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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 11


Page 11 of 41

Virtual environment education reduces anxiety prior to radiation therapy

A pilot study conducted by Thomas Jefferson University found that a virtual environment education program significantly reduced anxiety and increased comprehension in patients receiving radiation therapy. The program used simulated environments to teach patients about their treatment, resulting in improved confidence and satisfaction.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Radiation Oncology·DateMar 23, 2017

Scientists get closer look at living nerve synapses

Researchers developed a custom-built microscope to study living nerve synapses, resolving events in the synapse with high precision. They found that the active zone is more like a rain shower than a single jet, with about 10 locations reused too often and a limit to how quickly these sites can be reused.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMar 23, 2017

Are dialysis patients being over-screened for colon cancer?

A new analysis reveals that dialysis patients are being screened at a higher rate than their counterparts without kidney failure, with the healthiest patients being more likely to receive screening. The findings suggest that there is substantial over-screening among patients on dialysis, and physicians should carefully evaluate patient...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMar 23, 2017

Fighting malaria through mathematical analysis of parasite's metabolism

A new mathematical model of Plasmodium falciparum's metabolism reveals its essential genes and thermodynamic bottlenecks, enabling potential mechanisms to target with drugs. The model integrates genetics and metabolomics data, allowing for the formulation of testable hypotheses and accelerating novel antimalarial drug discovery.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 23, 2017

New understanding of chronic lung inflammatory diseases unfolding

A comprehensive review article explores cytokine regulation of fibroblast behavior and extracellular matrix in the lung, shedding light on chronic inflammation. The study highlights the role of metabolic changes, age, and epigenetic mechanisms in affecting fibroblast activity and immune system cell populations.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Interferon & Cytokine Research·DateMar 23, 2017

Designer proteins fold DNA

Researchers at TUM have developed a method to construct custom DNA-protein hybrid structures using genetically encoded proteins and DNA. This approach allows for the creation of complex shapes and spatial arrangements that can be used to investigate fundamental processes in cell biology and biotechnology.

Save the whales

The Benioff Ocean Initiative has committed $1.5 million to accelerate research on reducing ship strikes and mortality of whales. Researchers estimate that 10 blue whales are killed annually in the Santa Barbara Channel, threatening a species with only 3-11% of its historic population.

Asian-American students have strong academic support -- but is it too much?

A study by NYU's Steinhardt School found that second-generation Asian American adolescents benefit less from academic social support than others, with the influence of parents, friends, and teachers being inconsistent. Despite this, they still have strong expectations for college attendance due to high parental and teacher expectations.

SourceNew York University·JournalAsian American Journal of Psychology·DateMar 23, 2017

It's really about me, not 'you'

New University of Michigan research finds people use generic-'you' to make meaning from personal experiences, helping them view events as more distant. The study suggests this ability allows individuals to derive broader meanings from their own experiences.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience·DateMar 23, 2017

Poor oral health and food scarcity major contributors to malnutrition in older adults

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that poor oral health and food scarcity are major contributors to malnutrition in older adults. The research suggests that linking patients in need to existing food assistance programs, such as Meals on Wheels, can help address this issue.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 23, 2017