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Science News for June 17, 2020


Nanomaterial gives robots chameleon skin

Researchers at UC Riverside developed a new film made of gold nanoparticles that can respond to any type of movement, enabling robots to mimic chameleons. The material's complex patterns can be displayed through programming, opening up various applications such as underwater exploration and authentication features.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2020

Combination biomarker predicts response to immune checkpoint therapy in patients with advanced bladder cancer

Researchers discovered a novel combination of biomarkers from baseline tumor tissues that predict improved clinical responses and prolonged survival in patients with advanced bladder cancer. ARID1A mutations and CXCL13 expression were associated with better overall survival, suggesting potential patient selection improvements.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 17, 2020

Without intervention, a 70% reduction in strokes or death in patients with brain AVMs

A recent clinical trial published in The Lancet Neurology found that patients with brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) can experience a significant reduction in stroke risk and mortality when left alone to follow their natural course. In contrast, standard medical interventions may pose more harm than benefit.

Quantum diamond sensing

Researchers developed a new quantum sensing technique that allows high-resolution NMR spectroscopy on small molecules in dilute solution, achieving femtomole molecular sensitivity. This breakthrough enables chemical analysis and magnetic resonance imaging at the level of individual biological cells.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJun 17, 2020

Envy divides society

A game theoretical study by Claudius Gros shows that envy can lead to the emergence of social classes in a society. The study simulates individual behaviour in a competitive environment, where agents with different skills and opportunities interact.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJun 17, 2020

Virtual demolition

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a system that can virtually remove buildings, trees, or moving objects from real-time landscape simulations using deep learning and video game graphics engines. This technology may become standard for urban planning in busy areas with many distractions present, allowing for the visualizati...

SourceOsaka University·JournalEnvironmental Modelling & Software·DateJun 17, 2020

An excessive amount of propionic acid (PPA) in food preservatives may hinder brain development

A recent study published in Molecular Brain suggests that an imbalance of human gut microorganisms and excessive propionic acid consumption may contribute to autism. The researchers found that propionic acid disrupts autophagy, a natural cell mechanism, leading to reduced dendritic spine formation and hindering child brain development.

SourceKorea Brain Research Institute·JournalMolecular Brain·DateJun 17, 2020

Patient-personalized sequencing pipeline steps up sensitivity of tumor DNA monitoring

A patient-personalized sequencing pipeline, INVAR, enhances the sensitivity of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection in plasma samples. This technique analyzes hundreds of patient-specific mutations to detect ctDNA, enabling more accurate monitoring and potentially early relapse spotting.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 17, 2020

Managing pain after sports medicine surgery

Researchers found that 45% of patients had low levels of pain effectively managed by a non-opioid regimen, with no reported side effects. Patients who required opioids were more likely to have anxiety/depression and higher pain scores, highlighting the potential for reduced opioid use in surgical settings.

Microbes might manage your cholesterol

A team of researchers has discovered a species of gut bacteria that can affect cholesterol levels in humans. The discovery could lead to new therapeutics, such as probiotics or enzyme delivery to the gut, to help people manage their blood cholesterol levels.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateJun 17, 2020

RNA structures by the thousands

Researchers developed a high-throughput structure mapping method, Lead-Seq, to determine RNA structures in bacterial cells. The team successfully mapped the structures of thousands of RNAs simultaneously, including previously unknown 'RNA thermometers' that detect temperature changes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 17, 2020

Call for caution for using a CAR-T immunotherapy against acute myeloid leukemia

The use of CAR-T immunotherapy against acute myeloid leukemia is being reevaluated due to concerns over its impact on healthy hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Studies have shown that anti-CD123 CAR T-cells can inhibit normal hematopoiesis, leading to irreversible impairment in blood cell formation.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateJun 17, 2020

Liver perfusion could save 7 in 10 rejected donor livers

A major study published in Nature Communications reveals that normothermic machine perfusion assessment can recover enough livers from discarded donors to allow successful transplantation. This breakthrough technique has significant implications for the liver transplant waiting list and demand for transplants far outstrips supply.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2020

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Study from Chinese city of Guangzhou provides key insights on how COVID-19 spreads in households

A recent study from Guangzhou found that people with COVID-19 can be highly infectious before symptoms appear, with a high risk of transmission among household contacts. The analysis suggests that targeted interventions such as active case finding, isolation, and quarantine could significantly reduce the spread of the virus.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJun 17, 2020

Juicy genomics

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered over 230,000 DNA differences across 100 tomato varieties, allowing for rapid identification and evaluation of genetic mutations. This breakthrough enables breeders to create new crops with desirable traits, such as increased size and flavor.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalCell·DateJun 17, 2020

Custom-built to ready-made

A team of researchers from UC Santa Barbara, Caltech, and EPFL has developed a new technology that simplifies and condenses complex optical systems onto a single silicon photonic chip. This breakthrough allows for easy integration with traditional silicon chip production, significantly reducing cost and improving performance.

Air quality impacts early brain development

Researchers found abnormal growth and increased neuroinflammation in the brains of animals exposed to air pollution, suggesting a potential risk for changes in developing brain relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders. The study used rodent models to mimic real-time exposure to traffic-related air pollution.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJun 17, 2020

How fish got onto land, and stayed there

Research on blennies reveals that flexibility in diet and behavior allows fish to transition onto land, while specialization leads to successful adaptation. The findings provide insights into the challenges faced by fish out of water and offer a unique perspective on the evolution of terrestrial vertebrates.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateJun 17, 2020

Mild thyroid dysfunction affects one in five women with a history of miscarriage or subfertility

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that up to one in five women with a history of miscarriage or subfertility have mild thyroid dysfunction. Detecting thyroid abnormalities prior to conception may improve pregnancy outcomes for these women.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 17, 2020

What it means when animals have beliefs

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum have identified four criteria for understanding animal beliefs, including the ability to use information flexibly and recombine components in novel ways. These criteria are met by various species, such as crows, scrub jays, rats, chimpanzees, and border collies.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMind & Language·DateJun 17, 2020

AI goes underground: root crop growth predicted with drone imagery

Researchers have developed a machine learning platform that analyzes high-resolution drone images to predict root crop growth and health. This technology enables scientists to respond quickly to stimuli and breed more drought- and heat-resistant varieties, ultimately improving crop productivity and food security.

Better than cyclodextrins

Researchers have developed Pillar[n]MaxQ molecules that bind neuromuscular blocking chemicals with high specificity and strength. These new molecular containers show promise for eliminating toxins and malodorous substances in water, outperforming existing macrocyclic agents.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 17, 2020

Homeless likelier to go on ventilators for respiratory infections than the non-homeless

Researchers found that homeless patients with influenza were 9% more likely to be admitted from the emergency department and 58% more likely to be put on ventilators compared to other patients. The study highlights the importance of infection control among the homeless population, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 17, 2020

Healthy seas for the benefit of all

An international team is developing sustainable strategies for managing marine ecosystems, addressing global environmental change and ecosystem functions. The project combines data analysis and modelling to develop effective management approaches for coastal and oceanic environments.

Manipulating tiny skyrmions with small electric currents

Researchers at RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science successfully manipulated and tracked individual skyrmions, moving them using a small electric current. The breakthrough could lead to the development of more energy-efficient racetrack memory and neuromorphic computing devices.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 17, 2020

How the giant sequoia protects itself

The giant sequoia's bark has a three-dimensional network of fibers and air-filled cavities that distribute energy and insulate against heat. This unique structure helps protect the tree from wild fires and rock falls, with the bark returning to its original state after damage.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateJun 17, 2020