Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive December 2021 - Page 19


Page 19 of 33

Big-headed ancient fish had land on its mind

Researchers used CT scanning to study the cranium of Cladarosymblema narrienense, a 330-million-year-old fish that may have evolved into first four-limbed vertebrates. The analysis suggests a significant brain role in regulating endocrine glands and supports the monophyletic group of megalichthyid fish.

SourceFlinders University·JournalPeerJ·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2021

Your perception of self becomes blurrier over time

Researchers found that our concept of self becomes increasingly indistinct as we think about ourselves farther in the past or future, affecting decision-making and memory recall. The 'temporal self-compression' effect challenges traditional notions of identity and time perception.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2021

UCLA-led study provides first indirect evidence that PSMA PET/CT surpasses conventional imaging in detecting occult prostate cancer spread and predicting long-term course and outcomes

A recent UCLA-led study provided indirect evidence that PSMA PET/CT improves risk-stratification and prognostic capabilities for high-risk prostate cancer patients. The study found that PSMA nomogram outperformed existing tools in predicting clinical outcomes, suggesting its significance in disease course prediction.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2021

Stress, by itself, can lead to excessive drinking in women but not men

A study by Arizona State University found that stress alone can lead to excessive drinking in women, while men only drink more when they've already consumed alcohol. The research highlights the importance of studying sex differences in alcohol consumption and challenges existing models developed primarily for men.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2021

New study in primary liver cancer calls for novel strategies targeting a dynamic landscape of heterogeneous tumors

Researchers have described a dynamic genomic landscape of tumour heterogeneity in hepatocellular carcinoma, highlighting the need for novel strategies targeting heterogeneous tumors. The study, published in National Science Review, used multi-omic data to reveal variations in genetic and transcriptomic profiles across patients.

SourceSingHealth·JournalNational Science Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2021

The changing patterns of DNA microcapsules

Researchers at Tohoku University have successfully created capsule-like DNA structures using two different types of nanostructures that can stick together. These structures can form water-in-oil droplets with patch-like patterns depending on the concentration of each type, and can be used to carry substances to specific target organs o...

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 12, 2021

The future is here: Technion researchers and Sheba Medical Center have succeeded in engineering an ear

Researchers at Technion and Sheba Medical Center have developed a new technology for fabricating custom-made ear implants for microtia patients. The biodegradable auricle scaffold is 3D-printed using the patient's own cells, reducing the risk of complications and discomfort associated with traditional methods.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalBiofabrication·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2021

How can a protein help us remember?

Researchers have discovered the Apterous protein's crucial role in retaining memories through its interaction with the Chi cofactor and regulation of neurotransmitters. In fruit flies, Ap plays a double role in long-term memory consolidation, highlighting potential new treatment approaches for memory-related disorders.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 11, 2021

Moffitt study shows lymphoma patients can benefit from receiving CAR T sooner

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that using CAR T therapy as a second-line treatment provided better outcomes compared to standard care in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The two-year follow-up data showed a median event-free survival of 8.3 months in the CAR T arm versus 2 months in the s...

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 11, 2021

Researchers find climate change record in clam shells

Scientists have discovered a way to extract monthly and weekly ocean temperature records from the shells of tiny surf clams, revealing clues to Earth's past climate. The study uses a species of short-lived clam that has not been used before, allowing researchers to reconstruct sea surface temperatures and past climates with precision.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalChemical Geology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 11, 2021

Axi-cel CAR T cell therapy shows enhanced responses and continued benefit for high-risk lymphoma patients

Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center demonstrated axi-cel's efficacy in treating high-risk lymphoma patients with enhanced responses and prolonged survival benefits. The study showed improved outcomes for patients with indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma, with an estimated 81% overall survival rate at 24 months.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 11, 2021

Nasal vaccine may aid fight against new viral variants

A new study found that intranasal vaccination provides broad-based protection against respiratory viruses in mice, while systemic immunization did not. The nasal vaccine triggers a localized immune response through IgA antibodies, which can be used to add reinforcements at the source of infection.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Immunology·DateDec 10, 2021

Human-like brain helps robot out of a maze

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology developed a robot that can learn to move through a labyrinth using a human-like brain. The robot, based on the Mindstorms EV3 kit, uses synapses to 'tune' its resistance and navigate the maze in 16 runs. Its ability to generalize its learning makes it suitable for various applications.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2021

Tumor evolution

Researchers analyzed 140 neuroblastoma samples to understand the genetic changes associated with the disease. They found that mutations can disappear and reappear, occurring in distinct sections or individual cells, making targeted therapy less effective.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2021

River animals just go with the flow

Researchers observed diverse aquatic biota in post-flood communities, with changes in flow dynamics and water chemistry supporting biological adaptation. The study highlights the role of floods in shaping floodplain ecosystems.

SourceKyoto University·TypeObservational study·DateDec 10, 2021

Aging stiffens the blood vessels but their flexibility also fluctuates based on a woman’s hormone state

A study found that arterial stiffness increases with age, but hormonal fluctuations also play a role. Women's hormone levels, particularly estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone, were associated with stiffer arteries, while older women had stiffer vessels regardless of hormone status.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology·DateDec 10, 2021

AI models microprocessor performance in real-time

A new AI algorithm, APOLLO, accurately predicts microprocessor power consumption by analyzing just 100 signals out of millions, offering potential to improve efficiency and develop new processors. The technique has been validated on high-performance microprocessors and could help designers inform future chip design.

SourceDuke University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 10, 2021

A longer-lasting COVID vaccine? UCLA study points the way

Researchers at UCLA have identified rare T cells capable of targeting a protein found in SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. By adding a fragment of this protein to vaccines, they hope to create a longer-lasting immune response and increase protection against new variants. This breakthrough could lead to more effective COVID-19 vaccines.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2021

Access and equity around biodiversity data is at the forefront of international negotiations

The article highlights the importance of access and equity in sharing biodiversity data, with scientists warning that unequal distribution of genetic data and benefits is hindering innovation and conservation efforts. The CBD and Plant Treaty need reform to address this issue.

Infant stars identified at the center of our galaxy

Three young stars have been discovered at the center of our galaxy, contradicting initial assumptions about a gas and dust cloud called G2. The unusual temperature of G2 has sparked debate among astronomers, but new observations reveal it is actually composed of three evolving young stars.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateDec 10, 2021

Anaerobic digestion: NMR, a fast and reliable method for assessing the gas production potential of organic waste

Researchers used NMR analysis to determine lipid content in organic waste, achieving higher accuracy and speed than Soxhlet method. The new technique is faster, more accurate, and environmentally friendly, paving the way for improved anaerobic digestion processes.

New understanding of plant nutrient response could improve fertilizer management strategies

A new study reveals that balancing iron and phosphorus levels is crucial to prevent chlorosis, a condition associated with yellowing leaves. The research team found that removing phosphorus can help restore photosynthesis, highlighting the need for more environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2021

Can diamonds originate methane?

Researchers successfully reproduced the formation of methane from diamonds under high-pressure conditions, shedding light on the deep Earth's carbon cycle. This finding suggests that hydrocarbons like methane can be created without biological activities, which has significant implications for our understanding of the planet's climate.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2021

Affordability of medical care among Medicare enrollees

A survey study of 13,000 Medicare enrollees found that unaffordable medical care is prevalent among those with lower incomes or worse health conditions. The study highlights the need for healthcare policies to address this issue and ensure access to necessary medical care for all eligible individuals.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateDec 10, 2021

Development of a versatile, accurate AI prediction technique even with a small number of experiments

Researchers developed an AI technique to predict material properties using a small number of experiments, improving accuracy and facilitating digital transformation in materials development. The technique uses Bayesian optimization and incorporates measurement data into machine learning models.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalScience and Technology of Advanced Materials Methods·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 10, 2021

Women, older adults with college degrees more likely to feel socially isolated during COVID-19

A new study suggests that women and older adults with college degrees are more likely to report feeling socially isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research highlights the need for culturally sensitive initiatives to mitigate social isolation in vulnerable populations, including Hispanic and African American communities.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateDec 10, 2021