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Science News for September 26, 2022


Immune cells more susceptible to being suppressed allow acceptance of transplanted organs

In a new study, researchers found that immune T cells lacking the key transcription factor Satb1 are more susceptible to suppression by regulatory T cells, leading to transplant tolerance. The study provides insight into the mechanism behind transplantation tolerance and may lead to the development of new immunosuppression regimens.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

Long-term memories a matter of order—not just repetition

A study by neuroscientists at New York University reveals that the brain's machinery interacts in nuanced ways to form long-term memories. The researchers found that neurons can sense not only repetition but also the order of repeated experiences, allowing them to discriminate between different patterns and build memories.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

Low-carb vegan diet shows similar health benefits to vegetarian diet, study shows

A new study from St. Michael's Hospital found that a low-carb vegan diet has the same health effects as a vegetarian diet, but at a much lower cost to the environment. The researchers also discovered that the lower carbon emission value of the vegan diet was associated with a larger reduction in blood cholesterol.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 26, 2022

Correcting peers is key in small-group learning

New research from the University of Georgia suggests that students who understand their strengths and weaknesses and are willing to ask for clarification and correct misinformation in small groups are more successful. The study identified seven types of metacognitive statements or questions associated with higher-quality reasoning.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalCBE—Life Sciences Education·DateSep 26, 2022

New study adds to evidence on best CVAD securement methodology

Researchers found that subcutaneous anchor securement systems significantly reduced catheter migration (1.76%) compared to other methods (4.17%, 6.77%, and 9.69%). The study adds to the evidence supporting the use of SecurAcath, which has been shown to reduce bloodstream infections and prolong catheter lifespan.

SourceDowling & Dennis PR·JournalJournal of the Association for Vascular Access·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 26, 2022

Remdesivir-resistant version of COVID-19 detected in organ transplant recipients

A new study identified a remdesivir-resistant version of COVID-19 in two kidney transplant patients treated with immunosuppressive drugs. The virus developed the V7921 gene mutation, which allows it to resist antiviral therapy, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and potential development of additional treatments.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·TypeCase study·DateSep 26, 2022

Don’t use drugs and ride: Hospitals treat thousands of drug-related bike injuries each year

A recent study found that over 11,000 people treated in US emergency departments for drug-related bike injuries were men, with methamphetamine being the most common substance involved. The study highlights the need for further research and interventions to prevent these incidents.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2022

The neural cartography of smell

A study published in Cell reveals that the shape of receptor proteins determines axon targeting precision in mice, helping explain how olfactory neurons send signals to specific glomeruli. This discovery could lead to early detection of olfactory deficits and understanding of brain function.

SourceColumbia University·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

Diabetes self-care reached by 32% who built trust with community health workers, study finds

A study found that building trust with community health workers (promotores) can lead to long-term self-care in type 2 diabetes patients. 32.4% of participants achieved 'self-care generativity,' while 40.5% progressed to 'stabilization.' The model, called Nosotros, could be replicated to improve chronic disease management.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2022

Magnetic field helps thick battery electrodes tackle electric vehicle challenges

Researchers at UT Austin fabricated a new type of electrode using magnets to create vertical alignment, enabling faster charging and potentially doubling range on single charge. The vertically assembled nanosheet networks show superior electrochemical performance due to high mechanical strength and electrical conductivity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2022

Researchers identify potential therapeutic targets to prevent hearing loss caused by antibiotics

Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have identified the autophagy pathway in hair cells linked to permanent hearing loss caused by aminoglycosides. The study developed laboratory models with reduced RIPOR2 expression, which did not exhibit hair cell death or hearing loss when treated with antibiotics.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateSep 26, 2022

Inside the brains of procrastinators

A recent study from the Paris Brain Institute has identified a region of the brain where the decision to procrastinate is made: the anterior cingulate cortex. The researchers developed an algorithm to predict participants' tendency to procrastinate, suggesting that procrastination is related to the impact of deadlines on task evaluation.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 26, 2022

Professor Jong-Sung Yu’s research team at DGIST discovered a turning point in the lithium-sulfur battery field, enabling the development of new next-generation battery technologies with high energy and long lifespan.

The research team created a new porous silica/sulfur interlayer that achieves higher long-term stability than conventional materials, enabling more efficient lithium-sulfur batteries. By loading sulfur in the intermediate layer, they increased capacity per cell area and improved battery performance.

More than a gut feeling

Research reveals that gut flow velocity directly affects nutrient absorption and bacterial levels, with optimal conditions for each. The study suggests the gut adjusts its flow speed to regulate these processes in response to meal intake or fasting, potentially preventing diseases such as chronic fatigue and poor nutrient absorption.

Not Just for the Gods

A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers Anabel Ford and Mattanjah de Vries reveals that cacao was accessible to the general populace and used in celebrations at all levels of ancient Maya society. The analysis of 54 archaeological ceramic sherds from El Pilar, Belize, found evidence of cacao residues in all vessel types, including ...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2022

Colonoscopies in FIT-positive persons requires much higher ADR than primary colonoscopy

A cohort study found that endoscopists performing colonoscopies in FIT-based screening programs should aim for markedly higher ADRs compared to primary colonoscopy screening. The study suggests that high ADRs are associated with lower colorectal cancer incidence and mortality. Researchers recommend using ADR targets, including differen...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2022

A study from the University of Exeter reveals a master regulator controlling fungal infection of wheat

The University of Exeter team identified a 'master regulator' that controls the formation of invasive hyphae in the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici. This discovery provides a crucial target for developing new control strategies against Septoria tritici blotch, a destructive fungal disease affecting wheat yields worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

Tiny animal hairs could act as sensitive compass needles

Research by Kirill Kavokin found that around 100 hair cells in an animal's inner ear can act as effective biological compass needles, allowing them to detect the magnetic field. This discovery could bring biologists closer to understanding the origins of magnetoreception and identifying mechanisms responsible.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Special Topics·DateSep 26, 2022

Genetic defects lead to enamel malformations

A study conducted at the University of Zurich has identified a key gene network responsible for severe tooth enamel defects. The researchers found that mutations in the Adam10 molecule lead to disorganization of ameloblasts and severe defects in both structure and mineral composition of enamel.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

Artificial intelligence reduces a 100,000-equation quantum physics problem to only four equations

Physicists used machine learning to compress a complex quantum problem into four equations, capturing the physics of electrons on a lattice with high accuracy. The approach could revolutionize how scientists investigate systems containing many interacting electrons and potentially aid in designing materials with sought-after properties.

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 26, 2022

‘Placenta-on-a-chip’ mimics malaria-infected nutrient exchange between mother-fetus

Researchers developed a novel 3D microfluidic device to study complicated processes within the placenta, including placental malaria. The model demonstrates that CSA-binding infected erythrocytes add resistance to the simulated placental barrier for glucose perfusion and decrease glucose transfer across this barrier.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 26, 2022

Study finds all African carnivores at risk for range loss

A new study led by Yale University's Nyeema C. Harris found that 91 African carnivore species have some portion of their range at risk of contraction, with an average of 15% of ranges threatened. The research introduced a novel approach to assessing threats and assets across species ranges.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2022

Plastics of the future will live many past lives, thanks to chemical recycling

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a method to break down durable plastics into their most basic building blocks and reform them into the same material. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of new technologies, new materials, and enable the circular production of more plastic materials in daily life.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Chemistry·DateSep 26, 2022

Game-changing new theory upends what we know about how charged macromolecules self-assemble

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst discovered that uniformly charged macromolecules can self-assemble into large structures through dipole-dipole interactions. This finding highlights the importance of dipoles in biological assembly processes and offers new insights into life's fundamental mysteries.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2022

Emergence of a game changer in the field of medical microrobots

Researchers at DGIST have developed a mass production method for biodegradable microrobots that can disappear into the body after delivering cells and drugs. The microrobots were created using a high-speed manufacturing method and were able to move to a desired location by controlling an external magnetic field. The stem cell carrying ...

Study finds tactile impressions add product value

A study conducted by researchers at Hiroshima University found that smartphone users are willing to pay a premium for different surface textures on their phone covers. The study's findings suggest that the commercial viability of surface texture has not been empirically examined, but could be an important aspect of product design.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalIEEE Access·DateSep 26, 2022

New research provides employment figures of kidney transplant recipients

A recent study in the Netherlands provides an estimate of the proportion of working-aged kidney transplant recipients who are employed and identifies characteristics associated with lower work functioning. Despite side effects of immunosuppressive therapy and fatigue, stable kidney transplant recipients often function well at work.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 26, 2022

Tiny sea creature’s genes shed light on evolution of immunity

Researchers have identified a complex of proteins in a tiny marine invertebrate that share similarities with the human immune system, suggesting an earlier origin for the building blocks of our immune system. The study could ultimately guide the development of new immunotherapies and improve understanding of transplant rejection.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2022

Diagnosis of a genetic cause in hundreds of people with motor neuron disease could be missed due to “arbitrary age limits and rules” on genetic testing new study shows

A new study found that arbitrary age limits and rules on genetic testing for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) could be missed, leading to thousands of potential cases going undetected. The researchers argue that genetic testing should be open to all patients with ALS, regardless of age or family history.

SourceKing's College London·JournalBrain·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2022

Carbon-neutralizing propylene production catalyzes change in petrochemical engineering

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new catalyst that uses carbon dioxide to produce propylene more efficiently than existing methods. The catalyst also captures and converts carbon dioxide into useful resources. This breakthrough contributes to the carbon neutralization of the petrochemical industry.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

New understanding of the inner world of lysosomes

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified a protein called Spns1 that transports broken-down phospholipids out of lysosomes and into the cytoplasm, where they can be recycled. This finding further understanding of the role of lysosomes in lipid metabolism and disease, particularly in rare genetic disorders.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2022

In pursuit of better batteries

A team of University of Missouri researchers is working to understand why solid-state lithium-ion batteries struggle with performance issues. They will use a specialized electron microscope and thin film polymer coatings to study the interface between the battery cathode and electrolyte, with the goal of developing an engineered interf...

Fermi’s ground-breaking figure

Fermi's simple sketch of a radial wave function led to the development of the pseudopotential concept, widely used in ultracold atom research and quantum computer studies. Gould explains how Fermi's intuition applied concepts to seemingly unrelated areas.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateSep 26, 2022

Fecal transplantation: an effective remedy for life-threatening intestinal infections

A new study conducted by researchers from Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital shows that fecal transplantation is an effective cure for life-threatening intestinal infections, with a cure rate of over 90%. The treatment was found to be far superior to the standard treatment, which typically consists of antibiotics.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 26, 2022

Study finds increased risk of cancer in children to mothers with epilepsy using high-dose folic acid during pregnancy

A new study has found a potential link between high-dose folic acid use in pregnant women with epilepsy and an increased risk of childhood cancer. The research, published in JAMA Neurology, suggests that children born to mothers who took high-dose folic acid supplements during pregnancy may be at higher risk of developing cancer.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateSep 26, 2022

Screening for pregnancy anxiety in the first and third trimesters can help reduce early births

A new UCLA study has found that anxiety specific to pregnancy and childbirth is associated with shorter gestation times and earlier births. Screening for depression in pregnancy and postpartum is now common, but adding an evaluation for anxiety could identify women who need interventions for healthier pregnancies and babies.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalHealth Psychology·DateSep 26, 2022

What besides redox conditions? Impact of sea-level fluctuations on redox-sensitive trace-element enrichment patterns in marine sediments

This study found that sea-level fluctuations, rather than redox conditions, drive the enrichment of redox-sensitive trace elements in marine sediments. Sediment Mo and U concentrations are coupled with glacio-eustatic fluctuation, revealing a complex relationship between benthic redox history and seawater circulation model.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateSep 26, 2022

Collaborative home-based palliative care model helps people die at home rather than hospital

A collaborative home-based palliative care model has been shown to improve health care outcomes for adults with chronic heart failure. The study found that patients who received this care were less likely to die in the hospital and more likely to die at home compared to those who received usual care.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2022

Life’s stresses can make people focus more on their romantic partner’s negative behavior

A new study found that individuals experiencing stressful life events are more likely to notice their spouse's negative behavior, such as breaking promises or showing anger. This shift in focus can have a toll on the relationship, even during the 'honeymoon' phase.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

Improving workplace injury compensation requires input from vulnerable workers

A new study found that vulnerable workers react to unfair claims processes with confusion, anger, and disappointment, highlighting the need for improved communication and support. The research aims to inform worker compensation systems and policymakers to address procedural unfairness and promote better outcomes for injured workers.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Occupational Rehabilitation·DateSep 26, 2022

Dozens of newly discovered gravitational lenses could reveal ancient galaxies and the nature of dark matter

Scientists have confirmed 68 strong gravitational lenses, transforming our understanding of galaxy evolution and dark matter. The discovery uses machine learning algorithms to identify thousands of potential lenses, opening a new window into studying mass distribution in distant galaxies.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2022

What keeps plant roots growing toward gravity? Study identifies four genes

Researchers have identified four genes in corn and Arabidopsis that regulate root growth in response to gravity, a trait essential for drought tolerance and efficient water use. The study's approach, leveraging genomic comparisons between distantly related species, has the potential to be applied to other traits.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2022

Study of veterans finds post-traumatic stress disorder and conditions such as substance misuse, are associated with a cellular marker for early death

A new study finds that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and externalizing psychiatric disorders, such as substance use disorders, are associated with a higher risk of premature death. The researchers discovered that a cellular marker called GrimAge, measured through DNA methylation patterns, is linked to adverse clinical outcomes ...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2022