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Science News Archive December 2023 - Page 20


Page 20 of 29

New genes can arise from nothing

Researchers discovered a mechanism that creates DNA palindromes and new microRNA genes from noncoding sequences, explaining the origin of small regulatory genes. The study found that this process can create novel genes, potentially affecting human health.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2023

Adapting to hypoxia: Zooplankton influence the efficiency of the biological carbon pump in the Humboldt Current off Peru

A new study reveals that zooplankton species in the Humboldt Current off Peru can attenuate the export of carbon to the deep sea by consuming sinking particles. This challenge the previously prevailing assumption of a uniformly efficient biological carbon pump in oxygen minimum zones.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateDec 8, 2023

County–level variation in preterm birth rates

Substantial geographic disparities in US preterm birth rates were observed, with nearly 1 in 6 counties experiencing increases between 2007 and 2019. These disparities are linked to place-based social disadvantage, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 8, 2023

Major breakthrough for severe asthma treatment

A landmark study found that 92% of patients with severe asthma can safely reduce inhaled steroid dose and more than 60% can stop all use, minimizing side effects like osteoporosis, diabetes, and cataracts. The SHAMAL study used biologic therapy benralizumab to control severe asthma without steroids.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 8, 2023

Skipping adjuvant radiotherapy may not impact risk of recurrence or progression in patients with low-risk DCIS

A clinical trial found that using MRI and a DCIS gene profile can guide treatment decisions for patients with low-risk ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Patients who received a score lower than 39 were considered low-risk and could safely forego adjuvant radiotherapy, with similar rates of disease recurrence compared to those with high-...

Digital multi-sided platforms transform traditional value chains in business-to-business service sales

A study at the University of Eastern Finland reveals how digital multi-sided platforms are changing the way businesses approach B2B service sales. The research finds that platform owners play a crucial role in orchestrating value networks, enabling them to manage larger networks with fewer staff and use various interaction methods.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalIndustrial Marketing Management·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2023

Biopesticide is harmless to mammals but can wipe out colonies of wasps that benefit plants

A fungus-based biopesticide is less lethal to mammals than synthetic insecticides but can wipe out colonies of wasps that benefit plants by feeding on pests and performing pollination. The study found that infected wasps are not detected by nestmates, potentially threatening the survival of these species.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·DateDec 8, 2023

BNL: Advisory panel issues field-defining recommendations for U.S. government investments in particle physics research

The Particle Physics Project Prioritization Panel (P5) report recommends budget-conscious investments in high-energy physics research. The US government will support the Large Hadron Collider, Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, CMB-S4, and IceCube-Gen2 facilities for transformative discoveries related to fundamental physics.

Study on battery recycling shows China is in 1st place

A study by researchers from the University of Münster found that China will be able to meet its demand for primary lithium for electric vehicles through recycling as early as 2059, while Europe and the US will not achieve this until after 2070. Recycling is also expected to ensure China's need for cobalt by 2045 and nickel by 2046.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 8, 2023

University of Toronto researchers discover new lipid nanoparticle that shows muscle-specific mRNA delivery, reduces off-target effects.

Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a novel ionizable lipid nanoparticle that enables efficient muscle-focused mRNA delivery while minimizing off-target effects. The study demonstrates potent cellular immune responses and potential as a viable candidate for cancer vaccine development.

SourceUniversity of Toronto - Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2023

A fork in the rhod: Janelia researchers unveil comprehensive collection of rhodamine-based fluorescent dyes

The Janelia Fluor dyes have become a staple in biology labs worldwide, and the team has now expanded their spectrum with a new set of far-red shifted dyes that can penetrate deeper into tissue. The researchers developed a novel chemistry to synthesize these dyes, enabling them to create dozens of functional versions relatively quickly.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 8, 2023

Milestones in Europe: First results in using new tools to tackle respiratory syncytial virus

The European Union has approved vaccines for pregnant women and monoclonal antibodies to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among young children. New sequencing tools have also been developed to track the genetic diversity of RSV and inform vaccine effectiveness and treatment strategies.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 8, 2023

Fermentation may have driven human brain evolution

A new hypothesis suggests that fermentation of cached food provided a more accessible form of nourishment, fueling the growth of larger brains in human ancestors. This idea is supported by the fact that the human large intestine is proportionally smaller than other primates and fermented foods are found across cultures.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2023

Brazilians create sensor to monitor levels of widely used antibiotic in water and food

Researchers at the Center for Development of Functional Materials created a sensor to monitor metronidazole levels in organisms and the environment. The sensor, combining magnetic fluorescent nanoparticles, showed good sensitivity and practical advantages, enabling real-time analysis and ease of handling.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Molecular Liquids·DateDec 7, 2023

Giant doubts about giant exomoons

New research from the Max Planck Institute challenges previous claims of giant exomoons around Kepler-1625b and Kepler-1708b. The study uses a computer algorithm to analyze observations, finding that 'planet-only' interpretations are more conclusive than initially thought.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

Llama power: Tiny llama nanobodies neutralize different noroviruses. Can they improve human anti-viral therapies?

Human noroviruses cause over 684 million illnesses and 212,000 deaths annually. Researchers discovered that llama nanobodies can effectively neutralize different norovirus strains by recognizing a hidden pocket in the virus particles. This finding suggests a novel therapeutic approach against human norovirus.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023

Riding sound waves in the brain

Scientists at ETH Zurich successfully navigate gas-filled microbubbles through the brain's blood vessels using ultrasound, offering a potential breakthrough in delivering medications to specific areas. This technology could revolutionize treatments for cancer, stroke, and neurological conditions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023

The evolutionary paradox behind the unusual mating strategy of the ruff

A study on ruff (Calidris pugnax) found a surprisingly low mutation load in the supergene controlling male mating strategies, forcing a reevaluation of supergene evolution. The researchers propose two potential scenarios to resolve this paradox: recent acquisition of recessive lethality or introgression from another species.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2023

Using machine learning to monitor driver ‘workload’ could help improve road safety

Researchers developed an adaptable machine learning algorithm to measure driver 'workload' using driving performance signals, enabling real-time adjustments to in-vehicle systems for enhanced safety and user experience. The system can respond to changes in the driver's behavior, status, road conditions, or characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Vehicles·DateDec 7, 2023

NIH study suggests maternal inflammation risk factors associated with children's behavioral and emotional regulation

A NIH-funded study found associations between maternal prenatal inflammation and children's attention, anxiety, depression, and aggression. The research used the Child Behavior Checklist to measure aggressive behavior, anxiety/depression, and attention problems in 4,595 participants aged 6-18 years.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2023

“On-demand” HIV prevention method for women being tested in second early phase trial

The TAF/EVG fast-dissolving vaginal insert is being evaluated in a Phase 1 study to determine its safety and user acceptability. The study aims to assess the product's effectiveness as an on-demand HIV prevention method for women, particularly those who do not want or can't use daily PrEP or long-acting products.