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Science News for May 4, 2018


Molecular movies of RNA guide drug discovery

Researchers at Duke University have developed a technique to capture RNA molecules in precise images, revealing new opportunities for drug discovery. The method identifies potential anti-HIV compounds from millions of possibilities, showcasing its accuracy and potential to treat various ailments.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateMay 4, 2018

First robotic system plays tic tac toe to improve task performance

Researchers developed a robotic system that plays Tic Tac Toe with rehabilitation patients to improve their real-life task performance. The study found that patients preferred interacting with the robot over computer-controlled LED lights, and the robot's movement influenced human movement, indicating its potential in rehabilitation.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateMay 4, 2018

Can this invasive exotic pest make better materials for industry and medicine?

Researchers at NIST have combined wood pulp and dried-up pieces of an invasive exotic pest to form a new composite material that is flexible, sustainable, nontoxic, and UV light-reflective. The material could be used in various applications, including food packaging, biomedical devices, and building construction.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 4, 2018

To treat pain, you need to treat the patient

Researchers created PainTracker, a pain assessment adaptable to primary care clinics, addressing patient treatment history, goals and expectations, pain intensity and quality-of-life issues. The tool has dramatically transformed doctors' ability to assess and manage chronic pain, with 40-60% of patients having inadequate pain management.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 4, 2018

New approach for treating neuropathic pain

Researchers have found a novel therapeutic that interrupts signaling cascades in the body required for multiple forms of neuropathic pain. The treatment targets the nNOS-NOS1AP protein-protein interactions, reducing neuropathic pain in rodents and disrupting nociceptive signaling.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalPain·DateMay 4, 2018

Less is more when it comes to developing bigger brains

Researchers used mathematical models to re-enact brain development in humans, monkeys, and mice, finding that the human brain requires fewer initial cells to grow. The study suggests that humans may have adopted a different developmental program to produce neurons efficiently within a longer gestational period.

SourceCardiff University·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateMay 4, 2018

Computerized test may help improve ADHD diagnoses

A new clinical trial published in Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry shows that a computerised test of attention and activity (QbTest) can reduce the time needed to make a diagnostic decision on ADHD, increase the likelihood of excluding ADHD when it is not present, and improve clinicians' confidence in their decision-making. T...

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateMay 4, 2018