Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for April 24, 2023


For eco-friendly ammonia, just add water

Stanford researchers develop a simple and environmentally sound method to produce ammonia by combining nitrogen from the air with tiny water droplets, requiring minimal energy and low cost. This innovative approach could revolutionize agriculture and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with current industrial methods.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2023

Study finds stool transplants more effective than antibiotics for treating recurring, life-threatening gut infections

A new Cochrane Review found that stool transplantation can increase the number of people recovering from Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection by 77%, compared to 40% with standard antibiotic treatment. The study also showed a decrease in side effects with stool transplantation.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 24, 2023

Testing antibiotic resistance with a fast, cheap, and easy method

Researchers have developed a fast, cheap, and easy method to test antibiotic resistance in bacteria, using optical nanomotion detection. The technique can determine sensitivity or resistance of bacterial cells to antibiotics in under two hours, with significant implications for clinical and research applications.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2023

A more precise model of the Earth's ionosphere

A new model of the Earth's ionosphere has been developed using neural networks, which can reconstruct the topside ionosphere with high accuracy. This improvement is crucial for satellite navigation systems, such as global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), which require precise correction of radio signals to mitigate ionospheric delays.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2023

Scientists detect seismic waves traveling through Martian core for the first time

Researchers used NASA InSight data to directly measure Mars' core properties, finding a completely liquid iron-alloy core with high percentages of sulfur and oxygen. This discovery provides new insights into Martian formation and geological differences between Earth and Mars, potentially impacting planetary habitability.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2023

Drug combination restores ability of leading treatment to signal for death of blood cancer cells

Researchers found that resistance to leukemia treatment occurs due to rapid increase in mitochondria breakdown and turnover, allowing cells to evade death signals. A new combination of chloroquine and venetoclax restores the drug's ability to kill cancer cells by targeting a specific mitochondrial process.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2023

It’s not as difficult as you think to shout upwind

A new study reveals that our perception of difficulty in shouting upwind is incorrect. It's not the wind itself that makes it hard, but rather our inability to hear ourselves due to the convective attenuation effect. The study found that sound carries better within the first 100 meters upwind, making it easier for others to hear us.

SourceAalto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 24, 2023

HKUMed finds global prevalence of H. pylori infection steadily declining over 40 years Combination of antibiotics in treating H. pylori could alter the virus community in the gut

The study found that the global prevalence of H. pylori infection declined from 58.2% in 1980-1990 to 43.1% in 2011-2022, with a decline of about 0.39-0.83% per year. Despite this decline, over 40% of the adult population still carries the infection, posing a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe Lancet·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2023

Red blood cell particles are effective drug carriers in suppressing muscle loss caused by cancer: NUS study

Researchers at NUS found that vesicles released by red blood cells can deliver RNA-based drugs to increase muscle growth and suppress cancer-associated skeletal muscle weakening. The study showed improved efficacy compared to traditional delivery methods without inducing toxicity or inflammatory reactions.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2023

Differentiation landscape of acute myeloid leukemia charted with new tool

A new method, CloneTracer, distinguishes between cancerous and healthy stem cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The study reveals two distinct stem cell compartments and shows that progenitor cells respond better to therapy. This finding paves the way for developing new techniques to predict patient response to chemotherapy.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2023

SHMFF users proposed new method for efficient biomimetic catalysts

Scientists at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science proposed a facile method to design efficient biomimetic catalysts using mechanical induced spin transition. The results show that the mixed-spin nanosheet catalyst exhibits high CO yield and selectivity, outperforming its high-spin counterpart.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 24, 2023

Multiple-model GWAS identifies optimal allelic combinations of quantitative trait loci for malic acid in tomato

A study using multiple-model GWAS identified optimal allelic combinations of quantitative trait loci for higher malic acid content in tomatoes. The researchers deciphered the polygenic architecture of malic acid content and provided new genetic insights into its evolution during breeding.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2023

Keeping a tighter rein on blood pressure in adults over 50 is desirable for brain health

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that intensive blood pressure treatment significantly reduces the risk of adverse cerebrovascular events such as stroke. Participants with hypertension who received intensive treatment showed reduced white matter lesions and improved blood flow, indicating better overall brain health.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2023

Women’s reactions to states’ breast density information varies by sociodemographic characteristics

A new study by Boston University School of Medicine found that non-Hispanic Black, Asian, and Hispanic women, as well as those with low literacy, experience increased anxiety and confusion when receiving breast density information. These groups are also less likely to feel informed about their breast cancer risk.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalWomens Health International·TypeSurvey·DateApr 24, 2023

If it pays to be a jerk, why isn’t everyone that way?

Research on 28 male chimps found that certain personality traits like dominance and low conscientiousness are linked to high rank and reproductive success. The study suggests that the best personality for males varies depending on environmental or social conditions, rather than being a fixed trait.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 24, 2023

Winter cover crops could reduce nitrogen in Illinois drainage water by 30%

A new University of Illinois study suggests that widespread planting of cereal rye could significantly reduce nitrate levels in Illinois' tile drainage water. The research found that adopting winter cover crops, such as cereal rye, can help minimize nitrogen loss and improve water quality.

Researchers team up with national lab for innovative look at copper reactions

A team of researchers at Binghamton University partnered with Brookhaven National Laboratory to investigate copper oxide peroxides and their effects on oxidation reactions. They used two spectroscopy methods to observe changes in the surface of copper oxide and found that peroxides enhance H2 oxidation but inhibit CO oxidation.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2023

Monkeys are smarter than we thought

A groundbreaking study published in Nature Neuroscience shows that monkeys can think deeply about problems, consider multiple factors, and find optimal outcomes. This discovery challenges traditional views on animal intelligence and highlights the complexity of monkey cognition.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 24, 2023

Pioneering research sheds new light on the origins and composition of planet Mars

Researchers at the University of Bristol used NASA's InSight lander data to detect seismic waves traveling into Mars' core, revealing a denser and smaller core comprising iron and numerous other elements. The study found that the core's composition is distinct from Earth's, with a high fraction of light elements alloyed with iron.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2023

Trends in the prevalence of stroke

A nationally representative sample of community-dwelling adults found that stroke prevalence remained stable overall, but increased among men. The study's estimates underestimate the total burden due to institutional settings not included in National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 24, 2023

Brian Clark selected to speak, presented discoveries at NIH workshop and in Journal of Gerontology

Researcher Brian Clark presents findings on the role of the nervous system in age-related muscle weakness, exploring potential therapeutic targets such as exercise and physical therapy. His work identifies neural mechanisms linked to low nerve cell excitability, impaired signal transmission, and reduced motor network integrity.

SourceOhio University·JournalJournal of Gerontology·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 24, 2023

Sliding out of my DMs: young social media users help train machine learning program to flag unsafe sexual conversations on Instagram

Researchers trained a machine learning program using data from over 5 million direct messages, annotated by 150 adolescents who experienced uncomfortable or unsafe conversations. The technology can quickly flag risky DMs and is intended to address rising trends of child sexual exploitation.

SourceDrexel University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 24, 2023

Massive iceberg discharges during the last ice age had no impact on nearby Greenland, raising new questions about climate dynamics

A new study from Oregon State University found that massive iceberg discharges during the last ice age triggered rapid warming in Antarctica but had no effect on temperatures in Greenland. This discovery challenges current understanding of global climate dynamics and raises more questions than answers.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2023

A twisted cell-cell adhesion molecule complex structure revealed by single-molecule fluorescence microscopy and high-speed atomic force microscopy

Researchers have elucidated the mechanism of CELSR cadherin dimerization, revealing a twisted cell-cell adhesion molecule complex structure. The extracellular domains of CELSR cadherins exhibited strand- and globule-like portions, which bound through strand-like structures in an antiparallel orientation.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2023

Understanding the long-term impact of climate change on Indian crops

A new study reveals that Indian farmers have adapted to climate change by changing management practices and using hardier crop varieties. However, the impact of climate change on crop yields varies across crops and regions, with some areas experiencing greater benefits than others.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalAgricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2023

Big Data research points out Omicron outbreak had lower mortality rates compared to previous strains of Covid-19

A Brazilian study analyzed data from over 40,000 patients admitted to ICUs and found lower mortality rates during the Omicron outbreak compared to previous strains of Covid-19. Vaccination coverage contributed to the lower mortality observed in the Omicron period, but vulnerable patients remain at risk.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalIntensive Care Medicine·DateApr 24, 2023

Electronic phase diagram established in Fe intercalated Weyl semimetal Td-MoTe2 for the first time

Researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science established the first electronic phase diagram for Fe-intercalated Weyl semimetal Td-MoTe2, exhibiting exotic electronic behaviors and magnetic states. The study enriched the physical properties of Td-MoTe2 by 3D-element intercalation.

A panoramic view on lithium-mediated electrochemical dinitrogen reduction reaction

The review summarizes the recent progress of Li-eN2 RR, covering reaction mechanisms, catalysts developed, and electrolytes involved. It highlights the challenges and possible resolving strategies in the field. The study also discusses the importance of rational design of electrocatalysts and electrolytes for efficient NH3 production.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 24, 2023

Neutralizing monoclonal antibody use and COVID-19 infection outcomes

A study of 167,000 non-hospitalized patients revealed that neutralizing monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 was associated with significant reductions in emergency department visits, hospitalization rates, and mortality. These findings suggest targeted risk stratification strategies may optimize future nMAb treatment decisions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 24, 2023

New dual mode ratio fluorescence sensing system enables rapid in situ detection of carbaryl residues

A team of researchers developed a rapid in situ detection system for carbaryl residues, enabling sensitive and immediate detection with a low detection limit of 16.3 nM. The system utilizes a combination of silicon quantum dots, gold nanoparticles, and cadmium telluride quantum dots, allowing for portable and practical field testing.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateApr 24, 2023

Problems with ‘pruning’ brain connections linked to adolescent mental health disorders

Research suggests that problems with the brain's ability to 'prune' itself of unnecessary connections may underlie a wide range of mental health disorders that begin during adolescence. Adolescents experiencing mental health problems showed similar patterns of brain activity, which were largely apparent in the frontal lobes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2023

Growing number of states provide coverage for outpatient hemodialysis for undocumented immigrants

A growing number of states have implemented policies to cover outpatient hemodialysis for undocumented immigrants with kidney failure. This expansion may be due to increased awareness of poor outcomes with emergency hemodialysis and advocacy efforts. The move towards covering dialysis in all 50 states is called for by experts, who also...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2023

Metabolism: not the limiting factor in prokaryotic endosymbiosis

Research team used genome models to test viability, persistence, and evolvability of prokaryote endosymbioses, finding that more than half were viable but often less fit and adaptable than their ancestors. The study suggests metabolic network compatibility is unlikely the limiting factor in prokaryotic endosymbiosis.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2023

Debunking false beliefs requires tackling belief systems

A new study by Dartmouth College researchers found that biased prior beliefs played a significant role in how people from both political parties updated their fraud beliefs after the 2020 U.S. presidential election. The study used a probability-based computational model to analyze survey data and found that Democrats and Republicans te...

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeSurvey·DateApr 24, 2023

Future doctors and nurses feel unprepared for disasters

A University of Gothenburg study found that future doctors and nurses in Sweden consider their disaster medicine knowledge inadequate. Students who have been conscripts or have experience in rescue services scored higher on a self-assessment questionnaire, suggesting 40 hours of education is reasonably adequate.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateApr 24, 2023

Health surveys, studies exclude trans people and gender-diverse communities, impacting health care

A new study reveals that health surveys and clinical studies often exclude transgender and gender-diverse individuals due to the way they record sex or gender. This exclusion can lead to reduced accuracy and inclusivity in study results, resulting in increased health disparities and limited access to healthcare for these communities.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2023

Better superconductors with palladium

Researchers have found a material, palladium, that is optimally suited for creating superconductors with high transition temperatures. This discovery has the potential to revolutionize electricity generation and transportation by enabling materials to conduct electricity without loss at normal room temperature and atmospheric pressure.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2023

The ABA-induced NAC transcription factor MdNAC1 interacts with a bZIP-type transcription factor to promote anthocyanin synthesis in red-fleshed apples

MdNAC1 significantly promotes anthocyanin accumulation, enhancing its transcriptional activation through interaction with MdbZIP23. ABA induction further enhances MdNAC1's ability to promote anthocyanin synthesis in red-fleshed apples.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2023

Portable electrochemical sensor designed for lead ion detection

A portable electrochemical sensor has been developed for lead ion detection using cobalt-doped Prussian blue combined with MXene material. The sensor exhibits a linear detection range of 1-200 nM, ultra-low detection limit of 0.97 nM and high accuracy in detecting lead ions in different water samples.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Electroanalytical Chemistry·DateApr 24, 2023

Fear not the deadlines, new research finds

Researchers found high sympathetic activation while working, regardless of deadlines, but factors like smartphone use and reading/writing can exacerbate this. The study revealed that researchers instinctively adjust break frequency to regulate stress, providing fresh insights into their behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Houston·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2023