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Science News for December 29, 2021


Comparing response to radiation therapy for prostate cancer in Black, White men

The study combined seven randomized clinical trials with 8,000 patients to compare overall and treatment-specific outcomes of Black and white men with localized prostate cancer who received radiation therapy. The results showed that there were significant racial disparities in response to radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 29, 2021

Safer carbon capture and storage

Researchers from the University of Oxford investigated the behavior of CO2 within a depleted hydrocarbon reservoir in Louisiana, USA. They found that up to 74% of CO2 was dissolved in groundwater, while microbial methanogenesis converted 13-19% of the injected CO2 to methane.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 29, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

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COVID-19 can trigger self-attacking antibodies

Researchers found that people infected with COVID-19 develop a wide variety of autoantibodies up to six months after recovery, and these autoantibodies persist over time. The study suggests that understanding these autoantibody responses could help identify ways to treat and prevent long-term symptoms.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateDec 29, 2021

Easy-to-take medicine better at suppressing HIV in children

A global trial led by UCL found that a dolutegravir-based regimen reduced treatment failure among young people aged three to 18 by around 40% compared to standard treatments. The study also showed better growth and lipid profiles in children receiving dolutegravir, making it an effective option for treating HIV in children.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 29, 2021

Association of weight loss surgery with severity of COVID-19

A study of nearly 12,000 obese patients found that substantial weight loss achieved through weight loss surgery was associated with improved outcomes after contracting COVID-19, including lower risk of severe disease. The results suggest that weight loss surgery may help mitigate the severity of COVID-19 in individuals with obesity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateDec 29, 2021

Intestine ‘organoid’ grown in lab to see why bats live with viruses but don’t get sick

Scientists have grown rousette bat 'organoids' that reproduce intestines in vitro, providing a new model for studying virus-bat relationships. The organoids were found to be susceptible to certain viruses but not others, offering insights into why bats can host multiple pathogens without getting sick.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateDec 29, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Healthy diet in early pregnancy reduces risk of gestational diabetes

A study conducted at the University of Turku found that following a healthy diet in early pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes. The research revealed that a diet high in saturated fats and low in essential nutrients increases inflammation and raises the risk of gestational diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·DateDec 29, 2021

Study: Although they tend to be diagnosed with higher-risk prostate cancer, Black men undergoing radiation therapy have better outcomes than white men

A meta-analysis of seven randomized trials found that Black men with localized prostate cancer had lower recurrence, metastasis, and mortality rates compared to white men. The study challenges the common belief that Black men with prostate cancer have a worse prognosis.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 29, 2021

CNIO researchers shed light on the maturation of spliceosome, a cellular process involved in certain types of cancer

Researchers have shed light on the role of RUVBL1 and RUVBL2 proteins in the assembly and maturation of the spliceosome, a complex involved in cell splicing and alternative splicing. The study provides insights into the mechanisms responsible for the maturation of the splicing machinery.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 29, 2021

Substantial weight loss can reduce risk of severe COVID-19 complications

A Cleveland Clinic study found that prior weight loss achieved with bariatric surgery was associated with a 60% lower risk of developing severe COVID-19. Patients who underwent weight-loss surgery had better clinical outcomes, including reduced hospitalization and need for supplemental oxygen.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateDec 29, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Orphanhood declines with rise in HIV antiretroviral therapy and male circumcision

Research found marked decreases in orphanhood, especially double orphanhood, among adolescents in Rakai, Uganda, corresponding with the rise of antiretroviral therapy and male medical circumcision. The study suggests that HIV combination prevention reduces mortality among adults and orphanhood among their adolescent children.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateDec 29, 2021