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Neuroscientists discover new phase of synaptic development

Students preparing for final exams might want to wait before pulling an all-night cram session -- at least as far as their neurons are concerned. Neuroscientists have discovered a new intermediate phase in neuronal development during which repeated exposure to a stimulus shrinks synapses.

Improving 'crop per drop' could boost global food security and water sustainability

Improvements in crop water productivity -- the amount of food produced per unit of water consumed -- have the potential to improve both food security and water sustainability in many parts of the world, according to a new study.

Organic polymers show sunny potential: Groundwork laid for block copolymer solar cells

A new version of solar cells could open the door to research on a new class of solar energy devices.

High-efficiency zinc-air battery developed

Scientists have developed an advanced zinc-air battery with higher catalytic activity and durability than similar batteries made with costly platinum and iridium catalysts. The results could lead to the development of a low-cost alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries widely used today, according to the researchers.

Task master: Categorizing rewards improves motivation

When it comes to motivating others and ourselves, it turns out offering rewards in defined categories, even when they are largely meaningless, can heighten motivation. Even if the rewards are the similar -- and the categories arbitrary -- the very act of segmenting rewards motivates people to perform better and longer.

Researchers shed new light on egg freezing success rates

Researchers have for the first time codified age-specific probabilities of live birth after in vitro fertilization (IVF) with frozen eggs. By conducting a meta-analysis of oocyte cryopreservation cycles using individualized patient data, researchers were able to report the probability of live birth from IVF cycles.

Adult stem cells could hold key to cure type 1 diabetes

Scientists have discovered that by combining cells from bone marrow with a new drug may help cure type 1 diabetes.

Putting the brakes on distracted driving

If you're still using your mobile phone behind the wheel, University of Alberta sociology researcher Abu Nurullah likely has your number.

Change, conflict cue memories of life's milestones

What will your kids remember about the life stories you tell them? New research shows that they're likely to be able to recall transitional moments you share with them, be it promotions or pets. The research offers strong evidence that societal values significantly affect how people think about and recall events in their lives -- and how we potentially carry old values and beliefs forward in a new country.

Are children who take Ritalin for ADHD at greater risk of future drug abuse?

Children who take medication such as Ritalin and Adderall for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at no greater risk for later taking alcohol, marijuana, nicotine and cocaine than children with ADHD who do not take the medication, report psychologists who have conducted the most comprehensive assessment ever on this question.

Artificial sweeteners may be do more than sweeten: It can affect how the body reacts to glucose

Researchers have found that a popular artificial sweetener can modify how the body handles sugar. They analyzed the sweetener sucralose in 17 severely obese people and found it can influence how the body reacts to glucose.

Cassini finds hints of activity at Saturn moon Dione

From a distance, most of the Saturnian moon Dione resembles a bland cueball. Thanks to close-up images of a 500-mile-long (800-kilometer-long) mountain on the moon from NASA's Cassini spacecraft, scientists have found more evidence for the idea that Dione was likely active in the past. It could still be active now.

NASA's WISE mission finds 'lost' asteroid family members

Data from NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) have led to a new and improved family tree for asteroids in the main belt between Mars and Jupiter. Astronomers used millions of infrared snapshots from the asteroid-hunting portion of the WISE all-sky survey, called NEOWISE, to identify 28 new asteroid families. The snapshots also helped place thousands of previously hidden and uncategorized asteroids into families for the first time. The findings are a critical step in understanding the origins of asteroid families, and the collisions thought to have created these rocky clans.

New possibilities for prostate cancer treatment revealed

Researchers have identified a sub-group of cells that could contribute to prostate cancer recurrence, opening up new ways to treat the disease.

Microplastic pollution prevalent in lakes, too

Researchers have detected microplastic pollution in one of Western Europe's largest lakes, Lake Geneva, in large enough quantities to raise concern.

Early brain responses to words predict developmental outcomes in children with autism

The pattern of brain responses to words in 2-year-old children with autism spectrum disorder predicted the youngsters' linguistic, cognitive and adaptive skills at ages 4 and 6, according to a new study. The findings are among the first to demonstrate that a brain marker can predict future abilities in children with autism.

From trauma to tau: Researchers tie brain injury to toxic form of protein

In experiments with laboratory rats, scientists have found that traumatic brain injuries generate a toxic form of protein thought to cause damage in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative conditions.

'Is there a doctor on board? Travelers play valuable role assisting crew in common medical emergencies on flights

Medical emergencies during commercial airline travel can be a frightening experience, but most situations are well-treated by other passengers and flight attendants, in collaboration with consulting physicians on the ground. A new study has found that doctors, nurses and other medical professionals on the aircraft helped to treat sick fellow passengers in three-fourths of the emergencies studied.

More precision from less predictability: A new quantum trade-off

Researchers in Australia have demonstrated that, contrary to what the Heisenberg uncertainty relation may suggest, particle properties such as position and momentum can be measured simultaneously with high precision. But it comes at a cost.

Most comprehensive analyses of NSAIDs and coxibs

Researchers have published the most comprehensive analyses of the benefits and risks of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which include cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors (coxibs). The worldwide meta-analysis used individual participant data from 280 trials of NSAIDs vs. placebo and 474 trials of NSAID vs. another NSAID, which involved a total of 353,809 participants and a total of 233,798 person-years. The results address risks and benefits of drugs used for relief of inflammatory arthritis including cardiovascular disease and other relevant outcomes such as gastrointestinal effects.

Brain activity in sleep may impact emotional disturbances in children with ADHD

Sleep consolidates emotional memories in healthy children but not in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to new research. The study suggests these deficits in sleep-related emotional processing may exacerbate emotional problems experienced in the daytime by children with ADHD.

Apes get emotional over games of chance

Like some humans, chimpanzees and bonobos exhibit emotional responses to outcomes of their decisions by pouting or throwing angry tantrums when a risk-taking strategy fails to pay off, according to new research.

Thermal limit for animal life redefined by first lab study of deep-sea vent worms

Forty-two may or may not be the answer to everything, but it likely defines the temperature limit where animal life thrives, according to the first laboratory study of heat-loving Pompeii worms from deep-sea vents.

Anorexic individuals' disturbed body image influences unconscious movements

Individuals suffering from anorexia nervosa perceive their bodies as being larger than they are and this disturbed body representation affects their movements, according to new research.

More at-risk bird species in Brazilian forest than previously thought

In a new study, a team of researchers has applied a novel method for linking large-scale habitat fragmentation to population sustainability.

Living in poor area as teen could increase risk for chlamydia in young adulthood

Living in a poor neighborhood as an adolescent is linked to an increased risk of getting the sexually transmitted infection (STI) chlamydia in young adulthood, according to new research.

Temporary blood clot filters may do more harm than good for bariatric surgery patients

The temporary placement of umbrella-like, metal mesh filters in abdominal veins to stop potentially lethal blood clots from traveling to the lungs during and after weight loss surgery may actually increase the risk of death in morbidly obese patients, according to new research.

Mighty Eagle -- NASA's robotic prototype lander -- gets a new view

The Mighty Eagle, NASA's robotic prototype lander managed out of NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, recently completed a test series to monitor its systems functionality after coming out of winter storage. This latest series included a test flight that was recorded by the Quad-Copter -- a small vehicle also developed at Marshall that was equipped with a video camera allowing for never-before-seen footage of the Mighty Eagle.

New mathematical model links space-time theories

Researchers have taken a significant step in a project to unravel the secrets of the structure of our Universe.

Big feet preference in rural Indonesia defies one-size-fits-all theory of attractiveness

People in most cultures view women with small feet as attractive and a sign of a potential mate's youth and fertility. But a new research study shows that the Karo Batak living in rural villages in Indonesia deem women with big feet as more appealing, suggesting that culture – not just genetics – plays a role in deciding what makes a mate attractive.

Land-based carbon offsets: False hope? Forest and soil carbon is important, but does not offset fossil fuel emissions

Leading world climate change experts have thrown cold water on the idea that planting trees can offset carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels. Land carbon sinks cannot solve the problem of atmospheric carbon emissions but they legitimize the ongoing use of fossil fuels.

Small dams on Chinese river harm environment more than expected, study finds

A fresh look at the environmental impacts of dams on an ecologically diverse and partially protected river in China found that small dams can pose a greater threat to ecosystems and natural landscape than large dams. The research team's surveys of habitat loss and damage at several dam sites on the Nu River and its tributaries in Yunnan Province revealed that, watt-for-watt, the environmental harm from small dams was often greater than from large dams.

MRSA study slashes deadly infections in sickest hospital patients

Using germ-killing soap and ointment on all intensive-care unit (ICU) patients can reduce bloodstream infections by up to 44 percent and significantly reduce the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in ICUs. A new study tested three MRSA prevention strategies and found that using germ-killing soap and ointment on all ICU patients was more effective than other strategies.

Parent input ignored in school closings in U.S.

Officials who close neighborhood schools in poor, urban areas often ignore parents' input, which only reinforces the 'institutionalized racism that plagues U.S. schools,' a scholar argues.

Epigenetic biomarkers may predict if a specific diet and exercise regimen will work

Would you try a diet and exercise regimen knowing in advance it would actually help you lose weight? New research shows that this could become reality. Scientists have identified five epigenetic biomarkers in adolescents associated with better weight loss at the beginning of a weight loss program. This could help predict an individual's response to weight loss intervention, and offer targets for enhancing a weight loss program's effects.

Ancient Egyptians accessorized with meteorites

Researchers have found conclusive proof that Ancient Egyptians used meteorites to make symbolic accessories for their dead.

Computer simulations help scientists understand HIV-1 infection

Scientists have long been unable to fully explain how infections attack the body, but now a team of researchers has taken a step closer to understanding how the process works in HIV-1. The results mean that one day that knowledge may prevent infection.

Immune system to fight brain tumors

Research gives hope that one of the most serious types of brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme, could be fought by the patients' own immune system. The tumors are difficult to remove with surgery because the tumor cells grow into the surrounding healthy brain tissue. A patient with the disease therefore does not usually survive much longer than a year after the discovery of the tumor.

Information transmission a good predictor of credit crisis

The recent credit crisis was preceded by a sharp increase in the transmission of information in the largest derivatives market. Such transmissions can therefore serve as indicators for the instability of the market. A team of researchers have discovered this unexpected link.

Origins of key cells in the thymus

Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) allow the thymus to ensure that the body's T cells are able to distinguish between potentially harmful foreign antigens and those that are produced by the body itself. New research suggests that mTECs do not share a common progenitor with cortical-thymic TECs (cTECs) that produce T cells, but may actually evolve from them.

Comet ISON is hurtling toward uncertain destiny with Sun

A new series of images from Gemini Observatory shows Comet C/2012 S1 racing toward an uncomfortably close rendezvous with the Sun. In late November the comet could present a stunning sight in the twilight sky and remain easily visible, or even brilliant, into early December of this year.

New single virus detection techniques for faster disease diagnosis

Two independent teams have developed new optics-based methods for determining the exact viral load of a sample by counting individual virus particles. These new methods are faster and cheaper than standard tests and they offer the potential to conduct the measurements in a medical office or hospital instead of a laboratory.

Soccer training improves heart health of men with type 2 diabetes

A new study demonstrates that soccer training improves heart function, reduces blood pressure and elevates exercise capacity in patients with type 2 diabetes. Soccer training also reduces the need for medication.

New discovery permits rapid diagnosis and treatment of sepsis

Despite advances in treating infections and disease, effective treatments for sepsis remain elusive. New research could help health care providers predict who may or may not develop sepsis, and facilitate new therapies to address the root causes, rather than just managing the symptoms. This also may benefit patients suffering from viral infections, as well as chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Omega-3 fatty acids may help heal a broken heart

Procedures like angioplasty, stenting and bypass surgery may save lives, but they also cause excessive inflammation and scarring, which ultimately can lead to permanent disability and even death. A new research report shows that naturally derived compounds from polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3s) may reduce the inflammation associated with these procedures to help arteries more fully and completely heal.

New gene delivery method: Magnetic nanoparticles

Stent angioplasty saves lives, but comes with complications. A new nanoparticle gene delivery method will hopefully overcome limitations of gene therapy vectors and prevent complications associated with stenting. Stents are the platform for magnetically targeted gene delivery, where genes are moved to cells at arterial injury locations without side effects. These nanoparticles protect genes and help them reach their target in active form, a challenge in gene therapy.

New agent inhibits HCV replication in mouse models: No resistance seen

Treatments against hepatitis C virus have only been partially successful. A major problem is that antivirals generate drug resistance. Now scientists have developed agents that bind to the business end of a critical protein, disabling it so successfully that no resistance has arisen.

Interleukin-22 protects against post-influenza bacterial superinfection

Researchers have shown in a mouse model that interleukin-22 protects against bacterial superinfections that can arise following influenza.

Why female loggerhead sea turtles always return to their place of birth

For a better protection of marine turtles, scientists are trying to understand why they return to their birthplace in order to reproduce after rather long distance migrations. Using molecular tools applied to turtles from the Cape Verde islands, scientists found females from different islands have different immune genes, suggesting that returning home to reproduce is linked to advantages in parasite resistance.

Billions worldwide suffer from major tooth decay

Billions of people across the globe are suffering from major untreated dental problems, according to a new report.

Microwaves make for faster, greener pharma manufacturing

Microwave radiation could provide a faster, greener way to manufacture drugs, according to researchers.

Particulate matter emissions: Trimmers and chainsaws are worse than highway traffic

Highway maintenance workers are exposed to various harmful emissions. Surprisingly, motorized hand-held tools such as strimmers (string trimmers) and chainsaws, rather than highway traffic, are responsible for the highest emissions of particulate matter.

Ninety-three percent of homicides of U. S. law enforcement officers result from firearms

While occupational homicides continue to decline in the U.S., law enforcement remains one of the deadliest jobs in America. A new study documents that 93 percent of homicides of law enforcement officers between 1996 and 2010 were committed with firearms. Among those homicides, 10 percent were committed using the officer's own service weapon. The findings could help develop new procedures to reduce risk to officers.

Water-rock reaction may provide enough hydrogen 'food' to sustain life in ocean's crust or on Mars

A chemical reaction between iron-containing minerals and water may produce enough hydrogen "food" to sustain microbial communities living in pores and cracks within the enormous volume of rock below the ocean floor and parts of the continents, according to a new study.

Scientists find chemical that causes 'kidney' failure in mosquitoes

Scientists have discovered a chemical that causes "kidney" failure in mosquitoes, which may pave the way to the development of new insecticides to fight deadly mosquito-transmitted diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.

Low doses of THC (cannabis) can halt brain damage, study suggests

Medical cannabis is often used by sufferers of chronic ailments, including cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder, to combat pain and other symptoms. Now a researcher says that the drug has neuroprotective qualities as well, protecting the brain from long-term cognitive damage in the wake of injury from lack of oxygen, seizures, or toxic drugs.

Scientists discover that turtles began living in shells much earlier than once thought

Unique among Earth's creatures, turtles are the only animals to form a shell on the outside of their bodies through a fusion of modified ribs, vertebrae and shoulder girdle bones. The turtle shell is a unique modification, and how and when it originated has fascinated and confounded biologists for more than two centuries. Scientists have recently discovered that the beginnings of the turtle shell started 40 million years earlier than previously thought.

How the turtles got their shells

Through careful study of an ancient ancestor of modern turtles, researchers now have a clearer picture of how the turtles' most unusual shell came to be. The findings help to fill a 30- to 55-million-year gap in the turtle fossil record through study of an extinct South African reptile known as Eunotosaurus.

When friends create enemies: Facebook's mutual-friends feature may create security risks, privacy concerns

Often revered for bringing people together, the mutual-friends feature on Facebook actually creates myriad security risks and privacy concerns according to a new study.

Rainforests take the heat, paleontologists show

Rainforests thrived during previous global warming events, say paleontologists.

Global warming caused by CFCs, not carbon dioxide, study claims

Chlorofluorocarbons are to blame for global warming since the 1970s and not carbon dioxide, a researcher claims in a new study.

Brain makes its own version of Valium

Researchers have found that a naturally occurring protein secreted only in discrete areas of the mammalian brain may act as a Valium-like brake on certain types of epileptic seizures.

Nerve stimulation helps with overactive bladder

New research finds that symptoms of overactive bladder, or OAB, were reduced in those who received tibial nerve stimulation. The three-year results show participants with urinary frequency, urgency and involuntary loss of urine maintained significant improvement in their symptoms.

Android antiviral products easily evaded

Think your antivirus product is keeping your Android safe? Think again. Ten of the top Android antiviral products are rendered useless by the simplest attacks.

Cost of resiliency in kids uncovered

Children living in poverty who appear to succeed socially may be failing biologically. Students able to overcome the stress of growing up poor are labeled "resilient" because of their ability to overcome adversity, but researchers found this resiliency has health costs that last well into adulthood.

Ancient streambed found on surface of Mars

Rounded pebbles on Mars represent the first on-site evidence of sustained water flows on the red planet, according to a new study.

Asteroid has its own moon, NASA radar reveals

A sequence of radar images of asteroid 1998 QE2 -- obtained by NASA scientists using the 230-foot (70-meter) Deep Space Network antenna at Goldstone, Calif. -- reveals that it is a binary asteroid. In the near-Earth population, about 16 percent of asteroids that are about 655 feet (200 meters) or larger are binary or triple systems.

Asteroids provide sustainable resource, study finds

The prospects of a robotic manufacturing base operating off Earth is not as far-fetched as it used to be according to a study published by a team of NASA researchers. Because asteroids are loaded with minerals that are rare on Earth, near-Earth asteroids and the asteroid belt could become the mining centers for remotely operated excavators and processing machinery. In 20 years, an industry barely imagined now could be sending refined materials, rare metals and even free, clean energy to Earth from asteroids and other bodies.

Atom by atom, bond by bond, a chemical reaction caught in the act

Scientists have produced remarkable images of carbon atoms and the bonds among them. Resembling glowing textbook diagrams, hydrocarbon molecules are shown in high resolution for the first time before and after bond-breaking, rearrangement, and reforming of bonds during a complex chemical reaction.

Scientists capture first images of molecules before and after reaction

Using atomic force microscopy, chemists for the first time can capture images of molecules before and after they react, which will allow them to better tune reactions to get the products they want. Chemists and physicists joined forces to develop the technique, which could help scientists study and improve catalytic reactions like those used widely in industry to make chemicals or crack oil.

Why animals compare the present with the past

Humans, like other animals, compare things. We care not only how well off we are, but whether we are better or worse off than others around us, or than we were last year. New research shows that such comparisons can give individuals an evolutionary advantage.

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Thursday, May 30, 2013

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