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Science News Archive April 2017 - Page 33


Page 33 of 37

Global growth of ecological and environmental citizen science is fueled by new technology

The study reveals a significant increase in ecological and environmental citizen science projects over the past four decades, with a diversification of approaches driven by advances in technology. From structured monitoring to 'mass participation' projects using smartphones, citizen science is becoming increasingly popular and accessible.

New rice fights off drought

Scientists at RIKEN developed transgenic rice strains that resist drought stress, showing higher yields and increased biomass. The modified rice lines produced more galactinol, a key osmoprotectant, to cope with water loss, leading to improved drought tolerance.

SourceRIKEN·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateApr 4, 2017

How to hack a cell

A new study by Boston University engineer Wilson Wong outlines a simplified platform to target and program mammalian cells as genetic circuits, enabling researchers to make complex computations. The BLADE platform uses DNA recombinases to allow for more targeted manipulation of cells and their behavior.

SourceBoston University College of Engineering·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 4, 2017

Study reverses thinking on genetic links to stress, depression

A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry found no significant connection between a serotonin gene variant and depression risk when exposed to stress. The research, which analyzed data from over 40,000 people, suggests that previous conclusions on the link were overstated and may have been replicated without true effect.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 4, 2017

A new blue gene: NKPD1 variant increases depression risk

A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry has identified a link between rare variants of the NKPD1 gene and depressive symptoms. Researchers found that nearly 2,000 people with depressive symptoms were analyzed, revealing a possible genetic connection to depression.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 4, 2017

Individuals of victimized groups require group sincerity before giving forgiveness

Researchers found that democratic decision-making processes and majority endorsement within offender groups influence victims' perception of sincerity and conciliatory response. The study suggests that governments and political leaders should build consensus within their group about the appropriateness of an apology to the victim group.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateApr 4, 2017

ER docs can pick your nose

A new study by ER docs shows that administering medications via the nose can be a helpful option for certain patients, especially children. Intranasal administration of midazolam, fentanyl, naloxone, ketamine, and dexmedetomidine can provide effective pain relief and seizure treatment.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateApr 4, 2017

Mini brains from the petri dish

Researchers developed organoids that resemble human brain structure, investigating rare congenital brain defect Miller-Dieker syndrome. The study reveals disrupted stem cell division leading to poor organization and early differentiation of nerve cells.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 4, 2017

Using drugs to weaken traumatic memories

Researchers have successfully tested a new drug that considerably weakens the recollection of a negative experience in humans. In the study, participants who received doxycycline beforehand showed a reduction of two thirds in their emotional responses to traumatic stimuli.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 4, 2017

Mayo Clinic researchers demonstrate value of second opinions

A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that nearly 90% of patients who sought second opinions received either a new diagnosis or a refined version of their original diagnosis. This significant finding highlights the importance of second opinions in ensuring accurate diagnoses and improving patient outcomes. The study's lead author no...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice·DateApr 4, 2017