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Science News Archive August 2024 - Page 27


Page 27 of 38

3D laser printing with bioinks from microalgae

A research team at Heidelberg University has successfully developed a new generation of biocompatible materials for additive manufacturing using microalgae. The materials were extracted from the raw materials of diatom and green alga species and proved to be suitable as inks for high-resolution 3D laser printing.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 9, 2024

A new mechanism for shaping animal tissues

Researchers from Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics found a new mechanism for shaping animal tissues through collective, programmed cell behaviors. This discovery could help understand how tissues form in animals and provides a new approach to studying tissue-shaping processes.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG)·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 9, 2024

Universal free school meals and school and student outcomes

A systematic review found that universal free school meals were associated with increased meal participation and no significant improvements in attendance. The study also noted a decrease in obesity prevalence and suspension rates, although the evidence for these findings was moderate to low certainty.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 9, 2024

Experts provide further proof of role testosterone plays in preventing severe Covid

A new study published in Andrology has found that patients with lower testosterone levels tend to have short little fingers, which is associated with an increased risk of severe Covid-19. The research suggests that testosterone may reduce inflammation in the lungs and other organs, providing a protective effect against severe illness.

SourceSwansea University·JournalAndrology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 9, 2024

Faster detection of pancreatic cancer

A new method for detecting pancreatic cancer has been introduced using glycopeptide probes that selectively detect specific antibodies in blood samples. These probes mimic tumor-associated antigens and show promise for early detection screenings.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2024

Memory problems in old age linked to a key enzyme, study in mice finds

A team of researchers from Penn State has identified HDAC3 as a key contributor to age-related impairments in memory updating. When blocked, older mice performed similarly to their younger counterparts, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for improving cognitive flexibility in old age.

SourcePenn State·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2024

VA’s Disrupted Care National Project discovers vascular surgery rates still decreasing since COVID-19 pandemic

The study analyzed 21,031 vascular surgeries and found that the number of procedures has continued to decrease, particularly for younger and minority patients. The drop in vascular surgeries has been attributed to various factors, including elective surgery cancellations and resource scarcity during the pandemic.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalAnnals of Vascular Surgery·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 9, 2024

From fungi to pharmaceuticals: a milestone for the production of eutyscoparol A and violaceoid C

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science have developed an efficient method to synthesize eutyscoparol A and violaceoid C, two compounds with potential therapeutic properties. The new approach improves yields and simplifies synthesis steps, enabling further research into their pharmacological effects.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAsian Journal of Organic Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2024

Quantum leap: breakthrough for secure communication with ‘artificial atoms’

A team of scientists has successfully established the first intercity quantum key distribution experiment using semiconductor quantum dots as single-photon sources. This breakthrough enables fast and stable transmission of secret keys over long distances, paving the way for a secure 'quantum internet'.

New ancient marine crocodile from time of dinosaurs provides insight into the groups lifestyle and diversity

A newly discovered species of ancient marine crocodile, Enalioetes schroederi, has provided fresh insight into how metriorhynchids evolved during the Cretaceous Period. The fossil, with a remarkably preserved skull and internal anatomy, shows adaptations to an increasingly marine lifestyle.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2024

Unlocking the potential of rapeseed: CRISPR edits for hybrid efficiency

Researchers have developed a novel approach using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create male-sterile lines in rapeseed, simplifying the hybrid seed production process. The BnDAD1 gene targeting disrupts the jasmonic acid pathway, enabling controlled and efficient method for creating hybrids that can significantly boost vegetable oil output.

Are birds flying atoms?

A new study by an international team, including MIT and CNRS, observed that similarities exist between the behavior of birds in flight and physical systems. The research suggests that the transition from disorder to coordination is not as different between particles and biological elements as previously thought.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Statistical Mechanics Theory and Experiment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 8, 2024

Evaluating the impact of database choice and confidence score on metagenomic taxonomic classification using Kraken2

The study evaluated the impact of database choice and confidence score on Kraken2's classification performance. Higher confidence scores generally decreased classification rates in smaller databases, while larger databases maintained higher rates and showed improved precision and F1 scores with increasing confidence.

Battling bugs with big data: sweetpotato's genomic-metagenomic pest shield

Researchers developed a genomic-metagenomic approach to predict pest resistance in sweetpotatoes, identifying key genes involved in defense mechanisms. The study found correlations between insect pests and microbial communities within the plant's metagenome, revealing new strategies for breeding resistant varieties.

New two-step flu vaccine strategy shows promise in pig model

A novel two-step vaccination strategy has been developed to combat seasonal flu, pairing an intramuscular injection with a nasal spray of a weakened live-virus. The approach resulted in a strong immune response and reduced shedding of the vaccine candidate from the upper respiratory tract.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2024

Dissolvable microneedle patch enables local delivery of immunomodulatory microparticles containing bifunctional molecules for periodontal tissue regeneration

Researchers developed a dissolvable microneedle patch to deliver immunomodulatory microparticles containing bifunctional molecules, such as azithromycin, to treat periodontitis. The patch demonstrated therapeutic outcomes by suppressing bacterial growth and modulating immune responses in both in vitro and in vivo studies.

Cleveland Clinic study adds to increasing evidence that sugar substitute erythritol raises cardiovascular risk

A new study by the Cleveland Clinic found that consuming foods with erythritol increases the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. The artificial sweetener makes platelets more active, which can raise blood clot risks. This research adds to evidence that erythritol may not be as safe as previously thought.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·DateAug 8, 2024

Rising nighttime temperatures disrupt plant metabolism: a review calls for adaptive strategies

High nighttime temperatures accelerate leaf senescence, disrupt cellular membranes, and increase respiration rates in plants. Understanding the key metabolic pathways and molecular mechanisms involved is crucial for developing genetic modifications, breeding strategies, and management practices to enhance plant resilience.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalGrass Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2024

Eating for necessity or pleasure? There is a brain circuit for that

A study published in Nature Metabolism reveals neural circuits in the mouse brain that promote hunger-driven feeding and suppress pleasure-driven eating. The discovery of a specific group of neurons called diagonal band of Broca (DBB) Penk neurons that regulates balanced feeding is promising for developing strategies to combat obesity.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2024

The olfactory performance of family dogs was tested by hungarian ethologists The olfactory performance of family dogs was tested by Hungarian ethologists

Researchers from Eötvös Loránd University found temperature and humidity have no impact on dogs' ability to detect scents. However, indoor testing outperformed outdoor environments due to distracting stimuli. Age also plays a role, with 2-3 year old dogs exhibiting superior olfactory performance.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 8, 2024

Hebrew SeniorLife’s Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research to launch food study

A large clinical food trial will be conducted to test the effects of a combination of probiotics and prebiotics on bone health in women aged 60 years and above. The study aims to develop potentially safe and inexpensive dietary interventions for osteopenia and osteoporosis.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 8, 2024