Infants’ early speech production may predict their later literacy, according to a study published October 10, 2018 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Kelly Farquharson from Florida State University and colleagues. Continue reading “Infants capable of complex babble may grow into stronger readers”
Alignment method of the Great Pyramid to cardinal points could be identified
A new study indicates that ancient Egyptians used the fall equinox for the alignment of the Great Pyramid of Giza to the four cardinal points, north-south-east-west, with great accuracy. The method uses a vertical rod to track the movement of the sun on the equinox. The fall equinox occurs when the Earth’s tilt is such that leads to an approximately equal length of day and night. Continue reading “Alignment method of the Great Pyramid to cardinal points could be identified”
Understanding 6th-century barbarian social organization and migration through paleogenomics
Applying a comprehensive analysis of genetic, historical, and archeological factors in two 6th-century barbarian cemeteries, researchers have gleaned new insights into a key era known as the Migration Period that laid the foundation for modern European society. Spanning the 4th to 8th centuries, this epoch followed the decline of the Western Roman Empire and was a time of major socioeconomic and cultural transformation in Europe. However, despite more than a century of scholarly work by historians and archaeologists, much about the period still remains unknown or is hotly debated, as reliable written accounts are lacking. Continue reading “Understanding 6th-century barbarian social organization and migration through paleogenomics”
Electrical properties of dendrites help explain our brain’s unique computing power
Neurons in the human brain receive electrical signals from thousands of other cells, and long neural extensions called dendrites play a critical role in incorporating all of that information so the cells can respond appropriately. Continue reading “Electrical properties of dendrites help explain our brain’s unique computing power”
Brain circuits for successful emotional development established during infancy
Researchers in the UNC Early Brain Development Study tracking the development of the brain’s emotion circuitry in infancy found that adult-like functional brain connections for emotional regulation emerge during the first year of life. And the growth of these brain circuits during the second year of life predicted the IQ and emotional control of the children at 4 years old, suggesting new avenues for early detection and intervention for children who are at risk for emotional problems. Continue reading “Brain circuits for successful emotional development established during infancy”
New material, manufacturing process use sun’s heat for cheaper renewable electricity
Solar power accounts for less than 2 percent of U.S. electricity but could make up more than that if the cost of electricity generation and energy storage for use on cloudy days and at nighttime were cheaper. Continue reading “New material, manufacturing process use sun’s heat for cheaper renewable electricity”
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