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Science News for May 15, 2023


Combined delivery of engineered virus with immunotherapy is safe and improves outcomes in subset of patients with glioblastoma

A Phase I/II clinical trial combining intratumoral delivery of an engineered oncolytic virus with subsequent immunotherapy improved survival outcomes in a subset of patients with recurrent glioblastoma. The study demonstrated the combination was well-tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities.

Most species, including humans, who experience early life adversity suffer as adults. How are gorillas different?

A recent study found that gorillas who survived past age 6 were largely unaffected by difficulties they encountered as infants or juveniles. In contrast, young gorillas who experienced multiple forms of early life adversity had a 70% reduction in the risk of death across adulthood. This suggests that gorillas may have a different biolo...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 15, 2023

Out of this world control on Ice Age cycles

A research team used an improved climate computer model to reproduce the glacial cycle of 40,000-year in the early Pleistocene Epoch. The study found that astronomical forces based on modern state-of-the-art theory drove changes in climate, with small differences in Earth's spin axis orientation and orbit amplitude determining the glac...

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 15, 2023

Monkeypox viruses relatively stable on surfaces

Researchers found that monkeypox viruses remain infectious for a long time on surfaces, with some concentrations dropping significantly after five days. Disinfectants like alcohol-based and aldehyde-based cleaners reliably reduced the risk of infection.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Trace analysis of blood samples

A novel fluorescence probe successfully quantifies trace components like hydrogen sulfide in whole blood, overcoming autofluorescence interference. The probe uses a borodipyrromethene-based dye that quenches the interfering light, allowing for accurate measurements.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

A new family of intercalation-type Li-free cathodes for all solid-state batteries with energy density of 554.3 Wh Kg−1

Researchers have designed a new intercalation-type Li-free cathode that achieves an energy density of >550 Wh kg−1, surpassing existing Li-free transition-metal-based electrodes. This breakthrough offers a solution to address energy density limitations and raw material availability concerns in all-solid-state batteries.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 15, 2023

Simulation provides images from the carbon nucleus

Researchers simulated all known energy states of the carbon nucleus, providing insights into the puzzling Hoyle state and its configuration. The study reveals that protons and neutrons are clustered into groups, creating spatial formations with distinct shapes and energies.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 15, 2023

CAR-NKT cell therapy shows promising results against neuroblastoma in phase 1 clinical trial

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine report well-tolerated CAR-NKT cell therapy with strong antitumor activity in patients with stage 4 relapsed neuroblastoma. The treatment, which targets a molecule found on the surface of neuroblastoma cells, showed encouraging results in three patients with complete and partial responses.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 15, 2023

UArizona Health Sciences researchers unlocking new answers in the quest for safer, more effective opioid therapy

Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences have discovered a way to enhance pain relief with opioids while reducing side effects. By inhibiting heat shock protein 90, they found that AMPK can block or reduce pain relief by opioids, providing a new pathway for improved therapy.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalScience Signaling·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Communities of color disproportionately exposed to PFAS pollution in drinking water

A new study links disproportionate siting of PFAS sources near watersheds serving communities with higher proportions of Black and Hispanic/Latino residents. The research suggests that regulating PFAS releases and ensuring safe drinking water is crucial in protecting public health, particularly in vulnerable communities.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2023

EPA's new PFAS rules don’t account for major source of drinking water contamination

A Harvard study reveals unmonitored PFAS build-up and last for centuries at military sites, contaminating groundwater supplies. The lack of regulation on precursor compounds poses significant risks to human health, emphasizing the need for effective remediation technologies.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2023

‘A smarter kinder approach to treatment’ for anal cancer

A recent clinical trial, PLATO, demonstrated that lowering the dose and duration of radiotherapy treatments for anal cancer reduces side effects without compromising cancer cure rates. The treatment involves intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), which allows for personalized doses to be applied to visible tumors.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 15, 2023

Melts in the light, not in your hand: novel crystal compound melts under ultraviolet light

Researchers from Osaka University discovered a novel material that transitions from a crystal to a liquid when exposed to ultraviolet irradiation, enabling a detailed understanding of the crystal-melting process. The material exhibits changes in luminescence during melting, indicating molecular-level changes in shape.

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Automated agricultural machinery requires new approaches to ensuring safety

Researchers identified three main topics: environmental perception, risk assessment and mitigation, and human factors and ergonomics in automated agricultural machines. The study highlights the need for improved sensors and safety standards to address the challenges posed by dynamic environments.

Paper-based packaging has a good eco-image

A study by the University of Bonn found that paper-based packaging received significantly better environmental scores than bioplastics, but respondents were skeptical about its practicality. Meanwhile, conventional plastic packaging scored worst on eco-friendliness.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalFood Quality and Preference·TypeSurvey·DateMay 15, 2023

Tetris reveals how people respond to unfair AI

A Cornell University-led study using the Tetris game found that players who receive fewer turns perceive their partner as less likable, regardless of whether a human or AI allocates the turns. The researchers also discovered that machine allocation behavior can lead to worse performance and gameplay when fairness is not guaranteed.

SourceCornell University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMay 15, 2023

New algorithm can predict diabetic kidney disease

Researchers developed a computational approach to predict diabetic kidney disease using DNA methylation markers from a blood sample. The model can use this information to assess current and future kidney function, enabling early detection and prevention of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 15, 2023

From theory to experiment, multi-site turbulence observation is no longer limited by the assumptions of steady-state turbulence, horizontal uniform turbulence flux and constant flux layer

Researchers have developed a method to analyze regional turbulence structure and estimate turbulence spectra using long time series data from four-site observations. This approach overcomes previous assumptions of steady-state turbulence, horizontal uniform turbulence flux, and constant flux layer, providing more representative results.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateMay 15, 2023

Smartphone use goes up in city parks, but down in forests

A study of 700 participants found that time outdoors doesn't always reduce smartphone screentime. However, visits to nature reserves or forests saw significant declines in screentime compared to urban locations. Participants who visited wilder areas spent more time disconnected from their smartphones and regained attention.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalEnvironment and Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2023

Socio-economic development on the West African coast is a key factor for increasing flood risks

A recent study finds that socio-economic development is a key driver of increasing flood risks in West African coastal regions, surpassing the impact of rising sea levels. The research highlights the need for regional coordination to address this issue through conservation and reforms to socio-economic development.

SourceInstitut de recherche pour le développement·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2023

Mass General Brigham investigators identify new genetic variant protective against Alzheimer's disease

Researchers discovered a new genetic variant in the Reelin gene that provides protection from Alzheimer's disease. The variant was identified through clinical assessments, genetic and molecular studies, and neuropathological analysis of two patients with a similar genetic predisposition to developing early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

New study finds the placenta, not only the brain, plays a central role in genetic risk of schizophrenia

A new study found that over 100 genes linked to schizophrenia risk are associated with the placenta, not just the brain. This could lead to new prevention strategies targeting placenta biology, allowing for early interventions and potentially changing the course of developmental disorders.

SourceLieber Institute for Brain Development·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 15, 2023

How old are your bones?

Researchers developed a 'Skeletal Age' metric to assess impact of fractures on mortality, revealing a loss of one to seven years of life depending on gender, age, and bone site. The online calculator measures bone fragility to help doctors and patients understand fracture risks.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournaleLife·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 15, 2023

Seeing electron orbital signatures

Researchers have directly observed the signatures of electron orbitals in two different transition-metal atoms, iron and cobalt, using atomic force microscopy. The study validated that the observed experimental differences primarily stem from the different electronic configurations in 3d electrons near the Fermi level.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

New priming method improves battery life, efficiency

Researchers at Rice University developed a new priming method to optimize prelithiation in silicon anodes, improving battery life cycles by up to 44% and energy density. The method uses stabilized lithium metal particles with surfactants, enabling more stable SEI layer formation and reduced lithium depletion.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Numerical experiments reveal initial wind field structure as crucial factor in determining tropical cyclone size and intensity

Researchers analyzed wind field structure of tropical cyclones to understand their size and intensity relationship. Vortexes with larger radius of maximum wind expand more under the same level of intensity increment, highlighting the importance of paying attention to incipient storms with large RMW.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 15, 2023

With formic acid towards CO2 neutrality

Researchers develop a new method for fixing carbon dioxide using formic acid, which can replace conventional chemical manufacturing processes with carbon-neutral biological methods. The process produces formaldehyde, a non-toxic substance that can be fed into metabolic pathways to create valuable substances.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Comprehensive analysis of single plant cells provides new insights into natural product biosynthesis

Researchers used single-cell multi-omics to study specialized cell types involved in producing medically relevant plant compounds. The analyses revealed that three distinct cell types are organized in a specific biosynthetic pathway for vinblastine, a key alkaloid compound with anti-cancer properties.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Researchers find compound that combats multidrug-resistant bacteria in less than one hour

Researchers have discovered a compound that can combat multidrug-resistant bacteria within one hour, including the ESKAPE group of pathogens. The compound, Pln149-PEP20, is a synthetic peptide inspired by molecules secreted by Lactobacillus plantarum and has been found to be highly active against MDR bacteria.

The most tenuous group query

The study develops three exact algorithms and one approximation algorithm to identify tenuous groups, outperforming existing metrics in efficiency and accuracy. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods on real datasets.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Immune cells of the brain are not all the same – new research could open novel therapeutic pathways

A recent study found that a unique subset of microglia, ARG1+, plays a crucial role in cognitive functions and development. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and depression. Female animals exhibited more pronounced behavioral impairments caused by ARG1 microglial deficiency.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Alternating estrogen and anti-estrogen therapies is effective in treating metastatic breast cancer

Researchers at Dartmouth Cancer Center found that alternating estrogen stimulation and anti-estrogen therapy is an effective treatment for patients with metastatic or advanced ER+ breast cancer. The POLLY trial showed that 42% of patients experienced tumor stabilization, while no patients discontinued treatment due to side effects.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalClinical Cancer Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 15, 2023

Finding ‘vault’: Unravelling the mysteries of p62-bodies and the cellular recycling pathway

Researchers discovered a novel technique to identify p62-body constituents, revealing a major subunit of the supramolecular protein complex vault. Vault-phagy, the degradation of vault through selective autophagy, regulates homeostatic vault levels and may be associated with liver cancer.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2023

Ambient ultrafine particles – very small and very dangerous?

Researchers found an increased risk of death due to respiratory disease five to seven days after exposure to ultrafine particles. The risk was highest for smaller particle sizes, with a 4.46% increase in mortality for each 3,223 particles per cubic centimeter concentration.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 15, 2023