Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 14, 2022


Back to the future of photosynthesis

Researchers at Max Planck Institute successfully revived ancient enzymes, revealing a novel protein component that increased CO2 specificity in Rubisco. This discovery provides new insights into the evolution of modern photosynthesis and suggests adding new components may improve its efficiency.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 14, 2022

Digital transformation in construction industry requires more support, study shows

A recent study published in Engineering Construction & Architectural Management identified the main obstacles preventing digital transformation in the engineering and construction industry. The three main problems are a lack of laws and regulations, a lack of support and leadership, and a lack of resources and professionals.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalEngineering Construction & Architectural Management·TypeSurvey·DateOct 14, 2022

Gene activity in a test tube

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have developed a new method called INRI-seq, which allows for detailed analysis of gene activity in individual cells. This technique can help identify new targets for targeted therapies and improve our understanding of protein synthesis.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2022

Landmark study finds antisepsis agents interchangeable in reducing infection risk in open fracture surgeries

A landmark study published in The Lancet found that chlorhexidine gluconate and povidone-iodine aqueous solutions are equally effective in preventing surgical site infections in patients with open fractures. This finding has significant implications for healthcare practitioners and may reduce costs associated with accessing these antis...

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 14, 2022

Ecosystem-based fisheries management restores western Baltic fish stocks

Researchers developed the first model for the western Baltic Sea, which includes top predators, fish species, and their interactions. Ecosystem-based management increases catches of cod and herring while improving food web resilience to climate change, and potential carbon sequestration is more than three times greater.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 14, 2022

Study shows how urban environment influences physical activity in COPD patients

The study found that higher population density was associated with fewer steps taken by patients, more sedentary time, and worse exercise capacity. Longer pedestrian street lengths were associated with more steps and less sedentary time, while steeper terrain was linked to greater exercise capacity.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 14, 2022

The annihilation of exceptional points from various degeneration points was observed for the first time in the world

For the first time, scientists observed the annihilation of exceptional points from various degeneration points. The researchers used an optical resonator filled with liquid crystal to study the properties of exceptional points. They found that the position of these points can be controlled by changing the voltage applied to the cavity.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 14, 2022

Commander in the cell's production room

A research team from Würzburg has discovered a crucial mechanism in cellular growth, showing how cells regulate protein production and keep a reserve of ribosomal proteins to quickly respond to changing conditions. This finding may also shed light on the deregulation of signaling networks in different types of cancer.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2022

Researchers have determined the three-dimensional atomic structure of a protein important for organ functions

A team of researchers has determined the three-dimensional atomic structure of NKCC1, a human chloride transporter crucial for regulating ion balance in the body. The study reveals a surprising mechanism for releasing ions into cells, which could lead to novel compounds for treating kidney and brain disorders.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2022

Safety and efficacy of intraventicular immunovirotherapy with oncolytic HSV-1 for CNS cancers

Researchers developed an alternative method of immunotherapy delivery, intraventricular treatment, to administer multiple therapeutic doses in mouse models of human metastatic medulloblastoma. This approach significantly extended survival and reduced toxicity compared to direct tumor inoculation methods.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2022

The October issue of SLAS Technology highlights an experimental device for generating temperature gradients on a microtiter plate

A new experimental device has been developed to generate temperature gradients on a microtiter plate, allowing for the simultaneous testing of different temperatures. This innovation solves a common challenge in biological studies of living cells, unlocking new possibilities for studying cellular growth and development.

Researchers discover how to overcome a treatment resistance mechanism in one of the most aggressive types of breast cancer

A new therapy has been discovered to overcome treatment resistance in aggressive breast cancer by targeting fibroblasts and enhancing the immune response. The therapy, FAP-IL2v, binds to fibroblast-expressed molecules, allowing the immune system to break through the tumor's protective microenvironment and eliminate cancer cells.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 14, 2022

Prevalence of online sexual offenses against children

A national survey of 2,600 individuals found that many youth have experienced online child sexual abuse, which can be an extension of dating abuse, bullying, or harassment. The study highlights the need for professionals to understand these dynamics when planning prevention and intervention strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 14, 2022

The use of high-throughput screening and high-content screening in anti-obesity drug discovery is investigated in the October issue of SLAS discovery

Few studies utilize high-throughput screening (HTS) and high-content screening (HCS) techniques in anti-obesity drug discovery due to a lack of original data or experimental design information. This limits the development of effective pharmaceutical treatments for obesity-related diseases.

Electrically pumped quantum-dot lasers grown on 300 mm patterned Si photonic wafers

Researchers have demonstrated the first electrically pumped QD laser grown by molecular beam epitaxy in narrow oxide pockets patterned on CMOS compatible Si substrate. The devices show improved reliability and potentially exceed performance of previously demonstrated lasers.

Physicists from the University of Warsaw and the Military University of Technology have developed a new photonic system with electrically tuned topological features

Physicists have developed a new photonic system with electrically tuned topological features, constructed of perovskites and liquid crystals. The system can be used to create efficient and unconventional light sources, mimicking the spin-orbit coupling previously observed in semiconductor physics at cryogenic temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 14, 2022

New study investigates how beliefs and political affiliations shape the public’s understanding about racial inequalities

A recent study coauthored by Syracuse University researcher reveals that learning about historical events can increase beliefs in systemic racial inequality and reduce racial resentment among white Republicans. The study suggests exposure to such information can induce more nuanced thinking on contemporary racial inequalities.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalPolitics Groups and Identities·TypeSurvey·DateOct 14, 2022

Secret structure in the wiring diagram of the brain

Scientists have discovered a hidden structure in the connections between neurons in the brain, which is crucial for the stability of the neuronal network. By combining mathematical models with experimental recordings, researchers found that the relative ratios of connection strengths are more important than absolute values.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2022

“Size matters”: stronger and more ductile microlattice materials with reduced unit sizes

Researchers have developed stronger and more ductile microlattice materials by reducing unit sizes from 60 μm to 20 μm, enabling tailoring of mechanical properties. The size effect results in higher fracture strain and strength, making these materials suitable for various structural and functional applications.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateOct 14, 2022

Study sheds light on leaf traits, productivity of C4 bioenergy crops

A new study sheds light on the leaf traits and productivity of C4 bioenergy crops, revealing distinct niches in the leaf economics spectrum. The research found that miscanthus and sorghum, two C4 plant species, have higher photosynthetic rates and nitrogen use efficiency than common C3 plants.