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Science News Archive December 2016 - Page 10


Page 10 of 32

Radiologists positioned to detect elder abuse but additional training and research needed

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that radiologists may be uniquely positioned to detect elder abuse due to their role in identifying injury patterns. However, most diagnostic radiologists have limited training or experience in this area, and all participants reported missing cases of elder abuse.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateDec 19, 2016

Genetics link sleep disturbance with restless legs syndrome, schizophrenia and obesity

A team of scientists has identified genetic connections between sleep disturbance and a range of medical disorders, including restless legs syndrome, schizophrenia, and obesity. The study found novel genetic links with insomnia symptoms, as well as associations with schizophrenia risk, measures of obesity, and abnormal glucose metabolism.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Genetics·DateDec 19, 2016

New stem cell delivery approach regenerates dental pulp-like tissue in a rodent model

Researchers at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine have successfully regenerated dental pulp-like tissues in animal model experiments using a collagen-based biomaterial to deliver stem cells. The approach shows promise in restoring normal tooth function and may offer an alternative to traditional endodontic treatments.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of Dental Research·DateDec 19, 2016

White matter structure in the brain predicts cognitive function at ages 1 and 2

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that patterns of white matter microstructure present at birth and after birth predict cognitive function in children at ages 1 and 2. The study used diffusion tensor imaging to identify 12 white matter fiber tracts important for cognitive function, which wer...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2016

New diagnostic test kit offers easy identification of virulent pathogens in remote locations

A new battery-powered detection system can identify 16 virulent pathogens with high sensitivity and provides positive identification from as few as 10 DNA sequences. The device is designed for use in remote locations where laboratory resources are lacking, addressing the lack of timely diagnosis and effective treatment.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateDec 16, 2016

A potential pharmaceutical intervention for co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder

A randomized controlled pilot trial found that N-acetylcysteine combined with group cognitive behavioral therapy reduced PTSD symptoms, cravings, and depression significantly more than CBT alone. The treatment showed promising results for a difficult-to-treat population of veterans with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateDec 16, 2016

Internet data could boost conservation

Researchers used internet data to track public interest in conservation over time, finding sudden spikes linked to media coverage and seasonal events. The study suggests harnessing these peaks to aid protection efforts, using methods that are relatively cheap and produce huge sample sizes.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBiological Conservation·DateDec 16, 2016

AMP issues joint guideline to standardize interpretation and reporting of sequence variants in cancer

The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has published a joint guideline to standardize the interpretation and reporting of sequence variants in cancer. The guidelines aim to improve patient care by establishing standardized classification, annotation, interpretation, and reporting conventions for somatic sequence variants.

SourceAssociation for Molecular Pathology·JournalJournal of Molecular Diagnostics·DateDec 16, 2016