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Science News for October 7, 2020


New biomarker to prevent graft-versus-host disease in stem cell transplants discovered

MUSC researchers have identified a new biomarker that may predict which patients are at risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. High levels of plasmacytoid dendritic cells expressing ICOS ligand are associated with increased severity of GVHD and lower survival rates.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 7, 2020

Enhanced reimbursement to oncology clinics increases prescriptions of evidence-based drugs

A pay-for-performance program increased prescriptions of high-quality, evidence-based cancer drugs by 5.1 percentage points without significantly changing total spending on care. The program improved the rate of high-value prescribing in oncology, leading to better patient outcomes and longer life expectancy.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 7, 2020

A step toward a universal flu vaccine

A new study describes a vaccine that triggers an immune response against an influenza protein segment rarely mutated by the virus, raising the possibility of effective protection against seasonal and pandemic strains. The vaccine uses nanoparticles coated with flu proteins to train the immune system to create desired antibodies.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Systems·DateOct 7, 2020

Prevalence of suicide-related behaviors among physicians

A review of 35 studies found a lifetime prevalence of 17.4% for suicidal thoughts and 1.8% for attempts among physicians. Geographic region was linked to variations in suicidal behavior rates, with Europe showing higher prevalence than the US.

SourceWiley·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·DateOct 7, 2020

Why some friends make you feel more supported than others

A study found that participants rated themselves as receiving more support from a network of friends who were closely connected to each other. This cohesive group provided emotional support and a sense of belonging. The results suggest that having a strong social network is crucial for feeling supported, rather than just the number of ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychology Quarterly·DateOct 7, 2020

The Lancet Planetary Health: Restricting supermarket promotions of high-sugar food and drinks reduces sales without reducing store profits

A randomized controlled trial found that restricting merchandising of unhealthy products in stores reduced the purchase of sugar sweetened drinks and confectionery by 2.8%, resulting in a reduction of free sugar purchased from food and drinks by 2.8%. Despite these reductions, business performance was unaffected.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateOct 7, 2020

Taking the STING out of MND

Melbourne researchers have identified the primary immune pathway triggered by TDP-43 accumulation in MND patients, paving the way for a new treatment. By blocking the STING immune sensor, they can prevent inflammation and promote motor neuron survival, offering a vital first step towards a treatment therapy.

Paleontologists identify new species of mosasaur

A team of researchers led by Catie Strong identified a new mosasaur species, Gavialimimus almaghribensis, with a distinctive long, narrow snout and interlocking teeth. The discovery sheds light on the adaptations that allowed these ancient marine reptiles to thrive in competitive ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Systematic Palaeontology·DateOct 7, 2020

Physical activity and sleep in adults with arthritis

A new study identifies four profiles of 24-hour physical activity and sleep among adults with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and knee osteoarthritis. Younger age, lack of sitting jobs, and outside walking habits are associated with balanced activity.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateOct 7, 2020

The effects of oxytocin on social anxiety depend on location, location, location

A University of California - Davis study found that oxytocin produced in a specific area of the brain can increase stress-induced social anxiety behaviors in mice. The researchers also discovered that this effect is stronger in females, which could help explain why social anxiety disorders are more common and severe in women.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2020

Airdropping sensors from moths

University of Washington researchers develop a 98mg sensor system that can be released from drones or insects and land safely without breaking, collecting data for almost three years. The system uses a magnetic pin to hold the sensor, which is then released using a wireless command, allowing for remote monitoring in hard-to-reach areas.

Does general anesthesia increase dementia risk?

Researchers investigated exposure to general anesthesia versus regional anesthesia in elective surgery and found no long-term link to dementia. The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society study followed 7,499 individuals aged 66+ for up to 5 years.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 7, 2020

The benefits of a prostate cancer screening tool

The availability of mpMRIp in Australia has led to a significant reduction in prostate biopsies by an average of 354.7 per month. This is estimated to save $13.2 million annually, making it a financially sensible policy from a healthcare perspective.

SourceWiley·JournalBJU International·DateOct 7, 2020

Printing organic transistors

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have created a new method for printing organic transistors, which could lead to the development of new display technologies and wearable electronic products. The breakthrough uses a lyophobic surface and a special U-shaped metal-film pattern to create uniformly grown semiconductor films.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 7, 2020

First detailed look at how molecular Ferris wheel delivers protons to cellular factories

Researchers have figured out a key step in how molecular Ferris wheels work in yeast proton pumps, providing insight into a fundamental process that could be harnessed to thwart disease. The study uses high-resolution images and computer simulations to confirm the role of water molecules in conveying protons through the membrane.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 7, 2020

Genomic characteristics, transmission routes of patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 in Southern California during early stage of COVID-19 pandemic

A case series of 192 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients in Southern California investigated transmission routes and local community spread within the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The study found that multiple transmission routes existed, including household, healthcare-associated, and travel-related cases.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 7, 2020

Applying artificial intelligence to science education

Machine learning transforms traditional science assessment by tapping into complex constructs, improving functionality and facilitating automatic scoring. The technology is expected to redefine science assessment practices and change the future of education.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Research in Science Teaching·DateOct 7, 2020

The good cough and the bad cough

Researchers have identified separate brain pathways for good and bad coughs, potentially leading to new treatments for chronic cough disorders. The study used functional brain imaging to assess cough reflex sensitivity and identified two distinct neural circuits involved in coughing.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateOct 7, 2020

Looking for pieces of Venus? Try the moon

A new study proposes that pieces of Venus could have crashed on the moon, providing a possible solution for testing Earth-like environment theories. Ancient rocks from Venus are thought to contain valuable information about the planet's history and its interactions with asteroids and comets.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·DateOct 7, 2020

Discovery of a new key player in long-term memory

A McGill-led research team found that protein synthesis in inhibitory cells plays a crucial role in controlling long-term memory. The study identified two distinct processes taking place in excitatory and inhibitory networks, with each neuronal system capable of selective manipulation for memory control.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateOct 7, 2020

New research determines if political "air war" or "ground game" is most effective

A new study by Lingling Zhang and Doug J. Chung found that mass media advertising is more influential among independent voters, while grassroots outreach is more effective at reaching a candidate's base. The research also suggests that television advertising can persuade undecided voters to change their minds.

Facemask use has lesser consequences on indicators of cognitive performance than expected

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that facemask use does not affect indicators of cognitive performance when wearers are resting or performing moderate physical work in normal work-wear in hot environments. Wearing a facemask was shown to make it more difficult to breathe during physical work in a h...

Study confirms genetic link in cerebral palsy

A recent study published in Nature Genetics has confirmed the genetic link in cerebral palsy, revealing that rare gene mutations can cause this devastating movement disorder. The research, which analyzed DNA from 250 cerebral palsy families, found evidence of damaging genetic variants and inherited recessive gene variations.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 7, 2020

Study finds older adults using cannabis to treat common health conditions

A recent study found that 61% of patients who used cannabis began using it after age 60, primarily for medical purposes. The most common reasons for cannabis use were pain, insomnia, and anxiety, with patients reporting relief from these issues. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be aware of cannabis use amon...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 7, 2020

Trust and income inequality fueling the spread of COVID-19

A study by McGill University researchers found that trust in public institutions is associated with lower COVID-19 mortality rates, while social trust and belonging are linked to higher deaths. Greater economic inequality is also a significant factor, particularly in countries with large gaps between rich and poor.

SourceMcGill University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateOct 7, 2020