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Science News for December 6, 2022


Artificial Intelligence in Health: USC Researchers receive $10.5 million to develop cutting edge machine learning approaches in cancer research

The National Cancer Institute awards $10.5 million to USC's Division of Biostatistics to develop statistical methods for uncovering new risk factors associated with cancer by integrating large volumes of health, genomic, and exposure data. The project aims to provide new insights into complex biological processes and discoveries of nov...

A genomic assay may predict long-term prognosis in premenopausal patients with hormone receptor-positive early-stage breast cancer

A genomic assay called Breast Cancer Index (BCI) has been shown to predict the risk of distant recurrence in premenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive early-stage breast cancer. Patients with high BCI scores are at increased risk of recurrence, while those with low scores may benefit more from ovarian suppression therapy.

New oral compound developed by Mass General researchers may help prevent and treat osteoporosis

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a promising oral compound that stimulates bone formation in mice, increasing blood levels of calcium and vitamin D. The compound, SK-124, boosts bone formation and mass without short-term toxicity, offering new hope for preventing and treating osteoporosis.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2022

New study finds promising treatment for cognitive deficits associated with cholestatic liver disease

A new study found that obeticholic acid can reverse cognitive impairment in patients with cholestatic liver disease, improving short-term memory and restoring brain function. The study used a rodent model of bile duct ligation-induced cholestasis and found that the drug significantly improved cognitive deficits.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2022

Tailored activity program shows promise for Black people with dementia and their family caregivers

A recent study published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society found that a tailored activity program (TAP) significantly improved behavioral symptoms in Black families compared to white families. The program, which provides activities tailored to interests and abilities, also reduced caregiver distress.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateDec 6, 2022

Race to finer and better imaging with structured terahertz light

Researchers investigate generating and performing terahertz structured light using flat photonic elements for object inspection and recognition tasks. Flat photonic elements offer advantages in creating non-diffracting beams that preserve internal structure, enabling high-resolution imaging with minimal background signal.

Scripps Research chemists develop reactions for the general synthesis of promising unexplored compounds

Researchers at Scripps Research have developed a general synthesis method for 1,2,3,5-tetrazines, a family of compounds with great promise for making new pharmaceuticals and chemical products. The new method is more efficient than previous approaches, requiring just five reaction steps to produce myriad versions of these compounds.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalThe Journal of Organic Chemistry·DateDec 6, 2022

Impaired glymphatic system may be linked with progression of Alzheimer's disease, finds new study

A new study found that impaired glymphatic system function is associated with Alzheimer's disease progression. Noninvasive MRI measures of the glymphatic system's volume and diffusivity were linked to amyloid beta deposition, neuronal damage, and cognitive impairment in patients with Alzheimer's.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalNeurology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2022

New antimalarial drug requires higher doses to cure infection

A new antimalarial drug, tafenoquine, is found to require a higher dose of 450mg to achieve cure rates of 85% compared to the current 300mg dose of 70%. The study suggests that the single-dose tafenoquine is not as effective as optimal primaquine treatment in preventing vivax malaria relapses in all endemic regions.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateDec 6, 2022

Doubling in proportion of male professional footballers’ hamstring injuries and lay-off days over past 20 years

The proportion of hamstring injuries and associated lay-off days among male professional European footballers has doubled over the past 20 years. Nearly one in five injuries were recurrences, occurring within two months of return to play, with most injuries being structural and resulting in more lay-off days.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

Oncotarget | Expression of p-STAT3 and c-Myc correlates with P2-HNF4α expression in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Researchers found that P2-HNF4α expression is associated with p-STAT3 and c-Myc expression in NAFLD patients, suggesting potential biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. Additionally, p-STAT3 expression was linked to hypertension, while c-Myc expression was associated with advanced fibrosis.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

Cryptocurrencies can be more sustainable by following Ethereum’s lead, says researcher

Ethereum's shift from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake has significantly reduced its energy requirements. This change offers a model for other cryptocurrencies to follow and reduce their environmental impact. Policymakers and consumers can support this move by implementing policies such as carbon-disclosure requirements and environmenta...

SourceCell Press·JournalPatterns·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 6, 2022

Black women with breast cancer may have worse outcomes than peers despite similar genetic recurrence scores

A recent study found that non-Hispanic Black women with hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer have poorer outcomes compared to other racial groups, even when their genetic recurrence scores are similar. The research also showed that these disparities were observed despite similar tumor sizes and lymph node involvement.

Cochrane review of COVID-19 vaccines shows they are effective

The Cochrane review analyzed data from 41 randomized controlled trials of 12 different COVID-19 vaccines, involving 433,838 people worldwide. The review found that most vaccines reduced the risk of COVID-19 infection and severe disease, with few reported side effects.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateDec 6, 2022

Development of the technology to break down the shield which prevents the penetration of drugs and immune cells into intractable cancers

Researchers developed polymeric micelles to reprogram tumor microenvironment, enhancing nano-immunotherapy efficacy in mouse breast cancer models. The treatment response can be predicted from ultrasound shear wave elastography measurements prior to treatment initiation.

SourceInnovation Center of NanoMedicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2022

People with mental disorders lose years of their working life

A new study from Aarhus University found that people diagnosed with mental disorders work 10.5 years less than the general population. The researchers analyzed data from over 5 million individuals in Denmark and found that all types of mental disorders are associated with a substantial loss of working life.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 6, 2022

Megadrought: How the current Southwestern North American megadrought is affecting Earth's upper atmosphere

Research shows that the Southwestern North American megadrought caused a significant reduction (~30%) in wave activity after its onset, which may be related to reduced storm generation and altered precipitation patterns. The findings demonstrate that regional changes in the lower atmosphere can impact the upper atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 6, 2022

Following insect footprints to improve crop resilience and monitor pollinator biodiversity

Researchers used environmental DNA footprints to analyze insect biodiversity in four apple orchards, uncovering the importance of wild non-bee pollinators and multiple pest species. The study suggests that analyzing genetic footprints can provide a more comprehensive view of insect diversity, leading to new management strategies.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalEnvironmental DNA·DateDec 6, 2022

For people with dementia with Lewy bodies, treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, with or without memantine treatment, appears to be associated with both lower risk of mortality and duration of stay for unplanned hospital admissions for physical

Treatment with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, with or without memantine, may reduce mortality risk and length of stay for unplanned hospital admissions among individuals with dementia with Lewy bodies. The study analyzed data from the UK to support this association.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

Scientists uncover biological explanation behind why upper respiratory infections are more common in colder temperatures

A newly discovered immune response inside the nose fights off viruses, but is suppressed by colder temperatures, making an infection more likely to occur. The study offers the first biological mechanism to explain why viruses like COVID-19 spike in colder seasons.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2022

First-line ribociclib plus endocrine therapy may be more effective than combination chemotherapy in patients with aggressive breast cancer

Patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative tumors treated with ribociclib plus endocrine therapy had fewer adverse events and longer progression-free survival compared to those treated with combination chemotherapy. This treatment approach may allow for the avoidance of chemotherapy in aggressive patients.

Common workplace fumes and dusts may heighten rheumatoid arthritis risk

Exposure to common workplace agents is associated with a heightened risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, which can be exacerbated by smoking and genetic predisposition. The study found that certain agents, such as quartz dust and gasoline fumes, are strongly linked to an increased risk of ACPA-positive disease.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers embrace uncertainty to make microgrids better

A new optimization model by GIST researchers reduces operating costs and load shedding in microgrids, achieving a 20% decrease in average ENS. The model accounts for variations and uncertainty in renewable energy supply using an ANN-based prediction model, with predicted power output accuracy of 9.7%.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalApplied Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 6, 2022

CU faculty lead report on 10 recommendations to promote firearm injury prevention

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the US Department of Defense have co-hosted a summit on firearm suicide prevention. The CU faculty lead report outlines 10 recommendations to improve evidence-based interventions, including repealing prohibitions on questioning service members about personal firearms and implementi...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalMilitary Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 6, 2022

Traveling with friends helps even mixed-up migrators find their way

A computer model simulates virtual groups of migrating animals and finds that sticking together is key to finding a destination, even when the magnetic compass is unreliable. The model showed that more than 70% of animals made it home simply by joining with others and following their lead.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 6, 2022

Jawbone may represent earliest presence of humans in Europe

A new analysis of a 45,000-65,000 year old fossil mandible from Spain suggests it may be the earliest documented presence of Homo sapiens in Europe, rather than a Neandertal. The study used CT scanning and 3D modeling to analyze the fossil's shape and features, finding that it shared characteristics with both humans and Neandertals.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 6, 2022

Maintaining healthy lifestyle might prevent up to 60% of inflammatory bowel disease cases

A large international study found that adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle may prevent up to 60% of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis cases. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 participants and estimated that a low risk score for inflammatory bowel disease could have prevented a significant proportion of cases if an...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

Meet Squeegee: A new contamination detection tool for low microbial biomass microbiomes

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University developed a new contamination detection tool called Squeegee to establish reproducibility in microbiome identification. The tool uses computer analysis to detect 'breadcrumbs' of contaminants, improving the accuracy of metagenomic sequencing analysis in low biomass studies.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 6, 2022

Silicon wafers inspection by terahertz emission spectroscopy could provide new opportunities for the semiconductor industry

Researchers developed a noncontact method to characterize Si surface properties, including surface potential and charge density. The technique uses terahertz emission spectroscopy and offers rapid, sensitive, and semiquantitative characterization of Si surfaces.

As family dynamics evolve, WVU study reveals health care limitations for children not raised by two parents

A WVU study found that children from non-traditional family structures, such as single-parent households and multi-generational families, face difficulties accessing healthcare. The research highlights the need for providers to be aware of the unique challenges faced by these families and to adapt their services accordingly.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Family Nursing·DateDec 6, 2022

How antibody therapy impacts COVID vaccines

Research finds that individuals who received monoclonal antibodies before COVID vaccination exhibit a diverse antibody response, increasing the coverage provided by vaccines. This phenomenon, known as antibody feedback inhibition, is beneficial for diversifying immune responses to viruses.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature·DateDec 6, 2022

Fighting cancer is more efficient at dawn

Researchers at UNIGE and LMU discovered that immune system's anti-tumour activity peaks in the morning. Tumours implanted at night grew faster than those implanted in the afternoon. Administering immunotherapy treatments early morning significantly enhanced their effectiveness, suggesting a new strategy for cancer treatment.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateDec 6, 2022

Rhino conservation in Nepal creates a burden for communities, infrastructure and other species, study warns

A new study by Michelle Szydlowski from the University of Exeter warns that rhino conservation efforts in Nepal are putting a burden on communities, infrastructure, and other species. The study found that successful anti-poaching campaigns have increased tourist numbers and rhino populations, but also led to human and animal casualties.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Ecotourism·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

Forest wildflowers and their overstory trees are changing with climate, but not always keeping pace

Research found that North American wildflower timing is more sensitive to warmer temperatures than surrounding tree growth, threatening the flower's ability to grow. In contrast, European and Asian forests show a synchronized shift in tree and wildflower phenology, potentially leading to increased light for wildflowers.

SourceHolden Forests & Gardens·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

Study finds racial disparity in pro-metastatic tumor microenvironment among women with residual breast cancer after neoadjuvant chemotherapy

Research shows that tumors from Black patients have a higher score of biomarker for distant metastatic recurrence and more macrophages than white patients. The study suggests that racial disparities in ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer outcomes may be partly explained by differences in the tumor microenvironment.

How tree species link fungal partners in their aboveground and belowground habitats across a large-scale forest ecosystem

Researchers found striking differences in fungal richness and community composition between leaves and soils, with soil fungi being three times more diverse. Plant species identity and phylogeny drive foliar fungal communities, while soil fungi are influenced by plant-phylogeny interactions, climate, and soil properties.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Life Sciences·DateDec 6, 2022

Nearly 1,000 overdoses reversed using naloxone distributed through vending machine

A self-service vending machine filled with harm reduction supplies such as naloxone helped prevent overdoses and contributed to a decrease in Hamilton County's overdose deaths in 2021. Nearly 900 people used the machine since its installation, with nearly 16% of users reporting they had never used harm reduction services before.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of the American Pharmacists Association·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2022

Itchy eyes and a runny nose? It could be climate change

Researchers at Rutgers University simulated climate change's impact on allergenic pollens, finding significant increases in airborne pollen loads by 2050. The study predicts earlier start times and longer durations for pollen seasons across the US, with notable regional shifts.

SourceRutgers University·JournalFrontiers in Allergy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 6, 2022