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Science News for April 30, 2020


High cost of cancer drugs not always justified

A new study by researchers from the University of Zurich and Harvard Medical School found that the high cost of cancer drugs in the US is not always justified. The study analyzed the costs of 65 cancer drugs in five countries and found no correlation between monthly treatment costs and clinical benefit.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateApr 30, 2020

A new way to accurately estimate COVID-19 death toll

A Rutgers engineer has developed a mathematical model that accurately estimates the COVID-19 death toll in the United States, predicting approximately 68,120 cumulative deaths by late June 2020. The model shows high confidence in its predictions, with reported death totals closely matching its estimates.

SourceRutgers University·JournalMathematics·DateApr 30, 2020

A world first: Assessing kidney quality before transplantation using photoacoustic imaging

Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to visualize damage in donor kidneys using photoacoustic imaging. This technique allows for accurate assessment of kidney scarring and can potentially revolutionize transplantation protocol by matching organs with patient life expectancy, reducing costs and improving outcomes.

Marine litter in the Bay of Biscay

The Bay of Biscay has been identified as a hotspot for marine litter, with microplastics found in over 50% of water and sediment samples. The polymers most prevalent are polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, and polystyrene, often originating from the breaking up of larger objects.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateApr 30, 2020

Does 'participatory budgeting' lead to political patronage?

A study by NYU Wagner found that participatory budgeting in NYC has led to smaller, more numerous capital projects and potentially increased political patronage. The process allows citizens to determine priorities for public spending, but the analysis suggests that city legislators may be using it to dispense patronage instead.

SourceNew York University·JournalAdministration & Society·DateApr 30, 2020

Making safe choices: It's in our DNA

DNA repair mechanisms choose between pathways to limit harmful chromosomal combinations that may be predisposed to cancer and genetic diseases. The study found Rad52-dependent single-strand annealing leads to gross chromosomal rearrangements at centromeres, while Rad51 promotes conservative non-crossover recombination.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 30, 2020

Creating buzz with potential end-users helps entrepreneurs with crowdfunding campaigns

A study by University of Oregon researchers found that companies that successfully engage with their target audience and incorporate feedback into their prototypes are more likely to reach their fundraising goals and attract media coverage. Engaging with potential end-users early on can create buzz and increase the chances of success i...

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalOrganization Science·DateApr 30, 2020

Cracking the Lyme disease code

Researchers at Washington State University have identified a key protein in Borrelia burgdorferi that shields the immune system from fighting Lyme disease. By understanding this 'VlsE' protein, they hope to develop effective vaccines against the disease.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 30, 2020

Astronomers could spot life signs orbiting long-dead stars

Cornell University astronomers have created a spectral field guide to help future scientists identify biosignatures in the atmospheres of Earth-like exoplanets orbiting white dwarfs. The guide provides template for possible biosignatures, including methane and ozone, which could indicate life on these distant worlds.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 30, 2020

Blood clotting a significant cause of death in patients with COVID-19

A study by RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that Irish patients with severe COVID-19 infection experience abnormal blood clotting, leading to micro-clots in the lungs. This abnormal blood-clotting disorder contributes to a worse prognosis and increased risk of ICU admission.

SourceRCSI·JournalBritish Journal of Haematology·DateApr 30, 2020

Reduced obesity for weighted-vest wearers

A new study from the University of Gothenburg finds that weighted vests can lead to a reduction in body weight and fat mass, particularly when wearing heavy weights, while maintaining muscle mass. The researchers suggest that this is due to a built-in energy balance system that endeavors to keep body weight constant.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateApr 30, 2020

Energy generated on offshore wind turbine farms, and conveyed ashore as hydrogen fuel

A new study by the University of the Basque Country confirms that offshore wind turbines can produce hydrogen fuel with significant increases in energy generation. The research found that adding vortex generators and Gurney flaps to wind turbines improved aerodynamics, resulting in 2.5% higher annual energy production.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateApr 30, 2020

Defining geographic regions with commuter data

Researchers developed a new method to define metropolitan areas based on census commuter data, identifying 182 clusters that account for over 90% of commuters. These clusters are larger than traditional regional definitions, suggesting important connections extending beyond expected boundaries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 30, 2020

Gentler, safer hair dye based on synthetic melanin

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new hair dye process using synthetic melanin that mimics natural human hair pigmentation. The dye, tested under mild conditions, produces natural-looking colors that persist for at least 18 washes, avoiding toxicity and allergies associated with traditional hair dyes.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS Central Science·DateApr 30, 2020

Telemedicine transforms response to COVID-19 pandemic in disease epicenter

A study by NYU Langone Health shows a massive expansion of telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, with virtual urgent care visits growing by 683% and non-urgent virtual care visits increasing by 4,345%. The rapid growth was made possible by US insurers expanding coverage and state licensing relaxations.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateApr 30, 2020

A census of star brightness: The sun is less active and variable than similar stars

Researchers analyzed 369 solar-like stars and found that the Sun is less magnetically active and variable than similar stars. The study suggests that most stars are five times more variable than the Sun over the last 140 years, with potential explanations including long-term variability or unrecognized differences.

Cardiovascular impairment in COVID-19

Researchers recommend using cardiovascular anti-inflammatory therapies to treat COVID-19 patients with severe cardiovascular problems, citing potential risks with current treatments. The study provides guidance for clinicians on selecting specific therapies depending on disease severity and patient response.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·DateApr 30, 2020

Investors punish for social irresponsibility depending on proportion of company execs with law degrees

Research from the University of Notre Dame suggests that investors react more severely to corporate social irresponsibility (CSI) when top management executives have a higher proportion of law degrees. Firms with an average proportion of law-trained executives among their leadership teams tend to receive less punishment, while those wi...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalBusiness and Society Review·DateApr 30, 2020

Data from 2 space lasers comprehensively estimate polar ice loss and sea level rise

A new analysis of data from NASA's ICESat-2 and ICESat satellites estimates that polar ice losses from Greenland and Antarctica contributed to 14mm of sea level rise between 2003 and 2019. The study projects that melting ice from these regions will increasingly contribute to sea level rise within tens to hundreds of years.

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Two new articles from Annals of Internal Medicine explore the availability of telemedicine services and pandemic surge modeling for COVID-19. A cross-sectional study found that many US hospitals lack existing telemedicine programs, while a podcast discussion highlights the importance of rapid investment in remote care infrastructure.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 30, 2020