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Science News for March 31, 2023


Strike (aging) when the iron is hot

Scientists at SENS Research Foundation have discovered a new class of broad-spectrum senolytic drugs that target the key vulnerability in destructive aging cells. These drugs are effective against both primary and secondary senescent cells, making them a promising approach for treating age-related diseases.

SourceSENS Research Foundation·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2023

New UNC Chapel Hill study quantifies $562M in financial risk from Hurricane Florence using novel modeling approach that evaluates risk of mortgage default and property abandonment

A new study published by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill estimates $562 million in previously unquantified financial risks arising from property value changes and uninsured flood damages in eastern North Carolina. The research team developed a new modeling framework using data on homes sales, mortgage loa...

After spinal cord injury, kinesthetic sense helps restore movement, model suggests

A new study reveals that lampreys use body-sensing feedback to regain swimming abilities after spinal injury, challenging the conventional view of neural regeneration. Mathematical models suggest that this technique could be applied to humans with spinal injuries or diseases affecting movement.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 31, 2023

Mathematical model provides bolt of understanding for lightning-produced X-rays

A Penn State-led team has discovered a new physical mechanism explaining naturally occurring X-rays associated with lightning activity in the Earth's atmosphere. The researchers developed a mathematical model that explains how electric fields amplify electrons, driving the phenomenon of relativistic runaway discharges in air.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2023

Harnessing nature to promote planetary sustainability

The latest issue of PLOS Biology features a special collection on biology-based solutions to reduce plastic pollution, carbon dioxide emissions, and produce food or energy more sustainably. Insect enzymes may degrade plastic waste, while photosynthetic algae can capture CO2 produced by industrial applications.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 31, 2023

Extraction of topological invariants from band structure in the synthetic frequency dimension

Researchers demonstrate direct experimental measurement of Zak phase from bulk band structure for a synthetic SSH model using frequency axis of light. The study showcases universal characterizing method for exploring topological phases of matter with experimental feasibility and reconfigurability.

NRG Oncology combined trial long-term results indicate that pathologic complete response is prognostic of outcomes for soft tissue sarcoma patients

The NRG Oncology combined trial results indicate that pathologic complete response (pCR) is associated with improved survival outcomes for patients with localized soft tissue sarcoma. pCR can be used as a prognostic factor for clinical outcomes in future STS research, with patients achieving higher overall and disease-free survival rates.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateMar 31, 2023

Pictures inside a cell: USC researchers develop new tool to provide greater insight into biological processes

Researchers at USC have developed a new technique called Hybrid Unmixing, which allows for simultaneous imaging of bright and dim labeled components within organic tissue. This enables accurate insights into cellular behaviors and metabolism, providing a comprehensive understanding of complex biological systems.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell Reports Methods·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 31, 2023

A new model predicts the flexibility of DNA movement at the molecular scale

A new model of DNA flexibility has been developed, providing results of unprecedented quality and characterizing precision and efficiency at the computational level. The study presents a systematic and comprehensive analysis of DNA movement correlations and introduces a new method to capture them.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 31, 2023

Hope for salamanders? Illinois study recalibrates climate change effects

Researchers at University of Illinois have recalibrated climate change effects on salamanders, showing a somewhat more hopeful future. The study found that incorporating microclimate data at fine spatial scales reduced predicted habitat loss by 55-80% compared to using free-air temperature data.

Uneven Indian Ocean warming unlocked

A recent study reveals that uneven future warming in the Indian Ocean can cause shifts in monsoon precipitation, with potential impacts on societies and ecosystems. The research identifies key mechanisms driving these changes, including winds and ocean currents.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 31, 2023

Study examines how social rank affects response to stress

Researchers at Tulane University found that social rank affects the stress response in adult female mice, particularly in how they respond to chronic social stress. The study revealed differences in brain areas activated by social encounters based on social status, with higher-ranking mice more susceptible to social isolation and lower...

SourceTulane University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 31, 2023

Academic institutions receive lower financial returns from biotechnology licenses than commercial firms

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that academic institutions receive significantly lower royalty rates, total payments, and pre-commercial payments for biotechnology licenses compared to commercial firms. The disparities were observed even after accounting for differences in product stage development.

SourceBentley University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMar 31, 2023

2021-like North American heat extremes: Increased impact of heat domes due to background warming and soil moisture feedback

The study found that heat domes over Western North America contributed 50% of the observed high temperatures in 2021-like heatwaves. The intensities of these extreme heat events are projected to increase by 40-fold by the end of the century, emphasizing the need for climate mitigation and adaptation activities.

Visible light-induced superoxides production by bacteria accelerates manganese oxidation in the environment

Bacteria have been found to produce superoxides under visible light, accelerating the oxidation of manganese ions and contributing to the formation of manganese oxides in the environment. This process is a significant natural source of manganese oxide and has implications for environmental pollution treatment.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2023

Status epilepticus: New inflammatory markers to improve patient care

A new study identifies several cytokine markers associated with poor prognosis in New-Onset Refractory Status Epilepticus (NORSE) patients. The researchers found that the concentration of these inflammatory proteins was higher in NORSE patients than controls, and their increase was correlated with short-term and long-term neurological ...

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalAnnals of Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 31, 2023

Making more sustainable decisions based on data

A pilot study in Eritrea demonstrates the importance of mapping and assessing ecosystems and their services for sustainable policy and decision-making. The research team recommends making information on ecosystem services available to stakeholders and the public to enable responsible decision-making.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAMBIO·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2023

Childhood asthma declines during COVID-19 pandemic

A new Rutgers study finds that childhood asthma diagnoses decreased by 52% in the US during the first year of the pandemic compared to previous years. Researchers attribute this decline to fewer colds and the practice of wearing masks, which may have reduced the risk of asthma triggers.

SourceRutgers University·JournalRespiratory Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2023

Latinx students reported higher depression and anxiety symptoms than other students during the pandemic

A new study finds that Latinx students experienced higher rates of depression and anxiety during the Covid-19 pandemic, with a risk of 1.5 to 2 times more likely than their peers. The study highlights the need for practical and efficacious programs to address the mental health needs of adolescents in school settings.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology·DateMar 31, 2023

Bringing angular momentum to holograms and metasurfaces

Researchers develop unique method for applying angular momentum holography for information multiplexing, enabling unprecedented capacity for optical information processing. The new paradigm allows for spatially modulating waveforms and offers additional security locks, revolutionizing existing optical encryption schemes.

Metasurfaces designed by a bidirectional deep neural network and iterative algorithm for generating quantitative field distributions

A team of scientists developed a new approach to designing metasurfaces with high-accuracy functionalities using a tandem neural network and iterative algorithm. The design enables the creation of ultracompact devices with quantitative capabilities in imaging, detecting, and sensing applications.

Scallop eyes as inspiration for new microscope objectives

Researchers have developed a new type of microscope objective inspired by the eyes of scallops, which can capture images in various immersion media, including liquids. This innovative approach uses a mirror instead of lenses and has been shown to provide excellent image quality in homogeneous fluids as well as in air.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2023

A knowledge-inherited learning for intelligent metasurface design and assembly

A new paradigm in metasurface design and assembly is proposed, utilizing a knowledge-inherited neural network to inherit physical connections and network correlations among various metamaterials. The method achieves accurate designs for diverse applications, including satellite communication.

This is your brain on everyday life

Researchers used functional MRI scanners to monitor brains of subjects watching real-life videos, finding that different parts of the brain work together to understand and remember situations. The study suggests the brain creates mental sketches of people that can be transposed from one location to another.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2023

Why are forests turning brown in summer?

Researchers found that exceptional weather conditions over several years are turning European forests brown. Characteristic weather patterns, such as prolonged dry periods and high temperatures, precede these events, with a legacy effect contributing to future low-forest greenness.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalBiogeosciences·DateMar 31, 2023

Researchers uncover the first steps driving antibiotic resistance

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered crucial steps that promote ciprofloxacin resistance in bacteria, pointing to potential strategies to extend antibiotics' effectiveness. The study found that RNA polymerase plays a major role in regulating DNA repair and identified a key molecule involved in modulating this response.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 31, 2023