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Science News Archive June 2023 - Page 37


Page 37 of 40

Association of immunotherapy duration with overall survival in advanced non–small cell lung cancer – this study is being released to coincide with a poster presentation at the 2023 ASCO annual meeting

A study published in JAMA Oncology suggests that stopping immunotherapy after two years for patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer who remain responsive may be a reasonable strategy, providing sustained clinical benefit. The findings provide reassurance for patients and their healthcare providers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJun 4, 2023

Real-world data suggests stopping immunotherapy after two years is reasonable in patients with advanced lung cancer

A retrospective cohort study suggests that stopping immunotherapy treatment at two years is a valid strategy without compromising overall survival. The researchers analyzed data from 1,091 patients and found similar overall survival probabilities between those who stopped treatment and continued it indefinitely.

Researchers from Tel Aviv University and UCLA developed a method of deep-brain stimulation during sleep to improve memory consolidation

Researchers from Tel Aviv University and UCLA developed a method to improve memory consolidation by inducing deep-brain stimulation during sleep. The study found that precise timing of electrical stimulation enhances synchronization between the hippocampus and frontal cortex, leading to improved accuracy in recalling memories.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 4, 2023

Clinical trial points to treatment advances for glioma patients for first time in decades

A phase 3 clinical trial by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has shown vorasidenib significantly prolongs progression-free survival and delays radiation and chemotherapy for patients with Grade 2 IDH-mutant glioma. Treatment with vorasidenib can delay cognitive dysfunction in patients and preserve their quality of life.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 4, 2023

Phase 3 SWOG Cancer Research Network trial, led by a City of Hope researcher, demonstrates one-year progression-free survival in 94% of patients with Stage 3 or 4 classic Hodgkin lymphoma who received a checkpoint inhibitor combined with chemotherapy

The Phase 3 S1826 trial demonstrates one-year progression-free survival in 94% of patients with Stage 3 or 4 classic Hodgkin lymphoma treated with nivolumab and chemotherapy. The therapy was well-tolerated, with few serious immune-related side effects.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 4, 2023

Whales not to be counted on as ‘climate savers’: study

A recent study led by Griffith University found that whales do not significantly contribute to the removal of atmospheric carbon, contrary to previous hopes. The research suggests that other methods, such as protecting marine environments and natural carbon capture, are more effective in reducing greenhouse gases.

SourceGriffith University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 4, 2023

Bench-to-field study identifies pesticides that could influence Parkinson's disease

A recent study has identified 53 pesticides linked to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, with exposure to multiple chemicals combined being more toxic than any single pesticide. The researchers also found that specific pesticides can directly harm dopamine neurons, a key finding for the development of new therapeutic strategies.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2023

Results of SWOG S1929 trial show patients with small-cell lung cancer with SLFN11 expression can benefit from PARP inhibitor added to immune checkpoint blockade

A phase II trial showed that patients with extensive stage SCLC expressing the Schlafen-11 gene had significantly longer progression-free survival when treated with atezolizumab and talazoparib. The study demonstrates improved outcomes for patients with SLFN11-positive SCLC, paving the way for personalized therapy approaches.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 2, 2023

UVA-led discovery challenges 30-year-old dogma in associative polymers research

A University of Virginia-led study challenges traditional understanding of associative polymers' behavior, revealing that reversible bonds slow down polymer movement without creating a rubbery network. This discovery has implications for materials used in sustainability, health, and engineering applications.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2023

Mysterious dashes revealed in Milky Way’s center

A new population of shorter, horizontally-oriented filaments has been discovered near Sagittarius A*, the galaxy's central supermassive black hole. These filaments are thought to be tied to the outflow of hot material from the black hole, providing insights into its spin and accretion disk orientation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJun 2, 2023

Sensory adapted dental rooms significantly reduce autistic children’s physiological and behavioral stress during teeth cleanings

A new study by USC researchers shows that sensory adapted dental clinics significantly reduce autistic children's distress during teeth cleanings. The adapted environment features visual, auditory, and tactile adaptations, which lead to a decrease in behavioral and physiological stress.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 2, 2023

Intelligent brains take longer to solve difficult problems

Researchers found that higher intelligence scores are only associated with quicker performance on simple tasks, while more difficult problems require more time and lead to better results. The brain models also showed that slower brains make fewer errors due to reduced synchrony between brain areas.

SourceBIH at Charité·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2023

Couples’ social networks took long-lasting hit during COVID

The study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to significant declines in face-to-face and virtual interactions among couples, particularly among lower-income and Latino/Black couples. These declines persisted even after vaccines became available and restrictions were lifted. The researchers highlight the need for public health measures t...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJun 2, 2023

HKUST researchers unveil long-sought noncanonical cleavage mechanism in miRNA biogenesis

The discovery of the noncanonical cleavage mechanism solves a two-decade-long mystery in molecular biology regarding the cleavage of numerous pri-miRNAs in animals. The study reveals previously unrecognized DROSHA recognition sites, which are critical for noncanonical cleavage and can also function in the canonical mechanism.

Coronavirus: School closings affected parents’ work schedules

A new study by the University of Cologne and IAB found that school closures during the pandemic reduced working hours for parents due to childcare obligations. Reopening schools led to a rebound in working hours, with parents who had access to care or schooling attending work about 1.5-2 hours more per week than those without.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of European Social Policy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 2, 2023

Taming a frenzied immune system

UofL researchers, led by Jun Yan, will investigate the causes of immune system overresponse in COVID-19 patients, leading to severe lung disease and death. They aim to develop methods to predict, prevent or control this response with potential treatments for other conditions.

Hispanic women still at higher risk for births with neural tube defects after voluntary folic acid fortification of corn masa flour

A new study finds that voluntary folic acid fortification of corn masa flour products has not significantly reduced the rate of births with neural tube defects in Hispanic women. The research suggests that mandatory fortification of cereal grains is more effective in preventing these congenital defects.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalChild s Nervous System·DateJun 2, 2023

Protecting existing parks is as crucial for biodiversity conservation as creating new protected areas

A study by Princeton University finds that strengthening protection for existing parks is vital for safeguarding biodiversity. Enhancing existing park networks can protect essential habitats of 1191 animal species, highlighting the importance of preserving already protected areas.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 2, 2023

UTHSC researchers’ work on human pangenome aids understanding of common chromosomal abnormality

Researchers from UTHSC have made a foundational discovery about chromosome biology through their work on the first-ever human pangenome reference. The draft pangenome uses complete genome assemblies to provide a diverse look at the genetic makeup of humans, shedding light on variation in parts of the genome that could not be seen before.

Multiple sclerosis more prevalent in Black Americans than previously thought

A new study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that multiple sclerosis is more prevalent in Black Americans than once thought, with the disease also affecting Northern regions of the US. The study's findings have significant implications for public policy and resource allocation towards historically under-represented populations.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 2, 2023