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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 17


Page 17 of 510

Specific metabolic dependencies of cancer cells revealed by perturbation with tailored chemical library offer new therapeutic possibilities

Researchers identified specific metabolic vulnerabilities in leukemia cell lines, including sensitivity to PI3K and fatty acid synthase inhibitors. The study highlights the potential for targeted cancer therapy by exploiting these dependencies.

When the brain switches from hearing to listening

Researchers at the University of Basel traced the neuronal fingerprint of sound processing in mouse brains, finding ten distinct activity patterns that depend on factors like attention, arousal, and reward. These findings suggest that even simple sound detection is a cognitive process that profoundly shapes brain activity.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2021

Killing pain without hurting the body: Novel compound that is potentially safer than current drugs

Researchers discover novel compound AD732 with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, outperforming standard NSAIDs while causing minimal harm. The compound may be a safer alternative for treating pain and inflammation in difficult diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 14, 2021

Study combines climatic, tectonic models to explain Andean conundrum

A new study reveals that modern top-down climate-related factors combined with traditional bottom-up tectonic models can help uncover the history of the Andes Mountains. The research suggests that a submerged volcanic hotspot chain, known as the Juan Fernandez Ridge, plays a crucial role in shaping the Andes' unique tectonic setting.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2021

Darwin’s finches ‘evolve’

A new study found that Galápagos Islands Darwin's finch females who spend longer inside the nest can ward off deadly larvae of the introduced avian vampire fly, improving offspring survival. The maternal buffer is a life-saver, especially during the first days after hatching.

SourceFlinders University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 14, 2021

Antibiotics can be first-line therapy for uncomplicated appendicitis cases

A recent review article by Duke University Medical Center suggests that antibiotics can be an effective first-line therapy for uncomplicated appendicitis cases, treating up to 70% of cases. However, the definitive treatment option remains surgery, usually done laparoscopically, for severely inflamed appendices or high-risk patients.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 14, 2021

New algorithm by Pusan National University scientists can repair missing data in event logs with superior accuracy

Researchers from Pusan National University have developed an algorithm to restore missing data in event logs, improving restoration accuracy by 10-30% compared to existing algorithms. The high accuracy of the new algorithm ensures its widespread application in industries and potential improvements in AI technologies.

SourcePusan National University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Services Computing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2021

Anti-gay slurs not targeted just at gay men

A new study by Nathan Grant Smith and colleagues found that straight men use anti-gay slurs not due to their sexual orientation but to protect traditional masculine norms. The study suggests that threatening straight men's status can trigger the use of such slurs, highlighting a significant problem in our culture.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalCurrent Psychology·DateDec 14, 2021

Identifying rare disease-associated genetic variants in patients with severe schizophrenia

Researchers have found that individuals with extremely treatment-resistant schizophrenia carry a higher burden of rare, damaging genetic variants than those with typical schizophrenia. This study suggests that focusing on patients with severe forms of the illness could improve the detection of disease-associated genetic variants.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2021

Extinct megafauna prone to ancient ‘hunger games’

A team of researchers has uncovered a previously unrecognised process contributing to the disappearance of ancient megafauna communities across south-eastern Australia. Changing food supply driven by climatic changes or human land use in the Late Pleistocene era might have facilitated the extinction of the biggest herbivores.

SourceFlinders University·JournalEcography·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 13, 2021

New gene-writing technology to obtain more effective and safe therapies developed

Researchers have developed Find Cut-and-Transfer (FiCAT) technology, a tool capable of accurately writing small and large genes. FiCAT allows precise insertion of large fragments into the genome, enabling development of therapeutic solutions for diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy and hereditary blindness.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2021

New treatment combination without chemotherapy is effective in PH+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia

A new treatment combination of dasatinib, blinatumomab, and prednisone has shown promise in treating older patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The trial achieved a three-year DFS rate of 80 percent and an overall survival rate of 85 percent for enrolled patients.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 13, 2021

Researchers of CONTAIN study say convalescent plasma likely had benefit in early days of COVID-19; could be used early in next pandemic

A landmark study found that convalescent plasma was safe and effective in treating early COVID-19 patients, particularly those with weakened immune systems. The trial showed improved outcomes in patients given high-titer plasma during the first quarter of the pandemic.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 13, 2021

Marathon experiment reveals quirks of quarks

The Marathon experiment has provided new insights into the distribution of quarks, particularly the down quark, as a function of momentum. The study suggests that nuclei may be built using quasi-particles with changed internal quark structures, a paradigm shift in atomic physics.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 13, 2021

New inexpensive method to detect lime in soil

University of Adelaide scientists developed a new simple and inexpensive method to detect low concentrations of agricultural lime in soils. The Mid Infrared spectroscopy technique allows for accurate detection of very small amounts of lime, enabling farmers to manage their soils more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalGeoderma·DateDec 13, 2021

Live-streaming ads for alcohol, junk food increased during pandemic

A Penn State study found that live-streaming ads for alcohol, energy drinks, and junk food significantly increased during the pandemic, targeting young viewers. The researchers discovered that energy drinks made up nearly 80% of marketing, while ads for restaurants and soda were also prevalent.

SourcePenn State·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2021

Superhero behavior sheds light on staying healthy in later life

Researchers analyzed Marvel movies to understand aging trajectories and outcomes among superheroes. They found that physical activity, social cohesion, and a positive mindset are essential for healthy aging, while negative behaviors such as loud noises and smoking increase the risk of dementia and disability.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2021

Computer-, smartphone-based treatments effective at reducing symptoms of depression

A meta-analysis of 83 studies found that digital interventions improved depression symptoms over control conditions, but the effect was not as strong as face-to-face psychotherapy. Digital treatments with human components were most effective in reducing symptoms, particularly when accompanied by human guidance.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 13, 2021

No more ‘patch and go’: Revolving emergency departments must deliver more for victims of child abuse and neglect

Researchers found alarmingly high attendance rates at hospital emergency departments for children, teens, and adult victims of child abuse and neglect. Children exposed to child maltreatment have substantially increased risk of attending emergency departments during childhood and early adulthood.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeCase study·DateDec 13, 2021

Personality traits predict performance differently across different jobs

A new study by researchers at the University of Arkansas found that personality traits, such as conscientiousness and extraversion, have varying effects on job performance across different occupational groups. The study's findings suggest that jobs with moderate complexity are ideal for relying on personality traits to predict performa...

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 13, 2021

An enemy within: Pathogens hide in tissue

Research at University of Basel discovered that certain areas in tissue allow bacteria to survive despite antibiotic therapy. Immune system plays a critical role in eradicating bacteria, and boosting defenses with immune therapy can lead to more effective clearance.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2021

Gene Network changes associated with cancer onset and progression identify new candidates for targeted gene therapy

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have identified a key class of genetic changes associated with cancer, which may be missed by current gene expression analyses. These 'hub genes' play a central role in shaping the network structure of cancer cells and could serve as new targets for targeted gene therapy.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournaliScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 13, 2021

Common sleep disorder combo could be deadly

A study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that people with both insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea are at a higher risk of heart problems and mortality. Participants with co-morbid insomnia and sleep apnoea were two times more likely to have high blood pressure and 70% more likely to have cardiovascular disease.

SourceFlinders University·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 13, 2021