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Science News for July 28, 2023


Trends in alcohol-related deaths by sex

A recent study found a significantly higher rate of increase in deaths among female individuals due to alcohol-related causes. The findings underscore the importance of investigating specific factors contributing to this trend.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 28, 2023

Cell biology: How cellular powerhouses call for help when under stress

A team of researchers from Goethe University Frankfurt has discovered a central switch point in the mitochondrial signaling chain under misfolding stress. The mitochondria send two chemical signals to the cell when protein misfolding stress occurs, triggering a protective response that reduces misfolded proteins and stabilizes membranes.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Last experiments of the Aeolus satellite for TROPOS before re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere

The Aeolus satellite is conducting a controlled reentry, involving extensive scientific experiments led by the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS). Key findings include tests on vertical winds and the ATLID lidar, which will be replicated on the EarthCARE satellite.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalAtmospheric Measurement Techniques·TypeObservational study·DateJul 28, 2023

Researchers identify a potential therapeutic target against cirrhosis and liver inflammation

Researchers at the University of Barcelona have discovered a new therapeutic target, RNF41 protein, which plays a crucial role in controlling chronic liver disease. The study found that enhancing RNF41 expression in macrophages can reduce fibrosis and liver inflammation, leading to improved liver regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Total recall on HIV

Researchers at Kyoto University successfully synthesized the structure of Lancilactone C, a rare anti-HIV compound. The team's method revealed an incorrect initial structure and showed that electrocyclization occurs in both synthesis and biosynthesis, leading to potential development of novel antivirals.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Unlocking a mystery of fetal development

Researchers at Rutgers University analyzed urine samples from pregnant women to understand how the placenta regulates cadmium exposure. They found that as cadmium levels increased, free testosterone levels decreased, suggesting a link between cadmium and fetal brain development.

SourceRutgers University·JournalToxics·TypeSurvey·DateJul 28, 2023

Novel Raman technique breaks through 50 years of frustration

A novel Raman technique called thermostable-Raman-interaction-profiling (TRIP) allows for label-free and highly reproducible Raman spectroscopy measurements, breaking a 50-year-old challenge. The TRIP method enables the detection of protein-ligand interactions in real-time, potentially shortening drug and vaccine testing timelines.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2023

New study finds the prealbumin gene alone is insufficient for diagnosis of heart failure

A new multi-center study found that having a genetic variant in the prealbumin gene alone is not sufficient for diagnosing transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in older Black patients. Researchers suggest that a blood test measuring prealbumin levels may be useful in identifying patients at risk of developing cardiac amyloidosis.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 28, 2023

USTC unveils 3D structure and molecular mechanism of platelet drug transporter ABCC4

The study reveals the molecular mechanism by which ABCC4 recognizes broad-spectrum substrates, providing a structural basis for rational design of platelet antagonists targeting ABCC4. The research also elucidated the molecular mechanism of ABCC4 in binding and transporting platelet agonists and antagonists.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·DateJul 28, 2023

New study findings underscore the importance of timely newborn screenings in early care for cystic fibrosis

A new study published in The Journal of Pediatrics highlights the importance of timely newborn screenings in early care for cystic fibrosis. Late diagnosis can negatively affect short- and long-term growth and health outcomes in infants with cystic fibrosis, according to the research.

SourceChildren's Hospital Colorado·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2023

HKU Engineering team uses diamond microparticles to create high security anti-counterfeit labels

A team of researchers developed a pioneering technological solution using diamond-based anti-counterfeiting labels with unique Physically Unclonable Functions. The labels can be scanned using a phone, making them highly suitable for commercial products, and are extremely tough and cheap to produce.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Retina cell breakthrough could help treat blindness

Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University have successfully grown retinal pigment epithelial cells on a nanofibre scaffold treated with fluocinolone acetonide, showing increased resilience and growth. This breakthrough technology has great potential for developing ocular tissue transplantation to treat age-related macular degeneration.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalMaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

KAIST presents a microbial cell factory as a source of eco-friendly food and cosmetic coloring​

Researchers at KAIST have developed microbial cell factories that can produce a variety of food and cosmetic compounds, including natural pigments, flavors, and functional compounds. These eco-friendly alternatives can help address global food shortages and environmental concerns.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Reviews Bioengineering·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 28, 2023

Researchers reveal a powerful platform for studying high-entropy alloy electrocatalysis

A collaborative research team created an experimental platform to control the atomic-level structure of high-entropy alloy surfaces and test their catalytic properties. Their study found that the surfaces performed better in oxygen reduction reactions compared to other materials, indicating a 'pseudo-core-shell-like structure' contribu...

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2023

Study explores the influence of social networks on oral health outcomes

The study found that network-level variables significantly improved model fit and displayed strong independent associations with oral health outcomes. Network proportion needing dental treatment was positively associated with current dental treatment needs, while exposure to reported dental visits decreased odds of no recent dental vis...

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJDR Clinical & Translational Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2023

How breast milk boosts the brain

A recent study by Tufts University researchers found that myo-inositol in human breast milk increases synaptic connections between neurons, indicating stronger brain connectivity. This finding could lead to improved infant formulas and better brain health outcomes for adults with certain psychiatric conditions.

SourceTufts University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2023

Crowd control

Researchers found that confined epithelial cells regulate their size and cell cycle separately, suppressing growth but not division length. The team used lab-grown tissue to observe how cells respond to confinement, revealing a new framework for understanding tissue development and growth.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 28, 2023

Unique Mexican black and pinto bean varieties are high in healthy compounds

A University of Illinois study found unique Mexican black and pinto bean varieties to be high in phenolic compounds and anthocyanins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The research also identified potential applications for the seed coat extracts in the food industry and cosmetics.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFood Research International·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2023

How atomic nuclei vibrate

Researchers at Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf have measured the wave-like vibration of atomic nuclei with record-breaking precision, confirming the accuracy of quantum theory. The study also explores the possibility of a new fundamental force between protons and deuterons in connection with Dark Matter.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 28, 2023

Polystyrene upcycling

A new method called Degradation Upcycling (Deg-Up) recovers aromatic chemicals from polystyrene waste in a two-step process. This approach produces valuable chemicals for the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, offering a circular plastics economy solution.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Alternative cellular ‘fuels’ boost immunity

A recent study published in Immunity has found that ketone bodies, produced by the liver during fasting or low glucose levels, power immune cells and improve T cell function. This discovery may pave the way for personalized dietary recommendations to augment treatments for infection, cancer, and other diseases.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Selectivity effect of molecular chirality may have universal applications, researchers find

A team led by Takuro Sato found that the chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect can filter out electrons and molecules with specific chirality, enabling enantioselectivity without chiral catalysis. This discovery has broader applications in producing safer chemicals and developing advanced electronics across various scales.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Curved post-garnet phase boundary may explain puzzled subducting slabs and upwelling plumes

A team of scientists has precisely determined the temperature dependence of a mantle mineral's phase transition pressure, revealing a curved post-garnet phase boundary that accelerates upwelling plumes and decelerates subduction. This discovery could explain puzzling seismic observations in the upper part of the lower mantle.

SourceCenter for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

Machine learning: artificial neural networks localize extrasystoles

Researchers from KIT developed a non-invasive method to localize ventricular extrasystoles using deep learning and convolutional neural networks. The approach achieved accurate localization in 82% of clinical cases, potentially transforming the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalArtificial Intelligence in Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2023