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Science News for November 14, 2023


Forecasting microbiomes for sustainability and health

Researchers developed a novel modeling approach to predict microbial community behavior, improving sustainability and efficiency of biological wastewater treatment. The new framework uses high-resolution molecular data to forecast composition and activity of microbial communities up to three years into the future.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 14, 2023

Long-term heat tolerance in plants

Research identifies a genetic locus LHT1/MAC7 controlling long-term heat tolerance in Arabidopsis, involving precise mRNA splicing. The study found that mutations affecting MOS4-associated complex contribute to variation in heat tolerance and increased ER stress under long-term heat.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateNov 14, 2023

Flexing the lifespan of electronic devices

A team of researchers from Northwestern University and the University of Pittsburgh has received a $600K NSF Award to explore novel learning-enabled cyber-physical systems (LE-CPSs) for building flexibility into hardware. This could lead to extended device lifespan, reduced e-waste, and improved sustainability.

Texas A&M professor published in leading history journal

Dr. Sonia Hernández's recent publication in the Journal of American History explores the complex histories of violence, gender, and power dynamics along the US-Mexican border region from 1900-1913. Her research centers on the testimonies of Mexican-origin women, shedding light on complicated gendered negotiations with state agents.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of American History·DateNov 14, 2023

Study sheds light on how Earth cycles fossil carbon

Researchers use rhenium as a proxy for carbon to quantify the rate of fossil carbon dioxide release into the atmosphere. The study found that high rates of carbon breakdown persist from mountaintop to floodplain, offering valuable insights into the planet's history and response to climate challenges.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2023

Clustering method can better describe the pathological process in patients with traumatic brain injury

A study published in The Lancet Neurology found that monitoring brain injury biomarkers and glucose variation over the first week of hospitalization can provide a more accurate picture of the pathological process. This allows for division into different groups with distinct disease trajectories and prognoses, enabling personalized trea...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2023

Women with depression have 20% lower taurine concentration in the hippocampus

A study found that women with depression have a 20% lower taurine concentration in the hippocampus, a region crucial for memory and learning. The research used ultra-high magnetic field MRI to measure metabolite concentrations, providing new insights into the role of taurine in depression prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateNov 14, 2023

The Lancet: Deferred clamping of umbilical cord reduces risk of death in premature babies by at least a third, suggest two studies with the most comprehensive analysis to date

Two systematic reviews and meta-analyses found that delaying umbilical cord clamping by at least two minutes can reduce the risk of death in premature babies. The studies included over 10,000 babies from 60 studies and showed a significant reduction in mortality rates for deferred clamping compared to immediate clamping.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 14, 2023

Researchers find aspirin avoidance is safe for patients with modern heart pumps

Researchers found that removing aspirin from treatment while continuing vitamin-k antagonists in patients with modern left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) did not increase clotting-related risks or pump malfunctions. Aspirin avoidance was associated with a reduction in bleeding events, lower hospital days, and decreased cost of care.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2023

“In water” synthesis was conducted to produce chromene-based BioAIEgens with regiostructure-dependent fluorescence and ER-specific imaging

Researchers successfully synthesized Chromene derivatives with AIE characteristics in an aqueous micellar system, exhibiting regiostructure-dependent fluorescence. The compounds were found to have potential for ER-specific imaging and modulating cell viability through substituent alteration.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 14, 2023

A tale of two proteins: Fundamental research could make growing better crops like clockwork

A recent study published in Plant Physiology reveals the inner workings of photosynthesis and plant productivity by investigating the interaction between RBL10 and ACP4 proteins. The researchers identified that these proteins act independently in parallel ways to affect lipid biosynthesis, paving the way for engineering crop plants wit...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023

Twitter analysis shows users in states affected by hurricanes discuss climate change up to 200 percent more frequently in the weeks immediately post-hurricane

A study analyzing Twitter posts and news articles found that people in states affected by hurricanes discussed climate change up to 200% more frequently after the storm. However, these discussions were often related to unreliable news sources that promoted conspiracy theories about global warming.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2023

Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc., announces inaugural Frederick M. “Skip” Burkle Distinguished Lecture

The Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc. will host its inaugural Frederick M. “Skip” Burkle Distinguished Lecture, recognizing Dr. Burkle as the 'father of disaster medicine', who has been a tireless advocate for humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness response.

How teachers would handle student violence against educators

A nationwide study of teachers found that prevention policies, such as counseling and improving school climate, were rated as the most effective strategies for dealing with student violence. Exclusionary discipline practices, on the other hand, were linked to a higher likelihood of reports of violence against teachers.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSchool Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2023

COVID-19 showed the importance of genomic surveillance – now we need it to help fight antimicrobial resistance, say researchers

Genomic surveillance proved vital in understanding COVID-19 evolution and spread. Researchers now seek its application in fighting antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major global challenge. AMR causes substantial sickness and death worldwide, with estimates suggesting it could kill up to 10 million people annually by 2050.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 14, 2023

Genetic testing could greatly benefit patients with depression, save health system millions

A new study suggests that genetic testing for depression could lead to significant cost savings and improved patient outcomes. The test, known as pharmacogenomic testing, can help match patients with medications that are more likely to be effective and cause fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 14, 2023

Special Issue of Criminology & Public Policy examines cybercrime and cybersecurity

A new special issue of Criminology & Public Policy explores cybercrime and cybersecurity, highlighting the need for empirical testing and systematic analysis. The 11 studies in the issue build the knowledge base for understanding and addressing cybercrime, improving cybersecurity through theories and methods in criminology.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateNov 14, 2023

Researchers identify unexpected twist while developing new polymer-based semiconductors

Researchers at University of Illinois developed new semiconductor materials that can harness the power of chirality, a non-superimposable mirror image. The study found that subtle molecular changes can modulate chiral helical assemblies, leading to new optical, electronic, and mechanical properties.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalACS Central Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023

Discovery of near-infrared light that absorbs and emits antiaromatic molecules potentially applicable to next-generation medical devices

Scientists develop antiaromatic molecules that exhibit absorption and fluorescence bands in the near-infrared region, enabling deep biological imaging and photothermal therapy. This breakthrough holds potential for diverse NIR luminescent materials and applications in fields like healthcare, optoelectronics, and materials science.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023

When we feel things that are not there

Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum used virtual reality to study the phantom touch illusion, where subjects experience tingling sensations without physical contact. The study found that this phenomenon is described by most subjects as a tingling or prickling sensation.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 14, 2023

A “gold standard” for computational materials science codes

A team of scientists from NCCR MARVEL has carried out the most comprehensive verification effort on solid-state DFT codes, simulating 960 materials and their properties using two independent state-of-the-art codes. The study provides a reference dataset and guidelines for assessing and improving existing and future code, ensuring repro...

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalNature Reviews Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 14, 2023

Researchers chart the contents of human bone marrow

A team at Weill Cornell Medicine mapped the location and spatial features of blood-forming cells in human bone marrow, confirming hypotheses and providing a powerful new means to study diseases. The method, which uses artificial intelligence, identified and determined the positions of about 1.5 million cells in archival samples.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalBlood·DateNov 14, 2023

Increased threat of war enhances pup survival

Research from the University of Bristol found that conflict with rival groups increases pup survival rate when threat levels are higher. This challenges the common belief that intergroup conflict has negative consequences on reproductive success.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2023

New study reveals the critical role of microglia in human brain development

Scientists have found that microglia play a crucial role in regulating the number of cells that become neurons in the brain, enhancing our understanding of brain development and disorders. The discovery also reveals a unique pathway through which microglia interact with other brain cells, involving cholesterol transfer.

Cancer stem cells trigger macrophage aging

Researchers at Hokkaido University found that cancer stem cells cause macrophages to age, suppressing their antitumor activity. Supplementing mice with nicotinamide mononucleotide restored macrophage function and prevented tumor growth.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023

Genetic lineage tracing identifies adaptive mechanisms of pancreatic islet β cells in various mouse models of diabetes with distinct age of initiation

This study uses genetic lineage tracing to investigate the adaptive mechanisms of pancreatic islet β cells in various mouse models of diabetes. The results show that β-cells expand through self-replication and rarely trans-differentiate into α or δ cells in young mice, but recover β-cell identity after remarkable dedifferentiation in o...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateNov 14, 2023

States with legalized medical marijuana see decline in nonmedical opioid use

A Rutgers study found that states with legalized medical marijuana experience a 0.5 to 1.5 percentage point decrease in regular nonmedical prescription opioid use among people who reported using opioids in the previous year. However, this reduction is concentrated in individuals with cannabis addiction, highlighting the need for compre...

SourceRutgers University·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health and Addiction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2023

Vegan diet fosters changes in gut microbiome that reduce hot flashes by 95%, finds new study

A low-fat vegan diet with soy significantly decreases postmenopausal vasomotor symptoms, eliminating severe hot flashes and reducing moderate-to-severe hot flashes by 96%. The study also found weight loss and protection against heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalComplementary Therapies in Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 14, 2023

Korea University and Ewha Womans University researchers highlight advancements in biomedical research with enzyme-activated fluorescent probes

Researchers have summarized recent advances in enzyme-activated near-infrared fluorescent probes for non-invasive visualization of enzyme dynamics and disease status. These probes offer high specificity, sensitivity, and biocompatibility, making them valuable assets in biomedical research and healthcare.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalTrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 14, 2023

Accurate forecasting of the required precipitation for a recent drought recovery

A research team developed a multi-model projection system using the self-calibrating Effective Drought Index to predict drought and recommend cumulative precipitation for recovery. The required rainfall for drought recovery was estimated at 170 mm, 310 mm, and 440 mm for March, April, and May respectively.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 14, 2023

Type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer risk

A study of 54,000 participants found that diabetes was associated with an elevated risk of colorectal cancer. The association was attenuated for those who completed colonoscopies, highlighting the potential benefits of preventative screening.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 14, 2023

Peer educators play key role in new recipe development and testing

A hybrid home-use testing method involves peer educators evaluating recipes before preparing them, providing insights into their perceptions of the recipe's appearance, taste, and texture. The study shows that this method can be an effective way to evaluate recipes without a controlled laboratory setting.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateNov 14, 2023

Current uses of asbestos exceed exposure limits

A new study reveals that airborne asbestos fibers from asbestos cement products exceed the permissible limit by 50 times, posing alarming health risks to workers. The study highlights the need for a ban on all asbestos cement products due to their hazardous nature and insufficient safety measures.

SourceOK International·JournalAnnals of Work Exposures and Health·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 14, 2023

Sex differs in intestinal MCT1 function

A recent study reveals that intestinal MCT1 regulates inflammation and metabolism in a sex-dimorphic pattern, with male mice showing enhanced glucose tolerance and reduced inflammation, while female mice experience exacerbation of diet-induced obesity. The study suggests that gender-specific treatments are needed for metabolic disorders.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023

Disrupting a single gene could improve CAR T cell immunotherapy, new study shows

Researchers have discovered that disrupting a single gene, SUV39H1, can restore the expression of multiple genes in CAR T cells, making them more potent and long-lasting. This approach has shown improved effectiveness against multiple cancers in mice, potentially expanding patient eligibility and reducing side effects.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023

New program to make Ottawa a global centre of excellence in concussion research and care across the entire patient spectrum

A $5.4 million research collaboration aims to transform concussion care globally, advancing knowledge and treatment across the full spectrum of impacted patients. The TRANSCENDENT program will establish one of the largest concussion datasets in the world, collecting data on age, gender, mechanism of injury and co-morbidities.

University of Cincinnati cocaine research disrupts traditional theory

New research at UC disrupts conventional wisdom that people take cocaine for positive reinforcement, suggesting a pharmacological equation behind the behavior. The study suggests low doses produce reinforcing effects, while high doses have rate-limiting effects, revealing a shift in understanding of cocaine self-administration.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023

How tiny hinges bend the infection-spreading spikes of a coronavirus

Researchers have identified a tiny hinge in coronavirus spikes that allows them to tilt and bend. This bending affects how successfully the spike can infect a cell. The study suggests that disabling the spike's hinges could be a good strategy for designing vaccines and treatments against a broad range of coronavirus infections.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023