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Science News Archive December 2021 - Page 13


Page 13 of 33

Molecular switch for addiction behavior

A research team at Heidelberg University and Paris discovered a protein called Npas4 that regulates the structure and function of nerve cells controlling addiction behavior. Reducing Npas4 levels led to weaker responses to cocaine in mice, suggesting a biological basis for addiction.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalEMBO Reports·DateDec 15, 2021

KEYNOTE-811: Pembrolizumab combination as a potentially transformative treatment for HER2-positive gastric cancer

The KEYNOTE-811 trial demonstrates a significant improvement in objective response rate (74.4%) and tumor size reduction compared to trastuzumab and chemotherapy. The combination of pembrolizumab, trastuzumab, and chemotherapy markedly reduces tumor size and induces complete responses in some patients.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 15, 2021

Now scientists can efficiently screen billions of chemical compounds to find effective new drug therapies

Researchers at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences have created a process that increases the chances of finding effective drugs in a fraction of the time and at significantly less expense than current methods. V-SYNTHES, a virtual method developed by Vsevolod Katritch and colleagues, uses synthons to efficiently puzzle t...

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 15, 2021

Virtually guided exposure therapy improves outcomes in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, preliminary study finds

A pilot study found that virtually guided prolonged exposure therapy reduced PTSD symptoms more effectively than traditional exposure alone, using real-time psychophysiology to tailor stress levels. Most patients saw a clinically significant reduction in their PTSD Checklist score after 10-12 sessions.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Magnetism-induced topological transition in magnetic topological phase EuAs3 proved by SHMFF users

Researchers at Hefei Institutes of Physical Science and SHMFF demonstrated a magnetic ordering and external magnetic field can induce topological transition in EuAs3, featuring massive Dirac points, inverted bands, and topological surface states. The study explores the interaction between magnetism and electronic band structure topology.

Negative capacitance in topological transistors could reduce computing’s unsustainable energy load

Researchers have discovered that negative capacitance in topological transistors can switch at lower voltage, potentially reducing energy losses. This new design could help alleviate the unsustainable energy load of computing, which consumes about 8% of global electricity supply.

Making apple spirits taste better

Measuring apple liquors' conductivity can provide a more objective assessment of their processing, allowing for better flavor quality. The study found that monitoring conductivity during distillation can identify the best conditions for producing high-quality apple spirits.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Food Science & Technology·DateDec 15, 2021

Study shows how HIV copies itself in the body

Researchers discovered that HIV chooses its viral RNA genome based on a two-nucleotide difference, which could be targeted by new drugs. This finding has implications for future HIV treatments and is an important scientific step towards understanding the virus's replication process.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2021

Adults with positive facial expressions while eating vegetables help kids consume more than double the amount of vegetables – research

Research by Aston University psychologists found that children who watched adults eat green vegetables with positive facial expressions consumed more than double the amount of those vegetables. The study suggests that smiling while eating can encourage children to try and eat more, especially less popular vegetables like broccoli.

SourceAston University·JournalAppetite·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2021

New study associates mask laws to reduction of COVID-19 deaths

Countries without face mask mandates experienced significantly higher COVID-19 deaths per million than those with mandates, according to a new study. Masks provided a supplementary layer of protection that could prevent unnecessary deaths.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 15, 2021

New study reveals how epithelial cells in the body naturally eliminate “precancerous” ones

Researchers have identified a novel immune-like mechanism by which healthy epithelial cells recognize and eliminate precancerous cells through a MHC class I-LILRB3 interaction. This process generates mechanical force to extrude the precancerous cells from the body, offering new hope for cancer prevention and treatment.

SourceWaseda University·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

One mutation or two? Researchers in Spain discover why some genes require one or two hits to promote cancer

A study by Spanish researchers has deciphered the landscape of third-order interactions in cancer, revealing that many genes involved in cancer may require one or two hits depending on other mutations. This discovery opens the way to more precise genetic diagnosis and new therapeutic targets.

A smart livestock farming solution

A team of researchers from the University of Groningen developed an AI-based system that can identify individual Holstein cows in a milking station based on their coat pattern. The system achieved a recognition rate of 99.7% and has several advantages, including non-invasiveness, cost-effectiveness, and scalability.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalExpert Systems with Applications·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 15, 2021

Ionic-liquid-modified non-precious metal catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction -- temperature effect

Researchers investigated the effect of temperature on Ionic-liquid-modified non-precious metal catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions, demonstrating that IL modification significantly increases ORR activity and stability, even at elevated temperatures. The study confirms the SCILL concept's potential in improving LTFCs.

NIH researchers identify potential AMD drugs with stem-cell based research tool

Researchers developed a dish-based model that replicates the characteristics of dry age-related macular degeneration, allowing them to screen over 1,200 drugs for their ability to slow or halt disease progression. Two drugs, Aminocaproic acid and L745, showed promise in inhibiting key phenotypes associated with AMD.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Effective combination cancer treatment

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute have discovered a combination of rapamycin and a radiopharmaceutical that can effectively inhibit tumour growth, improving treatment outcomes for medullary thyroid cancer. The new therapy uses mini-gastrin coupled with lutetium-177 to target cancer cells more efficiently.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalPharmaceutics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

New research in JNCCN raises concerns about clinical trial bias from undisclosed censoring

A recent study published in JNCCN found that 33 out of 81 studies lacked transparency on censoring, which can introduce bias and affect trial results. The researchers emphasize the need for improved transparency and reporting in clinical trials to ensure patients and clinicians make informed decisions.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateDec 15, 2021

Digital microscale electrochemical energy storage devices helps to build a fully connected and intelligent world

Researchers highlight importance of digital microscale electrochemical energy storage devices in building a fully connected and intelligent world. They discuss design principles, material selection, and fabrication processes for these devices, which are crucial for seamless integration with various electronic systems.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 15, 2021

Daylight causes road damage

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have discovered that visible light, particularly in the blue and green range, accelerates the oxidation of bitumen, leading to cracking and damage to asphalt. This unexpected finding highlights the importance of considering solar radiation in estimates for road durability.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021