Young chimpanzees have an "extraordinary"ability to remember numerals that is superior to that of human adults, researchers report. The researchers said they believethat the young chimps'newfound ability to top humans in the numerical memory task is "just a part of the very flexible intelligence of young chimpanzees."
Every year, in the United States about 1,500 people have surgical objects accidentally left inside them after surgery, according to medical studies. About two-thirds of the surgical objects left behind are sponges, which can lead to pain, infection, bowel obstructions, problems in healing, longer hospital stays, additional surgeries and in rare cases, death.
When cut, a planarian flatworm can use a population of stem cells called neoblasts to regenerate new heads, new tails or even entire new organisms from a tiny fragment of its body. Mechanisms have been sought to explain this process of regeneration polarity for over 100 years, but until now, little was known about how planaria can regenerate heads and tails at their proper sites. The gene Smed-beta-catenin-1 has now been discovered to regulate polarity in regenerating flatworms.
Scientists have shown that green tea has anti-tumor effect in breast cancer cells. A new study observed that green tea can inhibit the invading capacity of breast cancer cells and have also identified the mechanisms involved in death inducing and invasion inhibiting effects of green tea.
From nine different countries, 150 scientists are starting a program to gain insights about the Earth's climate and the complex system involving the oceans, atmosphere and land. They are studying the Southeastern Pacific Ocean off South America's west coast -- research that should improve global computer climate models, which would lead to improved predictions about global warming and El Niños.
Victims buried by an avalanche only have a chance of survival if they can be quickly and precisely located under the snow. A novel position-ing system, which will use the signals of Europe's future satellite system 'Galileo', is to help improve the search. It's the start of the skiing season: Attracted by bright sunshine and fresh snow, winter sports enthusiasts flock to the snow-covered slopes. But for some, the white splendor will prove fatal, especially for those who wander off the regular slope.
Observations about the early formation of Earth may answer an age-old question about why the planet's mantle is missing some of the matter that should be present. Earth is made from chondrite, very primitive rocks of meteorites that date from the earliest time of the solar system before the Earth was formed. However, scientists have been puzzled why the composition of Earth's mantle and core differed from that of chondrite.
New studies clarify the evidence of a genetic link between schizophrenia and cancer, providing a surprising possible scientific explanation for lower rates of cancer among patients with schizophrenia -- despite having poor diets and high rates of smoking -- and their parents.
Researchers are developing a biological map of how three tiny pathogens cause big losses for cattle producers each year. Using a newly developed technique called proteogenomic mapping, they have overcome the limitations inherent in computer modeling. They are using mass spectrometers to identify protein amino acid sequences and map them back onto the genome DNA sequences.
Scientists have developed an optical device that allows them to peer through the eyes of a mouse and monitor the cells passing through its bloodstream. The new optical device may help scientists test cancer therapies.
Scientists are reporting development of a new biodegradable "nanohybrid"plastic that can be engineered to decompose much faster than existing plastics used in everything from soft drink bottles to medical implants.
How do the lifestyle choices we make affect our chances of developing cancer? According to new findings, while genetics and environment are major contributors to cancer risk, the simple decisions made each day often matter too. Whether you are picking up a pack of cigarettes, a bottle of suntan lotion, or your walking pace, studies show the power to influence cancer risk is in your hands.
The price of oil nearly reached $100 a barrel recently, but a new prototype vehicle demonstrates how the cost of the black stuff could become a concern of the past. The system enables vehicles to not only run on electricity alone, but also to generate revenue by storing and providing electricity for utilities. The technology -- known as V2G, for vehicle-to-grid--lets electricity flow from the car's battery to power lines and back.
By introducing a gene mutation in mice, investigators have created what they believe to be the first accurate model of autism not associated with a broader neuropsychiatric syndrome, according to new research.
