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Science News for December 21, 2004


Human see, human do

Researchers at UCL found that brain activity increases in areas known as the 'mirror system' when experts view movements they've been trained to perform, compared to non-experts. This fine-tuned system may enable professionals to simulate skills without moving and maintain movement ability despite injury.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateDec 21, 2004

Need a solution? In your dreams

Researchers found that dreams up to a week after a memorable emotional event often reflect problem resolution and positive emotions. This suggests that dreams can serve as a treatment for working through personal difficulties.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateDec 21, 2004

New technique provides insights into gene regulation

A new technique developed by the University of Toronto team enables accurate measurements of individual exons that make up different mRNAs, opening doors to understanding more about some diseases. This process, known as alternative splicing, is a cellular process that acquires the ability to control genetic messages.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalMolecular Cell·DateDec 21, 2004