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Science News for September 15, 2023


No pollen, no seeds

North Carolina State University researchers successfully transferred an important gene from one compartment of a plant cell to another, producing tobacco plants that lack pollen and viable seeds. The findings could lead to better ways of producing hybrid seeds to maximize crop productivity.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2023

Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood affects food choices, weight gain and the microstructure of the brain

Research from UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine found that living in a disadvantaged neighborhood can disrupt brain information processing involved in reward, emotion regulation, and cognition due to poor diet and lack of physical activity. The study analyzed the microstructure of the brain cortex and found associations between ne...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2023

Hydroelectric power plants in Brazil threaten turtles that depend on rapids, study warns

A study warns that Brazil's hydroelectric power plants are threatening the Williams' side-necked turtle, which depends on rapids for survival. The study estimates that 30% of its habitat could be lost, heightening the risk of extinction due to highly suitable areas becoming increasingly rare and less interconnected.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateSep 15, 2023

A NICER approach to genome editing

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new gene editing technique called NICER, which significantly reduces off-target mutations compared to traditional CRISPR/Cas9 methods. This novel approach uses multiple small cuts in DNA strands and promotes interhomolog homologous recombination to correct heterozygous mutations.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2023

The pandemic a tough time also for pharmacies

A majority of pharmacists in Sweden experienced increased workloads and a deteriorating work environment due to customer conflicts and new tasks. Despite this, many reported no impact on patient safety, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalExploratory Research in Clinical and Social Pharmacy·TypeSurvey·DateSep 15, 2023

Study: No evidence that YouTube promoted anti-vaccine content during COVID-19 pandemic

A study by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that YouTube's recommendation system did not promote anti-vaccine content during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study analyzed over 27,000 video recommendations and found that users were directed to longer, more popular health-related content.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 15, 2023

Syphilis transmission networks and antimicrobial resistance in England uncovered using genomics

Researchers use genomic surveillance to identify distinct sexual networks for syphilis transmission in England, highlighting the presence of drug resistance. The study reveals information beyond standard epidemiological surveillance data, aiding public health strategies to break transmission chains.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2023

Cost of public health insurance for US-born and immigrant adults

A study of 44,000 low-income adults found that providing public health insurance to immigrants has a lower direct cost than for US-born individuals. Upon coverage, immigrants' healthcare utilization remains relatively modest, contradicting the assumption that offering insurance would significantly impact healthcare expenses.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 15, 2023

Legal mining sites in Brazil store 2.55 gigatonnes of CO2 in vegetation and soil, study estimates

Researchers at the University of São Paulo estimate that Brazil's active legal mines will release 2.55 gigatonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere if not managed sustainably. The country's technosols, derived from mine tailings and waste, could offset up to 60% of soil-related emissions, according to a new study.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateSep 15, 2023