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Science News for January 12, 2023


MRI-guided radiotherapy produces fewer side effects and better quality of life for patients with localized prostate cancer

A new study found that MRI-guided radiotherapy is more effective than CT-guided therapy in reducing side effects and improving quality of life for patients with localized prostate cancer. The trial involved 154 patients, who experienced fewer toxicities and better outcomes when treated with MRI guidance.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 12, 2023

Faster knee for better walking

Researchers found that knee extension velocity, not quadriceps strength, is a strong predictor of walking performance in elderly patients after total knee arthroplasty. This study suggests that training to enhance knee extension velocity could be effective in recovering gait function.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2023

Plate tectonics in the twenty-first century

This study by Prof. Yong-Fei Zheng examines the operation of plate tectonics, focusing on divergent-convergent coupling systems and their impact on material movement and energy transfer at plate margins. It highlights two key processes for the onset of plate tectonics: subduction initiation and lithospheric rifting.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateJan 12, 2023

Two previously unknown bacterial species identified from patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers have isolated two new bacterial species from patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which break down the protective mucus layer of the gut. The bacteria, Allobaculum mucilyticum and Allobaculum fili, are highly efficient at degrading intestinal mucus, leading to potent immune responses.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

Study reveals mechanism of coverage-driven selectivity switch from ethylene to acetate in high-rate CO2/CO electrolysis

A study reveals the mechanism behind a selective switch from ethylene to acetate production in high-rate CO2/CO electrolysis. Researchers found that *CO coverage and local pH induced this switch, with acetate formation favored at high *CO coverage and high local pH.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 12, 2023

How do rocky planets really form?

A new theory proposes that rocky planets form in a narrow band of the protoplanetary disk, where silicate vapors condense to form solid pebbles. This process creates a ring of material that constitutes the building blocks for planet formation, resulting in uniform systems of rocky super-Earths.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 12, 2023

New research shows dynamics of memory-encoding synapses in the brains of live mice

A team of researchers used imaging technology to study synapse dynamics in the brains of live mice, revealing that some new synapses formed during fear conditioning are eliminated over time. This finding supports the 'unlearning' hypothesis and could help scientists better understand brain activity in patients with PTSD.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

Cells use mechanical principles to integrate within existing tissues, new study shows

A new study reveals how new cells join a tissue by reading mechanical information from neighboring tissue. They use cellular fingers called filopodia to touch neighboring cells, opening up the cell layer. This process must happen with accurate precision for proper development and tissue formation.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2023

An ecofriendly way to convert blue light into UVB

A new system upconverts blue LED light into high-energy Ultraviolet B (UVB) light without toxic materials. The development opens the door for more sustainable and eco-friendly uses of UVB in various applications such as disinfection, photochemical reactions, and wastewater treatment.

SourceKyushu University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

Fall rate nearly 50% among older Americans with dementia

A new study reveals that falls are nearly 50% among older Americans with dementia, emphasizing the importance of addressing environmental and health-related risk factors. Key findings highlight the need for tailored screening and prevention interventions specifically designed for this high-risk population.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateJan 12, 2023

Placebo reduces feelings of guilt

Researchers at the University of Basel found that placebos can significantly reduce feelings of guilt in healthy subjects. Participants who received open-label placebos showed a significant decrease in guilt, even when they knew they were receiving a placebo.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

New Harvard study puts a number on what ‘Exxon knew’ decades ago about climate science

A new Harvard study finds that ExxonMobil scientists made accurate and skillful global warming predictions between 1977 and 2003, contradicting the company's public claims. The study analyzes never-before-reported data from the company's documents and finds that 63-83% of projections were consistent with subsequent observations.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 12, 2023

Urgent need to address ‘regulatory void’ for online gambling across sub-Saharan Africa – new study

A new study found that limited information is available on the size of the gambling market, participation, harms, and prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa. The researchers argue that regulation is outdated and ill-equipped for a digital age, with many territories lacking explicit regulation for online gambling.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPublic Health·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 12, 2023

Falling birth rate not due to less desire to have children

A new study suggests that young Americans' concern about the future and difficulties in achieving their goals of having children are delaying parenthood. Despite consistent childbearing goals since the 1960s, unintended births have declined, but people are not having as many children as they say they want, especially at earlier ages.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPopulation and Development Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 12, 2023

All in the planning: State policies working to fix Gulf nutrient pollution

A new study analyzed state nutrient reduction strategies and found that initial energy and inclusive planning processes were key to success. Emphasizing local water body impacts was more motivating than distant goals, and addressing scale challenges is crucial for significant results.

New studies suggest social isolation is a risk factor for dementia in older adults, point to ways to reduce risk

Researchers found that socially isolated older adults are at higher risk of developing dementia, with technology use shown to lower this risk. The studies suggest that relatively simple efforts to increase social support, such as texting and email use, may reduce the risk of dementia in older adults.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 12, 2023

Molecular Tumor Board provides useful assist in cancer precision medicine

A multidisciplinary team reviews genomic test results and recommends treatment options for patients with gastrointestinal cancer, identifying clinical trials suitable for most patients. The program has been successful in providing expert treatment guidance for over 500 patients and can be a model for other cancer centers.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJCO Precision Oncology·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 12, 2023

Fish-hunting and eating behaviors confirmed in Japanese macaques

Researchers have documented cases of Japanese macaques hunting and eating fish in the Kamikochi region of Japan, suggesting an evolutionary adaptation to harsh winter conditions. The behavior appears to be an extension of existing feeding habits on vegetation and aquatic plants, with potential implications for future generations.

SourceShinshu University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2023

Mature ‘lab grown’ neurons hold promise for neurodegenerative disease

Researchers have created highly mature human neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells using 'dancing molecules.' These mature neurons demonstrate enhanced signaling capabilities and branching ability, making them suitable for studying neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Alzheimer's. The breakthrough technique opens new opportuni...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

American Cancer Society releases latest cancer statistics, launches initiative to address prostate cancer resurgence and disparities

The American Cancer Society released its annual report on cancer facts and trends, showing a 33% drop in overall cancer mortality since 1991. However, prostate cancer incidence increased by 3% per year from 2014 to 2019, with advanced-stage disease diagnoses rising by 4-5% annually.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCA A Cancer Journal for Clinicians·DateJan 12, 2023

Rx for prolonged sitting: A five-minute stroll every half hour

A study by Columbia University exercise physiologists found that taking a five-minute walking break every 30 minutes can significantly lower blood sugar and blood pressure, while also reducing fatigue and improving mood. This regimen provided the most benefits, with only one minute of walking per hour providing modest benefits.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

Aging | Transcriptomic analysis of human ALS skeletal muscle reveals a disease-specific pattern of dysregulated circRNAs

A new study has identified distinct patterns of circular RNA expression in human ALS muscle tissue, which display disease-specific gradients and could inform about neuromuscular molecular programs in ALS. The research reveals that specific circRNAs are elevated in ALS muscle biopsies but reduced in spinal cord samples from ALS patients.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2023

Automated optical inspection of FAST’s reflector surface using drones and computer vision

A team of scientists has developed an automated inspection system for the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) reflector surface using drones and computer vision. The system uses deep-learning techniques to detect defects on the surface, enabling timely repair and maintaining optimal dish surface quality.

Ancient Siberian genomes reveal genetic backflow from North America across the Bering Sea

Researchers analyzed ancient genomes from ten individuals up to 7,500 years old in Siberia, revealing a previously unknown hunter-gatherer population that contributed to many contemporaneous and subsequent populations across North Asia. The genetic data show a mix of paleo-Siberian and Ancient North Eurasian people, with links to hunte...

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

Move over, mice: caterpillars could replace some mammals in the study of human disease

Scientists have found that caterpillars can be used as an alternative to rodent models for studying gut inflammation, a risk factor for colorectal cancer. The tobacco hornworm caterpillar has a high degree of similarity to the human gut structure and physiology, making it a promising model organism for future research.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

Why chocolate feels so good – it is all down to lubrication

A team of scientists at the University of Leeds has decoded the physical process behind chocolate's sensation in the mouth. They found that fat plays a key role in creating the smooth emulsion, and by understanding this mechanism, they hope to develop healthier luxury chocolates with the same feel and texture.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

Aggressiveness of pet dogs is influenced by life history and owner’s characteristics, study suggests

A study of 665 pet dogs found that life history, owner gender, and breed can influence canine behavior. The results highlight the importance of environmental interactions in shaping animal behavior, suggesting that traits like weight, height, and cranial morphology impact the dog-owner relationship.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalApplied Animal Behaviour Science·TypeSurvey·DateJan 12, 2023

Introducing COSMOCAT

COSMOCAT proposes using cosmic rays to transport random numbers, eliminating the need to send decryption keys and enhancing local device and network security. The system can be used alongside current wireless technologies, offering faster speeds and limited distance capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

Study reveals significant lack of infection-surveillance training in home infusion therapy setting

A recent study published in AJIC found that many home infusion therapy staff receive no formal training on central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) surveillance. The study identified barriers to training, including lack of learning resources and awareness of professional development opportunities.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeSurvey·DateJan 12, 2023

Team streamlines DNA collection, analysis for wildlife conservation

A new DNA-collection approach allows scientists to capture genetic information from wildlife without disturbing the animals. The protocol tested on elephant dung yielded enough DNA to sequence whole genomes not only of the elephants but also of associated microbes, plants, parasites and other organisms.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

Eavesdropping on the Earth itself

A team of researchers has developed a system that uses fibre-optic cables to detect and measure acoustic signals from the ocean, including whale vocalizations, ship traffic, earthquakes, and distant storms. This technology has the potential to create a global real-time monitoring network for Ocean-Earth sciences.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2023

New study from Pusan National University explores artificial intelligence in fashion

A new study from Pusan National University explores the use of collaborative artificial intelligence models in fashion design, finding that human designs offer unique originality and creativity. The researchers propose a human-AI collaborative network to produce novel designs, which can also be used as a learning tool for non-experts.

SourcePusan National University·JournalThinking Skills and Creativity·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 12, 2023

UCalgary study offers new insight into deadly fungal invasion of the lungs

Researchers discovered that viral infections like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza destroy a natural immunity needed to resist fungal infections. This leads to impaired cooperation between white blood cells, allowing fungi to take root. The study reveals potential repurposing of current therapies to replace damaged antibodies.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

Integrated photonic circuits could help close the 'terahertz gap'

Researchers at EPFL have developed a new thin-film circuit that produces finely tailorable terahertz-frequency waves, enabling precise control over frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and phase. This breakthrough has significant implications for future electronics, telecommunications, spectroscopy, and quantum applications.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

How sex differences influence lung injury in mice

Researchers have discovered that more than 2,500 genes exhibit significant sex differences in expression in mouse alveolar type II cells, potentially explaining sex biases in lung diseases. These findings suggest that AT2 cells may play a crucial role in sex-biased differences in lung injury and repair.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

Prevalence of vision impairment in older adults

More than one-quarter of U.S. adults aged 71 and older had vision impairment in 2021, according to a nationally representative survey study. The prevalence of vision impairment was associated with factors such as older age, lower education and income, non-white race, and Hispanic ethnicity.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateJan 12, 2023

Deep-ultraviolet birefringent hydrogel based on 2D cobalt-doped titanate

Scientists developed a novel birefringent hydrogel that can continuously tune DUV light, expanding optics to the DUV region for applications in data storage and semiconductor processing. The 2D cobalt-doped titanate LC enables large magnetic & optical anisotropy and high transmittance.

Simple blood test shows promise for screening common and dangerous pregnancy complications

Researchers at Ningbo University identified biomarkers in short-chain fatty acids that may indicate three common pregnancy complications: pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, and intrahepatic cholestasis. The study found elevated levels of isobutyric acid and other short-chain fatty acids in women with these conditions.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2023

*Free* ExxonMobil’s own global warming projections predicted climate warming, quantitative analysis shows

A new Review analyzed ExxonMobil's internal climate modeling projections, comparing them to academic and government models. The findings suggest that the company accurately foresaw the threat of human-caused global warming, with its projections consistent with subsequent global warming trends.

Scientists improve the equation in FDA guidance predicting drug interactions

Researchers have improved the FDA's equation for predicting drug interactions by addressing fundamental limitations and incorporating new models. The modified equation has shown a significantly increased accuracy of about 80%, which is expected to contribute to increasing the success rate of new drug development.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalClinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 12, 2023

KIMM develops Korea’s first smart intraocular lens technology, capable of early-stage dementia diagnosis

KIMM has developed a smart intraocular lens that can diagnose Alzheimer's disease at its early stages. The lens uses a bioresponsive hydrogel-based sensing module to detect biomarkers, allowing for label-free and real-time detection. This technology has the potential to reduce social costs associated with neurological diseases.