04 Feb, 2014 | by Labroots
Old Plaque DNA in 6th Century Teeth May Lead to New Strains TodaySeveral recent science articles focus on new discoveries that bring forth concerns about old bacteria causing many deaths in the past could lead to new bacteria that may cause future outbreaks. Researchers have found tiny bits of DNA in the teeth of two German victims of the Justinian plague from around 1,500 years ago. Scientists say strains of the same plague resulted in two of the worldâs deadliest...... Read More
03 Feb, 2014 | by Labroots
White Matter Matters for Some Areas of MathThe quality of white matter in the brain may have an impact on an individualâs ability to excel at addition and multiplying, according to a new study. The white matter in the brain performs as a protectant sheath around neural pathways made up of gray cells, or gray matter. The neural pathways are like bundles of cables, and they serve as tracts for signals to be transferred. The more pathways there...... Read More
29 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
High-Energy Variations of Table Salt Show Exciting PossibilitiesThe rules of chemistry have been well understood for ages. It's also known that under extreme conditions of temperature/pressure that these rules aren't always followed, creating unusual chemical variations. Assumptions inherent in the rules of classical chemistry may break down under extreme high-energy conditions and allow for chemical configurations that couldn't be formed normally. A recent article...... Read More
27 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
DNA Study Suggests New Territory for Ancient AmericansIt has long been an accepted theory among paleontologists that the Americas were first populated by nomadic tribes of hunter-gatherers who emigrated from the far east of Asia during the last Ice Age nearly 15,000 years ago. With ocean levels reduced worldwide because of glaciations drawing a vast portion of water into the ice, a dry âland bridgeâ emerged from the shallow waters to connect the...... Read More
23 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Going Forward with GenomicsAfter the sequencing of the human genome a decade ago, hopes of massive discoveries of new drugs to treat all types of diseases fell short. Now, a partnership between an up-and-coming biotechnology company, Regeneron, and the Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania is generating new hope and a great deal of excitement, with their plans to push genomics forward with an ambitious effort to get the results...... Read More
22 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Enhance Memory with CaffeineThe majority of people wake up to a new day by drinking at least one caffeine-containing beverage of choice. From tea, to coffee, to carbonated beverages, a variety of drinks served warm, hot or cold, are made with caffeine to meet the needs of millions of people for an instant wake-me-up. Although we all know how effective caffeine can be at getting us up and keeping us alert, the stimulant has now...... Read More
21 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Concussions Could Lead to Depression in TeensTwo serious conditions in teens could be related. Those teens who have suffered from a concussion, which is considered to be a mild, traumatic brain injury, have also been found more likely to suffer from psychological effects, including depression, afterwards. The study was performed using data from the 2007 to 2008 National Survey of Childrenâs Health, according to an article in Science Daily...... Read More
20 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
A High Fiber Diet Can Help You Avoid AsthmaIn a study where mice were fed a diet rich in fiber, they became more resistant to allergy-induced airway inflammation. This came as a result of the production of fatty acids by gut bacteria that cause a calming of the immune system. According to a recent article in Scientific American, the food you eat can have an impact on the entire body. The specific study on which the article is based showed that...... Read More
17 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Insect Experts Taking Advantage of Winter FreezeWhile most people hit by the unusually low temperatures in much of the country express frustration and discomfort at the conditions and inconveniences the freezing temperatures brought with them, entomologists, foresters and naturalists took advantage of the opportunity to impact some of the invasive insects that have been threatening popular tree and plant species. These professionals play an important...... Read More
16 Jan, 2014 | by Labroots
Cancer Drug Shown to Protect Against Type 1 DiabetesMedicine that is already used to treat cancer patients has been shown effective at preventing the development of type 1 diabetes, while also protecting insulin-producing cells from being destroyed. Findings from the study performed by researchers from the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen were published in the distinguished science journal Proceedings of the National...... Read More