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Science News for September 13, 2023


Solving stickiness sustainably

A team of chemists at Purdue University has created a sustainable adhesive system that uses epoxidized soy oil, malic acid, and tannic acid. The new adhesive is inexpensive, effective, scalable, practical to produce and completely sustainable.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2023

Study finds that state-mandated civics test policy does not improve youth voter turnout

A new study by Jilli Jung and Maithreyi Gopalan found that state-mandated civics tests do not improve youth voter turnout in the short term. The researchers suggest a more holistic approach to civic education, incorporating practical activities such as visiting legislators or learning how to register.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateSep 13, 2023

“Dormant” HIV produces RNA and proteins during anti-retroviral therapy

Researchers found that a subset of HIV-infected cells produce viral RNA and proteins during anti-retroviral therapy, which may impact patients' immune responses. The study suggests that these non-functional viral pieces can stimulate an immune response, potentially leading to inflammation and negative consequences for treated individuals.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 2023

From hagfish to membrane: Modeling age-related macular degeneration

A team of researchers at Utah State University has successfully created an in vitro model of Bruch's membrane, a layer in the retina that deteriorates with age. The model uses hagfish slime proteins to replicate the natural aging process and disease progression, providing a valuable tool for studying age-related macular degeneration.

SourceUtah State University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023

UTHealth Houston study: Unruptured brain aneurysms may be missed in routine clinical care, but AI-powered algorithm can help

A new study from UTHealth Houston finds that AI-powered algorithm can improve detection rates of unruptured cerebral aneurysms. The study used a machine learning algorithm to analyze CT angiograms and identified 36 true aneurysms, with 24 previously not referred for follow-up.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalStroke Vascular and Interventional Neurology·DateSep 13, 2023

The butternut’s big reveal

A team of University of Connecticut undergraduates has published the first full map of the butternut's DNA, a process that could help conserve endangered species. The project is part of an ambitious effort to sequence the DNA of overlooked organisms, including deep-sea corals and critically endangered birds.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalG3 Genes Genomes Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2023

Europeans may be more willing to help Ukrainian refugees than those from Syria or Somalia in part because they consider Ukrainians less threatening

A study found Europeans are more willing to assist Ukrainian asylum seekers than Syrians or Somalis, largely because of the perceived lower threat level associated with Ukrainians. The research suggests that emotional factors and prejudice play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards helping refugees.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 13, 2023

Pitt surveillance system detected infection linked to eye drops months before outbreak declared

A Pittsburgh-based surveillance system detected a drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection linked to artificial tears months before the national public health alert. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of whole genome sequencing-based surveillance in detecting outbreaks and preventing nationwide cases.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateSep 13, 2023

Surveying public support for plans to combat nutrient depletion in a large inland sea

A recent study published in Ocean and Coastal Management found that the public perception of plans to combat oligotrophication in the Seto Inland Sea is more positive than expected. The survey revealed that respondents were unfamiliar with nutrient supply measures from factories and sewage treatment plants, but presented information si...

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalOcean & Coastal Management·TypeSurvey·DateSep 13, 2023

Unique new University of Limerick, Ireland-led research finds bacteria resistant to antibiotics in hospital wastewater system

A unique study by University of Limerick researchers found bacteria resistant to antibiotics in hospital wastewater systems, correlating with outbreaks of infection. The study analyzed wastewater from sinks, showers, and toilets across wards and linked it to patient infections.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalJournal of Hospital Infection·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 13, 2023

Rapid acting, oral vaccines are coming soon

Researchers have developed a new vaccination method that induces the production of antibodies in mucus, which can disable viruses. This approach has shown promising results in monkeys, suggesting that oral vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 may be more effective and popular than traditional subcutaneous vaccinations.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBiology Methods and Protocols·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023

Singling out a bacterium from the crowd

A new method, M3-seq, has been developed to study the gene expression patterns of individual bacteria with unprecedented detail. This approach enables researchers to identify rare bacterial populations and profile phage infection, shedding light on complex biological phenomena.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateSep 13, 2023

Could a breakdown in the brain’s networks allow infections to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease?

Researchers at Drexel University found that the brains of Alzheimer's patients showed profoundly different bacterial profiles compared to healthy controls. The study identified five brain microbiomes, four of which are hypothesized to be present at different times in the evolution of the disease.

SourceDrexel University·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2023

Majority rule in complex mixtures

Göttingen University researchers develop mathematical model that shows small imbalances in mixture composition can amplify and control phase separation. This discovery offers a potential mechanism for regulating structure formation in living cells, with applications in fields such as market economies and ecological networks.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2023

Titanic galaxy cluster collision in the early Universe challenges standard cosmology

A new study reveals that a massive galaxy cluster collision at half the Universe's current age is inconsistent with the standard Lambda-cold dark matter (ΛCDM) model. The El Gordo cluster, with a mass 2000 trillion times that of the Sun, challenges the theory's predictions for structure formation and galaxy evolution.

SourceUniversity of St. Andrews·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 13, 2023

Flu: Interferon-gamma from T follicular helper cells is required to create lung-resident memory B cells

Scientists have found that lung-resident memory B cells, critical for pulmonary immunity, require interferon-gamma produced by T follicular helper cells to differentiate. These long-lived immune cells migrate to the lungs from draining lymph nodes and lie in wait to react quickly to future infections.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023

New method for detecting blood circulation problems in brain capillaries

Researchers developed a new imaging technique using Bessel beam two-photon microscopy to detect stalling in brain capillaries, which can indicate acute neurological issues. The approach generates clear images of all capillaries every two seconds, providing better temporal resolution and enabling the detection of short stalling events.

Advancing coastal waterbird conservation in China: policy progress and challenges

China has made significant strides in coastal wetland conservation, with notable progress in national-level legislation and stakeholder engagement. However, pressing issues persist, including habitat restoration, invasive species control, and pollution management, which require more science-based decision-making and action.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalAvian Research·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 13, 2023

Discovery of two potential Polar Ring galaxies suggests these stunning rare clusters might be more common than previously believed.

Researchers from Queen's University have identified two potential polar ring galaxies using data from the CSIRO's ASKAP radio telescope. The discovery suggests that these rare clusters might be more common than previously believed, with implications for our understanding of galaxy evolution and dark matter research.

SourceQueen's University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2023

New method offers hope of fewer fractures

Researchers at Lund University developed a new 3D-simulation method to identify individuals at high risk of osteoporotic fractures. The method uses 2D X-ray images to produce 3D models of the thigh bone, enabling simulations of different scenarios and assessing risk more accurately.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateSep 13, 2023

Electrifying vehicles in Chicago would save lives, reduce pollution inequities

Replacing combustion engines with electric vehicles in Chicago would significantly reduce air pollution, especially in predominantly Black, Hispanic, and Latinx neighborhoods. The study found that electrification of all on-road vehicles could save over 1,000 lives and $10 billion annually.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalEnvironmental Research Infrastructure and Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 13, 2023

Groundbreaking research unveils genetic characteristics and improved prognosis of triple negative apocrine carcinoma

Researchers identified distinct genomic characteristics that impact prognosis for patients with triple negative apocrine carcinoma. The study confirmed a five-year disease-free survival rate of 92.2% for these patients, significantly higher than those diagnosed with other types of TNBC.

CHOOSEn fate: one brain organoid’s tale on Autism

Researchers developed a technique called CHOOSE that allows them to test the effect of multiple mutations in parallel and at a single-cell level within human brain organoids. The study identified critical transcriptional changes regulated through common networks, or GRNs, and found that some cell types are more susceptible to autism mu...

Life in boiling water

Researchers found common and diverse microbes in hot springs on three continents with water temperatures above 65°C. The study provides insights into how microorganisms adapt to unique local conditions and geological settings.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateSep 13, 2023

Human emmisions drive changes in north Atlantic ocean temperatures, west African rainfall, hurricanes

Researchers found that human-induced aerosol emissions largely drive temperature fluctuations in the tropical Atlantic Ocean, impacting Sahel rainfall and hurricane formation. The study's results suggest a correlation between reduced aerosol emissions and increased Atlantic hurricane activity and Sahel rainfall.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 13, 2023

Mixing donor and recipient immune systems creates tolerance of transplanted kidneys

Researchers at UW–Madison and Stanford University developed a new approach to increase donor and recipient biocompatibility, inducing tolerance in transplanted kidneys. Two monkeys with just one match among key protein strings maintained chimeric immune systems for over four years without rejection or graft-versus-host disease.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalTransplant International·DateSep 13, 2023

ChatGPT performs as well as doctors for suggesting the most likely diagnoses in the emergency medicine department

A pilot study found that ChatGPT performed as well as doctors in suggesting the most likely diagnoses for patients being assessed in emergency medicine departments. The chatbot generated a list of likely diagnoses and suggested the most likely option, with a large overlap between its shortlist and those of doctors.

SourceEuropean Society for Emergency Medicine (EUSEM)·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 13, 2023

NYU Abu Dhabi researchers develop novel tumor-targeting nanospheres with the potential to dramatically improve light-based cancer diagnosis and treatment

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed acidity-triggered rational membrane peptide-functionalized nanospheres that combine tumor detection and monitoring with potent, light-triggered cancer therapy. These nanospheres enable improved efficacy of phototherapies with minimal systemic toxicity.

SourceNew York University·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 13, 2023

CityU achieves major breakthrough in highly efficient electrocatalyst for clean energy

A research team at City University of Hong Kong has developed a highly efficient electrocatalyst that enhances hydrogen generation through electrochemical water splitting. The catalyst, composed of transition-metal dichalcogenide nanosheets with unconventional crystal phases, exhibits superior activity and stability in acidic media.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023

‘Computer vision’ reveals unprecedented physical and chemical details of how a lithium-ion battery works

A new method of analyzing nanoscale X-ray movies reveals unprecedented insights into how lithium-ion batteries store and release charge. The study suggests ways to improve the efficiency of billions of nanoparticles in electrode materials, potentially leading to faster-charging batteries.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023

Natural compound found in plants inhibits deadly fungi

A water-soluble tannin known as PGG blocks 90% of the growth in four different species of Candida fungi by grabbing up iron molecules, starving the fungi of an essential nutrient. This mechanism does not promote drug resistance, unlike existing antifungal medications, and shows minimal toxicity to human cells.

SourceEmory University·JournalACS Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023

Wolves and dogs appear to remember where people hid food

A study involving wolves and dogs found that both species can remember where people hid food if they observed the hiding process. However, wolves outperformed dogs in finding caches, suggesting differences in traits like persistency and food-related motivation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2023

Long COVID: lower risk after an Omicron infection

A recent study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases found that individuals infected with the Omicron variant have a significantly lower risk of developing long COVID compared to those infected with earlier variants. The study analyzed data from over 11,000 people and found that around half of all wild-type infe...

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalInternational Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeSurvey·DateSep 13, 2023