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Science News Archive December 2015 - Page 24


Page 24 of 32

Cities support a greater number of threatened species than non-urban areas

A recent study from Australia found that urban environments contain disproportionately more threatened protected species in a given area than non-urban environments. Cities consistently supported a greater number of protected species than other areas, showcasing the importance of cities in tackling biodiversity loss.

SourceWiley·JournalGlobal Ecology and Biogeography·DateDec 7, 2015

Nanotube letters spell progress

The Rice researchers used experiments and simulations to study the stiffness of joined nanotubes and found that some types are tougher than others, with all having potential uses in macroscale structures. The team discovered that the X's were the stiffest and most able to bounce back to nearly their original shapes.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 7, 2015

Sperm crane their neck to turn right

Researchers at the University of Warwick discovered that sperm tails rotate in a counter-clockwise motion to move through fluids. Approximately 50% of observed sperm moved to the right by distorting their bodies to counteract the left-turning force, suggesting two distinct physiologically subpopulations

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2015

Closing a malware security loophole

A new antivirus add-on can scan across computer networks and trap malicious activity missed by system firewalls, offering improved protection against malware. The system adds little computing overhead and can block malware before it causes harm or spreads to other machines.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics·DateDec 7, 2015

Physical activity may leave the brain more open to change

Researchers found that physical activity enhances neuroplasticity in the visual cortex of adult humans, paving the way for non-invasive therapeutic strategies. The study suggests exercise plays a crucial role in brain health and recovery, particularly for individuals with conditions like amblyopia.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 7, 2015

How our brains overrule our senses

A new study identifies brain processes in mice that may help explain how weak sensory inputs are interpreted differently in the same brain. Activity in higher-level perception areas of the brain is shaped by lower-level sensory input, adding a cellular layer to our understanding of perception.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 7, 2015