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Frogs that hear with their mouth: X-rays reveal a new hearing mechanism for animals without an ear

Gardiner's frogs from the Seychelles islands, one of the smallest frogs in the world, do not possess a middle ear with an eardrum yet can croak themselves, and hear other frogs. An international team of scientists using X-rays has now solved this mystery and established that these frogs are using their mouth cavity and tissue to transmit sound to their inner ears.

A fly's hearing: Fruit fly is ideal model to study hearing loss in people

Researchers say that the common fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is an ideal model to study hearing loss in humans caused by loud noise. The reason: The molecular underpinnings to its hearing are roughly the same as with people.

Prehistoric climate shift linked to cosmic impact

For the first time, a dramatic global climate shift has been linked to the impact in Quebec of an asteroid or comet, Dartmouth researchers and their colleagues report in a new study. The cataclysmic event wiped out many of the planet's large mammals and may have prompted humans to start gathering and growing some of their food rather than solely hunting big game.

Genetic reproductive barriers: Long-held assumption about emergence of new species questioned

Darwin referred to the origin of species as "that mystery of mysteries," and even today, more than 150 years later, evolutionary biologists cannot fully explain how new animals and plants arise. For decades, nearly all research in the field has been based on the assumption that the main cause of the emergence of new species, a process called speciation, is the formation of barriers to reproduction between populations. But now researchers are questioning the long-held assumption that genetic reproductive barriers, also known as reproductive isolation, are a driving force behind speciation.

Salamanders under threat from deadly skin-eating fungus

A new species of fungus that eats amphibians' skin has ravaged the fire salamander population in the Netherlands, bringing it close to regional extinction.

Primate calls, like human speech, can help infants form categories

Human infants' responses to the vocalizations of non-human primates shed light on the developmental origin of a crucial link between human language and core cognitive capacities, a new study reports. Previous studies have shown that even in infants too young to speak, listening to human speech supports core cognitive processes, including the formation of object categories. Researchers documented that this link is initially broad enough to include the vocalizations of non-human primates.

Soot suspect in mid-1800s Alps glacier retreat

Scientists have uncovered strong evidence that soot, or black carbon, sent into the air by a rapidly industrializing Europe, likely caused the abrupt retreat of mountain glaciers in the European Alps.

The true raw material footprint of nations

Using a new modelling tool and more comprehensive indicators, researchers were able to map the flow of raw materials across the world economy with unprecedented accuracy to determine the true "material footprint" of 186 countries over a two-decade period (from 1990 to 2008). The results confirm that pressures on raw materials do not necessarily decline as affluence grows and demonstrates the need for policy-makers to consider new accounting methods that more accurately track resource consumption.

Biologists show that generosity leads to evolutionary success

With new insights into the classical game theory match-up known as the "Prisoner's Dilemma," biologists offer a mathematically based explanation for why cooperation and generosity have evolved in nature.

Giant Triassic amphibian was a burrowing youngster

During the Triassic Period Krasiejów, Poland had a warm climate and was populated by giant amphibians, such as Metoposaurus diagnosticus. Like modern amphibians, Metoposaurus needed water, but an extremely long dry season drove this species to burrow underground and go dormant. This recently discovered burrowing behavior was explored in a new study examining the overall structure Metoposaurus' skeleton and the microscopic structure of its bones.

Single tone alerts brain to complete sound pattern

The processing of sound in the brain is more advanced than previously thought. When we hear a tone, our brain temporarily strengthens that tone but also any tones separated from it by one or more octaves.

Red cedar tree study shows that clean air act is reducing pollution, improving forests

Ecologist have shown that the Clean Air Act has helped forest systems recover from decades of sulfur pollution and acid rain. The research team spent four years studying centuries-old eastern red cedar trees, or Juniperus virginiana, in the Central Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia.

Maternal posttraumatic stress disorder associated with increased risk for child maltreatment

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in mothers appears to be associated with an increased risk for child maltreatment beyond that associated with maternal depression, according to a new study.

Gap in earnings persists between male and female physicians, research letter suggests

A gap in earnings between male and female U.S. physicians has persisted over the last 20 years, according to a new research.

Following a Mediterranean diet not associated with delay to clinical onset of Huntington disease

Adhering to a Mediterranean-type diet (MedDi) does not appear associated with the time to clinical onset of Huntington disease (phenoconversion), according to a new study.

Peru: Liver cancer like no other

Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third most deadly. It mainly affects men over the age of 40, most often with cirrhosis or hepatitis B or C. But in Peru, it also uncharacteristically affects young people, even children, who do not have the identified related risk factors. Scientists have highlighted a disturbing fact: these patients, with an average age of 25, come from the same geographical area in the Andes.

Between the water and fire of Peruvian volcanoes

Water and fire coexist under volcanoes to generate "hydrothermal" systems: complex "steam engines" producing white smoke called "fumaroles" that is sometimes observed at the surface. Scientists have just demonstrated why these reservoirs are not always found under the volcanic peaks. For certain structures such as the Ticsani and Ubinas in Peru, where the volcanologists conducted their study, resurgences occur more than 10 km from the top of the dome. Their numerical model shows that the position of the hydrothermal systems depends on regional topography, which may significantly deviate subsurface flows.

Remember toddler privacy online

Research finds there is an emerging trend for very young children (toddlers and pre-schoolers) to use internet connected devices, especially touchscreen tablets and smartphones. This is likely to result in an increasing number of very young children having access to the internet, along with a probable increase in exposure to risks associated with such internet use, including risk generated by parents.

How mouth cells resist Candida infection

Candida albicans is a common fungus found living in, and on, many parts of the human body. Usually this species causes no harm to humans unless it can breach the body's immune defenses, where can lead to serious illness or death. It is known as an opportunistic pathogen that can colonize and infect individuals with a compromised immune system. New research gives us a greater understanding of how mucosal surfaces in the body respond to C. albicans to prevent damage being done during infection.

Costs of health care-associated infections: 9.8 billion annually in US

A study estimates that total annual costs for five major health care-associated infections (HAIs) were $9.8 billion, with surgical site infections contributing the most to overall costs, according to a new report.

Deep-sea squid with tentacle tips that 'swim' on their own

Many deep-sea animals such as anglerfish use parts of their body as lures to attract prey. Researchers have now described a deep-sea squid whose tentacle tips flap and flutter as if swimming on their own. The researchers hypothesize that the motion of these tentacle tips may induce small shrimp and other animals to approach within reach of the squid's arms.

Common phobia you have never heard of: Fear of holes may stem from evolutionary survival response

Does the sight of soap bubbles, aerated chocolate or a lotus flower seed pod bring you out in a cold sweat and make you feel panicky? If so, you could be a sufferer of one of the most common phobias you have never heard of – trypophobia, or the fear of holes.

First estimate of total viruses in mammals

Scientists estimate that there is a minimum of 320,000 viruses in mammals awaiting discovery. Collecting evidence of these viruses, or even a majority of them, they say, could provide information critical to early detection and mitigation of disease outbreaks in humans. This undertaking would cost approximately $6.3 billion, or $1.4 billion if limited to 85 percent of total viral diversity -- a fraction of the economic impact of a major pandemic like SARS.

Language and tool-making skills evolved at the same time

The same brain activity is used for language production and making complex tools, supporting the theory that they evolved at the same time.

Menopausal women at greater risk for asthma hospitalization

Asthma is a disease that mostly affects young boys and adult women. According to a new study, women in their 40s and 50s with asthma are hospitalized more than twice as often as men in the same age group.

Cracking bacteria's secrets may lead to new treatments

Scientists have found another chink in bacteria's armor, mapping for the first time the structure of a protein that plays an important role helping infection gain a foothold in the body.

Oldest land-living animal from Gondwana found

Scientists have discovered the oldest known land-living animal from Gondwana in a remote part of the Eastern Cape. It is a 350-million-year-old fossilized scorpion.

Bringing coral reefs back from the brink

Shocks caused by climate and seasonal change could be used to aid recovery of some of the world's badly-degraded coral reefs, scientists have proposed. Marine scientists suggest that it may be possible to restore living coral cover to a badly-degraded reef system -- though not easy.

Canine remote control, using your smart phone? Hands-free dog walking for the digital age

That "best friend" can get a bit tiresome, all that rolling over, shaking paws, long walks and eating every crumb of food off the floor. But, what if there were a way to command your dog with a remote control, or even via your smart phone...or even without hands?

Mediterranean diet is good for the mind, research confirms

Many pieces of research have identified a link between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and a lower risk of age-related disease such as dementia. Scientists have carried out the first systematic review and their findings.

Synthetic polymer could stop the spread of HIV

A precisely designed macromolecule that mimics the binding of HIV to immune system cells could be used to stop the virus from physically entering the body, according to a new study.

Fish embryos possess a mechanism for protection against chemicals

Fish possess a number of different mechanisms for protection against harmful substances in an aquatic environment. These include, for example, molecular transport systems, such as the so called ABC (ATP binding cassette) transporters, which prevent the penetration of toxic substances into cells. ABC transporters have been well investigated for mammals. For fish and their embryos, however, little is known about such transporters. Ecotoxicologists have now found that the transport protein Abcb4 actively extrudes chemicals from the embryo of the zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Researchers create tool to predict kidney failure or death after injury

Researchers have developed a risk score calculation that can help predict which patients with rhabdomyolysis (a condition that occurs due to muscle damage) may be at risk for the severe complication of kidney failure or death.

2013 bedroom poll explores sleep differences among six countries

The 2013 International Bedroom Poll, compares sleep times, attitudes, habits and bedtime routines of those in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan between the ages of 25 and 55 years old.

Scientists edge closer towards first pancreatitis treatment

20,000 people are admitted to UK hospitals annually with pancreatitis. One in five of these cases are severe, resulting in around 1000 deaths annually. Research has found that a calcium inhibiting compound offers unique and effective protection in isolated cells against the disease.

New effective treatment for high blood pressure? Removing tiny organ

Removing one of the tiniest organs in the body has shown to provide effective treatment for high blood pressure. The discovery could revolutionize treatment of the world's biggest silent killer.

Can you predict complications with back surgery? Preoperative factors increase risk

For older adults undergoing surgery for spinal stenosis, some simple indicators of poor preoperative health predict a high risk of major medical complications.

Scientists fish for new epilepsy model and reel in potential drug

According to new research on epilepsy, zebrafish have certainly earned their stripes. Results of a new study suggest that zebrafish carrying a specific mutation may help researchers discover treatments for Dravet syndrome, a severe form of pediatric epilepsy that results in drug-resistant seizures and developmental delays.

Solar cell performance improves with ion-conducting polymer

Researchers have found a way to make dye-sensitized solar cells more energy-efficient and longer-lasting.

Medicaid pays for nearly half of all births in the United States

Medicaid paid for nearly half of the 3.8 million births in the United States in 2010 — an amount that has been rising over time.

Young people now at higher risk for stroke

Fifteen percent of the most common type of strokes occur in adolescents and young adults, and more young people are showing risk factors for such strokes.

Birds choose sweet-smelling mates

For most animals, scent is the instant messenger of choice for quickly exchanging personal profiles. Scientists, however, have long dismissed birds as odor-eschewing Luddites that don't take advantage of scent-based communications. Scientists have now demonstrated that birds do indeed communicate via scents, and that odor reliably predicts their reproductive success.

Ground breaking research identifies promising drugs for treating Parkinson's

New drugs, which may have the potential to stop faulty brain cells dying and slow down the progression of Parkinson's, have been identified by scientists in a pioneering study which is the first of its kind.

An easier way to control genes

Researchers have shown that they can turn genes on or off inside yeast and human cells by controlling when DNA is copied into messenger RNA -- an advance that could allow scientists to better understand the function of those genes.

Brain study uncovers vital clue in bid to beat epilepsy

People with epilepsy could be helped by new research into the way a key molecule controls brain activity during a seizure.

Blind mole-rats are resistant to chemically induced cancers

Like naked mole-rats (Heterocephalus gaber), blind mole-rats (of the genus Spalax) live underground in low-oxygen environments, are long-lived and resistant to cancer. A new study demonstrates just how cancer-resistant Spalax are, and suggests that the adaptations that help these rodents survive in low-oxygen environments also play a role in their longevity and cancer resistance.

Blood pressure drug tends to slow coronary disease

Patients with clogged and hardened arteries who already have their blood pressure under control may benefit from an additional blood pressure-lowering medication, according to new research.

Women happier when they gain weight, even though they are not as healthy, study suggests

Body weight has a great influence on our quality of life. While physical health deteriorates when weight is gained, mental well-being seems to improve, especially in women. These results offer valuable information for preventive strategies in the fight against obesity.

Atom-based analogues to electronic devices

Scientists have pushed back the boundaries of atom-based transport, creating a current by characterizing the many-body effects in the transport of the atoms along a periodic lattice. Scientists adopted a new analytical approach before comparing it to approximate numerical simulations.

Save my limbs

Retrograde access gives surgeons the ability to go through the foot to open up blocked arteries and save the limbs of people whose only other option is amputation.

Lessons from the worm: How the elderly can live an active life

When the tiny roundworm C. elegans reaches middle age —- at about 2 weeks old -— it can't quite move like it did in the bloom of youth. But rather than imposing an exercise regimen to rebuild the worm's body-wall muscles, researchers can bring the wriggle back by stimulating the animal's neurons. And, they say, pharmaceuticals might have a similar effect in mammals.

Hormone may help fight obesity and reduce cholesterol

Research has shown that giving obese rodents a recently identified circulating protein called fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) helps improve their metabolism. Now investigators reveal that a variant of FGF21 has similar effects in obese people with Type 2 diabetes.

Aging really is 'in your head:' Scientists answer hotly debated questions about how calorie restriction delays aging process

Among scientists, the role of proteins called sirtuins in enhancing longevity has been hotly debated, driven by contradictory results from many different scientists. But new research may settle the dispute. Researchers have identified the mechanism by which a specific sirtuin protein called Sirt1 operates in the brain to bring about a significant delay in aging and an increase in longevity. Both have been associated with a low-calorie diet.

IT monitoring effective in deterring fraud by restaurant employees

For many firms, losing significant revenue and profit to employee theft has been a cost of doing business. But a new study finds that information technology monitoring is strikingly effective in reducing theft and fraud, especially in the restaurant industry.

New therapeutic approach to fight cancer: Inhibiting cancer cells' energy metabolism

Resting cancer cells can be selectively destroyed by inhibiting their energy metabolism, according to a new study.

Making plants' inner qualities visible

Not only psychologists would be happy to be able to look inside their patients' heads – a plant's "inner qualities" also supply plant researchers with valuable information. A special camera analyzes the constituents of grapevines, corn and other plants.

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Tuesday, September 3, 2013

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