Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for January 11, 2023


Humidity may be the key to super-lubricity 'switch'

Scientists discover that altering environmental conditions, particularly humidity, can enable the control of super-lubricity in materials. By exposing graphene to water vapor and phenol vapor, researchers found a 25-45 times increase in low friction, paving the way for practical applications in MEMS devices.

SourcePenn State·JournalApplied Materials Today·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023

New nanotransporter for drug delivery inside cells

Researchers have successfully developed a new nanotransporter system using liposomes to deliver anticancer drugs inside cells. The study used real cell cultures and combined confocal fluorescence and atomic force microscopy techniques to analyze the interaction between liposomes and the cell membrane.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalColloids and Surfaces B Biointerfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023

Experts tackle racial disparities affecting people with allergic conditions

Racial disparities in atopic dermatitis and food allergy affect people of color, with challenges including comfort level with healthcare providers and access to safe foods. Experts recommend 10 solutions to address these disparities, such as increasing diversity in clinical trials and providing culturally appropriate materials.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeNews article·DateJan 11, 2023

Scientists reveal the mechanism of temperature-dependent structure evolution during electrocatalyst formation

Scientists reveal phase-transition-temperature-dependent structure evolution process of intermetallic compounds, a crucial step in synthesizing efficient fuel cell electrocatalysts. The research provides a guideline to optimize alloying and ordering processes, leading to improved particle sizes and catalytic activity.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 11, 2023

Pharmacists can start patients on road to recovery from opioid use disorder, study shows

A study shows that pharmacies can offer a safe starting point for patients with opioid use disorder, leading to higher rates of retention in treatment. The pharmacy-based model increases access to buprenorphine, a lifesaving medication, for diverse patient populations and promotes racial and economic equity.

SourceBrown University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 11, 2023

Researchers fix ‘fundamental flaw,’ improving pandemic prediction model

Researchers from North Carolina State University identified a fundamental flaw in a commonly used pandemic model that causes it to severely underestimate disease spread. By modifying parts of an existing model, they substantially improved its accuracy when compared to real-world data on the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 11, 2023

Transcranial magnetic stimulation measured cortical inhibition provides insight into interindividual differences in progressive myoclonic epilepsy

A new study has found that abnormality of intracortical inhibition in patients with progressive myoclonic epilepsy type 1 is associated with the magnitude of genetic change. The results suggest that transcranial magnetic stimulation could be useful in assessing patient prognosis and may have use as a marker of GABAergic impairment.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEpilepsia·DateJan 11, 2023

Discovery of metabolic switch could lead to targeted treatment of obesity, cancer

Researchers at Iowa State University have identified a metabolic switch that can be modified to control fat production, which could lead to more effective treatments for childhood obesity and cancer. The discovery involves altering the acetylation levels of fatty acid synthase, an enzyme critical to de novo lipogenesis.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023

An investigational T-cell therapy shows promise against six viral infections common after stem cell transplants

A phase II study found that posoleucel, an off-the-shelf T-cell therapy, demonstrated promising antiviral efficacy and safety in patients with blood cancers and other hematologic disorders. The therapy reduced viral load by an average of 97% and showed limited rates of graft-versus-host disease.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJan 11, 2023

Covid-19 conspiracy theories led to lower uptake of vaccine and testing among Black community, research by Kingston University, London finds

A study by Kingston University found that Covid-19 conspiracy theories led to a lower engagement with health prevention methods among the UK Black community. The research revealed that perceived racial injustice and mistrust of institutions contributed to this phenomenon.

SourceKingston University·JournalBritish Journal of Health Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateJan 11, 2023

Study reveals obesity-related trigger that can lead to diabetes

Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered a link between obesity and diabetes, highlighting the importance of an enzyme in fatty acid processing. The study suggests that defects in this enzyme contribute to insulin hypersecretion and beta cell failure, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023

Some hospitalized patients’ infections may develop from their own bacteria

Researchers discovered that urinary tract infections can arise after sterile tubes are inserted into the urinary tract, even when no bacteria are detectable beforehand. This study suggests that screening patients for hidden reservoirs of dangerous bacteria could supplement infection-control efforts and help prevent deadly infections. B...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023

‘Soft laws’ see more women in the boardroom

Research by Anglia Ruskin University found that soft laws in over 14,000 companies across 99 nations led to a 20% average percentage of women on corporate boards. Quotas increased female directors by 11.7%, but only when sanctions were applied. Firms complied better with realistic targets and sufficient time.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of the Economics of Business·TypeSurvey·DateJan 11, 2023

Surgery first for colon cancer? Not so fast, according to new study in JNCCN

Researchers discovered that pre-surgery immunotherapy significantly improved patient outcomes for locally advanced colorectal cancer. The treatment showed substantial longer survival benefits, including low recurrence rates, in patients with mismatch repair-deficient or microsatellite instability-high (dMMR/MSI-H) CRC.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateJan 11, 2023

Scientists sequence and annotate majority of Red Perilla’s genome, a step toward harnessing more of its medically valuable bioactive chemicals

Hiroshima University researchers have generated a high-quality genome assembly of red perilla, allowing scientists to harness its abundance of potentially useful bioactive chemicals. The study enables targeted gene editing for enhanced phytochemical production, paving the way for new medical applications.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalDNA Research·DateJan 11, 2023

Clinical trial shows boiled peanuts could help overcome child peanut allergy

A clinical trial found that boiling peanuts for up to 12 hours can desensitize children with peanut allergies. The therapy involved sequential doses of boiled and roasted peanuts, achieving high success rates in participants. While promising, the study's findings require confirmation in larger trials.

SourceFlinders University·JournalClinical & Experimental Allergy·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 11, 2023

Research brief: New “burden-free” study method finds two blood pressure drugs equally effective

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School conducted a large clinical trial comparing two commonly prescribed generic drugs, chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide. The study found that both medications were equally effective in preventing cardiovascular disease and non-cancer death, contradicting current clinical guidel...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 11, 2023

Moving water and earth

A new understanding of how particle shape controls grain flow can help engineers plan for downstream impacts of restoring a river or removing a dam. The MIT team's better formula estimates bed load transport by considering a grain's drag and friction, rather than its exact shape.

Cutting costs and emissions in beef production

A research team from the University of Queensland has developed a tool to guide the global beef industry in reducing costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that as much as 85% of emissions could be cut without an overall economic hit, by opting for more efficient feeds and locations.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 11, 2023

Can boiled peanuts help cure peanut allergies?

A phase 2 clinical trial using boiled peanuts followed by roasted peanuts showed promising results in desensitizing 80% of children with peanut allergies. Treatment-related adverse events were reported in 61% participants.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical & Experimental Allergy·DateJan 11, 2023

Enzyme-metal-single-atom hybrid catalysts for efficient one-pot chemoenzymatic reactions

Researchers have developed a novel hybrid catalyst that combines enzymatic and single-atom catalysis, achieving high efficiency in one-pot chemoenzymatic reactions. This breakthrough simplifies chemical production and separation processes, offering a promising strategy for efficient synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates.

Annual or biannual boosters are optimal for fighting endemic COVID-19, study shows

A study by Yale School of Public Health and University of North Carolina at Charlotte found that annual or biannual COVID-19 boosters significantly reduce the risk of future infection. Boosting every six months provides strong suppression of infection, with only one in 10 people projected to contract COVID-19 over a six-year period.

SourceYale School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Medical Virology·DateJan 11, 2023

Tailoring 'hollow' hydrogen molecule generation with two-color, bicircularly polarized laser pulses

A team of researchers has developed an experimental method to manipulate the Rydberg state excitation in hydrogen molecules using bicircular two-color laser pulses. By controlling the photon effect and field effect, they were able to generate Rydberg states while varying the extent to which each effect contributed to the process.

Artificial pancreas successfully trialled for use by type 2 diabetes patients

Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed an artificial pancreas that can help maintain healthy glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients. The device doubled the time spent in the target range for glucose and halved the time spent with high glucose levels, reducing average glucose levels and glycated haemoglobin levels.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 11, 2023

Sunlight pulps the plastic soup

Experiments show that UV light from the sun breaks down plastics on the ocean surface, turning them into smaller, invisible nanoplastic particles. This process could account for a substantial amount of the 'Missing Plastic Paradox', where plastic waste in the ocean is only a fraction of what has been littered.

SourceRoyal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023

Oregon State University researchers take key step toward new treatment for hereditary blindness

Researchers have made a key breakthrough in developing a new treatment for hereditary blindness by using lipid nanoparticles to deliver messenger RNA to the photoreceptor cells. The technology, inspired by COVID-19 vaccines, shows promise in animal models for treating blindness associated with rare genetic conditions.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023

As climate warms, drier air likely to be more stressful than less rainfall for Douglas-fir trees

Computer modeling by Oregon State University scientists shows that Douglas-fir trees are likely to experience more stress from drier air as the climate changes. This is crucial for understanding forest sensitivity to a shifting climate, given their widespread ecological, cultural and economic significance.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAgricultural and Forest Meteorology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 11, 2023

Can algae enhance skin regeneration and wound healing?

Researchers have developed a system using microvesicles from algae that promote skin cell proliferation and migration, leading to increased collagen synthesis. The findings show promising results for the treatment of wounds and skin regeneration.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateJan 11, 2023

Does social isolation affect older adults’ risk of developing dementia?

Research published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society indicates social isolation is common among older U.S. adults and increases their likelihood of developing dementia. Nearly one-quarter of participants were socially isolated, and being isolated was associated with a 28% higher risk of dementia over 9 years.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 11, 2023

Protective bacterial cultures offer promising path for antibiotic resistant salmonella in food

Researchers at UConn have identified a protective bacterial culture, Hafnia alvei B16, that can prevent infection by two strains of Salmonella, including those resistant to multiple antibiotics. The culture works by inhibiting the growth of pathogens and reducing their virulence, potentially providing a new path forward in combating su...

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalFood Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023

Studying polymer gels through the lens of mechanochemistry and solvent swelling

Scientists have created a multinetwork polymer that exhibits sensitivity to mechanical forces triggered by solvent swelling, leading to a notable color change. This innovation sheds light on the process of swelling in polymer networks and paves the way for designing stimuli-responsive materials.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023

Predicting a recession

Researchers developed a new model to predict U.S. recessions and economic slowdowns based on financial statement manipulation. The study found that high levels of potential manipulation in financial statements can improve recession prediction 5 to 8 quarters away.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Accounting Review·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2023

Protecting biocatalysts from oxygen

Researchers discovered a new enzyme with molecular protection against oxygen, increasing its resistance by genetic modification. This breakthrough aims to improve protein dynamics and control inorganic centre reactivity for carbon-neutral hydrogen production.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalACS Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023

Childhood maltreatment linked with multiple mental health problems

A new study led by UCL researchers found small causal effects of childhood maltreatment on internalising and externalising disorders, including depression, anxiety, and psychosis. The study analysed 34 quasi-experimental studies involving over 54,000 people and suggests that preventing eight cases of child maltreatment could prevent on...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 11, 2023

Computer models determine drug candidate’s ability to bind to proteins

Researchers at the University of Arkansas have developed computer models to determine a drug candidate's binding affinity to proteins. The models use computational physics and experimental data to estimate the effective energy of the ligand at every grid point, allowing for accurate estimation of binding affinity.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalNature Computational Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 11, 2023

Dual-energy CT iodine concentration differentiates lung cancer from pulmonary metastases

Ringlike peripheral high iodine concentration maps from dual-energy CT can help guide management in patients with known lung cancer and an indeterminate solitary nodule. This finding showed excellent interobserver agreement, high specificity, and independently predicted pulmonary metastasis.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2023

HKUMed discovered a new treatment strategy for locally advanced liver cancer by ‘Reduce and Remove’ – a novel tri-modality therapy

A phase II clinical study has found that nearly 50% of patients with inoperable locally advanced liver cancer can be cured using the tri-modality therapy. The 'Reduce and Remove' approach, which combines TACE, SBRT, and immunotherapy, results in a 90% two-year survival rate with minimal side effects.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 11, 2023

Offshore and coastal risk analyses may misrepresent wave storms from extreme weather like bomb cyclones

Researchers found that global wave models can vary in their estimates of extreme wave heights by up to 20 feet, which can lead to underprotected areas during extreme events. The study emphasizes the need for considering multiple models and modern observational data to better assess offshore and coastal risks.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 11, 2023

UN: Trapped sediment robbing world’s large dams of vital water storage capacity; ~26% loss by 2050 foreseen

The UN reports that roughly 50,000 large dams worldwide will lose an estimated 23% to 28% of their combined original storage capacity by 2050, resulting in a loss of around 1.65 trillion cubic meters of water. This loss will undermine water security, irrigation, power generation, and other essential services.

SourceUnited Nations University - Institute for Water, Environment and Health·JournalSustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 11, 2023

All hands on deck

A group of over 100 researchers identified priorities for synthesis research in ecology and environmental science, including diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. The study aims to address pressing issues and adapt to complex shifts in the environment by incorporating diverse perspectives and data.

Researchers realize rapid customization of tomato cultivars with different fruit colors via multiplex gene editing

A new breeding strategy enables rapid production of tomatoes with various fruit colors, including red, yellow, pink, and green, using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated multiplex gene editing. This method requires less time and produces transgene-free plants with desirable traits, offering a promising approach for improving multigene-controlled traits.

Building the metaverse using digital twins at all scales, states, and relations

The article discusses the development of the metaverse through digital twins, emphasizing their focus on simulating real-world processes and entities. Digital twins are virtual replicas that synchronize data between the physical and virtual worlds, while the metaverse focuses on human interaction and connection.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalVirtual Reality & Intelligent Hardware·DateJan 11, 2023

VIMS research helps clarify role of water clarity in coastal management

Research by Dr. Jessie Turner and colleagues highlights the impact of water-clarity metrics on seagrass and light-loving organism restoration goals. The study suggests that different measurement methods can misrepresent underwater light climates, emphasizing the need for clear communication of methods used.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2023

EV transition will benefit most US vehicle owners, but lowest-income Americans could get left behind

A new study finds that over 90% of US households will see a reduction in transportation energy costs with electric vehicles, but the lowest-income households may not benefit equally. The study highlights the need for targeted policies to promote energy justice and increase EV accessibility for low-income communities.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJan 11, 2023

How grasses avoid inbreeding

Researchers have decoded the genetic composition of self-incompatibility in grasses, enabling new breeding strategies. The study found that two loci control self-incompatibility, allowing for more diverse populations to be bred.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateJan 11, 2023

Converting temperature fluctuations into clean energy with novel nanoparticles and heating strategy

A team at City University of Hong Kong has developed a novel approach to converting environmental temperature fluctuations into clean chemical energy using pyroelectric catalysis. By combining pyroelectric materials with localized plasmonic heat sources, the researchers achieved significantly faster and more efficient pyro-catalytic re...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023

New map of “stopover hotspots” provides insights for conservation of eastern US migratory landbirds

A new study provides insights into the conservation of eastern US migratory landbirds by identifying key stopover hotspots and habitat associations. The researchers found that small pockets of deciduous forest, particularly in areas with high concentrations of food and shelter, are crucial for birds to complete their migration.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2023

Now on the molecular scale: Electric motors

A multidisciplinary team led by Northwestern University has developed an electric motor that can convert electrical energy into unidirectional motion at the molecular level. The motor's design is based on a catenane molecule and has the potential to make a huge difference in medicine, particularly in biomolecular motors in the human body.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023

Study proves that antivenom reduces risk of skin necrosis in patients bitten by brown recluse spider

A six-year study involving 146 patients found that antivenom reduced the risk of skin necrosis in those bitten by brown recluse spiders. Administration of the substance was safe with minimal adverse effects, particularly when given within 48 hours of the incident.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2023

Does proximity to protest sites affect people’s political attitudes?

A study found that residents living near occupied areas during the Occupy Central Movement in Hong Kong became more liberal and supportive of pro-democracy camps, with the phenomenon lasting long after the protest. The researchers attribute this to the 'on-site' effect, which increases sympathy for protesters.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Sociology·DateJan 11, 2023

Portable and affordable all-optical system for testing lab-on-a-chip human hearts

Researchers have developed a novel portable and low-cost macroscopic mapping system for all-optical cardiac electrophysiology using optogenetics and machine vision cameras. The system can stimulate and image engineered networks of human heart cells, providing insights into cardiac wave function and stability.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJan 11, 2023