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Science News for July 26, 2024


Conflicting health advice from agencies drives confusion, study finds, but doctors remain most trusted

A new study in Frontiers in Medicine found that individuals who perceive conflict among experts about health recommendations have significantly lower trust in health information provided by government health agencies. Doctors were the most trusted source of information, with high trust reported by 95% of respondents.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 26, 2024

New additive process can make better — and greener — high-value chemicals

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed an eco-friendly method to precisely mix fluorine into olefins using natural enzymes and light, offering a more efficient strategy for creating high-value chemicals with potential applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, renewable fuels and more.

"Just like your mother?" Maternal and paternal X-chromosomes show skewed distribution in different organs and tissues.

A study reveals that the usage of maternal and paternal X-chromosomes is not uniform throughout the body. Instead, different organs may prefer one over the other. Cells competing for 'permission' to form specific cell types drive this skew. The findings provide insight into the underlying principles of development in XX individuals.

SourceMedical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Medical Sciences·JournalNature Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2024

‘Dancing molecules’ heal cartilage damage

Researchers developed an injectable therapy harnessing fast-moving 'dancing molecules' to repair damaged human cartilage cells. The treatment activated gene expression necessary for cartilage regeneration within four hours, and human cells produced protein components needed for cartilage growth after just three days.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2024

Outsourcing conservation in Africa

A study by University of California - Santa Barbara researchers found that NGO park management improves measures for wildlife, including reducing elephant poaching and increasing tourism. However, it also increases the risk of armed groups targeting civilians in protected areas, particularly in conflict zones.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2024

ISU studies explore win-win potential of grass-powered energy production

A research team at Iowa State University is studying how to efficiently turn harvested grass into lucrative renewable natural gas, creating wins for farmers, businesses, municipalities, and society. The analysis finds that renewable natural gas is the most economically practical focus, with a lower carbon footprint compared to traditio...

SourceIowa State University·JournalGCB Bioenergy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 26, 2024

“Prelude” to neuromuscular disease SMA may offer chances for better treatment

Researchers found anomalies in embryonic development of individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which could lead to new treatment options. These abnormalities were recreated in laboratory-grown tissue cultures called organoids, revealing key insights into the disease's progression.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2024

Supporting school re-entry of children with special health care needs post extended hospitalizations

A recent study published online in Disability and Rehabilitation found that transitioning children with special health care needs back to school after extended hospitalizations can be challenging due to lack of coordination and communication between healthcare and educational systems. The study recommends improving communication, provi...

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalDisability and Rehabilitation·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 26, 2024

An artificial hepatocyte growth factor mimetic ameliorates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mouse model

A research group developed a long-acting artificial hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mimetic molecule using cyclic peptides and protein engineering. The molecule improved liver fibrosis, lipid accumulation, and inflammation in a mouse model with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), providing an option for NASH therapeutics.

SourceNano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2024

Investigating the effect of alemtuzumab in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in patients with inborn errors of immunity

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Immunology found alemtuzumab to be safe and effective in treating Asian patients with inborn errors of immunity after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. The drug was shown to improve overall survival rates, with 94.7% of patients surviving post-transplantation.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalJournal of Clinical Immunology·DateJul 26, 2024

Microgrids: Resilient city for everyone

A study by KIT researchers provides urban planners with a template for designing microgrids that integrate socio-economic factors and societal participation. The model aims to create equitable access to energy and services for all population groups, particularly vulnerable ones, in the face of power outages and crises.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 26, 2024

Combination of drugs produces promising results in combating cancer and will be clinically trialed in Europe

Researchers developed a new approach to combat cancer by hyperactivating tumor cells, making them stressed and vulnerable to specific drugs. The combination strategy showed promising results in colorectal and pancreatic adenocarcinoma models, paving the way for potential treatment options.

Building bridges between cells for brain health

Microglia establish contact with neurons through tunnelling nanotubes to clear toxic protein aggregates, reducing oxidative stress and restoring vital functions. Healthy mitochondria are also transferred from microglia to affected neurons, preserving energy production and neuronal survival.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNeuron·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 2024

Developed a 21-language, fast and high-fidelity neural text-to-speech technology that works on smartphones

A novel, fast and high-quality neural text-to-speech model was successfully developed using a Transformer encoder + ConvNeXt decoder and MS-FC-HiFi-GAN. The model can synthesize one second of speech at high speed in just 0.1 seconds using a single CPU core, achieving eight times faster synthesis than conventional methods.

Balancing instability and robustness: new mathematical framework to understand dynamics of natural systems

Researchers introduce ghost channels and cycles to understand transient behaviors in complex systems like climate processes or neuronal networks. This new approach challenges traditional concepts based on stable or unstable equilibria, potentially helping predict tipping cascades and ecosystem degradation.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Neurobiology of Behavior - caesar·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 26, 2024

Climate is most important factor in where mammals choose to live, study finds

A new study by North Carolina State University researchers found that climate was the most important factor in determining where mammals can thrive. Climate change will affect wildlife populations, and understanding these factors is crucial for making sustainable decisions about mammal population management.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalDiversity and Distributions·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 2024

Advanced biosensor uncovers role of gibberellin in integrating light signaling and stem growth in plants

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have discovered that gibberellin hormone plays a crucial role in integrating light signaling and stem growth in plants. Using advanced biosensors, they found that gibberellin levels are higher in longer cells and that a specific enzyme called GA20ox1 produces a gradient that controls cell elon...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Plant Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2024