Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 24, 2022


Even good gene edits can go bad

Researchers at Rice University have developed a procedure to quantify unintended changes that accompany on-target CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, potentially threatening the efficacy and safety of therapies. The new method uses single-molecule sequencing with unique molecular identifiers to detect large deletions, insertions, and chromosomal...

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Lower prostate cancer screening rates associated with subsequent increase in advanced cancers

A large-scale analysis of VA medical centers found that facilities with lower yearly PSA screening rates had higher rates of metastatic prostate cancer in subsequent years. The study supports the benefits of prostate cancer screening in reducing metastatic prostate cancer risk, particularly for high-risk groups like Black patients.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 24, 2022

Happily ever after? A new chapter for traditional fairy tales

Researchers from the University of South Australia found that fairy tales are a valid resource for teaching primary students about social justice and emotional intelligence. Experienced teacher Glenn Saxby suggests presenting fairy tales in a critical and inclusive manner to help explain complex issues to children.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe Australian Journal of Language and Literacy·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 24, 2022

NRG Oncology trial NRG-HN004 shows addition of durvalumab to radiation does not improve outcomes over cetuximab for head & neck squamous cell carcinoma patients with a contraindication to cisplatin, highlights need for further research

The NRG-HN004 trial found that radiotherapy with durvalumab did not improve progression-free survival or overall survival compared to cetuximab in patients with locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have a contraindication to cisplatin. The study highlighted the need for further research in this population.

Air pollution levels declined when US embassies installed monitors abroad and tweeted readings

The study found that fine particulate concentration levels decreased by 2-4 micrograms per cubic meter in host countries with embassy monitors. This reduction led to a significant decrease in premature mortality, resulting in annual health benefits of $127 million for the median city with an embassy monitor.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2022

Real-time air quality data ‘life saving’

Sharing real-time air quality readings can reduce fine particulate concentration levels by 2-4 micrograms per cubic metre each year, leading to significant health benefits. The research estimates annual health benefits of $171 million AUD for the median city.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2022

Scientists map water in molecular crystals, aiding drug development

Researchers developed a computational protocol called MACH that can quickly determine whether a given compound will form a crystal hydrate. The tool uses rules to systematically determine where water would likely be inserted into a crystal, providing essential knowledge for drug development and formulation.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 24, 2022

Special anti-Black racism issues of CMAJ focus on patient health and health professionals

The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) publishes special issues on the impact of anti-Black racism on patient health and healthcare professionals. Research by Black health scholars and practitioners sheds light on systemic inequities, including cancer care disparities and gaslighting in academic medicine.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 24, 2022

One of the crowd or one of a kind? New artificial intelligence research indicates we're a bit of both

A new study published in iScience found that humans tend to follow a two-step process when in a crowd, with an initial reflexive imitation followed by a more deliberate strategic decision. The research suggests this influence affects not only social norms but also immediate actions and underlies behaviors such as rioting and mass panic.

SourceAston University·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2022

Huge unveiling of schizophrenia brain cells show new treatment targets

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have made a breakthrough in understanding schizophrenia by analyzing individual brain cells. The study identified specific neurons and networks affected by the disease, suggesting that targeting these areas could lead to new treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Plant-based diet leads to greater reduction in harmful dietary advanced glycation end-products than diet with meat and dairy

A plant-based diet significantly reduced advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) by 79%, associated with weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity. The reduction in AGEs was largely attributed to decreased meat and dairy consumption, leading to a 14-pound weight loss.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalObesity Science & Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 24, 2022

Three-week course of radiation safe and effective for patients with early-stage breast cancer and elevated risk of recurrence

A randomized phase III trial found that hypofractionated whole-breast radiation with concurrent boost is comparable to six weeks of treatment for patients with higher-risk disease, reducing tumor recurrence by 20-30%. The three-week course was non-inferior to the longer treatment in terms of tumor recurrence and cosmetic outcomes.

More yield, fewer species: How human nutrient inputs alter grasslands

Researchers found that high nutrient inputs result in a decline of plant species, with more species getting lost and fewer new species arriving. This study provides valuable information for practical nature conservation by understanding the effects of unnatural nutrient inputs on biodiversity.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalEcology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

α-Ketoglutarate (AKG) as a nutritional supplement to enhance health and exercise performance

Research reveals that α-Ketoglutarate (AKG) supplementation promotes skeletal muscle mass, improves exercise endurance, and increases blood flow, making it a potential nutritional supplement for enhancing health and exercise performance. AKG also relaxes vascular smooth muscle, allowing tissues to receive abundant oxygen and nutrients.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

How heart failure disrupts the cell’s powerhouse

Researchers from Hokkaido University have identified a link between succinyl-CoA levels and energy metabolism in heart cells affected by chronic heart failure. Supplementation with 5-aminolevulinate acid improved heart function and oxidative phosphorylation capacity in mice with surgically blocked blood supply.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Unintended consequences: analyzing interventions on mercury use and emissions in artisanal gold mining

Researchers analyzed three intervention strategies to mitigate mercury use and emissions in artisanal gold mining, finding that while some methods reduce emissions, others create new environmental problems. The study suggests a need for more comprehensive approaches to address the complex issues surrounding mercury use.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

Researchers confirm stress link in the brain

University of Iowa researchers confirmed a neural circuit linking two brain regions that governs how animals react to stressful situations. The study showed that activating this pathway can revive active coping behaviors and reduce stress hormone release in rats.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

COVID-19: life expectancy mostly continued to decline in 2021

A study by Max Planck Researcher Jonas Schöley and colleagues found that life expectancy continued to decline globally in 2021, with differences between Eastern and Western Europe widening. However, vaccination efforts helped mitigate mortality shocks in some countries, particularly those with robust healthcare systems.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

Research shows care from an allergist results in lower health care costs for children with peanut allergy

Researchers used big datasets to show that annual health care costs were significantly higher among children without allergist care for peanut allergy compared to those who received care. Care from an allergist resulted in lower total health care costs, saving $1,923 per child.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

Scientists manufacture ‘living blood vessel’

Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a method to manufacture materials that mimic the structure of living blood vessels, with promising implications for future surgery. The technology allows the body to accept and transform the implanted material into a functional 'living' blood vessel.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Study looks inside the brain during sleep to show how memory is stored

Researchers found that reactivating memories during sleep improves memory storage by triggering electrical activity in the brain. The study, led by Northwestern University, used implanted electrodes to record brain activity in five patients while they slept and presented sounds associated with learned objects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Regular physical activity may boost effectiveness of COVID-19 jab

Research suggests that regular physical activity enhances vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 by improving antibody levels and mitochondrial function. High levels of physical activity were associated with higher vaccine protection rates, with significant reductions in hospital admissions and severe illness risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2022

Laying geological groundwork for life on Earth

A new Harvard-led study has found evidence of early plate tectonics and the flipping of Earth's magnetic poles, which may have created a more conducive environment for life. The research suggests that the planet's surface was moving at a rate of 6.1 centimeters per year, consistent with modern plate tectonics.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

A revolutionary method to observe cell transport

Researchers developed a new method to study membrane proteins in their native environment, the cell, using electron spin resonance spectroscopy. This technique allows for precise determination of protein properties and could lead to better understanding and targeting of membrane proteins involved in anti-cancer drug resistance.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience Advances·TypeNews article·DateOct 24, 2022

Three week hypo-fractionated whole breast irradiation (WBI) with concurrent boost is not inferior to conventional WBI with a sequential boost following lumpectomy for patients with high-risk, early-stage breast cancer

A Phase III trial found that hypo-fractionated whole breast irradiation (WBI) with concurrent boost is not inferior to conventional WBI with a sequential boost following lumpectomy in patients with high-risk, early-stage breast cancer. The study showed comparable effectiveness and toxicity outcomes between the two treatment options.

ACP says policies needed to improve environmental health

The American College of Physicians (ACP) releases a position paper emphasizing the need for policy actions to address climate change, reduce hazardous substance exposure, and promote environmental justice. ACP calls for immediate action to limit global temperature rise and comprehensive efforts to achieve environmental justice.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2022

Significant number of seniors rely on failing public transit systems to get to medical appointments

A new study found that frail seniors often use public transportation to get to doctor appointments due to inadequate accessibility. The study highlights the pressing need to improve public transit infrastructure and services in cities to support an aging population.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

American Society of Anesthesiologists recognizes Vivianne Tawfik, M.D., Ph.D., with its 2022 James E. Cottrell Presidential Scholar Award

Dr. Vivienne Tawfik has been awarded the American Society of Anesthesiologists' James E. Cottrell Presidential Scholar Award for her groundbreaking work on chronic and post-surgical pain mechanisms. Her research has led to a deeper understanding of peripheral and central immune cells in persistent pain responses.

Mild thyroid disorders can cause severe heart problems

Researchers discovered that mild thyroid dysfunctions can lead to serious heart issues, with elevated free T4 levels increasing cardiovascular mortality. A systematic review of 32 studies found a direct correlation between FT4 concentrations and cardiac death, paving the way for personalized preventive care.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

Video gaming may be associated with better cognitive performance in children

A study of nearly 2,000 children found that those who played video games for three hours per day or more performed better on cognitive skills tests involving impulse control and working memory. The researchers observed higher brain activity in regions associated with attention and memory, suggesting that practicing tasks related to imp...

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 24, 2022

Arecibo Observatory scientists publish major study on near-earth asteroids

The study includes 191 asteroids' radar cross sections and Doppler-frequency broadening, offering clues to asteroids' spin periods and sizes. The research also discovered two metal-rich near-Earth asteroids and five possible enstatite-rich asteroids, shedding new light on the formation and evolution of the solar system.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2022

Evidence for new theory of genetic recombination

Researchers found evidence supporting a new theory on how chromosome recombination is regulated during sexual reproduction. By manipulating protein expressions in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, they discovered that boosting HEI10 levels significantly increased crossovers, while disrupting ZYP1 expression had a similar effect.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

During sleep, one brain region teaches another, converting novel data into enduring memories

Researchers used a neural network model to study how brain regions interact during sleep. They found that the hippocampus and neocortex work together to convert fleeting information into long-term memory. The findings suggest that alternating between REM and slow-wave sleep stages is crucial for strong memory formation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 24, 2022

Research finds that life-saving intervention is not risk-free in pediatric patients

Research found that blood transfusions following solid tumor removal in pediatric oncology patients are associated with higher rates of post-surgery infectious complications, shorter disease-free intervals, and tumor recurrence. The study aims to inform thoughtful use of blood transfusion and encourage multi-center data collection.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

New potential from ‘one-pot-and-one-step’ polymer synthesis

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a one-pot-and-one-step synthesis procedure to create long and geometrically interlinked polymer molecules. This process can produce a wide range of advanced materials with applications in drug delivery, data storage, microelectronics, and nanolithography.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Study: Concerns over COVID-19 vaccine’s effectiveness, not general medical mistrust, slowed early uptake in Black, Latinx communities

A new study from DePaul University found that concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine's effectiveness and safety were a significant factor in delaying vaccination among Black and Latinx populations. The study used validated measures to understand vaccine hesitancy, highlighting the need for clear messaging on vaccine efficacy.

SourceDePaul University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateOct 24, 2022

Using carbon-carbon clumping to detect the signature of biotic hydrocarbons

Researchers have developed a novel approach to distinguish the sources of hydrocarbons by analyzing the relative abundance of carbon isotopes. The new method uses carbon-carbon clumping to identify biotic origins and has shown promising results in detecting hydrocarbons from microorganisms, thermogenic processes, and abiotic sources.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Insects contribute to atmospheric electricity

Researchers have discovered that insects can produce as much atmospheric electric charge as a thunderstorm cloud. Insect swarms alter the electric field force at ground level, affecting local weather patterns. The study, published in iScience, highlights the link between biology and physics.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2022

Researchers develop laser that could ‘reshape the landscape of integrated photonics’ with applications in LiDAR, atomic physics, AR/VR

A new type of integrated semiconductor laser has been developed using the Pockels effect, integrating a lithium-niobate-on-insulator platform. This technology enables fast reconfigurability and narrow spectral window, paving the way for applications in LiDAR remote sensing, microwave photonics, atomic physics, and AR/VR.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022