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Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 15


Page 15 of 42

Flies the key to studying the causes of dementia

Researchers discovered two brain proteins with unique functions in the development of dementia, leading to potential new treatments. The study used Drosophila fruit flies to examine the effects of these proteins on nerve cell survival and activation, revealing one form is linked to poor movement and another to greater neurodegeneration.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateMay 19, 2017

To curb medical errors, physicians must be better trained to admit mistakes

Medical errors are a leading cause of death in the US, with psychological factors like fear, shame, and guilt hindering error disclosure. Researchers call for better education and training focused on overcoming cognitive biases, such as Fundamental Attribution Error and Forecasting Error, to improve outcomes and reduce medical errors.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalMedical Education·DateMay 19, 2017

Epigenetic program leading to vessel differentiation

A collaborative research group found that histone code changes and a transcription factor group essential for blood vessel differentiation play key roles in vessel formation. They also discovered that the regulatory genomic region of the transcription factors has gradually switched from suppressing to activating transcription.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMay 19, 2017

New study opens case on emotional stress of senior police investigators in child homicide

A new study reveals that senior police investigators experience different cognitive and emotional stressors when investigating child homicide compared to adult homicide. The research found that a significant period of reflection is needed after the investigation has ended to realize the true extent of the effects on investigators.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Police and Criminal Psychology·DateMay 19, 2017

New biomarkers of multiple sclerosis pathogenesis

A novel study has identified new biomarkers of multiple sclerosis pathogenesis, revealing a central role for interferon gamma in brain inflammation. The research found that high serum interferon gamma levels activate astrocytes, triggering an inflammatory response and promoting the migration of autoreactive T lymphocytes into the brain.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateMay 19, 2017

Nutritional properties of mushrooms are better when grilled or microwaved

Grilled and microwaved cooking methods are best for preserving the nutritional properties of mushrooms. Microwaving and grilling improve the antioxidant activity of cooked mushrooms compared to boiling and frying. Grilling also offers additional benefits, including enhanced polyphenol content.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition·DateMay 19, 2017

New hope for slow-healing wounds

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have developed light-inducible microRNA inhibitors that can target specific genes involved in slow-healing wounds. By injecting these inhibitors into the skin of mice, they were able to improve wound healing by blocking a particular microRNA that is frequently found in diabetes patients.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 19, 2017

Blood discovery could benefit preemies, help end platelet shortages

Researchers at UVA School of Medicine have identified a 'master switch' that controls platelet production in the bone marrow, offering new hope for treating platelet shortages and neonatal thrombocytopenia. The discovery may lead to the development of new treatments using existing compounds with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 19, 2017

Fueling the future

A study published in Energy & Environmental Science found that second-generation biofuels made from managed trees and perennial grasses may provide a sustainable fuel resource. The research demonstrated an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to petroleum diesel.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 19, 2017

Zinc effects on common cold duration illustrate problems of routine statistical analyses

Two randomized trials found that zinc lozenges reduced common cold duration by an average of 4.0 days and 1.77 days, but applying these effects to placebo groups resulted in impossible durations when using absolute scales. In contrast, percentage effects of 43% and 25% were realistic and more informative for communicating findings.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBMC Medical Research Methodology·DateMay 18, 2017