Scientists have found the oldest evidence for animals in the fossil record. The researchers examined sedimentary rocks in south Oman, and found an anomalously high amount of steroids that date back to 635 million years ago, to around the end of the last ice age. The steroids are produced by sponges — one of the [...]
A common treatment for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, prescribed millions of times a year, may change the brain in the same ways that cocaine does, a new study in mice suggests. Research shows that methylphenidate, commonly known as Ritalin, causes physical changes in neurons in reward regions of mouse brains. In some cases, the effects overlapped [...]
Inhabitants of Chaco Canyon apparently drank chocolate from cylinders about a thousand years ago. Archaeologists generally agree the vessels were used for some ritual, but there has been great disagreement about the specific use of the vessels. Crown was thinking about how the Maya drank chocolate from ceramic cylinders, and wondered whether the cylinders found [...]
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Scientists have identified new genetic sites harboring common variations in DNA that are linked to imbalances in concentrations of blood lipids (fats). The findings provide another step forward in understanding the genetic contribution to dyslipidemia, a condition marked by overproduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL “bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides, and underproduction of high-density lipoprotein (HDL “good”cholesterol).
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Researchers in California are reporting an advance toward the long-sought goal of “invisible electronics” and transparent displays, which can be highly desirable for heads-up displays, wind-shield displays, and electronic paper.
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A new study in Psychological Science reveals that nonverbal cues can give away a person’s socioeconomic status (SES). Volunteers whose parents were from upper SES backgrounds displayed more disengagement-related behaviors compared to participants from lower SES backgrounds. In addition, when a separate group of observers were shown 60 second clips of the videos, they were [...]
Increasing greenhouse gases could delay, or even postpone indefinitely the recovery of stratospheric ozone in some regions of the Earth, a new study suggests. This change might take a toll on public health.
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Scientists have discovered a structure in the brain called the Fragile X granule, which offers a potential target for treating autism and mental retardation.
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Katrina-flooded homes may contain harmful levels of contaminants, particularly aerosols and gases, which could expose first-responders, residents and any others entering such homes to serious and lasting health risks. The results could also be applied to similar flooding events that might occur in the future.
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Researchers found distinct differences in protein detection between IVF and spontaneous pregnancies in the first half of gestation.
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