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Science News for April 20, 2023


Opportunities and challenges for geological and hydrogeological work in China in the new era

China's geological and hydrogeological work is facing significant challenges, including environmental degradation and resource depletion. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to promote innovation and transformation in geological work, broaden its application, and improve the level of geological services to society.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Groundwater Science and Engineering·DateApr 20, 2023

The University of Liège and Mithra pharmaceuticals are intensifying their collaboration for the production of biosourced estetrol

The collaboration between CiTOS Lab at ULiège and Mithra Pharmaceuticals enables the development of an efficient biosourced estetrol production process. The thermolysis reaction yields a key intermediate with unprecedented productivity, allowing for several million doses to be achieved with minimal global footprint.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalReaction Chemistry & Engineering·DateApr 20, 2023

Researchers reveal early results in sky-brightness measurements in Antarctica

The researchers used the Near-Infrared Sky Brightness Monitor (NISBM) to collect data on sky brightness in Antarctica. The results show that the background intensity of the sky is not influenced by the Sun at a specific inflection point, and the NISBM detected significantly lower brightness in the Ks band compared to other locations.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 20, 2023

HKUMed established the first human respiratory organoid culture system and unveils a novel mechanism for the high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant

A research team created the first human respiratory organoid culture system, enabling scientists to study COVID-19 and its variants. The study found that the BA.5 Omicron variant exhibits dramatically increased infectivity and replicative capacity in human nasal and airway organoids.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

Surgery most effective treatment of metabolic liver disease

A new study published in The Lancet shows that metabolic surgery is more effective than medications and lifestyle interventions in treating advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The trial compared three active treatments and found that surgery reversed inflammation and improved liver fibrosis, leading to better overall health ben...

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 20, 2023

Sino-Brazilian study proves compatibility of two fundamental principles of quantum theory

A Brazilian-Chinese research team has demonstrated the coexistence of non-locality and contextuality in a quantum system. The study paves the way for new quantum information processing and communication protocols by reconciling two fundamental principles of quantum theory that were thought to be mutually exclusive.

Novel durable copper-aluminum-zinc shape memory alloys for energy-efficient refrigeration

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science created a fracture-resistant alloy through heat-treatment, exhibiting improved elastocaloric properties and resistance to cyclical loads. The Cu-Zn-Al alloy showed significant increases in grain size, leading to enhanced cooling capabilities and paving the way for innovative refrigeration systems.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Physics Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

New study finds shifting climate regions leading to hotter, drier conditions across Kenya

A new study reveals that climate zones in Kenya are shifting towards hotter and drier conditions, leading to declines in ecological diversity and threatening terrestrial ecosystems. The research highlights the urgent need for adaptation strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change on food security and ecosystem management.

SourceSaint Louis University·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 20, 2023

Chicken breeding in Japan dates back to fourth century BCE

Conclusive evidence of chicken breeding in the Yayoi period of Japan has been discovered at the Karako-Kagi site. The study found that chickens were bred in the area during the middle Yayoi period, around 381-204 BCE, providing clear evidence that breeding occurred on the Japanese archipelago.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalFrontiers in Earth Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

Common infections linked to poorer cognitive performance in middle-aged and older adults

Signs of common infections in middle-aged and older adults were associated with poorer performance on a test of global cognitive function. Elevated antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 1 or cytomegalovirus were individually linked to worse performance, with more positive tests related to multiple infections showing stronger effects.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateApr 20, 2023

Children’s language development doesn’t just happen through words

Research by Professor Mila Vulchanova reveals associations between language development and cognitive skills in children. Non-verbal tests show that severity of language difficulties can be predicted based on cognitive markers, supporting the importance of measuring both verbal and non-verbal skills.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Language & Communication Disorders·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2023

Drought thresholds that impact vegetation growth reveals the critical points for nonlinear vegetation response to soil moisture stress

Researchers identify critical drought thresholds that impact vegetation growth and nonlinear responses to soil moisture stress. The study reveals two distinct phases of vegetation response, with a well-defined threshold beyond which vegetation becomes vulnerable to drought intensification.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateApr 20, 2023

Researchers reveal a map to study novel form of cell-to-cell communication

A team of researchers has created a new map of candidate extracellular RNA binding proteins and their associated RNAs in various bodily fluids. This resource was developed using computational analyses and validated experimentally, providing a foundation for understanding exRNA biology and its potential use in liquid biopsies.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCell Genomics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 20, 2023

Fungal genetics could help develop novel biotechnologies

A new review paper highlights the potential of fungal biotechnology to advance various industries. By manipulating fungal genomes, researchers can develop bioinformatic tools and create sustainable biomaterials, such as machine learning algorithms for predicting mycological patterns or fungal batteries.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Fungal Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 20, 2023

Defying gravity

Researchers from University of Warsaw and Utrecht University observed the Brazil nut effect in a mixture of charged colloidal particles without external energy. The phenomenon involves heavier particles rising to the top due to repulsion forces, with potential applications in geology, soft matter physics, and industry.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2023

Gut bacteria could be behind weaker immune responses to COVID-19 vaccine

A study published in Communications Biology suggests that gut bacteria's digestion of fucose sugar may be behind weaker immune responses to the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Individuals with lower T-cell responses had higher expression of genes FOS and ATF3, which are part of a larger group controlling T-cell survival and activity.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2023

Study finds new pathway for clearing misfolded proteins

A new study at Stanford University found a previously unknown cellular pathway for clearing misfolded proteins from the nucleus. This pathway could be a target for therapies of age-related diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's. Cells use this pathway to manage misfolded proteins in both the cytoplasm and nucleus.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 20, 2023

New study reveals that childhood adversity is linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes as young adults

A new study found that individuals who experienced childhood adversity, such as poverty, illness, or death in the family, are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in early adulthood. The study, conducted on a large population-based cohort, reveals that these adverse experiences can lead to increased inflammation, insulin resist...

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateApr 20, 2023

Swedish quantum computer applied to chemistry for the first time

Researchers at Chalmers University have successfully used a quantum computer to calculate the intrinsic energy of small molecules, demonstrating a new method called Reference-State Error Mitigation. This breakthrough has the potential to advance the boundaries of chemical calculations and simulate complex chemical processes.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of Chemical Theory and Computation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 20, 2023

Research of National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station on Efficient Water Use of Oasis Agriculture shows it is possible to get bigger and sweeter tomatoes in Northwest China under changing climate under reduced nitrogen and water input

A novel model, TGFS, simulates the response of fruit growth and quality to environmental factors and cultivation practices. The study found that reducing nitrogen and water input can increase tomato fresh weight by 27.8-36.4% while increasing soluble sugar concentration up to 10%. This provides a promising tool for optimizing N and wat...

COVID-19 pandemic saw major increase in children and adolescents attempting suicide by poison, study finds

The rate of suspected suicide attempts by poisoning among children and adolescents ages 10-19 increased 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to 2019. The most common substances involved were acetaminophen and ibuprofen, highlighting the need for comprehensive approach to suicide prevention.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalMMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report·DateApr 20, 2023

A gene involved in Down syndrome puts the brakes on neurons' activity in mice, new study shows

A study by researchers at the University of Michigan found that an extra copy of the DSCAM gene in mice with Down syndrome causes improper neuron development and excessive inhibition. This discovery suggests modulation of DSCAM expression levels could be a viable therapeutic strategy for repairing synaptic deficits seen in Down syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 20, 2023

Music for sleeping and music for studying share surprising similarities, study finds

A recent study from Aarhus University found that music used for studying and sleeping share similar characteristics, such as slow tempo and repetitive patterns. The study suggests that these similarities can be attributed to the calming effects of the music on the brain, creating a conducive environment for both tasks.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 20, 2023

Economic growth alone is not enough to eliminate rabies

A new study finds that economic growth is insufficient to eliminate dog-mediated rabies, highlighting the need for targeted interventions such as improved pet ownership and education in vulnerable communities. The research uses data from over 100 countries to show a strong association between poverty and higher death rates from rabies.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateApr 20, 2023

Cannabinoids give worms the munchies, too

A new study on nematode worms reveals that they react to cannabinoids in the same way as humans, increasing hunger for favorite foods and decreasing hunger for non-favored foods. The discovery emphasizes the commonality of cannabinoid effects across species.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

Water arsenic including in public water is linked to higher urinary arsenic totals among the U.S. population

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health finds that water arsenic levels are associated with higher urinary arsenic among the U.S. population, especially in public water supplies in the West and South regions. The researchers found that private well users and those in public water systems have higher urinary a...

Two qudits fully entangled

The team successfully entangled two qudits with unprecedented performance, enabling faster and more robust quantum computing. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in fields like chemistry and physics.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

University of Cincinnati research examines the impact of maternal stress during pregnancy on child’s health

The study found associations between prenatal maternal stress life events and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. DNA methylation likely plays a role in these associations. The research provides new insights into how the fetal environment influences neurodevelopment, metabolism and immunologic functions.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 20, 2023

Why are networks stable?

Bar-Ilan University researchers found that large and heterogeneous complex networks exhibit enhanced stability due to non-random patterns of interaction, contradicting Sir Robert May's original prediction. This discovery offers new guidelines for designing stable infrastructure networks and protecting fragile ecosystems.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 20, 2023

Creation of thinnest freestanding film with ferroelectric properties ever opens the door to smaller, more efficient devices

Researchers at Nagoya University have successfully synthesized barium titanate nanosheets with a thickness of 1.8 nanometers, the thinnest freestanding film ever created with ferroelectric properties. This achievement paves the way for the development of smaller and more efficient devices such as memories and capacitors.

SourceNagoya University·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·DateApr 20, 2023

Fat quantum cats

Scientists at ETH Zurich have successfully created a substantially heavier Schrödinger cat by putting a small crystal into a superposition of two oscillation states. The resulting 'cat' weighs around 16 micrograms, making it the fattest quantum cat to date.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

Built to bounce back

Researchers at Arizona State University have designed a drone with an inflatable frame that can absorb impact forces and provide collision resilience. The drone's stiffness is tunable, allowing it to physically interact with its surroundings and accomplish tasks like perching, which involves controlled collisions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalSoft Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

Mapping floods of the future reveals communities at risk due to climate change

A study reveals that climate change will lead to increased flood risks globally, with 1.86 billion people living in areas prone to extreme flooding. The research team developed a new approach to create high-resolution future flood hazard maps using climate change simulations and compared the results with historical maps.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·DateApr 20, 2023

Punctuation in literature of major languages is intriguingly mathematical

Researchers found that punctuation marks follow a Weibull distribution across seven Western languages, with some differences between languages but no exceptions. The study also revealed the English language to be the least punctuated, while Slavic languages relied on punctuation most.

UHN Researchers publish ground breaking clinical trial in lung transplantation

A study of 70 patients found that donor lungs remained healthy and viable for transplant up to four times longer when stored at 10 degrees Celsius compared to the current standard. This breakthrough could increase donor organs and change practice worldwide, reducing hospital resources and improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalNEJM Evidence·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 20, 2023

Highly sensitive and self-healing conductive hydrogels fabricated from cationic cellulose nanofiber-dispersed liquid metal for strain sensors

The study developed conductive hydrogels with high sensing performance, excellent stretchability, and tensile strength, thanks to the use of cationic cellulose nanofiber-dispersed liquid metal. The hydrogels demonstrated a very high sensing sensitivity and good repeatability and durability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateApr 20, 2023

Brain diseases are better classified using analysis of gene activity

Researchers at McGill University found that analyzing gene activity can classify brain diseases into five primary groups, improving diagnosis accuracy. The study identified previously unknown relationships among diseases, such as language development disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder, which share common genes and cell types.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2023

Versatile, high-speed, and efficient crystal actuation with photothermally resonated natural vibrations

A team of scientists from Waseda University and Tokyo Institute of Technology have successfully demonstrated large-angle photothermally resonated high-speed bending induced by pulsed UV irradiation. They used 2,4-dinitroanisole β-phase crystals to achieve a fast natural vibration at 390 Hz with a large photothermal bending angle.

SourceWaseda University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

USTC realizes light-driven programmable colloidal self-assembly

The USTC team has successfully developed a light-driven, programmable system for colloidal self-assembly. Through the cooperative reorganization of nanomotors, they can transport and reconfigure colloidal assemblies in various ways. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for designing micromachines and smart materials.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2023

Even worms get the munchies

A study by University of Oregon researchers found that worms become even more attracted to high-quality food when exposed to anandamide, a molecule in marijuana. This phenomenon is similar to human 'hedonic feeding' behavior, where people crave certain foods after consuming cannabis.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 20, 2023

HKU biologists reveal a molecular scissor that cuts chromatin bridge and prevents DNA damages and autoimmunity

A research team led by Dr Gary Ying Wai Chan reveals the function of enzyme ANKLE1 in cutting chromatin bridges, preventing DNA damages and autoimmunity. This discovery has significant implications for understanding immune responses and developing new strategies to prevent diseases such as cancer and autoinflammatory disorders.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

How bee-friendly is the forest?

Researchers found that honeybees use forests less than expected, with colonies traveling long distances to find food due to limited tree species diversity. A more diverse forest with insect-pollinated trees and shrubs can provide a balanced food supply throughout the season.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateApr 20, 2023

New lung immuno-oncology therapeutic strategy identified

Researchers at Mount Sinai have discovered a new therapeutic approach to treating non-small-cell lung cancer by inhibiting immune system molecule TREM2 and enhancing natural killer cells. The strategy, which involves blocking TREM2 activity using an antibody, has been shown to significantly reduce lung tumor growth in mice.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

Ultra-miniaturized non-classical light sources for quantum devices

The researchers developed a method to create ultracompact photonic crystal cavities that can generate entangled photons. The discovery is crucial for the development of quantum computing and sensing applications. By controlling the cavity's properties, they can efficiently convert pump power into coherent light.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics·TypeNews article·DateApr 20, 2023

African penguins: climate refugees from a distant past?

The study reveals that the African penguin's geographical range has shrunk significantly over the past 22,000 years due to rising sea levels, leaving only a few small islands as suitable nesting habitats. This decline has been exacerbated by human pressures such as climate change, habitat destruction, and competition for food.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAfrican Journal of Marine Science·DateApr 20, 2023