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Science News for March 22, 2022


Staying alive: Scientists eye up gene required for the survival of an important retinal neuron

Researchers at OIST Graduate University identified the strip1 gene as essential for keeping retinal ganglion cells alive. The gene suppresses Jun-mediated apoptosis, promoting correct neural circuit formation in the retina. This finding opens promising new avenues for treating diseases like glaucoma.

Study involving investigators from Mayo Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine applies drug-gene testing to improve patient care and reports outcomes

A new study from Mayo Clinic and Baylor College of Medicine found that targeted genomic information can significantly impact drug prescribing practices. By applying drug-gene testing, clinicians can identify nearly every patient as a potential candidate for preemptive testing, particularly for drugs with unknown genetic influences.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateMar 22, 2022

Treating TB: uOttawa scientists collaborate to identify new drug for unique therapeutic approach

Researchers develop novel therapeutic approach for treating tuberculosis using phosphatase inhibitors, offering potential benefits for TB research and basic biology exploration. The discovery provides a promising alternative to traditional antibiotic-based treatments and has significant implications for combating antimicrobial resistance.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCell Chemical Biology·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 22, 2022

Shining a light on protein aggregation in Parkinson’s disease

A novel system to control protein aggregation in a model of Parkinson’s disease suggests that aggregation of alpha-synuclein plays a critical role in disrupting neuronal homeostasis and triggering neurodegeneration. Light treatment led to formation of Lewy body-like aggregates, neurodegeneration, and Parkinson-like motor deficits in mice.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

An improved ink for colon tattoos

Researchers have created a new type of colon tattoo ink that is more biocompatible and less prone to diffusion than existing inks. The ink uses metal-derived nanoparticles and polymers to adhere to the submucosal surface in the colon, allowing for better identification and removal of complex polyps and tumors.

Evidence continues to build that organ donation from people dying after a positive COVID-19 test is safe and does not transmit SARS-CoV-2 to the recipient

The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases finds organ donation from COVID-19 patients is safe and does not transmit SARS-CoV-2. Recipients with asymptomatic infections are also now eligible for transplant, but must be triple-vaccinated.

Information processing tied to emergence of hierarchy in human societies

A new study uses a vast dataset to test the idea that hierarchical structures in human societies arose from cognitive limits on information processing. The research found that for small-scale societies, population size and governing system development influence hierarchy emergence, while medium- and large-scale societies are shaped by ...

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Social Computing·DateMar 22, 2022

Bionic wing flaps improve wind energy efficiency

Scientists from China have developed a bionic approach to improve wind turbine performance by combining features of a seagull's wing with an engineered flow control accessory. The combined flow control improves lift and delays stalling at high angles of attack, increasing the efficiency of wind energy turbines.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateMar 22, 2022

The opto-ionic effect: Light may increase performance of fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries

Researchers have discovered the opto-ionic effect, where light increases the mobility of ions in ceramic materials, improving the performance of devices such as solid-state electrolytes in fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries. This effect could lead to higher charging speeds and more efficient energy conversion technologies.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Getting fuel to an invading cell's front line

Researchers have identified two glucose transporters that disrupt the energy supply to invading worm cells and stop them in their tracks. By deactivating these genes, glucose and ATP levels dropped, and worm cells stalled their spread. This discovery could lead to new ways to cut off cancer cells' fuel lines and prevent metastasis.

SourceDuke University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Ductile-regime vibration texturing: Create structural colors on brittle silicon

Researchers have successfully created high-quality, crack-free microstructures on silicon surfaces in the ductile regime using elliptical vibration cutting. The technique allows for high-aspect-ratio feature generation with minimal interference, enabling structural coloration and potential applications in displays, sensing, and more.

Working shifts may delay the onset of menopause

A new study suggests that working non-traditional shifts may delay the onset of natural menopause in women. The researchers found a significant association between rotating shifts and later age at menopause, possibly due to disruptions in circadian rhythms. Further investigation is necessary to determine the underlying mechanisms.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2022

Evidence is currently insufficient to show omicron variant has a shorter period of infectiousness compared with previous variants

The omicron variant's infectiousness period is uncertain, with evidence suggesting it may not be shorter than previous variants. Dr Marjolein Irwin-Knoester recommends a maximum of 7-day isolation for most cases, striking a balance between virus infectivity and community acceptance.

Research: Partnership between humanitarian organizations and governments is essential for providing cash assistance to refugees

Research from Indiana University reveals that cash assistance is a double-edged sword, harming both refugees and local residents if not implemented correctly. Humanitarian organizations can extend cash assistance to host regions with market power by partnering with local governments.

SourceIndiana University·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2022

Men and women process pain signals differently

A new study published in BRAIN shows that a neuronal growth factor called BDNF plays a major role in amplifying spinal cord pain signalling in male humans and male rats, but not in female humans or female rats. This discovery has significant implications for the development of new treatments for chronic pain.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Correcting night blindness in dogs

Researchers have developed a gene therapy that restores night vision in dogs with congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB), a condition affecting the ON bipolar cells. The treatment enables dogs to navigate mazes in dim light and has a lasting therapeutic effect, paving the way for potential human treatments.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

"Advanced" countries’ wealth depends on the appropriation of resources and labour from the global South

A study by Jason Hickel reveals that the global North appropriates vast resources and labor from the global South through price differentials in international trade, resulting in a net drain of $10.8 trillion in 2015. This unsustainable practice perpetuates global inequality and ecological breakdown.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2022

Team identifies compound with potent antiseizure effects

A team of researchers has discovered a compound called TC-2153 that reduces seizure severity in mice with temporal lobe epilepsy by decreasing the activity of hippocampal neurons. The study found that female sex hormones play a role in the efficacy of TC-2153, which may be relevant to sex differences seen in temporal lobe epilepsy.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEpilepsia·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Scientists discover when beetles became prolific

Using a previously published and carefully curated dataset, researchers reconstructed the evolution of protein sequences to build a comprehensive evolutionary tree of beetles. The study provides a refined timescale of beetle evolution, with over 400 thousand species described.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 22, 2022

Researchers reveal neuronal mechanism controlling anxiety-like behavior and energy expenditure

A recent study revealed the importance of Cav3.1-driven burst firing in the ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei in controlling anxiety-like behavior and energy expenditure following chronic stress. Enhanced burst firing was correlated with increased anxiety-like behavior, reduced food intake, and decreased energy expenditure.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 22, 2022

New clues about how a high-salt diet contributes to cardiometabolic diseases found deep in the brain

A new study suggests that a high-salt diet can lead to the hyperactivity of brain cells, resulting in increased constriction of blood vessels and worsening of cardiometabolic diseases. The research also found that excessive salt consumption can trigger an unusual response in which neurons become more active despite reduced blood flow.

New tool to accelerate drug discovery

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a novel technology to monitor membrane protein trafficking in real-time using bioluminescence. This allows for the study of cellular processes and drug development for heart disease, metabolic disorders, cancer, infectious diseases, COVID-19, and others.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalCommunications Biology·DateMar 22, 2022

Study points to strategies for closing the participation gender gap in engineering courses

Researchers identified key factors contributing to the gender gap in engineering courses, including female instructors, peer participation, and icebreaker questions. The study suggests that these strategies can help increase women's participation and close the gap in STEM fields.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalIEEE Transactions on Education·TypeObservational study·DateMar 22, 2022

How sugar promotes inflammation

A study found that excessive sugar consumption can promote inflammation and autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn's disease and type 1 diabetes. Researchers identified GLUT3, a glucose transporter, as a key player in this process, and proposed blocking its activity to mitigate inflammatory responses.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Changing beliefs is critical to sustaining high levels of vaccination

A new study by Santa Fe Institute researchers Katrin Schmelz and Samuel Bowles found that people's opposition to vaccines quadrupled when mandated, but many switched to pro-vaccination as they became more convinced of the vaccines' effectiveness. To increase vaccination rates, policymakers need to focus on building trust and changing h...

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateMar 22, 2022

Quantum dots shine bright to help scientists see inflammatory cells in fat

Researchers at the University of Illinois created quantum dots to visualize macrophages in fat tissue, shedding light on chronic inflammation's role in diseases. The new technology enables accurate cell counting and tracking over time, offering a potential diagnostic tool for insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

Fundamental cancer metabolism dogma revisited

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that non-dividing colon cancer cells employ Warburg glycolysis to reduce toxic reactive oxygen species accumulation. This adaptation challenges the long-held dogma of the Warburg effect, highlighting the need for single-cell level analysis tools.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Study reconsiders early evolution of sea urchins

A genome-scale analysis of echinoids reveals modern species emerged 300 million years ago, survived mass extinction, and diversified rapidly. The findings also suggest sand dollars and sea biscuits originated earlier than thought, with possible fossil record gaps.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateMar 22, 2022

Self-monitoring blood oxygen at home can help COVID patients spot early warning signs, study finds

A new study by Imperial College London found that home pulse oximetry can act as a safety net for COVID-19 patients, reducing unnecessary hospital admissions while spotting early signs of deterioration. The researchers recommend using a defined cutoff point in blood oxygen levels to determine when patients need medical attention.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 22, 2022

Things are heating up for superconductors

Researchers at Linköping University have discovered that magnesium diboride becomes superconductive at higher temperatures when stretched. The study's findings offer a new approach to increasing critical temperatures without high pressure or complicated structures.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 22, 2022

Physicists elucidate connection between symmetry and Mott physics in step towards understanding high-temperature superconductivity

Researchers at University of Illinois discover key connection between symmetry and Mott physics, providing new insight into high-temperature superconductivity. They found that breaking a hidden symmetry destroys Fermi liquids, implying that all models of Mott insulators must break this particle-hole symmetry.

One in three children with disabilities globally have experienced violence in their lifetimes

According to a systematic review of over 16 million young people from 25 countries, children with disabilities experience higher rates of violence, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. The study highlights the urgent need for collaborative efforts to raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateMar 22, 2022

Leveraging AI to work with cells

Researchers at Northwestern University developed an AI-assisted Nanofountain Probe Electroporation system to engineer stem cells. The new method reduces cell loss and increases throughput, enabling selective manipulation of individual cells in micro-arrays.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Chronologically young, biologically old-- DNA linked to cancer survivors premature aging

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified two genes associated with accelerated aging in childhood cancer survivors. The study used genome-wide association studies to find variants that correlate with epigenetic age acceleration, a measure of the difference between biological and chronological age.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

How scientists simulated the decompression process of a Mars rover in the taking-off stage?

Researchers analyzed the effects of environmental pressure setting, time step, and mesh density on the pressure differential calculation results. The study used numerical simulation to improve the accuracy of calculations, with results showing that changes in ambient pressure are the primary factor affecting the pressure differential.

Study shows effectiveness of pill form of remdesivir to treat COVID-19 in mice

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed a new oral compound that is as effective as molnupiravir in reducing disease in mice, showing promise for treating COVID-19. The pill form of remdesivir could make it accessible for early treatment and reduce hospitalization rates.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Active video games provide alternative workout

A study from the University of Georgia shows that exergaming can increase satisfaction and autonomy in exercise, leading to increased physical activity and motivation. The research followed participants who were randomly assigned to either exergame or traditional aerobics classes for six weeks.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology·DateMar 22, 2022

Switching social identities happens seamlessly

New research from the University of Exeter reveals that people can switch between multiple social identities with ease. The study found that rapidly activating different identities has no apparent difficulty and may even be beneficial for remote workers who struggle to separate their work and personal lives.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 22, 2022

New sorbent removes maximum copper and zinc from water

Researchers have created a novel sorbent that effectively removes copper and zinc from water solutions, with the ability to be reused for efficient treatment of industrial wastewater and drinking water. The sorbent's adsorption properties were enhanced through modification, allowing for up to 60% removal of heavy metals within minutes.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMar 22, 2022

Early study shows that organ donation from dying patients that have tested positive for COVID-19 is safe and does not infect recipients with SARS-CoV-2

Organ donation from dying COVID-19 patients appears to be safe and does not infect recipients with SARS-CoV-2. The study found all 6 abdominal organs had stable graft function and no unexpected rejection occurred.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·DateMar 22, 2022

How the gut communicates with the brain

Researchers at Flinders University have discovered how enterochromaffin cells in the gut communicate with the brain and spinal cord, shedding light on the 'gut-brain axis'. The study reveals that these specialized cells release serotonin into the body, which acts on nerves to communicate with the brain.

SourceFlinders University·TypeObservational study·DateMar 22, 2022

Investigators uncover small molecule to engineer intestinal cell types

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered a tissue-modifying molecule that can target intestinal stem cells and signal them to create Paneth cells, a rare but important cell type. This could represent a new therapeutic pathway for diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and graft-versus-host disease.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Our sleep shows how risk-seeking we are

Studies of 54 'good sleepers' revealed that lower slow-wave activity over the right prefrontal cortex is linked to a greater propensity for risk. The findings suggest that targeted interventions could modulate slow waves to influence risk-taking behavior.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNeuroImage·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Drug use beliefs found to be strongest predictor of youth substance use

A new study from the University of Illinois suggests that whether adolescents believe drug use is wrong has twice the magnitude of impact compared to other risk and protective factors. This finding highlights the importance of instilling a negative belief about drug use in young people as a key strategy for preventing substance use.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSubstance Use & Misuse·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 2022

Fungal infections: Microbial cooperation leads to drug tolerance

A study by Charité researchers found that fungal pathogens benefit from cooperative relationships, exchanging metabolites and becoming tolerant to anti-fungal drugs. This mechanism also provides growth advantages for metabolically competent cells, reducing their susceptibility to hundreds of antimicrobial substances.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022

Studies of endangered animals on border of China and Vietnam stress need for transboundary conservation

A series of studies on endangered species near the China-Vietnam border highlights the urgent need for coordinated approaches to prevent biodiversity loss. Climate change is expected to significantly impact habitats and species distributions, emphasizing the importance of transboundary conservation measures.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalFrontiers of Biogeography·DateMar 22, 2022

Robotic exoskeleton uses machine learning to help users stand up

Researchers developed a lightweight exoskeleton that uses machine learning to predict user intentions and provide assistance. The system successfully helped participants stand up, demonstrating potential for supporting individuals with mobility impairments.

SourceRIKEN·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022