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Science News Archive October 2013 - Page 21


Page 21 of 34

BrainGate wins $1M B.R.A.I.N. prize in Israel

The BrainGate team has developed a revolutionary brain-computer interface that allows people with severe paralysis to control robotic arms and interact with the world around them. The $1M B.R.A.I.N. Prize award recognizes their groundbreaking work in advancing technology for the betterment of humanity.

Scientists unravel mechanisms in chronic itching

Researchers at WashU Medicine found that chronic itching incorporates more neurons than normal itch signals and co-opts pain neurons to intensify the sensation. This discovery may lead to more effective treatments targeting activity in both pain and itch neurons.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 15, 2013

Intellectual property project lands govt. award

The IPinCH Project, led by George Nicholas, has received a federal research-funding agency's Partnership Award for its large-scale use of community partners in the research process. The project has garnered $2.5 million in initial funding and supported indigenous communities across the globe in protecting their cultural heritage.

Willpower alone is not enough

Researchers found that unconscious motivation can influence willpower, with strong power and achievement motivations leading to better performance. The study suggests increasing internal motivation through targeted incentives can help employees overcome challenges with less energy.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Personality·DateOct 15, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Oct. 15, 2013

Researchers developed a sound preconditioning protocol that protected mice from drug-induced hearing loss and increased expression of heat shock proteins in the inner ear. This finding suggests that sound therapy may protect hearing in patients requiring treatment with ototoxic drugs.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 15, 2013

Honors for HFSP

Five Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) grantees were awarded Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine and Chemistry for their groundbreaking work. This achievement underscores the value of supporting innovative research projects and fosters collaboration among scientists.

World ocean systems undermined by climate change by 2100

A new study predicts that climate change will significantly impact the world's oceans by 2100, affecting marine habitats and organisms. The study reveals that no corner of the ocean will be untouched by changes in temperature, acidification, oxygen depletion, and productivity, with massive disruptions to food chains, fishing, and tourism.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 15, 2013

Alcohol-related violence: Is 'glassing' the big issue?

A study found that 'glassing' incidents account for only 9% of alcohol-related assault injuries, mostly occurring in homes. The paper highlights the need to address social norms and emerging drinker issues through grassroots strategies and regulatory reforms.

SourceWiley·JournalEmergency Medicine Australasia·DateOct 15, 2013

Rice scientists create a super antioxidant

Rice chemist Vicki Colvin led a team that created small, uniform spheres of cerium oxide with biocompatible coatings, enhancing its natural antioxidant properties. The nanoparticles can absorb and release oxygen ions to protect against radiation-induced side effects and may slow aging.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 15, 2013

Women leave their handprints on the cave wall

Archaeologist Dean Snow found that two-thirds of ancient handprints were female, contradicting the long-held assumption that men created these artworks. The analysis used finger ratios and size measurements to differentiate between males and females.

SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Antiquity·DateOct 15, 2013

Unearthed: A treasure trove of jewel-like beetles

A total of 116 species of jewel-like beetles have been identified in the genus Baconia, known for their brilliant coloration and flattened body forms. The new species were discovered through studies of museum collections and fieldwork, shedding light on a previously underappreciated group of clown beetles.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateOct 15, 2013

Young apes manage emotions like humans

Researchers found young bonobos exhibit human-like emotional regulation and empathy, regulating their own emotions and reacting to others' with comfort. This study suggests fundamental similarities between human and ape emotion regulation, shedding light on the evolution of human socio-emotional development.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 14, 2013

Birth gets the brain ready to sense the world

A study published in Developmental Cell reveals that birth in mice causes a reduction in serotonin levels, triggering the formation of neural circuits in sensory maps. This finding suggests that birth plays an active role in preparing the newborn for survival outside the womb.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 14, 2013