The News:
Been There, Done That: Brain Mechanism Predicts Ability To Generalize
ScienceDaily (Oct. 23, 2008) — A new study reveals how the brain can connect discrete but overlapping experiences to provide a rich integrated history that extends far beyond individually experienced events and may help to direct future choices. The research, published by Cell Press in the October 23rd issue of the journal Neuron, also explains why some people are good at generalizing from past experience, while others are not.
Decisions are often guided by drawing on past experiences, perhaps by generalizing across discrete events that overlap in content. However, how such experiences are integrated into a unified representation is not clear, and fundamental questions remain regarding potential underlying brain mechanisms. It is likely that such mechanisms involve the hippocampus, a brain structure closely linked with learning and memory. The midbrain may also play a role, as its projections modulate activity in the hippocampus, and activity in both regions has been shown to facilitate encoding of individual episodes. Read on...
The Research:
Read the research behind this story in the journal Cell.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Research News: Study urges more effort to build kids' math skills
The News:
Study urges more effort to build kids' math skills
By The New York Times
Article Last Updated: 10/10/2008 12:30:43 AM MDT
The United States is failing to develop the math skills of both girls and boys, especially among those who could excel at the highest levels, a new study asserts, and girls who do succeed in the field are almost all immigrants or the daughters of immigrants from countries where mathematics is more highly valued. The study suggests that while many girls have exceptional talent in math — the talent to become top math researchers, scientists and engineers — they are rarely identified in the United States. A major reason, according to the study, is that American culture does not highly value talent in math, and so discourages girls — and boys, for that matter — from excelling in the field.
The Research:
Read the research behind this story in Notices of the American Mathematical Society.
Study urges more effort to build kids' math skills
By The New York Times
Article Last Updated: 10/10/2008 12:30:43 AM MDT
The United States is failing to develop the math skills of both girls and boys, especially among those who could excel at the highest levels, a new study asserts, and girls who do succeed in the field are almost all immigrants or the daughters of immigrants from countries where mathematics is more highly valued. The study suggests that while many girls have exceptional talent in math — the talent to become top math researchers, scientists and engineers — they are rarely identified in the United States. A major reason, according to the study, is that American culture does not highly value talent in math, and so discourages girls — and boys, for that matter — from excelling in the field.
The Research:
Read the research behind this story in Notices of the American Mathematical Society.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Research News: When Dow says ow, practice mindfulness
The News:
When Dow says ow, practice mindfulness
By Howard Cohen, McClatchy Newspapers
Article Last Updated: 10/06/2008 12:40:45 AM MDT
Our worries. They're crescendoing like the finale of Beethoven's "Ninth": Bailouts, buyouts. Recession, depression. Enter the meditative practice of mindfulness. Born of Buddhist roots, it's increasingly recognized as a measure to calm the mind's chatter and elevate the brain's thinking and organizational processes.
The Research:
Read the research behind this story in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
When Dow says ow, practice mindfulness
By Howard Cohen, McClatchy Newspapers
Article Last Updated: 10/06/2008 12:40:45 AM MDT
Our worries. They're crescendoing like the finale of Beethoven's "Ninth": Bailouts, buyouts. Recession, depression. Enter the meditative practice of mindfulness. Born of Buddhist roots, it's increasingly recognized as a measure to calm the mind's chatter and elevate the brain's thinking and organizational processes.
The Research:
Read the research behind this story in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
Monday, October 13, 2008
Research News: Scientists explore new source of stem cells
The News:
Scientists explore new source of stem cells
Using the testicular cells of adult men, researchers have grown muscle, nerve and other kinds of tissue.
Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times
Scientists have converted cells from human testes into stem cells that grew into muscle, nerve cells and other kinds of tissue, according to a study published Wednesday in the online edition of Nature. The stem cells offer another potential alternative to embryonic stem cells for researchers who aim to treat diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson’s by replacing damaged or malfunctioning cells with custom-grown replacements. Scientists have also derived flexible adult stem cells from skin, amniotic fluid and menstrual blood.
The Research:
Read the research behind this story in the journal Nature.
Scientists explore new source of stem cells
Using the testicular cells of adult men, researchers have grown muscle, nerve and other kinds of tissue.
Karen Kaplan, Los Angeles Times
Scientists have converted cells from human testes into stem cells that grew into muscle, nerve cells and other kinds of tissue, according to a study published Wednesday in the online edition of Nature. The stem cells offer another potential alternative to embryonic stem cells for researchers who aim to treat diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson’s by replacing damaged or malfunctioning cells with custom-grown replacements. Scientists have also derived flexible adult stem cells from skin, amniotic fluid and menstrual blood.
The Research:
Read the research behind this story in the journal Nature.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Research News: Simple blood test may detect artery blocks
The News:
Simple blood test may detect artery blocks
By Thomas Goldsmith, McClatchy Newspapers
Article Last Updated: 10/08/2008 09:02:28 PM MDT
RALEIGH, N.C. — The discovery of genetic markers showing the presence and intensity of coronary artery disease means that a diagnosis could be made with a simple blood test, said a Duke University cardiologist who led research on the link. Such a blood test — showing not only the presence of coronary disease but also the degree of blockage — could save millions of dollars annually by replacing risky procedures in which catheters are inserted into patients' arteries.
The Research:
Read the research behind this story in Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics.
Simple blood test may detect artery blocks
By Thomas Goldsmith, McClatchy Newspapers
Article Last Updated: 10/08/2008 09:02:28 PM MDT
RALEIGH, N.C. — The discovery of genetic markers showing the presence and intensity of coronary artery disease means that a diagnosis could be made with a simple blood test, said a Duke University cardiologist who led research on the link. Such a blood test — showing not only the presence of coronary disease but also the degree of blockage — could save millions of dollars annually by replacing risky procedures in which catheters are inserted into patients' arteries.
The Research:
Read the research behind this story in Circulation: Cardiovascular Genetics.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Research News: Youngsters shouldn't own "exotic" pets
The News:
Youngsters shouldn't own "exotic" pets
Pediatricians cite risk of disease
By Lindsey Tanner The Associated Press
Article Last Updated: 10/06/2008 07:05:16 AM MDT
CHICAGO — Warning: Young children should not keep hedgehogs as pets — or hamsters, baby chicks, lizards or turtles, for that matter — because of risks for disease. That's according to the nation's leading pediatricians group in a new report about dangers from "exotic" animals. Besides evidence that they can carry dangerous and sometimes potentially deadly germs, exotic pets may be more prone than cats and dogs to bite, scratch or claw — putting children younger than 5 particularly at risk, the report says.
The Research:
Read the research behind this story in the journal Pediatrics.
Youngsters shouldn't own "exotic" pets
Pediatricians cite risk of disease
By Lindsey Tanner The Associated Press
Article Last Updated: 10/06/2008 07:05:16 AM MDT
CHICAGO — Warning: Young children should not keep hedgehogs as pets — or hamsters, baby chicks, lizards or turtles, for that matter — because of risks for disease. That's according to the nation's leading pediatricians group in a new report about dangers from "exotic" animals. Besides evidence that they can carry dangerous and sometimes potentially deadly germs, exotic pets may be more prone than cats and dogs to bite, scratch or claw — putting children younger than 5 particularly at risk, the report says.
The Research:
Read the research behind this story in the journal Pediatrics.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Research News: Science Debate with the Presidential Candidates
The News:
Science Debate 2008
In November, 2007, a small group of six citizens - two screenwriters, a physicist, a marine biologist, a philosopher and a science journalist - began working to restore science and innovation to America’s political dialogue. They called themselves Science Debate 2008, and they called for a presidential debate on science. The call tapped a wellspring of concern over the state of American science. Within weeks, more than 38,000 scientists, engineers, and other concerned Americans signed on, including nearly every major American science organization, dozens of Nobel laureates, elected officials and business leaders, and the presidents of over 100 major American universities. Among other things, these signers submitted over 3,400 questions they want the candidates for President to answer about science and the future of America.
Read the questions and answers from Barack Obama and John McCain here.
Science Debate 2008
In November, 2007, a small group of six citizens - two screenwriters, a physicist, a marine biologist, a philosopher and a science journalist - began working to restore science and innovation to America’s political dialogue. They called themselves Science Debate 2008, and they called for a presidential debate on science. The call tapped a wellspring of concern over the state of American science. Within weeks, more than 38,000 scientists, engineers, and other concerned Americans signed on, including nearly every major American science organization, dozens of Nobel laureates, elected officials and business leaders, and the presidents of over 100 major American universities. Among other things, these signers submitted over 3,400 questions they want the candidates for President to answer about science and the future of America.
Read the questions and answers from Barack Obama and John McCain here.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Research news: Brain Pathway Responsible For Obesity Found: Too Many Calories Send Brain Off Kilter
The News:
Brain Pathway Responsible For Obesity Found: Too Many Calories Send Brain Off Kilter
ScienceDaily (Oct. 3, 2008) — An overload of calories throws critical portions of the brain out of whack, reveals a study in the October 3rd issue of the journal Cell, a Cell Press publication. That response in the brain's hypothalamus—the "headquarters" for maintaining energy balance—can happen even in the absence of any weight gain, according to the new studies in mice.
The brain response involves a molecular player, called IKKß/NF-κB, which is known to drive metabolic inflammation in other body tissues. The discovery suggests that treatments designed to block this pathway in the brain might fight the ever-increasing spread of obesity and related diseases, including diabetes and heart disease.
"This pathway is usually present but inactive in the brain," said Dongsheng Cai of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Cai said he isn't sure exactly why IKKß/NF-κB is there and ready to spring into action in the brain. He speculates it may have been an important element for innate immunity, the body's first line of defense against pathogenic invaders, at some time in the distant past. Read on..
The Research:
Read the research behind this story in the journal Cell.
Brain Pathway Responsible For Obesity Found: Too Many Calories Send Brain Off Kilter
ScienceDaily (Oct. 3, 2008) — An overload of calories throws critical portions of the brain out of whack, reveals a study in the October 3rd issue of the journal Cell, a Cell Press publication. That response in the brain's hypothalamus—the "headquarters" for maintaining energy balance—can happen even in the absence of any weight gain, according to the new studies in mice.
The brain response involves a molecular player, called IKKß/NF-κB, which is known to drive metabolic inflammation in other body tissues. The discovery suggests that treatments designed to block this pathway in the brain might fight the ever-increasing spread of obesity and related diseases, including diabetes and heart disease.
"This pathway is usually present but inactive in the brain," said Dongsheng Cai of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Cai said he isn't sure exactly why IKKß/NF-κB is there and ready to spring into action in the brain. He speculates it may have been an important element for innate immunity, the body's first line of defense against pathogenic invaders, at some time in the distant past. Read on..
The Research:
Read the research behind this story in the journal Cell.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Research news: HIV's genetic footprint shows it's a century old
The News:
HIV's genetic footprint shows it's a century old
Study ties its emergence to rise of cities in Africa
By Malcolm Ritter The Associated Press
Article Launched: 10/02/2008 12:30:00 AM MDT
NEW YORK — The AIDS virus has been circulating among people for about 100 years, decades longer than scientists had thought, a new study suggests.
Genetic analysis pushes the estimated origin of HIV back to between 1884 and 1924, with a more focused estimate at 1908.
Previously, scientists had estimated the origin at around 1930.
AIDS wasn't recognized formally until 1981 when it got the attention of public health officials in the United States.
The new result is "not a monumental shift, but it means the virus was circulating under our radar even longer than we knew," said Michael Worobey of the University of Arizona, an author of the new work.
The results appear in today's issue of the journal Nature.
Researchers note that the newly calculated dates fall during the rise of cities in Africa, and they suggest urban development may have promoted HIV's initial establishment and early spread. Read on...
The Research:
Read the research behind this story in the journal Nature.
HIV's genetic footprint shows it's a century old
Study ties its emergence to rise of cities in Africa
By Malcolm Ritter The Associated Press
Article Launched: 10/02/2008 12:30:00 AM MDT
NEW YORK — The AIDS virus has been circulating among people for about 100 years, decades longer than scientists had thought, a new study suggests.
Genetic analysis pushes the estimated origin of HIV back to between 1884 and 1924, with a more focused estimate at 1908.
Previously, scientists had estimated the origin at around 1930.
AIDS wasn't recognized formally until 1981 when it got the attention of public health officials in the United States.
The new result is "not a monumental shift, but it means the virus was circulating under our radar even longer than we knew," said Michael Worobey of the University of Arizona, an author of the new work.
The results appear in today's issue of the journal Nature.
Researchers note that the newly calculated dates fall during the rise of cities in Africa, and they suggest urban development may have promoted HIV's initial establishment and early spread. Read on...
The Research:
Read the research behind this story in the journal Nature.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Research news: On Election Day, use extra caution when driving
The News:
On Election Day, Use Extra Caution When Driving
by Patti Neighmond
Morning Edition, October 1, 2008 · Voting is your civic duty, but be careful how you get to the polls. A new study suggests that there is an increased risk of car crashes on presidential voting days.
Dr. Donald Redelmeier is a professor of medicine at the University of Toronto and an internist at the largest trauma center in Toronto. He sees lots of victims from car crashes, so he thinks a lot about cars and driving. That, coupled with his own experience hurrying to fit voting into a busy schedule, made him want to examine how the rush to get to the polls affects road safety on voting day.
"We studied all the U.S. presidential elections over the last 32 years, beginning with Jimmy Carter in 1976 and ending with George Bush in 2004," he says of the research, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Read on...
The Research:
Read the research behind this story in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
On Election Day, Use Extra Caution When Driving
by Patti Neighmond
Morning Edition, October 1, 2008 · Voting is your civic duty, but be careful how you get to the polls. A new study suggests that there is an increased risk of car crashes on presidential voting days.
Dr. Donald Redelmeier is a professor of medicine at the University of Toronto and an internist at the largest trauma center in Toronto. He sees lots of victims from car crashes, so he thinks a lot about cars and driving. That, coupled with his own experience hurrying to fit voting into a busy schedule, made him want to examine how the rush to get to the polls affects road safety on voting day.
"We studied all the U.S. presidential elections over the last 32 years, beginning with Jimmy Carter in 1976 and ending with George Bush in 2004," he says of the research, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Read on...
The Research:
Read the research behind this story in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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