Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for February 16, 2023


Reimagining drugs for rare brain disorder

A team of researchers has developed a new method to screen FDA-approved drugs to determine if they could be repurposed or improved to help patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 5 (SCA5), a rare and debilitating disease. The pipeline uses cutting-edge spectroscopy to examine the interaction between mutant β-III-spectrin and actin, i...

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

CityU scientists engineer a breath-to-charge electrostatic face mask for prolonged air filtration, reducing the environmental burden

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong develop a self-charging electrostatic face mask that can continuously replenish its electrostatic charge through the user's breathing. The mask provides high-efficiency airborne particle removal with 95.8% effectiveness after 60 hours of testing.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Charting a course in the brainy frontier

Kyoto University researchers have created a map comparing circuit structure with neural activity in mammals, revealing a new mechanism behind visual cortex activities. This discovery sheds light on the hidden connections between neurons and could provide directions for constructing power-efficient deep neural networks.

SourceKyoto University·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Research network yields significant findings related to obesity

The Strategically Focused Research Network on Obesity has published its findings, revealing new information about the causes of obesity and its link to cardiovascular disease. The research team made significant strides in understanding the interface between obesity and cardiovascular disease, including the role of a specific drug target.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 16, 2023

Study finds watching TV is good for the planet

A new study by Oxford University Press USA found that watching nature documentaries, such as BBC's Green Planet, increases public awareness of plants and their importance. The researchers measured online behavior and found a significant effect on viewers' interest in portrayed plant species.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalAnnals of Botany·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 16, 2023

Breast cancer disparity equally impacted by social determinants of health, tumor biology

A recent study published in JAMA Oncology found that Black women with early-stage, estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer are more likely to experience higher mortality rates due to both social determinants of health and tumor biology. The research analyzed data from 60,137 women between 2004-2015 and discovered that these factors co...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 16, 2023

Tadpole Playing Around Black Hole

Researchers have identified a unique gas cloud, nicknamed the Tadpole, revolving around a massive black hole 100,000 times more massive than the Sun. The team used advanced telescopes to detect the unusual cloud's curved shape and motion, suggesting it is being stretched by gravitational forces.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2023

New neural network method improves microscopic distance measurements between colored points in three dimensions

A new neural network method has been developed to measure the 3D distance between two differently-colored spots in microscopic samples. This approach combines PSF engineering with machine learning to overcome accuracy limitations due to diffraction and provides accurate measurements for studying cellular processes.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·DateFeb 16, 2023

AI analyses cell movement under the microscope

Researchers at University of Gothenburg developed AI method using graph theory and neural networks to analyze cell movement, enabling better understanding of biological processes and development of new medical technologies. The method can reconstruct cell paths and test medication effectiveness as potential cancer treatments.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

New ultrafast water disinfection method is more environmentally friendly

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a new ultrafast water disinfection method that uses locally enhanced electric field treatment, killing bacteria with nanosecond pulses. This technology reduces energy consumption by eight times and shortens treatment time by 1 million times, making it an affordable sanitatio...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Water·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Pluripotent stem cells take over from blood stem cells for future transplant therapies

Researchers have successfully converted pluripotent stem cells into hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells using optimized transcription factors. The resulting PSC-derived cells generated all types of white blood cells in mice without giving rise to tumors or leukemias, suggesting a promising future for PSC-based transplant therapies.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateFeb 16, 2023

Study of US hydroelectric dams shows benefits to local economies decline with improvements in transmission capabilities

A study by Carnegie Mellon University researcher Edson Severnini found that large-scale hydroelectric dams constructed in the US before 1950 spurred short- and long-term growth, while those built after 1950 had modest effects on local economies. The decline is attributed to advancements in high-tension transmission lines.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalThe Economic Journal·DateFeb 16, 2023

Better understanding of craniofacial birth defects opens new roads for regenerative medicine

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine investigated neural crest cell development to better comprehend and treat craniofacial birth defects. They discovered that changes in chromatin accessibility are regulated by the miR-302 microRNA family, which can be used to generate healthy cells for regenerating craniofacial defects.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Tsunami in a water glass

Hydrated electrons play a significant role in various processes, and researchers have observed their effect on the water solution. The study reveals that the electron causes a 'water quake' or 'tsunami,' which is caused by sudden charge separation during its formation.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Covid-19: Interactive risk communication formats can help overcome vaccine hesitancy

Researchers found that interactive simulation formats were more effective than conventional text-based formats in convincing vaccine-hesitant adults to get vaccinated. The study suggests that interactive simulations can boost people's decision-making competence, leading to positive changes in vaccination intentions and benefit-to-harm ...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 16, 2023

Whales give up singing to fight for love

Researchers from the University of Queensland found that humpback whales have shifted their mating behaviour, with males giving up singing and instead fighting for dominance. This change is believed to be due to the increased population size after whaling cessation, as larger groups may deter other males from approaching potential mates.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCommunications Biology·DateFeb 16, 2023

Study quantifies global impact of electricity in dust storms on Mars

Researchers find that electrical discharge in Martian dust storms could be a major driving force of the planet's chlorine cycle. The study reveals high yields of chlorine gases from common chlorides when electrified by Martian conditions, indicating a promising pathway for converting surface chlorides to atmospheric phases.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Troubling discovery

Researchers found that gadolinium nanoparticles from MRI contrast agents can infiltrate kidney cells, causing severe side effects like nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. The study used electron microscopy to detect tiny deposits of gadolinium in the kidneys of people who had been injected with contrast agents prior to their MRIs.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Climate change disrupts core habitats of marine species

A modelling study by an international team of researchers found that climate change will likely disrupt core habitats of marine species, reducing suitable ranges by the end of this century. The results highlight the need for effective conservation management to protect marine biodiversity and resources.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 16, 2023

Two Rhode Island coastal flood defense projects provide lessons for making future infrastructure projects more successful

Researchers analyzed two US Army Corps of Engineers flood megaprojects in Rhode Island that emerged simultaneously after hurricane activity around the 1950s. The study found that strong public support and political backing were crucial factors in advancing one project, while the other failed to gain momentum due to environmental concer...

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalJournal of Water Resources Planning and Management·TypeCase study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Engineered wood grows stronger while trapping carbon dioxide

Rice University scientists have developed a method to engineer wood that traps carbon dioxide while increasing its strength. This process involves removing lignin and hemicellulose from the wood and replacing them with metal-organic framework particles, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.

SourceRice University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

THE LANCET: Most comprehensive study to date provides evidence on natural immunity protection by COVID-19 variant and how protection fades over time

A comprehensive review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet suggests that natural immunity from COVID-19 infection provides significant protection against hospitalization, symptomatic disease, and severe illness for at least 10 months. However, this protection declines over time, with an estimated 85% protection rate at one month ...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 16, 2023

SUTD researchers developed novel 2D material with virus to kill cancer cells

Scientists from SUTD design a novel thermal-based therapy nano-system that destroys over 20% of pancreatic cancer cells using microsecond electrical pulses, improving cancer cell targeting accuracy and bio-compatibility. The introduction of the M13 virus enhances electro-thermal therapy performance by assembling more on cancer cells.

Travellers as sentinels: what are the most common vector-borne diseases among European travellers arriving from Africa?

Researchers analyzed data on European travellers arriving from Africa between 2015 and 2019, finding malaria as the most common arthropod-borne disease. The study highlights the importance of using travellers' health data to complement local surveillance systems in Africa.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 16, 2023

Avoiding a global chocolate disaster – how tracing and recalls avoided a worldwide Salmonella outbreak

A European-wide recall of Kinder Chocolate products, including eggs, prevented thousands of extra cases of Salmonella Typhimurium. The recall, triggered by intensive collaboration between public health experts, food safety agencies, and regular surveillance, saved lives and reduced the risk of devastating global outbreak.

AI could improve mental health care

A new study from Lund University suggests that allowing patients to describe their mental health in free language can provide more precise diagnoses than traditional rating scales. The AI-tool, developed by researchers, enables doctors to analyze patients' answers and provides individualized care.

SourceLund University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 16, 2023

Discovery in zebrafish may lead to a better understanding of a wide range of mental health disorders related to stress, anxiety

Researchers at Virginia Tech have identified a critical molecule in the development of brain's stress response, which may lead to better understanding of stress-related mental health disorders. Deficiencies in DSCAML1 disrupt brain development and increase cortisol levels, leading to imbalanced stress responses.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·DateFeb 16, 2023

New technology revolutionizes the analysis of old ice

Researchers at the University of Bern and Empa have developed a new technique to measure greenhouse gases in ancient ice cores, enabling more accurate climate records. The method allows for high-resolution analysis of the oldest ice, which contains 15,000 to 20,000 years of climate history compressed into one meter.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·DateFeb 16, 2023

New UC San Diego model predicts housing prices to fall as much as 18% this year

A new UC San Diego model uses internet search data to predict housing price declines, with a national forecast of a 5% decrease. Cities like San Diego and Phoenix are predicted to experience significant price drops, while others, such as Scranton-Wilkes-Barre-Hazleton and Kansas City, are expected to see stable prices.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalManagement Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 16, 2023

CHOP study finds multidisciplinary approach best when assisting families with limited English proficiency

Pediatric patients with LEP face challenges in emergency rooms, but a CHOP study shows that implementing quality improvement measures can increase the use of medical interpreters and improve documentation of language needs. The research team introduced new processes to identify language needs and offer interpreters as needed, leading t...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Long COVID symptoms vary among racial and ethnic groups

A new study found that Black and Hispanic patients are more likely to experience persistent symptoms or be diagnosed with a new medical condition after COVID-19. The study analyzed data from over 60,000 patients and found significant racial and ethnic disparities in the frequency and types of post-COVID-19 symptoms.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2023

Swapping meat for Quorn’s mycoprotein may protect against bowel cancer, says study

Replacing red and processed meat with Quorn's mycoprotein reduces intestinal genotoxins, a risk factor for bowel cancer, and increases beneficial gut bacteria. The study found significant reductions in harmful chemicals and improvements in gut health in participants consuming the mycoprotein diet.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 16, 2023

High intensity fires do not reverse bush encroachment in an African savanna

A decade-long experiment found that high-intensity fires did not reverse bush encroachment in the long term, despite an initial decline in woody plant cover. The study suggests that fire management strategies must be tailored to each local context and that long-term monitoring is crucial for effective conservation.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2023

The secrets of polydopamine coatings revealed

Researchers at the University of Groningen have discovered the exact structure of polydopamine coatings, which could lead to new applications in surface adhesion and neurodegenerative disease treatment. The study found that these coatings form through auto-oxidation, crosslinking and isomerization processes.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

CBD shows promise for reducing cigarette smoking

Researchers at Washington State University found that CBD inhibits a key enzyme for nicotine metabolism, slowing down its effects and allowing smokers to wait before feeling the urge to smoke. The study suggests that CBD could be a useful tool in reducing harm from smoking and quitting nicotine addiction.

SourceWashington State University·JournalChemical Research in Toxicology·DateFeb 16, 2023

Study demonstrates energy-efficient conversion of nitrate pollutants into ammonia

A new study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign demonstrates an approach for integrated capture and conversion of nitrate-contaminated waters into valuable ammonia using a single electrochemical cell. The device shows significant enhancements in energy efficiency, nitrate removal, and ammonium production rate compared to ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

American Society for Nutrition publishes comprehensive summary of historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health

The American Society for Nutrition has published a comprehensive summary of the landmark White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health. The conference outlined ambitious goals to end hunger and improve nutrition security by 2030, with recommendations from President Biden's National Strategy.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeNews article·DateFeb 16, 2023

New study settles long-standing debate: Does agricultural erosion create a carbon sink or source

A new study published in Biogeosciences suggests that agricultural soil erosion may actually create an organic carbon sink, rather than a source. The researchers argue that the 'geomorphic OC pump' transfers organic carbon from the atmosphere to upland soils, which can be stored in sedimentary environments.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalBiogeosciences·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 16, 2023

Recent advance on structural design of high-performance Pt-based nanocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction

Researchers have made significant progress in developing high-performance Pt-based nanocatalysts for oxygen reduction reactions, focusing on increasing activity per site and active sites. The study aims to reduce the cost of PEMFCs by overcoming the challenges associated with Pt metal catalysts.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Sensor and Energy Materials·DateFeb 16, 2023

Resistance is futile

Researchers developed an antibiotic that cured mice infected with nearly untreatable bacteria, with virtually undetectable resistance to the drug. The unique mechanism of action targets multiple bacterial functions, disrupting the bacterial membrane and leading to broad-spectrum antibacterial activity.

Researchers illuminate gaps in public transportation access, equity

A new study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reveals that even with broad coverage, public transit systems may still exclude low-income and vulnerable populations. The researchers used a GIS-based approach to evaluate travel times by location and economic conditions, finding that routes often leave behind those who rel...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·TypeCase study·DateFeb 16, 2023

A giant step forward in understanding autism

Researchers discovered that sensory signals are underrepresented in cortical pyramidal neurons of people with Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a common cause of autism. This finding could lead to new therapeutic strategies and improved perception of sensory signals.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2023

CHOP researcher leads international panel in developing first-ever clinical diagnosis guidelines for MOGAD

A team of international experts has established new criteria for diagnosing myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), a condition causing inflammation and potential damage to the brain and spinal cord. The proposed guidelines, published in The Lancet Neurology, provide an important framework for distingui...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 16, 2023

Kessler Foundation awarded Social Security Administration funding to expand research for improving employment outcomes following neurotrauma

The five-year project aims to enroll 500 working-age adults with brain or spinal cord injuries and explore the effectiveness of vocational resource facilitation services. Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation and other partners will provide targeted counseling and support to help individuals return to work after disabling neurotrauma.

Does ice in the Universe contain the molecules making up the building blocks of life in planetary systems?

The James Webb Space Telescope has discovered frozen forms of complex molecules on the surface of small dust grains, providing insight into planetary system formation. The study reveals that these ice-cold conditions facilitate the creation of essential molecules for life, with potential implications for exoplanet atmospheres.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Arming vegetables with anti-inflammatory properties using plant pigments

Scientists have genetically modified potatoes and tomatoes to produce betacyanin, a pigment with anti-inflammatory properties. The transgenic vegetables demonstrated enhanced accumulation of the pigment, which showed improved effects in reducing inflammation in macrophage-like cells and murine models of colitis.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalBiotechnology and Bioengineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023