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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 31


Page 31 of 41

Super-sized memory is trainable and long lasting

After 40 days of daily training using a strategic memory improvement technique, individuals with typical memory skills more than doubled their memory capacity. Brain scans showed altered brain functions and similar connectivity patterns as those of world champion memory athletes. Four months later, recall performance remained high.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMar 8, 2017

Chinese famine data show no long-term health effects except for schizophrenia

A systematic re-analysis of Chinese famine studies found no increases in diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic conditions among famine births, except for schizophrenia. The findings highlight an unrecognized flaw in common famine reports and suggest better indicators of famine exposure are needed.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateMar 8, 2017

Don't be distracted: The real issues in autism are threats to funding, services

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health warn that renewed focus on debunked autism-vaccine links diverts attention from growing threats to healthcare services. The Affordable Care Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are under attack, posing a serious risk to essential protections.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 8, 2017

Ionization mechanisms of captive atoms struck by light matter

Physicists have developed a methodology to solve the Schrödinger equation describing the behavior of an atom interacting with an external light pulse, yielding a theoretical description of how external light rays affect the energy levels of hydrogen atoms trapped inside fullerenes. The study reveals key aspects of the ionization proces...

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateMar 8, 2017

Molecule shown to repair damaged axons

Researchers have discovered a natural molecule that can repair damaged axons, the thread-like projections carrying electrical signals between cells. The molecule, fusicoccin-A, harnesses 14-3-3 activity to stimulate axon growth, offering a promising strategy for treating brain and spinal cord injuries.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuron·DateMar 8, 2017

New material regrows bone

A team of researchers developed a new material that regrows quality bone in the affected area without developing scar tissue. The breakthrough could potentially treat patients with severe skull or facial injuries, making painful bone grafting obsolete.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 8, 2017

Student team competition provides real-world experience for O.R. and analytics students

Eight student teams from around the world competed in the inaugural INFORMS O.R. and Analytics Student Team Competition, tasked with solving a challenging problem using an O.R. and analytics approach. The finalists were selected based on their use of the full analytics process, from framing the problem to quantitative analysis.

Ancient stardust sheds light on the first stars

Astronomers have discovered the youngest and most distant galaxy ever seen, containing an abundance of interstellar dust formed by earlier star deaths. This discovery provides new information on when the first supernovae exploded and sheds light on the early Universe.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 8, 2017

Dental plaque DNA shows Neandertals used 'aspirin'

A team of international researchers analyzed dental plaque from four Neandertals, revealing a complex picture of their behavior, diet, and evolutionary history. The study found that Neandertals had a good knowledge of medicinal plants and used them to self-medicate, including the use of poplar trees for pain relief.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature·DateMar 8, 2017

Mayo Clinic researchers identify therapy

Researchers discovered an experimental drug, LCL161, that stimulates the immune system and causes tumor shrinkage in patients with multiple myeloma. The study highlights the importance of studying drug interactions with the tumor microenvironment.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Medicine·DateMar 8, 2017

Sound waves boost older adult' memory, deep sleep

A new study from Northwestern University finds that sound wave stimulation synchronized to brain waves triples memory scores in older adults and enhances deep sleep. The technique, which uses real-time brain wave analysis, shows promise as a non-meditation approach to improving brain health.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateMar 8, 2017

In-home occupational therapy curbs depression in visually impaired patients

A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that in-home occupational therapy significantly reduces the severity of depression in patients with central vision loss. The therapy, which includes training on daily activities like cooking and reading, is more effective than supportive therapy in improving mental health outcomes.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateMar 8, 2017