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Science News for July 2, 2021


Oncotarget: Loss of CPAP in oral cancer

The loss of expression of a microtubule/tubulin binding protein, centrosomal protein 4.1-associated protein, causes increased EGFR levels and signaling in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Depletion of CPAP enhances tumorigenicity, while EGFR depletion attenuates EMT features.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·DateJul 2, 2021

More than half of wheelchair users with spinal cord injury needed repairs in past 6 months

A study of 533 wheelchair users found that over 50% needed repairs within the past six months, resulting in significant financial cost and personal consequences. The research aimed to identify trends regarding which users or wheelchairs are more likely to need repair and how to reduce these negative consequences.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateJul 2, 2021

Why does Mercury have such a big iron core? Magnetism!

A new study from the University of Maryland disputes the prevailing hypothesis on Mercury's big core, instead attributing it to solar magnetism. The model shows that a planet's core density and proportion of iron are correlated with the strength of the sun's magnetic field during planetary formation.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProgress in Earth and Planetary Science·DateJul 2, 2021

Kansas State University virologists publish new findings on SARS-CoV-2 treatment option

Researchers found that animal models infected with SARS-CoV-2 treated with a deuterated protease inhibitor had significantly increased survival and decreased lung viral load. The results suggest that postinfection treatment with inhibitors of proteases essential for viral replication may be an effective treatment against SARS-CoV-2.

SourceKansas State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2021

Cancer: Immunotherapies without side effects?

Researchers from UNIGE and Harvard Medical School have discovered the difference between desired immune responses targeting cancer cells and unwanted responses affecting healthy tissue. By understanding these differences, they aim to develop new therapeutic approaches that minimize toxic side effects and maximize treatment efficacy.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Immunology·DateJul 2, 2021

Novel strategy for natural product biosynthesis

Researchers at the University of Freiburg have identified a novel flavoprotein dioxygenase crucial for bacterial tropone biosynthesis. The enzyme activates oxygen in a previously unknown way and incorporates it into a chemical precursor compound, generating the basic structure of tropone.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 2, 2021

American Journal of Medical Quality supplement explores innovative solutions to health care quality and performance improvement

Selected abstracts from the 2020 Vizient Connections Education Summit explore interventions to address health equity and reduce patient length of stay. An intervention framework was developed to identify events related to biases, while a statistical dashboard uses data to optimize resource allocation and track progress.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Quality·DateJul 2, 2021

Microbes in cow stomachs can break down plastic

Researchers discovered that bacteria from cow stomachs can digest certain types of plastic, including PET, PBAT, and PEF. The study found that the microorganisms can break down these plastics more effectively than single microorganisms, representing a promising eco-friendly approach to reduce plastic litter.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateJul 2, 2021

Smart technology is not making us dumber

According to a recent paper in Nature Human Behaviour, smart technology is not dumbing us down. Instead, it's augmenting human cognitive abilities, allowing us to excel in complex tasks. By leveraging tools like GPS and computers, we can free up brain energy to think creatively.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJul 2, 2021

Poorer survival in obese colorectal cancer patients possibly linked to lower chemotherapy doses

A meta-analysis found that obese patients with colorectal cancer receive lower cumulative doses of adjuvant chemotherapy relative to their body surface area than non-obese patients. This may explain the poorer survival rates observed in obese patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. The study suggests that obese ...

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·DateJul 2, 2021

Solving a long-standing mystery about the desert's rock art canvas

Researchers have solved a long-standing debate about the origin of rock varnish in deserts by attributing its formation to microbial communities that use manganese to combat the desert sun. The study used advanced techniques such as X-ray spectroscopy and DNA sequencing to understand how these ecosystems interact with rock varnish.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2021

Surprise bills for childbirth

A new study estimates surprise bills for deliveries and newborn hospitalizations are frequent, affecting thousands of families annually. Researchers found that out-of-network claims from clinicians and ancillary service providers are a leading cause of surprise bills.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJul 2, 2021

Closer to cure: New imaging method tracks cancer treatment efficacy in preclinical studies

Researchers develop a non-invasive imaging method to track IDO1 activity, providing a promising alternative to invasive biopsies. The study found that IDO1 status in the mesenteric lymph node is a surrogate marker for cancer-immune set point and predicts immunotherapeutic efficacy.

SourceThe National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateJul 2, 2021

New solution for sleep apnoea

Researchers have successfully repurposed two existing medications to reduce the severity of sleep apnoea in people by at least 30 per cent. The study showed that reboxetine and butylbromide increased muscle activity around participants' airways, reducing the number of breathing stoppages and improving oxygen intake.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateJul 2, 2021