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Science News for December 31, 2012


Did Lucy walk, climb, or both?

A study published in PNAS found that modern humans with feet adapted for terrestrial bipedalism can still climb trees effectively. Researchers observed extreme dorsiflexion and longer muscle fibers in climbing individuals, challenging the idea that a terrestrially adapted foot excludes arboreal behavior.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2012

Jackson Laboratory researchers provide definitive proof for receptor's role in synapse development

Researchers have provided definitive evidence that NMDAR receptors are crucial for pruning synapses in newborn mammals' brains. This discovery sheds new light on the neural basis of autism and schizophrenia. The study used a mouse model with brain cells lacking or containing NMDARs to demonstrate the receptor's direct role in synaptic ...

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 31, 2012

Bird watching brings new discoveries

A recent study used bird watching records to build the first bird watching database in China, finding new national-level records and a trend of species moving to higher latitude and elevation regions. The database provides valuable data for scientific research on ecosystem health and biodiversity.

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateDec 31, 2012