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Science News Archive August 2008 - Page 4


Page 4 of 17

New evidence debunks 'stupid' Neanderthal myth

A new study published in the Journal of Human Evolution debunks a long-held assumption that Homo sapiens were more intelligent than Neanderthals. The research team recreated stone tools used by both species and found no clear advantage in terms of efficiency. This finding challenges the traditional narrative that Homo sapiens outcompet...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateAug 25, 2008

Study: DNA barcoding in danger of 'ringing up' wrong species

A new study from Brigham Young University warns that the current DNA barcoding technique may be inaccurately identifying species, leading to overestimation of species numbers. The technique relies on a universal genetic marker, but errors can occur when 'numts' (inactive genetic code) are misinterpreted as unique species.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2008

New joint Israeli-American study sheds light on impact of terrorism on adolescent depression

A recent study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Georgia State University found that adolescents in Sderot, Israel, who experienced high levels of social support were better protected against depression caused by ongoing terror attacks. The research highlights the potential importance of community mental health efforts as prote...

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateAug 25, 2008

New hope for stroke patients

Researchers at Loyola Medicine report a potential treatment for stroke patients that could restore functions and reverse damage. The technique involves anti-nogo-A immunotherapy, which has improved lab animal results and is being tested in human clinical trials.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalTopics in Stroke Rehabilitation·DateAug 25, 2008

Listen up!

The US Medical Licensing Examination board has introduced an audio portion to its medical licensing exam, requiring students to identify heart murmurs and abnormal heart sounds. The skill level required is much higher than traditional curriculum, leading to increased dependence on expensive tests.

Stem cells stand up for themselves

Research reveals that certain adult stem cells are more active than previously thought, actively controlling their behavior through the interaction between laminin A and integrins. This interaction enables follicle stem cells to remain in place, primed for division, by laying down laminin A to build their own niche.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateAug 25, 2008

Exploring the function of sleep

A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that sleep is crucial for brain function, allowing the brain to regroup after a hard day of learning. The research proposes that sleep enables the brain to consolidate new memories and 'forget' random impressions, making it essential for continued learning.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 25, 2008

Explaining a genetic disorder's unique shift

A new study by University of Tennessee professor Francisco Ubeda suggests that the amount of care a father gives to his child may cause a shift in the syndrome's symptoms, reversing them. The research implies that social structure and biparental care can shape disease symptoms over human evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 25, 2008

How does bluetongue virus survive through the winter?

Researchers found that bluetongue virus can survive the winter by surviving in the eggs of Culicoides midges, or by overwintering in livestock barns. The virus can also spread through transplacental infections from an infected pregnant animal to its fetus.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 25, 2008

Why wind turbines can mean death for bats

Researchers found that 90% of deceased bats showed internal hemorrhaging consistent with barotrauma, highlighting the vulnerability of these mammals to wind turbine hazards. The unique respiratory system of bats makes them more susceptible to air pressure drops, which can cause fatal injuries.

Tobacco control programs reduce health-care costs

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that tobacco control programs in California reduced personal health care expenditures by $86 billion between 1989 and 2004. The program's cost savings grew over time, reaching 7.3% in 2003-2004, and represented a significant return on investment for the state.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 25, 2008