Complex Wiring of the Nervous System May Rely on a Just a Handful of Genes and Proteins

Researchers at the Salk Institute have discovered a startling feature of early brain development that helps to explain how complex neuron wiring patterns are programmed using just a handful of critical genes. The findings, published February 3 in Cell, may help scientists develop new therapies for neurological disorders, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and provide insight into certain cancers.

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New Study by Biologist Finds Dramatic Improvements and Persistent Challenges for Women in Science

The underrepresentation of women in science has received significant attention. However, there have been few studies in which longitudinal data were used to assess changes over time. In a paper recently published in the journal BioScience, Richard B. Primack, professor of biology at Boston University; Krista L. McGuire, assistant professor of biological sciences at Barnard College, Columbia University; and Elizabeth C. Losos, adjunct professor at Duke University and president and CEO of the Organization for Tropical Studies, find that women in the field of ecological studies have experienced dramatic improvements, but persistent challenges remain.

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Environment’s Effects on Evolution of Survival Traits

Advances in studying genes mean that scientists in evolutionary developmental biology or “evo-devo” can now explain more clearly than ever before how bats got wings, the turtle got its shell and blind cave fish lost their eyes, says evolutionary biologist Craig Albertson, who studies cichlid fishes.

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Omega-3 Fatty Acid on Trial: Study to Evaluate Long-Term Effects on Intelligence, Behavior

University of Kansas conducts ten-year randomized controlled trial of prenatal supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid to evaluate long-term effects on children's intelligence and school success.

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Hovering Not Hard if You’re Top-Heavy

Top-heavy structures are more likely to maintain their balance while hovering in the air than are those that bear a lower center of gravity, researchers at NYU’s Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Department of Physics have found. Their findings are counter to common perceptions that flight stability can be achieved only through a relatively even distribution of weight—and may offer new design principles for hovering aircraft.

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TMS Co-Sponsoring Materials Innovation Informational Event in Washington, D.C.

Improving global competitiveness by preparing current and prospective American innovators and scientific engineers with skills for advanced material acceleration will be the subject of a materials information luncheon co-sponsored by The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) February 15 in Washington, D.C.

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Anyone Can Learn to Be More Inventive

There will always be a wild, unpredictable quality to creativity and invention, says cognitive psychology researcher Anthony McCaffrey, because reaching an “Aha moment” means leaping tall mental obstacles. But he has developed a tookit for overcoming common roadblocks and improving problem-solving.

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UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering Faculty Elected to National Academy of Engineering

Three faculty members in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California, San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering have been elected to the National Academy of Engineering.

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