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Science News Archive 2021 - Page 476


Page 476 of 510

Germline whole exome sequencing reveals the potential role of hereditary predisposition and therapeutic implications in small cell lung cancer, a tobacco-related cancer

The study identified 42 deleterious variants in 35 genes among patients with small cell lung cancer, including MLH1, BRCA2, and MUTYH germline mutations. These variants were associated with increased risk of first-degree relatives with cancer or lung cancer and longer recurrence-free survival following platinum-based chemotherapy.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 27, 2021

A new study reveals an "Achilles heel" of cancer cells

Researchers discovered that cancer cells with an abnormal number of chromosomes (aneuploidy) are more sensitive to inhibition of the mitotic checkpoint, a cellular mechanism that ensures proper chromosome separation during cell division. This finding has important implications for personalized cancer medicine and drug discovery.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 27, 2021

In a tight spot

Researchers at Max-Planck-Gesellschaft found a neural circuit in zebrafish that enables them to focus on one stimulus over others, allowing for escape from predators. The circuit involves the tectum and nucleus isthmi brain regions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNeuron·DateJan 27, 2021

When is dead really dead?

A new international study documents the physiology of dying and confirms that death is an irreversible process. The DePPaRT study found that cardiac activity often stops and restarts several times during the dying process, but no one regained sustained circulation or consciousness. This provides evidence to support the current standard...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 27, 2021

History of the Champagne vineyards revealed

Archaeological grape seeds from excavations in Troyes and Reims provide insights into the history of Champagne wine growing. Wild vines were cultivated throughout the period studied, with domestic varieties emerging as early as the 1st century AD.

SourceCNRS·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 27, 2021

Detecting trace amounts of multiple classes of antibiotics in foods

Researchers have developed a method to simultaneously measure 77 antibiotics in various foods, including meat, eggs, milk, cereals, vegetables, and fruits. The new approach allows for the detection of multiple classes of antibiotics at trace amounts, which can contribute to increased antibiotic resistance and gut microbiome imbalance.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 27, 2021

Scientists discover a new promising target for diabetes treatment

Researchers have discovered a novel and druggable insulin inhibitory receptor named inceptor. Blocking its function leads to increased sensitisation of the insulin signalling pathway in pancreatic beta cells, allowing for potential protection and regeneration of beta cells for diabetes remission.

Adults with cognitive disabilities more than twice as likely to use e-cigarettes

A recent study published in Disability and Health Journal found that adults with cognitive disabilities were more than twice as likely to use e-cigarettes, highlighting a high-risk group for adverse health outcomes. The study also showed that men, young adults, and adults with COPD or depression were more likely to use e-cigarettes.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalDisability and Health Journal·DateJan 27, 2021

Optical scanner design for adaptive driving beam systems can lead to safer night driving

Researchers developed a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) optical scanner that enables better road safety by adjusting the driver's visibility based on speed and traffic environment. The system provides improved visibility, especially for pedestrians, and reduces glare from oncoming vehicles.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateJan 27, 2021

Support for self isolation must be a top priority, say experts

Experts argue that UK government should focus on supporting people in high-risk occupations and living conditions with free accommodation, income protection, and job security. A lack of resources and fear of financial consequences are major barriers to self-isolation, leading to low adherence rates among certain groups.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 27, 2021

Social support may not ease menopause symptoms

A study of over 2,700 women found that social support does not moderate the impact of stressful events on menopause symptoms. Women who experienced stressful events had a significant increase in symptoms, regardless of their level of social support.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 27, 2021

Well connected through amides

Researchers have developed a new reaction, called ASHA ligation, for efficiently forming amide bonds under mild aqueous conditions. This method is fast, chemoselective, and broadly applicable, opening pathways to new approaches in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 27, 2021

Offer COVID-19 vaccines to pregnant or breastfeeding people

Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should be offered COVID-19 vaccines based on ethical principles, considering individual autonomy and risk of severe illness. Although no adverse effects have been observed in vaccinated participants, those at high risk of severe COVID-19 should prioritize vaccination to protect themselves and others.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 27, 2021

How does the immune system keep tabs on the brain?

The immune system surveils the brain from a distance and only enters when it finds a problem. This finding explains why the brain was thought to be immunoprivileged. Targeting immune cells at surveillance sites may lead to new treatments for conditions driven by brain inflammation, such as multiple sclerosis.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell·DateJan 27, 2021