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Science News for January 20, 2022


Study finds fewer breakthrough COVID-19 infections, lower risk of hospitalization in those who received Moderna vaccine compared to Pfizer–BioNTech

A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that those who received the Moderna COVID-19 mRNA vaccine have a lower risk of experiencing 'breakthrough' COVID-19 cases compared to recipients of the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine. The study also found that Moderna recipients were less likely to be hospital...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJan 20, 2022

The 10-gene pig and other medical science advances enabled UAB’s transplant of a pig kidney into a brain-dead human recipient

UAB surgeons successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into a brain-dead human recipient, testing safety and feasibility in a novel human preclinical model. The experiment showed that the xenograft perfused normally and maintained vascular integrity, paving the way for potential treatment of thousands with organ failu...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2022

Is Vesuvius taking an extended siesta?

Researchers at ETH Zurich analyzed garnet crystals from volcanic deposits to infer magma chamber residence times. They found that phonolitic magma stored in the upper crust for several thousand years before triggering an eruption, and a reservoir of this magma has existed beneath Vesuvius for the last 10'000 years.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2022

INRiM demonstrates a new technique for improving long-distance quantum key distribution in a real field

Researchers at INRIM demonstrate a novel method for enhancing long-distance quantum key distribution by leveraging coherent laser interferometry, single-photon technologies, and quantum metrology. This breakthrough enables lower error rates and increased message length, paving the way for more efficient QKD protocols.

SourceINRIM - Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 2022

UCLA-led meta-analysis may help guide treatment planning for patients with high-risk prostate cancer

A UCLA-led meta-analysis of individual patient data from three cohorts found that patients receiving high-dose external beam radiation therapy alone may benefit from longer androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) durations, while those with external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy boost may be optimally managed with shorter ADT. Th...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 20, 2022

Creating sustainable material from waste

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a low-pressure method to convert industrially processed biomass into high-performance plastics and valuable chemicals. The process uses glycerin as a solvent instead of methanol, reducing costs and environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 20, 2022

UAB announces first clinical-grade transplant of gene-edited pig kidneys into brain-dead human

Researchers at UAB successfully transplanted genetically modified pig kidneys into a brain-dead human, demonstrating the feasibility of xenotransplantation. The kidneys functioned for 77 hours without immediate rejection, paving the way for potential treatment of thousands suffering from kidney failure.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2022

How do tics develop?

A team of researchers from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin has identified a neural network that generates tics, which could lead to improved treatment of people with Tourette syndrome. The study found that targeting this network via deep brain stimulation can alleviate symptoms in patients.

New data suggest machine learning algorithms can accurately predict C. diff infection in hospitalized patients

Researchers used electronic health record data from over 700 hospitals to train and evaluate three machine learning algorithms, finding that XGBoost provided the highest accuracy in predicting CDI among hospitalized patients. The study suggests that MLAs can help reduce the clinical and economic impact of healthcare-associated infections.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 20, 2022

How scientists designed the assembly method of 3-arm robot to fix the load plate on space station?

Researchers developed an autonomous assembly method for a 3-arm robot to fix a multi-pin and hole load plate on a space station. This solution tackles the challenges of complex environmental lighting and matching multiple groups of holes and pins in the task. The study reduces astronaut safety risks by leveraging robots instead of humans.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2022

Towards compact quantum computers thanks to topology

Scientists have compared electron distribution in two semiconductors to develop stable topological quantum bits for quantum computing. Indium antimonide shows a low electron density below its oxide layer, which is advantageous for forming Majorana fermions and creating compact, efficient quantum computers.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalAdvanced Quantum Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2022

Fickle sunshine slows down Rubisco and limits photosynthetic productivity of crops

Researchers discovered that Rubisco's activity drops more rapidly in cowpea leaves when they go into the shade, resulting in missed opportunities to convert sunlight into sugars. This imperfection could be shared with other crops and may lead to targeted breeding for improved productivity.

Reinterpreting our brain's body maps

A study by Professor Kazumichi Matsumiya from Tohoku University's Graduate School of Information Sciences has discovered separate body maps for different motor systems. This finding can contribute to the development of new diagnostic techniques and rehabilitation strategies for patients with motor dysfunctions.

SourceTohoku University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2022

Introducing: New ultra-fast cell sorter that allows rapid genome-scale cellular studies

A new ultra-fast cell sorter uses fluorescence imaging to enable genome-scale studies of complex phenotypes, expanding the accessible phenotypic space for cell sorting applications. This technique can rapidly isolate and quantify cells with diverse phenotypes, including those with differently localized proteins or in different mitotic ...

Two worlds of residents: Car owners look at shared urban courtyards differently from pedestrians

A study found that car owners place a higher value on green spaces in shared courtyards, with a twofold increase in attention to trees making the area 30% more attractive. This internal conflict highlights the need for architects and developers to prioritize green spaces in construction planning.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalUrban Forestry & Urban Greening·DateJan 20, 2022

A new digital gap in internet usage between rich and poor people has been detected

A new study by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid researchers has detected a significant digital gap in internet usage between rich and poor people, with poorer areas consuming more social media and traditional news outlets. The study found that higher levels of education and purchasing power are associated with more traditional online m...

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJan 20, 2022

The cellular response that protects pigs from COVID-19

Researchers found that pig cells undergo apoptosis at a higher rate than human cells in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, helping to limit viral replication and avoid severe illness. This discovery could lead to therapies designed to trigger apoptosis in human cells, reducing the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.

SourceIowa State University·JournalCell Death Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2022

Research in mice identifies neurons that control locomotion

In a study published in Cell, researchers report that ventral spinocerebellar tract neurons (VSCTs) are both necessary and sufficient for regulating locomotor behavior in mice. Activation of VSCTs induces locomotion, while suppression halts it, demonstrating their crucial role in controlling this essential behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2022

The chemical outlook for 2022

The global chemical industry aims to recover from the pandemic while addressing consumer demand for sustainable products. Investments in carbon capture and clean technology will continue to rise, while companies rethink packaging and manufacturing methods to reduce waste.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 20, 2022

In science, small groups create big ideas

Researchers found that small groups of scientists are key in generating emerging topics in life sciences and medicine. The study analyzed PubMed data and author lists to identify past and current emerging keywords, revealing that smaller teams with fewer publications were crucial for generating high-performance keywords.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientometrics·DateJan 20, 2022

Step Up: walking may reduce Type 2 Diabetes risk for adults 65 and older

A study published in Diabetes Care found that walking regularly at greater intensity and taking more steps can lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes among adults aged 65 and older. For every 1,000 additional steps per day, the risk is reduced by 6%, with a 12% reduction possible if an average adult takes 2,000 more steps daily.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2022

Forwarding nurse-led innovation

The article shares actionable steps to position nurses as leaders in innovation, highlighting Penn Nursing's successful infusion of innovation into its mission and curriculum. Key findings include the importance of developing a shared meaning of innovation within the university and healthcare community.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Professional Nursing·DateJan 20, 2022

THE LANCET: Initiating peanut oral immunotherapy in peanut-allergic children under age four may be more effective, first long term study suggests

A randomised controlled trial found that most young children treated with peanut immunotherapy achieved desensitisation after two and a half years of treatment, while one in five remained in remission. Younger children under one year old were more likely to achieve remission, suggesting early interventions may provide better outcomes.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 20, 2022

Under elevated CO2 concentration, the increase in CH4 and N2O emissions from paddy fields is decreased with the appropriate agricultural management practices

The study found that elevated CO2 concentration increases CH4 emissions by 23%, but reduces N2O emissions by 22%. However, with longer duration of CO2, emissions decrease by 27% and 53%. Appropriate agricultural management practices, such as straw incorporation and water regimes, also affect these emissions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateJan 20, 2022

Nano-sized vesicles with ACE2 receptor could prevent, treat infection from current and future strains of SARS-CoV-2

Scientists at University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and Northwestern Medicine identified naturally occurring vesicles containing ACE2 protein in patients' blood that can prevent or treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. These evACE2 act as decoys to lure the virus away from cells, preventing infection.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 20, 2022

Prevention of mental health problems among schoolchildren could avoid grade repetition and dropout

A study found that preventing mental health problems among schoolchildren, particularly externalizing disorders, could have prevented grade repetition and dropout. The study involved 2,511 families with children aged 6-14 and showed that girls with externalizing disorders were more likely to be held back a grade.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEpidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences·DateJan 20, 2022

Food labeling is lacking in online grocery retailers

A study by researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health and Tufts University found that only a third of online grocery items display required nutrition information. This omission poses significant health risks for consumers, particularly those with allergies or dietary restrictions. The authors advocate for federal regulation to e...

SourceNew York University·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateJan 20, 2022

PSMA PET validates EAU classification system to determine risk of prostate cancer recurrence

A new study confirms the accuracy of the European Association of Urology (EAU) risk classification system for prostate cancer patients, using PSMA PET imaging to identify subgroups with varying disease risks. High-risk groups showed higher metastatic disease rates, while low-risk groups had undetectable or distant metastases.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 20, 2022

How scientists tested the supersonic dynamic characteristics of Tianwen-1 Mars Entry Capsule?

Researchers conducted a free-flight ballistic range test to capture the attitude behaviors and aerodynamic characteristics of Tianwen-1 Mars entry capsule. The study revealed that the capsule is dynamically unstable in pitch and yaw directions, but statically stable in these directions.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2022

Old neurons can block neurogenesis in mice

Researchers discovered that old neurons can block neurogenesis in mice, highlighting excessive senescence as a driving factor behind aging. By destroying senescent cells, the study showed enhanced hippocampal neurogenesis and cognitive function in middle-aged mice.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2022

Drug mimics beneficial effects of fasting in mice

A new study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that a cancer drug called ADI-PEG 20 improved insulin sensitivity, cholesterol levels, and reduced inflammation in mice. The treatment also caused significant weight loss in obese mice, suggesting potential benefits for human obesity treatment.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateJan 20, 2022

Dementia: how to prevent cognitive decline

A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association found that 12 to 14 intervention sessions can improve cognition in older adults at risk of dementia. The optimal dose was determined by analyzing data from the Multidomain Alzheimer Preventive Trial, taking into account individual characteristics su...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 20, 2022

An all-in-one approach to diabetes treatment

Researchers at MIT have developed an all-in-one approach to diabetes treatment, streamlining the process of blood glucose measurement and insulin injection. The new device can automate procedures such as pricking skin, collecting blood, calculating glucose levels, and dispensing insulin, reducing the need for multiple devices and makin...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateJan 20, 2022

New study determines parentage, age, and survival of North Atlantic right whales using genetic testing

A new study published in Mammalian Biology analyzed the life history data of 13 North Atlantic right whales using genetic samples and photo identification. The researchers found that four calves previously thought to be dead survived, revealing a significant variation in calf separation time from mothers and physical development.

SourceNew England Aquarium·JournalMammalian Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2022

Vaccine used in much of the world no match for Omicron variant

A new study by Yale researchers found that the Sinovac vaccine, widely used in 48 countries, offers little protection against the Omicron variant. Booster shots are necessary to combat the dominant circulating virus, which has shown to produce no neutralizing antibodies among those who received two doses of the Sinovac vaccine.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 20, 2022

Development of a lithium-air battery with an energy density over 500 wh/kg

Researchers at NIMS and Softbank Corp. have created a lithium-air battery with an energy density of over 500 Wh/kg, significantly higher than existing lithium-ion batteries. The new battery can be charged and discharged at room temperature, showcasing the highest energy densities and best cycle life performances achieved.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalMaterials Horizons·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 20, 2022

Towards quantum simulation of false vacuum decay

By shaking an optical lattice potential, researchers realized a discontinuous phase transition in a strongly correlated quantum gas, opening the door to quantum simulations of false vacuum decay in the early universe. This work provides a flexible platform for exploring the role of quantum fluctuations in first-order phase transitions.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 20, 2022

Stirring a superfluid with a laser

Scientists at Osaka University have successfully manipulated nanoparticles suspended in superfluid helium using optical tweezers, opening the way for new cryogenic applications and potential visualization or control of vortices. The research may help better understand interactions between quantum fluids and classical nanomaterials.

SourceOsaka University·JournalOptica·DateJan 20, 2022