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Science News for March 30, 2023


Fluid flow in the brain can be manipulated by sensory stimulation

A new study by Boston University researchers reveals that visual stimulation can induce large-scale changes in cerebrospinal fluid flow during wakefulness. The findings have implications for treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease, which are associated with declines in fluid flow.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

Development of an artificial kidney for early detection of drug toxicity

A research team from Pohang University of Science & Technology has engineered an artificial kidney to detect adverse drug reactions and provide personalized treatment. The team successfully fabricated a glomerular microvessel-on-a-chip that recapitulates the kidney's filtering function and evaluates its response to various toxins.

How to achieve a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B

Researchers found that after 96 weeks, some patients achieved loss of detectable HBsAg and reduced liver inflammation levels, indicating functional cure. The study suggests that discontinuing long-term antiviral therapy may be more effective than continuing it for certain patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 30, 2023

Prototype taps into the sensing capabilities of any smartphone to screen for prediabetes

Researchers at the University of Washington developed GlucoScreen, a new system that leverages smartphone capacitive touch sensing to measure blood glucose levels. The system's accuracy is comparable to standard glucometer testing, making it potentially less costly and more accessible for widespread screening.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies·DateMar 30, 2023

How plants adapt to nitrogen deficiency

Scientists have identified specific genetic variants in wheat and barley that enable plants to adapt to nitrogen deficiency by increasing root growth and improving nitrogen content. These findings offer promising opportunities for plant breeding to develop varieties with enhanced nitrogen use efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMar 30, 2023

Babies’ gut microbiome not influenced by mothers’ vaginal microbiome composition

A recent study published in Frontiers found that maternal vaginal microbiome composition does not significantly influence the development of infants' stool microbiome during the first weeks and months of life. Instead, exposure to breast milk and environmental factors are believed to play a more significant role.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 30, 2023

AI algorithm unblurs the cosmos

Researchers have developed an AI algorithm that can remove atmospheric blur from astronomical images, resulting in more accurate scientific measurements and clearer data. The tool produces faster and more realistic images than current methods, producing 38.6% less error compared to classic methods.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 30, 2023

Across the divide: Manufacturing better batteries

The article explores knowledge gaps between laboratory and industrial manufacturing of batteries, highlighting the need for a shift in research priorities. Researchers propose new ways to design experiments that account for industry challenges, such as cost efficiency and impurity tolerance. The study aims to bridge the gap between fun...

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 30, 2023

Do we understand the flickering flames?

A research team at Toyohashi University of Technology discovered that the flickering of flames can be controlled by moving two flames closer together or further apart. By periodically adjusting the distance between flames, they were able to stably express the state of “stopping the flickering of flames”, a phenomenon previously unknown...

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalPhysical Review Applied·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

New RNA-based toolkit to regulate gene activity could advance regenerative medicine, gene therapy and biotechnology

Scientists developed a new RNA-based toolkit that can regulate gene expression, potentially improving regenerative medicine, gene therapy, and biotechnology. The technology uses small molecules to control the activity of synthetic RNA, allowing for precise control over gene expression.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

Novel immunotherapy delivery approach safe and beneficial for some melanoma patients with leptomeningeal disease

Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a novel approach to administer intrathecal and intravenous immunotherapy to treat leptomeningeal disease (LMD) in melanoma patients, showing promising results in improving survival rates and quality of life for some patients.

Development of a biosensor for real time detection of the G-protein molecular switch in our body

The research team developed a new biosensor based on a fluorescent protein utilizing human M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (hM3R), a type of GPCR. They found that a GPCR-based single receptor sensor exhibited consecutive structural conversion via the G protein cycle, and that G-protein activation caused a two-step change in the hM...

New study identifies key risk factors for surgical site infection following commonly performed surgery

A new study has identified key risk factors for surgical site infections (SSIs) following abdominal hysterectomies. The analysis of over 66,000 procedures found that patients with open surgery, obesity, diabetes, and younger age were more likely to experience an SSI.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 30, 2023

New Study: Breast cancer screenings of at-risk women dropped after revised mammography guidelines issued in 2009

A study found that the change in guidelines led to a decline in mammography screening rates, particularly among women ages 50-74, an unintended consequence known as spillover. This effect resulted in 2.4 million fewer women being up-to-date with screening mammography between 2009 and 2018.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 30, 2023

Ancient forests, seaways, and climate: Lessons from the miocene for today's world

Researchers used a coupled model to simulate ocean circulation and temperature during the MMCO, finding that global average temperature was over 3℃ higher than present. Extensive forest coverage played a significant role in climate regulation, with land temperatures particularly high in the Sahara and high northern latitudes.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalPalaeogeography Palaeoclimatology Palaeoecology·DateMar 30, 2023

*Free* Indigenous cultures adopted horses of primarily Spanish origin before Europeans arrived in the American Great Plains and northern Rockies

A new study reveals that Indigenous cultures integrated domestic horses of Spanish ancestry into their lifeways before Europeans arrived in the region. The analysis of archaeological horse remains suggests that these animals spread northward from Spanish settlements in the American Southwest during the first half of the 1600s.

New circuit model offers insights into brain function

A new computational model of the thalamic microcircuit in mouse brains offers detailed insights into its role in brain function and dysfunction, particularly in relation to sensory processing and spindles. The model replicates network-level experimental findings across different brain states, shedding light on inhibitory rebound and th...

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCell Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 30, 2023

DNA testing finds endangered eels on the menu

A recent study by the University of Exeter has confirmed the widespread trading of critically endangered European eels in international markets. The research found that about 40% of North American unagi samples contained European eel, suggesting a significant role for illegal trade in their supply chain.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFood Control·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

Hubble finds Saturn's rings heating its atmosphere

Astronomers have found that Saturn's vast ring system is heating the giant planet's upper atmosphere, a phenomenon that could provide insights into the atmospheres of distant worlds. The discovery was made using archival ultraviolet-light observations from four space missions, including Hubble and Cassini.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 30, 2023

Researchers call for the science needed to get the ocean we want

The High Seas Treaty aims to establish cooperative approaches to improve ocean management, but scientists argue that more research is needed to effectively implement the agreement. The treaty proposes massive marine protected areas covering 30% of the ocean by 2030, which could significantly improve ocean conservation.

SourceOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research (OLAR)·JournalOcean-Land-Atmosphere Research·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 30, 2023

DGIST Professor Yoonkyu Lee’s research team has developed a high-performance transparent-flexible electronic device based on a copper-graphene nanowire synthesized by scintillation

The research team has developed a method for mass-producing high-quality copper-graphene nanowires, enabling the production of transparent-flexible electrode materials. The technology is applicable to various energy devices, including semitransparent solar cells and transparent displays.

Surgery proves effective alternative to chemotherapy and radiation for early metastatic testicular cancer

A clinical trial has established surgery as an effective treatment option for patients with early metastatic seminoma, a slow-growing form of testicular cancer. Surgery has been shown to offer better outcomes than traditional therapies like chemotherapy and radiation, with fewer long-term side effects.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 30, 2023

Improving the efficiency of maps

Researchers are developing cartographic visualisations that tap into internal brain processes to enhance spatial orientation skills. The project, funded by the European Research Council, involves adding distinctive lines or graphic patterns to maps to stimulate grid cell activity in the brain.

New mechanisms and therapeutic possibilities for heart failure uncovered by scientists at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and Johns Hopkins University

Researchers at Temple University and Johns Hopkins University found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) loss underlies post-myocardial infarction heart failure. BDNF levels can be replenished therapeutically, abolishing damage to heart tissue and enabling recovery.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalCirculation Research·DateMar 30, 2023

Trinity and University of Manchester researchers tackle parasitic worms that infect millions worldwide

A recent study published in the journal Immunity has shed light on the immune response to parasitic worm infection, revealing a critical role for T cells and macrophages. The research team identified specific signaling molecules that control the development of tissue-resident macrophages, which are essential for eliminating the infection.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

Pusan National University researchers build a numerical algorithm to study continuous ice-breaking

Researchers at Pusan National University have created a new algorithm that can accurately predict ice resistance and fracture points for ships navigating through the Arctic shipping routes. The model uses an elastic material approach, allowing it to study continuous ice-breaking processes, which is essential for efficient navigation.

SourcePusan National University·JournalOcean Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 30, 2023

Buprenorphine initiation in the ER found safe and effective for individuals with opioid use disorder who use fentanyl

A multi-site NIH study shows that less than 1% of people with opioid use disorder experience withdrawal when starting buprenorphine in the emergency department. The findings provide strong evidence for safe and effective buprenorphine treatment, even for those using stronger opioids like fentanyl.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 30, 2023

VIMS study: sea-level rise is double-edged sword for carbon storage

A recent VIMS study uses a new computer model to simulate the impact of sea-level rise on coastal carbon storage. The research found that moderate rates of sea-level rise enhance plant productivity and carbon preservation, while rapid rise rates can lead to marsh collapse and decreased carbon storage.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 30, 2023

How to achieve a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B

A study published in Journal of Hepatology found that some patients with chronic hepatitis B can achieve sustained immune control by discontinuing antiviral therapy after four years. This suggests a potential cure for the disease, which affects an estimated 350 million people worldwide.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 30, 2023

Can we connect to a virtual world as in the movie “The Matrix”? Microrobot technology has been developed for externally connecting in vivo neural networks.

The research team developed a microrobot capable of forming neural networks and sectioning hippocampal tissues in an in vitro environment. They used superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles to fabricate the Mag-Neurobot, which can move to a desired location by reacting to external magnetic fields. The technology enables analysis of n...

A biohybrid system to extract 20 times more bioplastic from CO2 developed by KAIST researchers

Researchers at KAIST have developed a hybrid system that combines electrochemical CO2 conversion with microbial bioconversion to produce bioplastics. The system resulted in the world's highest productivity, producing up to 83% of cell dry weight as bioplastic from CO2.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 30, 2023

Deepfakes: has the camera always lied?

Research highlights centuries-old manipulation of photos and videos, raising questions about the social problems behind deepfakes, including the objectification of women and dehumanization of marginalized groups. Dr. Joshua Habgood-Coote argues for media reform and institutional change to combat these issues.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalSynthese·DateMar 30, 2023

Breaking the barrier: Low-temp ammonia synthesis with iron catalysts and barium hydride

Scientists have developed a new catalyst that enables the production of ammonia at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption and potentially lowering global carbon emissions. The BaH2–BaO/Fe/CaH2 catalyst facilitates nitrogen gas adsorption, resulting in enhanced catalytic activity for ammonia production.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

DGIST Professor Minseok Kim’s team develops an electronic medicine technology that restores abnormal protein behavior, the cause of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT)

The research team developed a technology that can restore normal peripheral myelin protein 22 distribution in CMT1A cells using electric stimulation, which eliminates protein aggregation and induces myelination. This technology has potential for the development of an electronic medicine with minimal side effects.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateMar 30, 2023

Increasing availability of non-alcoholic drinks may reduce amount of alcohol purchased online

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that increasing the proportion of non-alcoholic drinks on sale in online supermarkets can lead to a reduction in the amount of alcohol purchased. Participants who were exposed to more non-alcoholic drinks selected and purchased fewer units of alcohol compared to those with lower proportions.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

Watch nanoparticles grow into crystals

For the first time, scientists have observed nanoparticles forming crystals with unprecedented clarity. The study used optimized liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy to capture the self-assembly process of thousands of nanoparticles. This breakthrough could lead to designing new materials for electronic applications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

Professor Jong-Sung Yu’s team at DGIST develops a method for carbon support synthesis with higher stability and durability of fuel cell catalysts

Professor Jong-Sung Yu's team developed a low-temperature method to synthesize highly graphitized carbon supports, increasing the lifespan of hydrogen fuel-cells. The new method introduces high graphiticity at relatively low temperatures, enhancing fuel-cell performance.

The Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), together with several other units in China and other countries, summarizes important research in the field of ecology related to the current status and future trends of

The article summarizes current status and future trends of forest understory vegetation biodiversity, regeneration, biomass, nutrient content, and interactions with overstory trees. It proposes focusing on understory-Canopy tree interactions and plant-soil mechanisms driven by climate or environmental factors.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalForestry Research·DateMar 30, 2023

Host matters aggregation and electroluminescence

Researchers have developed a new host material that enhances the efficiency of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) by reducing concentration quenching and increasing thermally activated delayed fluorescence. This breakthrough could lead to improved displays, lighting, and medical treatments.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

Rice U.’s Todd Treangen wins NSF CAREER Award

Rice University's assistant professor of computer science, Todd Treangen, has been awarded a $599,943 National Science Foundation CAREER Award to develop a comprehensive computational platform for detecting yet-unseen microbial pathogens. The project aims to characterize previously unseen pathogens that could pose a risk to humans.

Exploiting dark autoionizing states for enhancing the extreme ultraviolet laser power

Researchers develop unique method to enhance extreme ultraviolet laser power by exploiting dark-autoionizing states, increasing conversion efficiency by over ten times. This breakthrough enables studying ultrafast dynamics of dark autoionizing states at the femtosecond timescale, with potential applications in quantum technologies.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 30, 2023

ATS publishes official statement on race, ethnicity and pulmonary function test interpretation

The American Thoracic Society has issued a statement recommending the elimination of race and ethnicity in the interpretation of pulmonary function test (PFT) results. The new approach uses an average reference equation, which shows superiority over race-specific equations for assessing overall prognosis and impact of tobacco smoke exp...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 30, 2023

Structure of 'oil-eating' enzyme opens door to bioengineered catalysts

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have produced the first atomic-level structure of an enzyme that selectively breaks carbon-hydrogen bonds, suggesting ways to engineer it for producing desired products. The detailed structure reveals how the enzyme operates under ordinary conditions and produces few unwanted byproducts.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMar 30, 2023

Scientists of the University of Malaga found the origin of congenital coronary fistulae

Scientists have discovered the origin of congenital coronary fistulae, a condition where abnormal connections form between blood vessels and heart chambers. This study may help improve early diagnosis and treatment of this condition, which affects up to 0.2% of patients undergoing medical examination.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalExperimental & Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

Machine learning models rank predictive risks for Alzheimer’s disease

A recent study found that genetic risk scores are more predictive of Alzheimer's disease in adults over 65 than age. The study used machine learning models to rank risk factors, including household income, which emerged as an important risk factor. The findings suggest considering genetic information when working on Alzheimer's disease.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 30, 2023

New Intermountain, Stanford study finds excess harm from commonly overprescribed antibiotics for patients resulting in widespread side effects

A new study by Intermountain Healthcare and Stanford University found that overprescribing antibiotics for upper respiratory infections causes significant patient harm. Researchers analyzed 51 million patient encounters and found that one in 300 patients experienced severe side effects, such as diarrhea or candidiasis, after receiving ...

SourceIntermountain Healthcare·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 30, 2023

Earth’s anisotropic inner core structure driven by dipole geomagnetic field: Study

A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals that Earth's anisotropic inner core structure is driven by the dipole geomagnetic field. The researchers found that hexagonal-close-packed (hcp) Fe-H alloy exhibited both seismic anisotropy and H-ion diffusion anisotropy under high pressure-temperature conditions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 30, 2023

BU researchers solve the cell structure responsible for traveler’s diarrhea

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have found that ETEC pili are fine-tuned for their preferred microenvironment, allowing the bacteria to cause disease. By understanding how pili work, scientists may develop new therapeutics that target only disease-causing bacteria, leaving beneficial microbes intact.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalStructure·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2023

Toward tasty tomato: recovering the lost STP1 variant in modern tomato to improve soluble solid in fruit

A genome-wide association study identified a new quantitative trait locus, STP1, encoding a Sugar Transporter Protein that alters soluble solid content. Knockout of STP1 led to decreased SSC in fruits, highlighting ZAT10-LIKE transcription factor's role in regulating sugar transporters.

Genome analysis just got personal

Researchers have created a new tool, EN-TEx, to analyze genetic mutations and predict disease risk. The catalog of allele-specific variants provides rich data for accurate personal genomics, enabling scientists to study the effects of genetic mutations in tissues that are difficult to obtain without surgery.

University Hospitals research published in New England Journal of Medicine shows minimally invasive procedure saves most patients with severe vascular disease from amputation

The PROMISE II clinical trial showed that LimFlow therapy enabled 76% of patients to avoid amputation and experience wound healing. This minimally invasive procedure bypasses blocked arteries in the leg and rushes blood back into the foot through the veins, providing a unique alternative to major amputation.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 30, 2023