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Science News for August 8, 2022


Researchers developed a small molecule that makes immunotherapy available to all cancer patients

Researchers developed a small molecule that effectively controls tumor growth by inhibiting PD-1/PD-L1 binding, overcoming accessibility and cost issues of existing antibody treatments. The new molecule has advantages in terms of affordability and oral administration, making immunotherapy more accessible to all cancer patients.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·DateAug 8, 2022

AI pilot can navigate crowded airspace

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed an AI pilot that can safely navigate crowded airspace by predicting the intent of other aircraft and avoiding collisions. The AI uses vision and natural language processing to communicate with other aircraft, enabling safe and socially compliant navigation.

Ridge-to-reef ecosystem census reveals hidden reservoir for microbiomes

A team of researchers at the University of Hawaii collected over 3,000 microbial samples from Waimea Valley's watershed, discovering that microbes follow the food web and are maintained within soil and stream water. The study also found that local distribution of a microbe predicts its global distribution.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2022

Researchers show potential for improved water-use efficiency in field-grown plants

A team of researchers has discovered a way to improve the water-use efficiency of field-grown plants by overexpressing a sugar-sensing enzyme in their leaves. This breakthrough could lead to increased crop yields and reduced reliance on irrigation, making it an attractive solution for farmers struggling with water scarcity.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

Chemical fixation causes aggregation artefact

Atomic force microscopy studies reveal that chemical fixation leads to structural changes in cell surfaces, forming large protrusions with diameters of 20-100 nanometers. Membrane proteins aggregate during fixation, creating artefacts that can mislead experimental results.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateAug 8, 2022

Breakthrough for the realization of ultrafast quantum computers: the world’s fastest 2-Qubit gate between two single atoms

Scientists have successfully implemented the world's fastest two-qubit gate in a quantum computer, achieving an impressive speed of 6.5 nanoseconds using cold atoms cooled to near absolute zero and optical tweezers. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of ultrafast quantum computing hardware.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

Heat and manipulate, one cell at a time

Researchers at Kanazawa University create a nanoparticle called nanoHT that can both generate heat and measure temperature, allowing for controlled manipulation of cellular activity. The technology shows promise in inducing cell death in cancer cells, with HeLa cells dying after heating by 11.4°C.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 8, 2022

Locally supportive climates may do little to aid mental health for LGBTQ+ youth amidst broader societal stigma

A study found that LGBTQ+ youth in both highly supportive and less supportive communities experience high rates of depressive symptoms and stigma. The research suggests that systemic changes are needed to address the negative impact of broader social stigma on mental health.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalPsychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity·DateAug 8, 2022

IMPower010: Overall survival interim analysis of a Phase III study of atezolizumab vs best supportive care in resected NSCLC

The IMpower010 trial showed an overall survival trend in favor of atezolizumab in the PD-L1 TC ≥1% stage II-IIIA population, with a clinically meaningful improvement observed across most subgroups. The study found no separation for the ITT population or all-randomized, stage II–IIIA populations.

Simulations provide map to treasure trove of fluorinated compounds

Researchers at Hokkaido University used computer simulations to discover a reaction that selectively adds two fluorine atoms to a difficult-to-access position on an N-heterocycle. The successful synthesis of 48 new compounds with unique alpha position fluorine substitutions has significant potential for novel drug development.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Synthesis·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 8, 2022

‘Dream’ discovery could sow crops better equipped to weather the climate change storm

Researchers at Australian National University and James Cook University identified a natural mechanism that enables plants to limit water loss without compromising CO2 uptake. This discovery has significant implications for the agricultural industry, potentially leading to drought-tolerant crops that can withstand extreme weather events.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Plants·DateAug 8, 2022

Environmental impact of 57,000 multi-ingredient processed foods revealed - Oxford study

A new study estimates the environmental impact of 57,000 food products in the UK and Ireland, providing a first step towards enabling informed decision-making. The research finds that many meat alternatives have significantly lower environmental impacts than their meat-based equivalents.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 8, 2022

For children struggling with extreme adversity, social support and community cohesion are keys to recovery

A Rutgers University study found that simultaneously focusing on kids, caregivers, and community members produces better outcomes than interventions targeting children in isolation. The study suggests that multilevel programs can strengthen mental and behavioral health of children affected by extreme adversity.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPediatric Clinics of North America·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2022

Oil-based systems show promise for eradicating salmonella on food production machinery

A new study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology suggests that oil formulations with food-grade organic acids can kill dried Salmonella on stainless steel surfaces. This approach has the potential to replace water-based cleaning methods, which promote microbial growth and are often challenging to use.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

What part of a space rock survives to the ground?

Research on asteroid 2008 TC3 reveals that larger meteorites survived to the ground, contradicting previous assumptions about interior shielding. The study's findings provide new insights into asteroid fragmentation and the origins of space rocks.

SourceSETI Institute·JournalMeteoritics and Planetary Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 8, 2022

Energizing Africa

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara analyzed Southern Africa's resources and power grid to develop an energy portfolio that meets the region's 2040 energy requirements. The model suggests that wind and solar are the most cost-effective options, with potential to freeze greenhouse gas emissions at 2020 levels.

New flavored nicotine gums, lozenges, and gummies rank second among nicotine products used by U.S. teens

A study by researchers at Keck School of Medicine found that flavored oral nicotine products, such as gum and gummies, are increasingly popular among US teens, with 3.4% having used them at least once and 1.7% in the past six months. The use of these products was more common among Hispanic teens, teen girls, and LGBTQ+ teens.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeSurvey·DateAug 8, 2022

Consolidation nivolumab and ipilimumab or nivolumab alone following concurrent chemoradiation for patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC

A randomized phase II trial demonstrated improved 18-month progression-free survival with nivolumab alone or combined with ipilimumab compared to historical controls. The combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab resulted in a higher incidence of treatment-related adverse events, but consistent with prior reports.

Towards higher nanopatterning resolution with molecules that fill nanogaps better

A research group from Tokyo University of Science has discovered molecular features that govern the filling process at nanoscales, enabling finer resolutions in ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography. The findings provide valuable insights for guiding the selection and design of optimized resists for sub-10 nm resolution.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNanomaterials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 8, 2022

Ben-Gurion University plant biologist is figuring out how wild wheat protects itself from insects

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have discovered two defense methods in wild emmer wheat that can protect cultivated wheat from insects. The wheat produces a poison called benzoxazinoid and has a coating of 'hairs' that prevent insects from burrowing, allowing for improved pest resistance

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

Cystic fibrosis -- Causal treatment suitable from childhood

A new combination drug therapy addressing the disorder's underlying defects has been found to be beneficial for primary school-aged children with cystic fibrosis. The study, conducted at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, confirmed that earlier treatment can slow disease progression and improve lung function and quality of life.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 8, 2022

Coarse sea spray keeps lightning strikes away

Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered that coarse sea spray significantly reduces the amount of lightning in storm clouds. The study found that aerosols larger than 1 micron, or coarse sea spray, inhibit lightning by up to 90%, while smaller aerosols actually increase lightning and affect rainfall.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 8, 2022

UCLA researchers use artificial intelligence tools to speed critical information on drug overdose deaths

Researchers used natural language processing and machine learning to analyze nearly 35,500 death records, identifying the most common substances involved in overdose deaths. The system reduced data processing time by months, allowing for more rapid public health responses and interventions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 8, 2022

Efforts to save money on prescription drugs associated with increased stroke risk for seniors

A new study by the University of Southern California found that formulary restrictions and prior authorization policies can limit access to life-saving medications like NOACs, leading to increased stroke risk. The research suggests that these policies may be 'penny wise and pound foolish' for patients with atrial fibrillation.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 8, 2022

Value placed on resources and decisions in farming in Ethiopia differs across genders, study reveals

A new study published in the CABI Agriculture & Bioscience journal found that women place greater importance on autonomous social relations, while men value financial-related decisions. Psychological well-being is an important resource for both genders, and location plays a significant role in shaping empowerment resources.

SourceCABI·JournalCABI Agriculture and Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

COVID-19 lockdown may have increased suicidal thoughts

A new study found that COVID-19 lockdowns significantly increased suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among patients with serious mental illness in Serbia. The study also highlighted the need for protections to mitigate mental health consequences during future lockdowns.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2022

Is brain fog limited to humans?

A study found that brain fog-like impairment is a problem in many animal species due to infection and disease, including humans. Cognitive impairments have been observed in birds, bees, rats, and other species, with various causes such as parasite damage, immune response, and malnutrition.

SourceHamilton College·JournalCell·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 8, 2022

Combining techniques to create more environmentally friendly, heat resistant, and transparent plastics

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new technique for creating polymers with controlled molecular weight and high optical activity. The discovery uses a combination of living cationic polymerization and asymmetric cationic polymerization, resulting in optically active polymers with unique properties.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 8, 2022

United Kingdom-based smoking cessation program reports that 30 percent of support in a lung cancer screening program: the Yorkshire Enhanced Stop Smoking Study (YESS)

A UK-based smoking cessation program, YESS, reported a 30% abstinence rate among patients with lung cancer who participated in a personalized support program. The study found that women achieved higher quit rates compared to men, highlighting the need for continued support.

Into the brain of comb jellies: Scientists explore the evolution of neurons

A new study reveals key clues about the form of the most ancestral nervous system and how it first evolved. Researchers found that neurons, possibly the most complicated cell type ever to evolve, share similar structures with comb jellies and other ancient animal lineages.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

The novel leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase MRK1 regulates resistance to multiple stresses in tomato

Researchers found that leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase MRK1 in tomatoes positively regulates responses to multiple stresses. The study showed that MRK1 is involved in plant defenses against bacterial pathogens and environmental stress, and its expression was induced by cold and heat stress as well as pathogen attacks.

Education with goal-oriented activities motivates students to choose fruits and vegetables

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior reveals that education with goal-oriented activities can motivate college students to make healthier choices. The intervention, which included food challenges and cooking videos, increased confidence in using fruits and vegetables in cooking and consumption outcomes.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateAug 8, 2022

A heat-sensitive calcium channel gets positive feedback

Researchers at Osaka University discovered that mutant variants of the RyR1 calcium channel protein are more sensitive to heat than normal proteins, leading to a cycle of activation that can cause malignant hyperthermia. This finding provides new insight into the condition and could lead to preventive and treatment strategies.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

Combining sauna and exercise lowers cardiovascular disease risk more than just exercise

Combining sauna and exercise for eight weeks improves cardiorespiratory fitness, lowers systolic blood pressure and total cholesterol levels compared to regular exercise alone. The study found the sauna-exercise combination to be superior in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalAmerican Journal of Physiology-Legacy Content·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 8, 2022

Rapid warming in the Gulf of Maine reverses 900 years of cooling

New research reveals that rapid warming in the Gulf of Maine has reversed a 900-year cooling trend, with climate model simulations indicating that greenhouse gas forcings are causing surface temperature changes and changes in ocean circulation. The study's findings have significant implications for the region's ecosystems and fisheries.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateAug 8, 2022

Aldosterone linked to increased risk of chronic kidney disease progression and end-stage kidney disease

Higher aldosterone concentrations are associated with lower eGFR, lower potassium levels in blood, and higher potassium and protein concentrations in urine. The risk of CKD worsening was independent of diabetes status. Finerenone may help prevent CKD progression by targeting aldosterone's action.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2022

NADIM II trial provides further support for neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy for patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer

The NADIM II trial demonstrates the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in patients with resectable stage IIIA NSCLC, with improved progression-free survival and overall survival rates seen with nivolumab plus chemotherapy. Patients with positive PD-L1 expression showed enhanced benefits.

New target for therapies to treat preterm labour

Researchers have discovered that Piezo1 is responsible for regulating the uterus's behavior during pregnancy, keeping it relaxed and ensuring proper expansion. The identification of Piezo1 paves the way for developing drugs and therapies to treat or delay preterm labour, a major cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

Digital security dialogue

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo developed a system called DualCheck, which replaces traditional human verification tasks with educational content on online safety and ethics. Trials showed that users responded positively to the experience and felt they gained something from these microlearning sessions.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

Neuroregeneration in multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf discovered that corticosteroid Medrysone promotes oligodendroglial cell replacement and myelin sheath restoration. Astrocytes play a surprising role in mediating this effect, with some promoting tissue repair and others contributing to lesion formation.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

Why do men face a higher risk of most types of cancer than women?

A recent study published by Wiley suggests that biological sex differences are the primary reason for higher cancer rates in men compared to women. The study analyzed data from 171,274 males and 122,826 females aged 50-71 years and found that incidence was lower in men only for thyroid and gallbladder cancers.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateAug 8, 2022

Can scratches on car surfaces disappear when exposed to sunlight? : A new self-healing coating material

A new transparent protective coating material can self-heal in 30 minutes when exposed to sunlight, satisfying durability and color requirements. The developed material uses a dynamic chemical bond and photothermal dye to repeat the dissociation and recombination of polymer structures.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalACS Applied Polymer Materials·DateAug 8, 2022