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Science News for January 19, 2024


DNA origami folded into tiny motor

Researchers have developed a working nanoscale electromotor powered by hydrodynamic flow through a nanopore. This innovation uses DNA origami to create a turbine with precise control over rotational speed and direction. The tiny motor has potential applications in molecular factories, medical probes, and soft propulsion systems.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 19, 2024

Generative AI helps to explain human memory and imagination

A new study using generative AI models simulated how the brain learns and remembers events, revealing how memories are re-constructed in our minds. The model showed how the hippocampus and neocortex work together to create efficient 'conceptual' representations of scenes, enabling us to both recall past experiences and imagine new ones.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 19, 2024

Novel methodology projects growth of native trees, enhancing return on investment in forest restoration

A study published in Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation proposes a novel methodology for projecting native tree growth and optimizing timber production in forest restoration. This approach reduces the time to harvest by 25% and increases stand density by 38%, making large-scale forest restoration more attractive to landowners.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPerspectives in Ecology and Conservation·DateJan 19, 2024

New medicine can create a new life for diabetes patients – without needles!

Researchers have developed a new oral insulin medicine that uses nano-carriers to protect insulin from stomach acid, allowing for precise delivery to the liver and reducing the risk of hypoglycemia. This innovation has been successfully tested on baboons, mice, and rats with diabetes, paving the way for human trials starting in 2025.

SourceUiT The Arctic University of Norway·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2024

How do human capital and pro-market institutions shape ambitious entrepreneurship in good and crisis times?

A new study finds that general human capital weakens growth aspirations in pro-market contexts, while specific human capital strengthens them. During crises, the dynamic shifts, with negative interactions vanishing and positive interactions becoming more pronounced for entrepreneurs with market experience.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Entrepreneurship Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 19, 2024

Miami Cancer Institute publication analyzes role of tissue-agnostic therapies for the treatment of primary brain tumors

Researchers from Miami Cancer Institute published a study analyzing the use of tissue-agnostic therapeutics in patients with primary brain tumors. The publication discusses data from clinical trials and additional tissue-agnostic targets that hold promise for benefiting patients with PBTs.

SourceBaptist Health South Florida·JournalTrends in Cancer·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 19, 2024

China’s medieval Tang dynasty had a surprising level of social mobility, new study uncovers

Researchers analyze Chinese tomb epitaphs from the 7th to 10th centuries and find patterns similar to those in US sociology data from the 1960s and 1970s, indicating a decline of aristocracy and rise of meritocracy. Education was a key factor in social mobility during this period.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 19, 2024

New AEM study evaluates potential disparities in restraint use in the emergency department at a minority-serving safety-net hospital

A new study found that Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to be restrained in an emergency department compared to White patients. However, female Black and Hispanic patients with mental illness or substance use disorder were more likely to receive restraints than male counterparts.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJan 19, 2024

Why family businesses get more from women leaders

A new study found that women's success as leaders in family businesses is deeply rooted in how employees interpret their leadership style, with a focus on inclusive and supportive cultures. Women can leverage their business's commitment to learning and open-mindedness to support entrepreneurship, but face biases in nonfamily firms.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Entrepreneurship Journal·TypeSurvey·DateJan 19, 2024

McMaster researchers create instruction manual to detect rare cells that could unlock secrets to allergies

Researchers at McMaster University have developed an instructional manual to identify and study rare B cells, which play a crucial role in allergies. The manual, published in Nature Protocols, provides a step-by-step guide for scientists to detect these cells using antigen tetramers, a method originally created by Justin Taylor.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Protocols·DateJan 19, 2024

A virus that kills sleepers

Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified a virus called Paride that can infect and destroy dormant bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The study found that the combination of Paride and an antibiotic called meropenem was effective in killing bacteria in both laboratory cultures and mice with chronic infections.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2024

From snack to science: Innovative grant brings popcorn into the classroom

The project aims to develop a standardized Next Generation Science Storyline that can be delivered in any high school classroom, increasing science literacy and critical thinking among students. Pop-omics, a popcorn-based curriculum, will also provide hands-on lessons on machine learning and AI, connecting with the national AITC program.

Hiring globally mobile, highly specialized workers after their firm’s failure can be a strategic move, despite a loss of legitimacy

New research in Global Strategy Journal finds that laid-off workers with high specialization skills may experience lower legitimacy and bargaining power after being laid off by a failed employer. Managers can still hire valuable but low-legitimacy candidates at a lower cost, suggesting a strategic opportunity.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalGlobal Strategy Journal·TypeCase study·DateJan 19, 2024

JMC | Insilico Medicine presents the discovery of the potent and selective MYT1 inhibitors for the treatment of cancer through generative AI

Researchers at Insilico Medicine have identified MYT1 as a promising therapeutic target for breast and gynecological cancers. A series of novel, potent, and highly selective inhibitors specifically targeting MYT1 were discovered using AI-driven generative biology and chemistry engine.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJan 19, 2024

Discovery unravels the mystery of a rare bone disease

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery linking a genetic defect in the MGP gene to autosomal dominant spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, a rare skeletal disorder. The study highlights the importance of the MGP gene and its role in skeletal development, paving the way for potential therapeutic interventions.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 19, 2024

The case of a patient with multiple myeloma cured after hepatitis treatment reveals that this cancer can be caused by viruses, and opens up new treatment options

Researchers discovered a connection between hepatitis B and C viruses and multiple myeloma, finding that antiviral treatment can improve outcomes. The study suggests that early detection of these infections may lead to better treatment and survival rates for patients with this cancer.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalHaematologica·TypeCase study·DateJan 19, 2024

First therapeutic target for preserving heart function in patients with pulmonary hypertension

A study published in Science Advances identifies a mitochondrial protein called MCJ as the first therapeutic target to preserve cardiac function in pulmonary hypertension. Modulating MCJ levels can activate a signaling pathway essential for adaptation to low oxygen levels, protecting the heart.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2024

Clarifying the cause of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Researchers uncover pivotal aspect of GBS pathophysiology, revealing autoreactive T lymphocytes invade nerve tissue and target myelin. The findings provide novel insights into understanding GBS, opening avenues for targeted therapies for specific subtypes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2024

New study demonstrates the importance of diverse social ties to entrepreneurship, even in divided societies

A new study demonstrates the importance of diverse social ties to entrepreneurship, even in divided societies. Researchers found that entrepreneurs used tactics like finding commonalities and defocusing on ethnicity to build trust and access resources. The study offers specific strategies for navigating partisan divides productively.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Entrepreneurship Journal·TypeCase study·DateJan 19, 2024

Important to involve both parents in breastfeeding

A new study from Uppsala University highlights the importance of involving both parents in breastfeeding support. The study found that partners who were included in the breastfeeding process felt more involved and collaborative with their mothers. This approach can lead to better lactation outcomes and increased confidence for new moth...

SourceUppsala University·JournalInternational Breastfeeding Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2024

USTC reveals the dynamics of bright-dark exciton transition in a semiconductor material

The study uncovers the formation dynamics of dark excitons from optically excited bright excitons in anatase TiO2, a semiconductor material known for its exceptional light absorption capabilities. The many-body effects within excitons play a crucial role in this transition, occurring within approximately 100 femtoseconds.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2024

How long can menopause be delayed? Model developed by Utah mathematician points to answers

Researchers developed a mathematical model that predicts menopause can be delayed by implanting ovarian tissue back into the body, potentially preventing health issues associated with menopause. The model suggests that certain conditions, such as age and primordial follicle count, influence how long menopause is delayed.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 19, 2024

Bacterial meningitis damages one in three children for life

A new epidemiological study reveals that bacterial meningitis can cause significant and lasting neurological disabilities in children. The infection can be cured with antibiotics, but it often leads to permanent impairment. Researchers analyzed data from over 3,500 people who contracted bacterial meningitis as children and found a high...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2024

How firms frame training programs for gig workers boosts promotion and uptake of the programs, strengthening the bond between worker and company

A study found that firms can increase promotion and uptake of training programs by framing them in relational terms, strengthening the bond between worker and company. This approach signals a commitment to nurturing workers' development, leading to prolonged productivity collaborations.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 19, 2024