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Science News Archive April 2023 - Page 34


Page 34 of 37

Opening a new frontier: PdMo intermetallic catalyst for promoting CO2 utilization

Researchers developed a stable and active catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation at room temperature, achieving high conversion efficiency comparable to state-of-the-art heterogeneous catalysts. The PdMo intermetallic catalyst was synthesized via a simple ammonolysis process and demonstrated robustness and durability in various conditions.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2023

Among untreated patients with COVID-19, combined symptom and viral rebound is rare

Researchers found that symptom and viral rebound are rare in untreated COVID-19 patients, with 26% experiencing symptom rebound and 31% experiencing viral rebound. However, short-term rebounds were common, and only a small percentage of participants experienced both symptom and high-level viral rebound.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 5, 2023

CABI Distribution Database contributes to synoptic review of plant disease epidemics and outbreaks

The CABI Distribution Database contributed to a synoptic review of plant disease epidemics and outbreaks in 2021, identifying 15 new pathogens reported in Asia, Europe, the USA, and other parts of the Americas. The study highlights the time lag between first reports of a pathogen being made and major disease outbreaks being observed.

SourceCABI·JournalPhytopathology·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 5, 2023

CycPeptMPDB: A database aimed at promoting drug design using cyclic peptides

A novel database, CycPeptMPDB, has been created to facilitate the development of drugs based on cyclic peptides. The database contains information on thousands of cyclic peptides and their membrane permeability values, enabling researchers to select candidate peptides that can penetrate human cell membranes.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 5, 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