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Science News Archive May 2004 - Page 2


Page 2 of 13

Gene linked to alcoholism

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago discovered a gene, CREB, that regulates brain function during development and learning. Mice with only one copy of the CREB gene exhibited increased anxiety-like behaviors and consumed more alcohol than normal littermates.

How odors help make multimodal memories

Researchers found that the piriform cortex was activated when subjects saw objects previously associated with odors, confirming models of memory recall. The hippocampus draws on these sensory components to reconstruct rich memories.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMay 26, 2004

Remembrance of smells past

Researchers at UCL's Institute of Neurology found that memories are distributed across different brain regions, not just one area. This means that a single sense can reactivate a memory, rather than requiring all aspects to be recreated.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNeuron·DateMay 26, 2004

Nanoscale contact optimizes adhesion

Researchers discovered an optimal shape of nanoscale contact surface that enhances adhesion strength, which becomes insensitive to small variations at a critical size scale of around 100 nanometers. This finding suggests combining size reduction and shape optimization for robust and reliable adhesion.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2004

AGU Journal Highlights - 25 May 2004

A study found that planetary waves reflect instead of absorb in the subtropics, affecting weather patterns. Phytoplankton growth in Arctic waters is influenced by sea ice coverage, with polynyas impacting timing and intensity. Carbon dioxide release from underground waterways may predict tectonic activity in central Italy.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 25, 2004

Ecological success?

Research shows that older mothers produce faster-growing and more resilient larvae, while smaller ants disrupt native seed dispersal patterns. Exotic plants also adapt quickly to new environments, and artificial night lighting can harm migrating birds.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcology·DateMay 25, 2004

24/7 economy's work schedules are family unfriendly and suggest needed policy changes

Nonstandard work shifts negatively impact family stability, childcare arrangements, and parent-child relationships, leading to marital unhappiness and divorce rates. Policy solutions such as higher wages for late shifts and childcare subsidies are proposed to mitigate the social and health costs of these schedules.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·Journalسياقات اللغة والدراسات البينية·DateMay 25, 2004

Danger spots identified for threatened grizzly bear

The study identifies areas with high mortality rates among grizzly bears, primarily caused by human activities such as forestry, oil and gas, and mining. The researchers recommend limiting human access to critical habitat sites and increasing education programs to mitigate the impact on the species.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMay 25, 2004

Reducing black-white test score gap

A Penn State researcher suggests that the black-white test score gap can be reduced by increasing verbal interaction between parents and children. Research shows that professional parents who spoke more words to their children had better vocabulary knowledge and higher reading performance. Interventions like Early Head Start have shown...

SourcePenn State·Journalسياقات اللغة والدراسات البينية·DateMay 25, 2004