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and USC have created over a dozen scientifically accurate virtual models of Ice Age animals using augmented reality. The team hopes this will lead to better paleoart and more accurate reconstructions of extinct species, bringing respect to the field of paleoart.

SourceNatural History Museum of Los Angeles County·JournalPalaeontologia Electronica·DateMar 2, 2022

COVID-19 restrictions linked to nearly 750,000 fewer dengue cases in 2020

A new study found a strong association between school closures and declines in non-residential trips during COVID-19, leading to reduced risk of dengue transmission. Reduced time spent in public areas was closely associated with reduced dengue risk in countries where COVID-19 restriction measures began at the peak of dengue season.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 2, 2022

Standard for pulmonary function tests gets an update

The American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society have updated their technical standard for pulmonary function tests to address interpretation uncertainty and health inequity concerns. The new guidelines emphasize the importance of considering an individual's medical history, symptoms, and social circumstances when applyin...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 2, 2022

This is your gut on sushi

A new Michigan Medicine study suggests that genes from oceanic bacteria have entered the human gut microbiome, enabling digestion of seaweed polysaccharides. The research found that these genes are more common than previously recognized and are linked to the ability to process certain seaweed-derived sugars.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMar 2, 2022

University of Minnesota study details how some fish cope with parasites, with implications for human health

Researchers found that the ability to detect a parasite and launch an immune response quickly is key to resisting parasites, with implications for understanding human conditions with scar tissue. The study's findings could lead to new treatments and faster recovery times for humans with diseases like cystic fibrosis and liver fibrosis.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalEvolution Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

Industrial sedimentation in the North Sea

A new study analyzes sediment cores from the North Sea, showing a significant accumulation of pollutants since the industrial revolution. The researchers found that the deposition of pollutants is linked to fine sediments transported by currents, causing a strong accumulation on the seabed.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022

HKUST and UChicago researchers find new ways of leveraging topological defects in liquid crystals to make “computer”

Researchers at HKUST and UChicago have designed the basic elements needed for logic operations using liquid crystals, paving the way for novel computing methods. The team controlled topological defects to perform operations like amplification and switching, opening the door to potential applications in robotics and sensing.

Capturing the many facets of evolvability

Researchers identify three types of mechanisms underlying evolvability, including determinants providing variation, shaping the effect of variation on fitness, and shaping the selection process. Evolvability also depends on the timescale, with asexually reproducing organisms evolving faster but reaching lower adaptation levels, while s...

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 2, 2022