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Science News for February 28, 2022


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

Quantum boomerang

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara experimentally demonstrate the quantum boomerang effect, where particles in a disordered system return to their starting point after being displaced. The effect is rooted in Anderson localization and is stabilized by wave-like interference in quantum systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review X·DateFeb 28, 2022

Stanford researchers map wildlife and infrastructure to maximize tourism in Costa Rica

The study demonstrates the importance of protecting nature to keep tourism revenue flowing, with key findings showing that infrastructure supports tourism hotspots where roads and hotels are easily accessible. Researchers suggest creating a nationwide accounting system to track the value of natural assets and provide long-term habitat ...

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2022

Disaggregate and rule: Optimizing power consumption estimation in commercial buildings

Researchers propose a disaggregation strategy to estimate power consumption of individual electrical facilities, improving accuracy over traditional methods. The new approach uses linear regression residuals and clustered daily routines to provide more accurate estimations for workdays and holidays.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalEnergy and Buildings·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2022

A review of defect engineering in two-dimensional materials for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction

Defect engineering is an effective way to regulate the catalytic performance of 2D materials. Researchers constructed various defects, including edge defects and dopant-derived defects, to enhance hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity. The review paper introduces their structure-function relationship in HER.

New precision technology for immunotherapy

Researchers at Lund University have developed a new precision medicine technology, TS-MAP, to identify and target cancer cell surface proteins. The method provides a direct analysis of all accessible cell surface tumour antigens in tumour tissue from patients.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2022

Why exercise gets harder the less you do

Researchers at the University of Leeds discovered that deactivating the Piezo1 protein, a blood flow sensor, reduces muscle capillary density and restricts blood flow to muscles. This results in reduced exercise capability and increased risk of disease, highlighting the crucial link between physical activity and physical performance.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 28, 2022

An age-old problem

Researchers have developed a new model system using Daphnia to study aging, focusing on interventions that extend active life and health rather than just lifespan. This approach addresses existing problems in the field, such as lack of standardized data and misinterpretation of results.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalAging Cell·DateFeb 28, 2022

How the body fights back against cancer

Researchers at the University of East Anglia discovered a way to activate the immune system to fight cancer cells using a protein called STING. This finding could lead to improved treatments for people with acute myeloid leukemia, which is difficult to treat and often relapses after chemotherapy.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 28, 2022

New optical tweezers put on the pressure to change color

Researchers at Osaka City University have developed a new technique for controlling the luminescence color of materials using optical tweezers and nanotextured black silicon. The system can change the color of a material in response to changes in light pressure, allowing for fully reversible remote control.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 28, 2022

Super scintillators enable X-ray detection at an ultralow level

The KAUST team has created a flexible and efficient scintillation film using lead-free metal halides, detecting X-rays at levels 113 times lower than standard medical imaging doses. This breakthrough enhances medical, industrial and security X-ray imaging, offering significant improvements in spatial resolution.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

A slow-motion section of the San Andreas fault may not be so harmless after all

A new study of rocks from nearly 2 miles under the surface suggests that the San Andreas fault's central section has hosted many major earthquakes, including some that could have been fairly recent. The researchers found altered compositions in sedimentary rock, indicating more than 100 quakes with potential magnitudes over 6.9.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalGeology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2022

Geisel study finds higher death rates in older adults with cognitive impairment during the Pandemic

A new study by Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found higher mortality rates among older adults with cognitive impairment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study showed a 24% increase in mortality for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and a 36% increase for nursing home residents with ADRD.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2022

Nostalgia can relieve pain

Researchers found that viewing nostalgic images from childhood reduced pain perception in adults, with the strongest effect on low-intensity pain. Nostalgic images decreased activity in brain regions involved in pain perception, including the left lingual gyrus and parahippocampal gyrus.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

Making the invisible visible: A clearer ‘picture’ of blood vessels in health and disease thanks to new imaging approach

Researchers developed a new imaging approach called VascuViz to visualize blood vessels at different spatial scales. The method enables detailed mathematical models and complementary images to clarify the role of blood flow in health and disease, advancing our understanding of tissues throughout the body.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 28, 2022

Freshwater from thin air

Researchers have developed a hydrogel that can absorb and retain water when combined with a hygroscopic salt, extracting almost six liters of pure water per kilo of material in 24 hours. This technology could play a fundamental role in recovering atmospheric water in drought-stricken regions.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

Patient safety program reduces unnecessary antibiotic use in long-term care facilities

A study published in JAMA Network Open shows that a comprehensive system to improve antibiotic stewardship in long-term care facilities significantly reduces the use of antibiotics, leading to better patient outcomes and reduced drug-resistant bacterial strains. The program empowered clinicians to make informed decisions about prescrib...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 28, 2022

Key regulating protein found in homologous recombination and cell survival

A recent study by Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, discovered a novel regulatory role of mitochondrial factor HIGD1A in DNA damage repair. The research found that the protein's translocation into the nucleus regulates homologous recombination and affects sensitivity to radiation therapies.

New way viruses trigger autoimmunity discovered

Researchers discovered a viral infection can trigger autoimmunity in mice by disrupting the thymus's screening process for self-destructive T cells. Infection with murine roseolovirus led to autoimmune gastritis months later, highlighting a previously unknown way viruses can trigger autoimmunity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

Workers with disabilities overcome pandemic setbacks, outpacing people without disabilities to set new records for employment

A new report from Kessler Foundation reveals that workers with disabilities have exceeded pre-pandemic employment levels to reach historic highs, while those without disabilities still lag behind. The data show that labor force participation rates for people with disabilities increased from 33.6% in 2019 to 35.1% in 2021, outpacing the...

The flue gas desulfurization process in powder-particle spouted beds simulated by the adjusted mesoscale drag model is more accurate

A new drag model for powder-particle spouted beds has been developed and tested, achieving higher accuracy in simulating the desulfurization process. The model's structure-activity relationship has been shown to improve predictions of particle velocity, water vaporization rates, and mass fractions.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2022

Ergonomic chair based on the innovation by Lithuanian researchers might help reduce back pain

A joint team of Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania researchers, and JSC Abili created a prototype of an office chair that activates deep muscles and improves trunk stabilisation. This innovation aims to prevent musculoskeletal disorders caused by prolonged sitting, common among sedentary workers.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalTechnology and Health Care·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

A new way to control atomic interactions

The researchers created treelike shapes, a Möbius strip, and other patterns by controlling atomic interactions without physically moving the atoms. They demonstrated nonlocal interactions, where atoms at distant ends interact just as strongly as those near each other.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateFeb 28, 2022