Ketamine is a fast-acting ‘dissociative’ anaesthetic previously found to have antidepressant effects in humans. But the negative side effects of ketamine make it a problematic candidate for depression treatment. However, new research published shows that the compound responsible for ketamine’s antidepressant effects is actually formed as the body metabolizes and breaks down the drug. The […]
Posts by SMCCadmin (SMCCadmin)
Rapid adaptive evolution of colour vision in threespine stickleback 
Colour vision can evolve to be better adapted to a particular environment in as little as 12,000 years. Authors of a new study out of UBC found that different populations of the threespine stickleback, a small fish that is able to live in fresh- or saltwater, have evolved to see different colours better depending on […]
Martian slopes may be carved by boiling water
The streaks sometimes observed appearing and lengthening on the Martian surface may be carved by boiling water, according to a new study. Researchers came to this conclusion after studying how water interacts with soil under Mars-like conditions in the lab here on Earth. The team placed an ice-block on top of a sandy slope and observed […]
Deep-ocean biodiversity follows a different set of rules
The diversity of life in the deep ocean is driven by the availability of food and not the temperature, as it is in shallower waters. Understanding biodiversity in the deep sea becomes increasingly important as species on the seafloor face pressure from deep-sea fishing and mining. A team of researchers from Canada and Australia analysed […]
3D heart models healing real-world patients
An interdisciplinary team of researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that 3D models of patients’ hearts could help doctors assess a person’s risk of developing life-threatening arrhythmias. Sudden cardiac death from arrhythmias is a leading cause of mortality, and for high-risk patients, insertion of implantable defibrillators can help reduce mortality. Researchers created personalized computer models […]
Applying a “second skin” for a more youthful appearance
A new material could serve as a less obvious wound-dressing, protect skin, help deliver medication and sunscreen. But it could also fulfill more cosmetic roles, like helping reduce wrinkles and under-eye bags. Researchers say this newly developed wearable silicon-based polymer material is breathable, elastic, invisible, moisturizing, and is both durable and removable. According to the […]
The genetic history of Ice Age Europe
Migration has been playing a role in European population dynamics since before the last Ice Age, according to what researchers believe is the most comprehensive genetic analysis of Upper Paleolithic Europeans to date. The team found that all the individuals between ~37,000 and ~14,000 years ago descended from a single founding population, which forms part […]
Could those genes be making you look old?
A gene may be partially responsible for how old you look, according to a new study. The gene, MC1R, is known for producing red hair and pale skin, as well as playing a role in repair to damaged DNA and other biological processes. Researchers found people carrying the gene typically look almost two years older […]
Peacock courtship is all in the shake of a tail feather
It takes more than flashing that beautiful tail to get a mate in the peacock world, according to new research. Researchers noticed the way the peacocks raise and vibrate their tail feathers makes it appear as if the eyespots hover motionless against an iridescent background. The research team captured 14 peacocks on video to analyze […]
Growing rare stem cells in a lab to treat blood diseases
Stem cells from umbilical cord blood can be used to help treat adult blood cancers, but few individual cord blood samples contain enough of the cells for a transplant. Now new research provides strategies for controlling and enhancing the growth of these stem cells, which means that more donated samples can be used for transplants, […]
Mapping the meaning of words in the brain
Researchers have mapped out how meanings of words are represented in the human brain. Researchers collected MRI data from seven participants while they listened to over 2 hours of stories on a radio show called The Moth Radio Hour. They found that information about the meaning of language is distributed broadly across over 100 distinct […]
High death rate among previously incarcerated Canadians
Individuals who have been incarcerated have an overall shorter life expectancy than the average Canadian, as well as a far greater likelihood of dying due to an overdose. Authors of a new Canadian study believe the consistently high death rate, both while in custody and after release, suggests this is not simply a result of […]
The use and abuse of Accutane among pregnant Canadians
The potent acne medication Accutane, also known as isotretinoin, is being used by pregnant women despite the risks the drug poses to a developing fetus as well as increasing the likelihood of miscarriage. The authors of a new study believe this shows Canada’s program that aims to prevent pregnancy in women using Accutane is not effective. […]
Expanding Canadian HPV vaccination program to boys
Expanding human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs to include males in Canada will help protect them against HPV-related cancers. Authors of a new Canadian analysis explain that it’s important for policy-makers to recognize that HPV can cause cancer in males as well as females, but current vaccination programs in Canada don’t address these risks. HPV is […]
Mysteries of the chameleon’s amazing tongue, revealed
The chameleon’s tongue is one of nature’s wonders – it relies on a highly specialised structure that allows it to extend to twice the length of its owner’s body while unravelling telescopically, all rapidly enough to catch passing insects. Now, US and UK scientists have built a mathematical model that explains the mechanics of the […]