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Science News for September 26, 2023


Genetically engineering associations between plants and nitrogen-fixing microbes could lessen dependence on synthetic fertilizer

Engineering associations between plants and nitrogen-fixing microbes using genetic engineering could lessen dependence on synthetic fertilizer. This approach involves bi-directional signaling to release fixed nitrogen, promoting efficient communication between engineered plants and microbes.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Microbiology·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 26, 2023

New research: Acute kidney damage spreads over time

A new study from Aarhus University found that acute kidney injury causes significant cell death in kidneys, which then spreads to healthy tissue over several days. This finding may increase the risk of patients developing chronic kidney damage and highlights the need for timely intervention measures.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 26, 2023

Patients who quit smoking after percutaneous coronary intervention do as well as non-smokers – unless they had smoked heavily

A large study of 74,471 patients found that those who quit smoking after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have comparable rates of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths to non-smokers. However, heavy smokers showed no improvement in cardiovascular outcomes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2023

Why faces feel “tight” after being washed

The study reveals that applying cleansers or moisturizers to the skin can alter its state, activating mechanoreceptors and feeding information to the central nervous system. Strong correlations were found between physical stress on the stratum corneum and subjective reports of 'tightness' in surveys of thousands of participants.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateSep 26, 2023

Design ultra-high temperature high-entropy alloys (HEA) by forming nitride phases: NbMoTaWHfN HEA shows compressive yield strengths of 288 MPa at 1800 °C

A new refractory high-entropy alloy (RHEA) has been designed with nitride phases, exhibiting exceptional compressive yield strengths up to 288 MPa at temperatures between 1000 and 1800 °C. This record-breaking strength surpasses that of most known alloys, including superalloys and refractory metals.

SourceEngineering·JournalEngineering·DateSep 26, 2023

The ethics of accepting tainted donations

A study surveyed over 4,500 laypeople and 700 professional fundraisers about acceptance of tainted donations. Respondents generally agreed that institutions should reject donations from criminals but accept those from morally ambiguous individuals.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateSep 26, 2023

Why endangered wildlife needs AML law coverage and banks need to share IWT intelligence

The illegal wildlife trade is a significant financial portfolio that creates state-level security and development risks. Implementing AML laws and sharing intelligence with banks can boost IWT law enforcement. Countries like Singapore, UK, and Australia are making progress in combating money laundering and IWT.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalJournal of Money Laundering Control·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 26, 2023

Successful optical biosensing using dual optical combs: High sensitivity and rapid detection of biomolecules with promising prospects

Dual optical comb technology enables high-sensitivity and rapid biomolecule detection, leveraging the connection between optical and electrical frequency signals. The approach combines the strengths of optical and electrical frequency measurement methods, offering enhanced precision and convenience in biosensing applications.

SourceInstitute of Post-LED Photonics, Tokushima University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2023

Earthworms contribute to 6.5% of global grain production, according to new CSU research

Earthworms play a significant role in global food production, contributing approximately 6.5% of grain yield and 2.3% of legumes produced worldwide annually. The research highlights the importance of soil biodiversity and its impact on crop productivity, suggesting that earthworms can increase plant growth by up to 25%.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2023

Gluten-free African grain teff shows antioxidant activity in human cells

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro found that teff increases levels of glutathione, an antioxidant molecule, and gene expression related to glutathione pathways. The study used human leukemia monocytic cells and compared ivory and brown varieties of tef, with brown teff producing higher glutathione levels.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Greensboro·JournalAntioxidants·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2023

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai awarded $10.2 million NIH grant to explore the early signs of arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse

Researchers will investigate risk factors for malignant arrhythmias in mitral valve prolapse, aiming to develop novel indicators and improve patient outcomes. The study will use imaging technology and combine it with other markers to predict the development of arrhythmias over a five-year period.

Research reveals why our skin feels ‘tight’

Studies show that shrinking and swelling of skin layers cause mechanoreceptors to fire off signals to the brain, leading to a feeling of skin tightness. The researchers developed a predictive model that accurately predicted human subjects' reported feelings, opening up new possibilities for improving cosmetics formulations.

SourceStanford University·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateSep 26, 2023

Elevated temperatures and climate change may contribute to rising drug and alcohol disorders

Researchers found a significant association between high temperatures and increased hospital visits for alcohol-related disorders. Higher temperatures also led to more hospital visits for other substance disorders, but only up to a certain limit. The study highlights the need for public health interventions during warmer weather.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2023

Suicide risks of health care workers in the US

A study of 1.84 million US adults from 2008 to 2019 found registered nurses and healthcare support workers were more likely to attempt or die by suicide than non-healthcare workers. The findings highlight the need for improved mental health protections for these workers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 26, 2023

Unleashing the power of AI to track animal behavior

GlowTrack, a non-invasive movement tracking method using fluorescent dye markers, improves the capture of diverse movements in laboratories. This technique enables easier comparison of movement data between studies, increasing scientific discovery and advancing fields like biology, robotics, and medicine.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 26, 2023

New simulations shed light on origins of Saturn’s rings and icy moons

Researchers used supercomputer simulations to model possible collisions between precursor icy moons and discovered that an impact could scatter the right amount of ice into Saturn's Roche limit, forming its iconic rings. The study suggests a massive collision occurred around 200 million years ago, creating the remarkably young and almo...

SourceDurham University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 26, 2023

One-hour training is all you need to control a third robotic arm

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London and their colleagues have found that supernumerary robotic arms can be used as effectively as a partner, enabling tasks like opening doors while carrying packages. The study suggests these arms could aid people with various tasks, such as surgery or industrial work.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·DateSep 26, 2023

"Radar" detects active cellular destroyers

A team of scientists has developed a method to detect active Cullin-RING ligases (CRLs), which are responsible for destroying unwanted proteins in cells. The new technology, called a molecular radar, reveals which CRLs are deployed to address cellular stresses and perform the actions of some anti-cancer drugs.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2023

Decreasing biodiversity may promote spread of viruses

A study by Charité and Leibniz-IZW found that reducing biodiversity in rainforests leads to an increase in virus prevalence among mosquito species. This is because resilient species thrive in disturbed habitats, carrying viruses with them. The research reveals the importance of biodiversity in understanding infectious disease dynamics.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournaleLife·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2023

Invertebrate decline reduces natural pest control and decomposition of organic matter

A recent study published in Current Biology found that invertebrate decline affects aboveground pest control and belowground decomposition of organic matter. The loss of invertebrates leads to a reduction in important ecosystem services and decoupling of ecosystem processes, making immediate protection measures necessary.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2023

Exploring the effect of water on seismic wave attenuation in the upper mantle

A team of researchers from Japan found that water enhances energy dispersion and reduces elastic moduli in rocks, leading to increased seismic wave attenuation. The study suggests the oceanic asthenosphere must contain water, explaining sharp velocity drops and near-constant attenuation observed at the LAB.

SourceOkayama University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2023

Increasing steps by 3,000 per day can lower blood pressure in older adults

A recent study found that adding 3000 steps per day can significantly reduce high blood pressure in older adults. The study involved sedentary adults aged 68-78 who walked an average of 4000 steps before the intervention, resulting in a 7-point decrease in systolic and 4-point decrease in diastolic blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2023

Redefining global health security: A novel framework sheds light on equity and decolonial approaches

A novel framework introduces contrasting conceptualizations of health security, prioritizing universal health security over neo-colonial health security. The authors argue that the growing influence of security sector actors in global health threatens human rights and undermines efforts to combat inequality.

SourceUnited Nations University·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 26, 2023

Intercomparison of multi-model ensemble-processing strategies within a consistent framework for climate projection in China

Chinese scientists used a consistent framework to evaluate five multi-model ensemble-processing strategies, finding that more elaborate methods outperform simple ones and provide reasonably consistent projections. The Climate model Weighting by Independence and Performance (ClimWIP) method was identified as optimal for simulating curre...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateSep 26, 2023

USTC explores exotic spin interactions at microscale using solid-state spin quantum sensors

The University of Science and Technology of China has made a significant breakthrough in exploring exotic spin interactions using solid-state spin quantum sensors. Their research findings provide valuable insights into these interactions, allowing for precise measurements of various spin phenomena.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 26, 2023

Study sheds new light on strange lava worlds

A new study reveals that magma oceans on rocky exoplanets can affect their size, evolutionary path, and mantle structure. The research found that these ocean's compressible nature can make lava-rich planets denser than solid planets of similar size.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 26, 2023

U of M Medical School research team studies homicides of health professionals

The study found that homicide rates among health professionals are lower than the general population, with most related to domestic violence or societal trends like gun violence. The research highlights the need for prevention strategies beyond healthcare settings to address societal roots of violence.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2023

Determining the meaning of a ‘model’

A study by Dr Constantino Carlos Reyes Aldasoro explores the different definitions of a 'model' in cancer research, grouping them into four categories. The researcher analyzes scientific publications to identify trends in model usage, finding that mathematical models have gained popularity and computational models are on the rise.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalCancers·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 26, 2023

Gaza electricity crisis creates major mental health problems - study

A study published by the University of Birmingham found that people living in Gaza with intermittent electricity supplies experienced higher levels of anxiety and depression, while those with reliable access had improved wellbeing. The researchers emphasized the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions to address this crisis.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalInternational Journal of Social Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateSep 26, 2023

Better together against cancer

Researchers combined three highly potent cancer drugs in a single prodrug that is activated in tumor cells, resulting in improved efficacy and reduced side effects. The new approach has shown promise as a potential solution to reduce the burden on patients' bodies during cancer treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2023

Tailored text messages not enough to improve mobility after heart issues

A Michigan Medicine-led report found that adding a mobile health application to wearable devices did not significantly improve physical activity levels in patients enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation. However, some short-term outcomes showed an increase in walking distance over six minutes for Fitbit users.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 26, 2023

Diffractive networks enable quantitative phase imaging (QPI) through random diffusers

A new methodology for QPI of objects covered by random unknown phase diffusers uses diffractive optical networks and deep learning. The system axially spans ~70λ and performs all-optical phase recovery and quantitative imaging with high image quality and low power consumption.

Transparent wood-based coating doesn’t fog up

A team of scientists at Aalto University has created a bio-based transparent film from lignin nanoparticles, offering an alternative to toxic synthetic materials. The coating can be used on glasses, windshields, and other surfaces, and also displays coloured films with structural colours.

SourceAalto University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateSep 26, 2023