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Science News for January 26, 2024


Scientist identify candidate genes associated with albinism in Wels catfish

A research team has discovered a set of candidate genes causing albinism in Wels catfish by analyzing gene expression patterns and splicing variation in multiple tissues. These genes are also linked to albinism and pigmentation disorders in humans, channel catfish, and mice.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalComparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·TypeSurvey·DateJan 26, 2024

Orchestrating plant organ symmetry in style

A recent study published in Nature Plants reveals that O-glycosylation of the transcription factor SPATULA promotes Arabidopsis style development. The experimental study sheds new light on the mechanisms underlying plant organ symmetry.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024

Sclerostin shown to be key protein for cardiovascular health in patients with type 2 diabetes

A study has found that sclerostin plays a beneficial role in reducing arterial calcification and promoting cell survival in patients with type 2 diabetes. The protein's cardioprotective function may have significant implications for therapeutic strategies in this patient population.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalCardiovascular Diabetology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 26, 2024

USC Stem Cell study shows how gene activity modulates the amount of immune cell production in mice

Researchers at USC Stem Cell lab discovered nearly 40 genes associated with immune cell production, including those related to diseases like myelodysplastic syndrome. The study found that gene activity was linked to specific levels of immune cell production, offering insights for improving bone marrow transplantation strategies.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024

UC Irvine-led team unravels mysteries of planet formation and evolution in distant solar system

Astronomers at the University of California, Irvine, have compiled precise measurements of six exoplanets in a recently discovered solar system. The team used a combination of radial velocity analysis and transit timing variations to determine the planets' masses and orbital properties.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2024

Glacier melting destroys important climate data archive

Researchers found that global warming made the Corbassière glacier unusable as a climate archive, destroying reliable information about past climate and air pollution. The glacier's ice core showed flattened concentration curves and lower amounts of trace substances, likely due to meltwater washing away the deposits.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024

Using fMRI, new vision study finds promising model for restoring cone function

Researchers used fMRI to assess brain responses to lights stimulating only cone cells in dogs with different types of retinal diseases. The study found that gene augmentation therapy restored response in cortex to black and white stimulation, making this disease a promising one for photoreceptor cell replacement treatment.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalTranslational Vision Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024

Flame-retardant chemicals may increase risk of preterm birth, higher birth weight

A Rutgers Health study found that pregnant women exposed to certain flame-retardant chemicals may face an increased risk of preterm birth, especially for baby girls, or higher birth weights. The study linked three specific markers of organophosphate ester exposure to shorter pregnancies and higher risks of preterm birth in female infants.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeSurvey·DateJan 26, 2024

CityU neuroscientists uncover the therapeutic potential of low-dose ionizing radiation for traumatic brain injury and ischemic stroke

Researchers found that low-dose X-ray irradiation reduced lesion size and reversed motor deficits in TBI and ischemic stroke mice, demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic strategy. The treatment also accelerated substantial motor function recovery and promoted brain rewiring after stroke.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024

Puffed-up MOFs for improved drug delivery

Researchers optimized a chromium-containing MOF to expand its pore size and surface area, increasing its ability to carry and deliver therapeutic compounds. The puffed-up MOFs showed improved performance as potential drug-delivery vehicles, releasing drugs substantially faster than the original version.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·DateJan 26, 2024

How to elicit an authentic ‘yes’

Cornell researchers developed scripts to provide targets with a specific way to decline requests, finding that this intervention was more effective at increasing feelings of freedom to say 'no'. The study aimed to reduce pressure and resentment in responses to requests.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 26, 2024

Predictive model detects potential extremist propaganda on social media

Researchers developed a predictive model to detect users and content related to Islamic State extremists on social media, identifying potential propaganda messages and their characteristics. The study's findings can help social media companies and law enforcement agencies track and prevent the spread of extremist propaganda.

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Network Analysis and Mining·DateJan 26, 2024

New climate record for Italy during Roman period reveals role of climate change in social crisis, pandemic disease

A newly published study provides a high-resolution climatic record for ancient Italy, revealing phases of climatic instability that overlap with periods of social and political crisis. The marine core record also shows a strong association between episodes of rapid climate change and epidemics of infectious disease.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 26, 2024

Genomic “butterfly effect” explains risk for autism spectrum disorder

Researchers discovered that de novo mutations in promoter regions of TADs containing known ASD genes are associated with increased ASD risk due to interactions in the three-dimensional structure of the genome. This 'butterfly effect' explains how mutations can affect distant ASD-related genes, highlighting the need for a new diagnostic...

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024

Shuffling robot uses biological muscle to move and spin

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have created a two-legged biohybrid robot capable of walking and pivoting underwater. The robot uses lab-grown skeletal muscle tissue to move its legs, achieving efficient and silent movements. Future iterations aim to develop thicker muscles with nutrient supplies to enable robots to walk on land.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2024

Job flows into and out of health care before and after the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a substantial increase in healthcare workforce turnover, with approximately 18 million employees experiencing job changes. Long-term implications for workers' willingness to remain in healthcare jobs are uncertain, highlighting the need for proactive measures by policymakers and healthcare organizations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJan 26, 2024

Sustainable practices can save Mexico's blue agave, tequila and bats

Researchers found that with sufficient financial incentives and educational resources, many agave farmers are willing to adopt sustainable cultivation practices that allow for some natural flowering and seed production. This can help protect genetic diversity and benefit bats pollinating the flowers and feeding on the nectar.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEnvironmental Research Communications·TypeSurvey·DateJan 26, 2024