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Science News for October 13, 2023


PET imaging validates use of common cholesterol drug to enhance HER2-targeted cancer therapy

Researchers found a single dose of ADC therapy combined with lovastatin reduced tumor volume rates similar to multiple doses in preclinical settings. Immuno-PET scans also monitored HER2 tumor levels after treatment, offering real-time insights into therapy response and potential personalized cancer treatments.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateOct 13, 2023

Most Canadians with arthritis and disabling chronic pain are in excellent mental health

A new study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that most Canadians with arthritis and debilitating chronic pain are free of all psychiatric disorders, including depression. More than half achieve excellent mental health, characterized by daily happiness, high social well-being, and freedom from anxiety and depressive dis...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateOct 13, 2023

New UNCG research will help better predict the health and sustainability of ‘grassy’ ecosystems

Researchers from UNC Greensboro have developed new methods to predict the impact of global changes on 'grassy' ecosystems, which cover 40% of the Earth's land surface. The study aims to improve mathematical models that forecast changes in these ecosystems, including food production, pollinators, and carbon sequestration.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Greensboro·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2023

Fecal microbe transplants: B. vulgatus genes that correlate with early colonization

A recent study by the University of Alabama at Birmingham has identified 19 specific Bacteroides vulgatus genes that are linked to early colonization after fecal microbe transplants. These genes are part of a commensal colonization factor complex that promotes stable and resilient colonization in mice, suggesting their potential role i...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2023

Opioid limits didn’t change surgery patients’ experience, study shows

A new study published in JAMA Health Forum shows that implementing a five-day limit on opioid prescriptions for surgery patients did not lead to increased pain levels or decreased satisfaction. However, the amount of opioid pills patients received dropped significantly after the limit went into effect.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2023

Physicists demonstrate powerful physics phenomenon

Researchers at Ohio State University have detected a previously unknown physics phenomenon, the orbital Hall effect, which could revolutionize data storage in future computer devices. The study's findings suggest that utilizing orbital currents instead of spin currents could lead to lower energy consumption and higher speeds.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 13, 2023

UMSOM researchers provide first statewide prevalence data on two new emerging pathogens in healthcare settings

A study by UMSOM researchers found that nearly 31% of patients on ventilators in Maryland hospitals harbored Acinetobacter baumannii, while nearly 7% carried Candida auris. The study highlights the need for improved infection control measures to contain the spread of these pathogens, which pose a significant risk to vulnerable patients.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJAMA·TypeObservational study·DateOct 13, 2023

Immune system ageing can be revealed by CT scan

A new study from Linköping University has found that the appearance of the thymus gland in chest CT scans is linked to immune system ageing. The researchers examined over 1,000 Swedish individuals aged 50-64 and found that fatty degeneration of the thymus was more common in men and those with abdominal obesity. Lifestyle factors such a...

SourceLinköping University·JournalImmunity & Ageing·TypeObservational study·DateOct 13, 2023

Can macroclimate explain the distribution of the Eurasian forest-steppe zone?

Researchers used statistical methods to investigate the extent of climate support for the Eurasian forest-steppe zone's delineation. The study found that macroclimate explains a significant portion of the zone's distribution, with some regions showing strong agreement and others requiring further refinement.

SourceHun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2023

For toddlers allergic to peanuts, a tiny bit of protein therapy under the tongue could be the best approach

A clinical trial found that Peanut SLIT is safe and effective in children aged 1-4 years, with over 80% tolerating peanuts without allergic symptoms after treatment. Remission of peanut allergy was also possible, with 63% maintaining protection three months after stopping the treatment.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 13, 2023

Assessing ‘readiness’ by tracking fluctuations in daily sleep duration and their effects on daily mood, motivation, and sleepiness

Researchers found that longer nights of better sleep correlate with improved mood, motivation, and reduced sleepiness. Irregular sleep patterns had a negative effect on mental well-being, while daytime naps may alleviate inadequate nocturnal sleep's effects.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalSleep Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 13, 2023

Behind the scenes of social class on TV

A team of researchers from the University of Leeds is studying how social class influences TV shows and their reception by audiences. The study will consider the backgrounds of producers, talent, and crew members, as well as how shows represent class and are understood by viewers.

RESEARCH ALERT: City of Hope researchers pinpoint nongenetic mechanisms in lung cancer resistance to one commonly used therapy

Researchers at City of Hope have discovered that nongenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in lung cancer patients' development of resistance to the anti-cancer medication sotorasib. The study found that tumor cells can become tolerant to therapeutic treatment without genetic mutations, and that withholding treatment allows them to rev...

SourceCity of Hope·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateOct 13, 2023

Investigational drug restores parathyroid function in rare disease

A clinical trial has shown that an investigational drug, encaleret, can restore parathyroid function and normalize blood calcium levels in people with autosomal dominant hypocalcemia type 1. The treatment was effective in restoring every participant's blood calcium level to normal within 24 weeks.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 13, 2023

A cheaper, safer alternative to lithium-ion batteries: Aqueous rechargeable batteries

Researchers have developed a highly safe aqueous rechargeable battery with an automatic conversion mechanism that converts hydrogen gas into water, ensuring performance and safety. This technology has significant economic advantages over lithium-ion batteries and can be applied to various industrial facilities.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·DateOct 13, 2023

What phytoplankton physiology has to do with global climate

A study reveals that variable C:N:P ratios of phytoplankton are essential for regulating dissolved oceanic nutrient ratios, while also influencing atmospheric CO2 levels on geological time scales. The findings challenge the commonly hypothesized strong link between phytoplankton and seawater nutrient ratios.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2023

Researchers measure global consensus over the ethical use of AI

A systematic review of global guidelines for AI use found that most valued principles such as transparency, security, and justice. However, fewer guidelines prioritized truthfulness, intellectual property, and children's rights. Most guidelines were normative but lacked practical methods for implementation.

SourceCell Press·JournalPatterns·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 13, 2023

How weather phenomena affect ocean circulation

Research investigates impact of storm fronts, tropical storms, and cyclones on ocean circulation, finding changes in atmospheric synoptic variability (ASV) slow down ocean circulation and decrease primary productivity. ASV variations also affect mixing of ocean's layers and strength of oceanic circulation systems.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2023