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Science News for October 21, 2020


Tumor DNA in spinal fluid could help doctors better monitor childhood brain cancer

Researchers have developed a portable DNA sequencing technology to detect tumor DNA in cerebrospinal fluid, allowing for rapid and reliable monitoring of high-grade gliomas. This approach overcomes traditional barriers to diagnosing and treating pediatric brain cancer, offering a non-invasive alternative to invasive surgeries.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateOct 21, 2020

Dual brain imaging provides insight into neural basis of patient-clinician relationship

Researchers used a novel MRI-based approach to study the interaction between patients and clinicians, finding that mirroring in facial expressions and brain activity can affect the patient-clinician bond and treatment. This study suggests that the clinical encounter has a measurable impact on the brain, emotions, and clinical outcomes.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 21, 2020

Good vibrations for new energy

Scientists at Flinders University have created a new type of nanogenerator that can capture power from environmental vibrations, enabling the development of wireless charging systems and implantable energy harvesting devices. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we generate and use energy.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNano Energy·DateOct 21, 2020

A new way of looking at the Earth's interior

Researchers have found that the Earth's mantle has a different composition to its upper layer, contradicting long-held assumptions. Lab experiments and seismic wave analysis suggest that silicon is present in the lower mantle, not the core.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2020

Spectral CT improves detection of early-stage coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that spectral CT with electron density imaging can improve the assessment of lung lesion extent in patients with COVID-19. The results showed that lesion extent was easier to ascertain on electron density images, and ground-glass opacities were more conspicuous.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateOct 21, 2020

Tocilizumab doesn't ease symptoms or prevent death in moderately ill COVID-19 inpatients

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that tocilizumab does not reduce the need for breathing assistance with mechanical ventilation or prevent death in moderately ill hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The treatment was tested on 243 patients with high levels of inflammation and pneumonia, fever, or low ...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 21, 2020

Researchers provide most detailed and complete record yet of Earth's last magnetic reversal

A team of researchers in Japan has created the most detailed and complete record yet of Earth's last magnetic reversal. The study reveals that the geomagnetic field became unstable at least 10,000 years prior to the magnetic direction change 773,000 years ago, and the full reversal process took at least 20,000 years.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalProgress in Earth and Planetary Science·DateOct 21, 2020

Cutting cancer off at the head

Researchers have developed a new diagnostic tool that can detect cancer cells in small blood samples and connect them to their original tumor. This method has shown significant correlations between circulating tumor cells and tumor expression levels, allowing for targeted therapeutic agents to be used more accurately.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalCancer Science·DateOct 21, 2020

Ice loss likely to continue in Antarctica

A new international study by Monash University reveals that Antarctica's ice loss is expected to continue unabated for a long time, even if climate change is brought under control. The study found that rapid ice loss rates in the recent geological past were similar to those observed in rapidly changing parts of Antarctica today.

SourceMonash University·JournalGeology·DateOct 21, 2020

Deep magma facilitates the movement of tectonic plates

Scientists have discovered that a tiny amount of molten rock, less than 0.7% by volume, is present in the asthenosphere under all oceanic plates, reducing the viscosity and 'decoupling' them from the underlying mantle. This research improves our understanding of plate tectonics and how it drives plate movement.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateOct 21, 2020

Millions, in record numbers, seek police reforms

A new study reveals that millions of people in the US have searched for information on Google regarding police reform, with searches increasing by over 150-fold in the days following George Floyd's death. The study found that specific reform topics such as police union reform and training had high search volumes across all states.

SourceElevated Science Communications·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateOct 21, 2020

How fear encourages physical distancing during pandemic

A new study by University of Houston researchers found that negatively presented information and 'Mr. Deadly COVID-19' scary face can significantly strengthen the message, increasing compliance with physical distancing guidelines. The study suggests using preventive language to persuade consumers to avoid close contact.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalService Industries Journal·DateOct 21, 2020

The highest heat-resistant plastic ever is developed from biomass

Researchers at JAIST and U-Tokyo successfully developed a thermodegradable aromatic polymer with the highest heat resistance of all reported plastics, using cellulosic biomass as feedstock. The plastic exhibits superior thermostability over 740°C and is lightweight, making it suitable for circular economy applications.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Sustainable Systems·DateOct 21, 2020

More turkey dinners for people with celiac disease?

A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that tryptophan, an amino acid present in turkey, combined with certain probiotics, can help individuals with celiac disease heal and manage symptoms. The research suggests targeting tryptophan metabolism in the gut may offer a potential therapy for better symptom control.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 21, 2020

Genomic differences may be key to overcoming prostate cancer disparities

African American men are more susceptible to prostate cancer due to immune-oncologic differences, which can be exploited for personalized treatment options. The study found elevated immune pathways and higher expression of T lymphocytes in African American prostate tumors, suggesting better responses to radiotherapy and immunotherapy.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateOct 21, 2020

Existing heart drugs may help cancer patients respond better to PD(L)1 immunotherapy

Researchers found that angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), commonly used for high blood pressure and heart failure, may increase the likelihood of responding to anti-PD(L)1 therapy. Patients taking ARBs showed a statistically significant improvement in objective response rate and complete response rate compared to those not taking them.

Five key factors for improving team learning in distance education

The redesigned course overcomes obstacles of collaborative learning online, including teacher confidence, student resistance, and plagiarism. The five key elements - student-focused and active, structured in phases, multi-format, 360 assessment, and proactive online professor - improve student satisfaction and teamwork skills.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalAmerican Journal of Distance Education·DateOct 21, 2020

Study finds go-to hormone for cycad propagation ineffective

A new study published in HortScience found that the commonly used rooting hormone IBA has no effect on cycad propagation, contrary to previous research. The study's findings highlight the need for further research on cycads and could improve conservation efforts in countries where commercial IBA products are difficult to obtain.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalHortScience·DateOct 21, 2020

In pursuit of alternative pesticides

Scientists are developing safer alternatives to chlorpyrifos, a widely used insecticide linked to human health problems and environmental damage. Researchers are testing biodegradable hydrogel beads, targeted soil treatments, and root-based applications to minimize exposure in agricultural workers.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 21, 2020