Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2013 - Page 23


Page 23 of 29

Making connections in the eye

Researchers at MIT and Max Planck Institute have mapped the wiring diagram of a tiny patch of mouse retina using a combination of human and artificial intelligence. They identified 950 neurons, including a new type of retinal cell, and classified most of them based on their connections with other neurons.

Ice ages only thanks to feedback

Researchers used computer simulations to demonstrate that ice-age/warm-period interchange depends on the alternating influence of continental ice sheets and climate. The team found that large-scale glaciation alters sea levels and ocean currents, affecting the climate.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateAug 7, 2013

Study suggests pattern in lung cancer pathology may predict cancer recurrence after surgery

Researchers found that a specific pattern in tumor pathology is strongly associated with cancer recurrence. Patients with this pattern are more likely to benefit from lobectomy and have a 75% lower risk of recurrence. The study may lead to new technology to precisely identify tumors with this pattern before surgery.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 7, 2013

The temperature tastes just right

Brandeis researchers have discovered a previously unknown molecular temperature sensor in fruit flies, which belongs to a protein family responsible for sensing tastes and smells. The discovery provides insights into how insects respond to temperature and may help scientists develop more effective repellents or traps.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalNature·DateAug 7, 2013

Getting to the core of Fukushima

A study in AIP Advances describes a muon imaging technique that could help assess damage within the reactor's core, locate melted fuel and potentially reduce radiation doses. The method uses naturally occurring muons to image dense objects, offering advantages over traditional muon imaging.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateAug 7, 2013

Chocolate may help keep brain healthy

A study of 60 older adults found that consuming two cups of hot cocoa per day for 30 days improved blood flow to the brain and enhanced working memory skills. The participants who started with impaired blood flow showed significant improvements in these areas, while those with regular blood flow showed no change.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 7, 2013

Narrower range of helpful bacteria in guts of C-section infants

Research found that C-section infants had a narrower range of beneficial bacteria in their guts compared to vaginally delivered infants. This has implications for the development of their immune systems and risk of allergies. The study also found lower levels of Th1 chemical messengers, which can contribute to allergic diseases.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·DateAug 7, 2013

Scientists discover key to easing aquaculture's reliance on wild-caught fish

Researchers at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science have successfully developed a completely vegetarian diet that supports fast-growing marine carnivores like cobia and gilthead sea bream. This breakthrough could significantly ease aquaculture's reliance on wild-caught fish, making the industry more sustainable.

Marine life spawns sooner as oceans warm

A three-year international study found that marine species are shifting their geographic distribution towards cooler regions due to warming oceans. This has led to changes in breeding patterns, life cycles, and potentially significant repercussions for human services dependent on these ecosystems.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 6, 2013