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Science News for July 3, 2024


The molecular basis of how Pradimicin A binds to viral N-glycan, a potential SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitor

Researchers discovered Pradimicin A's molecular basis for binding to viral N-glycan, showing promise as an anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug. The compound inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infectivity by interacting with branched oligomannose-containing glycans.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalBioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024

From daytime irrigation to selling surplus energy: solutions to optimize the use of solar energy in irrigation communities

Researchers propose two strategies to reduce energy loss and increase efficiency: adjusting irrigation schedules to daytime hours when solar energy is produced, and selling surplus energy. These approaches aim to create a sustainable irrigation model that combines environmental protection with economic profitability.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalRenewable Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024

A garnet-rich lunar mantle?

Researchers found sound velocities compatible with seismic profiles at depths of 740-1260 km, supporting garnet presence. The results have significant implications for the Moon's composition and formation, as well as its interior temperature and dynamo.

SourceEhime University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJul 3, 2024

PolyU study reveals the mechanism of bio-inspired control of liquid flow, enlightening breakthroughs in fluid dynamics and nature-inspired materials technologies

Scientists studied Crassula muscosa and found its unique leaves pack tiny fins that manipulate the meniscus to direct liquid transport. An artificial mimic, CMIAs, mimics this effect, enabling real-time directional control of fluid flow in various technologies.

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

3D covalent organic frameworks with zyg topology for photocatalytic synthesis of hydrogen peroxide

Researchers developed novel 3D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with zyg topology, which facilitate light-induced charge separation and boost the photocatalytic synthesis of hydrogen peroxide. The synthesized COFs showed enhanced photocatalytic activity, with one example yielding a H2O2 synthesis rate of 3324 μmol g−1 h−1.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 3, 2024

Wastewater is a viable medium for growing lettuce in hydroponic systems, study shows

Researchers found that combining aquaponic wastewaters with hydrothermal liquefaction aqueous phase (HTL-AP) solutions up to 8% can support plant growth without inhibiting germination. This alternative nutrient source has the potential to increase circularity in food production systems and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers.

Scientists pinpoint strategies that could stop cats from scratching your furniture

Research reveals that environmental and behavioral factors such as the presence of children, play levels, and personality traits significantly impact cats' scratching behavior. Providing safe hiding places, elevated observation spots, and ample play opportunities can help alleviate stress and engage cats in constructive activities.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·TypeSurvey·DateJul 3, 2024

Fighting COVID-19 with a cancer drug

Scientists identify PI3K gamma as a key player in recruiting damaging myeloid cells to infected tissues, and show that inhibiting this enzyme with eganelisib can prevent excessive inflammation. The study provides a new approach to preventing irreversible organ damage in infectious diseases like COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 3, 2024

Smoking behavior is linked to personality traits

Researchers found that smokers are more extraverted but less conscientious and agreeable than non-smokers. Cigar smokers tend to exhibit lower neuroticism and higher openness compared to other types of smokers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 3, 2024

Already 30 minutes of exercise increases the proportion of tumor-killing white blood cells in blood

A new Finnish study from University of Turku shows that already a 30-minute exercise can increase the proportion of tumor-killing white blood cells in the bloodstream of breast cancer patients. The amount of several different white blood cell types increased during exercise, with cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells rising the most.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJul 3, 2024

Deep machine-learning speeds assessment of fruit fly heart aging and disease, a model for human disease

Researchers at UAB have developed a method to assess cardiac dynamics in fruit flies using deep learning and high-speed video microscopy. The study uses this approach to analyze the effects of aging and dilated cardiomyopathy on heart function, with potential applications for human cardiovascular research.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024

Research spotlight: Uncovering how a cellular miscommunication leads to cognitive impairment in female patients with Alzheimer’s disease

A study found that APOE4 impairs communication between immune cells, leading to cognitive decline in female Alzheimer's patients. The researchers identified a new subset of neutrophils interacting with microglia associated with cognitive impairment, which could be targeted for therapeutic intervention.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateJul 3, 2024

Compact cities have lower carbon emissions, but poorer air quality, less green space and higher mortality rates

A study by ISGlobal analyzed 919 European cities, identifying four urban configurations: compact-high density, open lowrise-medium density, open lowrise-low density, and green-low density. Compact high-density cities have lower carbon footprints but higher mortality rates due to poorer air quality and less green space.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 3, 2024

Why do you keep your house so cold? Science says: Ask your parents

A study published in PLOS Climate found that childhood home temperatures and community connectedness can help predict how U.S. residents set their thermostats. The researchers surveyed 2,128 participants and found that those who grew up in cold-winter locales tend to dial up their thermostats higher than those raised in warmer homes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeSurvey·DateJul 3, 2024

From space to swamp: innovative AI method classifies mangrove species with unprecedented accuracy

A new study introduces an AI-driven approach to classify mangrove species with remarkable accuracy, using multisource remote sensing data and machine learning algorithms. The XGBoost ensemble learning algorithm achieved a classification accuracy of 94.02%, significantly improving results compared to single-source data.

SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·DateJul 3, 2024

Do genes-in-pieces code for proteins that fold in pieces?

Researchers found a correlation between protein folding and evolution in certain globular protein families, with most conserved exons corresponding to better foldons. However, the general trend did not hold for all protein families, suggesting other biological factors may influence protein folding and evolution.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2024

Discovery of cellular mechanism to maintain brain’s energy could benefit late-life brain health

Researchers have identified a cellular mechanism that detects when the brain needs an extra energy boost to support its activity. This discovery could lead to new therapies for maintaining brain health and longevity by targeting impaired brain energy metabolism, a process accelerated in ageing and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024

Lifesaving star

A novel, star-shaped polymer has been developed as a low-volume resuscitant for prehospital treatment of severe hemorrhagic shock. The solution can refill blood vessels without disrupting coagulation, offering an improvement over existing colloidal resuscitants.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024

Measuring body language

A team of researchers developed EMOKINE software to measure the objective kinematic features of movements that express emotions. The software provides movement parameters from data sets at the touch of a button, allowing scientists to analyze emotional expression and intentions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBehavior Research Methods·DateJul 3, 2024

An innovative test to diagnose chagas disease in newborns

A novel diagnostic test combining LAMP molecular amplification with a 3D printer-based DNA extraction system shows comparable sensitivity to PCR, offering a simple and rapid solution for detecting T. cruzi infection in newborns. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment, which was successfully applied in the study.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024

New study on children and food:  Fruit chunks in yogurt are a turn off for one age group in particular

A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that six-year-olds prefer smooth textures in their food, with a preference rate of 76% for lump-free options. Researchers suggest that this aversion may be linked to a protective mechanism against potentially poisonous foods or other dangers as children become more independent.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Texture Studies·DateJul 3, 2024

Mapping the surfaces of MXenes, atom by atom, reveals new potential for the 2D materials

A team of researchers from Drexel University and UCLA used scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy to study the surface chemical structure of titanium carbide MXene. They found features on the surface, including titanium oxide clusters and functional groups, which could explain MXene's extreme properties and potential applications.

SourceDrexel University·JournalMatter·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 3, 2024

Mighty floods of the Nile River during warmer and wetter climates

A 1,500 year long sediment core off the Nile mouth recorded past floods with varying amounts of fluvial particulate matter. The analysis suggests that the North African Humid Period was characterized by extremely strong and variable Nile floods, with a period of strong erosional activity between 9,200 and 8,600 years ago.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024

Technology-assisted therapy for children and young people is an effective alternative to traditional face-to-face therapy

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that technology-assisted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is as effective as face-to-face CBT in treating anxiety and depression in children and young people. The study highlights the potential of technology-assisted CBT to expand access to mental health treatment.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalClinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 3, 2024

Eco-friendly solution for battery waste: new study unveils novel metal extraction technique

A novel process for extracting metals from spent alkaline batteries has been developed, offering a promising solution for recycling critical materials. The technique achieves high extraction efficiencies of 99.6% for zinc and 86.1% for manganese, making it cheaper and more energy-efficient than existing methods.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateJul 3, 2024

AI model to improve patient response to cancer therapy

A new AI tool, DeepPT, has been developed to select the most suitable treatment for cancer patients by predicting their messenger RNA profile. The tool, combined with ENLIGHT, successfully predicted a patient's response to cancer therapies across multiple types of cancer, improving patient response rates from 33.3% to 46.5%.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Cancer·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 3, 2024