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Science News for January 5, 2023


New approach successfully traces genomic variants back to genetic disorders

Researchers developed a genotype-first approach that traces genomic variants back to genetic disorders, discovering new relationships between genes and clinical conditions. This approach broadened traits and symptoms associated with known disorders and offered insights into newly described disorders.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 5, 2023

Study reveals need for better understanding effects of light pollution on migrating animals

A recent study by a transdisciplinary research team found ample evidence of the negative effects of light pollution on migrating animals, but also areas where more data is needed. The researchers concluded that there's a need for more data to help protect migrating animals, particularly species other than birds.

SourceColorado State University·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 5, 2023

Using intercropping systems for sustainable global agricultural production

A study of 226 agricultural experiments found that intercropping resulted in higher protein levels and more productive systems than monocultures. The research revealed that intercropping requires 19% less land to produce the same amount of grain, making it a promising strategy for sustainable global food production.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2023

Research could simplify process for calculating soil carbon credits

A study by the University of Illinois Agroecosystem Sustainability Center provides new insights for quantifying cropland carbon budgets and soil carbon credits. Researchers found that high-accuracy SOC concentration measurements are needed to quantify a cropland carbon budget, but current publicly available soil datasets are sufficient...

Integral molecular reveals mechanism underlying exquisite specificity of claudin 6 therapeutic antibody being developed for solid tumors

Researchers at Integral Molecular have developed highly specific antibodies against Claudin 6, a tumor-specific protein found in multiple solid tumors. The antibodies use a single atomic contact point to derive exquisite specificity, allowing them to target cancer cells while avoiding healthy tissues.

SourceIntegral Molecular·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2023

Wafer-scale 2D MoTe₂ layers enable highly-sensitive broadband integrated infrared detector

Researchers have developed a highly-sensitive broadband integrated infrared detector using wafer-scale 2D MoTe₂ layers. The device achieves an ultrabroadband detection range of up to 10.6 μm and a room-temperature specific detectivity of over 10^8 Jones in the mid-infrared region.

Lost in translation: How “risky” amino acids abort elongation in protein synthesis

A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that nascent peptide chains with N-terminal sequences rich in aspartic acid or glutamic acid can lead to abortion of translation in eukaryotic cells through intrinsic ribosome destabilization (IRD). This phenomenon is associated with biased amino acid usage in proteomes, where t...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2023

Pusan National University researchers develop efficient sodium-ion battery anode for energy storage

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a highly efficient sodium-ion battery anode using quinacridones, exhibiting high rate capability and excellent cycle stability. The new material is cost-effective and sustainable, offering a promising alternative to traditional graphite anodes.

SourcePusan National University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2023

Active terahertz beam steering based on mechanical deformation of liquid crystal elastomer metasurface

Researchers have developed a novel terahertz beam steering system utilizing a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) metasurface that can actively deflect the direction of the incident wave. The LCE metasurface demonstrates outstanding beam steering performance, with an output angle range of 70° to 25° for frequencies between 0.48 and 1.1 THz.

Columbia University and partners win $35M JUMP 2.0 grant to create Center for Ubiquitous Connectivity

The Center for Ubiquitous Connectivity (CUbiC) aims to flatten the computation-communication gap by delivering seamless Edge-to-Cloud connectivity with transformational reductions in energy consumption. Led by Columbia Engineering Professor Keren Bergman, CUbiC will create new ultra-energy efficient technologies and system architectures.

URI researcher-led study opens oceans of possibilities

A University of Rhode Island professor's study has developed a macromolecular model of phytoplankton, which could have significant implications for climate research. The model predicts the variation in C:N:P ratios throughout the ocean, providing new insights into how phytoplankton respond to changing environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 5, 2023

BRIGHT outlook: A brief cognitive behavioral therapy appears promising for head and neck cancer survivors suffering from body-image distress

A new brief tele-cognitive behavioral therapy, BRIGHT, shows promise in reducing body-image distress among head and neck cancer survivors. The trial found that levels of body-image distress fell significantly for those who received the therapy compared to standard survivorship education.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateJan 5, 2023

Immune system B-cells can help predict HER2-positive breast cancer treatment response

A new study found that measuring activation of immune-system B cells may be better than measuring either T-cell activation or total number of immune cells in and around a tumor. The findings suggest that six signatures of immune cell gene activation from B cells were associated with higher elimination rates and better survival outcomes.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 5, 2023

Spring sunny heat waves caused record snow melt in 2021, adding to severe water supply impacts across the Western US

A new study found that record-breaking snowmelt rates occurred at 24% of all mountain snowpack monitoring sites in the region in April 2021. This rapid snowmelt further compounded drought conditions, leading to reduced hydropower production and water availability across the West.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2023

Women experiencing intimate partner violence three times more likely to contract HIV

A new study published in The Lancet HIV reveals that women experiencing recent intimate partner violence are three times more likely to contract HIV. The research highlights the intersectional epidemic of IPV and HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa, where women face increased risk of HIV acquisition and less frequent viral load suppression.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe Lancet HIV·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2023

Aging | Epigenetic aging is associated with aberrant neural oscillatory dynamics serving visuospatial processing in people with HIV

A new study finds epigenetic aging is associated with aberrant neural oscillatory dynamics serving visuospatial processing in people with HIV. Participants showed accelerated biological age and different brain activity patterns compared to controls, suggesting a link between biological aging and neural function in PWH.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2023

How evolution works

Scientists have developed a novel metric to analyze the rate of convergent evolution in protein-coding DNA sequences. This approach can reveal which genetic changes are associated with phenotypic traits, shedding light on how species diversify over time.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2023

Invasive rats transform reef fish behavior

Scientists found that invasive black rats transform reef fish behavior, causing changes in territorial patterns and nutrient cycles. The presence of rats disrupts the nutrient cycle by reducing seabird populations and nutrients deposited onto islands.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2023

DNA from archaeological remains shows that immigration to Scandinavia was exceptional during the Viking period

A new study on ancient Scandinavian genomes reveals a surprising increase in variation during the Viking period, indicating intense gene flow from eastern Baltic region, British-Irish Isles, and southern Europe. The gene pool bounced back after the Viking period, with northern Scandinavian gene pool showing a rare genetic component.

SourceStockholm University·JournalCell·DateJan 5, 2023

Prospects and applications of on-chip lasers

Research into on-chip lasers has made significant progress, with advancements in material systems and integration technologies. The integration of compact, energy-efficient, and robust laser sources is key to unlocking the potential of photonic integrated circuits. These developments have far-reaching implications for applications in o...

Study shows peer messaging tool can be successfully implemented in the nursing workforce

A new study published in The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety found that a peer messaging tool can effectively address disrespectful workplace behaviors in the nursing workforce. The study, which involved three academic medical centers, showed that most nurses who received feedback through the tool made changes to...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalThe Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety·DateJan 5, 2023

How to turn a tentacle into a foot

Researchers at UNIGE and FMI successfully modified the structure and function of tentacle cells in hydra by reducing Zic4 expression, resulting in transdifferentiation into foot cells. The study provides new insights into transdifferentiation mechanisms and could pave the way for therapies to regenerate deficient cell types in humans.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateJan 5, 2023

Weiss-Kruszka syndrome and the failure to establish neuronal identity

Researchers identified the molecular mechanism underlying Weiss-Kruszka syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by craniofacial anomalies and autistic features. The study reveals that the ZFP462 gene mutation leads to a failure to safeguard neural lineage specification during early embryonic development.

SourceIMBA- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2023

Metal halide perovskite for next-generation optoelectronics: Progresses and prospects

Researchers provide a comprehensive overview of metal halide perovskites' optoelectronic traits and their potential to design multifunctional devices. The study highlights the unique characteristics of MHPs, including tunable optical and electronic features, making them suitable for various applications.

Advanced liquid crystal-based switchable optical devices for light protection applications

Researchers discuss the development of liquid crystal-based switchable optical devices for light protection, highlighting their advantages over conventional materials. The review article explores various light modulation principles and proposes strategies for improving light protection in different environments.

Oncotarget | Resistance of MMTV-NeuT/ATTAC mice to anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint therapy is associated with macrophage infiltration and Wnt pathway expression

Researchers found that MMTV-NeuT/ATTAC mice treated with anti-PD-1 therapy developed increased tumor-associated macrophages, EMT, fibroblast proliferation, and enhanced extracellular matrix. These findings suggest potential therapeutic avenues to enhance PD-1 immune checkpoint sensitivity.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2023

Do the negative ways that others treat us contribute to later self-harm?

A new longitudinal study examines neural-based correlates and risk factors for nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents. The study found that greater amygdala reactivity during anticipation of social punishment predicted NSSI engagement one year later, particularly in those with lower peer-nominated social preference.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2023

A soft, stimulating scaffold supports brain cell development ex vivo

A new type of electrically conductive hydrogel scaffold has been developed to support brain cell growth and differentiation. The scaffold mimics the soft conditions of brain tissue and enables the creation of implantable biohybrid BCIs that integrate with a patient's brain tissue.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2023

Why technology alone can’t solve the digital divide

A recent study by Ohio State University found that despite widespread internet access, many refugee communities struggle to use digital technology for daily needs. The research highlights the importance of addressing social and cultural barriers to bridge the digital divide.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateJan 5, 2023

Treatment for combat-related PTSD advances with method shown to be fast, effective

A new study by University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio shows that treatment for combat-related PTSD can be both fast and effective, with clinically significant reductions in symptoms in over 60% of patients. Long-term remission was observed in more than 50% after three weeks of outpatient therapy.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 5, 2023

Formation of pores in mitochondrial membrane elucidated

Researchers at the University of Freiburg and Kyoto Sangyo University have elucidated the guidance mechanism for mitochondrial pore formation through structural and functional experiments. The study reveals that Sam50 and Sam37 proteins play critical roles in forming barrel pores, essential for cellular function.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 5, 2023

Wayne State receives $1.7 million NIH award to understand and address ototoxic side effects of anti-cancer drug

A Wayne State University researcher has received a $1.7 million, five-year award from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders to understand cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. The goal is to identify novel therapeutic approaches to prevent this condition in cancer survivors.

The effect of investing in foreign countries to pay lower taxes on economic productivity

A new study suggests that foreign direct investments across multiple countries can have nuanced effects on economic productivity. Dispersing investments through multiple tax havens reduces home country productivity, but host countries benefit from increased investment and improved productivity. The study highlights the benefits of bein...

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalGlobal Strategy Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2023

Charismatic CEOs lead to higher IPO prices

A new study published in Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal found that more charismatic CEOs result in higher IPO prices and smaller offer price ranges. In contrast, humility among CEOs leads to uncertainty among investors and lowers IPO prices.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Entrepreneurship Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2023

A statistical model for ensuring children's safe and sound mobility

A research team developed a method to efficiently identify potentially dangerous intersections for child traffic accidents using a combination of empirical Bayesian estimation and geo-informatized data. The model proved effective in identifying seven or more high-risk spots, improving upon methods based solely on past accident data.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2023