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Science News Archive October 2015 - Page 33


Page 33 of 38

The hand and foot of Homo naledi

The discovery of Homo naledi reveals a unique combination of anatomy in its hand and foot, indicating adaptation for both tree climbing and walking. The hand shows powerful grasping abilities and use of stone tools, while the foot shares features with modern humans but has more curved toe bones.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2015

Bowel screening kit with extras could help save more lives

A study by Cancer Research UK found that adding extras like gloves and 'poo catchers' to the bowel cancer screening kit can increase participation rates. The London study saw a rise in uptake from around 43% to 54% among 60-74 year olds, with nearly 26,000 extra people taking up screening in London alone.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalBioMed Research International·DateOct 6, 2015

How the brain's wiring leads to cognitive control

Research reveals fundamental rules governing brain regions' ability to exert control over thoughts and actions, using structural imaging techniques and network science. The frontal cortex's role in cognitive control is mechanistically explained, shedding light on its dynamic control of trillions of individual neurons.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2015

Studies suggest new ways to inhibit oncogenes, enhance tumor-suppressor activity

Researchers at Ohio State University suggest new ways to treat cancer by inhibiting overactive cancer-promoting genes and enhancing sluggish tumor-suppressor genes. The findings, published in Nature Communications and Nature Genetics, provide insights into the role of glucocorticoid receptors and epigenetic marks in cancer development.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2015

Africa faces rising rates of traumatic brain injury

African countries face a significant burden of traumatic brain injury, with the majority resulting from motor vehicle accidents. Developing accurate surveillance systems and public health measures is crucial to reducing the risk and impact of TBI.

SourceWiley·JournalEuropean Journal of Neurology·DateOct 5, 2015

Why hasn't he/she replied yet?

A new study from USC Viterbi School of Engineering identifies key factors that influence email response times. The study found that younger people respond faster, but write shorter replies, while older individuals take longer to respond. Additionally, the researchers discovered that platform usage and timing also impact response time.

Developing a nanoscale 'clutch'

Researchers have created a model microscopic system to demonstrate torque transmission at the nanoscale, overcoming thermal fluctuations and energy dissipation. The device uses colloidal particles to transfer rotational motion, revealing new transmission phenomena not seen in macroscopic machines.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 5, 2015

Green walls: A red card for office worker health?

A new study by University of York academics reveals that green walls can lead to higher levels of ultrafine particles (UFPs) indoors due to the oxidation of outdoor plant species. This could have significant implications for indoor air quality, particularly in offices with high temperatures and pollution.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 5, 2015

Molecular nanoribbons as electronic highways

Researchers at Umeå University and UC Berkeley have developed a method to synthesise novel molecular nanoribbons that resemble graphene but in molecular form. The nanoribbons exhibit ideal properties as electronic highways for organic solar cells, with dimensions smaller than 10-15 nanometres.

SourceUmea University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 5, 2015

Face-to-face socializing more powerful than phone calls, emails in guarding against depression

A new study by Oregon Health & Science University found that regular face-to-face social interactions with family and friends significantly lower the risk of depression, while phone calls and digital communications have less impact. Study participants who met up frequently had the lowest level of depressive symptoms.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 5, 2015

What's in store 5 decades following childhood-onset epilepsy?

A 45-year study of 179 individuals with childhood-onset epilepsy found that patients attain excellent seizure outcomes, but often exhibit abnormal neurologic signs. These signs may be a risk factor for future stroke and cognitive impairment, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and care.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateOct 5, 2015

History shows more big wildfires likely as climate warms

A new study suggests that large fires will continue to increase as a result of climate warming, citing evidence from charcoal deposits in lakes near Mount Zirkel Wilderness in northern Colorado. The research found that even modest regional warming trends can cause exceptionally large areas to be burned by wildfires.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2015

Turning T cell immunology on its head

Researchers at Monash University discovered that regulatory T cells can function even when their receptors bind to MHC in a completely different orientation, challenging established views on the immune system. This finding opens up new avenues for investigating and potentially treating autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 5, 2015

Stress in adolescence prepares rats for future challenges

Rats exposed to frequent stress during adolescence showed improved problem-solving skills and foraging efficiency under high-threat conditions in adulthood. This study provides insights into how humans respond to adolescent stress and may inform research on human maltreatment and adverse environments.

SourcePenn State·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateOct 5, 2015