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Science News Archive May 2015 - Page 6


Page 6 of 31

Babies can think before they can speak

Researchers found that infants as young as 7 months old can understand the abstract relation of sameness and difference between two things. This ability is present from birth and does not require language skills. Infants exhibit similar patterns of learning as older children and adults, highlighting a fundamental human skill.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalChild Development·DateMay 26, 2015

Measuring arm circumference is a more reliable indicator of malnutrition

Research by Adam C. Levine found that arm circumference is a more accurate predictor of under-nutrition in children with diarrhea than traditional weight-based measures. This method is particularly useful in resource-limited settings where dehydration does not significantly affect the child's weight, but can impact their overall health.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateMay 26, 2015

NYU researchers find 'decoder ring' powers in micro RNA

Researchers at NYU have found that microRNA can serve as a decoder ring to understand complex biological processes, highlighting the potential for miRNA to shed light on diseases such as coronary artery disease and cleft palates. By analyzing miR-200, the team identified a trio of glycans critical to cell movement and tumor metastasis.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 26, 2015

One to ovoid?

A new study uses 3D printed eggs to test how birds identify and reject parasitic eggs with greater precision. Researchers found that robins accepted 100% of blue-green eggs but rejected 79% of cowbird-like eggs, similar to past studies but with less variability and precise reproduction.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateMay 26, 2015

Surgical skills lab and dissection curricula train neurosurgical residents

Neurosurgeon authors establish a surgical skills laboratory and dissection curriculum for resident education, improving surgical skills and understanding of anatomical relationships. The program has been implemented at the Cleveland Clinic, providing a comprehensive training environment and enhancing future standards in surgical training.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateMay 26, 2015

Squeezed quantum cats

Scientists have created a hybrid state of being both 'alive' and 'dead' by combining Schrödinger's cat with squeezed quantum states, enabling more stable quantum computing and precise measurement capabilities.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateMay 26, 2015

Tiny heart, big promise

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles identified a new source of cells that can develop into coronary vessels and found the signaling protein CXCL12 guiding this process. The study may have clinical relevance, helping diagnose abnormal coronary vessels and developing interventional strategies to prevent heart attacks.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMay 26, 2015

Seeing the action

Researchers at UCSB have developed a novel device that enables real-time observation of the forces involved in cell membrane hemifusion. By combining the Surface Forces Apparatus and fluorescence microscopy, they were able to visualize the rearrangement of lipid domains during this process.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2015

From worker to queen at the drop of a gene

Biologists from the University of Leicester have discovered that buff-tailed bumblebees develop into queens or workers based on gene expression. The study found that differentiation is not caused by inherited genetic differences, but rather by distinct expression patterns in adults.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMay 26, 2015