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Science News for January 15, 2024


New Scientific Reports publication reveals major difference in genomes of American and Chinese chestnut

The study reveals significant differences in the nucleolus organizing region (NOR) of the two species, which has major implications for blight-resistance in American chestnut restoration. Researchers used fluorescent in situ hybridization to analyze the NOR region and found unique DNA arrangements.

Will long-term operation of constructed wetlands become a source of pollution itself?

Research found that long-term operation of constructed wetlands can lead to reduced pollutant removal efficiency due to plant decay and microbial activity. The study also highlights the poor ability of constructed wetlands to remove organic pollutants, which can become a source of pollution if not properly managed.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2024

Scientists open door to achieving high-precision 'slippery structural hydrogel'

Researchers introduce trehalose into hydrogels to form hydrogen bond interactions, improving dehydration resistance, lubrication performance, mechanical properties, and manufacturing accuracy. This discovery proposes a new design principle for high-precision manufacturing of hydrogel materials.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJan 15, 2024

The healthiest lunch choice at work

A study in Japan found that employees having lunch at company cafeterias or bringing homemade lunches have relatively higher nutritional quality compared to those eating out. The survey of 620 workers aged 20-75 revealed that homemade and cafeteria options were associated with better nutrition indices.

SourceToho University·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJan 15, 2024

Meet pAblo·pCasso: A new leap in CRISPR Technologies for Next-Gen Genome Engineering

The pAblo·pCasso technology offers unprecedented precision and flexibility in genetic engineering, enabling rapid and precise genetic modifications of bacteria. This breakthrough expands the range of possible genomic editing sites, allowing for temporary modifications and dynamic gene studies.

‘Smart glove’ can boost hand mobility of stroke patients

Researchers have developed a groundbreaking 'smart glove' that can track and analyze hand movements with high accuracy, helping stroke patients recover and regain mobility. The wearable device uses machine learning models to detect finger joints and grasping forces, providing valuable insights for personalized exercise programs.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 15, 2024

The power of pause: Controlled deposition for effective and long-lasting organic devices

A team of researchers from Chiba University introduces a new method of controlled deposition, enabling the creation of stable surface layers with controllable polarization. This approach is expected to improve the efficiency and lifetime of OLED materials, as well as pave the way for the development of new organic devices.

SourceChiba University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2024

Climate change threatens global forest carbon sequestration, study finds

A new analysis reveals a pronounced regional imbalance in forest productivity, with the Western U.S. experiencing a notable slowdown and the Eastern U.S. seeing slightly accelerated growth. This study highlights the urgent need for reduced global greenhouse gas emissions to restore the global carbon balance.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 15, 2024

When bees nourish their microbiota

Researchers have discovered that bees produce multiple acids that provide essential nutrients to native gut microbes, such as Snodgrassella alvi. This finding suggests that the bee directly enables bacterial colonization by furnishing necessary nutrients, highlighting the intricate metabolic synergy between bees and their gut microbiota.

SourceUniversity of Lausanne·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJan 15, 2024

Kessler Foundation receives grant to investigate impact of combining aerobic exercise and virtual reality for individuals with multiple sclerosis

A new study will compare the effects of a single bout of cycling alone to two different cycling experiences enhanced with VR technology. The goal is to uncover the relationship between sensory demand and acute improvements in processing speed, informing future research on exercise training for long-term benefits.

An international research group led by Prof. Haiping Wang at IVF-CAAS sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of Ca2+ sensor BraCBL1.2 in clubroot resistance in Chinese cabbage

A study led by Prof. Haiping Wang at IVF-CAAS identified a plasma membrane-localized Ca2+ sensor BraCBL1.2 that functions downstream of BraCRa upon Plasmodiophora brassicae infection, enhancing clubroot resistance in Chinese cabbage.

SourcePlant Phenomics·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2024

Erectile dysfunction medications may increase risk of death when combined with common chest pain medication

A new study suggests that patients prescribed both erectile dysfunction medications and nitrate medication are at higher risk for morbidity and mortality. The study found a significant association between the combination of PDE5i treatment and cardiovascular outcomes in men with stable coronary artery disease.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 15, 2024

People deprived of liberty are at very high risk of tuberculosis, even years after release

A study in Paraguay found that people deprived of liberty are at a high risk of tuberculosis (TB) during and after incarceration. The risk persists for years after release, with the incidence of TB declining but remaining 10 times higher than in the community.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 15, 2024

Going beyond plastic: Chung-Ang University team explores tara gum as a green polymer

Researchers from Chung-Ang University have discovered tara gum as a promising sustainable material for biodegradable packaging and drug delivery systems. The study examines the modification methods of tara gum polysaccharides, including their applications in pH-sensitive food packaging and controlled-release drug formulations.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalCarbohydrate Polymers·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 15, 2024

Reimagining rehabilitation: Iceland’s open prisons offer a blueprint for UK’s foreign national prisoners

A new study suggests Iceland's open prisons offer a blueprint for the UK's foreign national prisoners, providing a unique degree of freedom and promoting holistic rehabilitation. This approach helps to challenge prevailing norms surrounding incarceration, focusing on community engagement and maintaining family connections.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalInternational Journal of Law Crime and Justice·TypeObservational study·DateJan 15, 2024

Trazadone and CBT no more effective than placebo for improving insomnia among long-term dialysis patients

A clinical trial found that trazodone and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia were no more effective than placebo in improving insomnia symptoms among long-term dialysis patients. Serious adverse events also occurred more frequently with trazodone use. More trials are needed to investigate additional therapies for this condition.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJan 15, 2024

Chung-Ang University study highlights barriers preventing bystander help during gender-based violence

A recent study by Chung-Ang University reveals that lack of success in previous intervention attempts and negative emotions are significant barriers hindering bystander interventions. The research highlights the need for targeted education programs to address these barriers, particularly among university students and those experiencing...

SourceChung Ang University·JournalTrauma Violence & Abuse·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 15, 2024

More than 80% of tree species endemic to the Atlantic Rainforest are threatened with extinction

A study published in Science reveals that 82% of endemic species and 65% of all tree species in the Atlantic Rainforest are threatened with extinction. The researchers used a novel conservation assessment methodology to estimate the degree of threat, which significantly increased the number of threatened species.

One-step synthesis of the most common, yet highly intricate, antibiotic molecular scaffold

Researchers from Osaka University have developed an operationally simple way to synthesize the intricate beta-lactam scaffold characteristic of beta-lactam antibiotics. The new catalytic system generates Fischer-carbene complexes in small quantities, eliminating toxic chromium waste and requiring only a small amount of catalyst.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2024

Feeding mode of ancient vertebrate tested for first time

Researchers use computational fluid dynamics to examine the feeding mode of extinct jawless heterostracans, dismissing the filter feeding hypothesis. The study reveals that forward-facing denticles on oral plates may have prevented oversized food particles from lodging between plates.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 15, 2024

Water molecule discovery contradicts textbook models

A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge and Max Planck Institute found that water molecules at the surface of saltwater are organized differently than previously thought. The study's findings suggest a depletion of positively charged ions and negatively charged ions, leading to a reversal of textbook models.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 15, 2024