Science News for December 23, 2007

Study suggests some brain injuries reduce the likelihood of post-traumatic stress disorder

A new study found that certain brain injuries, such as damage to the amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex, may reduce the likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in combat-exposed veterans. The findings suggest that drugs or pacemaker-like devices targeting these areas might be effective treatments for PTSD.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 23, 2007

Where and why humans made skates out of animal bones

Bone skates were an early means of human-powered transport, with a recent study supporting their origins in Southern Finland. The use of bone skates limited energy consumption by 10% in winter, but only slightly in other North European countries.

SourceWiley·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateDec 23, 2007

Two 'noses' are necessary for flies to navigate well

Research at Rockefeller University reveals that flies use stereo cues to navigate towards scented targets more accurately when detecting smells with both olfactory organs. By exploiting infrared technology, scientists created an environment where they could visualize and quantify the distribution of smells.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 23, 2007

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Gold nanoparticle probes may allow earlier cancer detection

Researchers have developed gold nanoparticles with antibody fragments that can identify tumors in living animals. The particles emit a specific signal when illuminated by a laser beam, enabling early detection of cancer. This technology offers a non-invasive and potentially more effective approach to cancer diagnosis.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 23, 2007

Sleep chemical central to effectiveness of deep brain stimulation

Researchers find that adenosine, a sleep-inducing brain chemical, plays a central role in deep brain stimulation's success. The technique disrupts abnormal nerve signals and alleviates symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease and other brain disorders.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalNature Medicine·DateDec 23, 2007