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Science News for March 29, 2023


Can a solid be a superfluid? Engineering a novel supersolid state from layered 2D materials

Researchers predict that layered electronic 2D semiconductors can host a quantum phase of matter called the supersolid. A solid becomes 'super' when its quantum properties match those of superconductors, simultaneously having two orders: solid and super. The study reports the complete phase diagram of this system at low temperatures.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 29, 2023

Study assesses prevalence, severity, co-occurrence of common symptoms undertreated in cancer patients

A large population study reveals that common cancer symptoms are pervasive across all types of cancer and sociodemographics, with higher symptom burdens among patients with lung, gastrointestinal, and gynecologic cancers. The study highlights the importance of prioritizing symptom management in patients who need or desire treatment.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·DateMar 29, 2023

CNIO researchers help to understand the functioning of the protein that makes DNA loops in the human genome

Researchers at the CNIO have elucidated a key point about how cohesin attaches to DNA and forms loops. The study suggests that NIPBL is not necessary for cohesin to bind to DNA, but only for it to move and form DNA loops. This finding may be important in understanding Cornelia de Lange syndrome.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Autumn stopover hotspots and multiscale habitat associations of migratory landbirds in the eastern United States

Researchers mapped seasonal bird densities across the eastern United States using weather radar stations to identify stopover hotspots. The study found that high-density migrant areas were consistently associated with forest cover and decreased with pasture and cultivated crops.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2023

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers partner with zoological facilities to find new ways to study heart rate, respiration in wild animal populations

Researchers used thermal video and image analysis to measure heart and respiration rates in exotic wildlife species in controlled settings. The study validated the accuracy of this technology for future use in wild populations, especially threatened species.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalBMC Biology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2023

Excess death gap widens between US and Europe

A new analysis shows that the US has substantially higher death rates at all but the oldest ages compared to five high-income European countries. The excess death gap widened during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the number of excess deaths nearly doubling between 2019 and 2021.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2023

Three newly discovered sea worms that glow in the dark named after creatures from Japanese folklore and marine biologist

Researchers at Nagoya University discovered three new species of bioluminescent polycirrus worms emitting blue-violet light, with names inspired by yokai from Japanese folklore. The findings aim to deepen understanding of bioluminescence mechanisms and potentially lead to new life sciences technologies.

SourceNagoya University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 29, 2023

Study elucidates at cellular level how regular exercise preserves physical fitness during aging

A study found that regular exercise increases mitochondrial fusion, benefiting muscle cells and maintaining physical fitness even in old age. Daily sessions of exercise throughout life delay the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria and decline in physical fitness.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2023

Does immigration really increase crime?

Researchers led by Nicolas Ajzenman found that immigrants don't increase crime rates, but people's perception of crime does. In Chile, migrants' presence sparked concerns among citizens, with those exposed to immigration inflows more likely to rank crime as a top concern.

SourceMcGill University·JournalAmerican Economic Journal Applied Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 29, 2023

Ancient giant amphibians swam like crocodiles 250 million years ago

A team of researchers from South Africa has discovered exceptional trace fossils that provide insight into the locomotion of ancient giant amphibians. The fossils, found on a rock surface once part of a tidal flat or lagoon, suggest these animals propelled themselves through water with continuous side-to-side tail motions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2023

Membrane discs as antitoxins

Researchers have developed nanodiscs based on the cell membranes of human red blood cells, which can effectively neutralize bacterial toxins. These nanodiscs, called RBC-NDs, are biocompatible and non-toxic, making them potentially useful as nanovaccines.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

The shape of your heart matters

Researchers from the Smidt Heart Institute found that individuals with spherical hearts are 31% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation and 24% more likely to develop cardiomyopathy. The study identified four genes associated with cardiomyopathy and a greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation.

Australians paying $6 billion for unused apartment parking

A new study found that 20% of households have too little allocated parking and 13.4% of surveyed households do not own a car but are still allocated a parking space. Experts are calling for planning policy to 'unbundle' parking spaces from apartments to reduce housing costs and alleviate street parking woes.

SourceRMIT University·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·TypeSurvey·DateMar 29, 2023

Rainbow trout subspecies newly named

A new subspecies of rainbow trout, O. mykiss calisulat, has been identified after genetic analysis revealed its distinctiveness. This discovery is significant as it marks the first newly identified Pacific trout subspecies since 2008 and the youngest rainbow trout subspecies by more than 100 years.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalZootaxa·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 29, 2023

Seer researchers find undiscovered links between lung cancer and multiple distinct protein variants via deep, unbiased proteomics analysis

Seer researchers identified four structurally distinct protein isoforms that were differentially expressed in non-small cell lung cancer patients. These findings suggest that these protein isoforms may play a role in NSCLC disease pathogenesis, potentially leading to the development of new diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets.

SourceConsort Partners·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Bridging the Gap: addressing medical and social needs improves diabetes care and outcomes

A new initiative has shown that holistic, team-based care that bridges clinic treatment to community resources can improve diabetes care and management. Healthcare organizations partnering with community groups to address social factors such as food insecurity also shows promise in empowering patients to better manage their own symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 29, 2023

Scientists share ‘comprehensive’ map of volcanoes on Venus — all 85,000 of them

Researchers Paul Byrne and Rebecca Hahn have compiled a global catalog of 85,000 volcanoes on Venus, providing the most comprehensive understanding of the planet's volcanic properties. The dataset includes detailed analyses of volcano distribution, size, and clustering, which will aid in locating future active lava flows.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 29, 2023

CSU machine learning model helps forecasters improve confidence in storm prediction

A machine learning model developed by Colorado State University researchers has been tested with forecasters at the Storm Prediction Center to improve medium-range severe weather forecasts. The tool provides a probabilistic measure of hazardous weather events, such as tornadoes and hail, four to eight days in advance.

SourceColorado State University·JournalWeather and Forecasting·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 29, 2023

Dissecting the circadian clock in real time

Researchers at UC San Diego and UC Merced developed a high-throughput method to study the circadian clock in real time, shedding light on its internal functions. The study found that kinases play a crucial role in relaying the circadian rhythm from the core oscillator to gene expression.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Exercise may reduce negative effects of unhealthy sleep duration on longevity

A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that regular physical activity can help offset the detrimental effects of inadequate or excessive sleep on mortality risk. The research included over 90,000 adults and used accelerometry to track physical activity and sleep duration.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2023

Pathogenic genetic variations boost the risk of H. pylori-related stomach cancer

A large case-control study identified nine genes associated with stomach cancer risk and found that pathogenic genetic variations exacerbate the damage caused by H. pylori infection, significantly increasing the risk of gastric cancer. The study suggests that screening for pathogenic variants can help prioritize interventions.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Research Brief: Study finds evidence of resistance to COVID-19 drugs

A study published in Science Advances reveals that viral SARS-CoV-2 variants are developing resistance to protease inhibitors, including Paxlovid. Researchers warn that this could undermine the effectiveness of antiviral treatments and highlight the need for next-generation compounds with different resistance profiles.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2023

Ancient magma reveals signs of life

Researchers at Heidelberg University developed new methods to detect biogenic carbon in zircon minerals, which can preserve traces of life hundreds of millions of years old. The study's findings open up new possibilities for research into the Earth's early period, where fossils and sediments are scarce.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2023

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Antitumor Response: Decoding Molecular Mechanisms

Researchers found that immune checkpoint inhibitors increase the mobilization of overlapping tumor-reactive CD8+ T cells, leading to antitumor effects. The diverse subset of T-cell clones plays a key role in this response, with polyclonal clones exhibiting more proliferative potential and contributing to effective treatment outcomes.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCancer Immunology Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

OHIO diabetes researchers discover the potential of CIDEC protein to mitigate obesity-related cardiometabolic disease

A team of researchers from Ohio University discovered that CIDEC protein improves vascular and metabolic dysfunction, reducing insulin resistance and lipid levels in high-fat diet-induced mice. The study contributes to understanding the role of the vascular endothelium in regulating systemic metabolism.

SourceOhio University·JournalDiabetes·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

How to climate-proof the Ethiopian breadbasket? Combine genomics and farmer knowledge

Researchers teamed with Ethiopian farmers to develop new wheat varieties using genomic analysis. Farmers' knowledge played a crucial role in predicting crop yields and selecting optimal traits. The project aims to preserve agrobiodiversity and promote cultural heritage.

Implementing green corridors throughout Barcelona could reduce annual antidepressant use and visits to mental health specialists by 13%

A Barcelona Institute for Global Health study suggests that increasing green space in the city may help alleviate mental health issues. By 2025, the expansion of Green Axes (Eixos Verds) could lead to a 14% decrease in cases of poor mental health and prevent 13% of antidepressant use, resulting in annual savings of €45 million.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2023

When it comes to neural networks learning motion, it’s all relative

Researchers developed a deep learning approach to recognize and predict motion using vector-based relative change in position. The method, VecNet+LSTM, scored higher than other frameworks in recognizing motion and predicting future movements. This study has implications for machine learning in video analysis and artificial intelligence.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Life’s work of University of South Florida researcher uncovers first ancient DNA from Swahili civilization

A University of South Florida anthropologist has uncovered the first ancient DNA from the Swahili Civilization, revealing African and Asian ancestry patterns. The study challenges centuries-old narratives and restores pride to the millions who identify as Swahili by providing clarity to their heritage.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2023

Scientists make a breakthrough in the cellular recognition of microplastics

Researchers at Ritsumeikan University have made a breakthrough in understanding how macrophages recognize microplastics, discovering an interaction between aromatic rings that drives this process. The study suggests that while microplastics may not induce acute inflammation, chronic exposure could lead to autoimmune diseases.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Feed them or lose them

Researchers found that a group of amino acids influence brain development, leading to severe effects after birth if nerve cells are starved. The study showed that mice with low levels of essential amino acids developed microcephaly and exhibited long-term behavioral abnormalities similar to those in autism spectrum disorders.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Pusan National University researchers develop non-intrusive sensor for pipeline monitoring

A novel, low-cost sensor system utilizing force-sensing resistor technology has been developed by Pusan National University researchers for real-time pipeline monitoring. The system demonstrated a 99.4% correlation with commercial sensors, enabling accurate detection of pipeline damages.

SourcePusan National University·JournalStructural Control and Health Monitoring·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

Immune Development in Early Life (IDEAL) study to identify new approaches for predicting and preventing childhood disease

An international project aims to discover modifiable cellular and molecular pathways of the developing infant immune system to improve infant vaccine responsiveness and prevent respiratory disease. By analyzing infants' immune systems from birth to five years old, researchers hope to identify biomarkers that predict vaccine responsiven...

Coronavirus causes chaos in infected cells’ RNA

Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 infection causes drastic changes to RNA modifications, including the loss of m6A modification. This disruption may lead to persistent COVID-like symptoms and provide a new potential drug target against COVID-19. The study's results could also shed light on chronic post-COVID conditions.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalGenome Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

How to improve water permeability and rejection performance of RGO membrane? RGO-MXene membranes give answer

Researchers have developed RGO-MXene membranes that exhibit high pure water permeance and improved electro-enhanced rejection performance. The membranes' wettability-regulated channels enhance water entry rates and boost rejection rates for charged species under electro-assistance.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

COVID-19 during pregnancy may increase obesity risk in children

Children born to mothers infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy may experience altered growth patterns and increased weight gain in early life, which can lead to a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the importance of long-term follow-up and prevention strategies for pregnant individuals.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 29, 2023

Most of biological life appears to be either small (10-15g) or large (around 107g), though there is substantial uncertainty around body size and biomass across terrestrial, marine and subterranean species

According to a recent study, most biological life falls within these two extreme sizes, with substantial uncertainty surrounding body size and biomass across different environments. The research suggests that this pattern may be due to various factors such as energy efficiency and adaptability.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 29, 2023