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Science News Archive December 2020 - Page 11


Page 11 of 39

Scientists unlock promising key to preventing cancer relapse after immunotherapy

Researchers found that targeting the fas protein can prevent cancer cells from escaping immunotherapies, leading to longer-lasting positive responses and improved survival rates. By combining immunotherapies with small molecule inhibitors, bystander tumor cell killing may be potentiated to eliminate antigen-loss variants.

When genetic data meets marketing

A new study assesses the implications of genetic testing for marketing strategy and research, highlighting potential uses and misuses of genetic data. The authors raise concerns about unique features of genetic data, including individual identification and predictive power, that may threaten consumer autonomy and privacy.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateDec 17, 2020

Ultra-thin designer materials unlock quantum phenomena

Researchers at Aalto University have designed an ultra-thin material that creates elusive Majorana quantum states, which could be key to making topological qubits. The team successfully trapped electrons together in a two-dimensional material, overcoming the challenge of noise tolerance in quantum computing.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature·DateDec 17, 2020

Study reports drop in lung cancer screening, rise in malignancy during COVID-19 surge

A recent study reported a significant drop in low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening for lung cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite resuming full operations, new patient monthly LDCT rates remained low, and patients were more likely to miss appointments, increasing the no-show rate from 15% to 40%. This led to a rise in m...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 17, 2020

How climate change is disrupting ecosystems

A study found that herbivorous insects from lower elevations can alter alpine plant communities when introduced to higher elevations, leading to changes in biomass structure and composition. This disruption can favor the growth of small-stature plant species.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2020

Oceans without oxygen

Researchers have discovered that ocean anoxic zones, which lack dissolved oxygen, are teeming with life and play a crucial role in the Earth's carbon cycle. The study found that microbes can still eat organic carbon but respiring sulfate, known as cryptic sulfur cycling, leading to more organic carbon deposits in sediments.

Shark fishing bans partially effective

A blanket ban on landing thresher sharks has stopped targeted fishing, but persistent 'bycatch' continues to be a problem. The study found that bycatch is widely unrecorded due to mistrust and confusion among fishers, making it hard for authorities to enforce the ban.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMarine Policy·DateDec 17, 2020