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Science News for March 10, 2023


New research in JNCCN highlights the negative impact of continued exclusion of racial groups from research on cancer genomics

A recent study published in JNCCN found that the lack of genomic research for people with African ancestry is hindering efforts to reduce disparities in prostate cancer outcomes. The researchers evaluated molecular genetic results for 113 Black South African men diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, identifying 17 pathogenic and pot...

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateMar 10, 2023

Discovery of oldest known fossil gnat shows how insects adapted to a postapocalyptic world

A team of scientists discovered a new genus and species of ancient gnat fossils in Mallorca, Spain, dating back to the early Middle Triassic period. The fossil, found near the harbor of Estellencs, shows how insects adapted to a post-apocalyptic world after a mass extinction event that wiped out over 80% of species.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalPapers in Palaeontology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023

pMINFLUX, graphene energy transfer and PAINT for nanometer 3D super-resolution microscopy

Researchers developed a new method combining pMINFLUX microscopy with graphene energy transfer, enabling axial precision of less than 3 angstroms. This allows for the study of molecular structures and dynamics at the nanoscale, fundamental for understanding cellular biomolecular reactions.

γ-MnO2 dual-core, pair-hole fiber for ultrafast photonics

The γ-MnO2 dual-core pair-hole fiber enables the production of an all-fiber mode-locked laser with a pulse width of about 1 ps and a repetition frequency of about 600 MHz. This fabrication scheme offers good stability and is suitable for combining other novel materials with specialty fibers, expanding ultrafast optics and sensing appli...

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023

Northern and southern resident orcas hunt differently, which may help explain the decline of southern orcas

A new study reveals that northern and southern resident orcas differ in their hunting behaviors, with males catching more salmon per hour than females. Southern resident males outperform females by 152%, highlighting a distinct pattern of foraging that may contribute to the population decline.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalBehavioral Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 10, 2023

Wayne State researcher publishes new research to bring Brillouin microscopy closer to widespread use in diagnostic medicine

Researchers have improved Brillouin microscopy to acquire mechanical images of cells and tissues at speeds 50-100 times faster than existing methods. This innovation enables the investigation of cell behaviors in real-time, with potential applications in cancer diagnosis and embryonic tissue development.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalNature Methods·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 10, 2023

Meta-analysis shows association between autism in children and cardiometabolic diseases

A meta-analysis of 34 studies found a significant association between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and increased risks of developing diabetes, dyslipidemia, and heart disease. Children with ASD were more likely to develop these metabolic complications, prompting clinicians to monitor them closely.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 10, 2023

Cause of leukemia in trisomy 21

Children with Down syndrome are highly vulnerable to developing aggressive leukaemia due to a defect in the RUNX1 gene, which regulates blood cell formation. Researchers have identified a specific variant of the gene that promotes leukaemia development and discovered potential therapeutic approaches to correct this malfunction.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023

Some stirring required: fluid mixing enables scalable manufacturing of soft polymer structures

The new technique allows for the production of a dozen different soft polymer material morphologies, including ribbons, nanoscale sheets, rods, and branched particles. By precisely controlling three sets of parameters during manufacturing, researchers can fine-tune the morphology of polymeric materials at the micro- and nano-scale.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023

Earth Map works in tandem with its users to achieve a more conscious, climate-aware and environmental-friendly world

Earth Map provides users with intuitive remote sensing data and enables a broader range of actors to take an active role in monitoring lands impacted by human activities. The tool aims to inform decision-makers about the current state of climate and resource management, driving meaningful policy changes and sustainable livelihoods.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalNational Remote Sensing Bulletin·TypeCase study·DateMar 10, 2023

Remarkable squirting mussels captured on film

Cambridge researchers observe Unio crassus mussels squirting water jets up to a meter away from the riverbed to increase the chances of their larvae attaching to specific host fishes. This behavior has never been seen in any other mussel species and may be crucial for the endangered species' survival.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEcology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 10, 2023

How to assemble a complete jaw

A USC-led team of scientists identified the key gene Nr5a2, essential for opening up genome regions that enable neural crest cells to form tendons and salivary glands. Zebrafish and mice lacking this gene exhibited skeletal and tendon defects, as well as failed salivary gland development.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023

MSU-led international research network welcomes new Ibero-American partner to advance nuclear astrophysics

The International Research Network for Nuclear Astrophysics (IReNA) has partnered with the Ibero-American Network of Nuclear Astrophysics (IANNA) to enhance knowledge in nuclear astrophysics. The new collaboration will enable researchers from both networks to access cutting-edge technology and combine their expertise, resources, and ac...

SourceMichigan State University Facility for Rare Isotope Beams·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 10, 2023

Immune cells have a backup mechanism

Researchers at University of Bonn discover a backup mechanism in immune cells that ensures efficient antiviral responses despite TBK1 enzyme mutations or complete loss. This mechanism relies on the stability of IKKepsilon protein, which compensates for TBK1 deficiency.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023

HKU Marine Scientist contributes to research assessing the potential risks of ocean-based climate intervention technologies on deep-sea ecosystems

A research team led by Dr Lisa Levin assessed the potential risks of OBCIs on deep-sea ecosystems, raising substantial concern about their impacts on biodiversity and biogeochemistry. The study highlights the need for an integrated research framework to carefully consider the cost and benefits of each intervention.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023

Researchers find access to new fluorescent materials

Researchers have found a way to increase the efficiency of fluorescence in phosphole-based compounds by modifying them with sulfonyl isocyanates. This modification method has been shown to significantly enhance the optical properties of these substances, making them suitable for use as efficient dyes or markers.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023

Hotter than infinity – light pulses can behave like an exotic gas

Researchers at the Universities of Jena and Central Florida have created a photon gas that exhibits behavior similar to a conventional gas, with particles moving at different speeds but maintaining a mean velocity defined by temperature. This phenomenon, known as negative temperature, can be cooled or heated, allowing for the creation ...

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023