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Science News for November 8, 2022


A new nanoparticle to act at the heart of cells

Researchers have developed a transport nanoparticle to deliver an anti-inflammatory drug, Necrosulfonamide (NSA), directly into macrophages to combat inflammatory overactivation. The mesoporous silica nanoparticle is fully biodegradable and non-toxic, showing remarkable efficacy in reducing inflammation.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeNews article·DateNov 8, 2022

Workplace cafeteria study finds no evidence that physical activity calorie-equivalent labelling changes food purchasing

A recent UK-based experiment found no significant change in the overall number of calories purchased when food and drink labels showed physical activity calorie-equivalent values. The study suggests that PACE labelling may not be effective in reducing energy intake, contradicting previous expectations.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022

Out of the blue

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new method for producing blue quantum dots, which are essential for creating high-quality displays. The breakthrough uses self-organizing chemical structures and a cutting-edge imaging technique to visualize the novel blue quantum dots.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022

Photocatalysis: Processes in charge separation recorded experimentally

Scientists have recorded photocatalysis charge separation processes experimentally on Cu2O particles, revealing rapid electron transfer and slower hole trapping, enabling better understanding of photocatalytic water splitting limitations. The technique allows for spatiotemporal imaging of charge transfer in photocatalyst particles.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022

Study: Pandemic disrupted city sustainability efforts, yet increased focus on initiatives

A new study from the University of Kansas found that while the pandemic disrupted city sustainability efforts in some cases, it also increased focus on certain types of initiatives. Nearly half of cities reported negative effects on program implementation, but 75% said sustainability staffing was not affected.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalState and Local Government Review·TypeSurvey·DateNov 8, 2022

Inside the genome of the world's weirdest octopus

A new study has revealed the genetic basis of argonaut octopus characteristics, including its unusual eggcase structure and adaptations for a pelagic lifestyle. The smallest known cephalopod genome was found in Argonauta argo, with significant differences in Hox gene arrangements and reflectin and tyrosinase gene clusters.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022

Stay away! Ants were here

Researchers at Kyoto University found that two species of spider mites avoid food plant leaves with active ant chemical traces and walking along ant-traveled stems to evade natural predators. This avoidance behavior may be comparable to direct consumption by the ants, highlighting a non-consumptive effect of predators on prey.

SourceKyoto University·JournalExperimental and Applied Acarology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022

Improving routine sexually transmitted infection screening, testing, and treatment in HIV care clinics

A 3-year initiative implemented evidence-based interventions to improve routine STI screening, testing, and treatment in primary HIV care clinics. The interventions included provider training, audio computer-assisted self-interviews, and patient self-collection of nucleic acid amplification tests.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAIDS Patient Care and STDs·TypeCase study·DateNov 8, 2022

Investigating COVID-19 deaths for children and young people

A new study confirms that COVID-19 deaths among children and young people are rare, with most fatalities occurring in those with severe neurodisability or compromised immune systems. The analysis of detailed data showed that half of COVID-19 deaths occurred within 30 days of infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 8, 2022

Special Topic in China Science Earth Sciences: Collaboration between Earth Sciences and Archaeology: technology, resources, and synthesis

Researchers discovered that antimony extraction for glass making in the Caucasus region may be linked to seasonal activities within a pastoral lifestyle. The study also found that changes in local wood resources on the Tibetan Plateau were driven by new food resources and technologies brought through broad Eurasian communication.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateNov 8, 2022

Researchers identify a molecular mechanism associated with juvenile Parkinson’s

A team of researchers has deciphered the molecular mechanism linked to juvenile Parkinson's disease, a genetic mutation affecting the adenosine type 1 receptor gene. The mutation alters the interaction between adenosine receptors, leading to increased neuronal circuit excitability in the brain region striatum.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022

Seizures happen like clockwork — but depend on the clock

A new study led by Rice University and UCSF researchers found that seizure cycles are linked to age and common triggers, such as illness and menstrual cycles. The study used data from over 1,000 patients aged 2 months to 80 years to develop a statistical model that captures the effect of these factors on seizure risk.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2022

"I'll pay later!" – People promise the stars and moon to charities, but donations remain unsent

A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that at least 60 percent of Danes who promised to donate never followed through on their commitments. Digital payment solutions made it easier for people to delay donations, but also led to larger average cash contributions. Social pressure was identified as a key driver of charity gi...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateNov 8, 2022

New study: How breathing shapes our brain

A new study from Aarhus University found that breathing impacts our emotions, attention, and how we process the outside world. Brain rhythms are closely tied to the rhythm of breathing, making us more sensitive to the outside world when breathing in.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPsychological Review·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 8, 2022

Wages trump safety standards for global apparel workers

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that wage and benefit violations are the primary reason for high turnover rates among global apparel factory workers. The study suggests that companies prioritize profit over worker well-being, leading to poor working conditions. As European governments develop new laws to regulate co...

SourceCornell University·JournalBritish Journal of Industrial Relations·DateNov 8, 2022

A novel multi-modal image retrieval system by researchers from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology

A novel multi-modal image retrieval system, DenseBert4Ret, has been developed by researchers from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) using deep learning algorithms. The system outperforms state-of-the-art models in retrieving images based on both image and text features.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalInformation Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 8, 2022

Hormone discovery could predict long term health of men

A novel insulin-like peptide hormone, INSL3, remains consistent throughout a man's life, making it a reliable predictive biomarker for age-linked disease. High levels of INSL3 in young men correlate with a range of age-related illnesses, while low levels increase the risk of acquiring these diseases.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022

Early diagnosis tool for childhood kidney disease

A new technique analyzing urine extracellular vesicles can detect changes in the kidneys earlier than conventional methods and predict renal function decline. This method has the potential to develop new urine tests that can catch the disease earlier, as well as similar tests for other diseases.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022

Plagues of the past have a lot to tell us about current crises, according to a new study

Researchers used event system theory to analyze how past pandemics, including the Black Death, were caused by cumulative events leading up to a transformation. They found similar patterns in human behavior and societal responses, highlighting the importance of understanding historical events to address current crises.

SourceConcordia University·JournalAcademy of Management Review·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 8, 2022

Oncotarget | Predictive molecular biomarkers for determining neoadjuvant chemosensitivity in muscle invasive bladder cancer

A study using mRNA and miRNA expression profiles identified molecular signatures that can differentiate muscle invasive bladder cancer patients who respond to neoadjuvant chemotherapy from those who do not. The research found distinct gene pathways and subtypes associated with response, which may lead to more effective treatment delivery.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2022

From magnetic navigation to magnetic targeting: magnetosome-like structure with highly tumor tissue penetration efficiency was constructed

Biomimetic synthesis of magnetosomes with high magnetic targeting efficiency was constructed, demonstrating an order of magnitude improvement in penetrability compared to existing nanodrugs. The new nanoparticles successfully penetrated tumor tissues in a mouse model, providing a promising carrier for magnetic targeting delivery.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2022

3D protein structure predictions made by an Artificial Intelligence can boost cancer research and drug discovery

The AlphaFold2 AI model has contributed 25% more high-quality protein structures to existing species, aiding in understanding protein function and designing targeted drugs for cancer. Despite limitations, its impact will transform life sciences with new computational tools.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalNature Structural Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 8, 2022

Gut parasites may increase onward transmission of respiratory bugs

Co-infection with gut parasites increases shedding of respiratory bugs like Bordetella bacterium, leading to higher probability of onward transmission. This study in rabbits has broad implications for human populations and suggests targeting treatment of helminths could be an effective way to reduce disease outbreaks.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateNov 8, 2022

Study: Why are sustainable practices often elusive?

A new study led by Stefani Crabtree reveals that sustainable practices are often hindered by the flow of information between humans and their environments. The research provides a framework to assess how societies interact with their environments for good or ill, guiding environmental decision-making.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 8, 2022

A 5G-enabled AI-based malware classification system for the next generation of cybersecurity

A novel AI-based malware detection and classification system has been developed for 5G-enabled Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) systems. The system achieved an accuracy rate of 97% on benchmark datasets, enabling the secure connection of applications such as smart cities and autonomous vehicles.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 8, 2022

Seeing in 3D

Researchers studied albino mice to understand how the neural circuitry of vision develops and can be disrupted, finding that a gene controlling cell birthing is perturbed in albinism. The study identified a potential therapeutic target by revving up this gene, which improved depth perception in albino mice.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022

Tiger sharks that interact with tourists are larger and have higher hormone levels, study shows

Researchers found that female tiger sharks that frequently visit Tiger Beach in the Bahamas are larger and have higher hormone levels than other individuals. The study suggests possible effects of mass tourism on these sharks, with females having better nutritional states and more omega-3 in their blood.

Crystals generate electricity from heat

Researchers have discovered a synthetic sulfide mineral that converts heat into electricity efficiently and safely. The novel material, composed of copper, manganese, germanium, and sulfur, shows two crystal structures within the same material and has a stable temperature range up to 400 degrees Celsius.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022

New Psychological Science findings link local prejudice to police militarization, offer hope for fostering belief in science

Recent research suggests that racial prejudice within communities predicts the militarization of local police departments. In contrast, communicating scientific consensus appears to be an effective way to change factual beliefs about contested science topics. Additionally, studies have found that happy people tend to overestimate their...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 8, 2022

Ticked off: New device may offer a better way to prevent tick bites

A new controlled-release device has been tested at UMass Amherst for its effectiveness in preventing tick bites. The device uses synthetic pyrethroids to create a spatial repellent that alters the behavior of ticks, making them less likely to climb and more likely to detach or fall off. The results show promising promise in reducing th...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateNov 8, 2022