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'Trojan' asteroids in far reaches of solar system more common than previously thought

Astronomers have discovered the first Trojan asteroid sharing the orbit of Uranus, and believe 2011 QF99 is part of a larger-than-expected population of transient objects temporarily trapped by the gravitational pull of the solar system's giant planets.

Poor concentration: Poverty reduces brainpower needed for navigating other areas of life

Poverty and all its related concerns require so much mental energy that the poor have less remaining brainpower to devote to other areas of life.

Learning how to migrate: Young whoopers stay the course when they follow a wise old bird

How do birds find their way on migration? Is their route encoded in their genes, or learned? Working with records from a long-term effort to reintroduce critically endangered whooping cranes in the Eastern US, researchers found these long-lived birds learn the route from older cranes, and get better at it with age.

Transparent artificial muscle plays music to prove a point

In a materials science laboratory, a transparent disk connected to a laptop fills the room with music —- it's the "Morning" prelude from Peer Gynt, played on an ionic speaker. No ordinary speaker, it consists of a thin sheet of rubber sandwiched between two layers of a saltwater gel, and it's as clear as a window.

Hydrogen fuel from sunlight

Researchers have developed a way to interface a molecular hydrogen-producing catalyst with a visible light absorbing semiconductor. With this approach, hydrogen fuel can be produced off a photocathode using sunlight.

Toward an early diagnostic tool for Alzheimer's disease

Despite all the research done on Alzheimer's, there is still no early diagnostic tool for the disease. By looking at the brain wave components of individuals with the disease, scientists have identified a promising avenue of research that may not only help diagnose the disease, but also assess its severity.

From cancer treatment to ion thruster: The newest little idea for nanosat micro rockets

The next generation of micro rockets could be built around a magnetic fluid that appears to defy gravity.

Novel topological crystalline insulator shows mass appeal

Physicists have theorized that topological crystalline insulators possess unique surface states as a result of crystalline symmetry. An international team of researchers has confirmed that experimental signature and revealed that disrupting the lattice-like structure imparts mass upon previously mass-less electrons. Furthermore, the researchers found manipulating structural symmetry offers a degree of control over the electronic phases of the solid-state material.

Little difference between heavy metal pollutants in fish at oil platforms and natural sites

Scientists analyzed whole-body fish samples taken from oil-and-gas production platforms and natural sites for heavy metal pollutants. The results showed all but four elements were relatively consistent at both types of location.

Protein predicts breast cancer prognosis

Researchers have identified a protein that they believe may help predict breast cancer prognosis, potentially relieving thousands of women at low risk from having to undergo painful, oft-debilitating therapies, while insuring the most successful treatments for those at high risk.

Mutations in a gene that impacts immune function increase susceptibility to prostate cancer

Mutations in the gene BTNL2, which encodes a protein involved in regulating T-cell proliferation and cytokine production – both of which impact immune function – increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Protein that protects nucleus also regulates stem cell differentiation

The fact that bone is rigid and mechanically distinct from soft fat or brain had been speculated to play some role in differentiation to new cells in those parts of the body, but mechanisms have been unclear. Now, scientists have shown that a protein found in the nuclei of all cells -- lamin-A -- plays a key role in the differentiation process.

Spider venom reveals new secret: Once injected into a bite wound, venom of brown recluse spider causes unexpected reaction

Venom of spiders of the genus Loxosceles, which includes the brown recluse, produces a different chemical product than scientists have long believed. The discovery could lead to better understanding of how these spider bites can cause necrotic lesions or systemic reactions in humans and to new treatments for spider bites.

Eating whole fruits linked to lower risk of Type 2 diabetes

Eating more whole fruits, particularly blueberries, grapes, and apples, was significantly associated with a lower risk of Type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.

Terror bird's beak was worse than its bite: 'Terror bird' was probably a herbivore

Analysis of fossilized remains of the two meter tall terror bird (Gastornis) indicate that was unlikely to have been a carnivore.

Intensity of Facebook use can be predicted by reward-related activity in the brain

Neuroscientists have shown a link between reward activity in the brain due to discovering one has a good reputation and social media use.

Collagen patch speeds repair of damaged heart tissue in mice

Researchers have developed a patch composed of structurally modified collagen that can be grafted onto damaged heart tissue. Their studies in mice have demonstrated that the patch not only speeds generation of new cells and blood vessels in the damaged area, it also limits the degree of tissue damage resulting from the original trauma.

Bacteria supplemented their diet to clean up after Deep Water Horizon oil

Bacteria living in the Gulf of Mexico beaches were able to 'eat up' the contamination from the Deep Water Horizon oil spill by supplementing their diet with nitrogen.

A wine a day ... keeps the psychiatrist away? Light drinking linked to lower risk of depression

Drinking wine in moderation may be associated with a lower risk of developing depression, according to new research. The reported findings suggest that the moderate amounts of alcohol consumed may have similar protective effects on depression to those that have been observed for coronary heart disease. The lowest rates of depression were seen in the group of individuals who drank two to seven small glasses of wine per week.

NASA Mars rover views eclipse of the sun by Phobos

Images taken with a telephoto-lens camera on NASA's Mars rover Curiosity catch the larger of Mars' two moons, Phobos, passing directly in front of the sun -- the sharpest images of a solar eclipse ever taken at Mars.

New understanding of formation of cilia: Cilia provide mobility to cells, and defects are implicated in many disease

Tiny hair-like structures (cilia) are found on the surface of most cells. Cilia are responsible for the locomotion of cells (e.g. sperm cells), they process external signals and coordinate the correct arrangement of the inner organs during the development of an organism. For proper assembly and function of cilia, they need to be supplied with the appropriate building blocks. Scientists have now identified the mechanism of how Tubulin, the main building block of cilia, is transported within the cilium.

Shutting off neurons helps bullied mice overcome symptoms of depression

A new drug target to treat depression and other mood disorders may lie in a group of GABA neurons shown to contribute to symptoms like social withdrawal and increased anxiety, researchers report.

'One pill can kill': Effects of unintentional opioid exposure in young children

Medication poisonings among children are an important public health problem. During 2010-2011, an average of 1500 children under 6 years of age was evaluated in emergency departments each year due to unintentional exposure to buprenorphine. Ingestion of strong opioids, such as buprenorphine, can cause central nervous system depression, respiratory depression, and death in young children.

Music lessons enhance the quality of school life

A new study examined whether an extended music education had an impact on pupils' experienced satisfaction with the school. Nearly a thousand pupils at ten Finnish schools with extended music classes and comparison classes participated on a survey that measured the quality of school life at Year 3 and Year 6.

A novel locus identified for glaucoma in dandie dinmont terrier dog breed

Scientists have identified a novel locus for glaucoma in Dandie Dinmont Terrier. The locus on canine chromosome 8 includes a 9.5 Mb region that is associated with glaucoma. The canine locus shares synteny to human chromosome 14, which has been previously associated with different types of human glaucomas. However, the actual glaucoma causing mutation in Dandies remains unknown.

Simple urine test may help identify individuals with diabetes at risk for cognitive decline

Diabetics with persistent protein in the urine over four to five years had greater declines in cognitive function than diabetics without protein in the urine. The decline was subtle; however, over 10 to 15 years it could translate into noticeable impairment.

New PRA gene identified in dogs: Phalenes and Papillons

Researchers have identified a genetic mutation causing progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in the Phalene and Papillon dog breeds. PRA is one of the most common causes of blindness in dogs and in human. This study highlights the shared genetic etiology of many canine and human genetic disorders, and provides new tools to investigate PRA mechanisms while the beloved dogs benefit from genetic testing.

Time for tech transfer law to change? Doctor looks at history of Bayh-Dole, and says yes

The law that has helped medical discoveries make the leap from university labs to the marketplace for more than 30 years needs revising, in part to ensure the American people benefit from science their tax dollars have paid for, says a physician and medical historian.

Digesting milk in Ethiopia: A case of multiple genetic adaptations

A genetic phenomenon that allows for the selection of multiple genetic mutations that all lead to a similar outcome -- for instance the ability to digest milk -- has been characterized for the first time in humans.

Cell study offers more diabetic patients chance of transplant

Diabetic patients could benefit from a breakthrough that enables scientists to take cells from the pancreas and change their function to produce insulin. The research could reduce waiting times for patients with type 1 Diabetes who need islet cell transplants. These transplants are carried out to prevent life-threatening complications resulting from diabetes, such as seizures resulting from low blood sugar levels.

Biologists may have identified gene central to development, reproduction and aging

Biologists have been looking at a threadworm gene which also occurs in humans. This gene could be central to a genetic system which is responsible for development, reproduction and the aging process.

Lesbian and gay young people in England twice as likely to smoke and drink alcohol

Young people who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual are twice as likely to have smoked than their heterosexual peers, according to new research. Lesbian and gay young people were also more likely to drink alcohol frequently and more hazardously.

Light assists in monitoring brain injuries

The information about alterations in cerebral perfusion is of crucial importance in treatment of patients with severe neurological injuries. The medical equipment used in clinics does not allow, however, for continuous measuring of brain activity in critically ill patients. This may change – due to an instrument allowing for assessment of brain perfusion with light.

Why the body clock is slow to adjust to time changes

New research in mice reveals why the body is so slow to recover from jet-lag. The study identifies a target for the development of drugs that could help us to adjust faster to changes in time zone.

Scientists map molecular mechanism that may cause toxic protein buildup in dementing disorders

There is no easy way to study diseases of the brain. Extracting brain cells, or neurons, from a living patient is risky, while examining a patient's brain post-mortem only reveals the disease's final stages. And animal models, while incredibly informative, have fallen short during the crucial drug-development stage of research. But scientists have taken a potentially more powerful approach: An advanced stem-cell technique that creates a human model of degenerative disease in a dish.

Lupus erythematosus and sunlight induced DNA Crash

Summer, sun and the sea – a dream vacation for most - can turn sour for those affected by lupus erythematosus. For them, absorption of the UV-light component in sunlight may cause florid inflammation and redness of the skin. Scientists have now discovered which signaling pathway of the innate immune system promotes autoimmune symptoms following sun-induced DNA damage.

New strategy against high-risk leukemia

After identifying a protein that blocks death of high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells, scientists use two-drug combination therapy to offer hope to children and adults with the disease. Scientists have now identified a protein that certain high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells need to survive and have used that knowledge to fashion a more effective method of killing tumor cells.

Neuroscientists find a key to reducing forgetting: It's about the network

A team of neuroscientists has found a key to the reduction of forgetting. Their findings show that the better the coordination between two regions of the brain, the less likely we are to forget newly obtained information.

Gene that causes devastating mitochondrial diseases identified

Researchers have identified a disease gene in which mutations cause rare but devastating genetic diseases known as mitochondrial disorders. Nine mutations of the gene were found in nine children in seven families, including three siblings from the same family.

Bad to the bone: Some breast cancer cells are primed to thrive

Scientists have discovered that some loose breast cancer cells, have a leg up on survival —- the genes they express make them more likely to prosper in bone tissue. The team also found that whether or not cancer cells turn on those genes depends on what their surroundings were like in the primary breast tumor. If the breast tumor had molecular patterns similar to those found in bone, the tumor is more likely to spread to bone later.

Discovering a diamondback moth: Overlooked diversity in a global pest

A new species of diamondback moth has been discovered in Australia. It was previously overlooked because of its similarity with typical diamondback moths.

Researchers track Huntington's disease progression using PET scans

Investigators have discovered a new way to measure the progression of Huntington's disease, using positron emission tomography to scan the brains of carriers of the gene.

Researchers a step closer to finding cosmic ray origins

The origin of cosmic rays in the universe has confounded scientists for decades. But new information that may help unravel the longstanding mystery of exactly how and where they are produced.

A completely new atomic crystal dynamic of the white pigment titanium dioxide discovered

Researchers have confirmed theoretically-predicted interactions between single oxygen molecules and crystalline titanium dioxide. The results could be of importance for a variety of applications.

New insights on wildfire smoke could improve climate change models

By viewing particles captured during the 2011 Las Conchas fire in New Mexico under a field emission scanning electron microscope, scientists found that there's more to tar balls and soot than meets the naked eye.

Whales get a tan too

Scientists have revealed the pigment in whale skin increases in response to sunshine, just as we tan. Some species get darker with sun exposure, incurring DNA damage in their skin just like us and they also accumulate damage to the skin as they get older. This provides a better understanding of their protective mechanisms and may offer new avenues to explore for treating human skin cancers.

Stroke systems of care essential to reducing deaths, disabilities

Scientists have identified several key elements needed for systems of care to effectively reduce stroke-related deaths and disability.

Alcohol breaks brain connections needed to process social cues

Alcohol intoxication reduces communication between two areas of the brain that work together to properly interpret and respond to social signals, according to researchers.

Genetic mutation found in castration-resistant prostate cancer

Medical researchers have discovered a genetic mutation in a drug-resistant -- and often deadly -- form of prostate cancer.

Learning how the brain takes out its trash may help decode neurological diseases

Imagine that garbage haulers don't exist. Slowly, the trash accumulates in our offices, our homes, it clogs the streets and damages our cars, causes illness and renders normal life impossible.

Promising new angle for drugs to prevent stroke and heart attack

A new study — the first to apply a new screening technique to human platelets — netted a potential drug target for preventing dangerous blood clots in high-risk people.

Collagen clue reveals new drug target for untreatable form of lung cancer

Collagen, the stuff of ligaments and skin, and the most abundant protein in the human body, has an extraordinary role in triggering chemical signals that help protect the body from cancer, a new study reveals. Scientists have uncovered a series of chemical signals sent out by collagen that appear to protect against cancer's growth.

Genomic study reveals why children in remission from rheumatoid arthritis often experience recurrences

A new study published today in Arthritis Research & Therapy provides the first genomic characterization of remission in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis patients.

New report: Call for President Obama urged to 'remove public veil of ignorance' around state of US health

In a call to action on the sorry comparative state of US health, researchers are urging President Obama to "remove the public veil of ignorance" and confront a pressing question: Why is America at the bottom? The report appeals to the President to create a National Commission on the Health of Americans. The researchers underscore the importance for the country to begin reversing the decline in the comparative status of US health.

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Friday, August 30, 2013

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