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Science News for March 3, 2017


How to solve a problem like antibiotic resistance

Innovative ways to target antibiotic resistance include combining antibiotics with non-antibiotics, such as loperamide, which enhances effectiveness against multi-drug resistant bacteria. Rapid diagnostic tests that can quickly identify bacterial infections and their resistance to antibiotics are also crucial in reducing further develo...

SourceBiochemical Society·JournalEssays in Biochemistry·DateMar 3, 2017

3-D printing with plants

Researchers at MIT have created a new system for 3D printing with cellulose acetate, a renewable and biodegradable alternative to traditional plastics. The new process allows for customization and functionalization of the printed parts, making it suitable for various applications including medical devices and sustainable products.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateMar 3, 2017

How to improve your freshman retention rate

Incoming college students who already feel a connection to their institution are more likely to fit in and want to remain at the school. Ethnic minority students were less likely to feel a connection during orientation but had a stronger link to feelings of fitting in if they did.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Vocational Behavior·DateMar 3, 2017

Twice weekly yoga classes plus home practice effective in reducing symptoms of depression

A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that participating in twice weekly yoga classes, combined with home practice, significantly reduces depressive symptoms. The intervention targets the parasympathetic and gamma aminobutyric acid system, providing a new avenue for treatment.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateMar 3, 2017

New insights on how pathogens escape the immune system

Researchers discovered that Salmonella typhimurium tricks the immune system into suppressing autophagy by degrading key proteins. This allows the pathogen to survive and evade the immune response. Understanding this mechanism could lead to new therapeutic strategies to enhance or manipulate autophagy in diseases like cancer.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 3, 2017

Indoor tanning, sun safety articles published by JAMA Dermatology

Two CDC studies examine indoor tanning and sun safety trends among US high school students. Indoor tanning rates dropped from 15.6% to 7.3% between 2009 and 2015, but sunburns remained common. Sun safety practices are also scarce in schools, with only 47.6% of schools implementing sunscreen application during class time.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMar 3, 2017

Study reveals the atmospheric footprint of global warming hiatus

A recent study reveals that the global warming hiatus from 1998 to 2013 was dominated by decreasing surface latent heat flux and cloud-related processes. The researchers found that atmospheric dynamics are coupled with surface turbulent heat fluxes over lower troposphere and coupled with cloud processes over upper troposphere.

Should we commit to eradicate malaria worldwide?

Bruno Moonen advocates for a global commitment to support regional elimination efforts and sustained investments in research, while Clive Shiff suggests prioritizing the management of health services rather than massive eradication efforts due to funding constraints and resource limitations.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 3, 2017

Tool helps evaluate likely outcomes for elderly patients with traumatic brain injury

Researchers at Wake Forest University developed a tool to calculate the likelihood of survival and independence after hospital discharge in elderly patients with traumatic brain injury. The tool accounts for variables such as age and severity of brain injury, providing a statistical estimation of the patient's prognosis.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 3, 2017

Researchers investigate evolution of bipedalism in ancient dinosaur ancestors

Researchers discovered that ancient dinosaurs inherited bipedalism from smaller proto-dinosaurs, who developed strong tail muscles. This adaptation allowed early dinosaurs to run faster and for longer distances. However, mammals lost this trait due to the need for burrowing adaptations, which required strong front limbs and short tails.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Theoretical Biology·DateMar 3, 2017

'Smart' genetic library -- making disease diagnosis much easier

Researchers at Hiroshima University developed a smart genetic reference library to determine disease-causing mutations in populations. The technique and database estimated naturally occurring rare-variants in the STAT1 gene and determined associated diseases. This will assist doctors in diagnosing primary-immunodeficiency in patients, ...

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMar 3, 2017

Functional brain training alleviates chemotherapy-induced peripheral nerve damage in cancer survivor

A pilot study published in the journal Cancer found that neurofeedback training reduced symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in cancer survivors. The study used electroencephalogram (EEG) neurofeedback to retrain brain activity and resulted in measurable changes in targeted brain regions.

Frozen chemistry controls bacterial infections

Scientists at Umeå University discovered a protein interaction that slows down a key chemical reaction in the bacteria Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. This finding opens up new avenues for studying the regulation of bacterial virulence, which can help develop new treatments for infections.

SourceUmea University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMar 3, 2017