Ravens use gestures to grab each other's attention
How do you capture a raven's heart? Arrest its attention by showing it a twig or stone. Ravens use referential gestures – one of the foundations of human language – to initiate relationships.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Researcher creates neurons that light up as they fire
Researcher creates neurons that light up as they fire
In a scientific first that potentially could shed new light on how signals travel in the brain, how learning alters neural pathways, and might lead to speedier drug development, scientists at Harvard have created genetically-altered neurons that light up as they fire.
In a scientific first that potentially could shed new light on how signals travel in the brain, how learning alters neural pathways, and might lead to speedier drug development, scientists at Harvard have created genetically-altered neurons that light up as they fire.
What Is the Future of Knowledge in the Internet Age?
What Is the Future of Knowledge in the Internet Age?
In the December issue of Scientific American, author David Weinbergerreports from the frontiers of knowledge. His story "The Machine That Would Predict the Future" explores the promise of theFuturICT project, an attempt to build a computer model of all the social, economic, ecological and scientific factors at play in the world. Weinberger is one of our most incisive thinkers about the digital age, a senior researcher at Harvard University's Berkman Center for Internet and Society, the author of books such as Small Pieces Loosely Joined (Basic Books, 2002), Everything Is Miscellaneous: The Power of the New Digital Disorder (Times Books, 2007), and the upcoming Too Big to Know (Basic Books). Technology editorMichael Moyer caught up with him at theForum d'Avignon (by phone, sadly) to talk about his upcoming book, his December article and the future of knowledge.
In the December issue of Scientific American, author David Weinbergerreports from the frontiers of knowledge. His story "The Machine That Would Predict the Future" explores the promise of theFuturICT project, an attempt to build a computer model of all the social, economic, ecological and scientific factors at play in the world. Weinberger is one of our most incisive thinkers about the digital age, a senior researcher at Harvard University's Berkman Center for Internet and Society, the author of books such as Small Pieces Loosely Joined (Basic Books, 2002), Everything Is Miscellaneous: The Power of the New Digital Disorder (Times Books, 2007), and the upcoming Too Big to Know (Basic Books). Technology editorMichael Moyer caught up with him at theForum d'Avignon (by phone, sadly) to talk about his upcoming book, his December article and the future of knowledge.
Study Looks at the Nature of Change in Our Aging, Changing Brains
Study Looks at the Nature of Change in Our Aging, Changing Brains
As we get older, our cognitive abilities change, improving when we're younger and declining as we age. Scientists posit a hierarchical structure within which these abilities are organized. There's the "lowest" level -- measured by specific tests, such as story memory or word memory; the second level, which groups various skills involved in a category of cognitive ability, such as memory, perceptual speed, or reasoning; and finally, the "general," or G, factor, a sort of statistical aggregate of all the thinking abilities.
As we get older, our cognitive abilities change, improving when we're younger and declining as we age. Scientists posit a hierarchical structure within which these abilities are organized. There's the "lowest" level -- measured by specific tests, such as story memory or word memory; the second level, which groups various skills involved in a category of cognitive ability, such as memory, perceptual speed, or reasoning; and finally, the "general," or G, factor, a sort of statistical aggregate of all the thinking abilities.
Babies embrace punishment earlier than previously thought
Babies embrace punishment earlier than previously thought
Babies as young as eight months old want people who commit or condone antisocial acts to be punished, according to a new study led by a University of British Columbia researcher.
Babies as young as eight months old want people who commit or condone antisocial acts to be punished, according to a new study led by a University of British Columbia researcher.
Creative Excuses: Original Thinkers More Likely to Cheat, Study Finds
Creative Excuses: Original Thinkers More Likely to Cheat, Study Finds
Creative people are more likely to cheat than less creative people, possibly because this talent increases their ability to rationalize their actions, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.
Creative people are more likely to cheat than less creative people, possibly because this talent increases their ability to rationalize their actions, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.
US 'Materials Genome Initiative' takes shape
US 'Materials Genome Initiative' takes shape
More details have emerged about the intriguingly named Materials Genome Initiative (MGI), a US$100-million materials-research programme under which a variety of US science-funding agencies are working to halve the time it takes for newly discovered materials to reach the market.
More details have emerged about the intriguingly named Materials Genome Initiative (MGI), a US$100-million materials-research programme under which a variety of US science-funding agencies are working to halve the time it takes for newly discovered materials to reach the market.
New Evidence Links Stonehenge To Ancient Sun Worship
New Evidence Links Stonehenge To Ancient Sun Worship
Researchers have reportedly uncovered new evidence that supports the theory that Stonehenge had been used to worship the sun before the legendary stones were erected at the location.
According to a report published online at the MyFoxHouston.com website Monday, representatives from the University of Birmingham and the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Archaeological Prospection have confirmed that a team of experts representing both institutions had discovered a pair of large pits that were “positioned on celestial alignment.”
Pigeons are more living helicopters than flying rats
Pigeons are more living helicopters than flying rats
Video: How pigeons turn in flight
The humble pigeon could provide the unlikely inspiration for a flock of small military drones
that can navigate enclosed spaces. It turns out the common birds can redirect their flight path with the agility of a helicopter. Ivo Ros of Harvard University and colleagues let three pigeons loose in a corridor that incorporated a sharp 90-degree turn. They placed 16 markers on each pigeon's body and set up nine synchronised high-speed cameras along the corridor to track the birds' position as they flew around the bend.
that can navigate enclosed spaces. It turns out the common birds can redirect their flight path with the agility of a helicopter. Ivo Ros of Harvard University and colleagues let three pigeons loose in a corridor that incorporated a sharp 90-degree turn. They placed 16 markers on each pigeon's body and set up nine synchronised high-speed cameras along the corridor to track the birds' position as they flew around the bend.Bacterial genes tell the tale of an outbreak’s evolution
Bacterial genes tell the tale of an outbreak’s evolution
Researchers at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and Children’s Hospital Boston have retraced the evolution of an unusual bacterial infection as it spread among cystic fibrosis (CF) patients by sequencing scores of samples collected during the outbreak, since contained. A significant achievement in genetic pathology, the work also suggests a new way to recognize adaptive mutations — to see evolution as it happens — and sheds light on how our bodies resist infection.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and Children’s Hospital Boston have retraced the evolution of an unusual bacterial infection as it spread among cystic fibrosis (CF) patients by sequencing scores of samples collected during the outbreak, since contained. A significant achievement in genetic pathology, the work also suggests a new way to recognize adaptive mutations — to see evolution as it happens — and sheds light on how our bodies resist infection.
Banishing consciousness: the mystery of anaesthesia
Banishing consciousness: the mystery of anaesthesia
I WALK into the operating theatre feeling vulnerable in a draughty gown and surgical stockings. Two anaesthetists in green scrubs tell me to stash my belongings under the trolley and lie down. "Can we get you something to drink from the bar?" they joke, as one deftly slides a needle into my left hand.
I smile weakly and ask for a gin and tonic. None appears, of course, but I begin to feel light-headed, as if I really had just knocked back a stiff drink. I glance at the clock, which reads 10.10 am, and notice my hand is feeling cold. Then, nothing.
Biology’s big bang had a long fuse: Animals started evolving long before showing up as fossils
Biology’s big bang had a long fuse: Animals started evolving long before showing up as fossils
A new effort to date the early history of modern animals finds a lot of evolutionary dawdling.
The last common ancestor of all living animals probably arose nearly 800 million years ago, a multidisciplinary research team reports in the Nov. 25Science. From that common ancestry, various animal lineages diverged and evolved on their own paths. Yet the major animal groups living today didn’t arise until roughly 200 million years later, in an exuberant burst of forms preserved in fossils during what’s called the Cambrian explosion.
Indian Ocean cocktail party leaves trail of party hats behind
Indian Ocean cocktail party leaves trail of party hats behind
Scientists have unexpectedly found traces of the supercontinent Gondwana in the Indian Ocean - in the process solving a mystery behind a large group of ocean 'mountains' known as seamounts, including Christmas Island.
Scientists have unexpectedly found traces of the supercontinent Gondwana in the Indian Ocean - in the process solving a mystery behind a large group of ocean 'mountains' known as seamounts, including Christmas Island.
St Andrews scientists ask if whales have 'dialects'
St Andrews scientists ask if whales have 'dialects'
Members of the public are being asked by scientists at the University of St Andrews to help them investigate the way whales communicate.
Members of the public are being asked by scientists at the University of St Andrews to help them investigate the way whales communicate.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Predators Drive Evolution Of Poison Dart Frogs’ Skin Patterns
Predators Drive Evolution Of Poison Dart Frogs’ Skin Patterns
Natural selection has played a role in the development of the many skins patterns of the tiny Ranitomeya imitator poison dart frog, according to a study that will be published in an upcoming edition of American Naturalist by University of Montreal biologist Mathieu Chouteau. The researcher’s methodology was rather unusual: on three occasions over three days, at two different sites, Chouteau investigated the number of attacks that had been made on fake frogs, by counting how many times that had been pecked. Those that were attacked the least looked like local frogs, while those that came from another area had obviously been targeted.
Natural selection has played a role in the development of the many skins patterns of the tiny Ranitomeya imitator poison dart frog, according to a study that will be published in an upcoming edition of American Naturalist by University of Montreal biologist Mathieu Chouteau. The researcher’s methodology was rather unusual: on three occasions over three days, at two different sites, Chouteau investigated the number of attacks that had been made on fake frogs, by counting how many times that had been pecked. Those that were attacked the least looked like local frogs, while those that came from another area had obviously been targeted.
Ignorance Is Bliss When It Comes to Challenging Social Issues
Ignorance Is Bliss When It Comes to Challenging Social Issues
The less people know about important complex issues such as the economy, energy consumption and the environment, the more they want to avoid becoming well-informed, according to new research published by the American Psychological Association.
The less people know about important complex issues such as the economy, energy consumption and the environment, the more they want to avoid becoming well-informed, according to new research published by the American Psychological Association.
At Meeting on Climate Change, Urgent Issues but Low Expectations
At Meeting on Climate Change, Urgent Issues but Low Expectations
With intensifying climate disasters and global economic turmoil as the backdrop, delegates from 194 nations will gather in Durban, South Africa, starting Monday to try to advance, if only incrementally, the world’s response to dangerous climate change.
With intensifying climate disasters and global economic turmoil as the backdrop, delegates from 194 nations will gather in Durban, South Africa, starting Monday to try to advance, if only incrementally, the world’s response to dangerous climate change.
Archaeologists Race Against Sea Change in Orkney
Archaeologists Race Against Sea Change in Orkney
Archaeologists are trying to understand how erosion affects the Orkney Islands' abundance of coastal archaeological sites. Hundreds of coastal sites from Orkney's 10,000-year human history are endangered by climate change. Archaeologists can't fight the ocean so, like the people whose climate adaptation they study, modern researchers continue to adapt themselves. They take advantage of the fact that destructive storms can reveal and even excavate sites, though they're not the most delicate of diggers. And, by adopting new techniques such as 3D laser scanning, they can record, if not save, sites before they are taken by the sea. For Orkney, whose dense archaeology is covered with shell sand that preserves both stone and bone unusually well, the dangers from storms and sea level rise are especially acute because of its northern latitude.
Archaeologists are trying to understand how erosion affects the Orkney Islands' abundance of coastal archaeological sites. Hundreds of coastal sites from Orkney's 10,000-year human history are endangered by climate change. Archaeologists can't fight the ocean so, like the people whose climate adaptation they study, modern researchers continue to adapt themselves. They take advantage of the fact that destructive storms can reveal and even excavate sites, though they're not the most delicate of diggers. And, by adopting new techniques such as 3D laser scanning, they can record, if not save, sites before they are taken by the sea. For Orkney, whose dense archaeology is covered with shell sand that preserves both stone and bone unusually well, the dangers from storms and sea level rise are especially acute because of its northern latitude.
Researchers make the case that modern life sprang from early mega-organism
Researchers make the case that modern life sprang from early mega-organism
A lot of work has been done over the years to nail down the origins of life, with much speculation given to whatever first bit of “life” appeared from what was before, nothing but non-living material. Unfortunately, evidence of such life has long vanished leaving researchers to try to piece together what might have happened afterwards by rewinding the genetic tape so to speak.
A lot of work has been done over the years to nail down the origins of life, with much speculation given to whatever first bit of “life” appeared from what was before, nothing but non-living material. Unfortunately, evidence of such life has long vanished leaving researchers to try to piece together what might have happened afterwards by rewinding the genetic tape so to speak.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Life's diversity snowballed when Earth froze
Life's diversity snowballed when Earth froze
Ancient animals may have started their drive toward explosive diversity back when the Earth was a giant snowball, new research suggests. A startling expansion in the diversity of life forms began about 540 million years ago, early in the Cambrian period. During this apparently sudden outburst, known as the Cambrian explosion, all the major groups of animals seemed to materialize rapidly. Scientists have debated the causes of this great flowering of life for centuries.
Searching for signs of picky, competitive mating in a whole other kingdom
Searching for signs of picky, competitive mating in a whole other kingdom
The term “bar fight” does not actually appear in Saila Varis’ recent paper in the journal Trees or in her Ph.D. dissertation on the Scots pine. But she’s a good sport about discussing whether her research suggests that tree pollen grains have their own versions of nose-punching brawls over female favor. After all, pollen grains from genetically different trees of the same species appear to be able to sabotage each other’s race to a mate, says Varis, of the Finnish Forest Research Institute near Helsinki. Though it is not exactly like a bar fight, she says, there are hints of male-versus-male competition
Sudden stress shifts human brain into survival mode
Sudden stress shifts human brain into survival mode
In threatening situations, the brain adapts within seconds to prepare for an appropriate response. Some regions are temporarily suppressed. Others become more active and form temporarily alliances for fight or flight. Noradrenaline is driving force behind this reorganization
In threatening situations, the brain adapts within seconds to prepare for an appropriate response. Some regions are temporarily suppressed. Others become more active and form temporarily alliances for fight or flight. Noradrenaline is driving force behind this reorganization
Food We Eat Might Control Our Genes
Food We Eat Might Control Our Genes
“You are what you eat.” The old adage has for decades weighed on the minds of consumers who fret over responsible food choices. Yet what if it was literally true? What if material from our food actually made its way into the innermost control centers of our cells, taking charge of fundamental gene expression?
“You are what you eat.” The old adage has for decades weighed on the minds of consumers who fret over responsible food choices. Yet what if it was literally true? What if material from our food actually made its way into the innermost control centers of our cells, taking charge of fundamental gene expression?
United Nations report global drop in HIV infections
United Nations report global drop in HIV infections
GREAT news just in time for World AIDS day on 1 December: new infections of HIV have fallen dramatically thanks to surging availability of antiretroviral drugs (ARTs), which reduce the chances of people passing on the virus.
A report published this week by UNAIDS, which coordinates the fight against HIV and AIDS, shows that new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths have both fallen by a fifth since their peaks in 1997 and 2005 respectively.
Ancient environment found to drive marine biodiversity
Ancient environment found to drive marine biodiversity
Much of our knowledge about past life has come from the fossil record – but how accurately does that reflect the true history and drivers of biodiversity on Earth? "It's a question that goes back a long way to the time of Darwin, who looked at the fossil record and tried to understand what it tells us about the history of life," says Shanan Peters, an assistant professor of geoscience at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In fact, the fossil record can tell us a great deal, he says in a new study. In a report published Friday, Nov. 25 in Science magazine, he and colleague Bjarte Hannisdal, of the University of Bergen in Norway, show that the evolution of marine life over the past 500 million years has been robustly and independently driven by both ocean chemistry and sea level changes.
Metabolic defects in mice corrected with transplanted embryonic neurons
Metabolic defects in mice corrected with transplanted embryonic neurons
A new study has revealed that immature neurons taken from healthy mouse embryos can repair damaged brain circuitry and partially normalize metabolism when transplanted into adult mice that have grown morbidly obese due to a genetic deficiency. This proof-of-principle discovery represents one step down a long road toward neuronal replacement therapy, which researchers hope might one day be used to repair brains that have been injured by trauma or disease.
A new study has revealed that immature neurons taken from healthy mouse embryos can repair damaged brain circuitry and partially normalize metabolism when transplanted into adult mice that have grown morbidly obese due to a genetic deficiency. This proof-of-principle discovery represents one step down a long road toward neuronal replacement therapy, which researchers hope might one day be used to repair brains that have been injured by trauma or disease.
Anomalies are crucial for bettering our understanding of the universe
Anomalies are crucial for bettering our understanding of the universe
Anomalies can be annoying, they can niggle and cause discomfort. Some experimental measurement comes along that seems to be ignorant of the established order and breaks the rules. Perplexed by what is happening, people come up with conflicting accounts of what might be happening. Ideas get knocked off pedestals, confidence is knocked. Frustrating, for sure, but necessary, too: anomalies and impossibilities are the crucial engines in bettering our understanding of the universe.
Anomalies can be annoying, they can niggle and cause discomfort. Some experimental measurement comes along that seems to be ignorant of the established order and breaks the rules. Perplexed by what is happening, people come up with conflicting accounts of what might be happening. Ideas get knocked off pedestals, confidence is knocked. Frustrating, for sure, but necessary, too: anomalies and impossibilities are the crucial engines in bettering our understanding of the universe.
A Rare Isotope Helps Track an Ancient Water Source
A Rare Isotope Helps Track an Ancient Water Source
The Nubian Aquifer, the font of fabled oases in Egypt and Libya, stretches languidly across 770,000 square miles of northern Africa, a pointillist collection of underground pools of water migrating, ever so slowly, through rock and sand toward the Mediterranean Sea.
The Nubian Aquifer, the font of fabled oases in Egypt and Libya, stretches languidly across 770,000 square miles of northern Africa, a pointillist collection of underground pools of water migrating, ever so slowly, through rock and sand toward the Mediterranean Sea.
Native American Blankets Made With Dog Hair
Native American Blankets Made With Dog Hair
To Native Americans known as the Coast Salish, the hair of the dog isn't a dubious hangover cure—it's a key ingredient in the large, beautiful blankets woven by their ancestors more than a century ago. A molecular analysis of some of these venerable textiles now confirms they are made partly of yarn spun from the fur of an unusual canine, verifying oral accounts handed down through the Pacific Northwest tribe over generations.
To Native Americans known as the Coast Salish, the hair of the dog isn't a dubious hangover cure—it's a key ingredient in the large, beautiful blankets woven by their ancestors more than a century ago. A molecular analysis of some of these venerable textiles now confirms they are made partly of yarn spun from the fur of an unusual canine, verifying oral accounts handed down through the Pacific Northwest tribe over generations.
Implanted neurons, grown in the lab, take charge of brain circuitry
Implanted neurons, grown in the lab, take charge of brain circuitry
Among the many hurdles to be cleared before human embryonic stem cells can achieve their therapeutic potential is determining whether or not transplanted cells can functionally integrate into target organs or tissues.
Among the many hurdles to be cleared before human embryonic stem cells can achieve their therapeutic potential is determining whether or not transplanted cells can functionally integrate into target organs or tissues.
Why Do We Give? Not Why Or How You Think
Why Do We Give? Not Why Or How You Think
New findings in the science of charity reveals some counter-intuitive results. For instance, people will give more money to a single suffering person than to a population of suffering people, and also give more when some type of physical discomfort — for example, running a marathon — is involved.
New findings in the science of charity reveals some counter-intuitive results. For instance, people will give more money to a single suffering person than to a population of suffering people, and also give more when some type of physical discomfort — for example, running a marathon — is involved.
The Mystery of the Little Norwegian Chessmen
The Mystery of the Little Norwegian Chessmen
A new exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art showcases strange and charming chess pieces from the Middle Ages.
Worms Can Evolve to Survive Intersex Populations
Worms Can Evolve to Survive Intersex Populations
Sexually reproducing species need at least two sexes in order to produce offspring, but there are many ways that nature produces different sexes. Many animals (including humans and other mammals) use a chromosomal sex determination system in which females have two X chromosomes, while males have one X and one Y.
Sexually reproducing species need at least two sexes in order to produce offspring, but there are many ways that nature produces different sexes. Many animals (including humans and other mammals) use a chromosomal sex determination system in which females have two X chromosomes, while males have one X and one Y.
Sometimes a bunny is just a bunny
Sometimes a bunny is just a bunny
I just despair. There is sexism everywhere, and there are battles to be fought. I agree completely that there are strong strains of odious stereotypy running through our culture, and that we have to be vocal in opposing them. Much of it is unconscious and not intended maliciously, but it still perpetuates a problem. It’s good to oppose it.
How the brain strings words into sentences
How the brain strings words into sentences
Distinct neural pathways are important for different aspects of language processing, researchers have discovered, studying patients with language impairments caused by neurodegenerative diseases.
Distinct neural pathways are important for different aspects of language processing, researchers have discovered, studying patients with language impairments caused by neurodegenerative diseases.
Divine Intervention, Dinosaurs, and Darwin’s Descent
Divine Intervention, Dinosaurs, and Darwin’s Descent
In the lives of historical figures, a single event, action, belief, or product is often taken as being emblematic of the entire individual. Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo, Marie Curie developed the theory of radioactivity, and – my personal favorite from years of rote memorization in American history courses – Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin. Entire lives are crunched down into easily-remembered factoids that typically obscure more than they illuminate. The legacy of Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins – arguably the first great paleo-artist – has suffered the same fate.
In the lives of historical figures, a single event, action, belief, or product is often taken as being emblematic of the entire individual. Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo, Marie Curie developed the theory of radioactivity, and – my personal favorite from years of rote memorization in American history courses – Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin. Entire lives are crunched down into easily-remembered factoids that typically obscure more than they illuminate. The legacy of Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins – arguably the first great paleo-artist – has suffered the same fate.
What does the US budget stalemate mean for research?
What does the US budget stalemate mean for research?
The threat of substantial budget cuts for science agencies looms large after congressional committee’s failure to reach a deal.
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US Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts speaking at a meeting of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction in September.
MIKE THEILER/REUTERS
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The failure, however unsurprising, of the US Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to accomplish its goals has set up a troubling scenario for federally funded research. Across-the-board cuts to all discretionary federal spending, beginning in 2013, are becoming increasingly probable. Such cuts would affect all of the major US research agencies, which last year received some US$60 billion in funding. With many details still to emerge, Nature considers the implications of the committee’s impasse.
'Lethal' radiation doses can be treated with drugs
'Lethal' radiation doses can be treated with drugs
Mice can survive lethal effects of high radiation doses that are usually fatal when given a double-drug therapy – even when they get the drugs 24 hours after exposure.
Because these drugs are known to be safe in people, it could be worth stockpiling them in preparation for a nuclear accident or terrorist attack, say the researchers behind the new study.
Playing music alters the processing of multiple sensory stimuli in the brain
Playing music alters the processing of multiple sensory stimuli in the brain
Over the years pianists develop a particularly acute sense of the temporal correlation between the movements of the piano keys and the sound of the notes played. However, they are no better than non-musicians at assessing the synchronicity of lip movements and speech.
Over the years pianists develop a particularly acute sense of the temporal correlation between the movements of the piano keys and the sound of the notes played. However, they are no better than non-musicians at assessing the synchronicity of lip movements and speech.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Researchers Rush to Recover Whale Fossils From Highway Project
Researchers Rush to Recover Whale Fossils From Highway Project
In Chile's dry, hot, desert-like Atacama Region, a group of Smithsonian researchers are digging up whales. The fossil site, near the port city of Caldera in northern Chile, was discovered in late 2010 by a construction company expanding the Pan-American Highway. In a road cut, the workers discovered complete skeletons of baleen whales, says paleobiologist Nick Pyenson, the curator of fossil marine mammals at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. The company agreed to grant the site a brief reprieve, allowing Pyenson to coordinate a short-term excavation of the fossils
A 'stay-sober' pill: Coming to a pharmacy near you?
A 'stay-sober' pill: Coming to a pharmacy near you?
Korea already sells supposedly hangover-free alcohol, but what if a pill could stop you from getting drunk in the first place? That's the premise of a new "stay sober" tablet reportedly under development in Australia. The pill, which limits the effect of alcohol on the brain, is being tested on mice — who showed no signs of becoming "tipsy," despite being administered enough alcohol to make them "fall over,"reports Britain's Telegraph. Would this just take the fun out of drinking? Here's what you should know:
Korea already sells supposedly hangover-free alcohol, but what if a pill could stop you from getting drunk in the first place? That's the premise of a new "stay sober" tablet reportedly under development in Australia. The pill, which limits the effect of alcohol on the brain, is being tested on mice — who showed no signs of becoming "tipsy," despite being administered enough alcohol to make them "fall over,"reports Britain's Telegraph. Would this just take the fun out of drinking? Here's what you should know:
Psychopaths' brains show differences in structure and function
Psychopaths' brains show differences in structure and function
Images of prisoners' brains show important differences between those who are diagnosed as psychopaths and those who aren't, according to a new study led by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers.
Images of prisoners' brains show important differences between those who are diagnosed as psychopaths and those who aren't, according to a new study led by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers.
Older brains lack access to region for swift decisions
Older brains lack access to region for swift decisions
Decision-making takes time when we reach the golden years – but not necessarily because older people have a more cautious outlook on life. It might just reflect a lack of the connections to a brain area needed for speedy responses. One explanation for the slowdown is that older people are reluctant to commit the errors associated with a swift response. Birte Forstmann at the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, has another theory.
Dolphin Whistles Help Solve The Mysteries Of The Cosmos
Dolphin Whistles Help Solve The Mysteries Of The Cosmos
With a lot of help from Flipper, scientists have a better shot at understanding phenomena like black holes and supernovae.
Let's back up. To understand the connection between dolphins and supernovae, you have to start in the year 2000, when German company EvoLogics was founded. EvoLogics is one of the only firms on the planet whose entire output consists of biomimetic innovation. Its products and proofs-of-concept include robotic manta rays and penguins, ultra-efficient propellers and Terminator-like human torsos.
Dissecting the Cave Lion Diet
Dissecting the Cave Lion Diet
A quarter larger than today's lions, the European cave lion was one of the biggest cats around 12,000 years ago. Now, an unusually sophisticated analysis of its bones is revealing what these creatures ate—and why they may have disappeared.
A quarter larger than today's lions, the European cave lion was one of the biggest cats around 12,000 years ago. Now, an unusually sophisticated analysis of its bones is revealing what these creatures ate—and why they may have disappeared.
Tuning out: How brains benefit from meditation
Tuning out: How brains benefit from meditation
Experienced meditators seem to be able switch off areas of the brain associated with daydreaming as well as psychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia, according to a new brain imaging study by Yale researchers.
Experienced meditators seem to be able switch off areas of the brain associated with daydreaming as well as psychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia, according to a new brain imaging study by Yale researchers.
Soft food may lead to a mouth with too many teeth
Soft food may lead to a mouth with too many teeth
Teenagers facing the purgatory of braces to fix their misaligned teeth might be able to blame bread for their predicament. Noreen von Cramon-Taubadel at the University of Kent, UK, measured the shape of 295 human lower jaws from museum specimens. Those that came from agricultural societies were smaller, on average, than those that came from hunter-gatherer societies – although all carried the same number of teeth.
Our Internet is a paradise for consumers but a hell for citizens.
Our Internet is a paradise for consumers but a hell for citizens.
That Facebook's stance on pseudonyms may be entrenching autocracies doesn't seem to bother the company in the least. In fact, the Chinese edition of the “Facebook Revolution” bears all the markings of an anti-revolution: Facebook has been criticized for deactivating the account of the prominent Internet activist who goes by the pseudonym of Michael Anti. In Egypt, Facebook was precariously close to clipping the wings of the future revolutionaries when it suspended the Facebook page started by the Google executive Wael Ghonim, who, of course, was also using a pseudonym.
That Facebook's stance on pseudonyms may be entrenching autocracies doesn't seem to bother the company in the least. In fact, the Chinese edition of the “Facebook Revolution” bears all the markings of an anti-revolution: Facebook has been criticized for deactivating the account of the prominent Internet activist who goes by the pseudonym of Michael Anti. In Egypt, Facebook was precariously close to clipping the wings of the future revolutionaries when it suspended the Facebook page started by the Google executive Wael Ghonim, who, of course, was also using a pseudonym.
For Some, Psychiatric Trouble May Start in Thyroid
For Some, Psychiatric Trouble May Start in Thyroid
In patients with depression, anxiety and other psychiatric problems, doctors often find abnormal blood levels of thyroid hormone. Treating the problem, they have found, can lead to improvements in mood, memory and cognition.
In patients with depression, anxiety and other psychiatric problems, doctors often find abnormal blood levels of thyroid hormone. Treating the problem, they have found, can lead to improvements in mood, memory and cognition.
Search for Alien Life Should Include Exotic Possibilities
Search for Alien Life Should Include Exotic Possibilities
For most researchers’ money, an Earth-like planet is the best bet for finding alien life. But looking in such an exclusive range of possibilities might give them only half the story. A team of scientists is now proposing an index that ranks a planet’s habitability using a much wider set of criteria.
For most researchers’ money, an Earth-like planet is the best bet for finding alien life. But looking in such an exclusive range of possibilities might give them only half the story. A team of scientists is now proposing an index that ranks a planet’s habitability using a much wider set of criteria.
Predators Drive Evolution Of Poison Dart Frogs’ Skin Patterns
Predators Drive Evolution Of Poison Dart Frogs’ Skin Patterns
Natural selection has played a role in the development of the many skins patterns of the tiny Ranitomeya imitator poison dart frog, according to a study that will be published in an upcoming edition of American Naturalist by University of Montreal biologist Mathieu Chouteau. The researcher’s methodology was rather unusual: on three occasions over three days, at two different sites, Chouteau investigated the number of attacks that had been made on fake frogs, by counting how many times that had been pecked. Those that were attacked the least looked like local frogs, while those that came from another area had obviously been targeted.
Natural selection has played a role in the development of the many skins patterns of the tiny Ranitomeya imitator poison dart frog, according to a study that will be published in an upcoming edition of American Naturalist by University of Montreal biologist Mathieu Chouteau. The researcher’s methodology was rather unusual: on three occasions over three days, at two different sites, Chouteau investigated the number of attacks that had been made on fake frogs, by counting how many times that had been pecked. Those that were attacked the least looked like local frogs, while those that came from another area had obviously been targeted.
Sex explains why the fit don't always survive
Sex explains why the fit don't always survive
New research from The Australian National University has shown how genetic variation persists through generations, rather than being bred out in an evolution towards a ‘perfect type’.
New research from The Australian National University has shown how genetic variation persists through generations, rather than being bred out in an evolution towards a ‘perfect type’.
The nature of nothingness
The nature of nothingness
Zilch… Naught… Nada… It’s easy to dismiss the concept of nothing as, well, nothing. In fact, nothing is everything to science – understanding the intangible voids has lead to breakthroughs we could never have imagined possible. Read on to find out why nothing is more important than nothing…
Ötzi the Iceman may have smashed eye in fall
Ötzi the Iceman may have smashed eye in fall
A sharp incision in his right eye may have contributed to the rapid demise of Ötzi the Iceman, the famous mummy who died in the Italian Alps more than 5,000 years ago.
Twenty years after two hikers stumbled upon the Iceman in a melting glacier, new analyses have revealed that a deep cut likely led to heavy bleeding in the man's eye. In the cold, high-altitude conditions where he was found, that kind of injury would have been tough to recover from.
'Earliest' evidence of human violence
'Earliest' evidence of human violence
A healed fracture discovered on an ancient skull from China may be the oldest documented evidence of violence between humans, a study has shown.
The individual, who lived 150,000-200,000 years ago, suffered blunt force trauma to the right temple - possibly from being hit with a projectile
Monday, November 21, 2011
Hypoglycemia and brain function
Hypoglycemia and brain function
Now most people with a little bit of science knowledge know that glucose is VERY important for your brain, and insulin is very important for your brain and body. All your cells need glucose to function, and your brain needs a constant, steady supply. No other food will do. If someone suffers from acute hypoglycemia (and we’re not talking just being hungry, we’re talking much more severe), they suffer cognitive impairments. This highlights the importance of metabolic control, how well your body controls its blood glucose, particularly in responses to things like acute hypoglycemia (low glucose) or after a bolus of food that would otherwise cause hyperglycemia (high glucose).
Now most people with a little bit of science knowledge know that glucose is VERY important for your brain, and insulin is very important for your brain and body. All your cells need glucose to function, and your brain needs a constant, steady supply. No other food will do. If someone suffers from acute hypoglycemia (and we’re not talking just being hungry, we’re talking much more severe), they suffer cognitive impairments. This highlights the importance of metabolic control, how well your body controls its blood glucose, particularly in responses to things like acute hypoglycemia (low glucose) or after a bolus of food that would otherwise cause hyperglycemia (high glucose).
Kangaroo genome now sequenced
Kangaroo genome now sequenced
The tammar wallaby is the first Australian marsupial to have its genome sequenced. Researchers were surprised to find out that many of the wallaby genes are similar to those found in humans. Because baby wallabies (aka: joey) develop in a pouch outside the mother's body it is easier to study mammalian development in these animals. Having the genome sequence just makes that research as well as other research on the animals that much more informative. I was surprised to learn how well the wallaby sense of smell is. The baby wallabies have as many as 1500 genes just for olfactory (smell) receptors.
The tammar wallaby is the first Australian marsupial to have its genome sequenced. Researchers were surprised to find out that many of the wallaby genes are similar to those found in humans. Because baby wallabies (aka: joey) develop in a pouch outside the mother's body it is easier to study mammalian development in these animals. Having the genome sequence just makes that research as well as other research on the animals that much more informative. I was surprised to learn how well the wallaby sense of smell is. The baby wallabies have as many as 1500 genes just for olfactory (smell) receptors.
Does bestiality increase your risk of penile cancer?
Does bestiality increase your risk of penile cancer?
Brazilian researchers polled nearly 500 men from a dozen cities, and found that--we're not joking around here--roughly 35 percent of the men had "made it" with an animal. That's a problem, because screwing a horse, donkey, pig, or any other animal was found to up your likelihood of developing cancers of the penis by 42 percent.
Brazilian researchers polled nearly 500 men from a dozen cities, and found that--we're not joking around here--roughly 35 percent of the men had "made it" with an animal. That's a problem, because screwing a horse, donkey, pig, or any other animal was found to up your likelihood of developing cancers of the penis by 42 percent.
Satellites Help With Species Conservation
Satellites Help With Species Conservation
Organisms living on small islands are particularly threatened by extinction. However, data are often lacking to objectively assess these threats. A team of German and British researchers used satellite imagery to assess the conservation status of endangered reptiles and amphibians of the Comoro archipelago in the Western Indian Ocean. The researchers used their results to point out which species are most threatened and to define priorities for future protected areas. The study was published in the open access journal ZooKeys.
Organisms living on small islands are particularly threatened by extinction. However, data are often lacking to objectively assess these threats. A team of German and British researchers used satellite imagery to assess the conservation status of endangered reptiles and amphibians of the Comoro archipelago in the Western Indian Ocean. The researchers used their results to point out which species are most threatened and to define priorities for future protected areas. The study was published in the open access journal ZooKeys.
‘Virtual Monkeys’ Near Completion Of Random Shakespeare Recreation
‘Virtual Monkeys’ Near Completion Of Random Shakespeare Recreation
That is an ape though...not a monkey.
That is an ape though...not a monkey.
Millions of ‘virtual monkeys’ have nearly completed typing up Shakespeare’s entire body of work by hitting random keys on simulated typewriters. Jesse Anderson, the programmer behind the initiative, said an episode of The Simpsons spoofing the famous problem had inspired him to embark on the project.
Anthropologist Narrows Down History Of Animal And Human Relationship
Anthropologist Narrows Down History Of Animal And Human Relationship
Anthropologist Pat Shipman says that when our prehistoric ancestors began interacting with animals they developed empathy for them. The leading American anthropologist says these ancient humans’ relationships with animals helped propel humanity towards global domination.
Exploring water in the deep Earth
Exploring water in the deep Earth
Research published today in Nature Geoscience provides new insight into the water cycle of the deep Earth, volcanic activity in the Pacific and the potential catastrophic effects when these two combine.
Research published today in Nature Geoscience provides new insight into the water cycle of the deep Earth, volcanic activity in the Pacific and the potential catastrophic effects when these two combine.
Invitation to a Dialogue: Nameless on the Web?
Invitation to a Dialogue: Nameless on the Web?
Facebook has 800 million users who are required to use their real names (“Naming Names: Rushdie Wins Facebook Fight,” front page, Nov. 15), and, as a result, are identified with and accountable for what they post. It is time to consider Facebook’s real-name policy as an Internet norm because online identification demonstrably leads to accountability and promotes civility.
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