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Science News for March 17, 2023


Investigating the effects on amide-to-ester substitutions on membrane permeability of cyclic peptides

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology discovered that amide-to-ester substitutions can significantly improve cyclic peptides' membrane permeability, making them suitable for clinical and therapeutic applications. The study used enhanced sampling molecular dynamics simulations to unravel the mechanism behind this effect.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023

Attending live sport improves wellbeing – study

New research by Anglia Ruskin University found that attending live sporting events boosts life satisfaction and sense of life being worthwhile, while reducing loneliness. The study used data from over 7,200 adults living in England and suggests that watching live sport can be an effective public health tool.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateMar 17, 2023

Discovery of root anatomy gene may lead to breeding more resilient corn crops

A new discovery identified a gene encoding a transcription factor that triggers the development of root cortical aerenchyma, enabling corn roots to capture more water and nutrients from dry soil. This trait results in air passages forming in the roots, making them metabolically cheaper and more efficient in exploring the soil.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023

Numerical simulation of materials-oriented ultra-precision diamond cutting: Review and outlook

Researchers review numerical simulations for ultra-precision diamond cutting, exploring properties and microstructures of workpiece materials and their impact on the cutting process. The study provides guidelines for numerical simulations to predict machining responses for various materials.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 17, 2023

Few Medicaid-participating primary care physicians providing longer-acting birth control methods

A new study published in JAMA Health Forum finds that nearly half of primary care physicians treating Medicaid patients provide prescription contraception, while only 10% offer longer-acting methods like IUDs and implants. The research highlights the need for policy approaches tailored to different physician specialties to ensure acces...

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 17, 2023

Scientists identify the mechanisms leading to resistance to lung cancer treatment with Sotorasib, the first KRAS inhibitor

Researchers studied how tumors adapt to Sotorasib and found that gene amplification and transcriptional programs lead to resistance. This knowledge can help develop targeted treatments for patients with KRAS mutations, potentially increasing survival rates.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023

Women working rotating shifts especially likely to be frail, York study finds

A York University study found that rotating shift work is associated with an increased risk of frailty among middle-aged and older workers in Canada, especially for women. The research used a comprehensive approach to investigate the relationship between shift work and frailty, which may be linked to circadian rhythm disruptions.

SourceYork University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2023

Better simulations of neutron scattering

Researchers developed a new 'next-event estimator' (NEE) called eTLE to increase Tripoli-4¹'s precision using Monte Carlo simulations. The approach improves accuracy in predicting neutron scattering in crystalline media, paving the way for more accurate predictions in nuclear reactors.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateMar 17, 2023

New machine-learning approach enables to identify one molecule in a billion molecules selectively with graphene sensors

Researchers developed a machine learning model that maps graphene-gas molecule van der Waals complex bonding evolution for selective gas detection. The model achieved 100% accuracy in distinguishing between different atmospheric environments, showcasing its potential for environmental monitoring and non-invasive medical diagnosis.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalSensors and Actuators B Chemical·DateMar 17, 2023

Young children develop better learning skills when taught by teachers of the same ethnicity, national US study suggests

A new national US study suggests that young children who are taught by a teacher of the same ethnicity as themselves develop better learning and problem-solving skills by the age of seven. The effect was most pronounced in Black and Latinx children, with improved working memory and reading achievement scores.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalEarly Education and Development·DateMar 17, 2023

Qubits put new spin on magnetism: Boosting applications of quantum computers

Research using a quantum computer has designed and characterized tailor-made magnetic objects using qubits, opening up new approaches to develop materials and robust quantum computing. The study demonstrates the ability to create magnetic quasicrystal lattices that can host states beyond classical information technology.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023

Noise harming ocean invertebrates and ecosystems

Human activities are causing rapid changes to the ocean soundscape, harming invertebrates through cellular and ecosystem-level impacts. The study highlights the sensitivity of various invertebrates to underwater sound and emphasizes the need for urgent research and mitigation strategies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 17, 2023

New gene-editing technique reverses vision loss in mice

Researchers have successfully restored vision in mice with retinitis pigmentosa using a new CRISPR-based genome editing technique. The PE SpRY system corrected genetic mutations and restored normal electrical responses to light, preserving vision into old age. This breakthrough offers potential for treating inherited blindness.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023

Boosting survival of a beneficial bacterium in the human gut

A Yale study found that beneficial gut bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron responds to starvation for carbon by sequestering essential transcription factor in membrane-less compartment, increasing its activity and modifying gene expression. This mechanism enables colonization of mammalian gut and reveals a vital strategy for

SourceYale University·JournalScience·DateMar 17, 2023

An elegant new orchid hiding in plain sight

A new Japanese 'ladies tresses' orchid, Spiranthes hachijoensis, has been found in private gardens and on balconies. The discovery suggests that other new species may be hidden in common environments, eliminating the need for remote tropical rainforest expeditions.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Plant Research·TypeCase study·DateMar 17, 2023

Hansel and Gretel's breadcrumb trick inspires robotic exploration of caves on Mars and beyond

University of Arizona engineers create a communication network allowing robots to explore subsurface environments independently, deploying miniaturized sensors as they traverse caves. The 'breadcrumb-style' system enables swarms of individual robots to navigate convoluted environments without losing contact.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAdvances in Space Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 17, 2023

Discovery of an unexpected function of blood immune cells : Their ability to proliferate !

A new study by researchers at the University of Liège reveals that monocytes, blood immune cells, have the ability to proliferate and generate macrophages to replace damaged or missing immune cells. This discovery challenges current knowledge of cell proliferation and has implications for understanding various diseases, including cancer.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 17, 2023

Another crystalline layer on crystal surface as a precursor of crystal-to-crystal transition

Researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology propose the existence of pre-solid-solid transition, a surface layer on crystals that facilitates phase transitions. The newly formed layer has been confirmed through experiment and computer simulation, with promising applications in material science.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023

First wearable health sensor for monitoring muscle atrophy

Researchers developed the first wearable sensor for monitoring muscle atrophy, a condition typically caused by degenerative disease or aging. The sensor can measure small-scale volume changes in overall limb size and monitor muscle loss of up to 51%. This technology has the potential to create less burden on patients and improve treatm...

SourceOhio State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2023

3D radar scan provides clues about threats to iconic Alaskan glacier

Researchers used a 3D radar scan to reveal that Malaspina Glacier is undercut by channels, making it more vulnerable to melting and potentially contributing significantly to global sea level rise. The glacier's bulk sits below sea level, and its coastal barrier erodes, allowing ocean water to access the glacier and accelerate its retreat.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Earth Surface·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 17, 2023

Breaking barriers in hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment for populations at risk

A new minimally invasive test using dried blood spots (DBS) has been shown to effectively assess cure after treatment and differentiate between reinfection and treatment failure. The results support the viability of decentralizing treatment for people who inject drugs, who often face challenges accessing healthcare.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalJournal of Medical Virology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2023

Changes in mangrove blue carbon under elevated atmospheric CO2

Elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations are expected to increase mangrove's ability to sequester additional carbon, reducing the rate of greenhouse gas emissions. Long-term field observations and experiments can help better understand the mechanisms behind this phenomenon and predict future changes in mangrove carbon sequestration.

SourceEcosystem Health and Sustainability·JournalEcosystem Health and Sustainability·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 17, 2023

Genomic study of ancient humans sheds light on human evolution on the Tibetan Plateau

A genomic study of ancient humans on the Tibetan Plateau reveals a single origin for ancient humans, deriving from a northern East Asian population. The study also found distinct genetic patterns in different regions of the plateau, indicating three regional groups with unique historical patterns that began to merge after 2500 BP.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 17, 2023