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Science News for February 9, 2021


Combination therapy with radiation shows promise in treating glioblastoma

Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a new approach combining an anti-psychotic drug, a statin and radiation to improve overall survival in mice with glioblastoma. The triple combination extended median survival 4-fold compared to radiation alone, providing hope for improved treatment options.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 9, 2021

Shining a light on the true value of solar power

Researchers found that grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) owners are undercompensated in most of the U.S., as the value of solar eclipses net metering and two-tiered rates. This study provides a generalized model to evaluate the economics of grid-tied PV systems, showing substantial future regulatory reform is needed.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateFeb 9, 2021

Unusual DNA folding increases the rates of mutations

Research reveals that regions of the human genome with unusual DNA folding tend to have higher mutation rates than others. The study found that non-B DNA sequences, which can fold into different conformations, play a major role in determining regional variation in mutation rates across the genome.

SourcePenn State·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateFeb 9, 2021

Vaccine confidence grows under new administration, latest CUNY SPH Survey reveals

New Yorkers' acceptance of the Covid-19 vaccine has significantly increased under the Biden Administration, with 64% reporting they would take it in January, up from 55% in September. Disparities persist across racial and ethnic groups, but the largest increase was seen among Black respondents. The survey also found that employed indiv...

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateFeb 9, 2021

Radiation vulnerability

A new study reveals that the behavior of p53, a key tumor-suppressor protein, over time determines whether tissues can survive radiation exposure. In vulnerable tissues, p53 levels remain high, leading to cell death, while in more radioresistant tissues, p53 levels oscillate, allowing cells to survive.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 9, 2021

Peanut allergy affects even more U.S. adults than children

A new Northwestern University study found 2.9% of US adults have a current peanut allergy, with approximately one in five experiencing severe reactions each year. The study also revealed that patients who developed their peanut allergy after age 18 are less likely to report having an epinephrine auto-injector prescription.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateFeb 9, 2021

Expanded spina bifida guidelines cover prenatal to adult care

The updated guidelines provide holistic approach to care, emphasizing quality of life and health beyond traditional medical issues. Key areas covered include bowel function, mental health, mobility, and sexual health, aiming to improve patients' lives across the lifespan.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2021

How accurate are first impressions on a first date?

Researchers from McGill University found that people who report greater personal well-being are easier for others to perceive on a first date. This suggests that individuals with higher self-esteem and life satisfaction may be more authentic in their interactions, making them more accessible to accurate interpretation.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateFeb 9, 2021

Challenges of animal ownership during the pandemic should be considered

A study by the University of York found that animal owners in the UK reported increased appreciation for their pets during the pandemic, with many perceiving them as a reliable source of emotional and physical support. However, concerns about caring for animals, accessing veterinary care, and financial uncertainty were also expressed.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 9, 2021

Story tips from Johns Hopkins experts on Covid-19

A commentary by Johns Hopkins experts highlights the need for standardized data collection and analysis to inform policy decisions and strategies. They propose creating a consensus task force to define metrics and refine them over time, enabling public health leaders and healthcare organizations to identify effective solutions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2021

New evidence linking eggs, cholesterol to cardiovascular death

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that whole egg consumption was positively associated with increased all-cause mortality, while egg whites or substitutes were negatively associated. Replacing half a whole egg with egg whites/substitutes reduced cardiovascular disease mortality by 3%.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2021

Regular walnut consumption may reduce negative outcomes of H. pylori infection

Researchers found that walnut extracts may create protective proteins and anti-inflammatory actions in the gut to safeguard against H. pylori infection and resulting cancer. The study suggests a promising non-bacterial approach to reduce symptoms of H. pylori infection, warranting further clinical trial investigation.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, Seattle·JournalJournal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition·DateFeb 9, 2021

Blueprint for understanding the pandemic

Researchers create epidemiological blueprint to decipher SARS-CoV-2 transmission, identify new variants, and understand reproductive rates. The blueprint enables better response to emerging threats, including potential 'spillback' from animals to humans.

Quantum causal loops

A new theory of causality in quantum theory proposes cyclic causal loops, challenging classical intuitions. The study offers a novel understanding of exotic processes with indefinite causal order, which can be explained through unitary transformations.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 9, 2021

Children's finger length points to mothers' income level

Research suggests that high-income mothers tend to produce higher levels of testosterone, leading to a more masculinized fetus, while low-income mothers produce lower levels of testosterone, resulting in a more feminized fetus. This phenomenon has been linked to increased disease risk, including cardiovascular disease and mortality.

SourceSwansea University·JournalJournal of Biosocial Science·DateFeb 9, 2021

The Lancet Planetary Health: Millions of lives saved annually by 2040 if countries raise their climate ambitions to meet Paris Agreement targets, modelling study suggests

A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health highlights the benefits to health if countries adopt climate plans consistent with the Paris Agreement. Adopting such policies could save up to 6.4 million lives due to better diet, cleaner air, and increased exercise per year across nine countries.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateFeb 9, 2021

RUDN University ecologist suggested a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in animal farming

A RUDN University ecologist proposes a two-step approach to minimize greenhouse gas emissions from animal farms by evaluating carbon footprints and analyzing measures to reduce emissions. The method aims to balance soil carbon sequestration with atmospheric CO2 reduction, with potential reductions of up to 5 megatons of CO2 equivalent ...

SourceRUDN University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateFeb 9, 2021

Experiment shows how our visual system avoids overloading

Scientists conducted an experiment to study the capability of the visual system to automatically categorize objects. They found that the brain reacts differently to standard and deviant stimuli, indicating automatic sensory discrimination. The study contradicts the assumption that the visual system only categorizes by simple features.

Starling success traced to rapid adaptation

A new study reveals that European Starlings in North America underwent rapid local adaptation, adjusting to temperature and rainfall variations through subtle genetic changes. The species' massive population size enabled the spread of beneficial gene variants across generations.

SourceCornell University·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateFeb 9, 2021

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has updated its practice points on the use of remdesivir in treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The new guidelines aim to target patients who are most likely to benefit from treatment, recommending a duration of treatment based on symptom duration and disease severity. According to the upda...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2021

Chemists identified necessary conditions for successful synthesis of small molecules

A team of chemists from Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University and Saint Petersburg State University identified the necessary conditions for successful synthesis of small molecules. They found that differences in electronic properties of substituent groups determine the reaction speed, with electron-accepting substitutes reacting fast...

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalTetrahedron Letters·DateFeb 9, 2021

How diseases and history are intertwined

A Stanford University seminar discovered that vector-borne diseases had a profound impact on historical societies, with some populations developing immunity while others were decimated. The researchers found that diseases often preyed on inequities in society, leaving marginalized groups most at risk.

SourceStanford University·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 9, 2021

Racism and anti-gay discrimination heighten risk for arrest and incarceration

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that perceived racism, sexual orientation discrimination, and HIV-status discrimination are associated with increased risk for criminal justice involvement. The research highlights the compounding effect of intersecting forms of social inequality on health outcomes.

Texas Heart Institute develops breakthrough heart ablation evaluation system

The Texas Heart Institute has developed a breakthrough ex vivo benchtop system for evaluating the effects of ablation systems on excised tissues, shedding light on the need for esophageal temperature monitoring during HPSD ablation. The study highlights the importance of safety measures in clinical settings and paves the way for furthe...

SourceTexas Heart Institute·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Electrophysiology·DateFeb 9, 2021

Small and medium-sized firms use social media to reach and persuade new customers

A recent study published in International Business Review found that small and medium-sized firms increasingly rely on social media to find and persuade new international customers. However, digital communication tools dominate finding and persuasion phases, while traditional methods are used for customer relationship management.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Business Review·DateFeb 9, 2021

Making good decisions about COVID-19

Researchers David Rode and Paul Fischbeck argue that decision sciences can play a crucial role in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. They emphasize the importance of collecting accurate data on population infection rates to inform decision-making and policy development.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalRisk Analysis·DateFeb 9, 2021

Parents of pediatric cancer patients more likely to endorse COVID-19 misinformation

A new study led by VCU Massey Cancer Center researcher Jeanine Guidry found that parents of children with cancer are more susceptible to COVID-19 misinformation. The study, published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, suggests that pediatric oncology providers should be aware of this issue and proactively address it during visits.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 9, 2021

New CRISPR tech targets human genome's complex code

Researchers have developed a new genome editing tool that targets histone proteins in the nucleus, regulating DNA expression. The programmable CRISPR/Cas9-based kinase offers insights into controlling regulatory histone proteins and has potential applications in treating cancer and other diseases.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 9, 2021

Collective worm and robot 'blobs' protect individuals, swarm together

Researchers discovered how collective worm behavior helps blobs survive longer against desiccation and respond to temperature gradients and intense light. By studying the worms' movements and interactions, scientists gained insights into the principles of living systems that can be applied to human-designed swarm robots.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 9, 2021

Covid-19 vs conservation - how the northern white rhino rescue programme overcame challenges

The BioRescue project, a northern white rhino conservation program, faced significant challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite international travel restrictions and revenue losses, the consortium successfully continued research and made progress in embryo creation and stem-cell techniques.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalJournal of Applied Animal Ethics Research·DateFeb 9, 2021

Bats on the rise

Researchers tracked bats using mini GPS loggers and linked flight data to weather patterns, revealing a roller-coaster flight behavior where bats ascend and descend rapidly. The study found that bats can reach speeds of up to 135 km/h and use topography and nocturnal updrafts to fly high and fast.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 9, 2021