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Science News Archive 2012 - Page 83


Page 83 of 333

Learning requires rhythmical activity of neurons

Scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry found that effective signal transmission in the hippocampus requires theta-frequency impulses, generating waves that propagate through the brain. This discovery explains why we are more productive after drinking coffee or experiencing stress.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalFrontiers in Neural Circuits·DateSep 26, 2012

Contributions of deaf people to entomology: A hidden legacy

This review paper reveals the achievements of deaf and hard-of-hearing scientists who communicated their discoveries in entomology, including Charles Bonnet and Charles Darwin. The authors highlight the struggles and triumphs of these pioneers in light of their isolation from the Deaf community.

SourceBrill·JournalTerrestrial Arthropod Reviews·DateSep 26, 2012

Total knee replacements: Effective, costly and booming

The study found that the number of total knee replacements increased by over two and a half times from 1991 to 2010, driven by an aging population and increased demand among older adults. The procedure is highly effective, allowing patients to remain active as they age, but also represents a major healthcare expense for Medicare.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateSep 26, 2012

Severe hunger increases breast cancer risk in war survivors

A study of Jewish women who lived under Nazi control during World War Two found that those with severe hunger were five times more likely to develop breast cancer. Women aged seven or younger at the time had a three times higher risk of developing breast cancer than their older counterparts.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical Practice·DateSep 26, 2012

New 'Skinny' on Leptin

A new study by researchers at The University of Akron found that leptin may play a role in hearing and vision loss in humans. Leptin also affects the development of eyes and ears in fish, suggesting a potential link to sensory loss.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalGeneral and Comparative Endocrinology·DateSep 26, 2012

Asteroid's troughs suggest stunted planet

Researchers found that asteroid Vesta's extensive system of troughs is likely the result of faults formed by a large collision. The troughs' unique characteristics, such as flat floors and distinct walls, suggest a fault moving apart, rather than simple cracking on the surface.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 26, 2012

How is a Kindle like a cuttlefish

Researchers found that both biological organisms and electronic devices use similar approaches to change reflective colors, but biology outperforms electronics in efficiency, scalability, and sophistication. Human-made technology excels in speed and color range, but lags behind nature's complex adaptations.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateSep 26, 2012

Making the healthy choice

Scientists at Caltech identified competing brain systems that guide decisions on healthy options. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and ventromedial prefrontal cortex play different roles in self-regulation, with the former taking control when trying to suppress cravings and the latter taking over when encouraging desires.

New AACAP Practice Parameter on gay, lesbian, bisexual, and gender variant issues

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) has released a new Practice Parameter addressing the unique challenges faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual, and gender variant youth. The parameter provides best clinical practices to combat stigma, bullying, and discrimination, as well as promote cultural competence and resea...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateSep 26, 2012

Big quake was part of crustal plate breakup

A recent study by University of Utah and University of California, Santa Cruz scientists has confirmed that the April 2012 earthquake measuring 8.7 magnitude was a result of the Indo-Australian plate breaking apart. The quake caused at least four faults to break, resulting in significant changes to the tectonic plate's movement pattern.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2012

Hurricane Irene polluted Catskills watershed

A Yale University study reveals that Hurricane Irene polluted the Catskill watershed, darkening lakes and affecting the Ashokan Reservoir that supplies New York City with drinking water. The storm dumped unprecedented amounts of dissolved organic matter into the reservoir, equivalent to 43% of its average annual export.

SourceYale University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 26, 2012

Pluto/Charon poses for sharpest ground-based images ever

Astronomers at the Gemini Observatory have produced exceptionally high-resolution images of Pluto and its largest companion Charon using a method called reconstructive speckle imaging. The resulting images hint at the exoplanet verification power of large state-of-the-art telescopes combined with speckle imaging techniques.

SourceGemini Observatory·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific·DateSep 26, 2012

Reducing acrylamide levels in french fries

A new study published in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry has identified potential methods to minimize acrylamide formation in french fries. Researchers used computer models to link changes in natural potato components with acrylamide formation, providing a rigorous approach to product development.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 26, 2012

A birth control pill for men? When?

Despite the need for a male version of the oral contraceptive pill, pharmaceutical companies have discontinued research due to significant challenges. New research on non-hormonal male contraceptives offers hope for the development of a male birth control pill within a decade.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 26, 2012

Gut bacteria could cause diabetes

A study published in Nature reveals that people with type 2 diabetes have a high level of pathogens in their intestines, which can increase resistance to certain medicines. The research also identifies biological indicators that could be used for faster and earlier diagnosis of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalNature·DateSep 26, 2012

Cannabis withdrawal symptoms might have clinical importance

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that certain cannabis withdrawal symptoms are more strongly associated with relapse than others. Participants experiencing physical tension, sleep problems, and anxiety were more likely to relapse during the abstinence period and consumed more cannabis afterwards.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 26, 2012

Exposure to snot-nosed kids ups severity of cold infections

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Virology found that exposure to school-age children raises the odds that a person with lung disease will suffer symptoms from a cold. The study analyzed 1,000 samples of bodily fluids and found that people whose infections turned symptomatic were twice as likely to have contact with school-a...

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Virology·DateSep 26, 2012

Scientists find way to control sugars

Researchers at Simon Fraser University and Purdue University have discovered a way to 'toggling' intestinal enzymes that process starchy foods, helping to better control blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. The process involves using inhibitors to regulate the enzymes, which could lead to new solutions for diabetics and...

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalBiological Chemistry·DateSep 26, 2012

UCSB evolutionary psychologists study the purpose of punishment and reputation

Researchers at UCSB's Center for Evolutionary Psychology report new findings on human behaviors, supporting the individual cooperation account over group cooperation theory. The studies involved structured social interactions with over 200 participants, who showed a preference for trusting individuals likely to cooperate, not those who...

Ready for your close-up?

A new Caltech study found that facial photos taken at close range influence perception, making subjects appear less trustworthy, competent, and attractive. Researchers used digital warping to manipulate images, confirming the effect. The findings may have implications for computer vision and social judgments.

Search for element 113 concluded at last

Researchers at RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-based Science conclusively identify element 113 through six consecutive alpha decays. The discovery sets the stage for Japan to claim naming rights for the element, following a long-standing competition with the US and Russia.

SourceRIKEN·JournalJournal of the Physical Society of Japan·DateSep 26, 2012

Barrow researchers make breakthrough on immune system and brain tumors

Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute and Arizona State University have made a breakthrough in understanding why brain tumors are difficult to treat. The study reveals that the immune system behaves differently in different regions of the brain, including tumors, leading to potential limitations in effective treatment.

SourceSt. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center·JournalCancer Management and Research·DateSep 26, 2012