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Science News for September 21, 2023


Conversations with plants: Can we provide plants with advance warning of impending dangers?

Scientists at University of Cambridge create Highlighter tool that uses specific light conditions to activate defense mechanisms in plants, allowing them to 'talk' to humans about impending dangers such as disease outbreaks and heatwaves. The system utilizes optogenetics technology to control biomolecular processes at the cellular level.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2023

KMOU researchers propose a novel liquid filter for enhanced solar energy utilization

The novel liquid filter efficiently absorbs UV light and infrared radiation, increasing the energy harvesting potential of de-coupled photovoltaic-thermal systems. The proposed system has been shown to improve conversion efficiency and reduce operating temperatures, making it economically beneficial.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2023

NTU Singapore scientists find new evidence to explain how we pay attention

Researchers uncover clues about how chemicals released by brain cells regulate our attention span, finding that two neurotransmitters work together in a precise sequence to regulate signal transmission. This discovery could lead to new treatments for neurological conditions associated with concentration difficulties.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2023

Peru’s Operation Mercury stopped most illegal gold mining in one biodiversity hotspot in the Amazon. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

Operation Mercury successfully halted most illegal gold mining activity in La Pampa, Peru, reducing deforestation and water quality issues. However, spillover effects led to increased mining in legal areas, highlighting the need for stronger regulations to mitigate environmental harm.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalConservation Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

Improvements in human genome databases offer a promising future for cancer research

Researchers have developed a new method to analyze protein production in cells using ribosome profiling, which has the potential to advance cancer research. The technique identifies previously unknown protein coding regions and allows for a clearer picture of protein production rate and location.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

Global study reveals extensive impact of metal mining contamination on rivers and floodplains, suggesting need for new safeguards to address spike in demand for ‘green’ minerals

A new global study assesses the scale of metal mining contamination in river systems worldwide, impacting human populations and ecosystem services. The research estimates 23 million people affected by toxic waste, highlighting the need for new safeguards to address growing demand for 'green' minerals.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalScience·DateSep 21, 2023

How climate warming could disrupt a deep-rooted relationship

Researchers found that climate change can cause a shift from high to low biomass fungal species, leading to simpler networks between trees. This disruption can have cascading effects on tree performance and ecosystem function. The study suggests that warming and drought may harm forest resilience by breaking down ectomycorrhizal networks.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 21, 2023

Could cerebrospinal fluid leaks be a link between traumatic brain injury and dementia?

Researchers propose that cerebrospinal fluid leaks could contribute to the link between traumatic brain injury and dementia. The hypothesis suggests that treating these leaks could mitigate dementia symptoms in some patients with a history of TBI. Further research is needed to confirm this potential association.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions·DateSep 21, 2023

Scaling up the power of nanotechnology

The team created a proof-of-concept nanocapsule capable of delivering specific payloads to targeted locations, with potential applications in drug delivery, nutrient transport, and other fields. By using calcium metal ions as building blocks, they can generate identical reservoirs for different substances.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalChemical Science·DateSep 21, 2023

Study shows millions of people live with co-occuring chronic pain and mental health symptoms

A new study found that nearly 1 in 20 adults in the US experience co-occurring chronic pain and anxiety or depression, resulting in functional limitations. The study analyzed data from 31,997 people and found that approximately 12 million people, or 4.9% of the adult population, have co-occurring symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalPain·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

USTC reveals the relationship between thermalization dynamics and quantum criticality in lattice gauge theories

Researchers from USTC have used an ultra-cold atom simulator to study the relationship between non-equilibrium thermalization and quantum criticality in lattice gauge field theories. Their findings show that multi-body systems with gauge symmetry tend to thermalize more easily near quantum phase transition points.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 21, 2023

Food insecurity linked to muscle dysmorphia symptoms in adolescent and young adults

A recent study by the University of Toronto has found a significant link between food insecurity and muscle dysmorphia symptoms among adolescent and young adult Canadians. The research revealed that individuals experiencing food insecurity were more likely to suffer from symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, including functional impairment an...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBody Image·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

Climate change may affect 40% of biodiversity in semi-arid portion of Brazil’s Northeast by 2060

The study predicts that climate change will lead to the loss of 99% of plant species in the Caatinga biome by 2060, resulting in a decrease in vegetation diversity and complexity. Biotic homogenization is expected to affect approximately 40% of plant assemblages, simplifying their composition due to the loss of rare species.

University of Cincinnati research examines the molecular mechanism of psychological loss

A new study from the University of Cincinnati explores the molecular mechanism of psychological loss through enrichment removal, identifying a key area of the brain that plays a role in this experience. The research highlights the importance of understanding how loss affects mental health and may lead to novel therapeutic targets.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateSep 21, 2023

UCSF QBI, University College London, and Mount Sinai identify shared molecular mechanisms across SARS-CoV-2 variants that allow virus to thrive despite vaccination

Researchers discovered a convergence in potent suppression of interferon-stimulated genes through several viral proteins, including Orf6 and Orf9b, which serve as innate immune antagonist proteins. These findings provide potential new ways to address viral pandemics by targeting a common pathway that the virus uses for infectivity.

Posttraumatic brain activity predicts resilience to PTSD

A study published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging found that greater activation in the right inferior frontal gyrus predicts better recovery from early PTSD symptoms. This breakthrough suggests a potential role for cortical/cognitive regions in regulating fear and PTSD development.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

University of Minnesota Medical School assistant professor, research team awarded $1 million grant to improve access to legal advocacy for rural and Indigenous communities

A research team led by University of Minnesota Medical School assistant professor Michele Statz aims to improve access to civil justice for rural and Indigenous communities in Alaska. The project, funded with a $1 million grant, will develop a model to replicate in other communities across the country.

Researchers' analysis of perching birds points to new answers in evolutionary diversification

A study by Miles, Ricklefs, and Losos challenges traditional explanations for species diversity, suggesting a single underlying process drives morphological diversification in diverse clades. The researchers analyzed passerine bird morphology data, including island radiations like Darwin's finches and Hawaiian honeycreepers.

SourceOhio University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

Two studies indicate CO2 on Europa’s surface originated from within the moon’s internal ocean

Two studies indicate that carbon dioxide (CO2) on Europa's surface was formed within the moon's subsurface ocean and brought to the surface on a geologically recent timescale. The findings provide new insights into the composition of Europa's internal ocean, which is thought to be habitable due to its potential for supporting life.

Global policymakers call for effective infodemic management to be a substantive article in the pandemic accord

The Intergovernmental Negotiating Body Bureau emphasizes the importance of social media regulation and digital health literacy in managing infodemics, which can spread false information on public health matters. Effective infodemic management is seen as a critical component of the Pandemic Accord to safeguard lives worldwide.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJMIR Infodemiology·DateSep 21, 2023

Chicago’s West Side is air pollution hotspot

A new study by Northwestern University found that Chicago's West Side experiences significantly elevated nitrogen dioxide (NO2) air pollution compared to other areas. The study used three state-of-the-art datasets and consistently identified the West Side as a hotspot in both February and August, affecting approximately 501,000 people

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 21, 2023

Evaluating the shear viscosity of different water models

Associate Professor Tadashi Ando from Tokyo University of Science conducted a study to test the performance of OPC and OPC3 water models, evaluating their shear viscosities and comparing values to experimental calculations. The calculated viscosities for both models were very close, with notable accuracy at temperatures above 310 K.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 21, 2023

Study details immune cells vital to success of vaccines against coronavirus

A study has identified key T cell subsets that track closely with successful vaccination and are responsible for early protection against SARS-CoV-2. The research found distinct CD8+ T cells that proliferate and attack key proteins of the pandemic virus, particularly those lacking surface protein KLRG1.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2023

Electric shock revealed that worms may have "emotions"

Researchers discovered that Caenorhabditis elegans worms exhibit persistent brain activity and ignore food when subjected to electrical stimulation, suggesting a basic emotional response. The study suggests that genes controlling emotions in worms may have counterparts in humans, potentially leading to new treatments for mood disorders.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalGenetics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2023

Inaugural solar energetic particle event detected on the surfaces of Earth, Moon, and Mars

Researchers detected a high-energy particle event on the surfaces of Earth, Moon, and Mars, marking the first Ground Level Enhancement (GLE) on three planetary bodies. The study found that future humans may face significant radiation risks during approximately one out of every five Solar Energetic Particle events.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 21, 2023

Researchers show radical improvement of ultra-broadband photodetection with a device based on Twisted Double Bilayer Graphene

A new device based on twisted double bilayer graphene has been developed, showing radical improvement in ultra-broadband photodetection. The device can detect light efficiently over a wide spectral range, from far-terahertz to near-infrared, with good internal quantum efficiency and scalability.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateSep 21, 2023

Innovative solution for poultry litter waste management using photocatalytic titanate nanofibers

Researchers developed a method to degrade organic pollutants and color removal in poultry litter digestate using photocatalytic titanate nanofibers. The study found optimal conditions for removing volatile fatty acids and chemical oxygen demand, demonstrating the effectiveness of TNFs in treating anaerobic digestate.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2023

E-cigarettes are not a gateway into smoking

A comprehensive study found no evidence that e-cigarettes promote smoking and may even compete against cigarettes, potentially speeding up the decline in smoking rates. The study compared countries with different e-cigarette regulations and found a slower decline in smokers among those with stricter controls.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalPublic Health Research·DateSep 21, 2023

Split gene-editing tool offers greater precision

Researchers create adenine base editor with 'on/off' switch, reducing off-target edits by over 70% and increasing accuracy of on-target edits. The tool has potential to correct nearly half of disease-causing point mutations in human genome.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2023

Study shows simulator, combined with app, helps teachers correct mistakes before entering classroom

A new study co-written by a researcher from the University of Kansas examined TeachLivE, a simulator that allows pre-service teachers to deliver lessons in front of a virtual classroom of avatars. The results showed that the simulation experience combined with personalized feedback data can support teachers' practice of skills of their...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalEducation Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

New target to beat cancer drug resistance

University of Queensland researchers have identified a novel molecule that could overcome cancer drug resistance and prevent tumour regrowth in cancer patients. The newly discovered molecule is not currently a target for treatment, opening the potential for new drug development to combat this major cause of death in cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalDrug Resistance Updates·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2023

Study shows B-type natriuretic peptides lose prognostic value for clinical outcomes in LVAD recipients with cardiogenic shock

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that BNP levels are high in end-stage heart failure patients with cardiogenic shock, but no longer a reliable predictor of clinical outcomes after ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation. This study suggests reevaluating routine use of BNP testing for these patients.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalThe American Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

Diamond materials as solar-powered electrodes - spectroscopy shows what's important

Researchers have found that diamond materials can release electrons in water and trigger chemical reactions when excited by light. The team used X-ray spectroscopy to precisely track the processes taking place on the surface of diamond materials, revealing that they are well-suited for use in aqueous solutions.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2023