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Science News for November 21, 2024


Using the world’s fastest exascale computer, ACM Gordon Bell Prize-winning team presents record-breaking algorithm to advance understanding of chemistry and biology

A team of researchers developed a new technique combining methods to simulate molecules, achieving accuracy and efficiency on the Frontier exascale supercomputer. They broke records with simulations of over one million electrons and scaled their algorithm to an EFlop/s processing quintillion calculations per second.

Recipients of prestigious climate modelling prize developed a technique to provide more accurate and detailed climate change predictions

The winning team presented an exascale climate emulator that addresses the growing computational and storage requirements of high-resolution Earth System Models. This innovation enables more advanced climate modeling capabilities, holding significant potential for advancing climate research and policy-making.

National Center to Reframe Aging Partners with the National Rural Health Association to enhance age-friendly care in rural communities

The National Center to Reframe Aging and NRHA collaborate on the National Rural Age-Friendly Initiative, providing resources, best practices, and technical support to improve age-inclusive care in rural areas. This partnership aims to challenge outdated perceptions and address unique needs of older adults in rural communities.

Jeffrey Hubbell joins NYU Tandon to lead new university-wide health engineering initiative & expand the school’s bioengineering focus

Jeffrey Hubbell joins NYU Tandon to lead a cross-university collaborative initiative integrating engineering, sciences, and medicine to advance healthcare innovation. The initiative aims to translate scientific discoveries into pioneering treatments through unprecedented investments in faculty, facilities, and programming.

U of M researchers find connection between blood protein and increased heart failure risk

A recent study published in Circulation found a correlation between lower levels of coagulation factor XI and an increased risk of heart failure. The research, conducted on two large community-based cohorts, also linked lower factor XI levels to a greater likelihood of atrial fibrillation and worse heart function.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

Natural saclipins offer hope of combating skin aging: A new frontier in skin health

Researchers discovered saclipins, a natural substance from the cyanobacterium Aphanothece sacrum, which enhance collagen production and support skin whitening. The study found that saclipins inhibit elastase, promote collagen and hyaluronic acid production, and suppress melanin production, indicating potential benefits for skincare.

SourceMeijo University·JournalACS Agricultural Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

Korea University study links mitochondrial dysfunction to cognitive-metabolic impairments

Researchers created an animal model with a targeted mtDNA mutation to advance understanding of mitochondrial genetic disorders. The study found significant changes in brain structure and function, as well as metabolic abnormalities, linking mitochondrial dysfunction to cognitive-metabolic impairments.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalExperimental & Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

People with migraine at high risk of depression during pandemic

A recent longitudinal study from the University of Toronto reveals that older adults with migraine are at a substantial increase in risk of depression during the pandemic. Increased family conflict, difficulties in accessing healthcare, and caregiving responsibilities were associated with higher risks of depression among this population.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Pain Research·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2024

Georgia State researchers uncover new ways to identify signatures of mental disorders using fMRI scans

A team of researchers at Georgia State University has made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding schizophrenia using fMRI scans. They identified unique spatial variation and enhanced sensitivity in the brains of patients with schizophrenia, offering an alternative way to identify early signs of the disorder.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 21, 2024

Scientists develop novel high-fidelity quantum computing gate

Researchers at RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing successfully developed a novel double-transmon coupler (DTC) to enhance the fidelity of quantum gates. The DTC achieved high gate fidelity of 99.90% for a two-qubit device and 99.98% for a single-qubit gate, paving the way for fault-tolerant quantum computation.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

Study reveals how deadly brain tumor evades treatment; identifies potential new treatment strategy

A new study from UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center introduces a combined genetic and functional profiling approach to predict how glioblastoma will respond to therapy. The approach helps identify new ways to target and treat the tumors more effectively, including using an experimental drug called ABBV-155.

How school eligibility influences the spread of infectious diseases: Insights for future outbreaks

A recent study using regression discontinuity found that COVID-19 rates were higher among school-eligible children compared to those not eligible during in-person semesters. However, the difference decreased with each semester, and transmission was lower among school-eligible children during summer breaks.

Study finds health disparities in PFAS levels linked to drinking water, food access and industrial pollution

Researchers found that living in neighborhoods with low food access, contaminated drinking water, and proximity to Superfund sites increases PFAS levels in blood. The study provides evidence for addressing neighborhood-level factors in reducing racial and ethnic environmental health disparities.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 21, 2024

Here’s something Americans agree on: Sports build character

A recent study found that more than 9 out of 10 Americans agree that sports build character and improve health, while ignoring issues such as abuse and burnout. The 'Great Sport Myth' suggests that sports have automatic positive results, but researchers argue that this ignores problems in the sport.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Sport and Social Issues·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2024

New method for designing artificial proteins

Researchers have developed a new method for designing large artificial proteins with high accuracy, utilizing AI-based software Alphafold2. The approach combines accurate structure prediction with optimization techniques, allowing for the creation of proteins with tailored properties, such as precise binding and stability.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

Genomic surveillance studies reveal circulation of multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales in Europe

Two studies found that multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales, particularly Escherichia coli ST131 and Providencia stuartii NDM-1, are spreading in healthcare and community settings across Europe. The emergence of these resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to carbapenem treatment effectiveness.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2024

Purdue researchers identify infrastructure and communication challenges as barriers to food safety in the low-moisture food industry

A study by Purdue University researchers has identified key challenges in ensuring the safety of low-moisture foods, including hygienic design, risk communication, behavioral change, and limited resources. The findings highlight the need for better food safety culture, research, and education to prevent outbreaks and recalls.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Food Protection·TypeSurvey·DateNov 21, 2024

NASA: Mystery of life’s handedness deepens

A NASA-funded discovery reveals that RNA can produce both left- and right-handed proteins, challenging the notion that life initially favored one over the other. This finding deepens the mystery of life's handedness and suggests that homochirality may have emerged through later evolutionary pressures.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

The origin of stem cells

Researchers identified critical proteins involved in animal stem cell regulation, including SOX and POU transcription factors, which existed in single-celled organisms over 700 million years ago. These ancient proteins retained functional properties that enabled them to induce stem cell reprogramming in mouse cells.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2024

Does feminism begin at home?

A study of Polish women found that their mothers' and daughters' views on feminism often converged, with pro-feminist attitudes being more prevalent among younger generations. The research suggests that family dynamics play a significant role in shaping women's worldviews on gender equality.

SourceSWPS University·JournalWomen s Studies International Forum·TypeSurvey·DateNov 21, 2024

The UGR leads a global scientific consensus on the most important physical fitness tests for children and adolescents

Researchers identified the 20-meter shuttle run test, handgrip strength test, standing long jump test, and body mass index as the most important physical fitness tests for children and adolescents. These tests are reliable indicators of aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and overall health status.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of Sport and Health Science·TypeSurvey·DateNov 21, 2024

DNA repair: A look inside the cell’s ‘repair café’

Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute have mapped the activity of DNA repair proteins in individual human cells, discovering unique and sometimes rare ways to repair DNA damage. These proteins organize into 'hubs' where multiple damaged DNA regions come together, making the process more efficient.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

Wistar Institute researchers discover new combination therapy approach for metastatic ovarian cancer

Researchers at The Wistar Institute have discovered a new combination therapy approach that shrinks tumors and improves survival rates in metastatic ovarian cancer. By activating myeloid cells, the treatment overcomes immunosuppression around tumors and makes them more receptive to chemotherapy.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

UT Health San Antonio-led study validates cerebral small vessel disease marker for wider use in dementia trials

A new neuroimaging marker, peak-width of skeletonized mean diffusivity (PSMD), has been validated as a susceptibility/risk biomarker for small vessel disease contributing to cognitive impairment and dementia. The study found that PSMD explained cognitive status above and beyond white matter hyperintensities.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 21, 2024

Fewer than 7% of global hotspots for whale-ship collisions have protection measures in place

A new study led by the University of Washington found that only about 7% of areas at highest risk for whale-ship collisions have any measures in place. The team identified high-risk regions, including coastal areas along the Mediterranean, Americas, southern Africa, and parts of Asia, where whales and ships are most likely to meet.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateNov 21, 2024

Synthesis and detailed electrochemical analysis of sulfide-based solid electrolyte with practical level ionic conductivity via liquid phase method

A new sulfide-based solid electrolyte, Li10GeP2S12, is synthesized using a solution-based method with high room-temperature ionic conductivity. The study reveals unique electrochemical properties and mechanisms associated with the liquid-phase approach.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

New genetic explanation for heart condition revealed

A new study has found that hundreds of genes, rather than a single 'aberrant' genetic variant, contribute to the development of dilated cardiomyopathy. Researchers developed a polygenic risk score to assess individual risk and found those with the highest genetic risk had a fourfold chance of developing the disease.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2024

What's the story, morning glory?

A University of Michigan study found that glyphosate-resistant morning glory plants are also resistant to chewing insects. The researchers discovered a positive correlation between glyphosate resistance and insect resistance, suggesting that the herbicide disrupts the co-evolution of plants and their insect herbivores.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNew Phytologist·DateNov 21, 2024

The tissue and circulating cell-free DNA-derived genetic landscape of pre-malignant colorectal lesions and its application for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer

Researchers sequenced tissue and plasma samples from patients with conventional CRAs to identify genetic alterations. They found that a small proportion of samples successfully detected tissue-origin variants within matched cfDNA. The study also explored the genomic characteristics and progression of cancer from CRA to CRC-I, highlight...

Obesity prevention at an early age

The Greenlight Plus trial found that technological interventions and policies can help prevent childhood obesity at an early age. The study suggests that targeted prevention efforts can reduce the risk of obesity in children, setting a promising foundation for future prevention strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateNov 21, 2024

Trial results support benefits of minimally invasive therapy (middle meningeal artery embolization) in treating chronic subdural hematoma

Researchers found that middle meningeal artery embolization reduces treatment failure rates in chronic subdural hematoma patients without increasing short-term stroke risk. The study's findings emphasize the need to update treatment protocols in the field, making MMAE a beneficial adjunctive treatment for eligible patients.

SourceSociety of NeuroInterventional Surgery·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 21, 2024

Global Breakthrough: Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed an effective, inexpensive, and simple COVID-19 vaccine that can be stored at room temperature and administered as a nasal spray

A breakthrough in vaccine development has led to the creation of an effective, inexpensive, and simple COVID-19 vaccine that can be stored at room temperature. The nano-vaccine trains the immune system against all common COVID-19 variants, eliminating the need for ultra-cold storage and skilled personnel.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateNov 21, 2024

Study uncovers potential new target for treatment of chronic, debilitating skin disease

Researchers at Clemson University have discovered a potential new therapeutic target for hidradenitis suppurativa, an immune disease causing painful skin lesions and inflammation. The study identifies CD2 as a key immune receptor with elevated expression on T cells and innate lymphoid cells in affected skin tissue.

SourceClemson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

Study reveals how cell types shape human brain networks

Researchers at Rutgers University have uncovered how various brain cell types work together to form large-scale functional networks in the human brain. The study found that certain cell-type distributions align with specific networks in the brain's cortex, highlighting a connection between cellular underpinnings and brain function.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 21, 2024

Researchers zero in on genetic variant tied to miscarriages

Scientists have identified a gene variant directly linked to accelerated reproductive aging and early miscarriages in women. The discovery could provide valuable information for women considering reproduction, enabling them to make informed decisions about timing and fertility treatment.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 21, 2024

New copper metal-organic framework nanozymes enable intelligent food detection

Researchers have developed Cu-MOF nanozymes with laccase-like activity for intelligent food detection, exhibiting varying responses to common bioactive substances. The nanozyme-encoded array sensors enable portable and convenient detection of substances in a concentration range of 1.5–150 μg/mL.

Metabolic and bariatric surgery safe and effective for patients with severe obesity

Researchers at Pennington Biomedical Research Center found that metabolic and bariatric surgery is largely safe and effective for patients with a BMI of 70 kg/m2 or higher, with low rates of complications and durable weight loss. The study analyzed data from 84 patients and demonstrated the safety and efficacy of these surgeries in tre...

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalObesity Surgery·DateNov 21, 2024