Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for July 14, 2022


Study finds treating precancerous growths in people with HIV reduces anal cancer by more than half

Researchers have found that treating high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) in people with HIV significantly decreases the progression to anal cancer. The ANCHOR trial enrolled over 4,000 participants and showed a 57% reduction in anal cancer cases.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 14, 2022

The historical roots of a contemporary groundwater crisis

A new study reveals how large-scale groundwater exploitation by local farmers led to the desiccation of sandy soils and decimation of wildlife populations in Spain's Doñana National Park. The lack of effective oversight created an economically and environmentally unsustainable situation, destroying a protected natural space.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Journal of Modern History·TypeContent analysis·DateJul 14, 2022

Poxvirus proteins enable early strike on immune defences

A new study identifies pox virus proteins that directly interfere with the body's innate immune system, allowing it to evade the host's defense mechanisms. The research team has discovered five 'redox' proteins that interact with Reactive Oxygen Species, which play a key role in destroying pathogens identified by the immune system.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

Coastal glacier retreat linked to climate change

Researchers developed a methodology to attribute coastal glacier retreat to human-caused climate change, revealing that even modest global warming causes most glaciers to melt or retreat. The approach simulates the behavior of real ice sheets like Greenland's, helping predict major ice loss and informing decision-making for policymakers.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Cryosphere·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 14, 2022

Men over 40 who regularly eat sunomono more likely to be in lower blood pressure category

An observational study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that men over 40 who regularly eat sunomono are more likely to be in the lower blood pressure category. The study suggests that vinegar consumption, particularly through sunomono, may promote growth of good gut microbiota and have a positive impact on health.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalHeliyon·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 2022

Geological activity can rapidly change deep microbial communities

Researchers at Stanford University found that deep subsurface microbial communities can change in a matter of days, driven by geological activity rather than environmental pressures. The study provides new insights into the complex dynamics of these underground ecosystems and opens up possibilities for mapping the deep subsurface.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2022

Where and when violent crime rates fall, heart disease deaths fall, too

A new analysis of data from Chicago shows that as violent crime decreases, so does the area's death rate from heart disease. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found a significant decline in cardiovascular disease mortality when violent crime declined by more than 10%.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 14, 2022

New antibody therapy shows promising phase I clinical trial results for advanced, treatment-refractory pediatric brain cancer

A new blocking antibody therapy targeting placental growth factor (PlGF) has shown promise in treating advanced, treatment-refractory pediatric brain cancer. The therapy, called TB-403, was well-tolerated and induced stable disease in some patients.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 14, 2022

UTHSC College of Nursing receives $3.9 million grant for mobile health unit, outreach to Lake, Lauderdale counties

The UTHSC College of Nursing will utilize a mobile health unit to provide care to vulnerable populations in Lake and Lauderdale counties, which have high poverty rates and poor health outcomes. The grant also aims to increase the cultural competency of nurses serving patients in rural areas through education and training programs.

Novel model of fluid distribution in the Cascadia Subduction Zone aids understanding of seismic activity

A novel three-dimensional model of the fluid stored deep in Earth's crust along the Cascadia Subduction Zone provides new insight into how the accumulation and release of those fluids may influence seismic activity. The study's findings have applications for increasing understanding of seismic activity along the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 14, 2022

Stress transmitter wakes your brain more than 100 times a night – and it is perfectly normal

New research from the University of Copenhagen shows that noradrenaline causes brief wake-ups during sleep, potentially leading to better memory and less anxiety. High levels of noradrenaline result in brief awakenings, while low levels promote deeper sleep.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 14, 2022

North American birds not fully adjusting to changing climate

At least 30 out of 114 North American bird species have become less well-adjusted to their climate over the last 30 years, according to a recent study. Climate decoupling, where species distributions and abundances diverge from climate conditions, is particularly prominent among habitat specialists.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 14, 2022

UNC Charlotte-led team invents new anticoagulant platform, offering hope for advances for heart surgery, dialysis, other procedures

A UNC Charlotte-led team has invented a new biomolecular anticoagulant platform that holds promise as a revolutionary advancement over current blood thinners. The technology uses programmable RNA-DNA fibers to prevent blood clotting as needed, then be swiftly eliminated from the body.

National Jewish Health led study focuses on improving cognitive symptoms of lupus

A National Jewish Health led study found that technology through video game-based cognitive therapy improves attention and executive functioning in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The treatment group showed significant improvement in visuomotor speed and complex attentional sequencing skills compared to the control gr...

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalLupus·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 14, 2022

Epo does not help with neurological damage to newborns

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that adding erythropoietin to cooling therapy for term newborns with birth asphyxia showed no added benefits compared to cooling therapy alone. In fact, the erythropoietin group had more serious adverse events during the newborn period.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 14, 2022

Climate change, labor market and the future of gender inequality: the case of South Africa

A recent study found that climate change will decrease the availability of female low-skilled labor, driving a potential increase in their wages. This could close the wage gap between male and female low-skilled labor as well as the wage gap between low-skilled and high-skilled female labor.

The effect of prescribing patterns on utilization of opioid medication in ACL reconstruction: A randomized, prospective trial

Researchers found that prescribing smaller quantities of opioid medication after knee surgery is just as effective as higher quantities in controlling postoperative pain. The study showed no significant differences in pain levels, opioid consumption, or patient satisfaction between the three groups, suggesting a potential benefit in li...

SourceAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 14, 2022

New data illustrate COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted infection preventionists’ mental and physical health

Infection preventionists faced worsening mental and physical health due to stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study highlights a need to address hospital and healthcare facilities' system issues to prevent burnout and promote workplace wellness.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeSurvey·DateJul 14, 2022

Consumer product-related traumatic brain injury in children has increased significantly since 2000

A major public health concern, consumer product-related traumatic brain injuries have increased significantly in school-aged children, peaking in 2012 and declining in boys but increasing substantially among girls. The study highlights the need for awareness and training on screening and treatment of TBI in children.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 14, 2022

Waves in the maze of no return

Researchers at TU Wien and the University of Rennes have created a method to calculate tailor-made anti-reflective structures that can be used to reduce wave reflections in various mediums. This technology has potential applications in improving wireless reception, imaging techniques, and even future mobile communications.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 14, 2022

Take the burn out of sunscreen testing: Experts

Researchers propose a roadmap for developing reproducible human-free sunscreen testing, reducing ethical concerns and increasing innovation in sunscreen development. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency and Cancer Council Victoria support the shift, emphasizing the importance of sun protection and prevention.

SourceRMIT University·JournalTrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 14, 2022

Risk factors in adults with cardiovascular disease are worsening over time despite advances in secondary prevention, study shows

A study of 6,335 American adults with a history of cardiovascular disease found that risk factor profiles have not improved over the last two decades. Despite advancements in therapies and guideline recommendations, blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body mass index, smoking, physical activity, and diet all showed worse...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJul 14, 2022

A new treatment approach for cystic fibrosis

A new treatment approach using antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) may help reduce cystic fibrosis symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with a specific gene mutation. The ASO strategy tricks cells into making an imperfect but functional version of the CFTR protein, which is better than having none at all.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 14, 2022

Listening in on neuron conversations: Novel fluorescent cAMP indicator facilitates neuronal live-cell imaging

Researchers developed a novel green fluorescent cAMP indicator called gCarvi to monitor intracellular cAMP activity in neurons. The probe can detect varying concentrations of cAMP and counter the effects of other nucleotides, enabling precise imaging of neuronal live-cell dynamics.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

Astrophysicists prove neutrinos originate from Blazars

A team of scientists led by Clemson University's Marco Ajello has provided conclusive evidence that astrophysical neutrinos come from blazars, which are powerful black holes. This breakthrough resolves the long-standing question about the origin of high-energy cosmic rays.

SourceClemson University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 14, 2022

Could eating fruit more often keep depression at bay? New research

A study of 428 adults found that frequent fruit consumption is linked to lower depression scores and higher mental wellbeing, independent of overall quantity. In contrast, nutrient-poor savoury snacks like crisps were associated with increased 'everyday mental lapses' and symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression.

SourceAston University·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 2022

Rensselaer researchers learn to control electron spin at room temperature to make devices more efficient and faster

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have successfully controlled electron spin at room temperature, a crucial step towards developing more efficient and faster devices. The discovery uses a unique ferroelectric van der Waals layered perovskite crystal to harness the Rashba or Dresselhaus spin-orbit coupling effect.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 14, 2022

Strain-sensing smart skin ready to deploy

The new system, S4, offers a high-resolution view of stressed specimens comparable to or better than established technologies like DIC. It also overcomes optical challenges posed by cement in concrete, providing a reliable strain measurement technology.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

How scientist reviewed the key technologies for space-based situational awareness and summarized their future trends?

The review paper analyzed research advancements in data acquisition, target recognition, and monitoring for space situational awareness. The author emphasized the importance of comprehensive reviews and identified emerging trends in multiagent and synergetic constellation technologies.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace Science & Technology·DateJul 14, 2022

A brain network for social attraction

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute have discovered a specialized neural circuit in zebrafish that enables recognition of conspecifics. This pathway, which runs from the retina to the thalamus, triggers shoaling behavior and regulates social approach and affiliation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJul 14, 2022

Wireless activation of targeted brain circuits in less than one second

Researchers from Rice University, Duke University, Brown University and Baylor College of Medicine developed a magnetic technology to wirelessly control neural circuits in fruit flies. They used genetic engineering to express heat-sensitive ion channels in neurons that control the behavior, and iron nanoparticles to activate the channels.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

Moffitt researchers discover DNA copy number alterations lead to changes in RNA circuits that impact melanoma metastasis

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center discovered that gains in chromosome 1q stimulate a network of competitive endogenous RNA molecules that promote melanoma metastasis. These RNA sequences act as 'ceRNAs' that sponge miRNA molecules, driving tumor growth and development.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

Neutrino factories in deep outer space

An international research team has shed light on the origin of neutrinos, shedding new evidence that blazars can be confidently associated with astrophysical neutrinos. The study utilizes neutrino data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and BZCat catalogue to establish a connection between high-energy neutrinos and galactic nuclei.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 14, 2022

BU study: Stem cell transplantation for AL amyloidosis leads to long-term survival and possible cure in selected patients

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation can produce prolonged survival in patients with AL amyloidosis. The study developed a predictive score to assess event-free survival, which showed improved safety and effectiveness for selected patients.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Hematology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 14, 2022

Comparing physicians’ performance to peers decreases job satisfaction and increases burnout

A five-month field experiment involving 199 primary care physicians found that comparing performance to peers decreased job satisfaction while increasing burnout. The study also showed that training leaders on how to best support physicians mitigated such negative effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateJul 14, 2022

Lumasiran shows efficacy in adults with reduced GFR and primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1)

Lumasiran, an RNA interference therapeutic, has been shown to reduce oxalate levels in patients with primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) who have relatively preserved kidney function. In the ILLUMINATE-C study, lumasiran resulted in substantial reductions in plasma oxalate with acceptable safety in patients on hemodialysis.

SourceNational Kidney Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateJul 14, 2022

NTU Singapore study finds that increased use of videoconferencing apps during COVID-19 pandemic led to more fatigue among workers

A recent NTU Singapore study reveals that frequent use of videoconferencing platforms contributed to higher levels of fatigue among workers. The researchers found a significant link between increased videoconferencing usage and feelings of fatigue, with reliable internet connections unable to mitigate this effect.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior Reports·DateJul 14, 2022

Bacteria in donor organs complicate immune response after transplantation

A study by researchers from the University of Chicago reveals that bacteria in donated organs complicate the immune response after transplantation. The findings show that immune responses against commensal bacteria add to the rejection of the organ, reducing the effectiveness of immunosuppressive drugs and causing damage to the graft.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

Acknowledgment of antimicrobial resistance in regulatory frameworks for accelerated drug approval could improve access to new antibiotics

A new report highlights the importance of acknowledging antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in regulatory frameworks for accelerated drug approval. The analysis provides recommendations to improve access to new antibiotics in Brazil, India, and South Africa, where antibiotic development is hampered by regulatory hurdles.

A type of ‘step therapy’ is an effective strategy for diabetic eye disease

A specific step strategy, starting with a less expensive medicine and switching to a more expensive one if vision does not improve sufficiently, gives results similar to starting off with the higher-priced drug. After two years, both groups had similar visual acuity outcomes, improving on average approximately three lines on an eye chart.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 14, 2022

One-hit wonder: How awards, recognition decrease inventors’ creativity

Research from Washington University in St. Louis found that awards and recognition can temper creativity by making producers feel threatened by the prospect of compromising their identity with mediocre work. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced among first-time producers, who are more likely to stop producing altogether if they f...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

Consider farmers at individual level when controlling livestock disease outbreaks, researchers say

A new study suggests that incorporating farmers' behaviors into national infection control policies can better manage livestock disease outbreaks. The research found that individual farmers may respond differently to disease control measures, and their actions could be critical in protecting animal welfare and the farming industry.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJul 14, 2022

Evaluating rising incidence of thyroid cancer

A study of 1,300 patients found most thyroid cancers are discovered in asymptomatic individuals, supporting the hypothesis of ongoing subclinical disease detection. The findings contradict the notion of a rising incidence of thyroid cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateJul 14, 2022

Harvard researcher awarded HSFP Program Award 2022 Research Grant to study water to land transitions in arthropod evolution

A Harvard researcher has been awarded a $1.1 million grant to study the evolution of aerial breathing in arthropods, exploring how they transitioned from water to land over 100 million years ago. The team aims to understand the role of atmospheric oxygen in facilitating this process and its impact on respiratory structures.

Research probes how people control unwanted thoughts

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology suggests that proactively avoiding associations can help prevent the repetitive looping of unwanted thoughts. Researchers found that most people use reactive control, which can strengthen unwanted thoughts, but also discovered that preemptive control can partially mitigate this effect.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

Simple skin biopsy can assess tissue damage related to COVID-19

Researchers found clots in small venous and arterial blood vessels in normal-looking skin from patients with severe COVID-19, distinguishable from other forms of respiratory illness. Antiviral proteins and interferon-induced inflammatory proteins were also detected, associated with disease severity.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

Utility of objective testing for initiation of a throwing program following shoulder and elbow surgery in competitive baseball players

A study by Dr. James B. Carr and colleagues evaluated 48 competitive baseball players who underwent shoulder or elbow surgery. The results show that 75% passed an objective return-to-throwing evaluation, while 25% failed due to insufficient shoulder strength and/or endurance. All failing players were able to achieve a passing grade two...

Moderate drinking linked to brain changes and cognitive decline

A study of almost 21,000 people found that moderate drinking is associated with higher iron levels in the brain and poorer cognitive function. Iron accumulation is a potential mechanism for alcohol-related cognitive decline, which can lead to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 2022

Whole blood exchange could offer disease-modifying therapy for Alzheimer’s disease, study finds

A new study from UTHealth Houston found that whole blood exchange treatments decreased amyloid plaque formation in mice with Alzheimer's disease-causing amyloid precursor proteins. This approach has the advantage of treating the disease in the circulation instead of the brain, potentially bypassing the blood-brain barrier.