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Science News for November 7, 2024


Cancer genetic risk assessment guidelines expand to meet growing understanding of hereditary risk

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has updated its guidelines for genetic/familial high-risk assessment, incorporating the latest scientific research and expert recommendations to enhance screening practices and treatment options. The expanded guidelines cover various cancer types and provide guidance on genetic testing, heredit...

City of Hope Research Spotlight, October 2024

Researchers at City of Hope have made significant strides in the biology behind our sense of smell, finding new ways to treat esophageal cancer, and improving management of type 2 diabetes. The team's discoveries include a better understanding of odorant receptors and the potential for novel immunotherapies for cancer treatment.

Robot learns how to clean a washbasin

A TU Wien-developed robot can learn to clean a sink by watching humans perform the task, adapting its knowledge to different shapes and applying the right amount of force. The technology combines machine learning and robotics, enabling robots to share their parameters through federated learning.

SourceVienna University of Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2024

Lithuanian scientists are developing an ultrasound device to improve blood circulation and prevent diabetes complications in the lower extremities

Scientists from Kaunas University of Technology and Lithuanian University of Health Sciences developed a non-invasive ultrasonic foot stimulation device to improve blood circulation in the lower limbs. The device uses low-frequency ultrasound to stimulate blood flow and regulate thrombogenesis, immune response, and inflammatory processes.

A study reveals how psychological variables influence the glycemic control of diabetes

A recent study published by the University of Córdoba found that self-efficacy has a significant impact on glycemic control in type I diabetes among adolescents. The researchers analyzed data from over 200 children and adolescents and discovered that those with higher self-efficacy scores showed better glucose level management.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalInternational Journal of Psychology·DateNov 7, 2024

Memories are not only in the brain, new research finds

A study by New York University researchers shows that non-brain cells, such as those from the kidney and nerve tissues, can form memories through a process called the massed-spaced effect. This phenomenon allows these cells to retain information better when studied in spaced intervals rather than all at once.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 2024

Nasal spray made from stem cell-derived vesicles could treat Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers at Texas A&M University College of Medicine have developed a nasal spray treatment using stem cell-derived vesicles that reduces inflammation and plaque buildup in the brain, delaying Alzheimer's disease progression. The treatment targets microglia cells, which become harmful over time, leading to progressive neuron loss.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2024

How prisons fall short in protecting the incarcerated from climate disasters

A study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers reveals inadequate policies and infrastructure leave incarcerated people vulnerable to climate hazards. The team conducted interviews with 35 formerly incarcerated individuals who reported experiencing extreme temperatures, poor air quality, and water issues.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalEnvironment and Planning E Nature and Space·DateNov 7, 2024

Versatile deformation of plastics with light

A research group at Chuo University developed a method to induce deformations in polymer materials at specific depths using two-photon absorption. This enables versatile deformations and motions, enhancing the degree of freedom, and contributes to the development of small, lightweight, and soft robots.

SourceChuo University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2024

University of Navarra scientists develop AI tools to personalize cancer therapies

Researchers at the University of Navarra have developed an AI model, known as the IFIT score, to personalize immune therapies for oncology patients. The system analyzes data from over 3,000 patients and identifies novel genetic signatures to improve immunotherapy treatment effectiveness.

SourceUniversidad de Navarra·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 7, 2024

Studies point to correlation between preeclampsia and COVID-19 in pregnant women

Research highlights correlation between preeclampsia and COVID-19 in pregnant women, identifying biomarkers for differential diagnosis. The review article emphasizes the pathophysiological similarities between the two conditions, including shared pathways involving the renin-angiotensin system and ACE2.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAmerican Journal Of Reproductive Immunology·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 7, 2024

Acquired immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) associated with inactivated COVID-19 vaccine CoronaVac

Researchers report two cases of acquired immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) after administration of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine CoronaVac. TTP incidence increased in years following COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, suggesting a possible correlation between the vaccines and the condition.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2024

Boston Medical Center and Boston University researchers one step closer to developing cell-based therapy for hypothyroidism

Boston Medical Center and Boston University researchers have made a breakthrough in developing cell-based therapy for hypothyroidism. They derived transplantable thyroid follicular epithelial cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells, which can be transplanted into thyroid-deficient animal models.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateNov 7, 2024

Combining the VIGex gene expression signature with liquid biopsy may improve response prediction to immunotherapy

Researchers have found that combining the VIGex gene expression signature with liquid biopsy analysis improves response prediction to immunotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors. The study analyzed tumor samples and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) by liquid biopsy, showing that the VIGex-Hot subgroup was associated with higher o...

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalJCO Precision Oncology·DateNov 7, 2024

New PFAS removal process aims to stamp out pollution ahead of semiconductor industry growth

Researchers at the University of Illinois have created an electrochemical strategy to capture, concentrate, and destroy PFAS from water using a single device. The new process combines redox electrodialysis with electrosorption to effectively remove ultra-short-chain PFAS molecules.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2024

Researchers identify reduction in heart failure-related risk factors following metabolic surgery

A recent study suggests that metabolic surgery can reduce the need for oral diuretics in patients with heart failure, resulting in a 65% decrease in diuretic use at 24 months after surgery. Patients who underwent metabolic surgery also experienced significant weight loss and improved quality of life.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalThe American Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 7, 2024

Research team discovers disruption of visual stability

A study by the University of Münster's research team led by Prof Markus Lappe found that smooth eye movements cannot be performed for all types of visual motion, leading to a disruption of spatial perception. The researchers also discovered that the compensation mechanism for rapid eye movements is overridden when certain non-rigid mov...

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 7, 2024

Men who have sex with men in Europe still vulnerable to hepatitis A and B, highlighting need for public health action and support

Research analyzing European survey data from 113,884 men who have sex with men reveals that only 44% report being vaccinated against both hepatitis A and B. Strong public health support and creating an open environment are crucial to reduce outbreaks among MSM and eliminate hepatitis B.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 7, 2024

Increased focus on comorbidities, socioeconomic factors would help improve health equity for people with COPD

A new editorial suggests using syndemic theory approach to address disparities in COPD treatment, emphasizing the importance of considering comorbidities and socioeconomic factors. The authors aim to promote holistic care and increase research participation from minority populations.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateNov 7, 2024

Pioneering research reveals some of the world’s least polluting populations are at much greater risk of flooding fuelled by climate change

A new study reveals nearly one in five people in Small Island Developing States are exposed to coastal and inland flooding, trebling to over 60% in some countries. Climate change is exacerbating the risk of flooding across these nations, with even a 1.5°C increase projected to affect over 20% of populations.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 7, 2024

Revolutionizing biodiversity monitoring with a network of automated wildlife cameras

Researchers developed an innovative automated wildlife camera network to monitor species in a Dutch coastal dunes nature reserve. The system, which combines autonomous cameras, wireless data transmission and AI-driven species identification, has been shown to be cost-efficient and efficient, providing new insights into the habitat use ...

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalBasic and Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2024

Disconnecting hepatic vagus nerve restores balance to liver and brain circadian clocks, reducing overeating in mice

Researchers found that disrupting the hepatic vagus nerve restored balance to both liver and brain circadian clocks, leading to reduced overeating behavior in mice. Severing the nerve alleviated overeating caused by deleted clock genes, suggesting a key role for this neural link in obesity.

Exercise programs help cut new mums’ ‘baby blues’ severity and major depression risk

A pooled data analysis of 35 studies found that exercise-only interventions reduced the severity of depression and anxiety after giving birth, with a significant reduction in postpartum depression risk. The minimum threshold for achieving effects was at least 80 weekly minutes of moderate intensity exercise.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 7, 2024

What makes human culture unique?

Researchers propose that human culture is uniquely open-ended, enabling humans to communicate and understand an infinite number of possibilities. This contrasts with animal cultures, which have constraints that limit their evolution and development. By comparing human cultures with those of other species, including animals and non-huma...

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateNov 7, 2024

Incorporating cultural and recreational ecosystem services of freshwater within Israel’s water economy

A study by Aliza Fleischer, Yadin Gindin, and Yacov Tsur from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem introduces a new model that integrates recreational freshwater ecosystem services into water allocation decisions. The researchers found that increasing demand for these services leads to significant changes in water diversion, with a 24% r...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalEcological Economics·DateNov 7, 2024

Plastic device aids robot-assisted heart surgery

A new plastic device has been developed to secure the surgical field during robot-assisted heart surgery, allowing surgeons to operate with greater independence. The device, made from a type of plastic used in medical implants and aerospace industry, expands to a certain size and retains its shape.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalInnovations Technology and Techniques in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery·TypeCase study·DateNov 7, 2024

New imaging technique to improve head and neck cancer surgery

Researchers developed a new imaging technique using fluorescence-guided surgery to enhance visibility of tumors and nerves during head and neck cancer surgery. The technique uses two near-infrared fluorophores, one for tumors and another for facial nerves, allowing for clear differentiation between cancerous tissues and nerves.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateNov 7, 2024

A 36-gene predictive score of anti-cancer drug resistance anticipates cancer therapy outcomes

Researchers developed a 36-gene predictive score that surpasses conventional methods in predicting tamoxifen treatment resistance. The polygenic score UAB36 has potential as a tool for personalized medicine, helping identify patients at higher risk of poor survival and suggesting alternative treatment strategies.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 7, 2024

Researchers develop robotic sensory cilia that monitor internal biomarkers to detect and assess airway diseases

A team of researchers at Vanderbilt University has developed robotic sensory cilia that can monitor mucus conditions in human airways, detecting infection, obstruction, and disease severity. The technology leverages external magnetic fields to sense mucus viscosity and layer thickness, paving the way for real-time monitoring and early ...

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2024

Defense or growth – How plants allocate resources

A new study reveals that plant species invest less in defense to prioritize growth, with a negative correlation between defense genes and growth traits observed. Researchers identified significant variation among plant species in their investment in disease defense, using open databases to analyze 184 plant species.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScience·DateNov 7, 2024

Artificial intelligence: a double-edged sword for the environment?

A recent study by researchers from Zhejiang University and Nankai University estimates that AI systems could emit more than 102 million tons of CO₂ annually. The study analyzes energy consumption from 79 major AI systems between 2020 and 2024, highlighting the need for regulatory measures and standardized emissions caps.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2024

UVM scientists find space-for-time substitutions exaggerate urban bird–habitat ecological relationships

A study from University of Vermont researchers suggests that some bird species may be more flexible to habitat changes than previously understood, creating new opportunities for supporting populations through city planting efforts. The team found that space-for-time substitutions, a method for predicting future species counts using hab...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 7, 2024

Gut dysbiosis and fecal microbiota transplantation in pancreatic cancer: Current status and perspectives

Research highlights the role of gut dysbiosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), with specific microbial profiles associated with PDAC. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is proposed as a potential adjunct therapy to improve patient outcomes through microbiome modulation and immune system recalibration.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalCancer Screening and Prevention·DateNov 7, 2024