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Scientists probe abandoned mine for clues about permanent carbon dioxide sequestration

An abandoned mineral mine is providing geoscientists new insights on how to permanently entomb greenhouse gas emissions in the Earth.

Possibility of cloning quantum information from the past

Popular television shows such as "Doctor Who" have brought the idea of time travel into the vernacular of popular culture. But problem of time travel is even more complicated than one might think. Scientists have now shown that it would theoretically be possible for time travelers to copy quantum data from the past.

Quality of biodiversity, not just quantity, is key: Right mix of species is needed for conservation

A new study of biodiversity loss in a salt marsh finds that it's not just the total number of species preserved that matters; it's the number of key species. If humans want to reap the benefits of the full range of functions that salt marshes and other coastal ecosystems provide, we need to preserve the right mix of species.

Gene expression changes with meditation

With evidence growing that meditation can have beneficial health effects, scientists have sought to understand how these practices physically affect the body. A new study reports the first evidence of specific molecular changes in the body following a period of mindfulness meditation.

International gene therapy trial for 'bubble boy' disease shows promising early results

Researchers reported promising outcomes data for the first group of boys with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome, a fatal genetic immunodeficiency also known as "bubble boy" disease, who were treated as part of an international clinical study of a new form of gene therapy. Its delivery mechanism was designed to prevent the leukemia that arose a decade ago in a similar trial in Europe.

Vast freshwater reserves found beneath the oceans

Scientists have discovered huge reserves of freshwater beneath the oceans kilometers out to sea, providing new opportunities to stave off a looming global water crisis. A new study reveals that an estimated half a million cubic kilometers of low-salinity water are buried beneath the seabed on continental shelves around the world.

Calibration tools to encourage use of novel medical imaging technique

Researchers have developed prototype calibration tools for an experimental medical imaging technique that offer new advantages in diagnosing and monitoring of certain cancers and possibly other medical conditions.

U.S. malaria cases increase with international travel

Researchers are looking for new ways to fight malaria through mosquito control. In 2011, 1,925 malaria cases were reported in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This number is the highest seen since 1971 and represents a 48 percent increase from 2008. The majority of malaria infections in the U.S. occur among people who have traveled to regions with malaria endemic.

Decreased diversity of bacteria microbiome in gut associated colorectal cancer

Decreased diversity in the microbial community found in the human gut is associated with colorectal cancer, according to a new study published.

Clinical waste may be valuable for monitoring treatment response in ovarian cancer

A microchip-based device developed may greatly simplify the monitoring of patients' response to treatment for ovarian cancer -- the most lethal form of gynecologic cancer -- and certain other malignancies. The team reports using their device to isolate and identify tumor cells from ascites, an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen that often occurs in abdominal cancers.

To improve foster care, add psychiatric nurse to treatment team

A nursing instructor has found mental health nurses lend valuable perspective in treating troubled teens in foster care.

Angioplasty may not be better than drug therapy in stable disease

For patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) who are not experiencing a heart attack and an abnormal stress test, treatment of their narrowed arteries by the common procedure of angioplasty may not provide additional benefits compared to drug therapy alone. This finding results from a survey of more than 4,000 patients with myocardial ischemia, or inadequate circulation, led by cardiologists.

Laser instrument on NASA Mars rover tops 100,000 zaps

NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has passed the milestone of 100,000 shots fired by its laser. It uses the laser as one way to check which chemical elements are in rocks and soils.

Reducing salt is bad for glacial health, NASA finds

A new NASA-led study has discovered an intriguing link between sea ice conditions and the melting rate of Totten Glacier, the glacier in East Antarctica that discharges the most ice into the ocean. The discovery, involving cold, extra salty water -- brine -- that forms within openings in sea ice, adds to our understanding of how ice sheets interact with the ocean, and may improve our ability to forecast and prepare for future sea level rise.

History of American urban squirrel

A researcher has examined how squirrels found homes in American cities, and how the presence of the now-ubiquitous bushy-tailed critters altered people's conceptions of nature and community.

Frequent cell phone use linked to anxiety, lower grade, reduced happiness in students

Results of the analysis showed that cell phone use by college students was negatively related to GPA and positively related to anxiety. Following this, GPA was positively related to happiness while anxiety was negatively related to happiness. Thus, for the population studied, high frequency cell phone users tended to have lower GPA, higher anxiety, and lower satisfaction with life (happiness) relative to their peers who used the cell phone less often.

Counting the cost of infertility treatment

From drug therapy to IVF, out-of pocket costs can range from $900 to $19,000 per treatment cycle, report researchers.

Study finds parental stress linked to obesity in children

Parental stress is linked to weight gain in children, according to a new study.

Growing giants: Huge grains of copper promote better graphene growth

To technology insiders, graphene is a certified big deal. The one-atom thick carbon-based material elicits rhapsodic descriptions as the strongest, thinnest material known. It also is light, flexible, and able to conduct electricity as well as copper. Graphene-based electronics promise advances such as faster internet speeds, cheaper solar cells, novel sensors, space suits spun from graphene yarn, and more. Now a research team may help bring graphene's promise closer to reality.

Surprising discovery: Skin communicates with liver

Researchers have discovered that the skin is capable of communicating with the liver. The discovery has surprised the scientists, and they say that it may help our understanding of how skin diseases can affect the rest of the body.

Promising results for Swedish cancer drug candidate

A new study presents very promising results for the treatment of the cancer form multiple myeloma. The findings are so promising that the scientists are teaming up with Harvard to bring the drug to clinical trials on patients.

Squeezing transistors really hard generates energy savings

If silicon is squeezed, this affects the freedom of movement of the electrons in this material. This can promote or restrict the flow of electrical current. Compare it to a garden hose. When you stand on it, less water comes out. But strangely enough, the flow of electrons in silicon actually increases when the material is compressed.

Human stem cells predict efficacy of Alzheimer drugs

Why do certain Alzheimer medications work in animal models but not in clinical trials in humans? A research team has been able to show that results of established test methods with animal models and cell lines used up until now can hardly be translated to the processes in the human brain. Drug testing should therefore be conducted with human nerve cells, conclude the scientists.

Three-dimensional view helps laser in building new molecules

Scientists have developed a new feedback method for optimizing the laser pulse shapes used in the control of chemical reactions.

Cigarette smoking after cancer diagnosis increases risk of death

Men who continued to smoke after a cancer diagnosis had an increased risk of death compared with those who quit smoking after diagnosis, according to a study published.

Feeding by tourists compromises health of already-endangered iguanas, study finds

Feeding wildlife is an increasingly common tourist activity, but a new study shows that already-imperilled iguanas are suffering further physiological problems as a result of being fed by tourists.

First in-depth analysis of primate eating habits

From insect-munching tamarins to leaf-loving howler monkeys, researchers have compiled the most thorough review of primate eating habits to date.

Good relationships make women more satisfied with their weight

Women who are in a satisfying relationship are more likely to be satisfied with their body weight.

Teachers' concern at the sexualization of children

Research by a team of psychologists has found that of teachers report an increase in the frequency and intensity of sexually inappropriate behaviour by their pupils. Twenty-two teachers were interviewed, drawn from primary, secondary and special schools. The majority of respondents reported an increase in sexualized behavior in children, ranging from sexual language to coercive acts.

Feeling defeated, entrapped is linked to anxiety, depression

Feeling defeated and entrapped is linked to anxiety and depression. This is the conclusion of research recently released by British researchers.

Discovery of partial skeleton suggests ruggedly built, tree-climbing human ancestor

A human ancestor characterized by "robust" jaw and skull bones was a muscular creature and more adaptive to its environment than previously thought, scientists have discovered. Researchers found a partial skeleton dated to 1.34 million years (Paranthropus boisei) in north Tanzania. The bones suggest the creature was more ruggedly built than previously thought.

How water dissolves stone, molecule by molecule

Scientists have combined cutting-edge experimental techniques and computer simulations to find a new way of predicting how water dissolves crystalline structures like those found in natural stone and cement.

NASA Goddard planetary instruments score a hat trick

Planetary instruments from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., hit the trifecta on Dec. 4, running three experiments of the same kind at different places in space.

Vaginally administered erectile dysfunction medication may alleviate menstrual cramping, study suggests

Women with moderate to severe menstrual cramps may find relief in a class of erectile dysfunction drugs, according to a team of researchers.

Predictor of prostate cancer outcomes identified

Researchers have identified a biomarker for a cellular switch that accurately predicts which prostate cancer patients are likely to have their cancer recur or spread.

Researchers create nonlinear light-generating zero-index metamaterial

Researchers have used a unique optical metamaterial with zero-index refraction to generate phase mismatch–free nonlinear light, an important step towards efficient light generation for future quantum networks and light sources.

US stroke deaths declining due to improved prevention, treatment

Better blood pressure control, stop-smoking programs and faster treatment are a few of the reasons for a dramatic decline in US stroke deaths in recent decades.

'Spinning trap' developed to measure electron roundness

Researchers have developed a method of spinning electric and magnetic fields around trapped molecular ions to measure whether the ions' tiny electrons are truly round -- research with major implications for future scientific understanding of the universe.

Hummingbird metabolism unique in burning glucose, fructose equally

Hummingbird metabolism is a marvel of evolutionary engineering. These tiny birds can power all of their energetic hovering flight by burning the sugar contained in the floral nectar of their diet.

Better diagnoses may help vets with anxiety get treatment

Veterans who suffer from anxiety may not get appropriate treatment for want of a specific diagnosis, finds a new study.

New genetic research finds shark, human proteins stunningly similar

Despite widespread fascination with sharks, the world's oldest ocean predators have long been a genetic mystery. The first deep dive into a great white shark's genetic code has fished up big surprises behind a design so effective it has barely changed since before dinosaurs roamed.

You can't get entangled without a wormhole: Physicist finds entanglement instantly gives rise to a wormhole

Quantum entanglement is one of the more bizarre theories to come out of the study of quantum mechanics -- so strange, in fact, that Albert Einstein famously referred to it as "spooky action at a distance."

New Jersey Shore likely faces unprecedented flooding by mid-century

Geoscientists estimate that the New Jersey shore will likely experience a sea-level rise of about 1.5 feet by 2050 and of about 3.5 feet by 2100 -- 11 to 15 inches higher than the average for sea-level rise globally over the century.

International study finds lower-dose IUDs safe, effective

In a finding that could expand the use of one of the most effective forms of birth control, two intrauterine contraceptive systems that had lower doses of the contraceptive hormone, levonorgestrel, were found to be safe and effective in preventing pregnancies.

Coffee or beer? The choice could affect your genome

Coffee and beer are polar opposites in the beverage world -- coffee picks you up, and beer winds you down. Now researchers have discovered that the beverages may also have opposite effects on your genome. Working with a kind of yeast that shares many important genetic similarities with humans, the researchers found that caffeine shortens and alcohol lengthens telomeres -- the end points of chromosomal DNA, implicated in aging and cancer.

When it comes to peer pressure, teens are not alone

It is well known that teenagers take risks -- and when they do, they like to have company. Now, a new study has found that an inclination toward risky behavior in groups also holds true for another teen mammal -- namely, mice.

New method of DNA editing allows synthetic biologists to unlock secrets of a bacterial genome

A group researchers has demonstrated the use of an innovative DNA engineering technique to discover potentially valuable functions hidden within bacterial genomes.

Researchers create brand associations by mining millions of images from social media

The images people share on social media -- photos of favorite products and places, or of themselves at bars, sporting events and weddings -- could be valuable to marketers assessing their customers' "top-of-mind" attitudes toward a brand. Researchers have taken a first step toward this capability in a new study in which they analyzed five million such images.

Home-based exercise as rehabiltation

Home-based high-intensity exercise for rehabilitation after cardiovascular disease can be effective, even if patients work out without expensive exercise monitoring machines, new research from the Norwegian researchers has shown.

Probiotic therapy alleviates autism-like behaviors in mice

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed when individuals exhibit characteristic behaviors, decreased social interactions, and impaired communication. Curiously, many with ASD also suffer from gastrointestinal issues, like abdominal cramps and constipation. Guided by this co-occurrence of brain and gut problems, researchers are investigating a bacterium that alleviates GI and behavioral symptoms in autistic-like mice, introducing a potentially transformative probiotic therapy for autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Sudden interest in math -- how teachers can motivate pupils

In the eighth or ninth grade, many pupils lose interest in natural sciences and math. Researchers have shown that this does not have to be the case. They devised a professional development program where teachers learned to change the communication in class rooms. Breaking the mold for these subjects, these teachers encouraged open discussion and gave individual feedback. And -- again breaking the mold -- the youngsters showed rising levels of motivation.

Electrical brain stimulation may evoke a person's 'will to persevere'

What gives some people the ability to persevere through difficult situations that others may find insurmountable? The answer is no doubt a complicated one that may be beyond our full understanding, but new research provides some intriguing insights. The study pinpoints a region of the brain that, when stimulated, causes an individual to anticipate a challenge and possess a strong motivation to overcome it.

How mosquitoes are drawn to human skin and breath

Scientists have found that the very receptors in the mosquito's maxillary palp that detect carbon dioxide are ones that detect skin odors as well, thus explaining why mosquitoes are attracted to skin odor -- smelly socks, worn clothes, bedding -- even in the absence of carbon dioxide. Using a chemical computational method they developed, the researchers identified affordable, safe and pleasant-smelling compounds that could find use in mosquito control.

Protein clumps as memory

Yeast cells are able to form a memory through an aggregate composed of congregating "degenerate" proteins. A similar memory mechanism is also thought to exist in the nerve cells of higher organisms.

Tracking exercise associated with weight lose, better glucose control for patients

Asking patients about their exercise habits was associated with weight loss in overweight patients and improved glucose control for patients with diabetes, according to a recently published study.

Astronomers discover planet that shouldn't be there

Astronomers have discovered the most distantly orbiting planet found to date around a single, sun-like star. Weighing in at 11 times Jupiter's mass and orbiting its star at 650 times the average Earth-Sun distance, planet HD 106906 b is unlike anything in our own Solar System and defies current planet formation theories.

More logging, deforestation may better serve climate in some areas

Replacing forests with snow-covered meadows may provide greater climatic and economic benefits than if trees are left standing in some regions, according to a study that for the first time puts a dollar value on snow's ability to reflect the sun's energy.

Scientists accelerate aging in stem cells to study age-related diseases like Parkinson's

A study has revealed a new method for converting induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into nerve cells that recapitulate features associated with aging as well as Parkinson's disease. The simple approach, which involves exposing iPSC-derived cells to a protein associated with premature aging called progerin, could enable scientists to use stem cells to model a range of late-onset disorders, opening new avenues for preventing and treating these devastating diseases.

How vision dims: Chemists crack code of cataract creation

Groundbreaking new findings by chemists about how cataracts form could be used to help prevent the world's leading cause of blindness, which currently affects nearly 20 million people worldwide.

Sharks prefer to sneak up from behind: Caribbean reef sharks can tell if a human is facing toward them

"Never turn your back on a shark" is the message from a new article. Biologists contend that sharks can comprehend body orientation and therefore know whether humans are facing them or not. This ability helps sharks to approach and possibly attack their prey from the blind side -- a technique they prefer.

Gene promotes one in a hundred of tumors: Gene discovered to play a part in one per cent of all cancers

Researchers have identified a gene that drives the development of tumors in over one per cent of all cancer patients. This is the first time that the gene CUX1 has been broadly linked to cancer development.

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Sunday, December 8, 2013

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