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Science News for May 13, 2016


'OB Nest': A novel approach to prenatal care

Mayo Clinic's OB Nest study found that patient satisfaction improved with fewer office visits, empowering expectant women to take control of their care. The program provided personalized nursing care and home monitoring equipment, resulting in reduced patient burden and healthcare provider resources.

Findings expand potential of cancer drug

Researchers have found that a specific blood marker is common among patients with a subset of metastatic colorectal cancer, increasing their chances of responding to the drug. This breakthrough builds on an international clinical trial and could lead to more effective treatment options for patients running out of time.

SourceQueen's University·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateMay 13, 2016

Psychology: The power of expectations

Researchers investigate how expectations influence pain perception, with results showing men's pain tolerance altered by sex-based expectations. The study highlights the importance of considering non-explicit expectation processes in psychology and therapy.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateMay 13, 2016

Gene therapy against brain cancer

Researchers at SISSA have developed a gene therapy approach targeting glioblastomas by introducing an active version of the Emx2 gene, which inhibits astrocyte growth and leads to tumour cell suicide. The treatment has demonstrated efficacy in both vitro and in vivo tests, with potential for preventing aggressive recurrence development.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateMay 13, 2016

Rapid eye movement sleep: Keystone of memory formation

A study published in Science reveals that rapid eye movement (REM) sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation in mice. The research found that silencing neurons during REM sleep impaired spatial memory formation, suggesting a causal link between REM sleep and memory impairments observed in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateMay 13, 2016

Study: Symptoms of 'chronic multisymptom illness' may be common in Iraq, Afghanistan vets

A study of over 300 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans found that nearly 50% met the criteria for mild to moderate CMI, with common symptoms including fatigue, joint pain, and difficulty remembering. The study suggests a link between deployment and CMI, but notes limitations in the research and recommends further investigation.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateMay 13, 2016

Another reason for wine lovers to toast resveratrol

Researchers found resveratrol supplements can help counteract the negative effects of a high fat/high sugar diet on hind leg muscles. The study, published in Frontiers in Physiology, showed that resveratrol supplementation helped maintain muscle function and fatigue resistance.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateMay 13, 2016

Beware of microbial traffic jams

A team of researchers found that rapidly proliferating yeast cells can exert forces of up to 150 psi, equivalent to nearly five times atmospheric pressure. This jamming phenomenon may contribute to microbial pathogenesis and biofouling, with potential consequences for environmental systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 13, 2016

Wildfires: More people, less fires

A study by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and Swedish-US partners found that demographic development has a significant impact on wildfires, with population growth reducing fire frequency. However, this does not mean the risk of fires will decrease, as growing population density in fire-susceptible regions increases the risk.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 13, 2016

Coral stress test found in the genes

Researchers have identified unique genetic markers that indicate higher stress tolerance in corals, enabling the development of novel reef restoration strategies. These markers can be used to create fine-scale distribution maps and guide selective breeding programs for more resilient corals.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 13, 2016

Using precision-genetics in pigs to beat cancer

Researchers are exploring genetically modified pigs as a valuable alternative to rodent models for cancer research, leveraging precision-genetics and genetic similarities between swine and humans. This approach could lead to more accurate modeling of the disease and identification of effective treatments.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateMay 13, 2016

Carbon capture is substantial in secondary tropical forests

Research suggests that protecting natural forest regrowth in secondary tropical forests can significantly reduce carbon emissions. These young and middle-aged forests have the potential to capture equivalent amounts of carbon as Latin America and the Caribbean between 1993 and 2014. If left alone for 40 years, they could play a substan...

SourceClemson University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 13, 2016