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Science News Archive 2023 - Page 33


Page 33 of 444

A new bacterial species from a hydrothermal vent throws light on their evolution

A new bacterial species, Hydrogenimonas cancrithermarum, discovered at a deep-sea hydrothermal vent site provides insights into bacterial evolution. The strain represents the first mesophilic sulfur-oxidizing bacterium in its genus, expanding physiological and metabolic characteristics.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

Revisiting gene dosage

A study by Max Planck researchers has discovered an epigenetic regulator MSL2 that ensures the expression of both alleles of haploinsufficient genes, crucial for human health. This mechanism allows for tissue- and cell-type specificity in gene dosage, opening new directions for understanding diseases and developing potential treatments.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

Nature's palette reinvented: new fermentation breakthrough in sustainable food coloring

Researchers at DTU Biosustain develop innovative fermentation process to produce natural betalain-type food colors, reducing waste and environmental impact. The new technology can satisfy global demand with just one-tenth of the equivalent land area, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional extraction methods.

The role of marketing in disrupted health care markets: It’s time to move beyond conventional strategies to account for new actors, roles, and exchanges

Disrupted health care markets have changed the creation, provision, and consumption of health care. Marketing strategies need to account for new producers, providers, and consumers. The editorial calls for a research agenda outlining opportunities for marketing scholars to examine the impact of disrupted exchanges on consumer welfare.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 29, 2023

The chip that makes calculations with light

Scientists at Politecnico di Milano have created photonic chips that can mathematically calculate the ideal shape of light to pass through any environment, increasing transmission capacity. The devices generate multiple overlapping beams with unique shapes, reducing interference and enabling high-bandwidth data transfer

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

Researchers discover new classes of RNA for learning and memory

Researchers from the University of Queensland have identified a noncoding RNA called Gas5 that coordinates neuronal excitability in real time, contributing to learning and memory. The study found that this RNA is uniquely required for fear extinction memory, a type of critical input processing that leads to the formation of memory.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

Breakthrough study shows exercise improves cognitive health for people with Down syndrome

A breakthrough study found that light exercise can improve cognitive health in adults with Down syndrome, leading to improved information processing and attention. After just eight weeks of walking, participants showed significant increases in physical fitness and reductions in errors during cognitive assessments.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 29, 2023

Protection of highly threatened sharks and rays inadequate

A new study by the University of Zurich found that global shark and ray protection is inadequate, with crucial species playing vital ecological roles in maintaining biodiversity. The research identified 18 unique functional diversity hotspots concentrated along continental shelves and oceanic islands.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 29, 2023

The venom preceded the stinger: Genomic studies shed light on the origins of bee venom

Researchers examined venom genes in bees and other hymenopteran taxa using comparative genomics. They found that 12 'families' of peptides and proteins were present in all analyzed hymenopterans, indicating a common ancestor possessed these genes. This suggests that Hymenoptera insects are venomous as an entire group.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalBMC Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

Applications of macrocyclic molecules in cancer therapy: Target cancer development or overcome drug resistance

Researchers have identified macrocyclic compounds as a potential solution for targeting proteins critical to tumorigenesis, blocking nearly 80% of cancer's signature characteristic events. Additionally, these small compact molecules can effectively overcome drug resistance by binding to mutant proteins and inhibiting their activities.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMedComm – Oncology·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 29, 2023

Brittle stars can learn just fine -- even without a brain

Researchers found that brittle stars, brainless marine creatures, can associate darkness with food and react accordingly, demonstrating classical conditioning. They retained this association even after a break from training, suggesting potential learning capabilities in these animals.

SourceDuke University·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

Greener solution powers new method for lithium-ion battery recycling

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new, efficient, and environmentally-friendly solution for lithium-ion battery recycling using organic citric acid. This approach recovers critical metals like cobalt and lithium, reduces pollution and reliance on foreign sources, and eliminates the need for hazardous chemicals.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

Variety is key

A University of Bonn study found that nearly half of the world is suitable for diversified farming for sustainable intensification. The study suggests that regions with developed infrastructure near urban centers are particularly promising for profitable diversified farming practices.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateNov 29, 2023

Quantum tool opens door to uncharted phenomena

Researchers at the University of Innsbruck have developed a new approach to study entanglement in quantum materials. By using a quantum simulator with 51 particles, they were able to extract information about the existing entanglement with drastically fewer measurements than previously thought possible.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

To build better tuberculosis vaccines, Saint Louis University researchers develop a new model by leveraging an old vaccine

Researchers tested the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine in healthy adults to gather data about TB immune responses. The study found associations between BCG and gene expression changes in blood, providing insights into optimal protection against TB.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 29, 2023

Being prepared for storm surges on the Baltic Sea coast

Researchers at Kiel University modelled various storm surge and sea level rise scenarios to assess the effectiveness of dike lines and managed realignment. They found that current defence lines are insufficient to withstand sea level rise, but managed realignment could provide greater protection when combined with raising existing dikes.

SourceKiel University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 29, 2023

Social media posts that promote tobacco are increasing, AI detection technology finds

A study led by Keck School of Medicine of USC used AI detection technology to analyze influencer content on TikTok between 2019 and 2022, finding an increase in posts that promote e-cigarettes. The prevalence of pod devices, e-juice flavor names, and nicotine warning labels increased significantly over time.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 29, 2023