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Science News for November 17, 2022


Researchers identify how certain immune cells contribute to worse survival in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer

Researchers found that HER2-positive breast cancer patients with high levels of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes in residual disease have significantly shorter overall survival. High levels of TILs are associated with poorer outcomes, while lower levels are linked to improved survival rates.

Climate crisis and anthropic pressure are destabilizing the Pantanal

Researchers found that summer rainfall and autumn-winter dry days are increasing, leading to fluvial discharge and sediment load in rainy seasons and water deficits in dry seasons. The Pantanal's complex geomorphology, including mega-fans and self-affine landforms, makes it susceptible to anthropic interference.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of South American Earth Sciences·DateNov 17, 2022

Student-based contact-tracing program prevented COVID-19 exposures and infections among university students and staff

A student-based contact-tracing program at the University of Illinois Chicago reduced COVID-19 exposures and infections by 96% among campus members. The program, which trained students as case investigators and contact tracers, effectively quarantined over 120 cases and prevented an estimated 132 downstream exposures.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeCase study·DateNov 17, 2022

Developing alginate hydrogels that can support cell growth

Scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have created alginate hydrogels that can endure the growth of bacteria, allowing them to synthesize essential enzymes. The modified hydrogels provided a stable platform for bacterial colonies to form and grow, producing important compounds like nisin.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

Blinding eye disease strongly associated with serious forms of cardiovascular disease

A new study from Mount Sinai Hospital finds a strong association between age-related macular degeneration and severe forms of heart disease, including heart failure, heart attacks, and stroke. The study highlights the importance of increased screening for eye disorders to diagnose undetected heart disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalBMJ Open Ophthalmology·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 17, 2022

Story tips: Genetic markers for autism, hiding in plain sight; Recyclable composites help drive net-zero goal; Evaluating buildings in real time; Nanoreactor grows hydrogen-storage crystals

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered genetic markers for autism, developed recyclable composites to drive the net-zero goal, and created a tool for real-time building evaluation. Additionally, they have made significant progress in growing hydrogen-storage crystals using a novel nano-reactor material.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 17, 2022

Ray-finned fish survived mass extinction event

A new study suggests that ray-finned fish diversified earlier than previously thought, accumulating small changes before the Carboniferous period. The fossil specimen Palaeoneiros clackorum shows features typical of younger species, indicating a more complex picture of species diversification.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

Development of an easy-to-synthesize self-healing gel composed of entangled ultrahigh molecular weight polymers

A research team has developed a method to easily synthesize a self-healing polymer gel made of ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) polymers and non-volatile ionic liquids. The gel exhibits superior mechanical properties, high self-healing capabilities, and can be recycled via thermal processing.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

Research brief: Regional disparities in rates of parental incarceration among Minnesota youth

Research reveals significant regional disparities in parental incarceration rates, with children of color and those living in impoverished households more likely to experience it. The study also highlights the need for tailored strategies to address health inequities in remote or under-resourced communities.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2022

Novel approach to treat and prevent Type 2 diabetes: SGH and NUS Medicine study

Researchers found that individuals with CYP8B1 loss-of-function mutations have improved insulin sensitivity and better glucose regulation, reducing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The study suggests a potential new treatment approach using bile acid modulators to target this gene.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 17, 2022

Research brief: Association between diabetes medication and less severe cases of COVID-19

A study published in PLOS ONE found that adults with type 2 diabetes taking metformin had a 45% lower risk of needing a breathing machine or dying from COVID-19 compared to those not taking the medication. The research team analyzed data from a large database and suggested metformin may be an effective treatment option for reducing COV...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2022

AI-generated x-ray images fooled medical experts and improved osteoarthritis classification

Researchers created synthetic knee x-ray images to complement real images in osteoarthritis classification. Medical experts were unable to distinguish between authentic and synthetic images, highlighting the potential of synthetic data for collaboration and testing.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 17, 2022

A Tale of Terroir: Porcini mushrooms have evolved with a preference to local adaptation

A study reveals that porcini mushrooms have evolved in different ways across the globe, with local ecological factors playing a stronger role in maintaining genetic distinctiveness than genetic flow. The findings challenge traditional notions of species development and suggest multiple evolutionary strategies for this organism.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

Predicting the device performance of the perovskite solar cells from the experimental parameters through machine learning of existing experimental results

This study employs machine learning to analyze existing experimental results and predict the device performance of metal halide perovskite solar cells. The authors applied shapley additive explanations (SHAP) analysis to understand the correlations between fabrication processes, composition, and device performance.

Rice refines analysis of MRI contrast agents

A Rice-led team developed molecular simulations that reveal distinct differences in how inner and outer shells of water molecules around gadolinium respond to thermal excitation. Temperature affects the self-diffusivity of molecules, influencing relaxation rates in MRI scans.

SourceRice University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 17, 2022

Researchers demonstrate in mice a new way to deliver medication to malignant brain tumors

Researchers demonstrate a new way to deliver medication to malignant brain tumors in mice, using a modified peptide that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier. The study shows promising results, with a 50% increase in survival rate for treated mice, and offers hope for future treatment breakthroughs.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 17, 2022

COP must reverse rising pessimism over building sector decarbonization, new study argues

A new study published in Nature Scientific Reports reveals that social media engagement with climate policy events can increase the focus of the building sector on environmental justice. The researchers found a strong environmental justice discourse among public concerns, which can foster positive sentiments and inspire innovative emis...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 17, 2022

Pregnant trauma patients with certain injury patterns should be screened for intimate partner violence during their hospital stay

Researchers identified key risk factors for intimate partner violence in pregnant women, including head injuries, multiple contusions, and certain injury patterns. The study highlights the importance of screening for IPV in pregnant trauma patients to prevent poor outcomes such as premature birth and low birth weight.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2022

Research brief: Evaluating use of new AI technology in diagnosing COVID-19

A study by University of Minnesota researchers found that personalized federated learning may offer an opportunity to develop both internal and externally validated algorithms. This technique enables multiple parties to train AI models collaboratively without exchanging or centralizing data sets, protecting sensitive medical informatio...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 17, 2022

Trial by wind: Testing the heat resistance of carbon fiber-reinforced ultra-high-temperature ceramic matrix composites

The study investigates the degradation of carbon fiber-reinforced ultra-high-temperature ceramic matrix composites at temperatures above 2000°C. The results show that the amount of zirconium in the alloy affects the composite's oxidation resistance, and modifying the matrix composition is necessary to prevent degradation.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Materials Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

Women with benign breast disease face higher risk of breast cancer in the long term

A large observational study found that women diagnosed with benign breast disease through screening are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer in the long term. The risk persisted for at least two decades and was found to be significantly higher among women with benign breast disease compared to those without.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2022

Offshore wind farms may harm seabirds, but scientists see potential for net positive impact

A new study presents a comprehensive framework for assessing and mitigating the impacts of offshore wind energy development on marine birds. Researchers propose three steps for mitigation: avoid, minimize, and offset, with the potential to offset negative impacts through conservation strategies that can increase seabird population sizes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 17, 2022

Six-year study finds streams contaminated with pesticides from illegal cannabis grows in Northern California

A six-year study confirms stream contamination with pesticides from trespass cannabis cultivation sites in Northern California, threatening local aquatic species and freshwater resources. The study's findings highlight the need for proactive approaches to mitigate the impacts of these sites on downstream waterways and habitats.

SourceIntegral Ecology Research Center·JournalWater Quality Research Journal·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2022

Wearable activity trackers can be used to determine health metrics that could support clinical care

Researchers used wearable activity trackers to derive health metrics, including heart rate distribution and walking frequency, that correlated with clinically measured parameters. These findings suggest that activity-tracker data can identify surrogate markers of disease severity, enabling remote monitoring and potential personalized t...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateNov 17, 2022

Generality vs. specificity: unraveling the electric double layer structure of highly ionic liquid electrolytes

A team of researchers used molecular dynamics simulations and electrochemical 3D atomic force microscopy to study the electric double layer structure of an ionic liquid on crystalline electrodes. They found that intermolecular interactions among cations and anions are stronger than electrode-specific interactions, proposing a key descr...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateNov 17, 2022

Chemical weapons may not protect Antarctic seafloor animals and their value for drug discovery

A recent study found that most Antarctic species' chemical compounds can repel amphipod predators but are ineffective against hermit crabs, which could decimate local populations. This highlights the vulnerability of Antarctic ecosystems to invasive species and underscores the importance of long-term research on the seafloor.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalMarine Drugs·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

How does radiation travel through dense plasma?

Researchers at the University of Rochester used x-ray spectroscopy to study radiation transport in dense plasmas. They found that atomic energy level changes do not follow conventional quantum mechanics theories, instead conforming to a self-consistent approach based on density-functional theory.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 17, 2022

How fine bubbles lead to more efficient catalysts

The formation of fine bubbles in catalyst pores enhances gas generation reactions from liquid phase systems. This leads to a significant increase in the release of hydrogen per unit time, making the technology more compact and powerful. The discovery provides new insights into performance-limiting factors in heterogeneous catalysis.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

Social bees travel greater distances for food than their solitary counterparts, study finds

Researchers at the University of Bristol found that social bees have larger foraging ranges due to traits like body size, colony size, communication, and flower constancy. This has significant implications for predicting pollination services and creating effective conservation strategies for bees and plants.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 17, 2022

A new experiment pushes the boundaries of our understanding of topological quantum matter

Researchers clarify key aspects of thermal Hall effect in magnetic insulator, reaching novel conclusions and advancing understanding of topological quantum matter. The study utilizes ruthenium chloride to demonstrate the first example of a magnetic insulator exhibiting the thermal Hall effect from quantum edge modes.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

Down syndrome, like Alzheimer's, is a double-prion disorder

A recent study reveals that Down syndrome brains develop the same amyloid beta and tau prions as Alzheimer's disease, causing neurological dysfunction. With over 50% of people with Down syndrome developing Alzheimer's by age 40, this discovery offers new insights into the common underlying causes of these two diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2022

Vast phytoplankton blooms may be lurking beneath Antarctic ice

Researchers used NASA's Earth observing system to estimate light availability beneath Antarctic sea ice and found significant phytoplankton blooms in nearly all example floats. The study suggests that 50% or more of under-ice Antarctic waters may support blooms, potentially supporting life beneath the ice.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2022

Cardiovascular societies give significantly fewer awards to women physicians, researchers

A study found that seven major cardiovascular societies favor men and white individuals when awarding recognition, with women receiving significantly fewer awards than men across all categories. Researchers attribute this disparity to implicit bias, which may prevent underrepresented groups from advancing in their careers.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 17, 2022

Homelessness, hospitals and mental health: Study shows impacts and costs

A new study by researchers at the University of Michigan finds that patients with documented housing instability were more likely to receive diagnoses for mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental conditions, and had longer hospital stays. The study used data from 2017-2019 and found that caring for hospitalized people with housing is...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2022

Longest follow-up of patients with early breast cancer shows radiotherapy does not improve survival after 30 years

A 30-year follow-up study of patients with early breast cancer found that radiotherapy does not improve overall survival rates after 10 years but reduces the risk of recurrence in the same breast. The study's findings challenge traditional concepts of long-term anti-cancer benefits of radiotherapy.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 17, 2022

First study of monkeypox infection in women provides new insights to inform public health response to ongoing outbreak

A global case series of monkeypox infection in cisgender and transgender women and non-binary individuals provides valuable insights into risk factors, routes of transmission, and clinical features. The study highlights the need for education among healthcare professionals to accurately diagnose and prevent transmission.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalThe Lancet·TypeCase study·DateNov 17, 2022

Neonicotinoid causes ASD-like symptoms in chicks

Researchers found that neonicotinoid chemicals can impair the development of biological motion preference in chicks, similar to autism spectrum disorder in humans. The study suggests that transmission via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors is critical for this process.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalCerebral Cortex Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

Targeting serial returners to stem a growing problem for retailers

A study found that consumers are more likely to shop elsewhere if they view a return policy change as unfair. Retailers may be able to offset costs by specifically targeting 'serial returners' with the policy change, improving customer intentions and reducing negative word of mouth. Targeted policies for serial returners can lead to po...

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Business Research·TypeSurvey·DateNov 17, 2022

Oncotarget | Mutation analysis performed on tumor biopsies from patients with newly-diagnosed germinal center aggressive B cell lymphomas

A new study analyzed tumor biopsies from patients with newly-diagnosed germinal center B cell lymphoma and found that CREBBP mutations were associated with lower disease-free survival rates. The researchers identified CLMA as a practical tool to translate experimental findings into clinical applications.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

UMD researcher shows how a common fungus eliminates toxic mercury from soil and water

Researchers genetically engineered the fungus Metarhizium robertsii to amplify its mercury detoxifying effects, finding it can quickly clear mercury from fresh and saltwater. The discovery suggests a potential cost-effective method for protecting crops grown in polluted areas and remediating mercury-laden waterways.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

Ewing sarcoma tumors can be split into two groups for targeted care

Researchers have identified two subgroups of Ewing sarcoma that respond differently to targeted drug therapy, with the first group responding to Linsitinib and AZD1775 treatment. The study suggests that repeated biopsies may be needed over time to determine the best course of treatment for each patient.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022

Early warning signals for climate tipping should be taken very seriously

Scientists have found early warning signals for climate tipping in the Amazon Rainforest, West-Central Greenland ice sheet, and Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. The study provides a clear mathematical understanding of increased variability, sensitivity, critical slowing down, and being close to a tipping point.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalJournal of Physics A Mathematical and Theoretical·DateNov 17, 2022

Reducing bycatch with sensory deterrents

A new study suggests that sensory deterrents can work in some circumstances and may be part of the solution to reduce bycatch. The authors found that LED lights were the only technology to date found successful in trials across all marine megafauna groups, but also led to increased bycatch in some species.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalReviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 17, 2022

Novel PET agent effectively detects multiple cancers, identifies patients for targeted therapies

A new molecular imaging radiotracer, <sup> 68 </sup> Ga-PentixaFor, demonstrates high image contrast in various cancers, including hematologic malignancies and small cell lung cancer. This agent targets the C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), which is a predictor of poor prognosis in cancer patients.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateNov 17, 2022

Is your child in a center-based day care? Research shows no need for concerns about behavioral issues

A new study using longitudinal databases from five countries found almost no evidence that extensive time in early center-based child care causes behavior problems in young children. The results suggest that parents can participate in the workforce without worrying about harm to their children's behavioral development.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2022