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Science News for December 21, 2023


Novel catalyst system for CO2 conversion

A team of scientists from Ruhr-University Bochum and the Fraunhofer Institute has developed a novel catalyst system for converting carbon dioxide into raw materials. The system, which uses homogeneous electrocatalysts, can efficiently convert CO2 under industrial conditions and maintains stability over 100 hours without decay.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateDec 21, 2023

KIMM develops real-time multimodal tactile detection system applicable to robots and wearable devices

Researchers at KIMM develop a real-time and multimodal tactile perception system capable of detecting various types of tactile stimuli in real-time. The system consists of four three-dimensionally stacked tactile sensors and has successfully distinguished between different surface textures and complex motion.

Sniffing women’s tears reduces aggressive behavior in men

New research reveals that exposing men to women's emotional tears can lower aggression and reduce revenge-seeking behavior. The study found that sniffing tears leads to reduced brain activity related to aggression, resulting in less aggressive behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

New material allows for better hydrogen-based batteries and fuel cells

Researchers have developed a solid electrolyte that allows for efficient hydride ion conduction at room temperature, enabling the creation of safer, more efficient hydrogen-based batteries and fuel cells. This breakthrough provides material design guidelines for the development of next-generation energy storage solutions.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateDec 21, 2023

Researchers map how measles virus spreads in human brain

Mayo Clinic researchers used genetic sequencing to study the measles virus's spread in a human brain. The study found that the virus acquired distinct mutations that drove its spread from the frontal cortex outward. This knowledge may help develop effective antiviral drugs to combat SSPE, a rare and lethal brain disease caused by measles.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 21, 2023

Doxycycline prophylaxis use low and did not prevent STIs among cisgender women

A recent study found that doxycycline prophylaxis did not prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among cisgender women, despite being prescribed to 18% of participants. The study also revealed high rates of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea, which may be due to low adherence and limited treatment options.

SourceHennepin Healthcare Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 21, 2023

Role of enzyme SMYD3 clarified in prostate cancer progression

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the enzyme SMYD3's involvement in prostate cancer's progression to a more aggressive stage. The study found that adding methyl groups to the MAP kinase protein is likely SMYD3's role in driving metastasis, and compounds that can inactivate SMYD3 are already available

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

Pancake stack of films on a balloon most accurate gamma-ray telescope

Kobe University researchers have developed a pancake stack of films on a balloon that takes the world's most accurate picture of a neutron star's gamma ray beam. The setup uses a novel, automated data capture and analysis process to track the trajectory of particles produced by gamma rays, achieving an accuracy of 1/10,000 millimeters.

SourceKobe University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

Delivering the bad news right: report says Parkinson’s disease diagnoses must include a message of hope

A new report by UCLA neurologist Dr. Indu Subramanian recommends that doctors delivering Parkinson's diagnoses use correct terminology and provide guidance on treatment options, lifestyle choices, and coping strategies to give patients hope and agency.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalParkinsonism & Related Disorders·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 21, 2023

A KAIST team develops selective transfer printing technology for MicroLEDs​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a micro-vacuum assisted selective transfer printing (µVAST) technology to improve the transfer of microLED chips. The technology uses laser-induced etching to create micro-hole arrays on glass substrates, allowing for precise alignment and higher adhesion switchability.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 21, 2023

New study reveals perfluoroalkyl acids accelerate DNA degradation, highlighting potential ecological risks

A new study reveals that perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) significantly expedite the enzymatic degradation of DNA, even at low concentrations. The findings have critical implications for understanding the ecological risks posed by PFAAs and highlight the urgent need for more comprehensive environmental monitoring.

SourceNanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE·JournalEco-Environment & Health·DateDec 21, 2023

Henan Agricultural University researchers review on jujube witches’ broom, fruit tree disease associated with phytoplasma

Jujube witches' broom disease is a fruit tree disease caused by phytoplasma, leading to altered plant development and severe yield loss. The review highlights the importance of understanding the interaction between phytoplasma effectors and plant target proteins to develop effective prevention and cure strategies.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalFruit Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

Kessler Foundation study of cognitive fatigue across different tasks and populations provides new insights

Researchers investigated cognitive fatigue across multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, and controls using two tasks, finding that fatigue was consistent across participants regardless of task. Cognitive fatigue correlated with longer response times and activation in the caudate nucleus and thalamus.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

Artery calcification more common in night owls

A new study from the University of Gothenburg reveals that night owls are more likely to develop artery calcification than early risers. The research, which examined data from over 771 middle-aged participants, suggests that circadian rhythms play a crucial role in cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalSleep Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

Astronomers detect seismic ripples in ancient galactic disk

Researchers used ALMA to study the motion of gas in ancient spiral galaxy BRI 1335-0417, detecting seismic waves that reveal the galaxy's dynamic growth. The findings suggest that gas was streaming into the galaxy or colliding with smaller galaxies, fueling star formation at a rate hundreds of times faster than modern galaxies.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

First high mountain settlers at the start of the Neolithic already engaged in other livestock activities apart from transhumance

Researchers analyzed animal remains and isotopes to understand livestock practices in high mountain regions during the Early Neolithic. The study found that flocks were small and used for meat and milk production, with pigs gaining economic importance during this period.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Archaeology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

JCEHP supplement aims to disrupt assumptions about continuing professional development

A new supplement in JCEHP examines conceptual shifts in continuing professional development, proposing a person-focused, practice-informed approach that considers context, subjectification, and socio-material dimensions. This approach aims to generate meaningful advancements and transform the health professional-as-a-person.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions·DateDec 21, 2023

Structures of Parkinson’s disease-linked proteins offer a framework for understanding how they work together

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have determined the complex structure of Parkinson’s disease-related proteins LRRK2 and Rab29, revealing how they work synergistically to cause the disease. The structures provide an atomic-scale map to trace how different mutations affect function within this complex, with implicatio...

Researchers discover key to epithelial cell growth

Australian researchers at Monash University have discovered a new way that epithelial cells form tissues of the right size and shape by adhering to each other through basal spot junctions. This finding is crucial for understanding human diseases, including cancers, where Hippo signalling plays a key role.

SourceMonash University·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

New tool unifies single-cell data

A new tool, CellHint, has been developed to unify different single-cell data, creating harmonized datasets. Researchers applied CellHint to reveal underexplored connections between healthy and diseased lung cell states and identified potential interests for future research in adult human hippocampus.

One of the keys to healthy sleep and blood sugar has been found

Researchers from Osaka University have discovered a link between the rare D-form of the amino acid alanine and the circadian clock's influence on glucose metabolism in the kidney. The study found that D-alanine regulates gluconeogenesis, a process that creates new glucose to maintain energy levels, and is mediated by the protein Cry2.

SourceOsaka University·JournalKidney360·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023

Pioneering diamond manufacturing: Enhancing efficiency and precision with energy beam-based direct and assisted polishing techniques

Energy beam-based direct and assisted polishing technologies for diamonds improve surface quality and material removal rates, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. Researchers analyzed four latest polishing techniques, including laser polishing, ion beam polishing, plasma-assisted polishing, and laser-assisted polishing.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateDec 21, 2023

Where you live matters: A first-of-its-kind study illustrates how racism is interrelated with poor health

Researchers found strong associations between neighborhood prevalence of chronic conditions like CKD, diabetes, and hypertension and structural racism indicators. The study used data from Durham County, North Carolina, to explore the interplay between racism and poor health outcomes.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

Kessler Foundation study reveals spatial neglect occurs after brain injury as well as stroke

A Kessler Foundation study found that spatial neglect affects a substantial percentage of people with traumatic brain injury, with an incidence rate of 38% post-TBI. The study also revealed that right brain damage is more likely to result in spatial neglect, highlighting the need for timely treatment and screening guidelines.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalAnnals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

The two (country) sides of forests

University of Bonn researchers analyzed satellite data to find that national policies have a significant impact on forest coverage. Strict policies and their effective implementation are critical to achieving positive changes in tree populations along country borders.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateDec 21, 2023

New insights revealed on tissue-dependent roles of JAK signaling in inflammation

Researchers have gained a deeper understanding of the nuanced roles of JAK inhibitors in inflammation across various cell types and tissues. The study reveals that activating JAK1 signaling has tissue-specific effects, including an unexpected immunoregulatory role in lung sensory neurons, which suppresses lung inflammation.

How technology and economics can help save endangered species

Researchers at Ohio State University explore how technology and economics can be used to protect endangered species. By leveraging tools like camera traps and smartphone apps, scientists can monitor populations more efficiently. Additionally, economists can develop policies that protect species before they become threatened, reducing t...

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 21, 2023

New type of antibody shows promise against multiple forms of flu virus

Researchers have identified a novel class of antibodies capable of neutralizing both certain H3 and H1 strains of the flu virus, with potential applications in developing more broadly protective flu vaccines. The findings could also contribute to reducing reliance on chicken egg-based manufacturing methods.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2023