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Science News for August 22, 2024


Validated targets for personalized cancer immunotherapy

Researchers have developed a highly sensitive mass spectrometry-based method to detect mutation-derived tumor neoepitopes, which are recognized by the immune system. The new protocol enables the detection of low-abundance peptides in minimal tissue samples, paving the way for personalized cancer immunotherapies.

Investigating the role of interhemispheric pathways in motor recovery

A study published in Nature Communications found that disrupting interhemispheric pathways increases the ability of motor cortex on the unaffected side, facilitating recovery. The discovery highlights the adaptability of spared neural pathways and their potential for aiding rehabilitation strategies.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

A potential pathway may guide new therapies for inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory diseases

Researchers discovered a unique probiotic strain, Bifidobacterium bifidum BB1, that strengthens intestinal barrier function and protects against harmful bacteria. This strain may lead to the development of novel therapies for patients with inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory conditions.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

Declining senses can impact mental health and loneliness in aging adults

Researchers found that people with sensory disabilities tend to have worse mental health, with vision impairment most strongly associated with loneliness and poor self-rated mental health. Strategies like patient communication, public policies, and technology interventions can help mitigate the negative effects of sensory decline.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

Autism spectrum disorders linked to neurotransmitter switching in the brain

Researchers at University of California - San Diego have discovered a link between environmentally induced autism and altered neurotransmitter expression in the brain. The study suggests that manipulating these neurotransmitters early in development can prevent autistic-like behaviors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

New study examines use of opioids for chronic cough

A recent study found that 20% of patients with chronic cough received an opioid prescription, with older patients and those with Medicaid insurance more likely to be prescribed these drugs. The research team hopes to explore alternative treatment options to reduce reliance on opioids for chronic cough care.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalTherapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease·DateAug 22, 2024

AI can speed up drug development

Researchers at Uppsala University used AI to predict the three-dimensional structure of a receptor, identifying molecules that bind to it with higher accuracy than traditional methods. This breakthrough accelerates the development of new drugs for mental health disorders such as schizophrenia and depression.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 22, 2024

Teaching an old metal new tricks

Researchers at the California Institute of Technology have successfully developed a method to recycle samarium diiodide, a crucial reagent in synthesizing molecules that can lead to new pharmaceuticals. This breakthrough enables large-scale industrial production, making it possible to create essential compounds like taxol, an anticance...

International Criminal Court should adopt “joint criminal enterprise” as a mode of criminal liability in the ICC Statute to punish masterminds of mass atrocities, experts say

Experts propose incorporating joint criminal enterprise into the ICC Statute to hold high-ranking military officers and politicians accountable for collective criminal responsibility. The proposed change aims to ensure victims receive restorative justice and deter future mass atrocities.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalContemporary Justice Review·TypeObservational study·DateAug 22, 2024

Alzheimer’s drug may someday help save lives by inducing a state of “suspended animation”

Researchers successfully put tadpoles into a hibernation-like state using FDA-approved donepezil (DNP), which could be repurposed to save millions of lives every year. The drug induces torpor-like symptoms and can be easily administered, making it a promising tool for emergency situations.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

Clinical trial in Ireland challenges beliefs about Ozempic and similar new obesity treatments

A new Irish clinical trial challenges long-held assumptions about the mechanisms of action for GLP-1 therapy used in obesity treatment. The study found that increased metabolic activity is a significant contributor to weight loss, with patients who had lower metabolic activity before treatment benefiting most from it.

SourceUCD Research & Innovation·JournalObesity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 22, 2024

SNU researchers develop multifunctional smart windows that lower indoor temperature without power consumption and generate electricity from raindrops

The research team developed a Zero Energy-based transparent radiative cooling technology that maintains transparency while enabling cooling without using electricity. They also created a Plus Energy-based smart window technology that generates electricity through the friction generated by raindrops on rainy days.

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNano Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

Life after (feigned) death

A new study by the University of Bristol reveals that animals feigning death to avoid predators will seek safety in a suitable environment. The study found that the movement dynamics of antlion larvae after feigning death depend on the available escape strategies.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 22, 2024

Mental health and chronic diabetes complications strongly linked both ways, study finds

Researchers found that people with chronic diabetes complications are up to three times more likely to have a mental health condition, while those with mental health disorders are up to two and a half times more likely to experience sustained diabetes complications. The study highlights the importance of screening for both risk factors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalDiabetes Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

Smallpox vaccination in childhood could offer protection against monkeypox clade II viruses, study finds

A European study found that prior smallpox vaccination in childhood could offer protection against infections caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV) clade II in men. The estimated degree of protection varied among countries, highlighting the need for further research.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

Tarantulas have surprising partnerships with other species and their hairiness may be a defense mechanism

A recent study reveals tarantulas have mutually beneficial relationships with various species, including amphibians and army ants. The spiders' dense hair may serve as a defense mechanism against these predators. Tarantulas also employ unique escape strategies and potentially utilize chemical defenses to deter attacks.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Natural History·DateAug 22, 2024

Air pollution harms mental health worse in New York’s historically redlined neighborhoods

Researchers found a significant association between air pollutant exposure and emergency room visits for mental disorders in communities that were once denied mortgages due to race. Elevated levels of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide in these neighborhoods increased ER visits by 1.04% and 0.44%, respectively.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

British media needs to change negative portrayals of autism

A study published in Autism in Adulthood found that British newspapers often portray autistic people negatively and stereotypically. The researchers analyzed sentiments towards autism and autistic people in 1,000 quotes from newspapers between 2011 and 2020 and found that identity-first language was linked to more positive sentiments.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalAutism in Adulthood·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 22, 2024

What works: Groundbreaking evaluation of climate policy measures over two decades

Researchers evaluated 1,500 climate policies over two decades and identified successful cases, such as China's pilot emissions trading systems and the UK's minimum carbon price, which delivered major emission reductions. The study highlights the importance of well-designed policy mixes in achieving climate neutrality.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

New gels could protect buildings during wildfires

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a water-enhancing gel that lasts longer and is significantly more effective than existing commercial gels. The new gel creates a silica-based aerogel shield that protects structures from heat and flames, offering enhanced and long-lasting wildfire protection.

SourceStanford University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 22, 2024

Pollution drives families to relocate – but only the rich can afford to live in healthier areas

A new study finds that pollution levels significantly impact households' decision to relocate within the US, with poorer families being priced out of healthier areas. Richer households, on the other hand, opt for cleaner environments, earning more than average in their new communities.

SourceLancaster University·JournalEnvironmental and Resource Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

Novel redox-active metal-organic framework as an anode material for Li batteries operating in freezing conditions

Researchers at KIER developed a redox-active metal-organic framework called SKIER-5 for Li batteries that remains stable in cold conditions. It achieved a discharge capacity five times higher than that of graphite anode material and showed exceptional durability after 1,600 charge-discharge cycles.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateAug 22, 2024

UVA engineers design lookalike drug carrier to evade lung’s lines of defense

Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science have designed a drug-carrying molecule that can slip past the lung's natural defenses. The nanocarrier, called PEG-BB, is shaped like a bottlebrush and mimics the properties of mucus, allowing it to move quickly through the airway.

Chronic cough may be hereditary

A study published at Uppsala University found that chronic cough is hereditary, with a 50% increased risk for offspring if one parent has the condition. The research also revealed differences in care between regions and highlights the need for better guidelines.

SourceUppsala University·JournalERJ Open Research·TypeObservational study·DateAug 22, 2024

Promising treatment for rectal cancer confirmed in major study

A new treatment approach has been confirmed effective in a major study, showing that locally advanced rectal cancer patients can experience complete tumour disappearance without needing surgery. This method reduces the risk of recurrence and preserves normal bowel function, offering a promising alternative to traditional treatments.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 22, 2024

How thyroid hormone fuels the drive to explore

Researchers at Harvard Medical School discovered that thyroid hormone changes brain wiring to drive exploratory behavior, which is essential for survival during seasonal changes. The study found a link between thyroid hormone levels and metabolic rates, shedding light on the hormone's role in modulating behavior.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

For first time, DNA tech offers both data storage and computing functions

Researchers have demonstrated DNA-based technologies that can store, retrieve, compute, erase, and rewrite data. The technology uses soft polymer materials with unique morphologies to create a structure with high surface area for depositing DNA, enabling the full range of operations found in traditional electronic devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

Study with Rohingya refugee children: Resilient and prosocial despite adversity

A study with Rohingya refugee children found that they exhibit resilient prosocial behaviour and increased well-being after participating in an intervention programme. The programme promoted cooperation, emotional perspective-taking, and cognitive skills training, leading to improved prosociality and cooperation among the children.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalMonographs of the Society for Research in Child Development·TypeObservational study·DateAug 22, 2024

Revealing DNA behavior in record time

Researchers developed SPARXS, a parallel analysis technique that allows studying millions of DNA molecules simultaneously. This enables new insights into how structure and function depend on sequence, with potential applications in personalized medicine, nanotechnology, and genetic research.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

Can’t buy me love: TikTok users seek authenticity in sponsored content, dismissing top influencers in favor of smaller creators

Research from uOttawa's Telfer School of Management reveals that consumers distrust super-influencers with high follower counts and instead engage more with smaller creators promoting sponsored content. This is attributed to the size of these micro-influencers, which fosters a stronger sense of trust with their audience.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalPsychology and Marketing·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

Bed-sharing has no impact on children’s psychological development

A recent study published in Attachment and Human Development found no association between bed-sharing at 9 months and childhood emotional or behavioral problems. Despite ongoing debate, the research suggests that parental bed-sharing is unlikely to have a negative impact on children's development when practiced safely.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalAttachment & Human Development·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

Fishery assessment models – the “backbone” of fisheries management – overstate sustainability of global fisheries

A study of 230 fisheries worldwide found significant biases in stock biomass estimates, particularly for overfished stocks, leading to underestimated declines and insufficient management. The findings suggest that 85% more stocks than currently recognized have likely collapsed below 10% of their historical biomass.

Chlamydia can infect gastrointestinal epithelial cells in the lab

Researchers have successfully infected gastrointestinal epithelial cells with Chlamydia trachomatis using lab-grown human organoids. This finding supports the theory that Chlamydia can form a reservoir in the human gut, highlighting the importance of further investigation into this potential reservoir.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 22, 2024

Fighting coastal erosion with electricity

Researchers have developed a bioinspired process to make marine sand more durable and resistant to erosion by applying a mild electric current. This natural cement reduces the need for expensive protection structures and provides a sustainable solution for strengthening global coastlines.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024