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Science News Archive August 2013 - Page 18


Page 18 of 29

LLNL scientists make new discoveries in the transmission of viruses between animals and humans

A team of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory scientists, led by Monica Borucki, has made promising new discoveries about the emergence of inter-species transmittable viruses. They found that genetic diversity within a host animal can allow a virus to adapt and reach a human host, advancing our understanding of how new viruses spread.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalJournal of General Virology·DateAug 12, 2013

Brain's flexible hub network helps humans adapt

Research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests a 'flexible hub' theory of brain function, where the fronto-parietal network coordinates processing among specialized networks for novel cognitive tasks. This allows for rapid learning and adaptation, enabling humans to switch between different skills learned in different contexts.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 12, 2013

New materials for bio-based hydrogen synthesis

Researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum have developed a method to generate bio-based hydrogen through spontaneous protein activation, enabling the industrial application of hydrogenases. The new process uses chemically synthesized inactive iron complexes and biological precursors to produce fully activated enzymes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 12, 2013

Oprah's and Einstein's faces help spot dementia

Researchers developed a new test to identify early-onset dementia in individuals aged 40-65 using face recognition tests, distinguishing between name and facial recognition. The study found significant differences in brain tissue loss between those with and without dementia, providing valuable insights into cognitive impairment.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeurology·DateAug 12, 2013

Solutions for improving first aid in cardiorespiratory arrests

UPV/EHU researchers have developed an algorithm capable of diagnosing heart rhythm with just 3 seconds' worth of signal and a methodology to quantify how often massage is interrupted when applying interference-cutting systems. This allows for reliable diagnosis without stopping compressions, improving cardiac resuscitation procedures.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalThe American Journal of Emergency Medicine·DateAug 12, 2013

Lampreys provide hints to ancient immune cells

Researchers have identified a type of white blood cell in lampreys that resembles gamma delta T cells found in mammals and birds. The discovery suggests that distinct cells with similar functions may have existed in the last common vertebrate ancestor, providing insights into the evolutionary past.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateAug 12, 2013

New gene repair technique promises advances in regenerative medicine

Researchers developed an efficient way to target and repair defective genes using a novel technique that simplifies previous methods. This breakthrough enables the potential to repair genetic defects responsible for diseases like breast cancer, Parkinson's, and others, opening doors for meaningful therapeutic applications.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2013

Illinois researchers advance understanding of schistosome reproduction

Researchers at the University of Illinois have characterized stem cells in larval schistosomes, which may help control the parasite's life cycle and potentially lead to its eradication. The study discovered molecular signatures similar to those found in free-living flatworms, allowing schistosome larvae to rapidly reproduce.

Communicating nightingales: Older males trill better

Researchers found that older males can perform faster and more demanding trills than their younger counterparts, which may be used by females to assess male quality. The study also reveals the nightingale's exceptional singing abilities, with a large song repertoire and rapid broadband trills.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Avian Biology·DateAug 12, 2013

2 wildfires in Idaho

The 119,543-acre Pony Complex fire is now 20 percent contained, with two cabins destroyed in Syrup Creek. Firefighters are making progress in containing the southern portion of the fire, while the Beaver Creek Fire continues to spread into Deer Creek. Multiple residences have been defended and road closures are in effect.

Changes to symptom structure in DSM-5 support diagnosis of toddlers with autism spectrum disorder

A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry demonstrates support for the DSM-5 symptom structure for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder. The researchers found that the DSM-5 model was a better fit to the data than other models used during toddler assessment.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateAug 12, 2013