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2 brain halves, 1 perception

Research reveals that specific fibre tracts in the corpus callosum are linked to individual differences in perceived visual motion. The connection affects how people perceive horizontal and vertical motion, with some individuals better at integrating information from both hemispheres.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 1, 2011

Subsurface scattering in point-based rendering

A new framework for rendering subsurface scattering on surfaces represented by points is introduced, providing a significant improvement in transparency and realism for translucent materials. The method uses two additional computation passes to simulate the light diffusion phenomenon inside multilayered materials.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Information Sciences·DateNov 29, 2010

Modeling shows that factors beyond crowding affect how molecules interact within cells

Using large-scale computer simulations, researchers at Georgia Tech have identified hydrodynamic interactions as a dominant factor in intracellular diffusion, accounting for much of the reduction in molecular movement. This finding has significant implications for understanding disease states and developing therapeutic drugs.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 11, 2010

Where does the fluid go?

Scientists have developed a revised model to better understand the transport of fluid constituents, which has important roles in biology, physics, and chemistry. The new model contradicts widely accepted models and provides an improved analysis of combined advection and diffusion.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalVadose Zone Journal·DateFeb 24, 2010

The impact of the diffusion of maize to the Southwestern United States

Archaeological evidence supports the idea that maize was adopted by Southwestern hunter-gatherers through group-to-group transmission. The researchers' scenario proposes an early (7,000 B.C.) north-to-south movement of Proto-Uto-Aztecan hunter-gatherers, followed by division into northern and southern Uto-Aztecan-speaking groups.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2009

Rethinking Brownian motion with the 'Emperor's New Clothes'

Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that Brownian motion does not always follow a Gaussian curve, as previously thought. The study reveals extreme displacements that were not predicted by Einstein's statistical molecular theory, suggesting new design possibilities and potential corrections to textbooks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 27, 2009

New map IDs the core of the human brain

Researchers created a complete map of millions of neural fibers in the human cerebral cortex, identifying a single network core that may be key to understanding higher level thinking. The study provides a comprehensive map of brain connections and describes a non-invasive technique for mapping neural connections at greater resolution.

SourceIndiana University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 30, 2008

Asymmetry due to perfect balance

A team of scientists has developed a new method to analyze the development of cortical polarity in cell membranes, which is essential for various cellular processes. They combined experiments with living cells and a mathematical model, showing that polarized regions are defined with near-optimal precision.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell·DateApr 25, 2007

ESA's Cluster flies through Earth's electrical switch

The Cluster quartet encountered electron diffusion regions 19 times in one hour, measuring accelerated electrons and gaining invaluable insights into the process of magnetic reconnection. This phenomenon releases energy through electron diffusion regions, which may hold the key to preventing reconnection events in nuclear reactors.

SourceEuropean Space Agency·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 19, 2006

New imaging method shows early in treatment if brain cancer therapy is effective

Researchers developed a functional diffusion map that tracks water movement in the brain, predicting tumor response to treatment. This non-invasive method identifies patients who will benefit from second-line therapy and those whose tumors are not responding, allowing for targeted radiation doses.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2005

New imaging method gives early indication if brain cancer therapy is effective, U-M study shows

Researchers developed a functional diffusion map using MRI scans to track water diffusion in the brain, finding that changes predicted tumor response 10 weeks before traditional techniques. This method could spare patients from ineffective treatment and allow doctors to switch to more effective therapies.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2005