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Science News Archive 2012 - Page 32


Page 32 of 333

Star Trek Classroom: The next generation of school desks

A three-year project at Durham University has found that collaborative learning increases both fluency and flexibility in mathematics, while using interactive smart desks can have benefits over traditional paper-based activities. The new 'Star Trek classroom' also encourages active student engagement and equal access.

SourceDurham University·JournalLearning and Instruction·DateNov 22, 2012

The smell of white

Scientists have created a blended scent, known as 'Laurax,' which spans the entire range of human olfaction and is perceived as neutral. This breakthrough challenges conventional wisdom on how our sense of smell works.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 2012

Better blood transfusions for preterm babies

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have made a promising breakthrough in reducing adverse inflammatory responses to blood transfusions in preterm babies. By understanding the mechanisms behind these responses, they aim to improve blood transfusion safety and reduce complications.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPediatric Research·DateNov 22, 2012

Spanish scientists design a revolutionary data storage device

University of Granada researchers have developed an Advanced Random Access Memory (A-RAM) device that overcomes miniaturization challenges in DRAM cells, enabling long retention times and low battery consumption. The innovation has been patented and demonstrated experimentally, with companies like Samsung and Hynix showing interest.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalIEEE Electron Device Letters·DateNov 22, 2012

'Repurposed' anti-parasite drug shows promise as new TB treatment: UBC research

Researchers from the University of British Columbia have discovered that a well-established family of anti-parasite drugs can be repurposed to effectively treat tuberculosis, including drug-resistant forms. The study highlights the potential for investing in research to find new uses for approved drugs and synergistic combinations.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateNov 22, 2012

Blind patient reads words stimulated directly onto the retina

Researchers successfully streamed braille patterns directly into a blind patient's retina using the Argus II device. The patient accurately read four-letter words and showed excellent spatial resolution, demonstrating the potential for improved reading capabilities with future iterations of the implant.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroprosthetics·DateNov 22, 2012

Team solves birth and migration mysteries of cortex's powerful inhibitors, 'chandelier' cells

A team led by Professor Z. Josh Huang has revealed the birth timing and embryonic origin of critical inhibitory brain cells called chandelier cells, tracing their specific paths into the cerebral cortex of mouse brains. This breakthrough sheds light on the genetic programming of brain development and the role of these cells in balancin...

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalScience·DateNov 22, 2012

Stem cells develop best in 3-D

Scientists from the Danish Stem Cell Center found that stem cells grow better in three-dimensional environments, leading to improved insulin-producing cell development. This discovery holds promise for improving diabetes treatment with cell therapy.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 21, 2012

Kidney tumors have a mind of their own

A team of researchers at St. Michael's Hospital has discovered multiple ways kidney tumours can achieve the same result – namely, grow. By examining chromosomal changes, methylation, and gene expression, they identified specific regions where genetic alterations occur in kidney cancer.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 21, 2012

Uncovering complexity

A single type of neuron in Caenorhabditis elegans nerve cord encodes an entire sensorimotor loop, with feedback driving motion itself. The discovery reveals a sophisticated system allowing the worm to organize its movements through proprioceptive feedback.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNeuron·DateNov 21, 2012

US Coast Guard, USC win INFORMS Wagner Prize for protecting american ports from terrorists

The US Coast Guard and USC's Viterbi School of Engineering developed the PROTECT system, which uses quantal response theory to model unpredictable adversary behavior. The system has been successfully deployed in Boston and is undergoing testing at New York, showing improved results over human-generated patrolling strategies.

Early birds had an old-school version of wings

The study reveals that early bird ancestors had more primitive wing designs, with simpler feathers that were different from those of modern birds. The researchers believe that these early wings may have worked effectively for gliding and high-speed flapping flight, but not for low-speed flight or ground takeoff.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 21, 2012

Dwarf planet makemake lacks atmosphere

Astronomers have discovered that dwarf planet Makemake lacks a significant atmosphere, revealing new insights into its composition. The study used observations of Makemake passing in front of a star to determine its size, density, and albedo, with findings comparable to dirty snow.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateNov 21, 2012

Parrots imitate individuals when addressing them

Researchers found that parrots imitate unique calls to initiate conversations with specific individuals, responding more frequently and faster when mimicking an individual's call. In the wild, this ability helps orange-fronted conures communicate effectively in dynamic flocks.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 21, 2012

Neural interaction in periods of silence

Researchers have developed a novel methodology called NET-fMRI to map widespread neural networks activated by local events. The study reveals that short periods of recurrent ripples in the brain are closely associated with reproducible cortical activations and extensive activity suppression in other brain structures.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateNov 21, 2012

An antidote for hypersomnia

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have identified a substance in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with primary hypersomnia, a disabling and poorly understood sleep disorder. Treatment with flumazenil has restored alertness in some patients, suggesting a potential new approach to therapy.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 21, 2012