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Science News Archive March 2016 - Page 35


Page 35 of 41

Woodpecker drumming signals wimp or warrior

Researchers at Wake Forest University found that woodpecker pairs coordinate their defense behavior based on the intensity of drumming sounds from intruders. A longer drum is perceived as a tougher opponent, prompting coordination and aggression, whereas a shorter drum signals weakness.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMar 4, 2016

Evolving insights into cystic fibrosis lung infections

Recent research on cystic fibrosis lung infections highlights the ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to adapt and evolve in chronically infected patients. The review suggests that understanding this evolution is crucial for developing alternative treatment strategies to minimize symptoms and improve patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalTrends in Microbiology·DateMar 4, 2016

Brain tune-up may aid self-motivation

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new brain imaging strategy that allows people to control their motivational centers, leading to healthier and more productive lives. By using neurofeedback, participants were able to learn which strategies worked and adopt more effective ones.

SourceDuke University·JournalNeuron·DateMar 3, 2016

Parasites help brine shrimp cope with arsenic habitat contamination

A study found that infected brine shrimp were more resistant to arsenic toxicity, with increased fat-containing droplets and changes in oxidative stress markers. The researchers suggest that parasite infection may protect the shrimp against pollutants through a mechanism known as 'survival of the fattest',

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMar 3, 2016

What influences 11-year-olds to drink?

A study of 10,498 11-year-olds in the UK found that nearly 14% had drunk more than a few sips, with factors such as friends' drinking and mothers' behavior strongly associated. Positive perceptions of alcohol and lack of parental supervision also linked to increased odds of drinking.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMar 3, 2016

Neuronal calculations consider expectations

Researchers found that the fruit fly's visual system incorporates expectations of typical environment features into its calculations. The unequal distribution of bright and dark regions in nature is reflected in asymmetric processing by the fly brain, enabling efficient course correction in virtual environments.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 3, 2016

Why do chimpanzees throw stones at trees?

Researchers discovered chimpanzees in West Africa throwing stones at trees, resulting in accumulations of rocks at these sites. The behavior appears to have cultural elements and has been observed in adult males and females, with no apparent link to foraging or resource availability.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 3, 2016

Bromances may be good for men's health

Researchers at the University of California - Berkeley found that moderate stress can make male rats more social and cooperative, leading to increased oxytocin levels. This effect is comparable to the benefits seen in romantic relationships, suggesting that bromances may have healthful effects similar to those seen in human friendships.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateMar 3, 2016

Asymmetry of an emotion

A study found that individuals with right- or left-sided facial hemiparesis have difficulty interpreting emotions, particularly when the expression starts on the paralyzed side. Facial mimicry, which helps understand emotions, is also affected by asymmetry, suggesting a lateralized and anatomical basis for this phenomenon.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalJAMA Facial Plastic Surgery·DateMar 3, 2016

New maps reduce threats to whales, dolphins

Scientists have created detailed maps charting seasonal movements and population densities of 35 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico. The maps provide insights into habitats, tracking regional differences in population densities and large seasonal shifts in migratory baleen whales.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 3, 2016

A new biomarker of brain inflammation in early-stage Alzheimer's disease

A new biomarker of brain inflammation in early-stage Alzheimer's disease has been identified, indicating that microglia-mediated inflammation may demarcate the transition from preclinical to full dementia. The TREM2 protein fragment in cerebrospinal fluid levels closely mirror microglia activity during the course of the disease.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateMar 3, 2016

Size not such a big thing for seed bugs

Researchers found that processus length is crucial during mating for seed bugs, particularly when a rival male is present, and bigger isn't always better. Males with medium-length processus are most likely to fertilise female eggs successfully.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMar 3, 2016

Stop signals against protein clumps

Protein aggregates are toxic and contribute to nerve cell death in diseases like Alzheimer's and Huntington's. The study reveals missing stop signals lead to long lysine chains blocking ribosomes, allowing defective proteins to accumulate and form toxic aggregates.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateMar 3, 2016