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Science News Archive May 2023 - Page 7


Page 7 of 40

Microscopic syringes for stressed out strep

Bacteria have found a way to survive stressful environments by producing microscopic syringes called Streptomyces phage tail-like particles (SLPs) that are located inside the cell. These SLPs interact with cellular systems involved in cell wall synthesis and protein translation, providing resistance against osmotic stress.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalmSphere·DateMay 25, 2023

International pandemic governance need not prioritize compliance and sanctions

Expert authors suggest a holistic approach to understanding compliance, considering legal and institutional aspects to generate trust among member states. They argue against one-size-fits-all solutions and formal sanctioning power, proposing a more nuanced approach to ensure effective pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.

How an ocean-fertilising bacterium forms aggregates

Researchers discovered that Trichodesmium filaments form aggregates through a simple behavioural strategy, controlling density and light penetration. This mechanism enables the formation of visible aggregates with unique shapes, providing essential nutrients for other marine organisms.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2023

LSU Health New Orleans study finds diet contributes to risk of HPV-related cancer

A new study published by LSU Health New Orleans found that a diet high in fruits, dark-green vegetables, and beans can significantly lower the risk of genital high-risk-HPV infection, which is associated with cervical cancer. The research also showed that women who eat healthily tend to practice other healthy behaviors.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2023

Targeting telomeres might be an effective therapeutic strategy against lung cancer, according to a CNIO study

Researchers have studied targeting telomeres as a potential therapeutic strategy for non-small cell lung cancer. Telomere dysfunction and telomerase deficiency slowed tumor progression, increasing vulnerability to DNA damage and immune system response.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2023

Groundbreaking images of root chemicals offer new insights on plant growth

Researchers at UC San Diego and Stanford University have developed a roadmap of root chemicals that are critical to plant growth, providing new insights into plant development. The study reveals that key small molecules are clustered in patches across the root, suggesting a purposeful distribution for optimal growth.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2023

Quantum scientists accurately measure power levels one trillion times lower than usual

Researchers at Aalto University create a new bolometer that can accurately measure microwave power down to the femtowatt level at ultra-low temperatures. This breakthrough device has the potential to significantly advance quantum computing and technology, enabling more precise control over qubits and improving overall performance.

SourceAalto University·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMay 25, 2023

Helium nuclei research advances our understanding of cosmic ray origin and propagation

The CALET team, including researchers from Waseda University, found that cosmic ray helium particles follow a Double Broken Power Law, indicating spectral hardening and softening in high-energy ranges. This deviation from expected power-law distribution suggests unique sources or mechanisms accelerating and propagating helium nuclei.

SourceWaseda University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2023

Twisting under the stroboscope – Controlling crystal lattices of hybrid solar cell materials with terahertz light

Scientists have developed a way to control the microscopic origin of high-efficiency solar cells by applying a sudden electric field spike in the form of terahertz radiation. This precise control over atomic twist motions may contribute to dynamic protection mechanisms and novel non-equilibrium material properties.

Beetles in a bottle: a message from aliens to schools

A citizen science project in Italy involved 500 Italian students in trapping and identifying ambrosia beetles, resulting in new geographical records for two quarantine pest species. The students gained a greater understanding of the negative effects of invasive alien species and increased awareness of biological invasions.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeoBiota·DateMay 25, 2023

Identifying the gut bacteria that threaten neonatal babies

A recent study has identified the specific gut bacteria that pose a threat to neonatal babies, particularly those with necrotising enterocolitis. Researchers analyzed genomic similarities in Clostridium perfringens and found a set of strains with lower disease-causing capacity, lacking genes responsible for toxin production.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2023

Combining data types refines grasp of French Canadian ancestry in Quebec, revealing how local topographies influenced relatedness, and more

Researchers analyzed a comprehensive dataset from Catholic parish records and genotype data to reveal how local topographies influenced French Canadian relatedness. They found that geographic features, particularly river networks, shaped Quebec's population structure and contributed significantly to the French Canadian gene pool.

The metaverse can lead to better science

The metaverse has the potential to make scientists more effective by removing barriers, improving teaching and learning, and enabling new experimental environments. Researchers must also plan well and avoid potential pitfalls, such as ownership and privacy issues.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 25, 2023

UNDER EMBARGO: Mount Sinai researchers identify potential new treatment for those who act out their dreams while sleeping

Researchers have identified a novel model and therapy to mitigate the development of REM sleep behavior disorder, which affects over 3 million Americans. Dual orexin receptor antagonists have been shown to significantly reduce dream enactment behaviors, providing a promising new treatment option.

Certain cancers will likely rise exponentially due to COVID-19 screening delays

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons predicts a significant increase in cancer cases due to COVID-19 screening delays, with lung, breast, and colorectal cancers most affected. The study found that missed diagnoses during the pandemic may lead to delays in treatment and upstaging of disease.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 25, 2023