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Multifractals suggest the existence of an unknown physical mechanism on the sun

Scientists at the Institute of Nuclear Physics in Poland used multifractal analysis to study sunspots and found asymmetrical patterns that may indicate an unknown physical process. The researchers believe these findings could provide new insights into solar activity and potentially discard current trends.

Finger lengths may indicate risk of schizophrenia in males

Research suggests a link between finger length ratios and schizophrenia in males, with those having shorter index fingers indicating high testosterone exposure. The 2D:4D ratio has been found to be an effective predictor of schizophrenia, showing significant differences between patient and control groups.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Anatomy·DateMar 16, 2015

Is your leaf left-handed?

Recent research reveals that the spiral pattern of leaf formation affects the symmetry of tomato and Arabidopsis leaves. The study found measurable anatomical differences between the left and right sides of both young and mature leaves, identifying a previously overlooked axis of asymmetry.

SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJun 22, 2012

Imposing trade restrictions on parallel imports can motivate a firm to export, study finds

Economists Santanu Roy and Kamal Saggi found that trade restrictions on parallel imports can actually promote trade. When a market is smaller than the firm's own, imposing trade restrictions motivates the firm to export. The study suggests that policy diversity is working well, but countries with major asymmetries may need intervention.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of International Economics·DateApr 11, 2012

Citrus indica Tanaka - a progenitor species of cultivated Citrus

Researchers from North Eastern Hill University investigate the karyomorphological data of Citrus species, revealing that C. indica has an intermediate asymmetry index value, making it a true progenitor of cultivated Citrus. This study supports the classification of three true species of Citrus: C. grandis, C. reticulata, and C. medica.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalComparative Cytogenetics·DateNov 10, 2011

Game of two halves leads to brain asymmetry

Research reveals that a competition between the two sides of the brain causes it to become asymmetrical. A protein known as Fgf8 acts as a magnet to attract nerve cells to one side, while another protein Nodal teams up with it to trigger asymmetric development.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNeuron·DateJan 14, 2009

Breast asymmetry after cancer treatment affects quality of life, U-M study finds

A U-M study found that breast asymmetry after cancer treatment significantly impacts a woman's quality of life, increasing the likelihood of depression, fear, and feelings of being less healthy. Women who experienced significant breast asymmetry were twice as likely to fear their cancer recurring than those with little to no asymmetry.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJul 8, 2008

Facial asymmetry persists despite surgery to correct congenital deformity

A recent study led by Hasbro Children's Hospital surgeon Albert Oh found that adults with unilateral coronal synostosis, a type of craniosynostosis, still exhibit facial asymmetry years after corrective surgery. The research used three-dimensional photo technology to measure the faces of patients and found consistent rotation of the no...

SourceLifespan·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateFeb 26, 2008

JRRD releases volume 44, issue 3

This issue of JRRD features several studies exploring advancements in ambulation and motor control for individuals with spinal cord injury. Researchers found that functional electric stimulation systems can significantly improve walking distance and speed, while a new measure for assessing spasticity impact was also developed.

SourceJournal of Rehabilitation Research·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateAug 1, 2007

Asymmetric ashes

Researchers found significant peripheral asymmetry but a nearly spherical interior, suggesting the explosion propogates at supersonic speed. The team observed 17 supernovae over 10 years and inferred the shape and structure of debris clouds thrown out from Type Ia supernovae.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateNov 30, 2006

No hobbits in this shire

A team of researchers finds that the skeletal remains of LB1, previously claimed to be a new species, actually belong to the ancestors of modern human pygmies. The study reveals microcephaly and growth abnormalities, which were initially misinterpreted as evidence of a new species.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 2006

Breast asymmetry predicts breast cancer

A study of 252 women found that those with higher breast volume asymmetry were more likely to develop breast cancer. The research suggests that breast asymmetry could be a reliable indicator of future breast disease and is an independent predictor of breast cancer.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateMar 19, 2006

Physicists discover dramatic difference in behavior of matter versus antimatter

The BaBar experiment at SLAC has discovered striking matter-antimatter asymmetry in the decay of B and anti-B mesons. The researchers found a clear signal for direct charge parity (CP) violation, with a preference for B meson decays over anti-B meson decays by 13%. This effect is significantly stronger than observed in kaons.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 2, 2004