Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for February 20, 2024


Plastic recycling with a protein anchor

Researchers have developed a novel biohybrid catalyst that uses an anchor peptide to oxidize polystyrene microparticles, making them degradable. The catalyst accelerates the formation of polar OH groups through reaction with Oxone, allowing for efficient breakdown and degradation of polystyrene.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

With regular exercise, medical weight loss treatment does not have to be permanent

A new study published in LANCET eClinicalMedicine found that regular exercise can help individuals maintain weight loss after completing medical weight loss treatment. The study showed that exercising just two hours a week can lead to better quality of life, improved mental health, and reduced fatigue.

The immune system’s moonlighters

Researchers have found a new potential therapeutic target for autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis by identifying an overlooked sequence in the IκBζ protein. This sequence, known as the OCA peptide, can activate key proteins in immune cells and may help reeling in immune cells gone haywire.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 20, 2024

A study demonstrates one of the reasons why the Mediterranean diet improves kidney health in patients with diabetes

A study published by the University of Córdoba and Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research found that a Mediterranean diet reduces levels of harmful compounds called AGEs, which can accumulate in the bodies of diabetic patients with kidney problems. This dietary pattern may mitigate kidney disease deterioration in diabetic patients.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalDiabetes & Metabolism Journal·DateFeb 20, 2024

Microplastics in every human placenta, new UNM Health Sciences research discovers

A recent study by UNM Health Sciences researchers has found that microplastics are present in all 62 human placenta samples tested. The concentrations ranged from 6.5 to 790 micrograms per gram of tissue, with polyethylene being the most prevalent polymer found. The study suggests that microplastics may be linked to puzzling increases ...

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalToxicological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Health care inequities behind shorter life spans for Inuit from Nunavik, Quebec, with lung cancer

Researchers found that Inuit residents in Nunavik had shorter survival rates for lung cancer compared to Montreal residents, despite similar disease stages. The study attributes this disparity to chronic under-resourcing of healthcare services and lack of Inuit representation in healthcare provision.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Versatile light control in WSe₂ achieved

The study successfully manipulates distinct exciton species within a hybrid monolayer WSe2-Ag nanowire structure, exhibiting high coupling efficiency with surface plasmon polaritons. This breakthrough enables precise control over light emissions and paves the way for advanced optical and quantum applications.

Child tax credits provided significant relief to families experiencing economic shocks during COVID

A new study found that the 2021 Child Tax Credit expansion significantly reduced food insufficiency among American families, particularly those with children who experienced economic shocks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The monthly advance payments included in the expansion enabled all families to afford enough food and had a greater i...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs Scholar·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 20, 2024

Where neural stem cells feel at home

Neural stem cells developed into nerve cells when adhering to hydrogels with high positive charge, while those on lower positively charged gels became glial cells. The ability to influence differentiation could aid in nerve and glial cell regeneration and treatment of diseases like multiple sclerosis.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Terahertz biosensor detects skin cancer with remarkable accuracy, ushering in new era of early detection

A new terahertz biosensor has been developed to detect skin cancer with exceptional sensitivity, leveraging the unique properties of THz waves. The device analyzes a combination of parameters to provide a richer picture of tissue, allowing for accurate differentiation between healthy and cancerous cells.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateFeb 20, 2024

Physically impaired primates find ways to modify their behaviours to compensate for their disabilities, according to Concordia researchers

Studies reveal how primates modify behaviors to care for themselves and others despite physical disabilities. Behavioral flexibility is crucial, allowing them to adjust species-typical behaviors and innovate new ways to participate in daily activities.

SourceConcordia University·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 20, 2024

New study: Defining the progeria phenome

Researchers have defined what a premature aging disease is and developed tools to diagnose progeria patients, allowing them to identify new syndromes. The study also identified correlations between progeroid syndromes and other conditions, providing a significant step forward in understanding premature aging.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2024

If your TV spoke to you, would you buy it? Study finds people spend more on some “talking products”

Researchers at Indiana University Kelley School of Business found that AI-driven products with human-like features, such as eyes and speech, can influence consumers' perceptions and decision-making. The study suggests that complex products are more likely to trigger anthromorphism, leading to increased willingness to pay.

SourceIndiana University·JournalDecision Support Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Large, diverse genetic study of glaucoma implicates vascular and cancer-related genes

A large, diverse genetic study identified novel genetic locations associated with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), a leading cause of irreversible blindness globally. The study implicated vascular and cancer-related genes in POAG risk, with 20% of associated genes related to primary cilia.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

Common hair loss and prostate drug may also cut heart disease risk in men and mice

A new study suggests that finasteride, a common hair loss and prostate drug, may also lower cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular disease risk in men. In mice, the researchers found significant correlations between finasteride use and lower cholesterol levels, as well as reduced inflammation and atherosclerosis progression.

Stemming colorectal cancer in Latin America

A recent study reveals the lack of colorectal cancer screening programs in low-middle-income countries, but successful implementation in high-middle-income Latin American nations. High-middle-income countries achieved high uptake of screening, with over 75% receiving colonoscopies following positive stool test results.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 20, 2024

The Radcliffe Wave is waving

Astronomers have discovered a massive, wave-shaped structure in the Milky Way, which is oscillating through space-time. The Radcliffe Wave is approximately 9,000 light years long and moves like a traveling wave, with star clusters along its path moving up and down.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

High fidelity spatial mode quantum gates enabled by diffractive neural networks

Scientists have developed a method to construct high-dimensional quantum gates using diffractive neural networks, exhibiting ultrahigh fidelities. They successfully implemented various quantum gates and demonstrated the applicability of their approach by performing complex operations like the Deutsch algorithm.

Helping patients with low income overcome eating disorders

A new study suggests that individuals with low income are frequently misdiagnosed and lack access to effective treatment for eating disorders. Researchers offer guidelines for therapists to make accommodations for these patients, including providing government or local food resources and engaging with local food banks.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalThe Cognitive Behaviour Therapist·DateFeb 20, 2024

Nanoparticles containing natural substance treat visceral leishmaniasis with scant side effects

Researchers at São Paulo State University developed a novel technique using lipid nanoparticles to administer lupeol, killing Leishmania protozoan parasites. The therapy eliminated parasites from organs in animal tests, reducing spleen and liver parasite numbers by 99.9% with minimal side effects.

Energy poverty in Canada

Research reveals that energy poverty is a significant issue in Canada, with implications for population health and climate resilience. The study found that households facing energy poverty are more likely to experience poorer self-rated general and mental health, as well as higher levels of illness and hospitalization.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCanadian Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 20, 2024

Science fiction meets reality: USF researchers develop technique to overcome obstructed views

Researchers at the University of South Florida have created an algorithm that can reconstruct a hidden scene in 3D using an ordinary digital camera, enabling users to see around obstacles. The technology has broad applications in various fields, including car safety, law enforcement, and military efforts.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

Ancient DNA reveals Down syndrome in past human societies

Researchers identified six cases of Down syndrome and one case of Edwards syndrome in ancient human remains from Spain, Bulgaria, Finland, and Greece dating back to 4,500 years ago. The individuals were buried with care and special grave goods, indicating they were appreciated by their societies.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

Simulating tiny invaders

Scientists used Delta's GPU-based architecture to study the life cycle of the Hepatitis B virus, revealing how it binds human proteins called importins. The research provides a platform for developing inhibitors that could block this interaction and prevent the virus from accessing the nucleus.

SourceNational Center for Supercomputing Applications·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 20, 2024

Unlocking the energetic secrets of collective animal movement: How group behavior reduces energy costs in fish

A study by Harvard researchers found that fish group behavior can reduce energy costs by up to 50%, with coordinated movement allowing for more efficient swimming. By measuring the energetic cost of individual and group movements, the team discovered a J-shaped relationship between speed and energy expenditure.

Novel combination therapy offers promising results for treatment-refractory hepatoblastoma

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a novel combination therapy that produced encouraging results in animal models. The therapy, which includes an inhibitor of the enzyme histone deacetylase (HDAC), showed significant tumor shrinkage and reduced alpha fetoprotein levels after just one week of treatment.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Study reveals molecular mechanisms behind hibernation in mammals

The study reveals changes in motor protein structure and energy consumption during hibernation, highlighting key differences between large and small hibernators. Myosin plays a crucial role in non-shivering thermogenesis, with smaller mammals experiencing increased ATP consumption at lower temperatures.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateFeb 20, 2024

U of T-led study finds positive support from parents and clinicians for pediatric cancer pain management app

A recent study found that parents and clinicians are in favor of a mobile app to help manage child cancer pain at home. The app aims to ease the burden on caregivers and provide personalized pain management support. Recommendations for the app include improved accessibility, language options, and gamification features to involve children.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPLOS Digital Health·DateFeb 20, 2024

Scientists simulate Lahaina Fire to improve prediction of wildland-urban fires

Researchers used advanced computer models to simulate the Lahaina Fire, which killed 100 people and destroyed over 2,200 structures. The simulation showed how strong winds whipped up a brushfire and drove flames through neighborhoods, helping scientists develop more detailed predictions of wildfires in populated areas.

Can it take just a few minutes to calculate how proteins interact with drugs?

Scientists from IOCB Prague have developed a universal and accurate new computational method to predict how proteins interact with drugs. The SQM2.20 scoring function yields DFT-quality predictions in minutes, significantly accelerating drug discovery.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 20, 2024

Regulatory tech costs can have benefits, too

A new study by Zachary Kowaleski found that RegTech investments can have operational benefits for large broker-dealers, including improvements in customer relations and employee monitoring. However, small companies were more negatively affected, with profits dropping by an average of over 10 times the apparent savings.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Researchers observe the structural heterogeneity of a lipid scramblase

TMEM16F, a transmembrane protein, exhibits a wide range of structural conformations that enable its diverse functions. The study reveals unexpected changes in dimerization interface and subunit arrangements, suggesting a dynamic and versatile mechanism for lipid scrambling and ion movement across the cell membrane.

SourceNano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Access to prescribed PCSK9 inhibitors remains a significant barrier leaving patients at risk for heart attacks and strokes

A new study reveals that utilization of PCSK9 inhibitors is low among high-risk patients, despite extensive evidence documenting their role in LDL-C reduction and the prevention of heart attacks. The study found that insurance coverage rejection or abandonment leads to significantly more cardiovascular events within 12 months.

SourceFamily Heart Foundation·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

Modifying brain molecule relaxin-3 can potentially reduce side effects in treating anxiety, depression and more

A team of researchers from the National University of Singapore has found a potential way to treat conditions like depression and anxiety with fewer side effects. They modified the relaxin-3 molecule to selectively activate specific signalling pathways in the brain, reducing unwanted side effects.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Cracking the code to a healthier potato chip

Researchers have identified the specific gene responsible for cold-induced sweetening and uncovered the regulatory element that switches it on under cold temperatures. This discovery holds promise for developing potatoes that are naturally resistant to cold-induced sweetening and producing toxic compounds.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Plant Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

High persuasiveness of propaganda written by AI

A study published in PNAS Nexus found that AI-generated propaganda was almost as effective as real propaganda in persuading US adults. The research used a large language model to generate new articles based on existing propaganda, with 43.5% of respondents agreeing with the claims after reading the AI-written articles.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 20, 2024

Warm Atlantic water is melting Greenland’s largest floating ice tongue

A team from the Alfred Wegener Institute found that warm Atlantic water is melting Greenland's 79° North Glacier, causing it to grow thinner. The study used a high-resolution ocean model to simulate the circulation below the ice tongue, revealing that higher ocean temperatures in the Atlantic are chiefly determining the melting rates.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Concordia researchers identify a decline in microbial genetic richness in the western Arctic Ocean

Researchers found a decline in microbial genetic richness in the western Arctic Ocean, with subtle but statistically significant changes in community structure and function. The study suggests that warming and freshening of the ocean risks strengthening the microbial loop, potentially impacting the marine food web.

SourceConcordia University·JournalISME Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

Avid appetite in childhood linked to later eating disorder symptoms

A new study found that high food responsiveness in early childhood is linked to a higher likelihood of experiencing eating disorder symptoms in adolescence. Children who exhibited high levels of hunger and desire for food were more likely to develop binge eating, emotional eating, and restrictive eating behaviors.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2024

A sustainable fuel and chemical from the robotic lab

The Swiss Cat+ project uses a combination of artificial intelligence and automated laboratory infrastructure to find new and better metal catalysts for producing methanol from CO2. The team successfully developed around 150 catalyst compositions in under six weeks, saving time and improving conversion rates.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalChem Catalysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

Artificial reefs help preserve coral reefs by shifting divers away from the natural ones, according to new long-term study of one in Eilat

A long-term study in Eilat found that artificial reefs reduce diving pressure on natural reefs, allowing for the preservation of both dive tourism and coral reefs. The reef has attracted many species of fish and invertebrates, making it a successful alternative to natural reefs.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalOceans·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Failure to pass fire levies can lower house values

UC economists found that fire protection funding has a significant impact on housing values, with cuts resulting in an average decrease of $15,000. However, prices return to normal within a few years. In contrast, parks and recreation funding is associated with higher home values three years after renewal.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalRegional Science and Urban Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024

Engineering a coating for disease-free produce

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a coating that bolsters the safety of fresh produce and provides enhanced protection against bacteria and fungi. The coating combines wax with nano-encapsulated cinnamon-bark essential oil in protein carriers to enhance antibacterial properties.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalCurrent Research in Food Science·DateFeb 20, 2024

Princeton scientists discover exotic quantum interference effect in a topological insulator device

Physicists at Princeton University have observed long-range quantum coherence effects due to Aharonov-Bohm interference in a bismuth bromide topological insulator-based device. This finding could lead to the development of spin-based electronics with higher energy efficiency and new platforms for quantum information science.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2024

Time watching videos may stunt toddler language development, but it depends on why they're watching

A new study from Southern Methodist University reveals that passive video use among toddlers can hinder language development, but caregivers' reasons for exposing them to digital media can lessen the negative impact. When videos are used for educational or social purposes, such as video chats with family members, the risk of stunted la...

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateFeb 20, 2024

Paderborn physicists develop new solar cell

Physicists at Paderborn University have developed a new solar cell design using tetracene, which significantly increases efficiency. The introduction of defects in the organic layer accelerates exciton transfer to silicon, reducing energy losses and increasing overall yield of usable energy.

SourceUniversität Paderborn·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 20, 2024

Orbital angular momentum-mediated machine learning for high-accuracy mode-feature encoding

A team of scientists has created a new optical neural network architecture that uses orbital angular momentum to learn data features of images, achieving high-precision intelligent encoding and decoding. This method has been tested with success in various tasks, including image classification and secure free-space transmission.

“Integrating engineering philosophy into medical education will empower future physicians”

A new article suggests incorporating open-response questions with partial credit grading into medical school curriculum to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This approach is inspired by engineering education, which emphasizes repeated exposure to problems with increasingly complex solutions.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalMedical Teacher·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2024