Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for May 30, 2007


How brain pacemakers erase diseased messages

Biomedical engineers at Duke University found that deep brain stimulation alleviates disease symptoms by creating an informational lesion through rapid-fire electrical pulses. This technique can be reversible and adjustable, offering a promising treatment for movement disorders and other conditions.

SourceDuke University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateMay 30, 2007

Study: Who claims to be a pediatrician?

A new study from Michigan Medicine found that up to 17% of physicians in a single state who claim to be pediatricians are not board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). The researchers also discovered that another 12% of pediatricians did not complete a medical residency training program in pediatrics. Parents can check...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMay 30, 2007

Mule deer moms rescue other fawns

A study by the University of Alberta found that mule deer mothers respond to distress calls from both their own and other species' fawns, often putting themselves at risk. This behavior defies traditional explanations for parental care and suggests a more primal instinct for survival.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMay 30, 2007

Evolution of animal personalities

Researchers propose that animal personalities evolve due to trade-offs between current and future reproduction, with cautious individuals investing more in future opportunities. This leads to populations with consistently risk-averse or risk-prone personality traits.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 2007

Better insight into brain anatomical structures

Researchers have developed a new, biocompatible MRI contrast agent using manganese oxide nanoparticles that produces clear images of mouse brains. The agent allows for high-contrast views of brain anatomy and has potential applications in diagnosing brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

SourceWiley·DateMay 30, 2007

Moths mimic sounds to survive

Researchers discovered that tiger moths use ultrasonic clicks to warn bats of their bad taste, allowing them to survive in a predator-rich environment. The study provides the first definitive evidence of acoustic mimicry as a defensive strategy.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 30, 2007

The general public lacks basic medical knowledge

A study found that only 32% of adults possess minimal medical knowledge of serious health conditions, despite higher education or personal experience not providing significant improvement. This lack of awareness poses a risk to early detection and treatment outcomes, as well as public health costs and behavior.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMay 30, 2007

Galaxy cluster takes it to the extreme

Astronomers discover a bright arc of extremely hot gas in a massive galaxy cluster, suggesting an exceptionally dramatic event, such as a collision between two clusters. The temperature and mass of the cluster make it a giant among giants, with a quadrillion suns' worth of mass bound by its hot gas.

Talking sex on the factory floor in China

Young women in urban China want more information on contraception but need private and anonymous access due to judgmental attitudes. A pilot workplace intervention showed promising results with popular information leaflets, but low uptake of free family planning services.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Health Services Research·DateMay 30, 2007

Arithmetic is child's play

Researchers found that children can solve large number problems without mastering place value or addition facts, using their natural sense of number to perform approximations. This talent can be built upon in the classroom to enhance interest and understanding in elementary mathematics.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature·DateMay 30, 2007