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Science News for October 26, 2021


Cells move by controlling the stiffness of their neighbours

Researchers discovered cells can regulate neighboring cell stiffness to facilitate movement, a finding that could aid in understanding developmental disorders and cancer metastasis. This novel mechanism may provide a strategy for slowing or preventing cancer spread by altering tissue stiffness.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Citizen scientists’ contributions a boon to snowpack modeling, OSU research shows

Researchers from Oregon State University have found that citizen scientist contributions significantly improve snowpack modeling, particularly in high mountain environments. The study leverages data collected by thousands of citizen scientists through the NASA-funded Community Snow Observations project.

SourceOregon State University·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 26, 2021

The fate of vegetable and endogenous indoles in our body

A recent study has identified the superior antitumor efficacy of LTr1 over commercialized compound DIM, revealing new insights into the metabolism of indole-3-carbinol. The research team discovered that LTr1 is formed through the Michael addition of 3-methyleneindolium to DIM in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 26, 2021

Fibroblasts could serve as new key to enhancing personalized treatment for lung cancer patients

A new study identifies three functional subtypes of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) in lung cancer, which correspond to patients' treatment responses. These subtypes have distinct biological functions and therapeutic implications, suggesting that CAFs could serve as a key to enhancing personalized treatment for lung cancer patients.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalCancer Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Fossil dental exams reveal how tusks first evolved

A new study reveals that tusks originated from ancient mammals before the dinosaurs, with dicynodonts being their closest living relatives. The researchers defined what makes a tusk and found that some dicynodont teeth are indeed tusks, while others have large teeth.

SourceField Museum·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateOct 26, 2021

SMART researchers discover new way to generate light through use of pre-existing defects in semiconductor materials

SMART researchers have discovered a practical method to overcome current challenges in the manufacture of indium gallium nitride (InGaN) LEDs with considerably higher indium concentration. The new approach uses intrinsic defects in semiconducting materials to form quantum dots that emit long-wavelength light.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalACS Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Enhanced touch screens could help you ‘feel’ objects

Texas A&M researchers are advancing technology to give touch devices the ability to mimic physical objects, enriching virtual environments and reducing audiovisual overload. The goal is to create predictive models for designing devices with maximum haptic effect and minimum sensitivity to users and environmental variations.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeNews article·DateOct 26, 2021

Singapore study introduces new strategy to treat advanced liver cancer

A Singapore clinical trial has introduced a new way to treat advanced hepatocellular carcinoma by combining nivolumab, an immunotherapy drug, with yttrium-90 resin microspheres radioembolisation. The study shows promising results in treating intermediate and advanced HCC, with an overall response rate of 30.6%.

SourceSingHealth·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 26, 2021

The secret of ultralight but stiff sandwich nanotubes

Researchers from the University of Groningen and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory created ultra-lightweight yet extremely stiff porous materials by stacking carbon tubes with a strutted tube-in-tube structure. This innovative design enables new applications in micro-electromechanical systems and other small devices.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 26, 2021

Radiofrequency ablation of typical atrial flutter combined with atrial tachycardia

A new case study describes successful radiofrequency ablation of typical atrial flutter combined with atrial tachycardia in a 63-year-old patient with pulmonary heart disease. The procedure was performed using the carto3 system, but initial results were inconsistent until remapping confirmed focal atrial tachycardia location.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateOct 26, 2021

Total androgen suppression with dose-escalated radiotherapy does not improve overall survival in men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer: Results highlight need for biomarker studies

The NRG-RTOG 0815 trial found that adding androgen suppression to dose-escalated radiotherapy did not improve overall survival, but reduced rates of biochemical failure and distant metastases. Future studies are needed to identify subsets of patients who may benefit from this intervention.

New study reveals heart patients ‘orphaned’ following aortic dissection repair despite ongoing risk of complications and death

Patients who survive aortic dissection repair are at risk for complications and death due to inadequate post-surgical follow-up care. A new study found that only 14% of patients received guideline-recommended imaging surveillance, leaving them vulnerable to a lifetime of sustained risk.

SourceUniversity Health Network·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2021

New X-ray technology: Dark-field X-ray technology improves diagnosis of pulmonary ailments

Researchers at Technical University of Munich have developed a new X-ray method for respiratory diagnostics using dark-field chest imaging, allowing for early detection and treatment follow-up of respiratory ailments. The technology reduces radiation dose by a factor of fifty compared to traditional computed tomography.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Scientists discover phenomenon of ultra-long spin relaxation in 2D Van Der Waals magnetic materials

Researchers discovered ultra-long spin relaxation behavior in 2D van der Waals magnetic materials using an all-optical technique. The study reveals the key role of dimensionality and thermal diffusion anisotropy in spin dynamics, providing a research basis for high-frequency devices.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·Journal2D Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Adult stem cells transform faster with two lasers

Scientists from the University of Johannesburg found that shining two lasers on adult stem cells accelerates their transformation into different types of cells. The consecutive irradiation increases proliferation and differentiation under laboratory conditions, paving the way for potential therapies to repair damaged tissues.

SourceUniversity of Johannesburg·JournalBiochimie·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

U-M Apple Watch Study provides an unprecedented look at the health status of a diverse patient population

The MIPACT study analyzed data from thousands of participants, revealing differences in heart rate, blood pressure, and activity levels by age, race, ethnicity, and clinical conditions. The study's findings have significant implications for clinicians, providing a more complete picture of daily life and resulting health.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·DateOct 26, 2021

Using overpasses as shelter from tornado?

Researchers from the University of Rhode Island studied the interaction between tornado-strength winds and highway overpasses, finding no evidence of wind acceleration under an overpass. The study, published in Physics of Fluids, suggests that using an overpass as a shelter during a tornado may not be safer than other options.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Comparison of a 5 F microtube-irrigated ablation catheter and a general ablation catheter in the treatment of resistant hypertension with renal denervation

A new study published in Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications found that a microtube-irrigated ablation catheter was more effective than a general ablation catheter in reducing blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension. The study, which followed 60 patients for 12 months, also showed that the microtube-irrigated cat...

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateOct 26, 2021

Long-term immune response to Sputnik-V COVID vaccine

A study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that the Sputnik-V COVID vaccine elicits both robust antibody and T-cell responses. The research suggests that long-term immunity is possible, supporting the effectiveness of the vaccine against local virus variants.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2021

Scientists find a way to stabilize a promising material for solar panels

Researchers from KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a synthetic alloy that increases perovskite cells' durability while preserving energy conversion performance. The new material can survive for several minutes completely immersed in water, retaining its efficiency for over 100 days after manufacturing.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Fossil dental exams reveal how tusks first evolved and why they are unique only to mammals

Researchers shed light on the evolution of mammalian tusks by tracing them back to ancient mammal relatives called dicynodonts. Dicynodonts had protruding tusks in their upper jaws, but they were not always true tusks – instead, some had enamel-coated teeth that did not fit the definition.

SourceHarvard University, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateOct 26, 2021

Women politicians drive spending on education and healthcare -- to a point

Research by University of Colorado Boulder found that women's representation in national legislatures drives spending on education and healthcare. Spending increases sharply when women occupy 15-35% of seats, but levels off beyond 40%. The study suggests critical mass theory is not dead.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPolitical Science Research and Methods·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2021

Large-scale study of bacterial spot of tomato illuminates the pathogen’s diversity throughout Florida during a production season

A large-scale study characterized 585 strains of the Xanthomonas perforans bacterium in Florida commercial tomato fields, finding associations between farms and transplant facilities as key points of pathogen spread. This research provides insights into the diversity of the pathogen population and potential control strategies for farmers.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Why some Darwin’s finch nestlings have yellow beaks

A study published in Current Biology found that a mutation affecting the expression of a key carotenoid pigment gene is responsible for the yellow color of some Darwin's finch nestlings. The genetic basis for this variation was poorly understood, but researchers were able to identify the underlying mechanism using modern genetic tools.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2021

Mapping the impact of tiered pricing reform on China’s residential electricity use

A study in China finds that the country's tiered pricing reform has reduced residential electricity use by 6.5 kWh per household on a county-level basis, accounting for 6.1% of monthly usage prior to the reform. The policy change also shows promise as a tool for guiding residents to use electricity more efficiently.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalChina Economic Quarterly International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2021

How robots can rule roads

Experts say that connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) can reduce road casualties, but require a framework for ethical goals to meet their potential. The introduction of CAVs will depend on the development of new rules and regulations.

SourceFlinders University·JournalEthics and Information Technology·TypeCase study·DateOct 26, 2021

Horse hyperimmune antibody may help the fight against COVID-19, Brazilian study finds

A Brazilian study demonstrates that a hyperimmune serum consisting of purified antibody fragments produced in horses can be an efficient approach to combat covid-19. The neutralizing activity of the sera has been proved to be high against the P.1 (Gamma) and P.2 variants, improving animal clinical conditions in hamsters.

Study finds genetic markers may predict severity of COVID-19 infection

Scientists at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have identified specific genetic biomarkers in blood samples that can indicate the severity of COVID-19. The study's findings suggest that these signals can be used to monitor SARS-CoV-2 status and predict clinical outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 26, 2021

NTU Singapore scientists create device that uses ‘light tweezers’ to trap and move viruses

Researchers developed a device that uses light to manipulate and isolate individual viruses, enabling precise diagnosis, treatment, and study of viruses. The device has the potential to aid in vaccine development and research on SARS-CoV-2 virus, allowing for targeted analysis of specific virus mutants.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalACS Sensors·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Annual Report to the Nation Part 2: Patient economic burden of cancer care more than $21 billion in the United States in 2019

A new report reveals that cancer patients in the US bear a significant financial burden, with total out-of-pocket costs reaching over $21 billion in 2019. The majority of these costs are associated with breast and prostate cancers, which are among the most prevalent types in the country.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateOct 26, 2021

Main renal artery plus branch ablation in the treatment of resistant hypertension with renal denervation

A new study found that main renal artery plus branch ablation improves blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension, a condition where traditional treatments fail. The procedure, which involves denervating the kidney's sympathetic nerves, showed promising results with no significant long-term benefits.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateOct 26, 2021

Broadband spintronic-metasurface terahertz emitters with tunable chirality

Researchers developed a novel spintronic-metasurface terahertz emitter that generates broadband, circularly polarized, and coherent terahertz waves. The design offers flexible manipulation of the polarization state and helicity with magnetic fields, enabling efficient generation and control of chiral terahertz waves.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

How a natural disaster can bring couples closer

A new study found that couples in the Houston area experienced a significant increase in relationship satisfaction after Hurricane Harvey, despite previous research suggesting stress spillover would decrease satisfaction. The researchers discovered that those who were unhappy before the hurricane saw the largest jumps in satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPsychological Science·TypeSurvey·DateOct 26, 2021

Alzheimer’s disease may cause vicious circle between brain network and immune cell dysfunctions

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes discovered that non-convulsive epileptic activity drives chronic brain inflammation in Alzheimer's models, which can be reversed by eliminating protein tau or using the anti-epileptic drug levetiracetam. This link between brain networks and immune cells may hold promising treatments for Alzheimer's di...

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournaliScience·DateOct 26, 2021

Children with autism twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts, according to new research from Kennedy Krieger

A new study by Kennedy Krieger Institute found that children with autism spectrum disorder are twice as likely to report suicidal thoughts during routine medical screenings. The study highlights the importance of implementing suicide risk screenings for all children, especially those with neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourcePROFILES, Inc.·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateOct 26, 2021

Discovery of a new species of fish thanks to sounds

Researchers have identified a new species of damselfish, Dascyllus emamo, based on distinct sounds emitted during mating and territorial defense in different populations. The discovery was confirmed through genetic analysis, revealing significant differences between the sound-producing populations.

SourceUniversity of Liège·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2021

What causes disease outbreaks?

A study by the University of Georgia's Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases identified contaminated water as the most common driver of large-scale zoonotic disease outbreaks. The researchers analyzed over 4,400 outbreaks and found that unusual weather patterns and changes in vector abundance were also significant contributors.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateOct 26, 2021

Warmer water, less nutrition

Researchers found that warmer seawater temperatures decreased the nutritional content of giant kelp, a vital food source for many marine species. This decline could lead to population declines among consumers of kelp, including fish, invertebrates, and shorebirds, with far-reaching effects on entire ecosystems.

D-dimer test still helpful to rule out pulmonary embolisms in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Researchers found that a screening blood test for major blood clots in the lungs is still useful for ruling out pulmonary embolism in COVID patients, with low D-dimer levels indicating no clot presence. The test can help avoid more expensive and invasive diagnostic tests, reducing patient safety risks.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2021

Transplants for alcohol-related liver inflammation surge during pandemic

During the pandemic, registrations for alcoholic hepatitis and deceased donor liver transplants increased by over 50%, associated with rising alcohol sales. Alcoholic hepatitis can lead to permanent scarring and long-term damage if left untreated, highlighting the need for public health interventions around excessive alcohol consumption.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 26, 2021