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Science News for November 22, 2023


Anti-rheumatic drugs could prevent thyroid disease

Researchers found that immunomodulatory drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis can reduce the risk of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Patients treated with these drugs had a 46% lower risk of developing an autoimmune thyroid disease compared to those without rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2023

7 in 8 homicide victims in South Africa are male

In a study of almost 20,000 post-mortem investigations, researchers found that 7 in 8 homicide victims in South Africa were male. Homicide rates peak on weekends and holidays, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address this epidemic.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateNov 22, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal article reveals key insights on the trends of asthma mortality

A recent study analyzed asthma mortality rates in China and the US from 1990 to 2019, revealing substantial differences in mortality rates and risk factors. The study found that smoking was a leading risk factor for asthma mortality in China, while high body mass index (BMI) was a larger public health challenge in the US.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 2023

Does spaceflight increase men’s risk of erectile dysfunction?

Research published in The FASEB Journal suggests that spaceflight can negatively affect vascular tissues, increasing the risk of erectile dysfunction. Treatment with antioxidants may help counter some effects. Functional improvements after targeted interventions suggest that erectile dysfunction may be treatable.

SourceWiley·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 22, 2023

Can sound stimulation lessen long-term concussion symptoms?

Researchers found that acoustic stimulation improved postconcussive symptoms in individuals with mild traumatic brain injury, although the benefits were largely sustained. The study's results suggest that listening to acoustic stimulation based on brain electrical activity may not improve symptoms more than randomly generated sound sti...

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateNov 22, 2023

Revolutionary breakthrough in the manufacture of photovoltaic cells at the University of Ottawa

Researchers have developed a new type of photovoltaic cell with significant advantages over conventional solar technologies, reducing shadowing by 95% and potentially lowering energy production costs. The breakthrough paves the way for miniaturization in electronic devices and has potential applications in solar cells, space exploratio...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023

The first report on telomere-to-telomere gap-free reference genome of wild blueberry (Vaccinium duclouxii)

A team has successfully assembled the telomere-to-telomere gap-free reference genome of Vaccinium duclouxii, revealing insights into sugar and acid accumulation, anthocyanin biosynthesis and genetic improvement. The study provides a foundation for understanding the evolution of the Vaccinium genus.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023

Childhood in medieval Bavaria: What teeth reveal about nutrition and migration

Researchers analyzed medieval Bavarian teeth to understand childhood nutrition and migration. The study found that people of non-Bavarian origin migrated to the region, and women from south-eastern Europe had unique dietary patterns and artificially modified skulls. Long breastfeeding periods were also common among these women.

SourceStaatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·DateNov 22, 2023

USTC reveals pro-phagocytic function and structural basis of GPR84 signaling

A research team led by Prof. Gong Weimin has revealed the pro-phagocytic function of GPR84 signaling in immune cells, particularly macrophages, against cancer cells. The study provides structural insights into GPR84 and its role in mediating phagocytosis, offering a potential therapeutic target for inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 22, 2023

Does stem cell transplantation benefit patients with knee osteoarthritis?

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 875 patients with knee osteoarthritis found significant reductions in patient-reported pain from the third month onwards. Stem cell treatment was most effective when using patient's own fat-derived stem cells, leading to better pain alleviation and recovery of joint function.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateNov 22, 2023

Chinese-Russian cooperation has strengthened significantly in the past 30 years, analysis shows

The study reveals that bilateral cooperation intensity has gradually strengthened between China and Russia over the past three decades. Energy trade assumed new importance after 2008, while military cooperation showed a more varied pattern of evolution. Political cooperation structures the Sino-Russian relationship, driving its progress.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEurope Asia Studies·DateNov 22, 2023

Multi-synaptic photonic SNN based on a DFB-SA chip

A new publication introduces a multi-synaptic photonic SNN based on a DFB-SA chip, showcasing its ability to simulate neuron-like dynamics and improve network performance. The algorithm's learning efficiency and performance were excellent, with improved robustness through time coding.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·DateNov 22, 2023

The joint team of Sui Xiaolei from China Agricultural University and Alisdair R. Fernie from Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, revealed the role of malate decarboxylate CsNADP-ME2 in mediating the balance of carbon and amino acid metabol

Scientists discovered that malate decarboxylase CsNADP-ME2 mediates the balance of carbon and amino acid metabolism in cucumber fruit. The enzyme plays a crucial role in promoting the production of soluble sugars and starch, while down-regulating its expression leads to increased malate accumulation.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023

Colorectal cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: Lack of basic care is costing lives

A new study found that most people with colorectal cancer in sub-Saharan Africa receive inadequate treatment, leading to significantly improved life expectancy through simple measures. The mortality rate is up to 3.5 times higher in regions studied compared to countries with medium HDI scores.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2023

New drug developed for melanoma and lung cancer shows potential in treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma – the most common metastatic skin cancer

A new study at the University of Turku discovered that plixorafenib inhibits multiple signaling pathways in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, showing promise for treatment. The drug was originally developed for melanoma and lung cancer, but its effectiveness against cSCC is significant.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalOncogene·DateNov 22, 2023

More is not always better

A new framework demonstrates that proportionately more multi-homing consumers lead to significant efficiency gains when integrating two business platforms. However, this trend also creates higher barriers to entry for new platform firms and may require policy guidance to mitigate potential harms of platform mergers.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Industrial Economics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 22, 2023

Does patient-surgeon gender concordance lead to lower patient mortality? Mostly no, UCLA-led research suggests

A study of over 2.9 million patients found that gender concordance was associated with lower mortality for female patients, but higher mortality for male patients. The quality of surgical care provided by female surgeons is equivalent to or slightly better than that provided by male surgeons.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2023

Breathing new life into old medications: A revolutionary strategy targeting cancer stem cells

Researchers from ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition advocate for repurposing non-cancerous drugs to target Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs), which are resilient to conventional treatments. The study identified a range of non-cancer drugs with potential to target CSCs directly, and combining these with micronutrients amplifies their anticance...

SourceChongqing Medical University·JournalGenes & Diseases·DateNov 22, 2023

Has the COVID-19 pandemic compromised bone health?

A study published in the American Journal of Human Biology found that COVID-19 has negatively impacted bone tissue, particularly among young adults. The research indicates a significant decrease in bone mineral density during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic measurements.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateNov 22, 2023

Professor Tao Jun's team at Yangzhou University analyses the molecular mechanism of PoWRKY71 in response to drought stress of Paeonia ostii

PoWRKY71 transcription factor regulates drought tolerance in Paeonia ostii by directly activating the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-binding protein gene. Overexpression of PoWRKY71 enhances drought tolerance, while silencing reduces it.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023

Predicting the fate of shallow coastal ecosystems for the year 2100

A new study estimates that climate change and coastal land usage will result in significant shrinkage of coral habitats, tidal marshes, and mangroves. In contrast, macroalgal beds are expected to remain stable, while seagrass meadows may expand due to increased sunlight penetration.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 22, 2023

Canadians’ feelings about the causes of obesity are often harmful to self-esteem, new Concordia study shows

A Concordia University study found that Canadians of all sizes hold negative attitudes towards individuals with overweight and obesity, often internalizing these feelings and blaming their own behavior. The study also showed that females are more likely to report weight bias internalization than males.

SourceConcordia University·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 2023

New clues into the head-scratching mystery of itch

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a novel mechanism behind itch, revealing that Staphylococcus aureus single-handedly causes itch by instigating a molecular chain reaction. The study found that the bacterium's enzyme protease V8 activates protein PAR1 on skin neurons, leading to the sensation of itch.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023

“Not dead yet” - Oxford experts identify interventions that could rescue 1.5°C

A new paper from climate economists at the University of Oxford identifies sensitive intervention points that could unlock significant progress towards the Paris Agreement with the least risk and highest impact. These include critical tipping points in renewable energy, networks of powerful political figures, and windows of opportunity...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalOxford Review of Economic Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 2023

Researchers obtain promising results against capacity loss in vanadium batteries

A computational study conducted by Brazilian researchers found that current density and active species concentration are the main variables affecting capacity loss. The approach successfully mitigated cross-contamination, providing an optimal flow between electrolyte tanks under different operating conditions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateNov 22, 2023

Low-pH-dependent RNA binding and oligomerization of SID-1 transmembrane family proteins: implications for their RNA transport activity

Human SIDT1 and SIDT2 proteins form dimers and higher-order oligomers to bind small RNAs in a pH-dependent manner, enabling their transport into the cytoplasm. This study elucidates the molecular basis of RNA uptake by these proteins, shedding light on their functional regulation.

SourceNanjing University School of Life Sciences·JournalCell Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023

Unraveling paddy soil secrets: Surprising contribution of nonmicrobial mechanisms to CO2 emissions

Researchers found that non-living processes involving reactive oxygen species play a significant role in paddy soils' CO2 emissions. The study highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between organic carbon and both living and non-living contributors to devise effective strategies against global warming.

SourceNanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE·JournalEco-Environment & Health·DateNov 22, 2023

Lidocaine may be able to kill certain cancer cells by activating bitter taste receptors

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that lidocaine activates the bitter taste receptor T2R14, which triggers apoptosis in cancer cells. This mechanism could lead to improved treatment options for patients with head and neck cancers, particularly those associated with human papillomavirus.

Pangenomic study of water caltrop — structural variations play a role in speciation and asymmetric subgenome evolution

A pangenomic study of water caltrop has identified structural variations that contribute to its speciation and asymmetric subgenome evolution. The study found that gene clusters related to organ development, organic substance metabolism, and response to stimulus were differentially expressed between the two diploid species.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023

Autonomous excavator constructs a 6-meter-high dry-stone wall

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed an autonomous excavator called HEAP to construct a 6-meter-high and 65-meter-long dry-stone wall. The excavator uses sensors, machine vision, and algorithms to place stones in the desired location, achieving a high level of precision and speed.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023

Halting a malformation of the heart

A team of scientists has identified the molecular switches involved in halting heart malformations, which could lead to new treatments for tetralogy of Fallot. By targeting the BBLN protein, they aim to prevent defects in four critical areas of the heart.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023

A computer model of the ear developed at IOCB Prague may help to improve cochlear implants

Researchers from IOCB Prague and MED-EL have created a complete computer model of the ear, allowing for detailed simulation of sound conversion and hearing processes. This model may help improve cochlear implants and better compensate hearing impairments.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalHearing Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 22, 2023