science newsletter: Science News SciGuru.com

Δευτέρα 18 Νοεμβρίου 2013

Science News SciGuru.com

Researchers Capture Structure of Key Part of Deadly Nipah Virus
Brain study suggests classical musicians should improvise
Volcano discovered smoldering under a kilometer of ice in West Antarctica
NIH award funds research into tiny devices that shine light on brain disorders

Researchers Capture Structure of Key Part of Deadly Nipah Virus

Posted: 18 Nov 2013 04:56 AM PST

What began as a summer internship project designed for an undergraduate student evolved into a one-year study of one of the deadliest, but little known viruses. Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have now solved the structure of a key protein in the Nipah virus, which could pave the way for the development of a much-needed antiviral drug.

Brain study suggests classical musicians should improvise

Posted: 18 Nov 2013 04:45 AM PST

Researchers have found that listeners engage with classical music more when musicians improvise.

A collaboration of researchers from Imperial College London and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama examined the electrical signals in the brains of musicians and listeners.

Although improvisation is not commonly associated with classical music, the new study suggests that introducing elements of improvisation into classical concerts could increase audience engagement.

Volcano discovered smoldering under a kilometer of ice in West Antarctica

Posted: 17 Nov 2013 11:24 AM PST

It wasn’t what they were looking for — but that only made the discovery all the more exciting. In January 2010, a team of scientists had set up two crossing lines of seismographs across Marie Byrd Land in West Antarctica. It was the first time the scientists had deployed many instruments in the interior of the continent that could operate year-round even in the coldest parts of Antarctica.

Like a giant CT machine, the seismograph array used disturbances created by distant earthquakes to make images of the ice and rock deep within West Antarctica.

NIH award funds research into tiny devices that shine light on brain disorders

Posted: 17 Nov 2013 11:15 AM PST

To better understand and one day provide improved treatments for depression, addiction and anxiety, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis are using tiny, electronic devices to identify and map neural circuits in the brain.

The innovative work has been recognized with a rare grant called EUREKA (Exceptional, Unconventional Research Enabling Knowledge Acceleration) that funds high-risk/high-reward projects. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) supports 12 to 18 such grants each year.