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Science News Archive February 2022


Page 1 of 40

New approach to flexible robotics and metamaterials design mimics nature, encourages sustainability

A new study employs computer algorithms to design multimaterial structures mimicking natural designs for efficient actuators and energy absorbers. The approach enables the creation of sustainable devices with reusable and fully recoverable energy dissipators.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2022

Drifting apart: New study in earth science frontiers explains the driving force behind continental drift

Researchers propose new dynamic model suggesting thermal energy causes continental plates to drift, but the main driving force is supplied by a gravitational slip of the continental crust and hot mantle upwelling. This model explains why the opening of the Atlantic Ocean is wider in the south than in the middle.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalEarth Science Frontiers·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 28, 2022

Illinois team significantly improves BioCro software for growing virtual crops

Researchers from the University of Illinois have revamped the popular crop growth simulation software BioCro, allowing modelers to use the technology more easily. The updated version includes faster and more accurate algorithms, enabling researchers to try new simulations more easily and link to other models.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·Journalin silico Plants·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2022

City of Hope and Osel announce live biotherapeutic product CBM588 may enhance efficacy of immunotherapy for patients with metastatic kidney cancer

A Phase 1 clinical trial showed CBM588 significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with metastatic kidney cancer when combined with immunotherapy. The treatment also increased response rates compared to immunotherapy alone, with no significant differences in toxicity.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 28, 2022

Team uses MRI to image epigenetics in the brain

A multidisciplinary team at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has devised a new approach to 3D imaging that captures DNA methylation, a key epigenetic change associated with learning in the brain. The technique uses standard MRI technology and biological markers already in use in human medicine.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

Fighting COVID-19 with milk?

A new study found that bovine lactoferrin, a protein in cow milk, is effective against various SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the WA1, B.1.1.7, and Delta variants. The research suggests that bovine lactoferrin could be used as a preventive or post-exposure treatment for COVID-19.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

Variations of the sum of extreme cold and warm days over China in winter dominated by North Atlantic Meridional overturning circulation

This study reveals that North Atlantic Meridional overturning circulation dominates the frequency of extreme temperature events over China during winter. The research found a significant correlation between AMOC, Siberia High, East Asian Trough, and westerly belt with the sum of extreme cold and warm days in China.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2022

Moffitt researchers identify key genomic alterations and potential therapeutic vulnerabilities in transformed cutaneous T-cell lymphoma

Moffitt researchers have identified key genomic alterations and potential therapeutic targets in transformed cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The study, which analyzed 56 patient samples, found high tumor mutation burden and UV mutation signatures associated with survival outcomes. The research also uncovered novel therapeutic vulnerabilitie...

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

MIS-C diagnosis rare in vaccinated children with no previous COVID-19 diagnosis

A recent survey found that out of 21 million vaccinated children, only 21 cases met the definition of MIS-C. The risk of MIS-C after vaccination is estimated to be 1 in 1 million for all children and 1 in 3 million for those without known COVID exposure. This study provides reassurance on the safety of COVID vaccines in children.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateFeb 28, 2022

New UCI study finds harnessing online peer education to be an effective tool for HIV prevention

A UCI-led study found that using peer-led online communities increased HIV self-testing and reduced alcohol consumption among Latinx and African American MSM. The HOPE intervention program was successful in reaching diverse audiences, particularly those with high rates of HIV cases and new diagnoses.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes & Human Retrovirology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 28, 2022

Now THAT is a wrap!

New research confirms RepelWrap sheds both viruses and bacteria, increasing its utility for interrupting infection transmission. The technology has been filed for patents and is moving towards scaled-up production.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

Donuts and laser beams

Topologists have successfully applied their tools to lasers, enabling the creation of a laser beam whose energies follow a topologically non-trivial loop. This property leads to unique amplification patterns in the light emitted by the laser.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2022

Immunotherapy drug bolsters head and neck cancer treatment

A University of Cincinnati clinical trial showed promising results for patients with intermediate risk head and neck cancer when an immunotherapy drug, pembrolizumab, was added to standard treatment regimens. The study found improved one-year disease-free survival rates compared to historical controls.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 28, 2022

Clinical trial leadership still includes disproportionately low number of women

A new review highlights the need for greater gender diversity in clinical trial leadership, with women making up only 10.1% of committees. Increasing representation will help ensure medications are safe and effective for everyone, and pave the way for more women to present at scientific meetings.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 28, 2022

Bárány Society introduces a new education initiative to improve the care of patients with vestibular disorders

The Bárány Society has developed a comprehensive curriculum to promote high-quality vestibular training for healthcare professionals. The curriculum sets out a framework of suggested topics and skills, covering anatomy, physiology, and physics, as well as history taking, bedside examination, ancillary testing, disorders, treatment, and...

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Vestibular Research·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 28, 2022

Novel strategy proposed to construct bulk pure tungsten with high strength and ductility at low-temperature

Scientists from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science and Xi'an Jiaotong University fabricated a kind of high-performance bulk pure tungsten with high strength and excellent ductility at low temperature. The material features a lamellar matrix grain structure, which contributes to its improved low-temperature properties.

Breast cancer overdiagnosis may not happen as frequently as previously thought

A modeling study suggests that breast cancer overdiagnosis may occur in about 15% of screen-detected cases, rather than the estimated 30%. This could spare around 25,000 women unnecessary treatment. Researchers used data from the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium to estimate the rate of overdiagnosis.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2022

Ultrasound scan can diagnose prostate cancer

A new type of ultrasound scan has been shown to detect most prostate cancer cases with good accuracy, potentially replacing expensive and time-consuming MRI scans. The study found that the ultrasound scan missed only 4.3% more clinically important prostate cancer cases compared to MRI scans.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateFeb 28, 2022