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Science News Archive January 2022 - Page 16


Page 16 of 34

To stop blood cancer, target the bone

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have found that targeting neighboring bone cells may be a better strategy than directly targeting blood cancer stem cells. By blocking the communication between leukemia cells and osteoblasts, the study suggests a new approach to treat acute myeloid leukemia.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

THE LANCET: An estimated 1.2 million people died in 2019 from antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, more deaths than HIV/AIDS or malaria

A new report estimates that antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections caused over 1.27 million deaths worldwide in 2019, with the greatest impact on lower respiratory and bloodstream infections. The study highlights the urgent need to combat antimicrobial resistance and provides immediate actions for policymakers to save lives.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2022

Remdesivir for COVID-19 found to reduce need for mechanical ventilation: RCT

A randomized controlled trial found that remdesivir reduced the need for mechanical ventilation in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The study involved 1282 patients and showed that those treated with remdesivir were able to come off oxygen and ventilators sooner than those receiving standard care.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 19, 2022

Artificial pancreas proves ‘life-changing’ for very young children with type 1 diabetes and their families

A new artificial pancreas system has been shown to be safe and effective in managing blood sugar levels in very young children with type 1 diabetes. The hybrid closed-loop system, CamAPS FX, reduced average blood sugar levels and improved glucose control without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 19, 2022

Undescended testis: fate of fertility predicted by blood biomarkers

A recent study published in The Journal of Urology found that serum hormone ratios can predict the risk of future infertility in children with cryptorchidism. Researchers discovered that inhibin B levels and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) are significant markers of spermatogenesis, helping to identify boys at high risk of infertility.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalThe Journal of Urology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2022

New simulations can improve avalanche forecasting

Researchers developed a new avalanche forecasting method using computer simulations of snow cover, which can detect weak layers and identify hazard in a different way. The approach showed consistent results with observed frequencies over 16 years, offering potential to support forecasting in the future.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalCold Regions Science and Technology·DateJan 19, 2022

Politicians polarize, but experts are trusted, new study on securing support for COVID-19 policies reveals

A recent study by Swansea University found that experts and bipartisan coalitions are more effective in securing public support for COVID-19 policies compared to politicians from one party. The research showed that policies backed by experts gained more support and avoided polarizing effects.

SourceSwansea University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2022

Unveiled the epigenetic mechanism by which vitamin D modulates the tolerance of the immune system

Researchers at the Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute and the Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital discovered that vitamin D activates the tolerance program of dendritic cells through epigenetic modification. This finding offers new hope for treating autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis by optimizing tolerogenic dendritic cells.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

Why don’t people with COVID-19 symptoms get tested?

A new study of over 4 million adults in the UK found that people with COVID-19 symptoms are less likely to get tested due to barriers such as mild symptoms, poor knowledge of nearby testing sites, and certain demographic factors. The study suggests that targeted messaging and improved education are needed to increase test uptake.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateJan 19, 2022

Scientists demonstrate utility of Bilateral Tumor Model for evaluating anti-cancer T-cell responses

A new bilateral tumor model was demonstrated to be useful for investigating the relationship between T-cell repertoire and cancer immunotherapy's therapeutic effects. The study found that T-cell profiles of both tumors were almost identical, indicating a similar anti-tumor response in a single mouse.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

New sensor grids record human brain signals in record-breaking resolution

The new sensor grids offer 100 times higher resolution than existing technology, allowing for more precise identification of seizure origins and preservation of healthy brain tissue. Longer term, the technology holds potential for permanent implantation to improve life quality for people with paralysis or neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

TV watching linked with potentially fatal blood clots

A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that prolonged TV watching is associated with a higher risk of blood clots, including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. To reduce this risk, scientists recommend taking breaks every 30 minutes to stand and stretch or using a stationary bike.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJan 19, 2022

COVID’s environmental impact: Positives and negatives

The COVID-19 pandemic had both positive and negative impacts on environmental pollution and carbon emissions. The study found that water quality improved globally due to reduced commercial activities, while air pollutants like NO2 and CO decreased in most regions. However, sulphur dioxide and ozone levels increased, and soil contaminat...

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 19, 2022

Satellites reveal world’s most famous ‘mega iceberg’ released 152 billion tonnes of fresh water into ocean as it scraped past South Georgia

Scientists tracked A68A iceberg from its creation to its melting, revealing it released 152 billion tonnes of fresh water near South Georgia. The iceberg's melting influenced local ocean circulation and fostered biological production around the island.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 19, 2022

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2: a therapeutic trial opens new avenues

A recent clinical trial conducted by Prof. Alexandra Durr's team found that riluzole does not improve symptoms in patients with spinocerebellar ataxia type 2, but provided valuable biomarkers for future trials. The study involved 45 patients and revealed a good tolerance and absence of adverse effects.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 19, 2022

Hollow melanosomes from a 130 million-year-old fossil suggest earliest appearance of brilliant iridescent color in bird feathers

Researchers found hollow melanosomes in a 130-million-year-old fossil, suggesting the earliest appearance of brilliant iridescent color in bird feathers. The discovery was made on an Early Cretaceous basal bird from northern China and provides evidence for the evolution of complex feather colors.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 19, 2022

Artificial intelligence may reduce frequency of adverse drug events

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital conducted a scoping review of 78 articles to identify key use cases for AI in preventing or mitigating adverse drug events (ADEs). Genetic information is thought to be critical in improving AI algorithm performance, but systematic evaluations are necessary to generate evidence for this field.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 19, 2022