Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 19, 2024


A study led by ISGlobal and IDIAPJGol recommends strengthening immunity against COVID-19 in people with cancer

Researchers analyzed data from over 184,000 cancer patients to assess COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness. The study found that vaccination significantly reduces mortality and serious complications among cancer patients, especially those who received the booster dose.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJun 19, 2024

New AI tool for rapid and cost-effective drug discovery

PSICHIC uses sequence data and AI to decode protein-molecule interactions with state-of-the-art accuracy, eliminating costly processes like 3D structures. The tool effectively screens new drug candidates and performs selectivity profiling, offering a more efficient and reliable approach to drug discovery.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 19, 2024

Direct observation of a glass hardening process

A research team observed partial crystallization of a glass and developed a model explaining the crystal nucleation mechanisms within a glass at different spatial scales. The team used multiscale structural analysis mainly using synchrotron X-rays, revealing nanosized crystal nuclei forming within Zr-rich regions of the glass.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNPG Asia Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

Walking brings huge benefits for low back pain, study finds

A world-first study found that walking regularly can reduce the recurrence of low back pain by almost twice as long as not exercising. The study, conducted by Macquarie University, followed 701 adults with a history of low back pain and randomly allocated them to either an individualized walking program or a control group.

SourceMacquarie University·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 19, 2024

More effective cancer treatment with iontronic pump

Researchers at Linköping University and the Medical University of Graz have developed a new cancer treatment using an iontronic pump to deliver continuous, low-dose chemotherapy directly to brain tumors. This approach significantly reduces tumor growth by bypassing the blood-brain barrier, a common obstacle to effective treatment.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

For the first time scientists managed to generate kidney organoids with a complex vascular system

Researchers at IBEC successfully generated kidney organoids with a complex vascular system, a breakthrough that could revolutionize disease modeling and drug screening. This achievement was made possible by combining 3D kidney organoids with endothelial organoids in a process that mimics the development of human kidneys.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

Boosting the synthesis of stable sugar compounds with a novel nature-inspired approach

Researchers have developed a novel approach to convert native sugars into diverse classes of stable glycosides and glycoproteins. This biomimetic concept uses 'cap and glycosylate' technology to selectively activate and substitute the anomeric hydroxyl group in a native sugar, generating a temporary thioglycoside intermediate that unde...

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

Decoding depression amidst COVID-19: a comprehensive analysis of genetic and environmental stressors by GCAT

The COVICAT study, involving a Spanish cohort of 9,218 individuals, used innovative approaches to analyze the interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental stressors in determining depression risk. Key findings include the importance of considering both genetic and environmental factors when addressing depression risk.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJun 19, 2024

Interaction with insects accelerates plant evolution

Researchers at the University of Zurich discovered that plants benefit from a variety of interactions with pollinators and herbivores, leading to local adaptation and ecotypes. Plants pollinated by bumblebees adapted best to different soil types, while others showed less significant adaptation.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

Biological underpinnings of romantic attraction and bonding

A new study reveals that physiological synchrony significantly enhances perceived romantic attraction. Super Synchronizers, who naturally synchronize well in social and nonsocial contexts, are perceived as more romantically appealing. This study integrates experimental and observational methods to investigate the mechanisms of romantic...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

Clinical ageing clocks: NUS and SGH develop algorithm-powered tests to indicate mortality risk

Researchers developed two clinical ageing clocks, PCAge and LinAge, that use blood tests, a urine test, and a health questionnaire to estimate future mortality risk. These clocks show significant predictive efficacy in characterising individual future ageing trajectories.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature Aging·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 19, 2024

Immune response study explains why some people don't get COVID-19

Researchers used single-cell sequencing technology to study immune responses in healthy adult volunteers exposed to SARS-CoV-2. They discovered unique immune responses associated with resisting sustained viral infection and disease, including activation of specialized mucosal immune cells and a reduction in inflammatory white blood cells.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

Predicting space weather: machine learning enhances GNSS signal stability

A study presents a machine learning approach to accurately detect ionospheric amplitude scintillations, which significantly impacts Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals. The research offers a cost-effective and efficient method to monitor and mitigate the adverse effects of scintillation on navigation accuracy.

Could auto-antibodies be linked to severe COVID-19?

Researchers found auto-antibodies against type I interferons in severe and critical COVID-19 patients, compromising their immune response. This discovery highlights the importance of detecting these auto-antibodies in regular health checkups to better prepare for viral infections.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of Clinical Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 19, 2024

Addressing maternal prenatal depression can lead to longer gestation, researchers say

A collaborative study published in Lancet's eClinical Medicine found that prenatal maternal depression is a link to early birth, while intervention can reduce risk of early birth and newborn morbidity and mortality. Enhanced psychotherapy during routine prenatal care appointments led to reduced depression and longer gestation.

Investigating organ donation practices following extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Researchers investigate organ donation practices after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), finding delayed organ procurement intervals and lower lung graft survival rates in ECPR groups. The study suggests using ECPR may address the organ shortage crisis by increasing viable organs for transplantation.

SourceOkayama University·JournalCritical Care·TypeObservational study·DateJun 19, 2024

Unlocking heart health: advancing noninvasive monitoring in chimpanzees

A team of researchers from Japan has successfully developed a noninvasive method to measure heart rates in chimpanzees using millimeter-wave radar technology. The technique involves emitting high-frequency electromagnetic pulses at the chest of the animal, capturing echoes, and analyzing subtle body movements to estimate heart rate. Th...

SourceShinshu University·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

Transforming inexpensive quinolines into complex drug candidates

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel synthesis strategy using quinolines as feedstock, enabling the creation of highly customizable drug candidates. The methodology leverages a light-sensitive borate intermediate to transform quinoline derivatives into various 2D/3D fused frameworks.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

Improving crops with laser beams and 3D printing

Researchers use laser scanning to generate 3D models of sugar beet plants, capturing essential characteristics for AI-assisted crop improvement. The 3D models are reproducible and freely available, enabling efficient and cost-effective plant breeding in resource-poor settings.

SourceGigaScience·JournalGigaScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

Combination targeted treatment produces lasting remissions in people with resistant aggressive B-cell lymphoma

Researchers at NIH developed a non-chemotherapy treatment regimen that achieved full remissions for some patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL. The five-drug combination targeted multiple molecular pathways, resulting in substantial tumor shrinkage and complete responses in 38% of evaluable patients.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 19, 2024

A novel signal-amplification system utilizing sumanene-based supramolecular polymers

A team of researchers from Tokyo Tech proposes a new signal-amplification system utilizing sumanene-based supramolecular polymers, exhibiting exceptional signal amplification through dynamic allosteric manipulation. The system's sensitivity was demonstrated with a 62.5-fold signal amplification of steroid molecules.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

Real-world effectiveness and tolerability of interferon-free direct-acting antiviral for 15,849 patients with chronic hepatitis C

A large international multicenter observational study showed an overall sustained virological response (SVR12) rate of 96.9% for 15,849 patients with chronic hepatitis C, despite including many patients with cirrhosis, HCC, prior treatment failure, and the use of older DAAs.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJun 19, 2024

Much of the Nord Stream gas remained in the sea

A scientific study published in Scientific Reports found that much of the methane released from the Nord Stream gas pipeline leaked into the Baltic Sea and remained dissolved in the water. The researchers estimated between 10,000 to 50,000 tonnes of methane were left in the sea after the leak.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJun 19, 2024

Multifunctional droplet manipulation technology combining femtosecond laser-designed slippery surface and electrostatic interactions

A new technology combines femtosecond laser-designed lubricated slippery surfaces with electrostatic interactions to manipulate droplets. This allows for diverse working conditions and functions, including driving droplets on inclined surfaces, manipulating various liquids, and sorting particles.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJun 19, 2024

STUDY: Sourcing genomically diverse seedlings to create climate-change resilient forests brings optimism for partnerships between science and practice

Researchers developed a method to collect and plant genetically diverse red spruce seeds, resulting in higher establishment success and increased forest resilience. The approach pools multiple seed sources, increasing evolvability and minimizing deleterious mutations.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 19, 2024

A railroad of cells

A new approach by researchers at ISTA reveals how cells navigate through complex environments and interact with each other. The study uses computer simulations to visualize different scenarios, showing that cells move in trains like an all-wheel drive system, while clusters are slower due to collisions.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

Using self-administered cognitive test in primary care offices increased early diagnosis of cognitive disorders by six times

A randomized controlled trial at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that using the SAGE test during routine appointments led to a sixfold increase in early diagnoses. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of this simple, self-administered tool for detecting cognitive impairment.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 19, 2024

The 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake: A long and quiet initial rupture leading to multiplex fault ruptures with different geometries

The 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake had a moment magnitude of 7.5 and registered a maximum seismic intensity of 7. Researchers found multiple rupture episodes, including an initial rupture coinciding with preceding crustal activity, and bifurcated main ruptures across the initial rupture zone.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 19, 2024

A step forward for motor torque controllers: In order to reduce oscillations and oversets, a speed loop pseudo derivative feed forward controller is proposed

A proposed speed loop pseudo derivative feedforward (PDFF) controller-based direct torque controller for a PMSM drive reduces oscillations and overshoots. Simulation results show the dynamic performance of the proposed system is superior to PI controllers, with less overrun and improved stability.

SourceCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·JournalCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 19, 2024

Study uses powerful new ‘digital cohort’ method to understand vaping epidemic

Researchers developed a new approach to understanding health by leveraging social media data, creating the largest cohort study in medical history. The study found that 27% of participants made an attempt to quit vaping during the study period, with a success rate of 26%, and identified key factors influencing cessation journeys.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 19, 2024

New findings: East Palestine train derailment caused chemical pollution falling to the earth surface across the US and beyond

A new study reveals that the East Palestine train accident released inorganic pollutants into the atmosphere, which were found in precipitation across a large geographical area covering at least 16 states. The pollutants also reached southern Canada and North Carolina, posing significant risks to aquatic flora and fauna.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 19, 2024

Forgotten predators: Ecological understanding is often marred by the exclusion of extirpated species

A recent study reveals that nearly 60% of ecological studies in national parks where gray wolves were extirpated overlooked the historical presence of these apex predators. This exclusion can lead to inaccurate assessments of ecosystem changes, which can have serious implications for conservation and wildlife management.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeCase study·DateJun 19, 2024

Cucumbers fight back: new study uncovers genetic key to overcoming water stress

A recent study has identified a key gene, CsPrx73, that enables cucumbers to withstand waterlogging by promoting adventitious roots and neutralizing reactive oxygen species. This discovery could lead to the development of crops with superior resilience to waterlogging, ensuring food security in a changing climate.

The miracle of taVNS: a new non-invasive therapy offering hope for multiple diseases

TaVNS has shown significant effects in various body systems, reducing depression scores and treating conditions such as migraines, anxiety, cognitive disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and cognitive decline. It has also demonstrated benefits for the cardiovascular system by lowering blood pressure and heart rate.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWorld Journal of Acupuncture - Moxibustion·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 19, 2024

Enhancing the performance of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis by constructing electron/proton pathways

Researchers developed PEDOT:F ionomer to improve PEMWE performance. The hybrid conductor facilitates water adsorption and reduces energy barriers, leading to enhanced oxygen evolution reaction performance. This innovation promotes smoother particle migration during electrolysis.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Powder Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

Computer modelling shows where Arizona’s winter precipitation originates

Researchers used a weather model to pinpoint the source of wintertime precipitation in Arizona, finding it comes from a central Pacific moisture source rather than El Niño/La Niña events. The study's findings could improve seasonal precipitation forecasts for the region and potentially other areas globally.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 19, 2024

Spider minor ampullate silk protein nanoparticles: an effective protein delivery system capable of enhancing systemic immune responses

Researchers developed spider minor ampullate silk protein nanoparticles as an effective protein delivery system, enhancing antigen-specific immune responses in mouse models. The nanoparticles showed high loading efficiency and sustained release profiles, promoting efficient internalization by lymph nodes and uptake by dendritic cells.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMedComm·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

Deep learning for soft tissue sarcoma management

Deep learning enhances STS diagnosis and treatment by automating contouring for radiation therapy and predicting treatment responses. The review highlights key areas where deep learning is making an impact, including data acquisition and processing, algorithm development, clinical applications, and pathological diagnosis.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalMeta-Radiology·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 19, 2024

How fish can hear in stereo

Researchers discovered that fish like Danionella cerebrum use a combination of sound pressure and particle velocity to detect the direction of sounds underwater. This mechanism allows them to locate prey or predators despite the challenges of directional hearing in water.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

Inclusive care: Strategies to support infant feeding for parents with disabilities through WIC

A new study by Johns Hopkins School of Nursing found that WIC staff need additional accommodations to provide inclusive care for parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The research highlights the importance of accessible teaching materials and respectful communication to improve access and quality of services for the...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateJun 19, 2024