Researchers have developed a highly sensitive immuno-CRISPR assay to detect acute kidney rejection in urine, potentially allowing for early diagnosis without invasive biopsy. The test uses CRISPR/Cas12a gene editing technology to identify biomarkers of rejection, such as CXCL9, with improved sensitivity compared to existing methods.
In 2021, researchers made notable discoveries, such as the identification of pain-causing proteins in snake venom and the development of bite-sized protein structures that can be felt with the tongue. The year also saw significant progress in plastics recycling and molecular editing, which holds promise for medicinal chemists.
Researchers discovered that people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have higher levels of microplastics in their feces compared to healthy individuals. The study suggests a possible link between microplastic exposure and IBD, but the exact relationship remains unclear.
Measuring apple liquors' conductivity can provide a more objective assessment of their processing, allowing for better flavor quality. The study found that monitoring conductivity during distillation can identify the best conditions for producing high-quality apple spirits.
Researchers detected emerging synthetic antioxidants in e-waste recycling dust, including hindered phenol and sulfur antioxidants. The study highlights the need for further research on their environmental behaviors and toxicities.
A field study found that sea spray aerosols contain pollutants like perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), potentially harmful compounds known as "forever chemicals". The researchers estimated global emissions of PFAAs from oceans to air could be up to 756 U.S. tons annually.
Researchers analyzed 47,727 lead measurements from 1,094 schools in Massachusetts to identify schools with high lead levels. They found that 12% of fixtures had lead levels above 15 parts per billion, with most problematic fixtures concentrated in just 34% of schools.
Researchers found that the SARS-CoV-2 N-protein accelerates the formation of amyloid fibrils in test tube experiments, interacting with α-synuclein protein. This interaction may contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease in COVID-19 patients.
A new battery-free wearable device detects nicotine in real-time and sends data wirelessly to smartphones, allowing users to measure their exposure to vaporized nicotine. The device uses a thin film of vanadium dioxide to detect conductivity changes caused by nicotine concentration.
Scientists have created a new imaging method that can detect microscopic soft tissue damage in animal spines, which may lead to improved treatments for lower back pain. The technique uses fluorescent molecules to target denatured collagen and produce precise 3D maps of spinal damage.
Researchers used wastewater samples from 25 treatment plants across 10 countries to track the popularity of new synthetic drugs. Synthetic cathinones, including eutylone and 3-MMC, were found to have high per capita levels in wastewater, with increased international presence reported between 2020-2021 New Year periods.
Researchers have developed heat-resistant piezoelectric sheet sensors that can detect driver impairment, including drowsiness and sudden illnesses. These sensors, attached to seats, can signal a future smart car to take action, potentially preventing accidents.
Researchers have created a new combination of plant-based ingredients tailored for 3D printing meat alternatives, incorporating cocoa butter derived from chocolate. The formulation successfully mimics the texture and nutritional value of real meat, with potential benefits for animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
Researchers have developed a CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system to enhance the effectiveness of sonodynamic therapy, allowing tumors to be effectively shrunk in a mouse model of liver cancer. The technology reduces antioxidant defense systems, increasing cancer cell death from the treatment.
The COVID-19 pandemic drove significant advancements in pharmaceutical technology, with mRNA-based vaccines proving highly effective. Oral antiviral pills, such as Merck's molnupiravir and Pfizer's PF-0732133, showed promise in reducing hospitalization and death rates among unvaccinated individuals.
Researchers discovered a new family of prenylated volatile sulfur compounds responsible for the characteristic skunky smell of cannabis. The findings suggest these compounds could have medicinal properties and are being investigated further.
Researchers found that vehicles accounted for 60-84% of total NH3 emissions in western Los Angeles, significantly higher than government estimates. This discovery suggests a substantial health impact from vehicle-related ammonia, which has been largely under-recognized and uncontrolled.
Researchers use edible fungus to convert fruit waste into wild strawberry aroma. The fungus produces compounds geraniol and 2-aminobenzaldehyde, contributing to the scent. The team's innovative method could provide a natural flavoring agent for foods.
Researchers have identified compounds that interfere with fungal enzymes required for fatty acid synthesis, potentially overcoming resistance to current treatments. These compounds show promise as antifungal agents, effective even against drug-resistant strains of fungi.
Researchers have developed fish-shaped microrobots that can guide themselves to cancer cells using magnets, where a pH change opens their mouths to release chemotherapy. The microrobots demonstrate promising capabilities for targeted cancer treatment, but need further improvements in size and tracking methods.
Scientists have reversed new-onset type 1 diabetes in mice by injecting pyramid-like DNA molecules called tFNAs, which increased regulatory T cells and protected pancreatic β-cells. The treatment is one of the most promising candidates for type 1 diabetes immunotherapy.
Researchers have developed plant-based gummy candies packed with vitamins B12 and D3, addressing nutritional deficiencies in vegan and vegetarian diets. The new product was well-received by taste testers, paving the way for more nutritious food options.
Researchers developed a color-changing indicator that detects rising levels of alkaline phosphatase, forecasting phytoplankton growth and impending algal blooms. The portable system reliably detected enzyme activity using smartphone scanning apps, potentially enabling real-time field monitoring and prediction.
Scientists have engineered enzymes to manufacture molnupiravir, resulting in a shorter and higher-yielding synthesis. The new method reduces the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 for newly diagnosed patients, showing promise as an antiviral treatment.
Researchers developed a method to image lithium in living cells, finding that neurons from bipolar disorder patients accumulate higher levels of lithium than healthy controls. This new tool could help optimize lithium dosage and improve treatment outcomes for patients with bipolar disorder.
A study analyzed grocery purchase records of 57,000 US households and identified three ways to reduce food-based carbon footprints: meal planning, using local produce, and reducing meat consumption. The research suggests that 71% of households can decrease their emissions by implementing these strategies.
Researchers developed carbon nanotube-based transistors that can maintain electrical properties and memory after being exposed to high levels of cosmic radiation. The transistors, especially double-shielded ones, showed promising results for future space exploration.
Researchers identified six human blood proteins, including serum albumin and immunoglobulin G, in the red paint of a 1000-year-old gold mask. The presence of bird egg proteins suggests the use of a binding material to preserve the paint on the metal surface.
Researchers developed a flexible, self-powered device that translates sound waves into electrical signals, mimicking the inner ear's function. The device, implanted in a model ear, accurately recreated music files, offering a promising solution for treating hearing loss without batteries.
Researchers developed a biodegradable polymer called polylactide (PLA) with RNA-inspired breaking points, which can break down faster in seawater. The degradation rate of the polymer can be tailored depending on the amount of breaking points, offering a potential solution to marine pollution.
Researchers found that urban waste products applied to agricultural fields in France contained higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) than livestock manures. The study also detected a shift towards more persistent PFAS compounds over time, raising toxicity concerns.
About 42% of U.S. adults are considered clinically obese due to increased risk of health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. New weight-loss drugs like Wegovy (semaglutide) show promise in safely aiding weight loss, but long-term side effects and sustainability remain concerns.
Researchers have developed a flexible triboelectric nanogenerator that mimics the movement of seaweed to efficiently convert surface and underwater waves into electricity. The device has been shown to generate power even at low water pressures, making it suitable for powering marine sensors in coastal zones.
Researchers develop conductive, wash-durable yarn for wearable heaters using poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and poly(4-styrenesulfonate). The treated yarn can distribute heat at a safe operating voltage when sewn into fabric, providing steady warmth even in cold conditions.
Researchers have developed a novel data storage method using mixtures of fluorescent dyes, which can store binary information at high density with fast read/write speeds. The technique encodes sequences of 0s and 1s into dye molecules, allowing for the storage of digital information for thousands of years or longer.
Scientists have identified specific peptides in milk that relieve stress and enhance sleep. The study found that one of these peptides, YPVEPF, increased sleep duration by over 400% in mice.
Scientists developed a fluorescent spray that specifically targets and illuminates cancerous tissue, enabling precise tumor detection and removal during surgery. The innovative approach offers a solution to the challenge of distinguishing between healthy tissue and cancerous cells.
Researchers found that additives in commercial shopping bags boost the conversion of solid plastics into water-soluble compounds under sunlight. The compounds vary depending on the additives used, with some bags releasing up to 15,000 dissolved compounds.
Researchers developed a dynamic respirator that modulates pore size in response to changing conditions like exercise and air pollution. The device features an AI-powered system that adjusts filtration characteristics wirelessly, providing improved breathability and comfort.
A team of researchers has developed a low-cost and low-waste device that uses Tootsie Roll candy as an electrode to monitor ovulation status or kidney health. The sensor works by detecting changes in salt levels in saliva, with preliminary tests showing promising results.
Researchers have developed a microneedle patch that delivers a COVID-19 DNA vaccine into the skin, causing strong immune responses in cells and mice. The patch can be stored at room temperature for over 30 days, making it an important tool for global COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
The study of medieval gunpowder recipes reveals that the evolution of the perfect powder was a slow trial-and-error process. Researchers analyzed energies released during combustion and found that certain additives made gunpowder stronger, while others had no energetic advantages but might have served other purposes.
Researchers found that children tend to have similar levels of sulfur volatiles in their saliva as their parents, suggesting shared oral microbiomes. Children who produce high amounts of sulfur volatiles dislike raw Brassica vegetables the most.
A recent study measured 60 DBPs in three types of tea and found that brewed tea contained significantly lower levels of DBPs than tap water. However, the researchers also identified 15 previously uncharacterized compounds that likely form from chlorine reactions with natural precursors in tea leaves.
Researchers investigated aerosol production from singing and playing wind instruments to develop recommendations for minimizing COVID transmission. They found that placing a surgical mask reduced plume velocities and lengths, decreasing aerosol concentrations.
Researchers have developed a shape memory polymer that can store up to 17.9 J/g energy, allowing it to lift objects 5,000 times its own weight upon heating. The polymer's high energy density and low cost make it an ideal material for soft robotics, smart biomedical devices, and deployable space structures.
Scientists create a flexible supercapacitor using wrinkled titanium carbide nanosheets that maintains its ability to store and release electronic charges after repetitive stretching. The device has a high energy capacity comparable to existing MXene-based supercapacitors, but with extreme stretchability up to 800% without cracking.
A study found that water dispensers could be a source of organophosphate ester exposure, with OPEs detected in the majority of samples. The researchers estimated daily consumption levels to be below health-risk thresholds, but highlighted the need for future research on suitable tubing materials.
Researchers found that certain peptides associated with migraine pain can regulate insulin production in mice, potentially preventing type 2 diabetes. The study suggests that these peptides could be developed into therapeutic strategies to control blood sugar levels, while minimizing the risk of migraines.
Researchers have developed a biodegradable polymer coating that can block grease and oil in compostable paper packaging, reducing environmental impact. The coating's ester linkages break apart in water, allowing microorganisms to degrade it.