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Science News for April 4, 2023


The first map of the Microverse

A German-Dutch research team has created the first map of the Microverse, redefining microbial niches. Generalists, which can cope with a wide range of conditions, dominate most habitats, while specialists have more specific environments and smaller genomes.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 4, 2023

Ethics & Human Research, March–April 2023 Issue

The article discusses concerns about the integrity of research and the well-being of participants due to financial conflicts of interest. The authors argue that disclosing these conflicts to potential participants may not achieve their intended moral goals, highlighting the need for improved policies.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalEthics & Human Research·TypeSurvey·DateApr 4, 2023

A herbal compound to fight autoimmunity

A team from Osaka University discovered that celastrol blocks the progression of rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting a protein complex that promotes autoimmune responses. The researchers found that celestrol binds to COMMD3 covalently, preventing the formation of the COMMD3/8 complex and impairing antibody production.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

Bacterial signaling across biofilm affected by surface structure

The study found that antibiotics slow down biofilm growth and QS molecule production across both strains, with surface type having a significant effect on the non-mucoid strain. The patterned structure was associated with longer latencies before expression of QS molecules were at their peak.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

Absolute zero in the quantum computer

Researchers at TU Wien develop a quantum version of the third law of thermodynamics, finding that absolute zero is theoretically attainable but requires infinite energy, time, or complexity. This breakthrough reconciles quantum physics with thermodynamics, paving the way for the development of practical quantum computers.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPRX Quantum·DateApr 4, 2023

Study shows link between wealth, health differs across race in young adulthood

A new study from the University of Kansas reveals significant racial wealth gaps and disparities in health outcomes among young adults. The study found that white and Hispanic individuals with higher wealth had better health outcomes, but Black respondents showed a more nuanced relationship between wealth and health. Policymakers argue...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalSSM - Population Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 4, 2023

Genome-wide CRISPR screens identify PARP inhibitor sensitivity and resistance in prostate cancer

A recent study identified novel genes that influence PARP inhibitor response in prostate cancer, including MMS22L and RNASEH2B. The research found that loss of CHEK2, a previously approved biomarker, confers resistance to PARP inhibition, highlighting the need for comprehensive genomic analysis to improve treatment decisions.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

International panel led by RCSI Professor classifies immunotherapy side effects for the first time

An international panel of experts has developed standardized definitions for immunotherapy side effects, providing a shared vocabulary for clinicians to standardize clinical practice guidelines. This will help support clinicians in offering the best treatment to patients and enable research into biomarkers predicting adverse effects.

SourceRCSI·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateApr 4, 2023

A study by UPF’s BCN MedTech defines a new model for identifying the causes of osteoarthritis in each patient, the basis for personalizing future treatments

A recent study by UPF's BCN MedTech defines a computational model that simulates protein interactions to pinpoint osteoarthritis causes in each patient. This model enables personalized and efficient treatments, which are currently challenging due to the disease's multifactorial origin.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 4, 2023

A cold-specialized icefish species underwent major genetic changes as it migrated to temperate waters, new study finds

A recent study on the pike icefish revealed significant genetic changes as it migrated from Antarctic to temperate waters. The researchers found divergent genes associated with the physiology that needed to change in response to the new environment, including mutations in the antifreeze glycoprotein gene.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

Emissions of banned ozone-destroying chemicals increasing

The study found that emissions of five CFCs increased after the production for most uses was phased out in 2010, reaching record-high abundance in 2020. The researchers warned that these emissions could contribute substantially to global warming and negate some benefits gained under the Montreal Protocol.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 4, 2023

Sailing cargo ships can benefit from new aerodynamic tech

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a unique method to reduce ship aerodynamic drag, which could lead to significant energy efficiency gains and reduced fuel consumption. The method uses the Coanda effect to create a more efficient airflow around the ship's superstructure, reducing drag by 7.5%.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 4, 2023

Why do females prefer ornate male signals?

A team of researchers at Eötvös Loránd University developed a general formula to calculate honest equilibrium in any model, independent of signal costs. Their results reveal that honesty does not require signal costs to be paid in equilibrium, and that the cost is borne by cheaters, not honest individuals.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalBMC Biology·DateApr 4, 2023

How an autism gene contributes to infertility

A UC Riverside study identifies how a Fragile X gene mutation contributes to premature ovarian failure, leading to early infertility. Researchers found that the mutation affects neurons regulating reproduction in the brain and ovaries, causing an increase in hormone production and faster secretion rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

Tumor avatars to fight colorectal cancer

A UNIGE team created customizable treatments by testing drugs on artificial tumors derived from patients' cancer tissue. The approach opens the way for optimized and tailored therapies against various cancers and diseases.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research·TypeNews article·DateApr 4, 2023

New study in JNCCN identifies approach for improving end-of-life conversations for people with cancer

A new study published in JNCCN identifies a targeted approach to improve end-of-life conversations for people with cancer. Researchers found that specially trained oncology infusion room nurses can increase the rate of advance care planning, leading to more supported decision-making.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 4, 2023

Brain injury toolkit helps support domestic violence survivors

A new approach to trauma-informed care, CARE, has been found to improve support organizations' care for survivors by better recognizing brain injury and addressing its often long-lasting repercussions. The toolkit helps staff proactively recognize these injuries and provides information about head trauma, strangulation, and mental heal...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateApr 4, 2023

Communication may guide family members’ decisions after sudden cardiac death

A new study finds that clear and accurate information about the cause of death, provided in multiple formats, can influence family members' decisions to seek follow-up screening for inherited heart conditions. The study suggests that communication from death investigators and health care professionals is crucial in addressing families'...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateApr 4, 2023

Shining a light on helical polymers

Scientists at CiQUS have developed a methodology to quantify the folding degree of helical polymers, identifying the direction of helix rotation and its impact on structure-function relationship. The innovative approach allows for the estimation of folding degree and potential improvements in polymer performance.

SourceCenter for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

ChatGPT helpful for breast cancer screening advice with certain caveats, new study finds

A new study by the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that ChatGPT provides correct information on breast cancer screening for most questions. However, inconsistencies and outdated information were detected in some responses. The researchers recommend relying on doctors for advice due to the limitations of ChatGPT.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalRadiology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

Penn Medicine researchers develop model to predict cardiovascular risk among chronic kidney disease patients

A new proteomic risk model developed by Penn Medicine researchers is more accurate than existing clinical models for predicting cardiovascular risk among chronic kidney disease patients. The model uses nearly 5,000 proteins and identified specific proteins that can help identify individuals at high risk of future cardiovascular events.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateApr 4, 2023

The past and future of gender research in marketing – and its relevance to contemporary societies

A new study examines how socialization impacts gender-based research in marketing, finding that most studies focus on differences between men and women, with few exploring social construction of gender experiences and identities. Researchers recommend more diverse and inclusive methods to reflect current gender expressions.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateApr 4, 2023

New insights into engineering climate smart crops for the future

A new study has made significant advances in understanding the underlying reasons behind crop yields, paving the way for engineering smarter plants to improve their productivity. Researchers have identified key elements that enable C4 photosynthesis, a process that allows certain crops to thrive in hot and dry environments.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

Forsyth microbiologists discover a regulatory mechanism that keeps cancer-causing bacteria in check

Researchers at the Forsyth Institute have discovered a molecule naturally produced by the human host that targets and inhibits Fusobacteria, an opportunistic oral pathogen linked to colorectal cancer. The findings suggest a chemically modified version of this molecule could be used as a potential therapeutic to prevent colorectal cance...

SourceForsyth Institute·JournalThe ISME Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

NIH study finds that immunotherapy substantially increases survival of people with lymphomatoid granulomatosis

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have found that immunotherapy can prevent the progression of low-grade lymphomatoid granulomatosis to high-grade disease. The treatment significantly improves survival rates for patients with the rare precancerous condition, with a median overall survival of over 20 years.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 4, 2023

The ice in Antarctica has melted before

Recent research by Norwegian University of Science and Technology revealed that East Antarctica's ice sheet melted rapidly along its margins between 9,000 to 5,000 years ago. The study suggests that the less stable, rapidly flowing parts of the ice sheet were broken up more easily, leading to the ice sheet becoming much thinner within ...

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2023

FAU developed AUTOHOLO shows potential as red tide warning system

Researchers have developed a novel autonomous, submersible, 3D holographic microscope and imaging system to study marine particles and plankton in their natural environment. The AUTOHOLO system achieved 90% accuracy in detecting red tide blooms at varying concentrations, enabling near real-time monitoring and tracking of bloom phases.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalHarmful Algae·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

Students use machine learning in lesson designed to reveal issues, promise of A.I.

In a new study, NC State University researchers had high school students develop their own machine-learning AI models to analyze data. The project aimed to prepare students for the future workforce and help them understand the potential and challenges of AI. Students created text classification models using StoryQ technology, which all...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalLearning Media and Technology·DateApr 4, 2023

DMI allows magnon-magnon coupling in hybrid perovskites

A team of researchers has created a mixed magnon state in an organic hybrid perovskite material by harnessing the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya-Interaction. This allows for magnon-magnon coupling, which is crucial for processing and storing quantum computing information. The work expands the number of potential materials for creating hybrid ma...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

Reading and visual health

Research by State University of New York College of Optometry suggests that reading lacks diversity in visual inputs, potentially leading to myopia development. The study proposes a mechanism where sustained reading reduces activation of ON pathways, causing eye growth beyond its focus plane and blurring vision at far distances.

SourceState University of New York College of Optometry·JournalJournal of Vision·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

Strength training reduces BP when practiced with moderate to vigorous intensity two or three times a week

A systematic review of clinical trials found that strength training with moderate to vigorous intensity, two or three times a week, can significantly lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The study analyzed over 21,000 scientific articles and concluded that effective results appeared around the twentieth training session.

Researchers discover new class of ribosomal peptide with hemolytic activity

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a novel class of ribosomal peptides called daptides, which exhibit hemolytic activity. This discovery opens up new avenues for therapeutic development and highlights the vast potential of undiscovered RiPP classes.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

Elephants as a new model for understanding human evolution

Researchers found that elephants exhibit hallmarks of domestication, including low aggression, empathic behaviour, and social learning. They propose that elephants' massive size and safe environment may have relaxed selective pressures for aggression, allowing for the evolution of prosocial behaviour.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

Male beetles neglect their genomes when competing for females

In a 50-generation evolutionary experiment, male beetles from lineages with intense sexual selection produced lower quality offspring after DNA-damaging radiation. This suggests that males invest more in competition at the expense of DNA repair, impacting future offspring survival and fertility.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023

Impact of cortactin in cancer progression

Researchers discuss cortactin's impact on cancer progression by modulating the Wnt5a/ROR1 signaling pathway. Cortactin expression is found in various cancers, including breast and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, suggesting its potential role in promoting metastasis.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 4, 2023