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Science News for July 29, 2022


BU researchers find interplay of ancestry and sexual dimorphism significantly affect growth patterns in frontal sinuses

A new study by Boston University School of Medicine found that the unique shape of the frontal sinuses, used in forensic anthropology to identify human remains, is influenced by both ancestry and sex. The research analyzed over 300 CT images, revealing that when considering both factors together, they significantly affect sinus dimensions

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalBiology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 29, 2022

KAIST research team proves how a neurotransmitter may be the key in controlling Alzheimer’s toxicity​

A KAIST research team has discovered a new role for somatostatin, a protein-based neurotransmitter, in reducing the toxicity caused by Alzheimers disease. When somatostatin is met with copper and Aβ proteins, it attenuates the toxicity and agglomeration of metal-Aβ complexes.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022

JAMA study, led by Heritage College faculty, finds association between high insulin dosage and cancer

A recent JAMA study found a positive association between high insulin dosage and cancer incidence among patients with type 1 diabetes. The study suggests that clinicians may need to balance cancer risk when treating patients on high insulin doses, with improving insulin sensitivity potentially being a preferred approach.

SourceOhio University·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 29, 2022

Prenatal opioid exposure may trigger neurological, behavioral changes later in life

A new study at the University of Missouri found that prenatal opioid exposure can trigger long-term neurological or behavioral effects in children. The research suggests that opioids impact the developing fetus' gut microbiome, leading to changes in metabolic pathways and potentially affecting overall health and wellness.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalmSystems·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022

Benefits of pre-surgical immunotherapy were independent of race in patients with aggressive breast cancer

A phase I/II clinical trial found that treatment outcomes were similar between Black and non-Black patients with triple-negative breast cancer who received neoadjuvant durvalumab plus chemotherapy. The study's results suggest that improving healthcare access and delivery could mitigate some of the existing disparities in healthcare.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 29, 2022

The gut patrol

Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discover how gut barrier cells send secret messages to patrolling T cells, keeping them alive and active. The study sheds light on conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and highlights the importance of HVEM protein in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022

Analysis reveals sex differences in the recognition, monitoring, and treatment of chronic kidney disease

Women are less likely to receive diagnostic codes related to CKD, be referred to a nephrologist, and have their kidney function monitored compared to men. Despite guidelines recommending equal care, women receive suboptimal management of chronic kidney disease, with lower rates of testing and guideline-recommended medications.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 29, 2022

Technique for the isolation of volatile food compounds optimized

Researchers developed an automated method for isolating volatile food ingredients, increasing yields and reducing contamination risks. The optimized 'aSAFE' technique eliminates operator errors and improves the accuracy of odorant analysis, enabling targeted product development in the food industry.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalEuropean Food Research and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022

Meningref trial shows better protection against meningococcal infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients

Researchers studied the immunogenic potential of the 4CMenB vaccine in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, finding 90% of patients developed protective antibody levels after two doses. The trial supports including meningococcal B vaccination alongside A, C, W, and Y vaccines from 6 months post-transplant to improve protection.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalClinical Microbiology and Infection·DateJul 29, 2022

Taking your time makes a difference – Brain development differs between Neanderthals and modern humans

Researchers at MPI-CBG found that modern human variants cause longer metaphase and fewer chromosome segregation errors in neural stem cells, leading to more efficient brain development. This suggests that some aspects of modern human brain evolution may be independent of brain size.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022

European University Alliance FORTHEM granted EUR 14.4 million by the European Commission for additional four years

The FORTHEM alliance, a nine-university network in Europe, will receive nearly EUR 14.4 million in funding from the European Commission for the next four years. This funding will support the expansion of mobility offerings for students and staff, as well as the development of common infrastructure to foster a transnational European Uni...

Children who lack sleep may experience detrimental impact on brain and cognitive development that persists over time

A new study finds that children who get less than nine hours of sleep per night have significant differences in certain brain regions compared to those who get the recommended amount. The study also linked inadequate sleep to greater mental health problems, like depression, anxiety, and impulsive behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022

Association of state COVID-19 vaccine mandates with staff vaccination coverage, staffing shortages in nursing homes

A study of nursing homes found that states with vaccine mandates had higher staff vaccination rates and fewer staffing shortages compared to those without mandates. This suggests that vaccine mandates can lead to improved vaccination coverage among healthcare workers, reducing the risk of COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateJul 29, 2022