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Science News Archive August 2017 - Page 31


Page 31 of 41

Are learning and unlearning bedfellows?

Studies show that humans can learn new sounds while asleep, particularly during REM and N2 sleep phases. However, learned sounds are forgotten in deep sleep (N3) stage, suggesting a mechanism for unloading unnecessary memories. These findings reconcile two theories on sleep's role in memory consolidation.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 8, 2017

Assembling nanomachines in bacteria

A new study reveals the dynamic assembly of the export gate complex in bacterial flagellum and injectisome. The research identifies FliO as a scaffold protein essential for assembly, providing candidate targets for experimental drugs.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 8, 2017

One fall too many

A study found that older adults who visit emergency departments for falls are less likely to participate in fall prevention programs. Despite this, patients reported discussing their falls with healthcare providers and family members, suggesting room for improvement in the healthcare response.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalInjury Epidemiology·DateAug 8, 2017

Drug hope for acute myeloid leukemia

Researchers at the University of Bradford have discovered a new drug candidate, HXR9, that targets HOX genes to prevent cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis. Combining HXR9 with another drug shows enhanced results in reducing cancer growth.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateAug 8, 2017

Playing with your brain

A new study by Dr. Véronique Bohbot and Dr. Greg West found that playing action video games for 90 hours can lead to grey matter loss in the hippocampus, but playing 3D-platform games may be safer and more beneficial for brain spatial memory. This research highlights the importance of choosing the right type of game to play.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 8, 2017

Sleep makes it possible for babies to associate words with content -- and not with noise

Scientists found that babies associate words with content between 6-8 months old during a midday nap, while awake they can't connect new objects to the corresponding name. This early word learning ability suggests that children hold real word meanings in their long-term memory much earlier than previously assumed.

One step closer in explaining MS relapse during upper respiratory infection

A recent study from the University of Illinois sheds light on what may be happening in the brains of MS patients during upper respiratory infections. Researchers found an increase in glial activation and elevated levels of chemokine CXCL5, which could lead to a drug intervention to inhibit relapses.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2017

CCP program in Nigeria increases modern contraceptive use, study suggests

A four-year program led by the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (CCP) increased modern contraceptive method use by 10 percentage points and desire for fewer children in six Nigerian cities. The program's successes were attributed to its coordinated campaign to create demand for family planning services.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalStudies in Family Planning·DateAug 8, 2017

A taste cell encyclopedia

A new study from the Monell Center enables researchers to pinpoint the unique molecular components needed for each type of taste cell to function. This breakthrough provides a treasure trove of information on how taste cells respond to different compounds and can help devise ways to promote healthy eating.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 8, 2017

Clinical trial shows ready-to-use cells are safe and effective to treat viral infections

A clinical trial has demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of a new treatment using virus-specific cells to treat viral infections in patients who have received a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The treatment resulted in an overall complete or partial response rate of 92% in patients with severe, drug-resistant viral infections.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateAug 8, 2017

Human gut microbe may lead to treatment for multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Mayo Clinic and University of Iowa found a human gut microbe, Prevotella histicola, that effectively suppresses immune disease in a mouse model of MS. The study suggests that this microbe may play a role in treating MS, an autoimmune disease caused by the immune system's attack on the myelin sheath.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 8, 2017

Scientists restore youthful plasticity to the brains of adult mice

Researchers at University of Utah Health successfully rejuvenated the plasticity of adult mouse brains, specifically in the visual cortex, by triggering a shift with a single gene. This breakthrough suggests a potential target for new treatments that could recover brain youthful potential and reduce cognitive decline with aging.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2017