For the first time, neuroscientists have created stimulus-specific sustained activity patterns in brain circuits maintained in vitro.
A pregnant woman’s exposure to microbes may protect her child from developing allergies later in life. Researchers in Germany find that exposure to environmental bacteria triggers a mild inflammatory response in pregnant mice that renders their offspring resistant to allergies.
Continue reading about Microbes help mothers protect kids from allergies
Whiplash neck injuries among drivers and their passengers who have been shunted from behind are a major cause of long-term health problems and, in extreme cases, death. A new type of vehicle headrest promises to improve both safety and comfort.
Continue reading about Miss whiplash with locking headrest, study suggests
When spider mites attack a bean plant, the plant produces odors attracting predatory mites. These mites then exterminate the spider mite population, thus acting as a type of “bodyguard” for the plant. However, if the plant is simultaneously attacked by whiteflies, insects that are related to aphids, the plant becomes less attractive to the mites [...]
Continue reading about Whiteflies sabotage alarm system of plant in distress
Scientists have shown for the first time that insects, like mammals, use vision rather than touch to find footholds. They made the discovery thanks to high-speed video cameras that they used to film desert locusts stepping along the rungs of a miniature ladder. The study sheds new light on insects’ ability to perform complex tasks, [...]
Researchers say a recent discovery suggests that inherited genetic variations exist between whites and blacks living in the US, leading to less efficient metabolism of glucose and predisposition to diabetes in blacks.
Continue reading about Genetic predeterminants for diabetes in African-Americans identified
When people speak, sing or shout, they produce sound by pushing air over their vocal folds — bits of muscle and tissue that manipulate the air flow and vibrate within it. When someone has polyps or some other problem with their vocal folds, the airflow can be altered, affecting the sound production.
If you ever thought the stress of seeing your extended family over the holidays was slowly killing you — bad news: a new study shows that you might be right. Here’s the good news: results from the same study might lead to entirely new treatments that help keep autoimmune diseases like lupus, arthritis, and eczema [...]
A team of Chinese astronomers has discovered a giant planet close to the exotic binary star system QS Virginis. Although dormant now, in the future the two stars will one day erupt in a violent nova outburst.
Continue reading about Giant planet set for cataclysmic show
Looks can be deceiving, but certain bird species have figured out that a voice can tell them most of what they need to know to find the right mate. Researchers found that the higher the pitch of a male bird’s song, the more genetic diversity that bird has, making him a better mate for breeding.
Continue reading about Some birds listen, instead of look, for mates