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Science News Archive December 2014 - Page 13


Page 13 of 28

Neurons listen to glia cells

A team of scientists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz uncovered a new signal pathway in the brain that plays a crucial role in learning and sensory input processing. Glial cells release a specific protein fragment that influences neuronal cross-talk, leading to changes in neural networks.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 12, 2014

Tourism poses a threat to dolphins in the Balearic Islands

A study led by the University of Barcelona found that tourism, fishing, and sea transport are compromising the wellbeing of common bottlenose dolphins in the Pityusic Islands. The researchers estimate there are only a few hundred dolphins in the area, and conservation measures are needed to protect them.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom·DateDec 11, 2014

March of the penguin genomes

The study provides insights into how penguins have adapted to the cold Antarctic environment through complex biological systems. The researchers identified genes related to beta-keratins, lipid metabolism, and forelimb evolution that are unique to penguins.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalGigaScience·DateDec 11, 2014

Genes tell story of birdsong and human speech

Researchers have discovered that birds and humans share the same genes to produce speech, with similar brain circuitry involved in singing behavior. The study, led by Duke neuroscientist Erich Jarvis, reveals that vocal learning evolved twice or three times among songbirds, parrots, and hummingbirds.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateDec 11, 2014

Mapping the tree of life

A team of scientists completed the largest whole genome study of a single class of animals to date, sequencing and comparing full genomes of 48 bird species. The study resolves early branches in the tree of life of modern birds, providing new insights into their evolutionary history and adaptation to different lifestyles.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalScience·DateDec 11, 2014

Energy efficient homes linked to asthma

A new study by the University of Exeter Medical School found that residents in energy-efficient social housing may have a greater risk of developing asthma. The presence of mould doubled this risk, highlighting the need for residents to properly ventilate their homes to prevent health issues.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironment International·DateDec 11, 2014

Ebola virus may replicate in an exotic way

A study by University of Utah researchers found a unique mechanism used by the Ebola virus and other related viruses to replicate. The discovery, which was made possible through computer simulations, may lead to new targets for antiviral drugs within five to 10 years.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 11, 2014

Nanoshaping method points to future manufacturing technology

A team of researchers has developed a new method, laser shock imprinting, to create large-area patterns of three-dimensional nanoshapes from metal sheets. This technique enables the mass production of innovative materials with engineered surfaces that control light, potentially revolutionizing high-speed electronics, advanced sensors, ...

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience·DateDec 11, 2014

International team maps 'big bang' of bird evolution

An international team has sequenced and compared full genomes of 48 bird species to resolve the timing and relationships of modern birds. The study suggests that only a few bird lineages survived the mass extinction event, giving rise to the 10,000 Neoaves species that comprise 95% of all bird species.

SourceBGI Shenzhen·JournalScience·DateDec 11, 2014

Decoding the Tree of Life

A team of scientists has decoded the avian genome, revealing that bird evolution occurred rapidly 65 million years ago. The study provides new insights into the evolutionary history of birds, including the discovery of ancient viruses and unexpected kinship between waterbirds and landbirds.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalScience·DateDec 11, 2014

A key human gene modifies the immune response to flu vaccine

A study found that genetic variants in the IL-28B gene affect influenza vaccine responses. Individuals with at least one copy of the minor allele were more likely to achieve seroconversion after vaccination, particularly those on high doses of immune-suppressive drugs. Blocking the IL-28B receptor may boost the antibody response to flu...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 11, 2014