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Science News for October 27, 2022


CABI-led study provides comprehensive review of devastating fall armyworm pest

The CABI-led study provides a comprehensive review of the devastating fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), highlighting its serious impact on maize and other cereal crops in Africa and parts of Asia and Australasia. The research offers recommendations for research to enhance sustainable management of FAW in invaded regions.

SourceCABI·JournalEntomologia Generalis·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 27, 2022

Overcoming resistance to colon cancer treatment

Researchers at UNIGE have discovered a way to overcome resistance to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer, using an optimized combination of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for developing targeted therapies that can effectively treat patients with low five-year survival rates.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCancers·TypeNews article·DateOct 27, 2022

Lamin c facilitates repair of damaged nuclear envelope in human and mouse cells

A team of researchers identified the precise mechanism of nuclear envelope repair, finding that lamin C, BAF, and cGAS work together to facilitate rapid repair. The study provides insights into rare genetic disorders such as laminopathies and has potential applications for understanding and treating related diseases.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

Australians clueless about their country’s most endangered species

Researchers found that 90% of surveyed individuals did not recognize six out of seven endangered species. Increasing public knowledge and recognition can boost conservation support for these vulnerable animals. The study highlights the need for targeted marketing initiatives to change people's perception of lesser-known species.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal for Nature Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2022

The virtual water impact of the US beef network

The US beef industry is found to be the least efficient at using virtual water, with a significant amount of blue water needed to produce just one ton of boneless beef. Researchers have developed a model to trace virtual water flows in beef supply chains, revealing major disconnects between consumption and production counties.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 27, 2022

Anti-cancer drugs, olaparib and adavosertib, work best when given sequentially in patients with advanced tumours driven by DNA damage response mutations: results from Phase Ib STAR clinical trial

A Phase Ib clinical trial found that sequential administration of PARP inhibitor olaparib and WEE1 inhibitor adavosertib is safe and well-tolerated, with promising signs of anti-tumor activity in patients with advanced cancers driven by DNA damage response mutations. The combination showed durable responses in patients with resistant c...

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 2022

Safe, sustainable photo-on-demand synthesis of polypeptide precursors: Promising ‘building blocks’ for new functional materials

A research group at Kobe University has successfully synthesized α-amino acid N-Carboxyanhydrides (NCAs), a crucial precursor for artificial polypeptides, using the photo-on-demand phosgenation method. This new synthesis method eliminates the use of toxic phosgene and is considered safe, inexpensive, and simple.

SourceKobe University·JournalACS Omega·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

Digital and group-based lifestyle counselling to prevent type 2 diabetes shows real-world effectiveness in Finnish health care

A one-year lifestyle intervention with a digital app and group counselling improved diet quality, reduced abdominal obesity and insulin resistance among 2907 Finnish adults at risk of type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that commitment to lifestyle counselling supports positive changes.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·DateOct 27, 2022

On the trail of missing genes and cancer clues

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered a direct link between TET protein loss of function and missing genes in embryonic stem cells, which can lead to cancer growth. The study found that TET proteins are crucial for maintaining genome stability, and their loss results in aneuploidies, a common feature of cancer cells.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

A key regulator of cell growth deciphered

A team from the University of Geneva has identified the structure of the SEA complex, a key regulator of cell growth, and how it controls the activity of the major regulator of cell growth, mTOR. The discovery provides new insights into how cells perceive nutrient levels to regulate their growth.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateOct 27, 2022

Experimental drug to treat liver cancer shows evidence of activity with manageable side effects

A new experimental drug has shown promising results in treating liver cancer, with two patients experiencing a partial response to the treatment. The drug, NMS-01940153E, targets an enzyme that plays a critical role in cell division and growth, and its side effects are manageable.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 2022

Trunk dexterity explained: Berlin scientists decipher facial motor control in elephants

Researchers from Humboldt University of Berlin and Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research examined the facial motor nucleus of African and Asian elephants. They found more facial motor neurons than any other terrestrial mammal, with African savanna elephants having up to 63,000 neurons.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

Magma on Mars likely

A recent study published in Nature suggests that Mars is still experiencing volcanic activity, with quakes originating from the Cerberus Fossae region indicating a warm source of molten lava. The seismic data also shows darker deposits of dust surrounding the area, suggesting geological evidence of more recent volcanic activity.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2022

New hybrid structures could pave the way to more stable quantum computers

Researchers at Penn State have created a two-dimensional heterostructure by combining a topological insulator with a monolayer superconductor, demonstrating topological superconductivity and Ising-type superconductivity. The hybrid structure could pave the way for more stable quantum computers and explore Majorana fermions.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

Companies’ ‘deforestation-free’ supply chain pledges have barely impacted forest clearance in the Amazon

A recent study found that companies' zero-deforestation supply chain commitments have reduced tree clearance in the Brazilian Amazon by only 1.6% between 2006 and 2015. Despite this, over 50% of soy-suitable forests in Brazil remain unprotected. Experts call for stronger regulations to effectively combat deforestation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 27, 2022

The answer to high-performance AI: in-situ photonic accelerator

A team of scientists has developed a novel photonic neural network accelerator based on a non-volatile Opto-Resistive RAM Switch, achieving programmable nonlinear activation functions. The accelerator demonstrates superior performance in MNIST handwritten digit recognition tasks, with accuracy rates up to 91.6%, reduced power consumpti...

Stem cell-derived organoids mimic human parathyroid tissue

Researchers have successfully isolated parathyroid stem cells and maintained them in lab as organoids for an extended period. These patient-derived parathyroid organoids (PTOs) closely mimic human parathyroid tissue, enabling the study of parathyroid diseases and drug development.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022

Wearable device study in 88,000 people shows the heart health benefits of more intense physical activity

A new study using wearable devices found that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity significantly reduces cardiovascular disease risk, even when total physical activity volume is increased. Increasing the proportion of intense physical activity within overall activity levels has an additional substantial benefit.

SourceUniversity Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2022

The major chord that cures nightmares

A new therapy combining Imagery Rehearsal Therapy with Targeted Memory Reactivation has been shown to significantly reduce nightmare frequency and increase positive dreams in patients. The treatment, which involves associating a major piano chord with positive scenarios, resulted in lasting benefits even three months after the experiment.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeNews article·DateOct 27, 2022

What if ceramics were ductile?

Researchers have discovered a way to create ductile ceramics that can exhibit ultimate strength of up to 11 GPa, potentially leading to improved energy efficiency and reduced material usage. However, further studies are needed to scale up the process and apply it to larger materials.

SourceTampere University·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 27, 2022

Crossword puzzles beat computer video games in slowing memory loss

A new study published in NEJM Evidence found that crossword puzzle training significantly improved cognitive function and daily activities, reducing brain shrinkage in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The findings suggest that engaging with familiar activities like crossword puzzles may be more effective than computerized co...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNEJM Evidence·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 2022

Building a 3D brain atlas

Researchers will map developing brains, identifying cell types, activities, and locations as they differentiate during development and change throughout childhood and adolescence. The project aims to learn more about normal, healthy brain development and better understand how diseases like autism, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's emerge.

High-end hotels manipulate reviews when competing with Airbnb

Researchers found high-end hotels inflate their ratings on platforms like Tripadvisor and Expedia when facing greater competition from Airbnb. The study, published in MIS Quarterly, suggests that hotels use fake positive reviews to counter negative reviews from rival hotels., Low-end hotels remain unaffected by Airbnb's presence.

SourceIowa State University·JournalMIS Quarterly·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2022

Traces of ancient ocean discovered on Mars

Researchers have found conclusive evidence of a 3.5-billion-year-old shoreline with substantial sedimentary accumulation on Mars' northern hemisphere. The discovery provides key insights into the planet's ancient climate and its evolution, as well as the potential for life.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2022

Climate change hurts crops yet boosts community spirit

Research suggests that climate change can increase trust among Vietnamese rural households, particularly during periods of poor rice yields. As temperatures rise, communities come together to help each other, leading to increased social cohesion and trust.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalPeace Economics Peace Science and Public Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 27, 2022

Unveiling the dimensionality of complex networks through hyperbolic geometry

The study infers the dimensionality of complex networks using hyperbolic geometry, which captures relational structures in real-world domains. It reveals extremely low dimensions for molecular networks and higher dimensions for social networks and the Internet, with implications for network characterization and predictive capability.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 27, 2022

Node-centric expression models (NCEMs): Graph-neural networks reveal communication between cells

Researchers developed a new method to represent cell communication using graph neural networks, which uncovers the effects of tissue niche composition on gene expression. The node-centric expression models (NCEMs) identify cell-cell dependencies and molecular processes underlying cell communication.

Microbiota-derived genotoxic metabolites discovered in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

A new study reveals that gut microbiota from patients with inflammatory bowel disease produce genotoxic metabolites called indolimines, which may contribute to the development of colorectal cancer. The study identified a previously unknown family of DNA-damaging compounds produced by the CRC-associated gut microbe Morganella morganii.

New era of two-dimensional ferroelectrics

Researchers review emerging field of 2D ferroelectric materials with layered van-der-Waals crystal structures, offering new properties and functionalities not found in conventional materials. These materials show easily stackable nature, making them attractive as building blocks for post-Moore's law electronics.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Reviews Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 27, 2022

Surface waves help map Mars interior

Scientists have detected seismic surface waves on Mars for the first time, providing new insights into the planet's crust and structure. The study estimates the average properties of the Martian crust between 3 to 18.6 miles below the surface, revealing faster seismic velocities that suggest compositional differences or reduced porosity.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 27, 2022

Discovery of endocannabinoid gene mutation leads to identification of new, rare pediatric neurological disease

Researchers identified a new clinical syndrome, Neuro-Ocular DAGLA-related Syndrome (NODRS), in children with termination variants in the diacylglycerol lipase alpha (DAGLA) gene. The study found that enzymatic activity was preserved despite mis-localization of the truncated protein.

SourceRady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine·JournalBrain·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2022

Spicing it up

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a prodrug form of curcumin called TBP1901, which has shown anti-tumor effects without causing harm. The study found that TBP1901's conversion to active curcumin is dependent on the enzyme GUSB, suggesting its potential therapeutic targets.

SourceKyoto University·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2022