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Science News Archive 2012 - Page 47


Page 47 of 333

An elephant that speaks Korean

Researchers found that Koshik can mimic five Korean words: 'annyong' (hello), 'anja' (sit down), 'aniya' (no), 'nuo' (lie down), and 'choah' (good). The elephant's language skills may provide insights into the biology of complex vocal learning, crucial for human speech and music.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 1, 2012

Mice with 'humanized' livers improve early drug testing, Stanford scientists show

Researchers characterized a drug about to enter clinical development by using mouse models with humanized livers, accurately predicting significant aspects of its behavior in humans. The findings hold huge implications for drug development, hinting that the drug could be both safe and effective in treating hepatitis C

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateOct 31, 2012

Pond skating insects reveal water-walking secrets

Researchers have discovered the mechanism behind pond skaters' ability to walk on water. They use their middle leg to create swirling vortices, similar to those made by oars in a rowing boat, allowing them to move forward without sinking. The waxy hairs covering their legs also repel water and help generate an upward force.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateOct 31, 2012

Do Australia's giant fire-dependent trees belong in the rainforest?

The article assesses Australia's giant eucalyptus trees' classification as rainforest species, sparked by their unique relationship with fire. The study finds that despite being dependent on fire for regeneration, these trees coexist on the margins of rainforests and should be considered part of the ecosystem.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateOct 31, 2012

New metric to track prosthetic arm progress

Researchers have developed a new index to assess patients' progress with prosthetic arms, grading performance on 18 everyday tasks. The Activities Measure for Upper Limb Amputees (AM-ULA) considers movement quality and body compensation, providing clinicians with a reliable tool to evaluate treatment effectiveness.

SourceBrown University·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateOct 31, 2012

New hope for survivors of stroke and traumatic brain injury

A new study published in CNS Drugs found that a single dose of etanercept can rapidly improve chronic neurological dysfunction caused by stroke or traumatic brain injury, even years after the event. The observational study involved 629 patients and documented positive effects on motor impairment, spasticity, cognition, and more.

SourceSpringer·JournalCNS Drugs·DateOct 31, 2012

Patients with diabetes left in the dark

A study found that patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes often receive little information on diet and physical activity, leading to feelings of isolation. The research highlights the need for easily accessible resources and support to help patients manage their condition.

SourceSugar Nutrition UK·JournalPrimary Health Care Research & Development·DateOct 31, 2012

UC Santa Barbara scientists learn how to unlock the destiny of a cell: A gift for the tin man?

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have discovered a way to break a biological signaling system in embryos, allowing them to change the destiny of cells. This breakthrough could lead to new ways of making replacement organs. The study used genetic manipulation and a model nematode worm to unlock cells' destinies.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGenes & Development·DateOct 31, 2012

1000 genomes study is 'guidebook' to how genes vary

The 1000 Genomes Project has sequenced 1,092 human genomes, providing a genetic guidebook to help researchers interpret genetic changes in people with disease. The study found that rare gene variants are restricted to specific geographic regions and can be used to identify individuals at risk of certain conditions.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2012

High blood cholesterol is overlooked

A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that high blood cholesterol is far more prevalent in Denmark and globally than previously recognized. The research found 40,000 Danes with hereditary high blood cholesterol, a significant underdiagnosis and undertreatment of this serious disease.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 31, 2012

Assembly not required

Researchers at NYU, Harvard, and Dow Chemical develop a method to enhance colloidal dispersions, creating particles that spontaneously assemble into structures resembling molecules. This enables the design of complex 3-dimensional structures vital for advanced optical materials.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2012

5 year olds are generous only when they're watched

Research found that children as young as five behave generously when recipients can see their actions, not when sharing with an anonymous recipient. They also preferred transparent containers to opaque ones, indicating strategic decision-making about generosity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 31, 2012