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Genetic influences on cognition increase with age

New psychology research shows how genes can be stimulated or suppressed depending on the child's environment and could help bridge the achievement gap between rich and poor students.

New theory to explain seeds of life in asteroids

A new look at the early solar system introduces an alternative to a long-taught, but largely discredited, theory that seeks to explain how biomolecules were once able to form inside of asteroids.

Armed and attentive: The face is the focus for a person wielding a gun

A person wielding a gun focuses more intently on the face of an opponent with a gun, presumably to try to determine that person's likelihood of pulling the trigger, according to a new study on gun-in-hand research.

Supercomputers help solve a 50-year homework assignment

A group of theoretical physicists has solved half of a 50-year homework assignment —- a calculation of one type of subatomic particle decay aimed at helping to answer the question of why the early universe ended up with an excess of matter.

Supercomputing the transition from ordinary to extraordinary forms of matter

Calculations plus experimental data help map nuclear phase diagram, offering insight into transition that mimics formation of visible matter in the universe today.

How ants investigate the housing market when searching for their ideal home

An immediate and chronic concern for many of us is how the housing market influences the whole economy: surprisingly ants also have issues over the value of new homes, researchers from the University of Bristol have found.

Concerns over mercury levels in fish may be unfounded

New research suggests that fish accounts for only seven per cent of mercury levels in the human body. Concerns about the negative effects of mercury on fetal development have led to official advice warning against eating too much fish during pregnancy. A new finding suggests that those guidelines may need to be reviewed.

Americans don't contribute enough to retirement funds

Researchers have found that more than 90 percent of future retirees are contributing only a minimal amount of their salaries to their retirement funds.

Hey, wait a minute! Waiting actually makes people more patient

According to a recent study, waiting actually does make people more patient, which can provide a payoff for consumers by helping them make better decisions.

Recent study reduces Casimir force to lowest recorded level

Scientists have recorded a drastically reduced measurement of the Casimir effect, a fundamental quantum phenomenon experienced between two neutral bodies that exist in a vacuum.

Gene expression databases could uncover therapeutic targets, biological processes

A new computational tool developed by US and Israeli scientists will help scientists exploit the massive databases of gene expression experimental results that have been created over the past decade. Researchers say it could uncover new links between diseases and treatments and provide new insights into biological processes.

New fossils push the origin of flowering plants back by 100 million years to the early Triassic

Drilling cores from Switzerland have revealed the oldest known fossils of the direct ancestors of flowering plants. These beautifully preserved 240-million-year-old pollen grains are evidence that flowering plants evolved 100 million years earlier than previously thought, according to a new study. Flowering plants evolved from extinct plants related to conifers, ginkgos, cycads, and seed ferns. The oldest known fossils from flowering plants are pollen grains. These are small, robust and numerous and therefore fossilize more easily than leaves and flowers. An uninterrupted sequence of fossilized pollen from flowers begins in the Early Cretaceous, approximately 140 million years ago, and it is generally assumed that flowering plants first evolved around that time. But the present study documents flowering plant-like pollen that is 100 million years older, implying that flowering plants may have originated in the Early Triassic (between 252 to 247 million years ago) or even earlier.

Scientist sniffs out possible new tick species

Kibale National Park is an almost 500-square-mile forest in western Uganda. Here scientists frequently study how infectious diseases spread and evolve in the wild. One scientist returned with a "stow-away" -- a new species of tick.

Insight into combined radiation injury from nuclear disaster

A nuclear bomb or nuclear reactor accident can produce a deadly combination of radiation exposure and injuries such as burns and trauma. Now the first study of its kind in 50 years is providing new insights into combined radiation injury.

Smoking during pregnancy may increase risk of bipolar disorder in offspring

A study published suggests an association between smoking during pregnancy and increased risk for developing bipolar disorder in adult children. Researchers evaluated offspring from a large cohort of pregnant women and found that maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with a twofold increased risk of bipolar disorder in their offspring.

'Walking droplets': Strange behavior of bouncing drops demonstrates pilot-wave dynamics in action

A research team recently discovered that it's possible to make a tiny fluid droplet levitate on the surface of a vibrating bath, walking or bouncing across, propelled by its own wave field. Surprisingly, these walking droplets exhibit certain features previously thought to be exclusive to the microscopic quantum realm. This finding of quantum-like behavior inspired a team of researchers to examine the dynamics of these walking droplets.

Eye contact may make people more resistant to persuasion

Making eye contact has long been considered an effective way of drawing a listener in and bringing him or her around to your point of view. But new research shows that eye contact may actually make people more resistant to persuasion, especially when they already disagree.

Streams below fracking wastewater treatment show elevated salts, metals, radioactivity

Elevated levels of radioactivity, salts and metals have been found in river water and sediments at a site where treated water from oil and gas operations is discharged into a western Pennsylvania creek.

Did you have a good time? We know where you'll store the memory of it

Where do you go for a tasty bite and where is the food not so good? Where are you likely to have a great time and where might things not turn out so well? For every person – but also for animals – the information about pleasant and unpleasant experiences is of key importance. Researchers have now discovered how and where pleasant memories are stored.

Spinach and nanodiamonds? nanodiamond biosensor for detection of iron-level in blood

Popeye, the comic book hero, swears by it as do generations of parents who delight their children with spinach. Of course, today it is known that the vegetable is not quite as rich in iron as originally thought, but that iron is nevertheless essential for our physical well-being is undisputed. Lack of iron -- caused by malnutrition -- can lead to anemia while an increased level of iron may signal the presence of an acute inflammatory response. Therefore, the blood iron level is an important medical diagnostic agent. Researchers have now developed a novel biosensor for determination of iron content that is based on nanodiamonds.

Discovery of charged droplets could lead to more efficient power plants

Condensation on a metal plate leads to formation of droplets that carry electric charge, could improve power-plant efficiency.

Graphene with aroma: New production method broadens prospects for 'magic' material

New production method broadens the prospects for an improved use of the "magic material" -- many different forms are possible.

Alternative approaches to surgical valve replacement offer comparable outcomes

Patients with aortic stenosis who are ineligible for surgical valve replacement as well as the traditional approach to transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) may have comparable outcomes when the surgeon uses an alternative access TAVR approach.

Link found between high-fat, high-calorie diet and pancreas cancer

A new study demonstrates the first direct link between obesity and risk of pancreatic cancer. The research used mice to model human obesity and metabolism. The mice were given high-calorie, high-fat diets, which resulted in high numbers of pre-cancer lesions. Results from this research support a low-fat, low-calorie diet as preventative measure against cancer.

Statin therapy before coronary artery bypass grafting may improve outcomes

Patients receiving statin therapy before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery appear to have a reduced risk of post-surgical mortality, stroke, and atrial fibrillation (irregular or rapid heart rate).

Measuring height by connecting clocks

How far above sea level is a place located? And where exactly is "sea level"? It is one objective of the geodesists to answer these questions with 1 cm accuracy. Conventional measurement procedures or GPS technologies via satellites, however, reach their limits here. Now optical atomic clocks offer a new approach, because the tick rate of a clock is influenced by gravity.

Falls don't have to be part of getting older

Falls, and the injuries they cause, are not an inevitable part of aging. According to researchers, there are many things that can be done to prevent falls.

Macrophage-derived mediators may be biomarkers for urinary stone risk

A balance between the activation of the inflammatory macrophages and suppression of the anti-inflammatory macrophages in the kidney may play a pivotal role in kidney stone formation. These macrophage-derived mediators may have potential as biomarkers to reflect the urinary stone risk, according to a new study.

Americans' surprising response to government during great recession

In response to past economic crises such as the Great Depression, Americans demanded government policy solutions to widespread unemployment and rising income insecurity. But a new study found that public support for government efforts to address social problems actually declined in the wake of the 2008 economic crisis.

Genetic markings could spot cancer before it develops

Scientists analyzed clinical specimens of malignant tissue from 93 cancer patients from Norway and the UK and compared them with healthy tissue samples. They concluded that unique DNA markings on certain genes may 'predict' the risk of developing head and neck cancer.

Fertility problems? Joining the 'breakfast club' can help

A new study reveals that eating a good breakfast can have a positive impact on women with problems of infertility.

First ever global index to measure wellbeing of older people

A team has developed the Global AgeWatch Index to help highlight the varying quality of life and wellbeing that older people experience in countries around the world. Global AgeWatch Index 2013 is the first quantitative measure of its kind to focus on the wellbeing of older people on a worldwide scale. The Index compares the experiences of older people from 91 countries around the world and ranks them in order of quality of experience.

Legionella bacteria found in compost products

A study investigating the presence of Legionella in compost, has found that the bacteria exist in a significant number of commercial products.

Understanding the dangers of the fake marijuana called 'Spice' or 'K2'

The harmful effects of increasingly popular designer cannabis products called "Spice" or "K2" have puzzled scientists for years, but now a group of researchers is reporting progress toward understanding what makes them so toxic. The study describes development of a method that could someday help physicians diagnose and treat the thousands of young adults and teens who end up in emergency rooms after taking the drugs.

Telestroke service increases rates of 'clot-buster' treatment for stroke

A telestroke service increases the rate of effective tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) therapy for patients with acute ischemic stroke treated at community hospitals.

Despite menu changes, calorie, sodium levels in chain restaurant entrees remain the same

Although a number of chain restaurants have announced healthy menu changes over the years, the overall calorie and sodium levels in main entrees offered by top US chain restaurants assessed from 2010 to 2011 have remained the same.

Hospital cost of robotic or conventional open-chest mitral valve repair surgery is similar

The total hospital cost of mitral valve repair surgery -- from the time a patient is admitted to the hospital until release -- is similar, whether performed through small port incisions using robotic equipment or via the conventional open-chest method, a study of 370 patients found. Importantly, robotic surgeries were just as safe as conventional open procedures, but patients who underwent robotic mitral valve repair recovered more rapidly and returned home earlier than patients who had open-chest surgery, the study found.

California's new mental health system helps people live independently

A new analysis of California's mental health system finds that comprehensive, community-based mental health programs are helping people with serious mental illness transition to independent living.

Technology, not uninsured patients, driving hospital costs

Technology, not uninsured patients, likely explains the steep rise in the cost of hospital care in Texas in recent years.

Early mammal varieties declined as evolution of flowering plants radiated

The dramatic explosion of flowering plant species that occurred about 100 million years ago was thought to have been good news for evolving mammals. But new research suggests that wasn't necessarily the case.

New tuberculosis vaccine developed

A new vaccine has been developed to act as a booster to Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG), currently the only TB vaccine available. BCG was developed in the 1920s and has been used worldwide. The new "booster" would reactivate immune elements that over time diminish following BCG vaccination.

Early success in new treatment for stroke recovery

Researchers tested using vagus nerve stimulation as a possible technique to improve stroke recovery. The study showed that pairing vagus nerve stimulation with physical rehabilitation returned all the rats in the trial group to pre-stroke levels – double the effectiveness of rehabilitation alone.

Insect repellent: Scientists find insect DEET receptors, develop safe alternatives to DEET

Researchers have identified DEET-detecting olfactory receptors in insects that cause repellency and three safe compounds that mimic DEET and could one day be used to prevent the transmission of deadly vector-borne diseases. Until now, no one had a clue about which olfactory receptor insects used to avoid DEET. Without the receptors, it was impossible to apply modern technology to design new repellents to improve upon DEET.

Tears for fears: Juvenile mice secrete a protective pheromone in their tears, blocking adult mating

Young mice produce a pheromone in their tears that protects them from mating activity by adult male mice.

Transgendered males seen as an asset to some ancestral societies

Transgendered androphilic males were accepted in traditional hunter-gatherer cultures because they were an extra set of hands to support their families. This is according to an ethnographic study. The study reports that this "kin selection" is still at play in pro-transgender societies today.

Specialized intestinal cells cause some cases of Crohn's disease

Scientists have discovered that Crohn's disease, the inflammatory bowel disorder, can originate from specialized intestinal cell type called Paneth cells.

Seamless photography: Using mathematical models for image stitching

Panoramic photographs were invented to capture large objects or scenes that could not otherwise fit within the constraints of a single photo. Panoramic photography is achieved through image stitching, a process that combines two or more photographs, seamlessly blending input images with overlapping regions into one picture.

New method allows quantitative nanoscopic imaging through silicon

Scientists have figured out how to quantitatively observe cellular processes taking place on so-called "lab on a chip" devices in a silicon environment. The new technology will be useful in drug development as well as disease diagnosis, researchers say.

New strategy in the fight against TB?

A new approach to combating the tubercle bacillus, the microorganism that kills some 1.5 million people in the world each year, has been developed. The researchers have discovered that an amino acid, aspartate, is essential for the development of the bacillus because it acts as its main source of nitrogen. They have also succeeded in establishing the mechanism by which the bacterium extracts aspartate from its host.

Body image impacts weight gain during pregnancy

How women perceive their bodies during pregnancy and how that impacts on their weight gain has been the subject of a new study.

Inexpensive drug may minimize damage from heart attack

Early treatment of heart attack patients with an inexpensive beta-blocker drug called metoprolol, while in transit to the hospital, can significantly reduce damage to the heart during a myocardial infarction, according to clinical trial study.

You say he's just a friend, but your voice says differently

New research finds that men and women alter their voices when speaking to lovers versus friends and that such variations can potentially be used to detect infidelity.

Recruiting E. coli to combat hard-to-treat bacterial infections

The notorious bacteria E. coli is best known for making people sick, but scientists have reprogrammed the microbe -- which also comes in harmless varieties -- to make it seek out and fight other disease-causing pathogens. This new type of E. coli can even kill off slimy groups of bacteria called biofilms that are responsible for many hard-to-treat infections.

Peculiar, diverse and dangerous to crops: A checklist of the scale insects of Iran

Largely diverse and economically important group, the scale insects of Iran require further investigation and improvement of knowledge, both from taxonomic and practical point of view. A new detailed checklist of Coccoidea in Iran provides the first steps in the better understanding of the family and a call for future investigations and practical use of knowledge in pest control management.

Like father, not like son: Brain and song structure in zebra finches are strongly influenced by the environment

A central topic in behavioral biology is the question, which aspects of a behavior are learned or expressed due to genetic predisposition. Today it is known that our personality and behavior are far less determined by the genetic background. Especially during development environmental factors can shape brain and behavior via so-called epigenetic effects. Thereby hormones play an important role. netic predisposition. However, it is relatively hard to discriminate the effects of the environment from that of the genes.

Textured images help tactile recognition for the blind

The use of different materials with varied textures improves the recognition of tactile images by young blind people. This result emphasizes that early, regular use of tactile material by blind children is necessary to improve recognition through touch.

New target to fight HIV infection identified

A mutant of an immune cell protein called ADAP (adhesion and degranulation-promoting adaptor protein) is able to block infection by HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus 1), new research reveals.

Gathering information about food not top priority for those with high metabolisms

New research has revealed that individuals with the highest metabolic rates within populations should be the least pre-occupied with keeping track of changes in their environments that could lead them to sources of food. Individuals with slower or average metabolisms however should be constantly monitoring their opportunities for higher gain when they are looking for food. The study shows that variation in metabolic rates between individuals can explain dramatic differences in information use when it comes to food.

Fear of predators drives honey bees away from good food sources

Honey bees live in a world filled with danger in which predators seize them from the sky and wait to ambush them on flowers. Such fear drives bees to avoid food sources closely associated with predators and, interestingly, makes colonies of bees less risk-tolerant than individual bees, according to a new study.

Red wine chemical, resveratrol, remains effective against cancer after the body converts it

A chemical found in red wine remains effective at fighting cancer even after the body's metabolism has converted it into other compounds.

Sleeping too little, or too much, linked to heart disease, diabetes, obesity

A new study links too little sleep (six hours or less) and too much sleep (10 or more hours) with chronic diseases -- including coronary heart disease, diabetes, anxiety and obesity -- in adults age 45 and older. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine encourages patients suffering from these common chronic conditions to speak with a sleep medicine physician who can evaluate their sleep patterns.

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Wednesday, October 2, 2013

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