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Science News for February 2, 2024


Regulation makes crypto markets more efficient

A new study finds that regulated cryptocurrencies create the most efficient markets, providing protection for investors. Unregulated ICOs were found to be the least efficient, while IEOs and exchange-based regulation approached traditional stock market levels of efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2024

Vaccine targeting KRAS in pancreatic and colorectal cancer shows promise

A new off-the-shelf vaccine has shown encouraging early results as a potential treatment for patients with pancreatic or colorectal cancer who have certain KRAS gene mutations. The vaccine appears to stimulate the immune system to create cancer-fighting cells, delaying cancer recurrence in some patients.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 2, 2024

Big oil companies continue to expand fossil fuel extraction worldwide

A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona finds that big oil companies are relentless in expanding their extractive operations, deploying new technologies and seeking favorable locations. This leads to significant social and environmental costs, with local communities fighting against extraction activities.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2024

New therapeutic strategy for metastatic prostate cancer patients resistant to standard treatment

Researchers at Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute have identified a combination of drugs that could change the treatment of patients with prostate cancer resistant to docetaxel. The study proposes a new treatment based on a combination of kinase inhibitors in patients who inevitably stop responding to docetaxel.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Pharmacology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2024

The race between innovation and obsolescence

Researchers introduce a mathematical model that connects innovation and obsolescence to unify insights across economics, biology, and science. The model reveals three possible scenarios: an ever-expanding scenario, Schumpeterian dystopia, and creation and destruction.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 2, 2024

Paper: Multistate foodborne illness outbreaks impact restaurant stock price, public perception

A recent study found that multistate foodborne illness outbreaks have a significant impact on restaurant stock prices and public perception. Single-state outbreaks were previously met with little attention and no financial losses, but after a multistate outbreak, they received national media coverage and financial losses.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAgribusiness·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2024

Proteins suggest a path to reduce drug resistance in a form of cancer

A new proteogenomics study provides insights into how drug resistance develops in acute myeloid leukemia, offering a potential path forward for treatment. Researchers identified specific proteins and molecular locations that play a key role in determining protein activity, which could help doctors switch to alternative medications.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2024

Prehistoric mobility among Tibetan farmers, herders shaped highland settlement patterns, cultural interaction, study finds

A new study reveals that the mobility of Tibetan farmers and herders in prehistoric times influenced the settlement patterns and cultural connections across the plateau. The research found a strong correlation between the routes used for subsistence-oriented mobility and the social network of shared technologies and ceramic designs.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 2, 2024

Immune cells lose ‘killer instinct’ in cancerous tumors – but functionality can be re-awakened

Researchers discovered that immune cells called natural killer cells rapidly lose their functionality when entering solid tumours, adopting a dormant state. However, targeting the IL-15 pathway can restore NK cell activity and improve tumor control. This breakthrough could pave the way for new cancer treatments.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2024

Unveiling Oxidation-induced Super-elasticity in Metallic Glass Nanotubes

A research team led by Professor Yang Yong found that severely oxidized metallic glass nanotubes can attain an ultrahigh recoverable elastic strain of up to 14% at room temperature. The discovery implies that oxidation in low-dimension metallic glass can result in unique properties for applications in sensors, medical devices, and othe...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2024

Singapore scientists uncover a crucial link between cholesterol synthesis and cancer progression

Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School discovered a novel enzyme, FAXDC2, that plays a pivotal role in cholesterol synthesis and cancer progression. The study highlights the potential vulnerability of cancer cells to targeted therapeutic intervention. Further research is needed to explore the therapeutic potential of targeting FAXDC2 i...

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2024

Biodegradable sensor monitors levels of pesticides via direct contact with surface of fruit and vegetables

The biodegradable sensor, made from plant-based material, can detect pesticide levels in minutes and has the potential to help assure food safety. The study showed that washing and immersion were insufficient to remove residues of pesticides, highlighting the need for reliable detection methods.

Availability of mental telehealth services in the US

A recent study of 1,404 mental health facilities found that mental telehealth services are not equally accessible across the US, with disparities observed at local levels. The findings suggest widespread inequalities in who has access to these services, highlighting the need for targeted solutions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateFeb 2, 2024

Rare 3D fossils show that some early trees had forms unlike any you’ve ever seen

The discovery of fossilized trees with a surprising three-dimensional crown shape reveals that some ancient plants were experimenting with unusual growth forms to maximize light capture. The 350-million-year-old tree, known as Sanfordiacaulis, had over 250 leaves and a dense canopy extending at least 5.5 meters around its non-woody trunk.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2024

HMSOM researchers: Data shows clinical trials becoming more inclusive

A meta-analysis of New Jersey clinical trials from 2017 to 2022 reveals an uptick in diversity among trial participants, with 97% reporting on race and/or ethnicity. Despite this progress, there is still work to be done to match U.S. Census demographics, but the study suggests recent efforts are having a positive impact.

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalGlobal Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2024

Advancing clean energy: bifunctional electrocatalysts for efficient hydrogen production via overall hydrazine splitting

Researchers developed bifunctional electrocatalysts for efficient hydrogen production through overall hydrazine splitting, achieving a cell voltage of 0.984 V and operating stably for over 130 hours. This innovative approach enhances the efficiency of hydrogen production and holds promise for a cleaner energy future.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Chemical Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2024

Strategies for enhancing the performance of nickel single-atom catalysts for the electroreduction of CO2 to CO

Researchers introduced three strategies to enhance catalytic performance of Ni SACs, including support structure modification and surface treatment. The article highlights the potential of Ni SACs in controlling product distribution and reducing cost, while also discussing existing challenges and future development outlook.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 2, 2024

Ambitious workers park the office politics when employer is struggling, study suggests

A study by City University London found that employees in competitive industries modify their behaviors when facing threats or opportunities from rival firms. For example, replacement riders in MotoGP tend to overtake teammates more often when the team is doing well, suggesting they want to secure a permanent contract.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 2, 2024

Scammed! Animals ‘led by the nose’ to leave plants alone

Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a method to shield plants from herbivorous mammals by fooling them with artificial odors, mimicking plants they naturally avoid. This approach is more humane and low-cost than current methods, and shows promise for protecting valuable plants globally.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2024

Why are people climate change deniers?

Researchers from University of Bonn and IZA found that nearly half of people who denied climate change did not use motivated reasoning to justify their stance. Instead, they defined themselves by this belief, which sets them apart from other political groups.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 2, 2024

Shifts in lake carbon dynamics on the Qingzang Plateau — from predominant carbon sources to emerging carbon sinks

A study reveals that annual carbon emissions from Qingzang Plateau lakes have declined, with some shifting from carbon sources to sinks between 1970-2000 and 2000-2020. This finding has implications for global warming and climate change estimates relative to China.

SourceEurasia Academic Publishing Group·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2024