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Science News Archive August 2020 - Page 3


Page 3 of 45

Genomic analysis predicts survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy following radiotherapy over radiotherapy alone in low-grade gliomas in NRG Oncology clinical trial

A clinical trial found that patients with IDH-mutant high-risk LGG, regardless of codeletion status, receive a survival benefit from adding postradiation chemotherapy. The study supports the use of WHO-defined molecular subgroups in predicting response to treatment.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 31, 2020

Melanoma and Parkinson's disease

A study reveals that amyloid protein alpha-synuclein found in Parkinson's brains is also present in skin cells producing melanin, modulating protein fibril formation and suggesting a molecular link between the two diseases. The discovery may explain the observed association between Parkinson's disease and melanoma.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

Living in disadvantaged neighborhoods doubles post-op delirium risk for older adults

A recent study by researchers from the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research found that older adults living in disadvantaged neighborhoods are two times more likely to experience delirium after surgery. Delirium is a clinical syndrome characterized by acute decline in cognition, which can present as inattention, disorien...

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 31, 2020

A soft-hearted approach to healing

Cardiac fibroblasts can be directly reprogrammed to form beating heart muscle cells on soft surfaces that match the elasticity of native myocardium. This approach shows increased functional maturation and spontaneously beating iCMs, with implications for treating heart failure and myocardial infarction.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateAug 30, 2020

COVID-19 exposes broadband gaps

The COVID-19 crisis has exposed Australia's National Broadband Network (NBN) shortcomings, with over 1 million households lacking internet access at home. The Flinders University researchers found that the NBN rollout prioritized politics and commerce over equity considerations, leading to unequal access to high-speed broadband services.

SourceFlinders University·JournalTelecommunications Policy·DateAug 28, 2020

How bacteria adhere to fiber in the gut

Researchers have discovered a unique binding mode that allows bacteria to stick to cellulose fibers in the human gut, enabling them to withstand shear forces. This breakthrough sheds light on the microbiome and its relationship to human health, with potential applications in bio-based medical superglues.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 28, 2020

Structural colors from cellulose-based polymers

Scientists have discovered a way to control the pitch of biopolymers, leading to the creation of structural colors in liquid marbles. The colors change in response to environmental factors such as heat, pressure, or chemicals, making this technology promising for bio-based sensors and soft photonic elements.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 28, 2020