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Science News for June 9, 2015


Pre-lecture diagrams help students take better notes, learn more

A new study from Washington University in St. Louis found that providing illustrative diagrams before lectures enhances student learning and recall, particularly for students who struggle with organizing information. The research suggests that teachers should consider individual differences in learning skills when presenting material.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition·DateJun 9, 2015

Many experiments for the price of one -- a breakthrough in the study of gene regulation

Researchers developed a novel approach to deciphering gene regulation networks by leveraging biological knowledge and computational algorithms. They found that combining laboratory experiments with motif information can accurately predict DNA-binding behavior of transcription factors.

New research calls for vitamin D supplementation in critically ill pediatric burn patients

A new clinical trial found that more than 10% of patients still had low levels of vitamin D at discharge, with levels worsening at the one-year follow-up exam. Vitamin D3 supplementation showed promise in addressing deficiency problems and their associated health risks.

SourceAmerican Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.)·JournalJournal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition·DateJun 9, 2015

New study shows intravenous glutamine reduces ischemia reperfusion injuries

A new study published in the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition found that intravenous glutamine administration immediately after lower limb ischemia reduced inflammatory reactions locally and systemically. The study showed that GLN decreased gene expressions of inflammatory mediators, blood macrophage percentages, and plasma ...

SourceAmerican Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.)·JournalJournal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition·DateJun 9, 2015

For safer care, simple steps yield substantial improvements in colorectal surgery

A new program at Johns Hopkins Hospital implemented consistent use of experienced medical teams, preemptive antibiotics, and early patient mobilization to reduce complications and accelerate recovery in colorectal surgery. The approach resulted in a significant reduction in hospital stays, surgical infections, blood clots, and costs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJun 9, 2015

Computer game reduces issues associated with AD/HD in children in China

A new study published in SAGE Open found that a computer game that exercises concentration and attention control can improve the behavior and social interactions of children with AD/HD in China. The game, combined with neurocognitive training, resulted in improved assignment completion, peer acceptance, and teacher relationships.

SourceSAGE·JournalSAGE Open·DateJun 9, 2015

Social media helps young adults quit smoking

A new study from the University of Waterloo found that social media-based campaigns can be more effective in helping young adults quit smoking than traditional methods. The Break It Off campaign, launched by the Canadian Cancer Society, uses interactive websites and smartphone apps to engage users and encourage smoking cessation.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJun 9, 2015

Discovering a new force driving cell contraction during development and organogenesis

Researchers at the Center for Genomic Regulation have identified a new mechanism that generates forces to drive cell movements during development, replacing previous theories of shape changes. This discovery contributes to understanding organ development and maintenance by highlighting the role of volume changes and programmed cell death.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJun 9, 2015

Pigeon 'chain of command' aids navigation

Researchers found that hierarchical social structures, where individuals follow a single leader with rapid information passing down the 'chain of command', enable pigeon flocks to navigate accurately. This allows for better decision-making even when individual birds make navigation errors.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalInterface·DateJun 9, 2015

INFORMS journal: Microsoft algorithm improves directions in large networks for Bing Maps

A new algorithm developed by Microsoft researchers has improved route planning capabilities for Bing Maps, providing faster processing and more accurate information on lengthy trips. The Customizable Route Planning (CRP) engine also offers more reliable alternate routes and better estimates of time needed for turns and traffic snarls.

Brain lesions in children challenging to diagnose

A multidisciplinary team of Loyola University Medical Center physicians report a case of a 12-year-old boy with refractory seizures due to an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the brain. The case highlights the challenge in distinguishing different lesions based on imaging, emphasizing the importance of carefully analyzing available ...

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalFrontiers in Neurology·DateJun 9, 2015

Geological game changer

A comprehensive biological study refutes a long-standing geological fact, showing plants and animals migrated between North and South America nearly 30 million years ago. This new information changes our understanding of biodiversity and climate, both at regional and global levels.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2015

Study: Crop-rotation resistant rootworms have a lot going on in their guts

Researchers found that western corn rootworm beetles develop resistance to crop rotation through gene expression changes in their guts, involving immune regulation and antimicrobial functions. The study sheds light on the complex interplay of forces behind rotation resistance and could help develop more sustainable agricultural practices.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateJun 9, 2015

Study redefines role of estrogen in cervical cancer

A recent study has found that estrogen receptors are almost entirely absent in cervical cancer tumors, but still present in the tumor microenvironment. This finding highlights a critical communication between the microenvironment and tumor cells, allowing the tumor to thrive despite its inability to respond to estrogen.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 9, 2015

The food-waste paradox

A study from Cornell Food & Brand Lab reveals that buying too much food, preparing in abundance, and improper storage lead to significant household food waste. Implementing efficient meal planning strategies and proper food storage techniques can significantly reduce waste and save money.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalInternational Journal of Consumer Studies·DateJun 9, 2015

The Lancet Oncology: 2 large trials provide further evidence that 1 dose of HPV vaccine could prevent the majority of cervical cancers

A new study combining data from two large trials suggests that one dose of the bivalent HPV vaccine may be sufficient to protect against most cervical cancer cases, with high efficacy seen in women receiving one, two, or three doses. The findings have significant implications for global health, particularly in resource-poor settings wh...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJun 9, 2015

Study: Juvenile incarceration yields less schooling, more crime

A new study by MIT scholars finds that juvenile incarceration significantly lowers high-school graduation rates by 13 percentage points and increases adult incarceration by 23 percentage points. The research project analyzed tens of thousands of teenagers in Illinois, using a natural experiment to isolate the effects of sentencing on k...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateJun 9, 2015

Study finds credentialed providers have greater knowledge of nutrition support practice

A new study published in the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition found that credentialed providers have a significantly higher understanding of nutrition support practice. The study's results showed that credentialed providers answered 6.18 out of 8 questions correctly, compared to non-credentialed providers who answered 4.56 q...

SourceAmerican Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.)·JournalJournal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition·DateJun 9, 2015

Floods as war weapons

A new study reveals that humans deliberately caused about a third of floods in southwestern Netherlands between 1500 and 2000. The deliberate flooding was used as a tactic during the Eighty Years' War, with significant changes to the landscape resulting from these inundations.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·DateJun 9, 2015