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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 359


Page 359 of 510

More than the sum of mutations

A new algorithm can predict which genes cause cancer without DNA sequence changes. Researchers have identified 165 previously unknown cancer genes using machine learning technology, interacting closely with well-known cancer genes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateApr 12, 2021

Researchers identify surface protein as a new osteosarcoma therapeutic target for antibody-drug conjugates

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a new surface protein, MT1-MMP, as a promising therapeutic target for osteosarcoma. The protein is highly expressed on the surface of osteosarcoma cells but not in normal human tissues, making it an attractive target for antibody-drug conjugate therapy.

The indestructible light beam

Researchers at Utrecht University and TU Wien have developed special light waves that can bypass scattering in complex media, enabling precise imaging of objects. This breakthrough could revolutionize biological experiments, such as studying cells, by controlling light distribution inside tissues.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 12, 2021

Common approach to diversity in higher education reflects preferences of white Americans

A study by Princeton researchers found that universities adopting an 'instrumental rationale' for diversity, emphasizing benefits for all students, reflect the preferences of predominantly white Americans. This approach is associated with lower graduation rates and poorer outcomes for Black students.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2021

Study identifies specific antioxidants that may reduce oncogenic HPV infection in women

A study found that adequate levels of five antioxidants may reduce infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) strains associated with cervical cancer. Lower levels of serum albumin and four dietary antioxidants were linked to a higher risk of HPV infection, suggesting a potential nutritional strategy for prevention.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateApr 12, 2021

To combat gum disease, help oral bacteria evolve

A study published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that exercise can alter the oral environment, favoring less harmful bacteria in people with NAFLD and gum disease. This shift may help reduce inflammation and improve overall health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateApr 12, 2021

Efficient generations of complex vectorial optical fields with metasurfaces

Scientists develop a generic approach to generate arbitrary vectorial optical fields (VOFs) using metasurfaces, offering improved efficiency and control over polarization. They experimentally demonstrate the generation of VOFs in both far-field and near-field regimes with tailored wave fronts and inhomogeneous polarization distributions.

Living foams

A team of researchers has developed a computational framework that captures cell interactions and their impact on embryonic tissue dynamics. They found that dynamic forces and tension fluctuations are responsible for the fluid state of tissues during development.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 12, 2021

Differences in B cell responses to coronaviruses and other pathogens in children and adults

A new study finds that pre-pandemic children have higher frequencies of convergent B cell clones for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, while adult blood shows few such clones. The research suggests that early childhood B cell clonal expansions may stimulate cross-reactive memory, leading to better responses to novel pathogens.

Study snapshot: Disproportionate burden

A new study estimates that FAFSA verification costs public colleges and universities nearly $500 million annually, with community colleges spending 22% of their financial aid office budget on verification. The burden falls disproportionately on these institutions, which enroll nearly half of all undergraduates.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateApr 12, 2021

Blood vessel formation in damaged tissues with mussel adhesive protein

A novel adhesive patch platform has been developed by a research team at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) to efficiently deliver blood vessel-forming growth factors using mussel adhesive protein. The platform demonstrated effective neovascularization in rat models for myocardial infarction and excisional wounds.

Gut epithelium muscles up against infection

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered that the surface layer of the intestinal mucosa can contract in response to bacterial attack, preventing damage and promoting healing. This finding offers a potential solution to treating bacterial gut infections, which affect hundreds of millions worldwide.

SourceUppsala University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2021

Bioactive implant coatings resistant to most bacterial strains are obtained in Russia

Researchers from NUST MISIS have created innovative multilayer coatings that synthesizes protective properties of nanoparticles, biopolymers, anticoagulants, and antibiotics. The coatings demonstrated excellent bactericidal efficacy against antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains with a prolonged antibacterial effect up to 7 days.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalApplied Surface Science·DateApr 12, 2021