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Science News for July 23, 2020


Excellent research results for CAR-T Cell therapy against Hodgkin lymphoma

A clinical trial led by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center found CAR-T cell therapy to be highly active and safe in patients with relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma. The treatment resulted in a complete disappearance of tumor in the majority of patients and had an overall survival rate of 94% one year after treatment.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJul 23, 2020

Battling harmful algae blooms

A team of scientists, including Kathryn Coyne from the University of Delaware, have developed protocols for studying the genetic underpinnings of marine algae. By analyzing the genetics of a specific species of algae that produces harmful blooms, they were able to create genetically modified strains and identify genes involved in toxin...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 23, 2020

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health: Mothers unlikely to pass COVID-19 to their newborn babies if precautions are taken, small study suggests

A small observational study found no cases of virus transmission from mothers with COVID-19 infection to their newborn babies after two weeks of breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact. Mothers can safely breastfeed and stay in the same room as their newborns if they use appropriate face coverings and follow infection control procedures.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateJul 23, 2020

Quantum physicists crack mystery of 'strange metals,' a new state of matter

Researchers at the Flatiron Institute and Cornell University developed a robust theoretical model of strange metals, revealing their existence as a new state of matter. The model shows that strange metals exhibit properties linked to temperature and fundamental constants, with surprising connections to black holes and high-temperature ...

SourceSimons Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2020

Study identifies spread of bee disease via flowers

A Cornell University study found that one in eight individual bees had at least one parasite, with social bees more susceptible to infection. The researchers identified five common parasites transmitted through flowers, highlighting the importance of flower abundance and bee diversity in controlling disease spread.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 23, 2020

Electrons obey social distancing in 'strange' metals

Electrons in Planckian metals exhibit high-temperature superconductivity due to their desire for social distancing. By adjusting the ratio between kinetic energy and interaction energy, researchers created a model that captures the system's behavior down to absolute zero.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2020

A world drowning in plastic pollution

A team of global experts predicts that plastic waste flowing into the seas each year could more than double by 2040, with 710 million tonnes expected to be discarded into the environment. Improving waste collection services is seen as the single most effective step in reducing pollution.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalScience·DateJul 23, 2020

How does cooperation evolve?

A study by Max Planck Institute researchers found that multicellular clusters can promote cooperative interactions between organisms, leading to a previously unknown mechanism driving the evolution of mutual aid. This discovery challenges the traditional view of evolution as a competition for resources.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 23, 2020

Driving immunometabolism to control lung infection

Scientists at Trinity College Dublin discovered a way to manipulate human immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, tipping the balance in favor of patients. The study used an epigenetic inhibitor to release pro-inflammatory signals that aid in clearing the infection, promoting future vaccine strategies.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateJul 23, 2020

Online tools can improve autism diagnosis

The survey found that online tools can improve services in autism care by reducing delays, improving outcomes, and enabling families to access professionals remotely. The two approaches, Real-Time and Store-and-Forward methods, have good diagnostic accuracy and enable natural behaviors in the home setting to be observed.

SourceSwansea University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 23, 2020

Men 'less supportive' in more egalitarian nations

A new 42-country study reveals that men in more gender-equal societies are less likely to support women's causes and are more likely to hold hostile sexist attitudes. The research suggests that 'zero-sum' thinking, where gains for women equate to losses for men, is a significant barrier to achieving gender harmony.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·DateJul 23, 2020

If relaxed too soon, physical distancing measures might have been all for naught

A UCLA-led study suggests that relaxing public health measures too soon may lead to a similar number of infections as if distancing had never been implemented. The researchers used mathematical models to analyze data from local and national governments, highlighting the dangers of premature relaxation of distancing measures.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2020

Preventing the next pandemic

A team of researchers argues that investing $30 billion annually could pay for itself quickly by preventing the emergence of new viral pathogens. The proposed strategy focuses on monitoring and regulating the wildlife trade and reducing tropical deforestation, which are linked to two-thirds of emerging diseases in the past 50 years.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·DateJul 23, 2020

Peer mentorship can be more effective, accessible than traditional mentorship in academic medicine

A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus finds that peer mentorship groups are better suited for fostering success among underrepresented groups. These groups provide flexible support and can be established online, making them an ideal option during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateJul 23, 2020

Shifts seen in breeding times and duration for 73 boreal bird species over 40 years

A team of researchers found that 73 boreal bird species experienced a contraction in their breeding periods over a 43-year period, with most species starting to breed earlier and ending earlier. The study suggests that warmer temperatures may be causing this shift, allowing birds to take advantage of earlier food availability.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2020

FSU biologists shed light on how cells move resources

Researchers at Florida State University have discovered a key role for an adaptor protein in forming the outer structure of vesicles, which are essential for transporting molecules within cells. This finding sheds new light on how cells move resources and could potentially lead to breakthroughs in drug delivery and virus entry prevention.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 23, 2020

New CT scan method lowers radiation exposure

A new CT scan method splits a full X-ray beam into thin beamlets to deliver the same quality of image at a significantly reduced radiation dose. The technique has been shown to reduce exposure by up to 90% while maintaining image resolution, offering potential benefits for medical research and patient safety.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJul 23, 2020

Reef sharks in decline

A global survey of 371 coral reefs found that reef sharks are virtually absent from many ecosystems due to overfishing and destructive fishing practices. However, countries with strong governance and conservation efforts, such as Australia and the Bahamas, show promising results.

Young dolphins pick their friends wisely

Dolphins under age 10 form close bonds with peers to develop essential skills and social savvy, reflecting future reproductive strategies. Males and females have distinct social behaviors, with males prioritizing friendly interactions and females focusing on foraging and preparing for motherhood.

Mammal cells could struggle to fight space germs

A new study suggests that mammalian immune cells may be less effective at detecting and responding to microorganisms from other planets, potentially posing a threat to space missions. The researchers tested the immune response of mice to peptides containing amino acids rare on Earth but common on meteorites.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalMicroorganisms·DateJul 23, 2020

Kidney transplantation between people with HIV is safe, NIH study finds

A new NIH study demonstrates that kidney transplantation between people with HIV can be done safely and effectively. The study found excellent graft survival rates, comparable to those of recipients receiving kidneys from HIV-negative donors, without significant differences in infection or adverse events rates.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJul 23, 2020

Researchers capture cell-level details of curved cornea

A new optical coherence tomography (OCT) instrument has been developed to image the curved layers of the cornea with cell-level detail, enabling improved monitoring of eye diseases and general health conditions. The device provides a large viewing area, allowing for more precise counting of cells and nerves.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJul 23, 2020

Physicians urge hospitals to become 'artificial intelligence ready'

A group of doctors and data scientists propose creating clinical departments devoted to artificial intelligence to harness its power in transforming patient care. The plan aims to address issues such as inconsistent implementation, poor data quality, and overdependence on AI, and would bring together diverse expertise for faster benefits.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalBMJ Health & Care Informatics·DateJul 23, 2020

Increasing rates of preventable hospitalizations among adults with dementia

A recent study found that over 40% of hospitalizations among older adults with dementia were for potentially preventable conditions, such as pneumonia and heart failure. The study's lead author emphasized the importance of addressing sepsis and implementing patient-centered programs to improve outpatient care.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 23, 2020

New approach simultaneously measures EEG and fMRI connectomes

Researchers have developed a new method to measure the complex interactions between different brain areas using both electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This approach reveals linked dynamics between EEG- and fMRI-derived connectomes, providing insights into neural communication. The findings s...

Scientists chart SARS-CoV-2 origin and transmission in Brazil, harboring one of fastest growing COVID-19 epidemics in the world

Scientists charted SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Brazil, revealing that non-pharmaceutical interventions were insufficient to control the spread. The study found over 100 internationally-sourced virus introductions from Europe and estimates that more than 75% of Brazilian strains fell under three clades introduced during a specific period.

Software of autonomous driving systems

Researchers create simulation scenarios using ontologies to test autonomous driving systems, uncovering weaknesses and developing adaptive compensation methods to ensure system reliability and safety. The approach enables the detection of critical test cases that may not be feasible in real-world testing.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalSoftware Quality Journal·DateJul 23, 2020

Study finds decline in certain emergency hospitalizations during early phase of COVID-19

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found a significant decline in emergent medical, surgical, and obstetric hospitalizations during the early phase of COVID-19. The study reported a 35% decrease in weekly hospitalizations overall and a 45% decrease in hospitalizations not related to COVID-19.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 23, 2020

Do bicycles slow down cars on low speed, low traffic roads? Latest research says 'no'

A study by Portland State University researchers reveals that the presence of cyclists does not significantly slow down cars on low speed, low volume urban roads without bicycle lanes. The 1 mph differential in speed caused by cyclists was found to be negligible from a practical perspective.

SourcePortland State University·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateJul 23, 2020

Frequent social media use influences depressive symptoms over time among LGBTQ youth

Research finds that frequent social media use can negatively impact depressive symptoms among LGBTQ youth, but a social media-free summer camp shows promise in reducing symptoms. After attending the camp, participants experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, particularly those with high pre-camp social media use.

SourceEdward R. Murrow College of Communication·JournalJournal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health·DateJul 23, 2020