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Science News for April 24, 2024


The Lundquist Institute receives $2.6 million grant from U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity to develop wearable biosensors

The Lundquist Institute has been awarded a four-year, $2.6 million grant to develop wearable multiplex biosensors that can monitor exacerbation risk in COPD. The proposed sensors have the potential to revolutionize COPD management and transform chronic disease management by providing real-time, non-invasive monitoring.

Targeted use of enfortumab vedotin for the treatment of advanced urothelial carcinoma

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology identified NECTIN4 amplification as a potential genomic biomarker for predicting treatment response to enfortumab vedotin in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma. The study found that over 90% of patients with NECTIN4 amplification showed tumor response to EV therapy.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateApr 24, 2024

How light can vaporize water without the need for heat

MIT researchers demonstrate that light can break water molecules away from the surface and float them into the air, causing evaporation in the absence of heat. This phenomenon has significant implications for understanding cloud formation and precipitation, as well as designing new industrial processes such as solar-powered desalination.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2024

Sweet potato quality analysis is enhanced with hyperspectral imaging and AI

A new study from the University of Illinois explores the use of hyperspectral imaging and explainable artificial intelligence to assess sweet potato attributes, leading to more informed decision-making and higher-quality products. The results can help industry professionals understand the significance of different features in predictin...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2024

Early trauma cuts life short for squirrels, and climate change could make matters worse

A new study led by the University of Arizona finds that early-life struggles can cut adult lifespan in red squirrels by at least 14%, but a natural food boom may buffer against these effects. The researchers suggest that climate change could disrupt this dynamic, potentially affecting animal resilience.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2024

These giant, prehistoric salmon had tusk-like teeth

A new study has reconstructed the ancient giant salmon with tusk-like teeth, previously thought to be 'saber-toothed'. The teeth actually pointed sideways out of the fish's mouth, similar to a warthog. This discovery sheds light on the species' possible uses for these massive spikes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2024

Alzheimer’s drug development pipeline: Positive results, new insight on biomarkers position 2024 as ‘learning year’

The Alzheimer's disease treatment landscape is experiencing a significant shift, with numerous potential drugs making their way through clinical trials. Biomarkers have also emerged as a key area of focus, providing valuable information on the drug's impact and allowing for more precise guidance in future trials.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 24, 2024

Unveiling the mysteries of cell division in embryos with timelapse photography

Researchers used medaka fish, CRISPR and new imaging techniques to study embryonic mitosis. They discovered unique spindles assemble in early embryos and found Ran-GTP plays a decisive role in spindle formation, which diminishes later in development. The study paves the way for further exploration of embryonic mitosis.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 24, 2024

Neurons spoil your appetite

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence have discovered a brain circuit that inhibits food intake during nausea. The circuit involves special nerve cells in the amygdala, which send appetite-suppressing signals to distant brain regions, resulting in a loss of appetite.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 24, 2024

A university lecture, with a dash of jumping jacks

A study by Ohio State University professor Scott Hayes found that incorporating five-minute exercise breaks into lectures can improve students' attention, motivation, and peer engagement. Students reported positive impacts on their course enjoyment and even designed creative exercise sessions, such as a 'picking apples' theme.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Sports and Active Living·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2024

Hurricanes jeopardize carbon-storing New England forests

A new study reveals that a single hurricane can wipe out 5-10% of New England's total aboveground forest carbon through tree damage. The research team analyzed the impact of 10 powerful hurricanes on the region's forests and found that future storms could pose a significant risk to carbon offset programs.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 24, 2024

Global team of researchers, including three New York botanical garden scientists, publish ground-breaking study of plant evolution with many potential uses, from plant conservation to the discovery of new medicines

A global team of researchers, led by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, sequenced DNA from over 9,500 species, creating a detailed tree of life for flowering plants. The study sheds light on plant evolution, conservation strategies and sustainable agriculture applications.

SourceThe New York Botanical Garden·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2024

Understanding the cellular mechanisms of obesity-induced inflammation and metabolic dysfunction

The study reveals that TM4SF19 protein inhibits a pump in lysosomes, impeding macrophage clearance of dead cells. Macrophages lacking TM4SF19 demonstrate enhanced efficacy in clearing dead adipocytes, reducing weight gain and metabolic dysfunction. The findings may open new avenues for treating obesity and related metabolic disorders.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2024

Giant viruses infect deadly parasite

Scientists have isolated giant viruses that infect the deadly human parasite Naegleria fowleri, which causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis. The newly discovered Naegleiaviruses were found in wastewater treatment plants near Vienna and exhibit a unique stargate structure for DNA entry.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2024

Why can’t robots outrun animals?

An interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers compared various aspects of running robots with their equivalents in animals, finding that biological components performed poorly compared to fabricated parts. However, animals excel in integrating and controlling these components.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalScience Robotics·DateApr 24, 2024

Study finds X’s (formerly Twitter’s) community notes provide accurate, credible answers to vaccine misinformation

A new study published in JAMA found X's Community Notes resulted in hundreds-of-millions of views of accurate and credible COVID-19 vaccine education, suggesting considerable potential for correcting misinformation. The notes typically addressed obvious misinformation, offering corrections from credible sources.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2024

Gene-based therapy restores cellular development and function in brain cells from people with Timothy syndrome

Researchers developed a gene-based therapy that restored typical cellular function in organoids created from cells of people with Timothy syndrome. The treatment used antisense oligonucleotides to decrease the use of mutated exon 8A and increase reliance on non-affected exon 8, restoring normal calcium channel functioning.

UK/German study - COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and fewer common side-effects most important factors in whether adults choose to get vaccinated

A new UK/German study suggests that perceptions of serious side effects are less than half as important as common side effects, such as fatigue or pain at the injection site, when making a decision to be vaccinated. The study found that educating the public about vaccine safety and efficacy is crucial in boosting vaccination uptake.

Mount Sinai researchers the first to apply single-cell analysis to reveal mechanisms of a common complication of Crohn’s disease

A study by Mount Sinai researchers has identified several pathophysiological mechanisms underlying perianal fistulae in Crohn’s disease. The findings highlight key transcription factor binding events and epigenetic phenomena that contribute to the higher rates of complications in African American patients. The research provides avenues...

Computer game in school made students better at detecting fake news

A study by Uppsala University found that a computer game called Bad News improved students' ability to identify manipulative techniques in social media posts and distinguish reliable from misleading news. The game, played individually or in groups, had positive effects on students' critical thinking skills.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Research on Technology in Education·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2024

Grey cuckoo, red cuckoo: unveiling the genomic secrets of color polymorphism in female cuckoo birds

A recent study sheds light on the genetic underpinnings behind color polymorphism in adult females of cuckoo birds, revealing a single mutation for female-only polychromatism over 1 million years ago. The study found that variations in gray or rufous coloration are associated with the full length of the female-limited W chromosome.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2024

Mechanism of grafting Prunus sp. to control crown gall disease by regulating the rhizosphere environment

Grafting onto a disease-resistant rootstock reduces pathogenic Agrobacterium abundance and alters the microbiome composition, enriching beneficial bacteria. The decreased valine in root exudates from grafted plants contributes to decreasing Agrobacterium abundance and suppressing crown gall disease.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Researchers discover how biomolecules in nature are transformed into complex natural organic matter

A study published in Nature reveals that oxidative dearomatization is the key mechanism behind this transformation, resulting in millions of diverse molecules with stable structures. This process allows the organic matter to persist for long periods, preventing it from rapidly returning to the atmosphere.

Major genetic meta-analysis reveals how antibiotic resistance in babies varies according to mode of birth, prematurity, and where they live

A recent study found that infants born via C-section have more antibiotic-resistant genes, while antibiotic use and prematurity fuel resistance. Infants from Africa had more resistant genes than those from Europe. Probiotics may help reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance in infants by targeting their gut microbiome.

Geologists discover rocks with the oldest evidence yet of Earth’s magnetic field

Researchers have found ancient rocks in Greenland that retain signatures of a magnetic field with a strength of at least 15 microtesla, extending the magnetic field's age by 200 million years. The discovery sheds light on the planet's early conditions and may have played a critical role in making Earth habitable.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth·DateApr 24, 2024

Group of Professor Shupeng Gai from Qingdao Agricultural University discovered the mechanism of PsmiR159b-PsMYB65 module regulating bud dormancy release in tree peony

Researchers from Qingdao Agricultural University have discovered the PsmiR159b-PsMYB65 module regulating bud dormancy release in tree peony. The study found that PsmiR159b inhibits bud dormancy release by targeting PsMYB65, which activates cell cycle genes and promotes bud growth.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Rubber-like stretchable energy storage device fabricated with laser precision

Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology have fabricated a small-scale energy storage device that can stretch, twist, fold, and wrinkle. The device features fine patterning of liquid metal electrodes using laser ablation, allowing it to maintain its energy storage performance under repeated mechanical deformations.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·Journalnpj Flexible Electronics·DateApr 24, 2024

Zebra finch chicks don't babble for no reason

Research at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence reveals that zebra finch chicks' first vocalizations play a key role in memorizing adult songs. The chicks' babbling is necessary to initiate the sensory phase of song learning, enabling them to store and recall the learned song.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2024

First-ever combined heart pump and pig kidney transplant gives new hope to patient with terminal illness

A combined mechanical heart pump and gene-edited pig kidney transplant has given new hope to a patient with heart and kidney failure. The surgery was performed in two stages, first implanting the heart pump and later transplanting the gene-edited pig kidney. This innovative approach has shown promise for patients who would otherwise no...

CHOP researchers discover underlying biology behind Fontan-associated liver disease

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have discovered the underlying biology behind Fontan-associated liver disease, a condition affecting thousands of patients with single ventricle congenital heart disease. The study identified key cell-type specific changes in livers and potential therapeutic targets, including Activins...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Advancing CBSD resistance in cassava: a comprehensive review of breeding strategies and the role of new plant technologies

A comprehensive review of breeding strategies and the role of new plant technologies in advancing cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) resistance. The study highlights the integration of traditional and modern breeding techniques to develop disease-resistant varieties with balanced trait sets that meet market preferences.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalTropical Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Does a woman’s heart health affect cognition in midlife?

A new study found that Black women with poor cardiovascular health may face an elevated risk of early signs of cognitive decline in midlife. Processing speed, a leading indicator of early cognitive decline, appeared to decline in these women starting in midlife but not in white women.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 24, 2024

Single-walled carbon nanotubes doped with ‘nitrogen’ enhance the performance of secondary battery anode

Scientists at Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) develop a new manufacturing technique for silicon/nitrogen-doped carbon composite anode materials. These materials improve lithium-ion battery performance by accelerating lithium-ion movement and stabilizing silicon expansion.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 24, 2024

It’s easier now to treat opioid addiction with medication -- but use has changed little

A new study found that the elimination of a federal waiver requirement increased the number of clinicians prescribing buprenorphine, but didn't lead to a sharp rise in patient treatment. By December 2023, over 53,600 clinicians had prescribed buprenorphine, but numbers remained stable compared to 2022.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2024

Making diamonds at ambient pressure

Researchers create diamond film at 1 atm pressure and 1025°C using a novel liquid metal alloy, breaking the high-pressure requirement. The synthesized diamond has a high purity and unique silicon-vacancy color centers, opening new avenues for applications in magnetic sensing and quantum computing.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

AI designs new drugs based on protein structures

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed an AI algorithm that can design new active pharmaceutical ingredients by analyzing protein structures. The algorithm generates blueprints for potential drug molecules that increase or inhibit protein activity, reducing the need for lengthy discovery processes and minimizing side effects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2024

A vaccine to fight antibiotic resistance

A team of researchers from MSU and Harvard Medical School has created a promising vaccine candidate for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The vaccine targets Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with high levels of immunity observed in animal trials.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Genome-wide methylation, transcriptome and metabolite reveal the balance between diosgenin and brassinosteroids in Dioscorea zingiberensis by Jialu Li lab in Wuhan University

The study identified genes and transcription factors involved in the balance process of diosgenin and brassinosteroids in Dioscorea zingiberensis. CAS and CYP90s play a pivotal role in sterol homeostasis, suggesting a new perspective on regulatory networks.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Securing competitiveness of energy-intensive industries through relocation: The pulling power of renewables

A new study suggests that renewable-scarce countries like parts of the EU, Japan, and South Korea could save between 18 to 38 percent in production costs by relocating their industrial production to countries with cheap renewable energy. The study's lead author argues that importing hydrogen via ship is not a cost-effective strategy fo...

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 24, 2024

ECOG-ACRIN research at ASCO 2024

The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group will present late-breaking findings on prostate cancer, breast cancer, and pancreas cancer at ASCO 2024. These studies include optimal chemotherapy for Black women with breast cancer and results from the first randomized national trial in older adults with pancreas cancer.

New ultraviolet light air disinfection technology could help protect against healthcare infections and even the next pandemic

A new ultraviolet light technology called far-UVC has been shown to be effective in killing viruses and bacteria without the safety concerns of conventional UV light. This technology could help reduce the risk of healthcare infections and even the next pandemic by continuously decontaminating occupied spaces.

Social change may explain decline in genetic diversity of the Y chromosome at the end of the Neolithic period

A recent study suggests that the decline in genetic diversity of the Y chromosome between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago was caused by social change, rather than violent conflicts. The researchers analyzed anthropological field data and modeling scenarios to conclude that patrilineal organizations had a significant impact on the Y chromosome.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2024

Testicular maldescent in infertile men may be a sign of a more severe genetic syndrome

Researchers found that approximately 2-4% of male newborns are born with cryptorchidism, a congenital malformation that can lead to infertility and testicular cancer. Undiagnosed cases were detected in ten infertile men, highlighting the importance of broader health counselling for men with fertility issues.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 24, 2024

A new attempt to identify salt gland development and salt resistance genes of Limonium bicolor ——Identification of bHLH gene family and its function analysis in salt gland development

Researchers identified 187 bHLH genes in Limonium bicolor, analyzing their characteristics and expression patterns to understand salt gland development. The study found that overexpression of a specific bHLH gene negatively regulates salt secretion and resistance.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Microbiota enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis-secreted BFT-1 promotes breast cancer cell stemness and chemoresistance through its functional receptor NOD1

Researchers identified a link between Bacteroides fragilis-secreted BFT-1 and breast cancer resistance, highlighting the importance of targeting microbiota in cancer treatment. Inhibiting the NOD1 pathway may sensitize breast cancer cells to chemotherapy, providing a promising avenue for novel therapeutic strategies.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalProtein & Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Postpartum depression after adolescent stress shows a dysregulated HPA axis: a cross-species translational study

Researchers found a correlation between prolonged postdelivery elevation of corticosterone and behavioral changes in postpartum mice who experienced social isolation in adolescence. A novel treatment using a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist shows promise in blocking behavioral changes.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Good heart health in middle age may preserve brain function among Black women as they age

A new study found that better heart health in middle-aged Black women is linked to reduced cognitive decline and preserved brain function. However, this benefit was not observed among white women. The study suggests that taking care of one's heart may have a positive impact on brain function and overall well-being.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 24, 2024

To mask or not to mask? Understanding public health behaviors during COVID-19

A study by Osaka University researchers found that mask-wearing behavior depends on the interplay of contextual changes and social norms. The results showed no significant relationship between system justification motivation and individual mask-wearing rates before or after the relaxation of governmental recommendations in March 2023.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJapanese Psychological Research·TypeSurvey·DateApr 24, 2024

Study uses wearable devices to examine 3- to 6-year-olds’ impulsivity, inattentiveness

Researchers used wearable devices to study the behavior of 3- to 6-year-olds, finding that they modulated their behavior across the school day and self-regulation declined over time. The study suggests that tools like wearable technology can help parents and teachers identify impulsive and inattentive behaviors and develop strategies t...

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2024

Aston University research finds that social media can be used to increase fruit and vegetable intake in young people

Researchers found that participants who followed healthy eating Instagram accounts ate an extra 1.4 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, compared to those in the control group. The study suggests that exposure to positive social norms on social media can encourage higher consumption of fruit and vegetables.

SourceAston University·JournalDigital Health·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2024

Mass General Brigham research identifies pitfalls and opportunities for generative artificial intelligence in patient messaging systems

A study by Mass General Brigham demonstrates that large language models can help reduce physician workload and improve patient education, but also identifies limitations that may affect patient safety. The researchers emphasize the need for vigilant oversight and a measured approach to LLM implementation.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 24, 2024

Revolutionizing sweetpotato genetics: a comprehensive update to the 'Taizhong 6' genome annotation

Researchers have substantially enhanced the 'Taizhong 6' genome annotation, identifying 360 new genes and refining gene nomenclature. The updated annotation includes detailed miRNA expression profiles, benefiting gene functional studies in sweetpotato and advancing genomic analyses across the Convolvulaceae family.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalTropical Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

It takes two to TANGO: New strategy to tackle fibrosis and scarring

Researchers developed a new experimental strategy to tackle scarring and fibrosis by releasing enough collagen to prevent tissue damage while protecting it from excessive amounts. The strategy, which uses molecules known as peptides to block the export of collagen from cells, shows promise in treating conditions such as scleroderma.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024

Zhilong Bie team from Huazhong Agricultural University revealed the molecular mechanism of CmoDREB2A and CmoNAC1 in pumpkin regulating the salt tolerance of grafted cucumber

The Zhilong Bie team identified pumpkin CmoDREB2A as a key transcription factor interacting with CmoNAC1 to regulate salt tolerance in grafted cucumbers. The interaction enhances H2O2 and ABA signaling pathways, leading to increased K+/Na+ ratio.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024