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Science News for September 15, 2017


Medical students not trained to prescribe medical marijuana

A study found that only 9% of medical schools teach their students about medical marijuana, leaving physicians-in-training unprepared to address patient questions. The research highlights a mismatch between state laws and medical education, emphasizing the need for more training on the benefits and drawbacks of medical marijuana.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateSep 15, 2017

Decreased glucose metabolism in medial prefrontal areas is associated with nutritional status in patients with prodromal and early Alzheimer's disease

A new study found that decreased glucose metabolism in medial prefrontal areas is associated with nutritional status in patients with prodromal and early Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that hypometabolism in the medial prefrontal areas may explain the underlying mechanism of weight loss in AD. Decrease in fat mass was also lin...

Celebrity fossil reveals all for science

Agnostus pisiformis, a small but well-preserved trilobite-like arthropod, has been used to create detailed sculptures revealing its complete anatomy. The fossil provides valuable insights into ancient life and ecosystems, shedding light on the ecology and mode of life of this extinct species.

SourceLund University·JournalEarth-Science Reviews·DateSep 15, 2017

Contaminants in food: Health risks of natural origin are frequently underestimated

A German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment study found that people perceive synthetic substances and heavy metals as greater health risks than natural contaminants like mercury and dioxin. Awareness about lesser-known contaminants like pyrrolizidine alkaloids and arsenic is low, particularly among younger populations.

SourceBfR Federal Institute for Risk Assessment·JournalBundesgesundheitsblatt·DateSep 15, 2017

Telemedicine visits save families time and money

A study by Nemours Children's Health System found that telemedicine visits for sports medicine appointments saved patients and families an average of $50 in travel costs and 51 minutes in waiting time. Each telemedicine visit also reduced the health system's costs by $24 per patient.