Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Patches of cortical layers disrupted during early brain development in autism

A study found that autism is caused by disruptions in early brain development, specifically in the formation of cortical layers. The researchers analyzed 25 genes in post-mortem brain tissue and discovered focal patches of disrupted development in most children with autism. These findings suggest that the brain can sometimes rewire con...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 26, 2014

One in 10 male, same-sex Craigslist ads seek men who don't identify as gay

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that men seeking non-gay-identified (NGI) partners on Craigslist tend to prioritize anonymity and masculinity, which may increase the risk of HIV transmission. Only a small percentage of NGI-seeking ads mentioned safe sex or condom use.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPsychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity·DateMar 24, 2014

Why international sanctions do not always work

New research suggests that diplomatic pressure and sanctions by the international community can actually support regimes in power, rather than changing their behavior. Countries like Cuba have successfully used stigma and shaming to maintain their sovereignty and resist Western influence. The findings highlight the need for a deeper un...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalInternational Organization·DateMar 18, 2014

Black boys viewed as older, less innocent than whites, research finds

A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that black boys are more likely to be perceived as older and less innocent than their white peers in police encounters. Researchers tested 176 police officers and found that those who dehumanized blacks were more likely to use force against a black child.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMar 6, 2014

A cavity that you want

A team of researchers from the University at Buffalo and two Chinese universities has developed an optical nanocavity that boosts the amount of light ultrathin semiconductors absorb. The advancement could lead to more powerful photovoltaic cells, faster video cameras, and potentially aid in developing hydrogen fuel.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 26, 2014

New therapy for personality disorders proven more effective than other major treatments

A large-scale randomized control trial shows Schema Therapy to be significantly more effective than Clarification-Oriented Psychotherapy and treatment as usual in treating a range of personality disorders. The therapy resulted in higher recovery rates, greater declines in depression, and lower dropout rates.

SourceInternational Society of Schema Therapy·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateFeb 10, 2014

Genome editing goes hi-fi

Researchers have found a way to efficiently edit the human genome one letter at a time, boosting ability to model human disease and paving the way for therapies that fix genetic 'bugs'. The new technique highlights out-of-the-box thinking critical for scientific success.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature Methods·DateFeb 9, 2014

Toxin in seafood causes kidney damage in mice at levels considered safe for consumption

A study by American Society of Nephrology reveals domoic acid, a neurotoxin found in seafood, can harm kidneys even at levels considered safe for consumption. The toxin damages kidneys at concentrations 100 times lower than what causes neurological effects, raising concerns about potential kidney failure and dialysis.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 6, 2014

Blue light may fight fatigue around the clock

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that blue light exposure improves alertness and performance during the day and night, reducing fatigue. The study used specialized equipment to compare the effects of blue and green light on 16 participants, showing significant improvements in alertness and reaction times.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalSLEEP·DateFeb 3, 2014

Microbes buy low and sell high

A team of researchers found that microbes engage in market-like behaviors, including comparing bids for commodities, hoarding resources, and eliminating competitors. This discovery has implications for understanding microbial interactions and could lead to new approaches in social microbiology.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2014