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Researchers develop a new ocean data quality control system

Researchers from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics have created a new climatological range-based automatic quality control system for ocean temperature profiles. The system, called CODC-QC, uses 14 distinct quality checks to identify outliers and aims to provide a quality-homogenous database.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalDeep Sea Research Part I Oceanographic Research Papers·DateJan 30, 2023

A quality-conscious protein

Researchers from University of Cologne and Technical University of Munich discovered that the signal peptidase complex plays a crucial role in quality control of membrane proteins. The complex cleaves faulty membrane proteins to initiate their degradation, maintaining cellular function. This discovery has important implications for und...

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateDec 1, 2022

Technique for the isolation of volatile food compounds optimized

Researchers developed an automated method for isolating volatile food ingredients, increasing yields and reducing contamination risks. The optimized 'aSAFE' technique eliminates operator errors and improves the accuracy of odorant analysis, enabling targeted product development in the food industry.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalEuropean Food Research and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022

New study in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis reveals influence of host plant on medicinal qualities of mistletoe

A study published in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis found that the quality of mistletoe, a traditional Chinese medicine, is affected by its host plant. The researchers used metabolomics to investigate the influence of host plants and environmental factors on mistletoe's medicinal qualities. The results show that both host plants an...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2022

Staying flexible

Scientists at Osaka University have invented a flexible sheet sensor that can detect changes in water temperature and presence of contaminants without disrupting the flow. The technology uses an embedded carbon nanotube film as a photodetector layer, enabling continuous monitoring and non-disruptive sampling.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

How faulty mRNA is detected and destroyed

Researchers at the University of Cologne investigated UPF3A and UPF3B proteins involved in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), a quality control mechanism preventing defective mRNA from being processed into harmful proteins. The study shows that both proteins have partially overlapping functions, enabling fault-tolerant activation of NMD.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

Long-term quality of life in breast cancer patients after breast conservation vs mastectomy, reconstruction

Researchers compared long-term quality-of-life outcomes in women with breast cancer treated with breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy versus mastectomy and reconstruction without radiation therapy. Mastectomy and reconstruction was associated with lower overall quality of life, but not physical function or mental health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateApr 13, 2022

Tracking health care worker turnover during pandemic

The study analyzed over 125,000 US health care workers, finding that frontline workers were at highest risk of leaving the workforce due to burnout and stress. The researchers also identified specific factors contributing to turnover, such as inadequate staffing and lack of support from employers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateApr 8, 2022

Diet quality among older adults

The study found that nearly half of older adults in the US have poor diet quality, with overall diet quality worsening over the past two decades. Diet quality is a significant concern for this age group, as it can impact their health and well-being.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 11, 2022

A new post-surgery approach for treating HPV-related throat cancer uses less radiation safely and spares the majority of patients from chemotherapy

A new post-surgery approach for treating HPV-related throat cancer uses low-dose radiation and spares the majority of patients from chemotherapy. The trial found high survival rates and quality of life in patients at medium risk for recurrence.

SourceECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 21, 2021

Diamonds are forever: Scientists develop microscopic calibration tool with fluorescent nanodiamonds

Researchers at the University of Illinois created a novel device using microscopic fluorescent diamonds to calibrate sensitive microscopy systems. The nanodiamonds' stability and longevity make them ideal as a 'first-aid kit' for microscopes, allowing for easy reuse and quality control.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalPhotonics Research·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 5, 2021

Interpretation outside training: Discrepancy rates in 5.9 million radiological examinations

A study of 5.9 million radiological examinations found no significant difference in major and minor discrepancy rates for acute community setting exams between concordant and discordant with radiologists' fellowship training. However, advanced examination discrepancies were higher when concordant with radiologists' fellowship training.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2021

New gene implicated in neuron diseases

A new study identifies NEMF as a driver of motor neuron diseases, linking defective protein quality control to motor neuron death. The research suggests that dysfunction of ribosomal quality control causes neurodegeneration, providing strong evidence for the link between protein quality control and human disease.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2020

Quality control in cells

Researchers at Heidelberg University discover bacterial Rqc2 protein plays central role in quality control, eliminating toxic protein chains. This finding suggests the mechanism must have existed in the last universal common ancestor several billion years ago.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalCell·DateSep 19, 2019

New technique accurately digitizes transparent objects

A new imaging technique enables precise digitization of clear objects and their surroundings, useful for movie production, virtual reality, and material design. The method uses a robotic arm to record camera locations and combine photographs with CT scans, allowing for pixel-by-pixel comparison and accurate material properties analysis.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateSep 21, 2017

Stop signals against protein clumps

Protein aggregates are toxic and contribute to nerve cell death in diseases like Alzheimer's and Huntington's. The study reveals missing stop signals lead to long lysine chains blocking ribosomes, allowing defective proteins to accumulate and form toxic aggregates.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMar 3, 2016