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Science News Archive May 2023 - Page 23


Page 23 of 40

Comprehensive analysis of single plant cells provides new insights into natural product biosynthesis

Researchers used single-cell multi-omics to study specialized cell types involved in producing medically relevant plant compounds. The analyses revealed that three distinct cell types are organized in a specific biosynthetic pathway for vinblastine, a key alkaloid compound with anti-cancer properties.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Researchers find compound that combats multidrug-resistant bacteria in less than one hour

Researchers have discovered a compound that can combat multidrug-resistant bacteria within one hour, including the ESKAPE group of pathogens. The compound, Pln149-PEP20, is a synthetic peptide inspired by molecules secreted by Lactobacillus plantarum and has been found to be highly active against MDR bacteria.

The most tenuous group query

The study develops three exact algorithms and one approximation algorithm to identify tenuous groups, outperforming existing metrics in efficiency and accuracy. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods on real datasets.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Immune cells of the brain are not all the same – new research could open novel therapeutic pathways

A recent study found that a unique subset of microglia, ARG1+, plays a crucial role in cognitive functions and development. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and depression. Female animals exhibited more pronounced behavioral impairments caused by ARG1 microglial deficiency.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Alternating estrogen and anti-estrogen therapies is effective in treating metastatic breast cancer

Researchers at Dartmouth Cancer Center found that alternating estrogen stimulation and anti-estrogen therapy is an effective treatment for patients with metastatic or advanced ER+ breast cancer. The POLLY trial showed that 42% of patients experienced tumor stabilization, while no patients discontinued treatment due to side effects.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 15, 2023

Finding ‘vault’: Unravelling the mysteries of p62-bodies and the cellular recycling pathway

Researchers discovered a novel technique to identify p62-body constituents, revealing a major subunit of the supramolecular protein complex vault. Vault-phagy, the degradation of vault through selective autophagy, regulates homeostatic vault levels and may be associated with liver cancer.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Ambient ultrafine particles – very small and very dangerous?

Researchers found an increased risk of death due to respiratory disease five to seven days after exposure to ultrafine particles. The risk was highest for smaller particle sizes, with a 4.46% increase in mortality for each 3,223 particles per cubic centimeter concentration.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2023

The Endocrine community joins forces on European Hormone Day to raise awareness of vital role of hormones in preventing and treating rare and chronic diseases

The European Society of Endocrinology, ESE Foundation, and other partners mark the second European Hormone Day to promote better understanding of hormone roles and encourage change in health policy. The 'Milano Declaration' calls for stronger inclusion of endocrine health perspective in European policies.

NTU Singapore scientists discover why wavy wounds heal faster than straight wounds

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University found that cells near wavy shaped wounds moved in a swirling manner, while those near straight wounds moved in straight lines. This discovery reveals that the swirling motion is crucial for gap-bridging and accelerates wound healing in wavy wounds.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2023

Researchers discover brain circuit underlying spontaneous synchronized movement of individuals in groups

A team of Virginia Tech scientists has identified a brain pathway responsible for synchronized movement in individuals, including mice, without rehearsal. The study provides an underlying mechanism for coordinating group behavior, which is essential for understanding social communication in humans and developing therapies for ADHD, ASD...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2023

Resistant fungal species spreads

A significant increase in Candida auris infections has been observed worldwide, including in the USA and Europe, with resistance development and potential for hospital outbreaks. The fungus can be efficiently transmitted from patient to patient via direct contact, making control difficult.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalDeutsches Ärzteblatt Online·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 12, 2023

Internal electrical field modulation in photocatalytic water splitting

Researchers developed a novel method for photocatalytic water splitting by regulating the built-in electric field of nitrogen-deficient polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) on polyhedral SrTiO3. This synergistic approach improves charge transfer and light absorption, leading to enhanced overall water splitting efficiency.

MSU, Audubon fight to conserve a disappearing bird species

Research from Michigan State University and National Audubon Society reveals new insights for conserving the declining black tern population in Michigan and nationwide. The team developed an integrated population model that combines sparse data on black terns with new land management practices, potentially improving their outlook.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 12, 2023

Breakthrough technology: Carbon nanotube membranes with Pd-Cu modification successfully reduce nitrate levels via electrocatalysis

Researchers develop novel membrane for efficient nitrate removal, achieving 99% reduction efficiency at optimal conditions. The Pd-Cu modified carbon nanotube membrane exhibits high nitrate removal efficiency and N2 selectivity, showing great potential for effective nitrate reduction technology.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2023

Bio-inspired device captures images by mimicking human eye

Researchers developed a new sensor array that mimics the red, green and blue photoreceptors in human eyes, producing high-quality images through a neural network-based algorithm. The device has the potential to revolutionize camera technology by increasing spatial resolution and reducing power consumption.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2023

Compression of surface texture acceleration signal based on spectrum characteristics

The study proposes a spectral feature-based compression method for vibrotactile acceleration signals, which achieves high time-frequency similarity and a 10% compression ratio. The method is suitable for long-term data compression and can further reduce the compression ratio for multi-interaction points.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalVirtual Reality & Intelligent Hardware·DateMay 12, 2023

Oxford University Fellow and Diamond User recognized for his innovative, sustainable Na-ion battery materials research by Forbes Magazine

Robert House, a Senior Research Fellow at Oxford University, has been selected as one of Forbes Magazine's prestigious 30 people to watch under 30 in Europe Science and Healthcare. He is working on developing innovative, sustainable Na-ion battery materials that promise to be significantly lower cost than conventional Li-ion batteries.

Is it too late to change your mind? Study reveals ‘developmental window’ for thinking styles

A recent study found that a person's epistemic thinking style can be shaped by their social, political and economic environment during the first 25 years of life. The research suggests that those who experienced a transition to democracy in middle age tend to exhibit absolutist thinking, while younger generations with higher education ...

University of Kentucky physicians push for standard-of-care opioid treatment for incarcerated patients

Physicians at the University of Kentucky call for standard-of-care opioid treatment for incarcerated patients to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and lower mortality risk. The article highlights the need for physician advocacy to address the moral distress experienced by doctors when patients are denied these treatments.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 12, 2023

Carbon-based cathodes impact biofilm composition and performance in soil microbial fuel cells

Researchers found that Fe-doped carbon nanofibers and Pt-doped carbon cloth cathodes yielded stable performances, with peak power densities of 25.5 mW m−2 and 30.4 mW m−2, respectively. Graphite felt cathodes demonstrated the best electrochemical performance but exhibited lower reproducibility and higher mass transport losses.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateMay 12, 2023