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Science News for June 28, 2022


Joint final report of Phase III trials demonstrate positive outcomes from combination of PCV chemotherapy and RT in patients with anaplastic oligodendroglial tumors

Updated long-term results from Phase III trials demonstrate significant benefits from combining procarbazine, lomustine, and vincristine chemotherapy with radiation therapy for patients with anaplastic oligodendrogliomas. Patients with chromosome 1p19q codeleted tumors experienced improved overall survival and progression-free survival.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 28, 2022

New study investigates the microbiomes of dogs across the world

Researchers sampled fecal microbiomes from dogs across diverse populations in South Africa, India, and Laos, revealing similar metabolic functions. The study suggests that industrialization may affect the human microbiome diversity in non-industrialized settings.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2022

Older adults with superior memories may have built-in protection against delirium following surgery

A study found that older adults with superior memories, known as 'SuperAgers,' have a greater thickness in the anterior mid-cingulate cortex, potentially making it a biomarker for predicting delirium after surgery. This region of the brain regulates effort and behaviors, and its structure can be improved with training.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2022

Mantle cell lymphoma treatment varies according to setting

The study found that autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) was underutilized in community settings, but maintenance therapy after standard therapy improved outcomes for patients over 65. Maintenance rituximab after bendamustine and chemotherapy regimens also significantly extended times to disease progression and overall survival.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 28, 2022

Immune molecules from a llama could provide protection against a vast array of SARS-like viruses including COVID-19, researchers say

Researchers have discovered llama-derived immune particles that provide strong protection against a vast array of SARS-like viruses, including COVID-19. These 'super-immunity' molecules, known as nanobodies, could be used to develop a fast-acting, inhalable antiviral treatment or spray.

Maternal microbiome promotes healthy development of the baby

A recent study published in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences found that a specific type of gut bacteria, Bifidobacterium breve, plays a crucial role in regulating fetal growth and metabolism during pregnancy. The researchers discovered that the maternal microbiome promotes development of the placenta and healthy growth of the baby ...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2022

Dissolving the problem: Organic vapor induces dissolution of molecular salts

Researchers from Japan have found that organic vapors can trigger the dissolution of molecular salts in a way similar to water vapor. This phenomenon, known as organic deliquescence, has potential applications for cleaning up indoor pollutants and can be used to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from indoor environments.

In the near future, unprecedented drought conditions are projected to be more frequent and consecutive in certain regions

A new study projects that unprecedented drought conditions will become more frequent and consecutive in certain regions due to global warming. The research analyzed changes in drought day frequency for 59 global subcontinental regions until the end of the 21st century.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 28, 2022

Seismic noise analysis could help monitor potential hazards in active mine

A new method allows for the separation of signals generated by mining activity from background seismic noise, enabling real-time monitoring of seismic events and structural integrity. This approach could be applied to various environments, including mines, volcanoes, and oil extraction sites.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2022

Dynamic cells linked to brain tumor growth and recurrence

A study by Michigan Medicine researchers has identified oncostreams, highly active cells connected to brain tumor growth and invasion. The team found that eliminating Collagen 1 production from tumor cells reduces tumor aggressive behavior. This discovery could lead to novel therapeutic targets for treating lethal brain tumors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2022

Study finds low vitamin D levels in young people of color

A University of Houston study found that 61% of Black and Hispanic adolescents have low vitamin D levels, which can lead to cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, type 2 diabetes, and renal disease. The research emphasizes the importance of raising awareness among clinicians about social determinants of health and providing culturall...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Pediatric Health Care·DateJun 28, 2022

NREL analysis highlights strategies beyond recycling to bolster circular economy for solar and battery technologies

The study reveals alternative strategies such as reducing virgin materials, reusing products, and extending product life spans to build sustainable product life cycles. Key challenges remain in developing PV and battery recycling methods, with current research focusing on lab-scale methods.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalJournal of the Air & Waste Management Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 28, 2022

Natural gas used in homes contains hazardous air pollutants shows Boston-area study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

A new Boston-area study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health reveals that natural gas used in homes contains varying levels of volatile organic chemicals. The research found that even small amounts of hazardous air pollutants could impact indoor air quality and degrade outdoor air quality when gas leaks occur.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2022

How scientist proposed a novel Kalman filter for target tracking in space

A novel Kalman filter, GMCKF, was proposed to improve robot tracking accuracy in space with complex non-Gaussian noise. The algorithm achieves better performance under various non-Gaussian noises by utilizing a generalized Gaussian density function and automatic parameter selection.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 28, 2022

Parental depression screening beyond the postpartum period has the potential to identify families needing support

A Rutgers study found that parental depression affects about one in five US families and can have severe consequences on children's health. The research suggests that increased screening for parental depression across a wider age range has the potential to identify families in need of resources.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 28, 2022

Robotic arms connected directly to brain of partially paralyzed man allows him to feed himself

A team of researchers has successfully connected a partially paralyzed man's brain to a pair of robotic arms, allowing him to feed himself using subtle motor signals. The 'shared control strategy' enables the user to customize robot behavior with limited human input, creating a 'best of both worlds' environment.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neurorobotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2022

Common antiretroviral drug improves cognition in mouse model of Down syndrome

Researchers found that lamivudine improved cognition in a mouse model of Down syndrome, which could lead to new pharmacological treatments for cognitive impairment. The study highlights the potential of targeting retrotransposons, segments of DNA that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalJournal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2022

Atrial fibrillation after surgery is linked to an increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure

A study of over three million patients found that post-operative atrial fibrillation increases the risk of hospitalization for heart failure. The risk is present regardless of whether surgery was performed for a heart condition, and can be as high as doubling in non-heart-related conditions.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2022

How to MRI your dragon: Illinois researchers develop first bearded dragon brain atlas

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign created a high-resolution map of the bearded dragon's brain, providing a standardized protocol for future clinical cases. The study identified nine anatomic structures in the brain and developed a safe and efficient MRI and sedation protocol.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 28, 2022

Review article on metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheets assembled on the surface of water

Metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheet research has made significant advances in gas recovery and sensing materials. Professor Makiura's review article summarizes the development of MOF nanosheets on water surfaces, showcasing their potential for separation membranes and sensor miniaturization.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalCoordination Chemistry Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 28, 2022

Precision antibacterials

Researchers from the University of Würzburg have developed precision antibacterials using mRNA technology, targeting specific genes in uropathogenic Escherichia coli. The study shows that these active agents can effectively block only one specific gene, and reducing their size to nine base pairs can minimize non-specific binding.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2022

Hate sites using the wider abortion argument to spread racism and extremism

A study analyzing over 30,000 posts on a Neo-Nazi website found that white supremacists use the abortion debate to promote racist and extremist agendas. The researchers warn that science and medicine are being 'weaponized' to attract recruits and spread dangerous ideologies. Abortion rights are a contested issue in the US, with far-rig...

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalInformation Communication & Society·DateJun 28, 2022

How did vertebrates first evolve jaws?

Scientists studied embryonic development in fish and cartilaginous fish, revealing that the jaw shares a common developmental origin with the gill. The findings support the theory that the jaw evolved by modification of an ancestral gill, which was previously considered controversial.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2022

Opioid poisoning on the rise

A study by ETH Zurich researchers shows a sharp increase in opioid poisoning cases and sales in Switzerland between 2000 and 2019, with oxycodone being the second most common cause. The rise is similar to that seen in other European countries, but per capita sales are higher in Switzerland.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·DateJun 28, 2022

“Punch-drunk slugnuts” and the language of violence: Tracing the impact of sports slang on modern perceptions of neurodegenerative disease

A study by Stephen T. Casper examines how sports slang, such as 'punch-drunk,' influenced the conceptualization and treatment of brain injuries. The research reveals a culture that stigmatized sufferers and normalized male violence, making it difficult for medical professionals to diagnose and treat neurodegenerative disease.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalIsis·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 28, 2022

New kangaroo described - from PNG

Flinders University researchers describe a new genus of giant fossil kangaroo from PNG, diverging from Australian kangaroos and belonging to a unique species. The discovery sheds light on New Guinea's faunal history, with the animal likely evolving from ancient lineages in the late Miocene epoch.

SourceFlinders University·JournalTransactions of the Royal Society of South Australia·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 28, 2022

Unique blend of comics and humor is key to success of public awareness posters in Singapore, finds Singapore-US researchers

The study found that the use of comics for humour, visual-verbal interplay, informality, simple narrative plots, and exaggerated personalities contributed to the campaign's enduring success. The researchers argue that humour is a powerful discursive strategy to educate the public, making content relatable while addressing taboo topics.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalDiscourse Context & Media·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 28, 2022

Decision-making: a new distribution of tasks in our prefrontal cortex?

Researchers propose a new framework for understanding how our prefrontal cortex makes decisions, highlighting the role of ventromedial prefrontal cortex in assigning value to options and medial prefrontal cortex in confidence and deliberation. The study's findings can be generalized to other types of behavior, such as judgments.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalJNeurosci·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 28, 2022

A new approach leads to better sodium ion battery

Researchers developed a new film-forming additive that significantly enhances sodium ion battery performance, resulting in a 52% increase in capacity retention after 100 cycles. The additive improves the stability of hard carbon anodes, leading to improved long cycle performance and potential for commercial use in sodium ion batteries.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateJun 28, 2022

Sustainable practices improve farmers’ wellbeing

Research funded by UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund reveals agroecological practices like agroforestry improve farmers' financial savings, land area, and household assets. Adopting such practices can also enhance food security and wellbeing for smallholder farmers in rural Tanzania.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAgronomy for Sustainable Development·TypeSurvey·DateJun 28, 2022

An age-old story: Farmers against pests

Researchers found remains of over 40 wood mice and numerous insects, including the grain weevil, in prehistoric wells in southern France. The discovery suggests that people developed resilience against pests by switching to more resistant grains like glume wheat around 4000 BCE.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalAnimals·DateJun 28, 2022

AGEs mediate between muscular strength and psychotic symptoms: A birth cohort study

A birth cohort study found that muscular strength is associated with higher risk of psychotic symptoms, which may be mediated by advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in adolescence. Low muscular strength was linked to higher levels of pentosidine, a representative AGE, and increased thought problems as a psychotic symptom indicator.

New technique for detecting typhoid infections faster, more accurate than conventional testing, according to study

A new technique for detecting typhoidal Salmonella infections has been developed, allowing for faster and more accurate tracking of infections, particularly in rural areas. The approach detects typhoid antibodies in dried blood spots, providing valuable information for vaccination planning and disease surveillance.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·DateJun 28, 2022