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Science News Archive June 2013 - Page 4


Page 4 of 30

A stepping-stone for oxygen on Earth

Researchers found evidence of an early manganese-oxidizing photosystem in ancient South African marine sedimentary rocks, which predates the evolution of oxygenic cyanobacteria. This discovery supports the idea that manganese oxidation provided a stepping-stone for water-oxidizing photosynthesis.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2013

Virtual skin model reveals secrets of skin aging

A virtual skin model developed by researchers at the University of Sheffield and PÎG has revealed that skin has 'sleeping' stem cells which can be woken up to regenerate skin, explaining why our ability to do so reduces with age. The model has implications for combating aging effects and skin cancer.

Calcium and vitamin D help hormones help bones

A large analysis of the Women's Health Initiative trial found that combining hormone therapy with calcium and vitamin D supplements significantly reduces the risk of hip fractures. The study suggests that women taking postmenopausal hormone therapy should consider taking these supplements to boost bone health.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·DateJun 26, 2013

MBL researchers find zinc's crucial pathway to the brain

A recent study by MBL researchers has identified ZIP12 as a critical transporter for zinc uptake in the brain, essential for embryonic development. Impaired zinc uptake leads to neuronal growth impairment, fatal to developing embryos. The discovery highlights the importance of periconceptional and prenatal nutrition for promoting healt...

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 26, 2013

Simple 2-drug combination proves effective in reducing risk of stroke

A Phase III clinical trial showed that a simple drug regimen of clopidogrel and aspirin lowered the risk of stroke by almost one-third compared to aspirin alone. The three-month period following stroke is critical for medical intervention, and the combination was found to be more effective in preventing subsequent strokes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 26, 2013

Songbirds turn on and tune up

Researchers found that bullfinches memorize melody sequences in smaller subunits, anticipating the next note sequence when their human partner stops. The study suggests that songbirds have complex brain processes to learn and recall human melodies accurately.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateJun 26, 2013

Babies can read each other's signals

Researchers found that infants as young as 5 months can match positive and negative emotional cues, including facial expressions and vocalizations. This groundbreaking study sheds light on early infant development and suggests babies are more attuned to emotions than previously thought.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalInfancy·DateJun 26, 2013

Asian neighborhoods: Separate but equal

A recent study by Brown University found that Asian Americans' neighborhoods tend to be highly segregated and affluent, unlike other minority groups. Despite this, there is little incentive for Asians to assimilate into white neighborhoods due to their own socioeconomic advantages.

Ingested nanoparticle toxicity

Researchers reviewed existing studies on nanoparticle toxicity and found that ingestion is unlikely to cause health problems at typical exposure levels. However, the literature lacks evidence on long-term effects or subtle alterations in gut microbial populations.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedical Nanoscience and Nanotechnology·DateJun 26, 2013

Yukon gold mine yields ancient horse fossil

A 700,000-year-old horse fossil found in the Yukon permafrost has provided new insight into equine evolution, revealing a genome that falls within a line of modern horses and Przewalski's Horses. The study also showed episodes of severe demographic fluctuations in horse populations linked to major climatic changes.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature·DateJun 26, 2013

How men and women cooperate

A new study published in Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that during high mutual cooperation, men tend to match their partner's emotions, while women experience an 'antiphase' pattern. Women may serve as emotional regulators during cooperation, potentially impacting relationship outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateJun 25, 2013

Memory improves for older adults using computerized brain-fitness program

A study by UCLA researchers found that older adults who used the Dakim BrainFitness program demonstrated significant improvements in both immediate and delayed memory skills, as well as language abilities. The findings suggest that computerized brain training can be an effective way to improve cognitive skills in this age group.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJun 25, 2013

A deep brain disorder

A new study from SDSU found that autism affects a broad range of sensory and motor systems, not just social abilities. The research suggests that the diagnostic criteria for autism may fail to consider the full spectrum of problems children with autism experience.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalBrain·DateJun 25, 2013

Involving community group in depression care improves coping among low-income patients, study finds

A new study finds that involving community groups in depression care improves mental health outcomes among low-income patients. The community engagement approach, which included collaborative planning with diverse services programs, resulted in increased physical activity, lower hospitalizations, and improved stability in daily life.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 25, 2013