Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2021 - Page 53


Page 53 of 510

Ludwig Lausanne team devises a method to selectively grow tumor-targeting T cells for cancer therapy

Researchers have devised a new method, NeoScreen, to generate large numbers of immune cells specifically engineered to recognize neoantigens and destroy tumors. This approach significantly improves the identification of patient-specific neoantigens, holding promise for the development of personalized immunotherapies.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateNov 15, 2021

Show me, don’t tell me: Operational transparency increases trust, support of government

A new study by Harvard Business School researchers found that increased operational transparency leads to higher levels of trust and engagement with government. By providing photographs of government addressing service requests, users submitted 60% more requests than those without visual cues.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2021

Weekly electronic reporting of symptoms improves care for patients with advanced cancer

A nationwide study found that patients who reported their symptoms weekly using a digital tool received more timely treatment, leading to improved physical function, symptom control, and quality of life. The PRO-TECT trial showed statistically significant improvements over the current standard of care.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 15, 2021

New technology improves antibiotic treatment decisions

Zheng's sensor can determine effective antibiotics for treating bacterial infections in patients, providing detailed information about microbial growth faster and more sensitively than conventional approaches. The device achieves single-cell spatial resolution and 15-second temporal resolution over a centimeter-scale field of view.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

COVID-19 vaccine effective in patients with lung cancer results from a French study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology

A new study found that SARS-CoV2 vaccines are safe and effective in patients with thoracic cancer, with an 88% immunization rate after a third dose. The study also showed that older age, chemotherapy, and corticosteroid treatment were associated with lower immunization rates.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·TypeCase study·DateNov 15, 2021

Neurobiologists identify a new gene important for healthy daily rhythms

A new gene called Tango10 has been identified as critical for daily behavioral rhythms, modulating the activity of neurons to drive the animal's sleep-wake cycle. The study suggests that targeting this molecular pathway could lead to therapeutics to address sleep problems and related human diseases.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

Budtenders, healthcare providers seek more training as cannabis use rises sharply in perinatal women

A study found that budtenders and healthcare providers are seeking more training on interacting with pregnant and breastfeeding women about their cannabis use. Healthcare providers have a negative opinion of the effects of cannabis use, while budtenders perceive marijuana as a safer alternative to perinatal alcohol or cigarette use.

SourceWashington State University·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 15, 2021

Common blood pressure drug does not slow down the progression of more advanced Alzheimer’s, study finds

A phase 2 clinical trial found that losartan, commonly used to treat high blood pressure, did not significantly slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease in people with mild-to-moderate symptoms. However, the drug may still be beneficial for those with early-stage disease if prescribed for longer periods.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 15, 2021

Researchers discover new insights about tau proteins in people living with ALS

A study published in Brain Pathology found elevated levels of tau protein in the brains of people with ALS who carry a mutation in the C9orf72 gene. The researchers also identified new genetic mutations in the tau gene and discovered that the ratio of different forms of tau protein may be an indicator of disease progression.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalBrain Pathology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2021

Medical training takes a mental toll, but less than a decade ago

A 13-year study tracked the mental health of new doctors during their most stressful time, showing a significant reduction in depression scores over the past decade. The study suggests that reduced work hours, increased sleep, more feedback from supervisors, and greater use of mental health care contributed to this change.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2021

Woodrat microbiomes: It’s who you are that matters most

A University of Utah team analyzed woodrat gut bacteria and found that evolutionary history plays the greatest role in shaping microbiome structure. Diet and geography also influenced microbiome composition, but host relatedness was the strongest predictor in both wild and captive populations.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

COVID patients on SSRI antidepressants are less likely to die, UCSF-Stanford study finds

A large US-based analysis of electronic health records found that people taking SSRI antidepressants, particularly fluoxetine, were significantly less likely to die from COVID-19. The results add to evidence suggesting SSRIs may have beneficial effects against the worst symptoms of COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 15, 2021

As we develop, the brain connects lessons learned differently

A new study found that adults and children make inferences about connections between experiences in different ways. Children create separate memories and compare them to make inferences, while adults build integrated memories with inferences already baked in. This difference may be due to differences in brain development and maturation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

Where does gold come from? — New insights into element synthesis in the universe

Researchers used computer simulations to investigate the conversion rates of neutrons and protons in accretion disks surrounding black holes, finding that disks with masses between 0.01 to 0.1 solar masses are optimal for heavy element production. This suggests that neutron star mergers producing such disks could be the origin of a lar...

SourceGSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 15, 2021

Researchers target a mouse’s own cells, rather than using antibiotics, to treat pneumonia

Researchers at NIH have discovered a therapy that targets host cells rather than bacterial cells in treating bacterial pneumonia. By boosting macrophage eating capacity using EETs inhibitors, they reduced bacteria numbers in lung tissue and improved treatment outcomes.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

Ultra-large single-crystal WS2 monolayer

Researchers develop new epitaxial growth mechanism to achieve large-scale single-crystal WS2 monolayers, overcoming a crucial hurdle in replacing silicon with 2D materials. The technique enables uniform alignment of small crystals and leads to the successful growth of wafer-scale single-crystals of WS2, MoS2, WSe2, and MoSe2.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

Artificial intelligence–based method predicts risk of atrial fibrillation

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed an AI-based method to predict atrial fibrillation risk based on electrocardiogram data. The method was highly predictive, especially in subsets of individuals with prior heart failure or stroke, and could serve as a pre-screening tool for patients at risk.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCirculation·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 15, 2021

Automated texting system saved lives weekly during first COVID surge

Researchers found that patients enrolled in COVID Watch, an automated texting system, were 68% less likely to die than those not using it. The system used algorithmically guided text message conversations with patients and was credited with saving 1.8 lives per 1,000 patients at 30 days.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 15, 2021