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Science News for January 3, 2024


Study demonstrates potency of synthetic antibiotic against serious chronic infections

A new synthetic antibiotic teixobactin has been shown to be highly effective against 'superbugs' such as MRSA and bacterial biofilms, which are associated with serious chronic infections. The study's findings provide promising hope for the development of new treatments against multidrug-resistant bacteria and biofilm-related infections.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalEuropean Journal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJan 3, 2024

Bacteria load their syringes

Researchers have discovered that bacteria use mobile components of the injectisome to search for and transport specific proteins to be injected into host cells. This mechanism allows for efficient and specific protein delivery, enabling potential applications in medicine and biotechnology.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2024

Distinct sex differences persist in countries with higher standards of living

Despite improved living conditions, sex differences in personality, verbal skills, and negative emotions are larger in countries with higher standards of living. Women tend to benefit more from these improvements, exhibiting greater altruism and cooperative ability, while men show better cognitive skills but at a smaller advantage.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 3, 2024

Cleveland Clinic and University of Western Ontario awarded $4.9 million from the Helmsley Charitable Trust to build Crohn’s disease and ileostomy research consortium

A new consortium, co-led by Florian Rieder, MD, and Vipul Jairath, MD, will create clinical care pathways toward drug development and improve disease management for patients with Crohn's disease and permanent ileostomy. The EndO-trial Consortium aims to develop effective drugs and measure treatment outcomes using patient-reported outco...

Using the body’s own cells to treat traumatic brain injury

Researchers at the Wyss Institute have created a new treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI) that leverages macrophages to deliver localized anti-inflammatory treatment. The approach reduced lesion size by 56% and significantly decreased local inflammation levels in pigs, offering a promising new direction for TBI treatment.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2024

Shining a light on the hidden damage of mild brain injuries

Researchers created a new brain imaging method that allows diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) even when existing imaging techniques don't show structural abnormalities. The technique uses immune cells to carry imaging agents into the brain, increasing correctly diagnosed mTBI cases and improving patient care.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2024

Nematode proteins shed light on infertility

Researchers discovered a trio of protein segments guiding chromosomal interactions in nematodes, shedding light on the complex process. The study, published in PNAS, provides new insights into meiosis and infertility, with implications for human reproductive health.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2024

Researchers identify path to prevent cognitive decline after radiation

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center find that microglia can trigger cognitive deficits after radiation exposure, potentially targeting them for therapy development. Mice studies showed that blocking a specific pathway in microglia prevented cognitive decline, offering hope for improving patients' quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics·DateJan 3, 2024

Older adults with newly diagnosed migraine disorder three times more likely to have motor vehicle crash

A new study found that older drivers with newly diagnosed migraines are three times more likely to experience a motor vehicle crash, while those with previous diagnoses are not at increased risk. Researchers also explored the relationship between migraine medications and driving habits, but found no significant impact.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 3, 2024

UT’s Lenhart honored to deliver the American Mathematical Society’s Gibbs Lecture at Joint Mathematics Meeting

Suzanne Lenhart, Chancellor's Professor in UT's Department of Mathematics, will deliver the American Mathematical Society's Gibbs Lecture at JMM2024, recognizing outstanding achievement in applied mathematics. Her lecture explores how mathematical modeling can represent natural system dynamics and guide ecological management strategies.

Genetic variants underlying male bisexual behavior, risk-taking linked to more children, study shows

A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that genetic variants underlying male bisexual behavior are reproductively advantageous, leading to more children and increased risk-taking. The analysis of over 450,000 participants revealed a correlation between these alleles and higher fertility rates in heterosexual men.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Advances·TypeSurvey·DateJan 3, 2024

Researchers improve seed nitrogen content by reducing plant chlorophyll levels

By reducing chlorophyll levels in leaves, researchers found a 17% increase in seed nitrogen concentration without impacting canopy carbon assimilation. The study's results provide an alternative approach to improve crop yield and nutritional quality for global food security.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalPlant Cell & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2024

Chronic childhood ear infections delay language development

A new study from University of Florida scientists reveals that chronic ear infections can lead to deficits in auditory processing and language development in children years later. Children with multiple ear infections before three years old had smaller vocabularies and difficulty matching similar sounding words.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalInternational Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 3, 2024

Korea Maritime & Ocean University researchers develop a new method for path-following performance of autonomous ships

Korea Maritime & Ocean University researchers have developed a new method for assessing the path-following performance of autonomous ships in adverse weather conditions. The computational fluid dynamics model can provide more accurate predictions of path-following performance and enhance safety in autonomous marine navigation.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalOcean Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 3, 2024

Early primates likely lived in pairs

A recent study suggests that many nocturnal Strepsirrhines live in pairs of males and females, challenging the long-held assumption that these primates are solitary. Researchers found that pair-living was the most common social organization among ancestors 70 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 3, 2024

Some sea cucumbers like it hot

A team of scientists sequenced the full genome of a sea cucumber collected at a hydrothermal vent, revealing expanded gene families involved in DNA repair and iron metabolism. The research provides valuable insights into the unique adaptations of marine animals to survive in extreme environments.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2024

Fitness with no age limit

The MU Extension program has proven results, showing improvements in physical energy, self-confidence, and muscle strength among participants. The program also reduces the risk of falling and provides social enjoyment for participants, who often form close relationships with instructors and each other.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 3, 2024

An electrophysiological breakthrough for diabetic brain studies

Researchers developed a novel low-invasive neural recording technique for diabetic mice, overcoming tissue damage and enabling stable recordings for an entire month. This breakthrough technology has significant potential for broader applications, including drug discovery and brain-machine interface development.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2024

Research reveals promising approach to enhance treatment for sleep apnea-related issues

A groundbreaking study found that combining partial normoxic recovery with senolytic Navitoclax significantly reduced sleepiness and improved cognitive function in mice with OSA. This suggests targeting accelerated senescence may be a promising avenue for improving treatment outcomes.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 3, 2024

Job ads with wide pay ranges can deter applicants

A Washington State University study found that job ads with very wide pay ranges evoked less favorable impressions of employers. Participants viewed these ads as less trustworthy and doubted the organization would offer high salaries to employees. However, some saw the large range as a positive sign of possible 'room for growth',

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJan 3, 2024

Pain is a major problem for individuals with traumatic brain injury

A new study published in The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation found that approximately 60% of people living with traumatic brain injury (TBI) experience chronic pain, even up to 30 years after injury. Chronic pain can significantly worsen outcomes for individuals with TBI, and medications are often the most frequently used treatment.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateJan 3, 2024

Novel genetic priority score unveiled to enhance target prioritization in drug development

Researchers at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai developed a novel genetic priority score (GPS) to integrate various types of human genetic data for easy target prioritization. The tool identifies genes with high potential for clinical trial success, particularly those with demonstrated genetic support.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 3, 2024

Using static electricity to enhance biomedical implant durability

A research team developed electrostatic materials capable of responding to weak ultrasound, generating static electricity for implantable neurological stimulators. The technology eliminates the need for batteries, reduces device size, and minimizes strain on the human body. Experimental validation confirms its effectiveness in animal m...

Mount Sinai study shows that human beliefs about drugs could have dose-dependent effects on the brain

A Mount Sinai study found that human beliefs about nicotine can modulate brain activities in a way comparable to pharmacology, with potential implications for addiction treatment. The study used fMRI to explore the relationship between subjective beliefs and biological substrates in the human brain.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 3, 2024

Mass General scientists help to solve the mystery of how a rare congenital scalp defect forms

Researchers at Mass General Hospital have uncovered the role of neural crest cells in forming the overlying scalp skin. The study found that mutations in the KCTD1 and KCTD15 genes impair these cells, leading to a lack of growth factor expression and resulting in aplasia cutis congenita.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2024

The choreography connecting kelp forests to the beach

A study published in PNAS reveals that kelp forests and sandy beaches are connected through synchrony, which affects the beach food web's dynamics. The research found patterns of synchrony between kelp abundance, wave action, and beach width, highlighting the importance of kelp subsidies for shorebirds.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 3, 2024

New research harnesses AI and satellite imagery to reveal the expanding footprint of human activity at sea

A new study uses machine learning and satellite imagery to create the first global map of large vessel traffic and offshore infrastructure, finding a remarkable amount of activity previously unknown. The analysis reveals that industrial fishing and transport activities are concentrated around Africa and south Asia.

SourceGlobal Fishing Watch·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 3, 2024

Can artificial intelligence (AI) improve musculoskeletal imaging?

A new article in Radiology discusses AI applications for musculoskeletal radiology, highlighting its potential to improve complex tasks like disease prognostication and prediction of clinical outcomes. However, challenges such as data quality and multi-institutional collaboration need to be overcome for successful implementation.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalRadiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 3, 2024

Vitamin discovered in rivers may offer hope for salmon suffering from thiamine deficiency disease

Researchers have discovered vitamin B1 in river sediments, which could supplement early life stages of Chinook salmon suffering from thiamine deficiency complex. The finding has potential implications for reducing health impacts on naturally spawning salmon populations affected by the emerging threat to West Coast salmon populations.

SourceOregon State University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 3, 2024

Therapeutically harnessing cancer stem cell-derived exosomes

Cancer stem cell-derived exosomes (CSC-Exos) are essential for communication between CSCs and other cells in the tumor microenvironment, contributing to cancer progression. The editorial highlights their potential as a novel clinical tool for diagnosis, prognosis, prevention of tumor recurrence, and therapeutic strategy

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 3, 2024

Study: Acetaminophen use during pregnancy linked to language delays in children

A new study found that increasing acetaminophen use during pregnancy is associated with language delays in early childhood, including smaller vocabulary scores and shorter mean length of utterance. The study suggests that fetal brain development is critical during the second and third trimesters.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPediatric Research·TypeCase study·DateJan 3, 2024

PolyU researchers develop nature-inspired advanced materials to achieve 99.6% solar reflectivity

Researchers at PolyU developed a cooling ceramic with a hierarchically porous structure, inspired by the whitest beetle, to achieve high solar reflectivity and efficient light scattering. This innovation has potential energy-saving applications and is the first study on the Leidenfrost effect in passive radiative cooling materials.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2024

An enhanced brain delivery of antibodies heightens the potential to treat brain diseases

Researchers developed a novel platform to transport therapeutic antibodies across the blood-brain barrier using a biocompatible polymer. The method showed promising results in both in vitro and mouse-model experiments, suggesting enhanced brain delivery of cancer-fighting antibodies without inducing adverse effects.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2024

Unlocking sustainable water treatment: the potential of piezoelectric-activated persulfate

Researchers have discovered a new method called piezoelectric activation of PS, which uses special materials to create piezoelectricity when squeezed or pressed, thereby cleaning the water. This technique is energy-efficient and eco-friendly, making it a promising way to combat water pollution.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateJan 3, 2024

Wider access to antivenom in Brazil’s Amazon is a worthy investment

Making antivenom more widely available across hospitals and community health centers in the Brazilian Amazon region would significantly reduce death and disability from venomous snakebites. The study found that expanding access to both hospitals and community health centers would produce the largest benefits, averting up to 3,922 death...

SourceDuke University·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 3, 2024

UW–Madison scientists reveal the inner workings of an essential protein trafficking complex

Researchers used cell imaging and genome editing technology to study the Coat Protein Complex II, a critical group of proteins that transport proteins within cells. They discovered that Sec23 helps restore COPII's function after disruption, with potential implications for diseases like cancer and Type 2 diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2024

Risk model based on routine blood work predicts treatment response and survival of metastatic cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

A risk model based on routine blood work can identify cancer patients who are more likely to benefit from immune checkpoint inhibitors, increasing treatment efficacy and cost-effectiveness. The study found that patients in the low-risk group had a higher response rate and longer overall survival compared to those in the high-risk group.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalBMC Cancer·DateJan 3, 2024