Ein europäisches Forschungskonsortium hat sich zum Ziel gesetzt, einen neuen kognitiven Tauchroboter zu entwickeln, der in der Lage ist, das Verhalten und den physischen Zustand des Tauchers zu interpretieren. Das neue Gerät ist vor allem für Berufstaucher interessant. Sie absolvieren häufig hochkomplexe Arbeitseinsätze und bewegen sich in schwierigen Umgebungen. Verhaltensforscher Karl Grammer vom Department für Anthropologie der Universität Wien leitet bei dem mit 3,7 Millionen Euro geförderten Projekt die österreichische Kooperation. (more…)
A model of great ape history during the past 15 million years has been fashioned through the study of genetic variation in a large panel of humans, chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans. The catalog of great ape genetic diversity, the most comprehensive ever, elucidates the evolution and population histories of great apes from Africa and Indonesia. The resource will likely also aid in current and future conservation efforts which strive to preserve natural genetic diversity in populations.
More than 75 scientists and wildlife conservationists from around the world assisted the genetic analysis of 79 wild and captive-born great apes. They represent all six great ape species: chimpanzee, bonobo, Sumatran orangutan, Bornean orangutan, eastern gorilla, and western lowland gorilla, and seven subspecies. Nine human genomes were included in the sampling. (more…)
Technique may lead to earlier diagnosis, tracking of brain disorders in athletes
Sports-related concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries have grabbed headlines in recent months, as the long-term damage they can cause becomes increasingly evident among both current and former athletes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that millions of these injuries occur each year.
Despite the devastating consequences of traumatic brain injury and the large number of athletes playing contact sports who are at risk, no method has been developed for early detection or tracking of the brain pathology associated with these injuries. (more…)
