ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Pioneering recycling turns mixed waste into premium plastics with no climate impact
• Powerful links between methane and climate change
• The mere sight of a meal triggers an inflammatory response in the brain
• The pair of Orcas deterring Great White Sharks
• Capturing an elusive shadow: State-by-state gun ownership
• Romantic partners can influence each other's beliefs and behaviors on climate change
• Shining some light on the obscure proteome
• Study finds women have more brain changes after menopause
• Organoids reveal similarities between myotonic dystrophy type 1 and Rett syndrome
• Immune cells anchored in tissues offer unique defenses against pathogens and cancers
• 'Fake' data helps robots learn the ropes faster
• New clues on unsolved genetic diseases in children
• Awake prone positioning does not offer benefit in reducing intubation for COVID-19 induced acute respiratory failure
• Norovirus and other 'stomach viruses' can spread through saliva
• Helping babies to sleep more
• Researchers develop online portal to show how biases in RNA sequences affect gene expression
• 'Quake brain' effects suffered by resilient Cantabrians fade over time
• How friends can work together to help protect against unwanted sexual experiences in the first year of college
• Study reveals the job problems contributing to physician suicide
• Researchers identify the microbes in 100-year-old snail guts
• Asteroids: Researchers simulate defense of Earth
• An engaging leadership style may boost employee engagement
• Underwater jars reveal Roman period winemaking practices
• Pollution exposure associated with multimorbidity risk
• 'Safety in numbers' tactic keeps Pacific salmon safe from predators
• Could carbon monoxide foam help fight inflammation?
• Charismatic songbird's numbers have dramatically declined, survey suggests
• Artificial intelligence techniques used to obtain antibiotic resistance patterns
• Enzyme of bacterial origin promoted the evolution of longhorned beetles
• Changes in oceanographic fronts affect the gene flow among marine crab populations
• Music is key to converting consumers' good intentions to actual purchases in ethical and sustainable markets
• Underground carnivore: the first species of pitcher plant to dine on subterranean prey
• Thawing permafrost is shaping the global climate
• A new personalized treatment concept to prevent colitis in a mouse model
• Being mindful can improve your interactions with co-workers, new study finds
• Monitoring COVID-19: Could medicine found in wastewater provide an early warning?
• Researchers identify important factors for regulating the body's immune response
• Climate change is making plants more vulnerable to disease. New research could help them fight back
• Ice Age wolf DNA reveals dogs trace ancestry to two separate wolf populations
• Destruction and recovery of kelp forests driven by changes in sea urchin behavior
• RNA modifications in mitochondria promote invasive spread of cancer
• Scientists discover mechanism controlling spread of pancreatic cancer
• How flies lay off the extra salty snacks
• New single-mode semiconductor laser delivers power with scalability
• Falling stardust, wobbly jets explain blinking gamma ray bursts
• SARS-CoV-2 study on mechanisms involved in alveolar infection
• The emergence of form: New study expands horizons for DNA nanotechnology
• Skin's protective chains uncovered
• Dissolving the problem: Organic vapor induces dissolution of molecular salts
• Measuring levels of proteins in eye fluid may accurately predict need for lifelong macular degeneration therapy
• Off-shelf glucose monitors prove accurate for dialysis patients
• Tracking a levitated nanoparticle with a mirror
• Combining genetics and brain MRI can aid in predicting chances of Alzheimer's disease
• Targeting a human protein to squash SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses
• Limiting global warming to 1.5°C would reduce risks to humans by up to 85%
• Sleep is linked to heart health
• Only 1 in 5 people in the U.S. has optimal heart health
• Who trusts gene-edited foods? New study gauges public acceptance
• Mantle cell lymphoma treatment varies according to setting
• Robot overcomes uncertainty to retrieve buried objects

Pioneering recycling turns mixed waste into premium plastics with no climate impact Posted: 30 Jun 2022 05:33 AM PDT Only a fraction of the material that could be turned into new plastic is currently recycled. Researchers have now demonstrated how the carbon atoms in mixed waste can replace all fossil raw materials in the production of new plastic. The recycling method is inspired by the natural carbon cycle and could eliminate the climate impact of plastic materials, or even clean the air of carbon dioxide.

Powerful links between methane and climate change Posted: 30 Jun 2022 05:33 AM PDT Using data gathered over the last four decades to study the effects of temperature changes and rain on the atmospheric concentration of methane, scientists have concluded that Earth could be both delivering more, and removing less, methane into the air than previously estimated, with the result that more heat is being trapped in the atmosphere. The study, published in the scientific journal Nature Communications on 23 June, addresses the large uncertainty about the impact of climate change on atmospheric methane. The study finds that this impact could be four times greater than that estimated in the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report.

The mere sight of a meal triggers an inflammatory response in the brain Posted: 30 Jun 2022 05:32 AM PDT Even before carbohydrates reach the bloodstream, the very sight and smell of a meal trigger the release of insulin. For the first time, researchers have shown that this insulin release depends on a short-term inflammatory response that takes place in these circumstances. In overweight individuals, however, this inflammatory response is so excessive that it can impair insulin secretion.

The pair of Orcas deterring Great White Sharks Posted: 29 Jun 2022 05:29 PM PDT A pair of Orca (Killer Whales) that have been terrorizing and killing Great White Sharks off the coast of South Africa since 2017 has managed to drive large numbers of the sharks from their natural aggregation site.

Capturing an elusive shadow: State-by-state gun ownership Posted: 29 Jun 2022 01:11 PM PDT In a new study, researchers describe a spatio-temporal model to predict trends in firearm prevalence on a state-by-state level by fusing data from two available proxies -- background checks per capita and suicides committed with a firearm in a given state. Calibrating their results with yearly survey data, they determined that the two proxies can be simultaneously considered to draw precise information regarding firearm ownership.

Romantic partners can influence each other's beliefs and behaviors on climate change Posted: 29 Jun 2022 01:11 PM PDT A team of researchers surveyed couples about their ideas on climate change and found that while many partners exhibited similar beliefs and behaviors around the issue, there also were many discrepancies.

Shining some light on the obscure proteome Posted: 29 Jun 2022 01:10 PM PDT Mass-spectrometry based proteomics is the big-data science of proteins that allows the monitoring of the abundance of thousands of proteins in a sample at once. Therefore, it is a particularly well-suited readout for discovering which proteins are targeted by any small molecule. An international research team has investigated this using chemical proteomics.

Study finds women have more brain changes after menopause Posted: 29 Jun 2022 01:09 PM PDT Women who have gone through menopause may have more of a brain biomarker called white matter hyperintensities than premenopausal women or men of the same age, according to a new study.

Organoids reveal similarities between myotonic dystrophy type 1 and Rett syndrome Posted: 29 Jun 2022 12:03 PM PDT Using brain organoids, researchers discover mutational commonalities between muscular dystrophy type 1 and Rett syndrome, suggesting the potential of a similar treatment for both.

Immune cells anchored in tissues offer unique defenses against pathogens and cancers Posted: 29 Jun 2022 12:03 PM PDT Researchers have gained ground in understanding unique immune cells equipped to remember the identities of malicious invaders. The researchers developed a new atlas that describes tissue-resident memory T cells in diverse tissue settings, boosting the prospects of the development of immune defense strategies to enhance immunity at sites vulnerable to infection.

'Fake' data helps robots learn the ropes faster Posted: 29 Jun 2022 12:03 PM PDT In a step toward robots that can learn on the fly like humans do, a new approach expands training data sets for robots that work with soft objects like ropes and fabrics, or in cluttered environments.

New clues on unsolved genetic diseases in children Posted: 29 Jun 2022 12:03 PM PDT Scientists have discovered a new way to interpret unsolved Mendelian diseases -- diseases inherited from either parent due to gene mutations in the developing egg or sperm -- through studying the inheritance of a protein known as SMCHD1 which is coded by the SMCHD1 gene.

Awake prone positioning does not offer benefit in reducing intubation for COVID-19 induced acute respiratory failure Posted: 29 Jun 2022 12:03 PM PDT A large multicenter, randomized clinical trial revealed no difference in the risk of endotracheal intubation requirement at 30 days between awake prone positioning and standard positioning for patients with COVID-19 who suffered from acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Norovirus and other 'stomach viruses' can spread through saliva Posted: 29 Jun 2022 12:03 PM PDT A class of viruses known to cause severe diarrheal diseases -- including the one famous for widespread outbreaks on cruise ships -- can grow in the salivary glands of mice and spread through their saliva, scientists have discovered. The findings show that a new route of transmission exists for these common viruses, which afflict billions of people each year worldwide and can be deadly.

Helping babies to sleep more Posted: 29 Jun 2022 12:03 PM PDT Researchers have trained new mothers in skills that help newborns sleep more during the night. New research shows that second children in these families also slept longer.

Researchers develop online portal to show how biases in RNA sequences affect gene expression Posted: 29 Jun 2022 12:03 PM PDT Researchers explain the importance of identifying and understanding how differences between tissues and cells alter gene expression without changing the underlying genetic code.

'Quake brain' effects suffered by resilient Cantabrians fade over time Posted: 29 Jun 2022 12:03 PM PDT New research suggests the brain function of otherwise-healthy individuals exposed to event trauma has the ability to 'bounce back' over time once the threat resolves. Researchers conducted a follow-up study on a group of Cantabrians, who had been exposed to trauma during the region's earthquakes over a decade ago.

How friends can work together to help protect against unwanted sexual experiences in the first year of college Posted: 29 Jun 2022 12:03 PM PDT A new study is helping researchers understand how women in their early college years can use friends-based strategies to help avoid unwanted sexual experiences.

Study reveals the job problems contributing to physician suicide Posted: 29 Jun 2022 12:03 PM PDT Physical and mental health, substance use, relationships, legal matters and finances all contribute to physician suicide, a new study shows.

Researchers identify the microbes in 100-year-old snail guts Posted: 29 Jun 2022 12:03 PM PDT The gut 'microbiomes' of long-dead animals could give researchers surprising insights into how climate change and other factors have shaped the Rocky Mountains and other ecosystems over decades.

Asteroids: Researchers simulate defense of Earth Posted: 29 Jun 2022 12:03 PM PDT NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission is the world's first full-scale planetary defense test against potential asteroid impacts on Earth. Researchers now show that instead of leaving behind a relatively small crater, the impact of the DART spacecraft on its target could leave the asteroid near unrecognizable.

An engaging leadership style may boost employee engagement Posted: 29 Jun 2022 12:02 PM PDT A new analysis suggests that a particular leadership style dubbed 'engaging leadership' can boost employees' engagement and enhance team effectiveness within the workplace.

Underwater jars reveal Roman period winemaking practices Posted: 29 Jun 2022 12:02 PM PDT Winemaking practices in coastal Italy during the Roman period involved using native grapes for making wine in jars waterproofed with imported tar pitch, according to a new study.

Pollution exposure associated with multimorbidity risk Posted: 29 Jun 2022 12:01 PM PDT Exposure to the air pollution known as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with an increased risk of having a cluster of multiple chronic diseases, according to a new study.

'Safety in numbers' tactic keeps Pacific salmon safe from predators Posted: 29 Jun 2022 12:01 PM PDT A new study that leverages historical data has found unique support for a 'safety in numbers' strategy, where Pacific salmon living in larger groups have a lower risk of being eaten by predators. But for some salmon species, schooling comes at the cost of competition for food, and those fish may trade safety for a meal.

Could carbon monoxide foam help fight inflammation? Posted: 29 Jun 2022 12:01 PM PDT A new way to safely deliver carbon monoxide to the body might help fight inflammation. Inspired by molecular gastronomy, researchers incorporated carbon monoxide into foams that can be delivered to the digestive tract.

Charismatic songbird's numbers have dramatically declined, survey suggests Posted: 29 Jun 2022 12:01 PM PDT An new study shows the number of evening grosbeaks using the campus as a migration stop-over site has gone down an average of 2.6% per year over the last four decades, emblematic of population declines across the charismatic songbird's range.

Artificial intelligence techniques used to obtain antibiotic resistance patterns Posted: 29 Jun 2022 12:01 PM PDT New research analyzes antibiotic resistance patterns, with the aim of finding trends that can help decide which treatment to apply to each type of patient and stop the spread of bacteria.

Enzyme of bacterial origin promoted the evolution of longhorned beetles Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:12 AM PDT Larvae of longhorned beetles develop primarily in woody tissue, which is difficult for most organisms to digest. However, longhorned beetle larvae possess special enzymes to break down the various components of the plant cell wall. Researchers have now taken a closer look at a group of digestive enzymes found only in this beetle family. They resurrected the primordial enzymes, which first appeared in a common ancestor of longhorned beetles. Horizontal gene transfer from bacteria to the beetle as well as ancient and recent gene duplications promoted the evolution of this family of digestive enzymes and enabled longhorned beetles to degrade the main components of the plant cell wall, which make the bulk of their diet.

Changes in oceanographic fronts affect the gene flow among marine crab populations Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:12 AM PDT In the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, the intensity and location of the oceanographic fronts that limit the gene connectivity among populations of marine crabs vary over time. These dynamic changes alter the gene structure of the populations of marine crabs of commercial and gastronomic interest.

Music is key to converting consumers' good intentions to actual purchases in ethical and sustainable markets Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:12 AM PDT Companies selling ethical and sustainable products should use up-tempo major mode music in their marketing to help well-meaning consumers convert their good intentions into actual purchases, new research shows.

Underground carnivore: the first species of pitcher plant to dine on subterranean prey Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:12 AM PDT A remarkable new species of carnivorous plant was discovered in a remote part of Borneo. It is the first pitcher plant known to produce functional underground traps, and the first for which capture of subterranean prey has been observed. While the traps themselves are often a rich maroon colour, they are produced on shoots that are entirely white, owing to their lack of chlorophyll.

Thawing permafrost is shaping the global climate Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:11 AM PDT How is climate change affecting the permanently frozen soils of the Arctic? What will the consequences be for the global climate, human beings, and ecosystems? And what can be done to stop it?

A new personalized treatment concept to prevent colitis in a mouse model Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:11 AM PDT A new oral treatment for ulcerative colitis that focuses on reducing inflammation in gut microbiota has been developed by researchers.

Being mindful can improve your interactions with co-workers, new study finds Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:11 AM PDT Although mindfulness originates within an individual, a new study has found the benefits do not end with this person. The real payoffs emerge when an individual's mindfulness is translated into mindful interactions and relationships. Such interactions -- infused with intentionality, compassion and presence -- can bring about more harmonious and healthy organizations.

Monitoring COVID-19: Could medicine found in wastewater provide an early warning? Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:11 AM PDT Research on wastewater finds that a large spike in acetaminophen preceded a spike in viral RNA during one COVID-19 wave in Western New York.

Researchers identify important factors for regulating the body's immune response Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:11 AM PDT Researchers are learning more about how special regulatory T cells can impact the immune system's response and how those cells could be manipulated for potential treatments for food allergies and autoimmune disease.

Climate change is making plants more vulnerable to disease. New research could help them fight back Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:11 AM PDT When heat waves hit, they don't just take a toll on people -- plants suffer too. That's because when temperatures rise, certain plant defenses don't work as well, leaving them more susceptible to attacks from pathogens and pests. Scientists say they have identified a specific protein in plant cells that explains why immunity falters as the mercury rises. They've also figured out a way to bolster plant defenses against the heat.

Ice Age wolf DNA reveals dogs trace ancestry to two separate wolf populations Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:11 AM PDT An international group of geneticists and archaeologists have found that the ancestry of dogs can be traced to at least two populations of ancient wolves. The work moves us a step closer to uncovering the mystery of where dogs underwent domestication, one of the biggest unanswered questions about human prehistory.

Destruction and recovery of kelp forests driven by changes in sea urchin behavior Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:11 AM PDT A dramatic outbreak of kelp-eating sea urchins along the Central Coast of California in 2014, leading to a significant reduction in the region's kelp forests, was driven primarily by the emergence of sea urchins from their hiding places rather than an increase in the urchin population. In subsequent years, sea urchin movements enabled kelp forest recovery at sites that had been denuded 'urchin barrens.' Those are among the key findings of a long-term study of sea urchins and kelp forest dynamics in Monterey Bay.

RNA modifications in mitochondria promote invasive spread of cancer Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:11 AM PDT Mitochondria are the power plants of cells, and they contain their own genetic material and RNA molecules. Scientists have now discovered that certain modifications in mitochondrial RNA boost the invasive spread of cancer cells by supporting protein synthesis in mitochondria. They have established that a specific gene expression signature correlating with high levels of mitochondrial RNA modifications is associated with metastasis and poor prognosis in patients with head and neck cancer. When the researchers blocked the responsible RNA modifying enzyme in cancer cells, the number of metastases was reduced. Certain antibiotics that suppress protein synthesis in mitochondria were also able to prevent the invasive spread of cancer cells in laboratory experiments.

Scientists discover mechanism controlling spread of pancreatic cancer Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:11 AM PDT Scientists have shown it is possible to reverse a key process that allows pancreatic cancer cells to grow and spread around the body. These findings show that a protein called GREM1 is key to regulating the type of cells found in pancreatic cancer -- and manipulating its levels can both fuel and reverse the ability of these cells to change into a more aggressive subtype. Researchers hope, in the future, to use this knowledge to find ways to reverse more advanced pancreatic cancer into a less aggressive form, which is easier to treat.

How flies lay off the extra salty snacks Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:11 AM PDT Fruit flies are known for their sweet tooth, but new research also indicates they may offer hints to how animals sense -- and avoid -- high concentrations of salt. Using mutant fruit flies, zoologists have identified a new high-salt receptor on the tongue of Drosophila -- receptor IR7c. IR7c governs the insects' ability to detect dangerously high concentrations of salt, typically over 0.25 moles per liter, or about half as salty as sea water.

New single-mode semiconductor laser delivers power with scalability Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:11 AM PDT Engineers have created a new type of semiconductor laser that accomplishes an elusive goal in the field of optics: the ability to maintain a single mode of emitted light while maintaining the ability to scale up in size and power. It is an achievement that means size does not have to come at the expense of coherence, enabling lasers to be more powerful and to cover longer distances for many applications.

Falling stardust, wobbly jets explain blinking gamma ray bursts Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:11 AM PDT Astrophysicists have developed the first 3D simulation of the entire evolution of a jet -- from its birth by a rotating black hole to its emission far from the collapsing star. Simulation shows that as the star collapses, its material falls on the disk that swirls around the black hole. This falling material tilts the disk, and, in turn, tilts the jet, which wobbles as it struggles to return to its original trajectory. The wobbling jet explains the longstanding mystery of why gamma ray bursts blink and shows that these bursts are even rarer than previously thought.

SARS-CoV-2 study on mechanisms involved in alveolar infection Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:11 AM PDT Researchers have simulated SARS-CoV-2 infection in human lungs, thereby generating key insights into the mechanisms involved. Using cultured lung tissue samples, the researchers showed that the virus responsible for COVID-19 has only limited capacity for directly infecting cells within human alveoli. The majority of viruses which reach the lungs are ingested by macrophages (cells of the innate immune system). Ingestion activates a targeted anti-viral immune response within these immune cells.

The emergence of form: New study expands horizons for DNA nanotechnology Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:10 AM PDT Researchers explore a basic building block used in the fabrication of many DNA nanoforms. Known as a Holliday junction, this nexus of two segments of double stranded DNA has been used to form elaborate, self-assembling crystal lattices at the nanometer scale, (or roughly 1/75,000th the width of a human hair).

Skin's protective chains uncovered Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:10 AM PDT The skin's top layer contains a diverse set of hundreds of lipid molecules called ceramides with varying chain lengths that play a vital role in its barrier function.

Dissolving the problem: Organic vapor induces dissolution of molecular salts Posted: 29 Jun 2022 09:09 AM PDT Researchers have found that organic vapor can dissolve molecular salts in a phenomenon known as organic deliquescence. Similar to how water vapor can induce deliquescence of compounds like calcium chloride, this phenomenon will be useful for developing methods for capturing harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). There is an urgent need to remove them from indoor environments, particularly industrial facilities, where concentrations are highest.

Measuring levels of proteins in eye fluid may accurately predict need for lifelong macular degeneration therapy Posted: 29 Jun 2022 07:23 AM PDT In a study of eye fluid from 38 patients, researchers say they have found that levels of a specific protein appears to help accurately predict whether people with the wet form of age-related macular degeneration may need lifelong, frequent eye injections to preserve vision or if they can be safely weaned off the treatments.

Off-shelf glucose monitors prove accurate for dialysis patients Posted: 29 Jun 2022 07:22 AM PDT New research reveals that a factory-calibrated continuous glucose monitor (CGM) may be sufficiently accurate for use by people on dialysis, a group often plagued by dangerous swings in blood-sugar levels.

Tracking a levitated nanoparticle with a mirror Posted: 29 Jun 2022 07:22 AM PDT Sensing with levitated nanoparticles has so far been limited by the precision of position measurements. Now, researchers have demonstrated a new method for optical interferometry in which light scattered by a particle is reflected by a mirror. This opens up new possibilities for using levitated particles as sensors, in particular, in quantum regimes.

Combining genetics and brain MRI can aid in predicting chances of Alzheimer's disease Posted: 29 Jun 2022 05:40 AM PDT Researchers are studying how a combination of genetics and brain MRIs may be used to predict the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease in the future.

Targeting a human protein to squash SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses Posted: 29 Jun 2022 05:40 AM PDT Scientists report that apratoxin S4, an anticancer drug candidate that targets a human protein, can interfere with the replication of many viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A, offering a possible pan-viral therapy.

Limiting global warming to 1.5°C would reduce risks to humans by up to 85% Posted: 29 Jun 2022 05:40 AM PDT New research quantifies the benefits of limiting global warming to 1.5°C and identifies the hotspot regions for climate change risk in the future.

Sleep is linked to heart health Posted: 29 Jun 2022 05:40 AM PDT American Heart Association's checklist to measure cardiovascular health is updated, now called Life's Essential 8™, adding healthy sleep as essential for optimal cardiovascular health. Other health and lifestyle factors in the checklist, which were part of the previous, 7-item scoring tool, are nicotine exposure, physical activity, diet, weight, blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure. The new sleep metric suggests 7-9 hours of sleep daily for optimal cardiovascular health for adults, and more for children depending on age.

Only 1 in 5 people in the U.S. has optimal heart health Posted: 29 Jun 2022 05:40 AM PDT Researchers found the U.S. population is well below optimal levels of cardiovascular health after applying the Life's Essential 8™ cardiovascular health scoring, the American Heart Association's updated metrics to measure heart and brain health. Life's Essential 8™ scoring was calculated using data from more than 23,400 adults and children from national health surveys from 2013-2018. Results show 80% of people in the U.S. have below-optimal cardiovascular health, and scores differed significantly according to age, gender, race/ethnicity, family income and depression status.

Who trusts gene-edited foods? New study gauges public acceptance Posted: 28 Jun 2022 02:02 PM PDT Researchers surveyed a nationally representative sample of 2,000 U.S. residents to gauge public acceptance of gene-edited foods. Social factors like food beliefs and trust in institutions played a big role in the participants' willingness to eat or actively avoid products made with gene-editing technologies.

Mantle cell lymphoma treatment varies according to setting Posted: 28 Jun 2022 02:01 PM PDT There is considerable variation in the management of mantle cell lymphoma across different clinical settings, and some strategies do not always conform with what might be expected, according to a recent analysis.

Robot overcomes uncertainty to retrieve buried objects Posted: 28 Jun 2022 02:01 PM PDT FuseBot is a new robotic system that fuses visual information and radio-frequency signals to efficiently find hidden items buried under a pile of objects, whether or not the targeted item has an RFID tag.

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