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Science News Archive October 2013 - Page 20


Page 20 of 34

As chimpanzees grow, so does yawn contagion

As chimpanzees grow from infant to juvenile, they develop increased susceptibility to human yawn contagion. Researchers found that yawning but not nose-wiping was contagious for juvenile chimpanzees, while infants found neither contagious. The results suggest a general developmental pattern shared by humans and other animals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 16, 2013

How do ADHD medications work?

Researchers found that methylphenidate and atomoxetine, two FDA-approved ADHD medications, increase brain activation when making fine temporal distinctions. This improvement in brain function is linked to improved behavior in children with ADHD.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateOct 16, 2013

Genetic mutation linked to Alzheimer's disease doubles rate of brain tissue loss, USC study shows

A new study from the University of Southern California has found that a genetic mutation associated with Alzheimer's disease can double the rate of brain tissue loss. This means that individuals carrying this mutation may experience symptoms earlier than expected, highlighting the need for targeted clinical studies and treatments.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 16, 2013

Just ask the animals!

Researchers used GPS sensors to track fishers' movements and discovered they chose routes that deviated from predicted models, highlighting the importance of considering animal behavior in landscape planning. This approach could lead to more accurate corridor predictions and improved species conservation.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalLandscape Ecology·DateOct 16, 2013

Extinct 'mega claw' creature had spider-like brain

Researchers have discovered a 520-million-year-old fossilized nervous system in an extinct marine arthropod, revealing a spider-like brain structure. The ancient creature, Alalcomenaeus, had a central nervous system similar to that of horseshoe crabs and scorpions, linking its ancestors to the modern chelicerates.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateOct 16, 2013

Lawsuits increasing over skin-related laser surgery like hair removal performed by non-physicians

A study found that lawsuits related to procedures when non-physicians operate the laser are increasing, particularly outside traditional medical settings. Non-physician operators, including nurse practitioners and medical assistants, were involved in 75.5% of hair removal lawsuits from 2004 to 2012.

Avian influenza virus detection using smell

Scientists at the Monell Chemical Senses Center and USDA have discovered that avian influenza virus can be detected based on odor changes in infected birds. The study identified specific chemical compounds associated with the odor changes, which may also serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases in humans.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 16, 2013

What makes telenovelas so popular?

Researchers found that realistic stories with identifiable characters and plots lead to 'narrative transportation,' a phenomenon where consumers mentally enter the story. Five characteristics - familiarity, attention, fantasizing ability, higher education, and female gender - contribute to this effect.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 15, 2013

Halloween candy spooks aging digestive systems! Research in fruit flies helps explain why

Scientists at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging have identified a mechanism that helps fruit flies adapt to diet changes as young animals, but this mechanism gets misregulated with age, leading to metabolic homeostasis disruption. The study's findings could lead to new treatments that preserve healthy metabolism during aging.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 15, 2013

1 in 10 women drink a little alcohol while pregnant

A study of 66,111 pregnant women in Norway found that those with negative affectivity were more likely to engage in light alcohol use and binge drinking. This increased risk was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression, highlighting the need for further research into this issue.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateOct 15, 2013

To live and learn: Making memories has to be a speedy business

A new study from McGill University has discovered that nerve cells have a special mechanism, known as the 'pre-assembly' technique, which enables rapid protein production at synapses. This allows the brain to quickly form memories and adapt to new experiences, with potential implications for treating neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2013

New imaging technique can identify breast cancer subtypes and early treatment response

A new optical imaging technique can accurately differentiate between breast cancer subtypes and detect responses to treatment as early as two days after therapy administration. The technique, known as optical metabolic imaging (OMI), measures the metabolic activity in cancer cells and generates distinct signatures for different types o...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateOct 15, 2013

How tiny organisms make a big impact on clean water

A new study reveals that microscopic suspension feeders overcome physical constraints by changing their angle relative to surfaces, maximizing access to fresh water and filtering the surrounding water. These tiny organisms filter up to 25% of seawater daily, making them essential for aquatic ecosystems.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 15, 2013

Eye contact builds bedside trust

A Northwestern University study found that the amount of eye contact a doctor makes is the most important factor in patient perception of empathy. Patients also gave doctors higher scores when they engaged in social touches like handshakes or pats on the back, but excessive touches decreased empathy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Participatory Medicine·DateOct 15, 2013