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Science News for June 27, 2023


First observation of rubber-like elasticity in liquid glycerol

Researchers discovered a novel elastic behavior in liquid glycerol, which persists over long timescales and could be important for rapid engineering applications. The team proposes that high straining rates and confined thickness lead to collective molecular movements, stabilizing the elastic state.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

Magnetic bacteria point the way

Researchers found magnetotactic bacteria living on a hydrothermal vent chimney at 2,787 meters below the ocean's surface. The discovery provides clues to the early diversification of bacteria and offers insights into the environment that may support extraterrestrial life.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2023

Chemical communication between female rats exists, and is complex

A new study reveals that female rats utilize scent marks to convey information and coordinate behavior, particularly in terms of reproduction and social hierarchy. The research, led by Guadalupe Gómez Baena, demonstrates the complexity of female communication through scent marks and highlights the need for further study on this topic.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2023

New enzyme could aid anticancer drug development

A new enzyme, CtdY, has been identified that can break an amide bond, a fundamental type of bond found in proteins. This discovery holds significant promise for the pharmaceutical industry, as it could enable the creation of new anticancer drugs and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

Air pollution speeds snowmelt

A recent study found that air pollution, particularly particulate matter, accelerates snowmelt in the Himalayas. Reduced anthropogenic pollutant emissions during the Indian lockdown in 2020 prevented 27 Mt of ice and snow melt, highlighting the impact of decreasing pollution on combating climate change.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 27, 2023

Follow the leader: Researchers identify mechanism of cancer invasion

A Penn State-led research team has revealed how a leader cell emerges to coordinate the invasion of cancer cells, enabling the prediction of tumor invasiveness. The study found that MALAT1, a gene associated with metastasis in various cancers, plays an essential role in regulating leader cells.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

Light or moderate alcohol consumption does not guard against diabetes, obesity

A large study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found that moderate to light alcohol consumption does not protect against obesity and type 2 diabetes. The research, which analyzed data from over 408,000 participants, confirmed that heavy drinking increases measures of obesity and risk of type 2 diabetes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 27, 2023

Dual-use rechargeable battery

Researchers have developed a hybrid battery system that stores electricity and produces valuable chemicals, such as furfuryl alcohol and furoic acid. The new battery increases the cost efficiency of the battery system, making it a step towards improving the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of rechargeable batteries.

SourceWiley·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

Black families growing up on either side of the tracks have same economic outcomes

Researchers found that Black families, regardless of neighborhood, experience similar economic circumstances in adulthood. Latino families, on the other hand, showed positive growth in adult earnings when removed from disadvantaged neighborhoods. The study suggests that structural change is needed to address racial income gaps.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalCity and Community·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2023

Relationship between groundwater cadmium and vicinity resident urine cadmium levels in Hunan Province——a region that is both the heartland of Chinese non-ferrous mining and the home of fish and rice

A study found a positive correlation between groundwater cadmium levels and urinary cadmium levels among residents near non-ferrous metal smelting sites. Higher groundwater cadmium concentrations were associated with higher urinary cadmium levels, indicating the need for stronger prevention measures against groundwater pollution.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

Novel radiotracer demonstrates high diagnostic efficacy for obese patients with coronary artery disease

A novel PET perfusion radiotracer, 18F-flurpiridaz, demonstrates high diagnostic efficacy for obese patients with coronary artery disease, outperforming traditional imaging methods. The study showed improved sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing significant CAD, even at lower radiation doses.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 27, 2023

Health is where the home is: study shows pediatrician and family collaboration can address obesity

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that pediatrician and family collaboration can address obesity. The study showed that three times as many children in the treatment group had a clinically meaningful reduction in body mass index (BMI), resulting in improved cardiometabolic outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 27, 2023

Human embryo-like models created from stem cells to understand earliest stages of human development

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a stem cell-derived model of the human embryo, allowing for the experimental modeling of embryonic development during the second week of pregnancy. This breakthrough could help understand why and how pregnancies fail, and potentially lead to new treatments for genetic disorders.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

New venom discovery from deadly cone snails

Researchers discovered crucial differences in venoms across the lifecycle of cone snails, using a new laboratory aquarium system to study juvenile stages. The findings reveal unique adaptations for hunting and venom composition, offering potential new drugs for pain medication and disease treatment.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2023

Towards rapid tissue regeneration

Researchers at DTU Health Tech created a multi-levelled scaffold that enables near-perfect bone healing in just eight weeks, without using growth factors or endocrine factors and cells. The scaffold combines essential bone minerals with mechanical properties matching human bone compressive strength.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 27, 2023

Policy Makers Aplenty: Researchers and citizens play positive roles in the governance of human genome editing

A study by Osaka University researchers reveals that various stakeholders, including experts, the general public, and patients, can participate in genome editing governance. This collaboration enables more effective policy-making, with citizens engaging in new initiatives such as interactive events.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAsian Bioethics Review·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 27, 2023

New insights into liver cancer development

A study published in Cancer Research identifies a novel mechanism by which liver cancer develops, involving the aberrant activation of the Wnt signaling pathway and the gene GREB1. The research reveals that GREB1 is responsible for integrating conflicting cellular states of differentiation and proliferation, leading to tumor promotion.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

Like human, like dog

A recent study by researchers at the University of Vienna found that dogs and humans have brain regions specialized in perceiving body postures, similar to those found in humans. The study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to compare the brains of 40 human participants with 15 pet dogs.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJun 27, 2023

The more stakeholders are included in policy planning, the better those policies protect them

Researchers found that groundwater management plans with stakeholder input offered greater protection from groundwater depletion, especially for domestic wells and ecosystems. However, only 9% of plans integrated all three stakeholder groups, with economically vulnerable communities being disproportionately affected.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 27, 2023

Colin Powell School psychologist Eric Fertuck and colleagues identify neural signature for Borderline Personality Disorder

A new study has identified a neural signature in the rostro-medial prefrontal cortex that may be linked to Borderline Personality Disorder. Individuals with BPD exhibit reduced activity in this region when rejected, suggesting a hypersensitivity to social rejection. This finding could help develop targeted therapies for the disorder.

SourceCity College of New York·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 27, 2023

The release of DNA methylation map of four Chinese populations and epigenetic variation associated with Tibetans’ adaptation to Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

A DNA methylation map of four Chinese populations, including Tibetans, has been released, showing that epigenetic variation is associated with high-altitude adaptation. The study reveals ethnic-specific and non-ethnic-specific DNA methylation variations correlated to global genetic divergence and high-altitude adaptation genes.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateJun 27, 2023

How the evolution of tooth enamel tissue unfolded

A recent study by researchers at the University of Zurich found that the Notch signaling pathway plays a crucial role in shaping and varying tooth enamel. The team used genetically modified mouse models to analyze the effects of the Notch-ligands on teeth, revealing that their absence affected tooth morphology and enamel formation.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 27, 2023

Cleveland Clinic risk calculator surpasses other clinical measures in predicting overall survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Researchers developed a risk calculator using persistent homology scores from CT scans, which is the strongest predictor of overall survival among standard clinical measures. The calculator has the potential to guide clinicians in choosing treatment options and transform the way outcomes are predicted.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJCO Clinical Cancer Informatics·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2023

Know a shortcut to Paris?

A recent study by Kyoto University has raised concerns about the authenticity of Big Oil's net-zero emissions claims. The research team found that oil majors are not making sufficient progress in phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to clean energy, despite their pledges to achieve net-zero by 2050.

SourceKyoto University·JournalClimatic Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2023

DNA barcoding identifies the plants a person has eaten

A new technique using DNA barcoding can identify the plant matter in human feces, improving clinical trials, nutrition studies and historical research. The method detected specific plant species and their relative amounts consumed, varying according to diet, age, and household income.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2023

A symbiosis in the open ocean

Researchers discovered a symbiotic relationship between diatom Hemiaulus hauckii and cyanobacterium Richelia euintracellularis, with the diatom supplying reduced organic compounds to support nitrogen fixation. The study found that proteins from the endosymbiont play a crucial role in molecule transport across cell membranes.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 27, 2023

New study sheds light on the evolution of animals

A new study published in Trends in Ecology & Evolution suggests that animals first evolved around 574 million years ago. The researchers used advanced analytical techniques to investigate preservation conditions in Cambrian and Neoproterozoic rocks, finding that certain clays were essential for capturing early animal fossils.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateJun 27, 2023

Obesity associated with increased inflammation and prolonged symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury

Researchers found that obese patients with mild traumatic brain injuries had higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers and prolonged symptoms compared to those with healthy body mass indexes. The study suggests that obesity may mediate the inflammatory response and symptoms in mTBI patients.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·DateJun 27, 2023

Molecular imaging identifies brain changes in response to food cues; offers insight into obesity interventions

A study using molecular imaging found that individuals with obesity respond differently to food cues than normal-weight individuals, with altered connectivity between brain networks. The research offers valuable insights into potential medical interventions for obesity, including novel drug treatments and behavioral therapies.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 27, 2023

A new generic treatment for multiple types of cancer

Researchers have developed a new technique to generically treat several kinds of cancer, showing tumors grew almost three times less and survival rates reached 100% after just one injection. The method targets cancer cells with alpha radiation, sparing healthy tissue.

SourceRIKEN·JournalChemical Science·DateJun 27, 2023

New developments for high-speed internet from space enabled by coherent modulation and adaptive optics

A team of researchers demonstrated a 1 Terabit per second line-rate over a wireless distance of 53.42 km using advanced optical modulation formats. Adaptive optics mitigation technique improved received optical power, enabling high data-rates despite atmospheric turbulence.

European bird communities move to cooler areas, but mountain ranges and coastlines ‘control the traffic’

Researchers found that two-thirds of European bird species shifted northeastward by an average of 100km over the past 30 years, with coastal communities facing extinction. Mountain ranges also controlled bird migrations, preventing some species from adapting to changing temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2023

Updated guidance shows how hospitals should protect patients from resistant infections

The updated guidance emphasizes the importance of antimicrobial stewardship to reduce MRSA infection rates. It also recommends surveillance for asymptomatic carriers and decolonization for those colonized with MRSA. Effective hand hygiene and cleaning practices remain crucial in preventing MRSA transmission.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 27, 2023

New drug delivery method can reverse senescence of stem cells

A new drug delivery method utilizes polymer-stabilized crystals to deliver antioxidants to stem cells, minimizing variation in drug release and extending the duration of effectiveness. This technology can be applied to various cell cultures and potentially other hydrophilic drugs, disease models, and methods applications.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

Lupus flare-ups strongly linked to specific bacterial growth in gut

A new study from NYU Langone Health found a strong link between lupus flare-ups and specific bacterial growth in the gut, particularly Ruminococcus blautia gnavus. The researchers identified 34 genes linked to the bacterium's growth in people with inflammation, highlighting its potential role in triggering autoimmune diseases.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 27, 2023

HSE scientists investigate third-party punishment for unfairness

Researchers from HSE Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience examine the brain's reaction to social norms violations and calculate a behavioral index to assess an individual's sensitivity to unfairness. This index can be used to develop personalized rehabilitation programs for patients with various types of behavioral disorders.

PT-symmetric lasers beyond proof-of-concept demonstrations

Researchers have developed a novel electrically pumped edge-emitting laser chip with unprecedented performance, achieving single-mode output power levels of 400 mW at room temperature. The device uses PT-symmetry to suppress higher-order modes, maintaining beam quality comparable to narrow waveguide devices.

Taking higher-than-recommended doses of vitamin D for five years reduced the risk of atrial fibrillation

A five-year study found that taking higher-than-recommended doses of vitamin D reduced the risk of atrial fibrillation by 27-32% in older men and women. The Finnish Vitamin D Trial involved 2,495 participants who received either a placebo or vitamin D supplementation, with lower risks observed in those taking higher doses.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalAmerican Heart Journal·DateJun 27, 2023

Data driven model discovery and interpretation for CAR T-cell killing using sparse identification and latent variables

Researchers applied sparse identification and latent variables (SINDy) to analyze experimental CAR T-cell killing assay data for glioblastoma cancer cells. The study aimed to extend the CARRGO model by capturing more precise interactions between CAR T-cells and glioma cells.

SourceCollege of Charleston·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 27, 2023

‘Critical climate solution’ or ‘worse than coal’? Study explores debate around divisive energy technology

A new study analyzed coverage of BECCS in 166 newspaper articles to understand public opinion on the energy technology. The research identified eight key storylines, including Pro-BECCS narratives that emphasized its necessity and Revolutionary technology, alongside Anti-BECCS lines that highlighted environmental concerns.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateJun 27, 2023

Brain imaging-based biomarker of depression identified

Researchers used brain imaging to identify multiple subtypes of depression, finding distinct deviation patterns in functional connectivity among brain regions. This study provides leads for developing better treatments and personalized therapeutic interventions.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2023

When at first you don’t succeed: Tobacco researchers to test whether switching medications helps people to quit smoking after an unsuccessful first attempt

A randomized trial will be conducted to test whether sticking with the initial medication or switching to a different one increases quitting success. The study aims to provide guidance for clinicians on handling relapses and may explore the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as an alternative to traditional cigarettes.

UC Irvine scientists develop freely available risk model for hurricanes, tropical cyclones

A team of researchers at UC Irvine has developed a freely available computer model to estimate the economic costs of hurricanes and typhoons. The model combines data from climate change science and household vulnerability information, providing return periods of asset losses and helping countries better prepare for these disasters.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalWeather Climate and Society·DateJun 27, 2023