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Science News for August 24, 2021


Survival benefits not seen with addition of metformin to concurrent chemoradiation in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer

In the NRG-LU001 clinical trial, adding metformin to concurrent chemoradiation did not improve one-year progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The study found nearly identical overall survival rates between the two groups.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 24, 2021

Individualistic COVID-19 vaccine messages had best effect in US study

A US study published in Journal of Health Communication found that emphasizing individual health risks from COVID-19 leads to higher vaccine acceptance among participants. The researchers also discovered that loss framing was slightly more effective than positive gain framing, suggesting cultural and personal factors may play a role.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Health Communication·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Weight gain isn’t inevitable when you start college

A new study from the University of Georgia found that college students who were physically active before starting university remained so, while those with low motivation to exercise gained significant weight. The researchers recommend teaching children the importance of exercise and healthy eating habits.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateAug 24, 2021

Cellular communication agent

Stabilizing the NO signaling pathway has been achieved through the use of zinc complexes, which can bind to thionitrite and perthionitrite anions. This breakthrough reveals the importance of these intermediates in cellular communication, shedding light on their roles in vasodilation and cell protection.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

The combination of mask wearing and keeping windows open is best for reducing Covid-19 risk in cars, finds a new study

A new study from the University of Surrey found that keeping car windows open while wearing a mask is best for reducing Covid-19 risk in cars. However, this approach also increases occupants' exposure to toxic air pollution particles. The optimal balance is running air conditioning on ambient mode with windows closed.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEnvironment International·DateAug 24, 2021

Age-related decline in two sirtuin enzymes alters mitochondrial dynamics, weakens cardiac contractions

A preclinical study found that age-related decline in two sirtuin enzymes alters mitochondrial dynamics, weakening cardiac contractions in response to ischemia-reperfusion injury. Boosting SIRT1/SIRT3 levels may help protect against such injuries, potentially reducing heart attack complications and deaths.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalAging Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Low-cost sensors measure real-time volcanic smog exposure

A team of scientists used low-cost sensor networks to map pollution exposure in real-time during the 2018 Kīlauea Volcano eruption. The study provided highly granular estimates of human exposure to fine particulate matter and sulfur dioxide gas, enabling communities to make informed decisions about their health.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2021

Healthy sugar origin in stingless bee honey revealed

Researchers at the University of Queensland discovered that stingless bees produce a rare, healthy sugar called trehalulose, which is not found in other honey or as a major component in other food. Stingless bees convert sucrose to trehalulose and produce honey rich in trehalulose in their gut.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Nurse home visits for low-income expectant mothers show promising results for child development, mortality rates

Researchers found that nurse home visits for low-income mothers resulted in significant reductions in maternal and child mortality, including external causes of death and preventable causes. The study's findings support the benefits of Nurse-Family Partnership programs in improving pregnancy outcomes and child health.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 24, 2021

Albert Einstein College of Medicine and City University of New York researchers receive $14.5 million NIH grant to lead HIV studies in central Africa

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy have been awarded a five-year, $14.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue leading and expand their research on HIV treatment and care in five Central African nations. The effo...

Researchers aim to optimize disease prevention in prison populations with rapid testing

Researchers explored optimizing disease control in prisons using rapid tests, identifying the optimal strategy to minimize costs and reduce infection. The study found that switching between full and no testing depends on various parameters, including contagion rates and test sensitivity.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Control and Optimization·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 24, 2021

Bird communities threatened by urbanization

Research team investigates urbanization's impact on farmland bird communities in Bangalore, India, finding that urbanization homogenizes bird species, eliminating insect-eating birds essential for pest control. The study highlights the importance of preserving biodiversity to maintain ecosystem resilience and food production systems.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2021

Viruses leave traces for long after infection

Researchers have found that viruses like hepatitis B and C do not always kill infected cells, but instead cause long-term changes. These changes can affect genes related to cell division and metabolism, potentially contributing to increased risk of liver cancer in cured patients.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Early-warning system for sepsis shown to improve survival rates and cut hospital stays, new study finds

A new study found that an early warning system for sepsis improved patient outcomes by alerting healthcare providers to administer antibiotics sooner. The system, implemented in the emergency department, resulted in increased survival rates and reduced hospital stays for patients with sepsis.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCritical Care Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 24, 2021

The giant jurassic dinosaur Allosaurus was a scavenger, not a predator

New research from Portland State University suggests that Allosaurus, a large carnivorous dinosaur, acquired most of its calories by scavenging on sauropod carcasses. The study's agent-based model and morphological analysis support this hypothesis, challenging 150 years of established thought about Allosaurus' ecological role.

SourcePortland State University·JournalEcological Modelling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2021

Geneticists map the rhinoceros family tree

Researchers have helped fill gaps in the rhino evolutionary family tree by analyzing genomes of living and extinct species, finding that African and Eurasian lineages separated 16 million years ago and that low genetic diversity is a natural state for rhinoceroses, not a consequence of recent population declines

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2021

Psychological capital may be the antidote for working in a pandemic, WVU study suggests

A new WVU study found that psychological capital, including self-efficacy, optimism, hope, and resiliency, can help employees cope with the stress of working during a pandemic. Workers who used adaptive coping strategies fared better, but those relying on maladaptive behaviors experienced higher levels of stress.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalInternational Journal of Workplace Health Management·DateAug 24, 2021

These robots can move your couch

Student researchers at the University of Cincinnati developed artificial intelligence to train robots to work together to move a couch around obstacles and through a narrow door. The robots successfully completed the task 95% of the time in simulations, with nearly equal success without re-training.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalIntelligent Service Robotics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 24, 2021

Like Venom Coursing Through the Body: Researchers Identify Mechanism Driving COVID-19 Mortality

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has identified an enzyme called secreted phospholipase A2 group IIA as a key mechanism driving COVID-19 severity. The enzyme is found to be associated with increased mortality rates, particularly when its levels are high, and could provide a new therapeutic target for reducing ...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2021

A novel gene involved in male infertility: ZFP541

A new gene ZFP541 has been discovered by researchers at Kumamoto University to control the completion of meiosis in spermatogenesis. The study found that ZFP541 plays an essential role in regulating meiosis and is expressed in late meiotic prophase, binding to regulatory regions of meiosis-related genes.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Correlative chemical imaging directly in neurons

Researchers use super-resolution infrared imaging combined with X-ray fluorescence nano-imaging to study amyloid toxicity on a subcellular level. They found that the distribution of trace elements in neurons is related to molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease, offering new insights into preventing neuronal damage.

‘Safe and well tolerated’ - the prototype breathing device for covid patients

A low-cost prototype breathing device designed for poorer-resourced healthcare settings has shown promising results in a pilot trial involving healthy volunteers. The device provides continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy and operates with oxygen concentrators, which are commonly used in low-pressure systems.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalFrontiers in Medical Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Research sheds new light on decreased performance under pressure

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh conducted a study on three Rhesus monkeys, finding that their performance declined by up to 25% when offered a jackpot reward. The team also discovered a link between sensory motor processing and emotional processing in the monkeys' brains.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2021

High cholesterol fuels cancer by fostering resistance to a form of cell death

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified a mechanism where breast cancer cells use cholesterol to develop tolerance to stress, allowing them to resist ferroptosis and proliferate. This finding highlights the importance of lowering cholesterol in preventing cancer progression and offers new approaches for treatment.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Unlocking the secrets to sorghum’s adaptability

A reservoir of genes allowing sorghum to adapt to environmental stresses has been identified from 13 contrasting genomes. This genetic diversity is valuable for breeders, enabling them to improve crop yield and resilience. The analysis, led by the University of Queensland, provides unprecedented insights into the genome's dynamic nature.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Plants·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2021

Thinking of plastic surgery? Zoom in on this first

A study published in Marketing Letters found that analytical thinkers are more likely to undergo plastic surgery, while holistic thinkers are more forgiving of imperfections. The researchers suggest taking a holistic approach to consider the long-term impact of procedures on one's life.

SourceSt. Edward's University·JournalMarketing Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Diabetes among US children, teens

The prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes among US children and teens rose significantly from 2001 to 2017. Researchers estimated an increase in diabetes cases across all age groups during this period, with the largest increases seen among younger populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 24, 2021

Using your smartwatch to reduce stress

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a smartwatch technology that can monitor and help lower stress levels by detecting changes in skin conductance response. The device sends reminders to listen to relaxing music when stress is detected, forming a closed-loop system.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalIEEE Access·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 24, 2021

NIH-funded study finds overall rate of drug use among 10-14 year-olds remained stable during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic

A recent NIH-funded study found that the overall rate of drug use among 10-14 year-olds remained stable during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, with adolescents experiencing stress and hardship being most likely to use substances. The study also detected shifts in substance types, with alcohol use declining and nicotine use increasing.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2021

Racial differences in recovery following sports-related concussion identified in young black and white athletes

A study found that young Black athletes recovered faster from sports-related concussions, returning to school sooner and experiencing less impact on daily activities. In contrast, White athletes took longer to recover, with changes in sleep patterns and increased risk of post-concussion depression.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2021

New study provides structural insights into how cholesterol in the brain regulates ion channels and alters their function; findings could facilitate the development of therapeutics for neurological diseases

Researchers identified physical binding sites for cholesterol in GIRK channels, which play a role in neurodegenerative diseases. The study provides structural insights into how cholesterol alters channel function, paving the way for drug development.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 24, 2021

Teaching an old dog new tricks: An existing drug opens new possibilities for treating child leukemia

A study from Linköping University found that the tumour-inhibiting gene TET2 is silenced in most cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children. The gene can be reactivated by treatment with an existing drug, 5-azacytidine, suggesting a targeted therapy for ALL in children.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

The effect of metabolic syndrome traits on atherosclerosis can be reduced by increasing cardiorespiratory fitness already in childhood

A new study found that increasing childhood cardiorespiratory fitness can reduce the adverse effects of metabolic syndrome traits on atherosclerosis. The researchers discovered a two-way connection between arterial health and fat mass, with healthy arteries associated with higher fat mass in children.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2021

Mount Sinai study identifies significant inequalities among low-risk births, finds higher rates of unexpected complications for Black and Hispanic infants

A Mount Sinai study found significant inequalities among low-risk births, with Black and Hispanic infants experiencing higher rates of unexpected complications. Hospital quality was identified as a key contributor to these disparities, with lower-quality hospitals serving more Black and Hispanic women.

New research in rural Costa Rica suggests community-based monitoring can improve water management

New research published in PNAS suggests that community-based monitoring can improve water management in rural Costa Rica by reducing groundwater extraction and improving water quality. The program, which used a smartphone application and WhatsApp, showed modest but significant effects after one year.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 24, 2021

Record-breaking lithium-metal cell

Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have developed a record-breaking lithium-metal battery with an energy density of 560 Wh/kg, retaining 88% capacity after 1000 cycles. The battery features a nickel-rich cathode and a dual-anion ionic liquid electrolyte, which significantly improves stability.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2021

Researchers developing new cancer treatments with high-intensity focused ultrasound

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology is being explored for its potential to destroy cancerous tumours while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Researchers at the University of Waterloo have made significant progress in understanding how HIFU works on a cellular level, paving the way for future clinical trials.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalBulletin of Mathematical Biology·DateAug 24, 2021