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Science News for November 8, 2023


Magnetic soft robots are spread like butter

Researchers designed magnetic soft robots using a mixture of magnetic particles and non-Newtonian fluidic soft materials to achieve programmable hardening, controlled adhesion, and flexible deployment. The robots demonstrate enhanced stiffness, output forces, and reconfiguration capabilities for various medical applications.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2023

New interactive evidence-based mapping tool gives policymakers more insight into highly concentrated cannabis products

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have developed an evidence-based interactive mapping tool to assist policymakers in regulating cannabis products. The tool includes 452 studies on high-concentration THC exposure and health outcomes, providing a public health resource for informed legislation.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 8, 2023

Gender-neutral HPV vaccination best at preventing cervical cancer

A study published in Cell Host and Microbe found that gender-neutral HPV vaccination is effective in preventing cervical cancer by inducing a stronger herd immunity. The vaccine protects against high-risk HPV types 16 and 18, which cause 70% of all HPV-related cervical cancers, and also provides cross-protection against low-risk types.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateNov 8, 2023

Optical thermometry with single crystal

Researchers have developed a new single crystal material that significantly enhances optical thermometry with Yb,Ho:GYTO, offering high sensitivity and rapid response. The material enables non-contact temperature measurement in harsh environments such as intracellular, coalmines, and power stations.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2023

Increasing workplace flexibility associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease

A new study found that workplaces implementing flexible work arrangements can reduce employees' cardiometabolic risk, equivalent to a reduction of 5-10 years in age-related changes. The intervention had no negative impact on productivity and was particularly beneficial for low- and middle-wage workers.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 8, 2023

Scientists engineer potent immune cells for ‘off-the-shelf’ cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at UCLA have developed a new method to engineer more powerful immune cells that can potentially be used for 'off-the-shelf' cell therapy to treat challenging cancers. Gamma delta T cells with high expressions of CD16 surface marker exhibited increased ability to recognize and kill cancer cells.

Boosting beta cells to treat type 2 diabetes

A preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers reveals that activating a pathway to promote cell division can expand insulin-producing cells without impairing their function. The study's findings support the concept that beta cell mass can be expanded without compromising function.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 8, 2023

Attention to Wikipedia articles covering events is skewed towards those in high-income countries, with political events and disasters receiving particular focus over cultural and sports events, per analysis of 17,490 articles

A study analyzing 17,490 Wikipedia articles found that articles about high-income countries receive more attention than those from low-income countries. Political events and disasters are disproportionately covered on Wikipedia compared to cultural and sports events.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 8, 2023

Genetics of nearby healthy tissue may help catch lung cancer’s return

A new study suggests that analyzing genetic material from nearby healthy tissue may help predict lung cancer's return after treatment. The study analyzed RNA from tumor cells and adjacent, seemingly normal lung tissue and found that the expression of genes associated with inflammation was especially useful for making predictions.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2023

Are some children genetically predisposed to poor sleep?

A study of 2,458 children found that genetic predisposition to insomnia affects sleep patterns, including frequent awakenings and difficulty initiating sleep. The research suggests a lifelong 'poor sleeper' trait, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and prevention.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateNov 8, 2023

For 20,000 years, polar bears have been retreating due to rising sea temperatures

A new study reveals that polar bear populations have been declining over the past 20,000 years due to rising sea temperatures, with a 20-40% reduction in population size. The researchers found that even small changes in sea temperature have a significant impact on polar bears.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2023

Could willow bark provide our next life-saving antiviral medicine?

Scientists have discovered that willow bark extract has a broad-spectrum antiviral effect against both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, including coronaviruses and enteroviruses. The extract works by attacking the surface of the virus, preventing it from entering cells and reproducing.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2023

Does being a caregiver affect older women’s longevity?

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that caregiving is associated with a lower risk of death from all causes. Caregiving was also linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality. The association did not vary by age, race-ethnicity, or other factors.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 8, 2023

German Research Foundation renews funding for Research Training Group "Gene Regulation in Evolution" at Mainz University

The German Research Foundation has renewed funding for the Research Training Group 'Gene Regulation in Evolution' at Mainz University, focusing on the role of gene regulation in adaptation and evolution. The program will recruit 13 new doctoral students and continue to support interdisciplinary research and personal development.

Single gene controls Corn Belt weed's resistance to soil-applied herbicide

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a single major gene controlling waterhemp's resistance to S-metolachlor, a widely used soil-applied herbicide. This finding poses a significant challenge for farmers, as it increases the risk of spread and limits effective weed management options.

Expert consensus statement defines best practices for integration of lifestyle medicine into primary care settings

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine has published an expert consensus statement defining the implementation of lifestyle medicine in primary care, which aims to achieve optimal health outcomes. The statement emphasizes the importance of a multi-disciplinary team approach and deprescribing medications as essential parts of safe a...

SourceAmerican College of Lifestyle Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Lifestyle Medicine·DateNov 8, 2023

How mice choose to eat or to drink

A Stanford University study found that mice resolve conflicts between hunger and thirst through indirect modulation of behavior. The researchers used advanced recording technology to monitor individual neurons in the mouse brain, predicting the animal's choice before it was presented with options.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 2023

Independent monitoring of the WHO pandemic agreement is non-negotiable, experts say

Researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health propose establishing an independent committee to monitor state parties' compliance with the WHO pandemic agreement. The committee would report to a heads of state-level body and share findings publicly to promote accountability and effective implementation.

Computer models fill critical knowledge gaps to help reduce cancer disparities

Researchers used computer modeling to analyze cancer incidence and mortality rates among diverse populations, confirming the validity of the approach. The studies aimed to address critical public health issues by identifying leverage points to increase equity in cancer burden among Black populations.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 8, 2023

Molecule tested at University of São Paulo, in Brazil, proves able to mitigate heart failure

Researchers at the University of São Paulo have tested a synthetic molecule called AD-9308, which has shown potential in treating heart failure by activating the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2. The study found that the molecule improved mitochondrial filtration, eliminating cellular pollutants and boosting heart function by up to 40%.

Conversational artificial intelligence/large language model can accurately diagnose and triage health conditions, without introducing racial and ethnic biases

A study published in JMIR Medical Education found that GPT-4 can accurately diagnose and triage health conditions comparable to board-certified physicians. The model's performance does not vary by patient race or ethnicity, providing a promising tool for healthcare systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJMIR Medical Education·TypeObservational study·DateNov 8, 2023

Researchers identify brain network that is uniquely activated through injection vs. oral drug use

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that the 'salience network' in the brain is uniquely activated by intravenous drug use, which may be associated with higher addiction rates and faster relief from withdrawal. This finding could lead to the development of new therapies for substance use disorders.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2023

New study highlights connection with strawberries, cognition and mood in middle-aged, overweight adults

A new study published in Nutrients shows that daily strawberry consumption for 12 weeks reduced interference in memory and depressive symptoms among middle-aged, overweight adults with self-reported mild cognitive decline. The findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory actions of anthocyanins found in strawberries may be responsible.

SourceWild Hive·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 8, 2023

The metabolism of bacteria under the microscope: new method reveals host-microbe interactions

Researchers at Kiel University developed a new method to study bacteria using microscopy and metabolomics, revealing insights into chemical communication between microbes and their hosts. The method allows for the simultaneous identification of individual bacteria and analysis of metabolites without laboratory cultivation.

SourceKiel University·JournalNature Protocols·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2023

A comparative analysis of two SARS-CoV-2 vaccines: Insights from Korea University College of Medicine

A recent study published in eClinical Medicine found that the GB510/AS03 vaccine elicited a stronger antibody immune response against the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain compared to ChAdOx1-S. The vaccine demonstrated robust safety and efficacy, with no significant safety concerns identified.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 8, 2023

1 in 25 carries a genotype that is associated with a shortened lifespan

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that 4% of Icelanders carry an actionable genotype associated with increased risk of cardiovascular, cancer, and metabolic diseases. These genotypes can lead to a three-year shorter median survival for carriers, particularly those with cancer-predisposing variants.

SourcedeCODE genetics·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2023

Three-dimensional label-free morphology of CD8+ T cells as a sepsis biomarker

Researchers developed an AI model analyzing 3D label-free changes in immune cell structure during healthy conditions, sepsis diagnosis, and recovery. Significant morphological changes were identified, suggesting CD8+ T-cell structures as a valuable complement to traditional diagnostic tools.

Children's dental health significantly improved using electric toothbrushes

A new study found that electric toothbrushes significantly reduce plaque and gingivitis in young children aged 3-10. The research showed that electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes in reducing these dental issues, with whole mouth plaque reduction increasing by up to 55.7% in younger children.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalInternational Journal of Paediatric Dentistry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 8, 2023

Does cannabis use affect empathy?

Regular cannabis users show a greater understanding of others' emotions, while their brains exhibit stronger connections between regions related to emotional sensing. This study suggests potential therapeutic applications for conditions involving social interaction deficits.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Research·DateNov 8, 2023

21st century Total Wars will enlist technologies in ways we don’t yet understand, writes Jordan Richard Schoenherr

The Ukraine War is a turning point in modern warfare, as new technologies like AI, drones, and cyberweapons are being used to devastating effect. Researchers like Jordan Richard Schoenherr warn that our understanding of warfare is outdated, and we need to rethink the role of sociotechnical systems in strategic thinking.

SourceConcordia University·JournalIEEE Technology and Society Magazine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 8, 2023

Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease focus of latest clinical practice guideline

The new American Thoracic Society Clinical Practice Guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treating patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). The guideline recommends using specific immune modulating and antifibrotic medications, such as mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide, nintedanib, ...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 8, 2023

AI can map giant icebergs from satellite images 10,000 times faster than humans

Scientists have developed an AI system that accurately maps the surface area and outline of giant icebergs in one-hundredth of a second. This technology surpasses manual interpretation methods, which can take several minutes to delineate an iceberg's outline, and offers insights into their impact on the polar environment.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Cryosphere·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2023

Temperature increase triggers the viral infection

A study by Lund University researchers mapped the effects of temperature on a virus particle's genetic material, revealing its rapid injection into cells at elevated temperatures. The findings suggest that higher body temperature may increase the risk of infection spread.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2023