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Science News for June 15, 2022


Mechanism of expanding bacteria revealed

Gram-negative bacteria rely on cell wall to synchronize outer membrane building, but a new study identified 'old' peptidoglycan as the key factor controlling this process. Disrupting this mechanism makes Gram-negative bacteria vulnerable to targeted antibiotics.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2022

Researchers develop the world's first ultra-fast photonic computing processor using polarization

Scientists at the University of Oxford have created a new type of computing processor that uses light to process information, achieving speeds faster than traditional electronics. By leveraging multiple polarisation channels, the researchers increased computing density by several orders of magnitude, paving the way for more efficient p...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022

Underachievers no more

A new University of California, Davis study found that implementing an educational philosophy called a mindset intervention raised grades among underachieving students. The study, which included nearly 2,000 ethnically diverse sixth and seventh grade students, showed that early intervention with teachers and training on malleable intel...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPsychological Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 15, 2022

Gold ribbon not necessary—healthy brain and body function are the rewards in this game

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that Synapsology, a game-like dual-task exercise, helps maintain or improve cognitive and physical abilities in older adults aged 85-97. The study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, suggests that this cost-effective intervention can have a societal impact.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia Translational Research & Clinical Interventions·DateJun 15, 2022

New review paper proposes framework for advancing application of animal-to-human transplantation

A new review paper has proposed a framework for advancing the application of xenotransplantation, a potential solution to the organ shortage. The study discusses innovations and advances in transplanting animal hearts into human subjects, with a focus on overcoming challenges and barriers.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJACC Basic to Translational Science·TypeCase study·DateJun 15, 2022

How protists crack the walls of algae

A team of researchers from the University of Cologne identified a possible key enzyme that enables algae-eating protists to dissolve algal cell walls. The study, published in Current Biology, reveals new insights into the molecular toolkit used by these organisms to interact with their prey.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2022

Tumor ‘signatures’ could provide key to more accurate treatment for deadliest cancers

Researchers have developed a framework to analyze chromosomal instability in human cancers, characterizing 17 different types of signatures. These signatures can predict how tumors respond to drugs and help identify future drug targets. The discovery aims to improve survival rates for millions of cancer patients worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 15, 2022

Moffitt researchers contribute to discovery of mechanism leading to drug resistance in prostate cancer

A new study published in Science Translational Medicine reveals that consecutive molecular modifications of the androgen receptor can contribute to drug resistance in prostate cancer. Researchers identified a potential treatment approach using an ACK1 inhibitor to block this resistance.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022

New lung-cancer screening guidelines reduce disparity

The US Preventive Task Force's revised guidelines have increased the proportion of African Americans screened for lung cancer, a move expected to lead to more lives saved. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from over 800 patients and found that those eligible under the new criteria had a significantly higher rate ...

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 15, 2022

Louisiana team approach prevents harmful infection from spreading among vulnerable patients

A state health department's swift action halted a nursing-home outbreak of drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Improved hand hygiene, enhanced environmental cleaning protocols, and colonization screening helped contain the spread of the organism, with no additional cases detected after implementation of infection control recommenda...

Medicalizing menopause may be unhelpful for some women

Menopause is often perceived as a hormone deficiency, but experts argue this can lead to negative expectations. Instead, a more nuanced approach emphasizes the positive aspects of menopause, such as freedom from menstruation and reduced symptoms. Normalizing ageing and celebrating women's strengths can also improve experiences.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 15, 2022

Building block for a longer life

Heidelberg University researchers have identified a key protein HYPK that regulates N-terminal acetylation, prolonging plant protein life and enhancing drought resistance. This mechanism appears to be ancient, retained across various organisms.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 15, 2022

Opioid use disorder: Flexible treatment at home proves effective

A pan-Canadian study found that prescribing buprenorphine-naloxone at home is as effective as traditional methadone treatment in reducing opioid use. The flexible model of care offers improved access and autonomy for individuals with opioid use disorder. With over 270 participants, the OPTIMA study suggests a new approach to treating t...

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 15, 2022

More than a quarter of people with asthma are still over-using rescue inhalers – putting them at increased risk of severe attacks and hospitalisation

A study by Queen Mary University of London found that 26% of patients with asthma are overusing rescue inhalers, which can lead to poor asthma control and increased risk of severe attacks. By reducing SABA overprescribing, hospitals can see a 70% decrease in asthma-related hospital admissions.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 15, 2022

In people with HIV, treating precancerous anal lesions cuts risk of anal cancer by more than half

A large clinical trial found that treating high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) reduces the risk of anal cancer in people with HIV. The study showed a 57% reduction in anal cancer cases after treatment, highlighting the importance of screening and treatment for HSIL in this population.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 15, 2022

New solution for stem cell manufacturing

Researchers have developed a unique 3D printed system to harvest mesenchymal stem cells from bioreactors, which can be used for various treatments. The system combines microfluidics and 3D printing to process adult stem cells, potentially making stem cell therapies more widely available.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalBioresources and Bioprocessing·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022

Dog-assisted interventions lead to lower stress levels in children

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that dog-assisted interventions can significantly reduce stress levels in elementary school children, both with and without special needs. The research used salivary cortisol levels to track the effects of dog interactions on stress levels, revealing a decrease in cortisol levels after dog sessions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 15, 2022

New material paves the way for remote-controlled medication and electronic pills

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have invented a material that uses electrical signals to separate biomolecules, paving the way for efficient production of biomedicines. The material's ability to function in biological fluids with buffering capacity enables remote-controlled drug release and reduces energy consumption.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022

Air pollution and climate change take a growing toll on children's health

Climate-related events and air pollution disproportionately affect socially and economically disadvantaged children, exacerbating health issues such as preterm birth, respiratory illness, and malnutrition. The authors emphasize the need for simultaneous adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect children's health.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 15, 2022

Nordic walking improves functional capacity in people with heart disease

A novel study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology demonstrates that Nordic walking provides greater long-term improvements in functional capacity compared to high-intensity interval training and moderate-to-vigorous intensity continuous training. Nordic walking engages core, upper, and lower body muscles, resulting in a sig...

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 15, 2022

Preadolescents exposed to high levels of air pollution in their first years of life display changes in brain connectivity

A recent study found that higher exposure to air pollution is associated with increased functional brain connectivity among several brain regions in preadolescents. The findings also identify the first years of life as the most sensitive period for exposure to air pollution, with black carbon particles being the most associated polluta...

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2022

All-optical switching on a nanometer scale

Scientists at Max Born Institute demonstrate ultrafast emergence of all-optical switching by generating a nanometer-scale grating through interference of two pulses in the extreme ultraviolet spectral range. The researchers identify an intensity ratio as a fingerprint observable for AOS in diffraction experiments.

Poor sleep among African Americans associated with diminished cognitive function

A recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that poor sleep among African Americans is associated with lower cognitive function, including attention and executive function. The study suggests that improving sleep health may support prevention of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2022

A new nanomaterial for precision medicine and the green transition

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano developed a new nanomaterial with a superfluorinated gold cluster, exhibiting unique optical and catalytic properties. The findings have potential applications in precision medicine and the green transition, including diagnostic and therapeutic applications and efficient production of green hydrogen.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022

Going platinum: A non-toxic catalyst for clean, re-usable water

USC Viterbi School of Engineering researchers introduce platinum as a non-toxic catalyst to transform toxic aldehydes into harmless carboxylic acids in wastewater. The breakthrough enables the production of clean and reusable water, addressing growing concerns about water shortages and regulatory requirements.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022

COVID-19 on the brain: Neurological symptoms persist in majority of long-haulers

A UC San Diego longitudinal study found that most COVID-19 long-haulers continue to suffer from neurological symptoms six months after infection, with memory impairment and decreased concentration being the most prevalent. Researchers identified a new subgroup with advanced symptoms, including tremor and difficulty balancing.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateJun 15, 2022

Institutional racism linked to worse asthma outcomes for Black Pittsburghers

A new analysis by University of Pittsburgh scientists demonstrates that institutional racism, rather than race-based biology, worsens asthma severity in Black people. The study links discriminatory lending practices from the 1930s to long-term environmental and health inequities, particularly in historically redlined neighborhoods.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 15, 2022

Mapping the foundation for new life

Researchers at Kyoto University's Institute Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-ASHBi) have gained new insights into how totipotency is programmed in germline cells. They found that DNA methyl groups are removed and DNA strands are unwound to create a 'clean slate' for embryo development, while also building insulation to prevent earl...

SourceKyoto University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022

Stanford researcher discusses climate change and air pollution impacts on children’s health

Children are at higher risk of health changes due to air pollution and climate change impacts, including increased asthma rates and vector-borne diseases. Caregivers can take steps to minimize exposure by making personal and family changes such as using electric cars, reducing meat consumption, and improving indoor air quality.

SourceStanford University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 15, 2022

New Super-Pulsed thulium fiber laser improves treatment results in pediatric patients with urinary stones

A new study published in The Journal of Urology found that a super-pulsed thulium fiber laser system improved stone-free rates and reduced residual fragments in pediatric patients with urinary stones compared to standard low-power holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet lasers. The study, which evaluated 125 procedures in 109 patients, showed ...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateJun 15, 2022

A large predator from the Pyrenees

A new species of large carnivore, Tartarocyon, has been discovered in the Pyrenees with a fossilized lower jaw weighing around 200 kg. The discovery provides insights into the development of European 'bear dogs' during the late Miocene period.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateJun 15, 2022