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Science News for November 1, 2023


Pseudomonas aeruginosa regulator PvrA binds simultaneously to multiple pseudo-palindromic sites for efficient transcription activation

The study revealed that PvrA binds simultaneously to multiple pseudo-palindromic sites for efficient transcription activation, enabling P. aeruginosa to adapt to environmental stress and exhibit increased virulence. This unique regulatory mechanism provides new insights into the structure-function relationship of TetR family regulators.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateNov 1, 2023

Scientists propose perovskite film homogenizing strategy to increase conversion efficiency

Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences propose homogenizing strategy to fabricate perovskite films for solar cells. The process increases conversion efficiency to 26.1%, tying the existing record. The method uses an additive to make up for difference in crystallization and phase transition rates, resulting in long-term stability.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

RCSI study shows survival benefit of augmentation therapy for people with the genetic lung condition AATD

A new study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that boosting levels of a deficient protein improves survival rates for people with severe alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The research, which tracked health data from over 600 patients, showed a clear survival benefit from augmentation therapy.

SourceRCSI·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 1, 2023

Cancer drug could hold hope for treating inflammatory diseases including gout and heart diseases

Scientists at the University of Cambridge identified a molecule that plays a key role in triggering inflammation in response to harmful materials. The researchers found that inhibiting this molecule, PLK1, can prevent overly aggressive inflammatory responses in conditions like gout and heart diseases.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

Research team at World Institute of Kimchi discovers lactic acid bacteria strains with high virus resistance from kimchi

Researchers at the World Institute of Kimchi identified Pediococcus inopinatus, a lab strain with a well-developed CRISPR-Cas system, which provides strong defense against viruses. The discovery could lead to the development of phage-resistant LAB strains for food production and potentially even pharmaceutical applications.

Seismology records growing rumble of climate change

A new study by Colorado State University reveals that seismic signals show a growing intensity in ocean waves since the late 20th century, attributed to global warming. The research indicates that storms are becoming more intense and wave energy is increasing globally, posing a serious threat to coastal ecosystems and infrastructure.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2023

Parkinson disease and normal aging

Researchers investigate centro-cingulate network changes and cholinergic innervation deficits in Parkinson disease and normal aging. Studies reveal significant correlations between centro-cingulate changes and cognitive impairments, motor symptoms, and age.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 1, 2023

Nanowire ‘brain’ network learns and remembers ‘on the fly’

Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a physical neural network that can learn and remember data in real-time, using nanowire networks to mimic brain-inspired learning and memory functions. The network achieved high accuracy in benchmark image recognition tasks and demonstrated its capacity for online learning.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

UArizona researchers examine the relationship between loneliness and being alone

A new study by UArizona researchers found that solitude does not correlate with feelings of loneliness unless a person spends 75% of their time alone. The study also highlights the importance of social connections for human health and introduces a new method to measure social activity using a smartphone app.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 1, 2023

Human emissions increased mercury in the atmosphere sevenfold

Research from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences estimates that humans have increased atmospheric mercury levels sevenfold, with a pre-anthropogenic baseline of around 580 megagrams. Human emissions from coal-fired power plants and waste-incineration are responsible for the majority of this increase.

Test detects co-infection by novel species of parasite in severe cases of visceral leishmaniasis

Researchers developed a PCR test that accurately identifies the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis, a neglected disease affecting Brazil and Latin America. The test can detect co-infection by both Leishmania infantum and Crithidia, with infection by Crithidia more frequent than previously thought.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalTropical Medicine and Infectious Disease·DateNov 1, 2023

Making electric vehicles last

A new polymer binder is introduced to address durability issues in dual-ion batteries. The binder features azide and acrylate groups, which enhance the structural integrity of graphite during charge and discharge cycles. Dual-ion batteries equipped with this binder demonstrate exceptional performance, even after 3,500 recharge cycles.

Immune checkpoint inhibition, when administered together with single fraction stereotactic radiosurgery, does not appear to increase risk of radiation necrosis in patients with brain metastases

A multi-institutional study found that immune checkpoint inhibition and single fraction stereotactic radiosurgery does not increase the risk of radiation necrosis in patients with brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer. The study suggests that treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors can continue when radiation necrosis oc...

SourceBaptist Health South Florida·JournalJournal of Neuro-Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2023

November issues of American Psychiatric Association journals cover new insights in psychotic disorders, barriers to addiction treatment, bipolar disorder treatment, and more

The latest APA journal issues provide new insights into psychotic disorders, including altered neurodevelopment and early symptoms associated with schizophrenia risk. The issues also highlight racial disparities in diagnosis and predictors of first psychotic episodes. Psychiatric Services features research on barriers to addiction trea...

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateNov 1, 2023

A “manganese bullet” targeting the top killer?

Researchers discovered that manganese ions can directly bind to the coat protein complex II (COPII) complex, enhancing its condensation and resulting in a unique bell-shaped regulation on blood lipid levels. This mechanism enables the reversal of atherosclerotic plaques in murine disease models.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

New twist on optical tweezers

Scientists have created a method to keep targeted particles cool, allowing safe trapping of living cells in their native fluids. This advancement could help overcome problems with current laser light tweezers and enable targeted drug delivery applications.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

Regulate the manganese cathode interface of zinc-manganese batteries with quasi-eutectic electrolyte

Researchers developed a quasi-eutectic electrolyte to regulate the manganese cathode interface in zinc-manganese batteries. The electrolyte increases electrode potential and limits desolvation of zinc ions, resulting in improved stable kinetics during cycling. This leads to higher capacity retention rate, lower voltage polarization, an...

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 1, 2023

Adverse life experiences and brain function

A meta-analysis of 83 studies found that prior adversity exposure alters adult brain reactivity and increases susceptibility to mental health problems. This study may help identify how adversity impairs coping mechanisms and produces enduring mental health issues.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 1, 2023

Researchers demonstrate novel technique to observe molten salt intrusion in nuclear-grade graphite

Researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory have validated the first technique to visualize and monitor molten salt penetration depth and distribution in graphite's pores. They identified graphite microstructure as the most important factor in determining molten salt penetration and density distribution for a given temperature and p...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalCarbon·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

Scientists developed a legged small celestial body landing mechanism for landing simulation and experimental test

Researchers create a legged small celestial body landing mechanism that can land stably in different conditions, including varying gravity and slopes. The study found that key factors such as cardan element damping, foot anchors, retro-rocket thrust, and landing slope affect the landing performance.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace Science & Technology·DateNov 1, 2023

How the fish got its shoulder

A new analysis of ancient fish bones and muscles suggests that the shoulder evolved from a modified version of the gill-arch hypothesis that reconciles it with the fin-fold hypothesis. The study, led by Dr Martin Brazeau and Natural History Museum researchers, provides new insights into the evolution of the shoulder girdle in animals.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateNov 1, 2023

What happens when we pass out? Researchers ID new brain and heart connections

Scientists have discovered a genetic pathway between the heart and brain tied to fainting, suggesting that the heart sends signals back to the brain that can change its function. The study found that vagal sensory neurons play a key role in fainting, with their activation leading to rapid pupil dilation, suppressed heart-rate and breat...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

Human mini guts reveal new insights into the process leading to Cronkhite-Canada syndrome and potential new therapies

A study using human mini guts reveals a link between high polyp proliferation and increased serotonin production, which may lead to new treatments for Cronkhite-Canada syndrome. The findings suggest that serotonin inhibitors could improve the outcome of this disease.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

BESSY II: Neutralizing electronic inhomogeneity in cleaved bulk MoS₂

The study reveals sizeable variations and instabilities in electron energies for freshly cleaved MoS2 surfaces, but also shows that atomic hydrogen treatment can effectively neutralize these effects. The findings have potential applications in electronics, photonics, sensors, and catalysis.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

New NUS study provides insights into early breast cancer development in individuals with BRCA2 mutations

A new study by NUS provides insights into how BRCA2 mutations impact breast tissue cells, leading to early breast cancer development. The research found that healthy mammary glands are not predisposed to form lesions, but HR- luminal cells with BRCA2 mutations exhibit enhanced organoid formation and survival under replication stress.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 1, 2023

What happens when cats get fat? Scientists weigh in

Researchers found that as cats gained weight, their gastrointestinal transit time decreased, reducing nutrient extraction. The study also revealed changes in gut microbial composition, with an increase in Bifidobacterium and a decrease in Collinsella, opposite to what has been seen in overweight humans.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Animal Science·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2023

Clinical intervention directed at social risks does not increase experiences of discrimination

Researchers developed a community-based intervention to address food insecurity and transportation difficulties, which did not increase discrimination experiences among families. The study suggests that well-designed interventions can be provided without stigmatizing patients or families, paving the way for future research.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 1, 2023

Starfish body is a head, say scientists

Researchers compared sea stars to other deuterostomes to learn about their unique body plan, finding that genes controlling development of the ectoderm were correlated with arm patterning in echinoderms. This suggests echinoderms may have evolved by losing trunk region of bilateral ancestors.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature·DateNov 1, 2023

How the relationship between the land and atmosphere facilitated the persistence of eastern China’s extreme weather and climate in summer 2022?

Compound extreme events like heatwaves and droughts in eastern China were prolonged by land-atmosphere coupling, leading to devastating impacts on agriculture. The study highlights the crucial role of soil moisture and energy exchange in sustaining these events.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 1, 2023

Urine biomarkers can outperform serum biomarkers in certain diseases

Researchers found that urine biomarkers can be more accurate than serum biomarkers for detecting specific diseases. The study highlights the potential of combining urinary and serum biomarkers for holistic disease diagnosis and management. However, challenges remain in standardizing urinary biomarker assays and expanding their applicat...

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalURINE·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 1, 2023

Docetaxel use associated with significant reduction in prostate cancer death in very poor prognostic group

A meta-analysis of five clinical trials found that adding docetaxel to standard-of-care treatment reduced prostate cancer-specific mortality by 70% and improved overall survival to 80%. The study focused on high-grade prostate cancer patients with low PSA levels, who previously had limited effective treatment options.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 1, 2023

Research from China University of Geosciences (Beijing) provides new insights into the India–Asia collision in the Western Himalayas dating back to circa 55 million years and the extent of Greater India

Researchers from China University of Geosciences have clarified the extent of Greater India, a single plate of 2,000 to 3,000 km, before it subducted under Asia. This finding resolves questions surrounding the age of the collision and the emergence of geological structures in the region.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

Giant dinosaur carcasses might have been important food sources for Jurassic predators

A recent simulation study suggests that giant dinosaur carcasses could have been a key food source for Jurassic predators like Allosaurus. The researchers found that scavenging large carrion was more profitable than hunting, indicating that carnivores in such ecosystems might have evolved specialized traits to exploit these resources.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 1, 2023

Study reveals location of starfish’s head

Researchers used genetic and molecular tools to create a 3D atlas of gene expression in starfish, revealing that the "head" is distributed across each arm and center. The study provides insight into the evolution of echinoderms, including sea stars, which have a unique body plan compared to humans.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateNov 1, 2023

Risk of serious infection even in low-active IBD

Research at the University of Gothenburg found that even low-active IBD patients have a higher risk of serious infections due to microscopic intestinal inflammation. Achieving a fully healed intestinal mucosa may reduce this risk, contributing to lower morbidity and mortality in IBD patients.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2023

“Peace speech” in the media characterizes a country’s peaceful culture

A new study found that high-peace countries are characterized by an increased prevalence of words related to optimism for the future and fun, while low-peace countries feature more references to control and fear. The research used a machine learning model to identify these linguistic patterns in media articles from 18 countries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 1, 2023

University of Cincinnati study: Strawberry consumption may reduce dementia risk for middle-aged individuals

A recent study published in Nutrients found that daily strawberry consumption can improve cognitive performance and reduce depressive symptoms in middle-aged adults. The research, led by Professor Robert Krikorian, suggests that strawberries contain antioxidants and micronutrients that may help mitigate the risk of dementia.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 1, 2023

Women with atrial fibrillation significantly benefit from pulsed field ablation procedures

A new study reveals that women with atrial fibrillation (AF) have comparable outcomes to men when undergoing pulsed field ablation (PFA), a safer and more precise procedure. The results show improved AF recurrence rates in women after PFA, making them an eligible candidate for this life-enhancing treatment.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 1, 2023

Stronger, stretchier, self-healing plastic

Researchers at University of Tokyo developed a new plastic material called VPR, which can maintain complex shapes, repair itself with heat, and biodegrade in seawater. The material has improved toughness, shape memory, and recyclability.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalACS Materials Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

New “injectable tissue prosthesis coupled with closed-loop bioelectronic system” to aid in damaged muscle/nerve regeneration and robot-assisted rehabilitation

Researchers from the Institute for Basic Science developed a novel approach to healing muscle injury using conductive hydrogels and robot-assisted rehabilitation. The injectable tissue prosthesis enhances gait in rodent models without nerve stimulation, while improving long-term muscle tissue regeneration.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

Wistar scientists engineer new NK cell engaging immunotherapy approaches to target and potentially treat recalcitrant ovarian cancer

Researchers at The Wistar Institute have engineered novel monoclonal antibodies that engage Natural Killer cells through Siglec-7, a conserved glyco-immune marker, to fight against cancer. These new approaches demonstrate preclinical feasibility and potential for treating treatment-resistant ovarian cancers.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

Maternal microbiota can affect fetal development

A Finnish study found that maternal microbiota affects foetal development by altering gene activity in the intestine, brain, and placenta. The researchers identified previously unknown compounds in the fetus that are likely to be microbial, shedding light on the significance of the microbiota in individual development and pregnancy.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBMC Biology·DateNov 1, 2023

From soft tissue to stiff leather: Understanding the role of paxillin in liver fibrosis

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding a pathway contributing to liver fibrosis. Paxillin has been found to play a key role in the activation of hepatic stellate cells, leading to excessive extracellular matrix production and scarring. This discovery holds promise for developing new treatments for liver fibrosis.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateNov 1, 2023

Pinpointing HIV immune response

A new study reveals that CD8+ T cells control HIV infection by both cytolytic effects and non-cytolytic suppression of virus production. The research team used computer modeling and experiments with macaques to understand the immune system's mechanism in controlling HIV infections.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

Mobile phone use may affect semen quality

A large cross-sectional study of over 2,800 young men in Switzerland found an association between mobile phone use and lower sperm concentration. While no link was discovered to poor sperm motility or morphology, the results suggest that reduced semen quality may be linked to increased mobile phone usage.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalFertility and Sterility·TypeNews article·DateNov 1, 2023

Do mild depressive and anxiety symptoms in fathers predict behavioral and cognitive problems in their children?

Researchers found that fathers' reported symptoms of anxiety and depression were not associated with worse behavioral and cognitive outcomes in their children. In contrast, slightly higher levels of depressive symptoms among fathers during pregnancy were linked to fewer behavioral difficulties in their child at six to eight years old.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateNov 1, 2023

Chemical process makes peptide acquire structure similar to amyloid plaques found in neurodegenerative diseases

Scientists identify pyroglutamination, a spontaneous chemical change, in peptide synthesis, leading to an amyloidal structure and potential implications for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The process favors aggregation of molecules, forming plaques that interrupt neuronal flow.

Brain health in over 50s deteriorated more rapidly during the pandemic

Researchers found that cognitive decline quickened by 50% in the first year of the pandemic, with factors like loneliness, depression, and decreased exercise contributing to the impact. The study suggests that lockdowns had a lasting effect on brain health in people aged 50+, raising concerns about increased risk of dementia.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2023

Breakthrough discovery sheds light on heart and muscle health

Researchers at Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology developed an innovative imaging technique to visualize the cardiac thick filament in its native environment. The resulting high-resolution image reveals new insights into the molecular organization and function of the sarcomere, a crucial component of heart muscle contraction.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023