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Science News Archive September 2024 - Page 9


Page 9 of 41

Advancing synthetic Ephedra-type alkaloids with a two-step enzymatic approach

Researchers from Xiamen University created a novel two-step enzymatic approach to synthesize diverse Ephedra-type alkaloids with improved yields and introduced new N-group modifications. They successfully tested various enzymes and imine reductases to optimize conversion rates and generate novel synthetic Ephedra-type alkaloids.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalBioDesign Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2024

Transferrin receptor-targeted immunostimulant for photodynamic immunotherapy against metastatic tumors through β-catenin/CREB interruption

A new transferrin receptor-targeted immunostimulant is fabricated for photodynamic immunotherapy against metastatic tumors by interrupting the β-catenin signal pathway. The recognition of PTI and TfR promotes drug delivery into tumor cells, inducing an immunogenic cell death with the release of tumor-associated antigens.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalActa Pharmaceutica Sinica B·DateSep 25, 2024

A viral close-up of HTLV-1

Researchers at ISTA have decoded the structure of HTLV-1 using Cryo-Electron Tomography, revealing a distinct viral lattice that differs from other retroviruses. This discovery could pave the way for novel treatment approaches to combat HTLV-1 infections, which affect 5-10 million people worldwide.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 25, 2024

Researchers harness AI to repurpose existing drugs for treatment of rare diseases

A new AI tool identified drug candidates for over 17,000 diseases, including conditions without treatments, and predicted potential side effects. The model was trained on a broader dataset than current models, enabling it to make more accurate predictions and offering a faster and more cost-effective way to develop therapies.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 25, 2024

Brain development: extracellular vesicles facilitate cellular communication

Research led by Silvia Cappello reveals that extracellular vesicles play a crucial role in the development of the brain, facilitating communication between different cell types. The study found that these vesicles can transport specific molecular signals to the nucleus of recipient cells, inducing rapid transcriptional changes and infl...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2024

Noninvasive method to monitor postprandial cardiovascular health

Researchers developed a noninvasive method to monitor postprandial cardiovascular health using spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI). The technique effectively tracks diet-induced changes in cardiovascular physiology, revealing significant differences in tissue responses after consuming high-fat and low-fat meals.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·TypeObservational study·DateSep 25, 2024

Citizen scientists help discover microplastics along the entire German coastline

A new study led by the Alfred Wegener Institute has analyzed 2.2 tons of sand from 71 beaches along the German coast, revealing that 52 beaches were contaminated with plastic. The researchers found an average of four plastic particles per square meter, but noted that microplastic pollution varies greatly from place to place.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2024

Single-dose gene therapy is potentially life-changing for adults with hemophilia B

A single-dose gene therapy has been shown to significantly reduce bleeding episodes in adults with hemophilia B, with an average reduction of 71% compared to standard treatment. The therapy, which enables the liver to produce clotting factor IX, has been FDA-approved for use in patients with this genetic disorder.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 25, 2024

Beyond the stigma: Strategies for maximizing recombinant protein production in tobacco plants

Tobacco plant molecular farming offers advantages over traditional approaches, including lower costs and high-yield production. A comprehensive study addresses the challenge of subcellular localization for recombinant protein production, focusing on ER, vacuole, chloroplast, and apoplast targeting strategies.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalBioDesign Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2024

Study reveals sources of opioid poisoning among children

A study by Rutgers Health researchers found that unintentional opioid exposure in children primarily occurs at home, with over 91% of cases involving a child's home. The study highlights the need for proper medication storage and disposal, especially involving grandparents' medications and pet medications.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 25, 2024

Purdue researchers acquire and analyze data through AI network that predicts maize yield

Purdue researchers have developed an AI model that can predict maize yield using remote sensing data and environmental factors. The model, which combines hyperspectral cameras, LiDAR instruments, and genetic markers, can categorize healthy and stressed crops before farmers or scouts can spot a difference.

SourcePurdue University·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 24, 2024

New insights into hot carrier solar cells: Increasing generation and extraction

Researchers have made breakthroughs in hot carrier solar cells by studying electron tunneling and collection, increasing generation and extraction. The study revealed that a new system comprising AlGaAs and GaAs materials can harness valley photovoltaics and realize solar cells beyond the current single bandgap limits.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2024

Nursing shortages can be deadly

A new study found that nursing shortages result in longer hospital stays and worse patient outcomes, including higher mortality rates. Understaffing by registered nurses and nurse assistants is associated with increased risks of adverse events, such as readmissions, deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia, and pressure ulcers.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalBJS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2024

Atmospheric methane increase during pandemic due primarily to wetland flooding

A new analysis reveals that increased inundation and water storage in wetlands drove the record surge in atmospheric methane emissions from 2020 to 2022. Wetland microbes produce methane as they metabolize organic matter anaerobically, leading to a significant increase in release to the atmosphere.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 24, 2024

Review shows bird flu control strategies ‘not working’

A review highlights gaps in data collection and testing mechanisms for H5N1 influenza transmission between cows and humans, posing risks of silent spread through farm worker barracks or developing countries. The authors emphasize the need for new control strategies, including vaccination, to mitigate the potential for a human pandemic

SourceThe Pirbright Institute·JournalNature·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 24, 2024

UNDER EMBARGO: Mount Sinai study identifies link between prediabetes during adolescence and young adulthood with the likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes

A Mount Sinai study links prediabetes among young people with a higher likelihood of gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. The findings highlight the need for clear clinical guidance on screening and counseling youth with elevated blood glucose levels.

Extinct volcanoes a ‘rich’ source of rare earth elements

Researchers have discovered that iron-rich extinct volcanoes are up to 100 times more efficient at concentrating rare earth metals than active volcanoes. This finding suggests that these ancient volcanoes could be studied for their potential to contain rare earth elements, which are crucial for renewable energy technologies.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalGeochemical Perspectives Letters·TypeObservational study·DateSep 24, 2024

Planting seeds for safer farming

Researchers aim to reduce PFAS contamination risk in agriculture by developing monitoring tools and strategies for remediation. The study focuses on comprehensively understanding PFAS uptake and bioaccumulation in plants, advancing strategies for PFAS remediation in biosolid/soil.

Histotripsy liver tumor trial successful, early clinical adoption recommended

The #HOPE4LIVER trial demonstrated the safety and efficacy of histotripsy as a treatment for primary and metastatic liver tumors, achieving a 95% technical success rate. The procedure's non-invasive nature and ability to spare critical vessels and bile ducts offer promising alternatives to traditional treatments.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalRadiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 24, 2024

New catalyst developed for sustainable propylene production from biomass

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a new catalyst that efficiently converts a derivative of glycerol into bio-based propylene, contributing to sustainable chemical production. The catalyst enables the selective reduction of allyl alcohol to propylene with high efficiency using renewable energy sources.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2024

Heterostructure VO2@VS2 tailored by one-step hydrothermal synthesis for stable and highly efficient Zn-ion storage

Researchers from Qingdao University synthesized VO2@VS2 hollow nanospheres via one-step hydrothermal synthesis, creating a highly efficient cathode material for zinc-ion batteries. The heterostructure enhances battery performance with a reversible capacity of 468 mAh g−1 and 85% retention after 1000 cycles.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2024

New species of flatworm invading the United States

A new species of flatworm, Amaga pseudobama, has been discovered in the southern United States and is already present in several states. The species resembles Obama nungara, a European invasive species, making it difficult to distinguish from citizen science data.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·TypeObservational study·DateSep 24, 2024

Fossils from the Adriatic Sea show a recent and worrying reversal of fortunes

The study found a recent reversal of fortunes in the Adriatic Sea, with populations of marine predators and their prey plummeting and being replaced by a single species. The researchers used seafloor environments to determine interactions between species, showing a decline in biodiversity and excess nutrients.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateSep 24, 2024

Prediabetes during adolescence and young adulthood linked with likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes

Research conducted at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health found a link between prediabetes among young people and adverse pregnancy outcomes later in life. The study, which included over 14,000 individuals aged 10-24 years, found that preconception prediabetes was associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes, hyperten...