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Science News Archive June 2015 - Page 25


Page 25 of 36

Intensive initial therapy with triple DMARDs improves functional ability in early RA

The tREACH trial found that combination DMARDs (methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and hydroxychloroquine) improve measures of disease activity and functional ability in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. This suggests an earlier decrease in disease severity and improvements in functional ability compared to monotherapy.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 10, 2015

Plants may run out of time to grow under ongoing climate change

A new study finds that climate change will lead to overall declines in plant growing days by 2100 due to warming, drought, and limited solar radiation. The study reveals that tropical regions will face significant reductions in suitable climates for plant growth, with some areas facing up to a 200-day reduction per year.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 10, 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