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Science News Archive September 2013 - Page 8


Page 8 of 32

Genetic study pushes back timeline for first significant human population expansion

A recent genetic study challenges the long-held assumption that the Neolithic age marked the beginning of a global population explosion. Researchers found evidence of significant human population expansion dating back to the Paleolithic era, around 60,000-80,000 years ago.

Do anaesthetics trigger stress?

Researchers evaluated nine commonly used anaesthetics and found that several cause stress responses in zebrafish. Etomidate was deemed the most suitable for future routine use, improving the welfare standards of millions of fish used in scientific research worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Sept. 24, 2013

Researchers develop mouse models of hereditary spastic paraplegia and distal renal tubular acidosis to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases. The studies reveal key roles for REEP1 in ER shaping and β-intercalated cells in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 24, 2013

A neurological basis for the lack of empathy in psychopaths

A neuroimaging study found that individuals with psychopathy fail to activate brain areas associated with empathy and concern for others when imagining others in pain. This atypical pattern of activation suggests that psychopaths may not care for others, but could be triggered into emotional response through cognitive-behavior therapies.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateSep 24, 2013

Appropriate vaccinations schedules for feline patients outlined

The updated guidelines offer recommendations for vaccination of household pet cats, shelter house cats, and cats in breeding catteries based on risk assessment. The new protocols prioritize comprehensive physical examinations and consultation to determine each cat's specific vaccination requirements.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateSep 23, 2013

Movies that push our cognitive limits

Researchers found that hyperlink films follow conventional social patterns, with an average of 31.4 characters important for plot development, similar to the size of an affinity group in contemporary society. This challenges the idea that these films can create a more complex and interconnected world.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateSep 23, 2013

Protein explains increased asthma severity in children exposed to diesel exhaust from traffic

A new study published by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found a strong link between exposure to diesel exhaust and increased asthma severity in children. The research suggests that neutralizing the protein IL-17A could be a useful potential therapeutic strategy to counteract the effects of traffic-related air pollution.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 23, 2013

Non-precious metal catalysts outperforming Pt-based one by UNIST research team

A new family of non-precious metal catalysts developed by the UNIST research team exhibits better performance than platinum in oxygen-reduction reaction, offering a solution for widespread commercialization of fuel cell technology. The catalysts show high electrocatalytic activity and superior long-term durability.

Spinning CDs to clean sewage water

Researchers have developed a wastewater treatment device that uses spinning CDs coated with zinc oxide nanorods to break down organic pollutants in sewage. The device can treat contaminated water at an impressive rate of 150 mL per minute, making it a promising solution for small-scale water purification.

SourceOptica·DateSep 23, 2013

CDC, Mass. General study reveals that preventing malaria in travelers to West Africa reduces health costs

A CDC and Massachusetts General Hospital study finds that pretravel consultations and preventive medications can save money for both payers and most travelers. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 travelers to West Africa and found that the costs associated with contracting malaria outweighed the costs of preventive care.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateSep 23, 2013

Why humans are musical

According to Swedish Research Council study, humans have musical talent due to synchronized group movement, which enhances sound perception in nature. This behavior has survival value, producing dopamine, leading to rhythmic movements and eventually music.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateSep 23, 2013

Eagle vs. deer

Researchers from Wildlife Conservation Society and Zoological Society of London capture images of golden eagle attacking a young sika deer on camera trap. The event, which occurred six years ago, is extremely rare and has no impact on deer populations.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalJournal of Raptor Research·DateSep 23, 2013

New password in a heartbeat

Researchers at Rice University have developed a secure system to protect wireless implantable medical devices from unauthorized access. The technology uses the patient's unique heartbeat as a password, which can only be accessed through touch with a programmer device. This provides a secure way to monitor patients and prevent potential...

Addiction: Can you ever really completely leave it behind?

A new study found that even long-term abstinence from cocaine does not result in a complete normalization of brain circuitry. Former cocaine users showed differences in reward processing and impulsivity compared to healthy controls, indicating pre-existing risk factors for addiction.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateSep 23, 2013