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Do parasites upset food web theory?

Parasites comprise a large proportion of the diversity of species in every ecosystem, but are rarely included in analyses or models of food webs. If parasites play different roles from other predators and prey, however, their inclusion could fundamentally alter our understanding of how food webs are organized. A new article has shown that including parasites does alter the structure of food webs, but most changes occur because of an increase in diversity and complexity.

Two-step mechanism of inner ear tip link regrowth

A team of researchers is the first to show, in mice, an unexpected two-step process that happens during the growth and regeneration of inner ear tip links. Tip links are extracellular tethers that link stereocilia, the tiny sensory projections on inner ear hair cells that convert sound into electrical signals, and play a key role in hearing. The discovery offers a possible mechanism for potential interventions that could preserve hearing in people whose hearing loss is caused by genetic disorders related to tip link dysfunction.

Long-distance cross-country skiers at increased risk of heart rhythm disturbances

Cross-country skiers who take part in one of the world's most challenging ski races, the 90 km Vasaloppet in Sweden, are at increased risk of developing arrhythmia – problems with the rate or rhythm of their heart beat – according to a study of nearly 53,000 race participants.

Body clocks linked to osteoarthritis

Scheduled exercise, regular meals and the periodic warming and cooling of joints could be used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis according to scientists. Their research may also help explain why older people are more prone to developing this common joint disorder.

X-rays reveal new picture of 'dinobird' plumage patterns

The first complete chemical analysis of feathers from Archaeopteryx, a famous fossil linking dinosaurs and birds, reveals that the feathers of this early bird were patterned -- light in colour, with a dark edge and tip to the feather -- rather than all black, as previously thought.

New surgical technique for Bell's palsy facial paralysis

A surgeon is using electrical stimulation as part of an advanced surgical technique to treat Bell's palsy, a condition that causes paralysis on one side of a patient's face.

Video gamers really do see more: Gamers capture more information faster for visual decision-making

Hours spent at the video gaming console not only train a player's hands to work the buttons on the controller, they probably also train the brain to make better and faster use of visual input, according to researchers.

Exposure to air transforms gold alloys into catalytic nanostructures

Scientists have created promising gold-indium oxide nanoparticles through room-temperature oxidation.

Very high prevalence of chronic health conditions among adult survivors of childhood cancer

In an analysis that included more than 1,700 adult survivors of childhood cancer, researchers found a very high percentage of survivors with 1 or more chronic health conditions, with an estimated cumulative prevalence of any chronic health condition of 95 percent at age 45 years, according to a new study.

Bacterium that causes gum disease packs a one-two punch to the jaw

The newly discovered bacterium that causes gum disease delivers a one-two punch by also triggering normally protective proteins in the mouth to actually destroy more bone.

Cloud computing user privacy in serious need of reform, scholars say

The current "non-negotiable approach" to user privacy is in need of serious revision, especially with the increased popularity of web-based software that shares information via cloud computing, experts say.

First comprehensive and prospective characterization of a genetic subtype of autism

A new study describes the clinical presentation of Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and will help guide future research and clinical care.

Workers do not quit due to mandatory flu shot

In its fourth year with 99 percent compliance, Loyola University Health System's mandatory flu shot program is the subject of a new study presented at an infectious disease conference.

New details of natural anticancer mechanism uncovered

Scientists have identified key triggers of an important cancer-blocking mechanism in cells. Termed "oncogene-induced senescence," this mechanism can block most cancer types and is commonly experienced when incipient skin cancers turn instead into slow-growing moles.

Marks on Martian dunes may be tracks of dry-ice sleds

NASA research indicates hunks of frozen carbon dioxide -- dry ice -- may glide down some Martian sand dunes on cushions of gas similar to miniature hovercraft, plowing furrows as they go. Researchers deduced this process could explain one enigmatic class of gullies seen on Martian sand dunes by examining images from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) and performing experiments on sand dunes in Utah and California.

Shining a light on cool pools of gas in the galaxy

Newly formed stars shine brightly, practically crying out, "Hey, look at me!" But not everything in our Milky Way galaxy is easy to see. The bulk of material between the stars in the galaxy -- the cool hydrogen gas from which stars spring -- is nearly impossible to find.

Black hole naps amidst stellar chaos

Nearly a decade ago, NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory caught signs of what appeared to be a black hole snacking on gas at the middle of the nearby Sculptor galaxy. Now, NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), which sees higher-energy X-ray light, has taken a peek and found the black hole asleep.

Flu vaccines aimed at younger populations could break annual transmission cycle

The value of vaccinating more children and young adults for influenza is being seriously underestimated. A new report suggests heavier emphasis on vaccinating those groups might save thousands of lives every year.

Moon radiation findings may reduce health risks to astronauts

Space scientists report that data gathered by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter show lighter materials like plastics provide effective shielding against the radiation hazards faced by astronauts during extended space travel. The finding could help reduce health risks to humans on future missions into deep space.

Is a sleeping climate giant stirring in the Arctic?

Permafrost zones occupy nearly a quarter of the exposed land area of the Northern Hemisphere. NASA's Carbon in Arctic Reservoirs Vulnerability Experiment is probing deep into the frozen lands above the Arctic Circle in Alaska to measure emissions of the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and methane from thawing permafrost -- signals that may hold a key to Earth's climate future.

Chlamydia protein has an odd structure, scientists find

Discovery of the structure of a protein secreted by the chlamydia bug may lead to novel therapies for the common sexually transmitted disease, which infects more than a million Americans annually.

New tasks become as simple as waving a hand with brain-computer interfaces

Researchers have demonstrated that when humans use brain-computer interfaces, the brain behaves much like it does when completing simple motor skills such as kicking a ball, typing or waving a hand. Learning to control a robotic arm or a prosthetic limb could become second nature for people who are paralyzed.

Why fruit ripens and spoils: Thousands of plant genes activated by ethylene gas

It's common wisdom that one rotten apple in a barrel spoils all the other apples, and that an apple ripens a green banana if they are put together in a paper bag. Ways to ripen, or spoil, fruit have been known for thousands of years -- as the Bible can attest -- but now the genes underlying these phenomena of nature have been revealed. Scientists have now traced the thousands of genes in a plant that are activated once ethylene, a gas that acts as a plant growth hormone, is released.

Brown tide has emerged off Long Island, NY in Moriches, Quantuck and Shinnecock Bay, but not in Great South Bay

A brown tide has emerged within some, but not all, of Long Island's south shore estuaries. Monitoring has revealed that a brown tide has developed in eastern Moriches Bay, Quantuck Bay, and western Shinnecock Bay.

Exercise for stroke patients' brains

Researchers found that while the typical brain responded to the visual stimulus with activity in cortical motor regions that are generally activated when we watch others perform actions, in the stroke-affected brain, activity was strongest in these regions of the damaged hemisphere, and strongest when stroke patients viewed actions they would have the most difficulty performing.

Caregiving dads treated disrespectfully at work, new study finds

If policy-makers want to do something about falling birth rates, they may want to take a look at improving how people are treated at work when they step outside of traditional family roles at home. New studies show that middle-class men who take on non-traditional caregiving roles are treated worse at work than men who stick closer to traditional gender norms in the family. Women without children and mothers with non-traditional caregiving arrangements are treated worst of all.

Polymer nanoreactors create uniform nanocrystals

Using star-shaped block co-polymer structures as tiny reaction vessels, researchers have developed an improved technique for producing nanocrystals with consistent sizes, compositions and architectures – including metallic, ferroelectric, magnetic, semiconductor and luminescent nanocrystals.

Pilot program to decrease emergency room wait times

Emergency department overcrowding has been a major issue nationally for 20 years and continues to increase in severity. To address this issue, a pilot study has been launched at UC San Diego Health System's ED to use telemedicine as a way to help address crowding and decrease patient wait times. The study is the first of its kind in California to use cameras to bring on-call doctors who are outside of the hospital to the patient in need.

Diabetes drug points the way to overcoming drug resistance in melanoma

Despite the success of melanoma-targeting drugs, tumors inevitably become drug resistant and return, more aggressive than before. Researchers now describe how they increase the effectiveness of anti-melanoma drugs by combining anticancer therapies with diabetes drugs. Their studies, conducted in cell and animal models of melanoma, demonstrate that the combined therapy could destroy a subset of drug-resistant cells within a tumor.

Understanding the heart's rhythm

Scientists have discovered a previously unidentified potassium channel in cardiac cells that regulate the human heartbeat. This could be a significant step towards developing "biological pacemakers" to replace today's mechanical pacemakers, the researcher says.

Females fend off gut diseases -- at least among mice

At least among mice, females have innate protection from certain digestive conditions, according to a new study. While it's tricky to draw conclusions for human health, the findings could eventually help scientists better understand and treat the millions of people suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases.

Discovery of gene responsible for multiple intestinal atresia in newborns

Physicians have conducted a study that has led to the discovery of a gene that causes multiple intestinal atresia, a rare and life-threatening hereditary disorder that affects newborns. In addition to exploring novel therapeutic treatments for children with the disease, the discovery of the gene TTC7A will make it possible to develop a prenatal diagnostic test and a screening test for parents who are carriers.

You're so vain: Study links social media use and narcissism

Facebook is a mirror and Twitter is a megaphone, according to a new study exploring how social media reflect and amplify the culture's growing levels of narcissism.

Wood not so green a biofuel? Logging may have greater impact on carbon emissions than previously thought

Using wood for energy is considered cleaner than fossil fuels, but a new study finds that logging may release large amounts of carbon stored in deep forest soils.

New research urges caution on use of peer support in chronic disease

Health organizations need to give careful consideration to schemes which encourage people with chronic diseases to seek support from peers, to avoid the potential negative effects, new research shows.

Tillage and reduced-input rotations affect runoff from agricultural fields

A new study provides information about runoff under different management practices and can help farmers choose the practice that is best for them.

Perfect pitch may not be absolute after all

People who think they have perfect pitch may not be as in tune as they think, according to a new study in which people failed to notice a gradual change in pitch while listening to music. When tested afterward, people said notes that were in tune at the beginning sounded out of tune.

Nanofiber sensor detects diabetes or lung cancer faster and easier

Researchers in South Korea have recently developed a highly sensitive exhaled breath sensor by using hierarchical tin dioxide fibers that are assembled from wrinkled thin tin dioxide nanotubes.

Stem cells reach standard for use in drug development

Drug development for a range of conditions could be improved with stem cell technology that helps doctors predict the safety and the effectiveness of potential treatments. Researchers in the UK have been able to generate cells in the laboratory that reach the gold standard required by the pharmaceutical industry to test drug safety.

Obesity can be predicted from infancy, researchers find

Infants as young as two months old already exhibit growth patterns that can predict the child's weight by age 5, according to researchers.

Sudden allergies: When a summer cold is much more

With temperatures in the 80s, the last thing anyone wants is a runny nose and constant sneezing to put a damper on vacation plans and outdoor festivals. While many blame their symptoms on a summer cold, it could be something much more. Summer allergies can strike at any age, mimicking a cold.

Neurostimulation helps children's intractable constipation, study finds

Home treatment with a simple, battery-operated system that applies four sticky electrode patches to the mid-section allowed a group of children with the most difficult-to-treat, possibly congenital, constipation to reduce soiling and improve elimination, according to new research.

Fetal neuromaturation associated with mother's exposure to DDT and other environmental contaminants

A has for the first time found that a mother's higher exposure to some common environmental contaminants was associated with more frequent and vigorous fetal motor activity. Some chemicals were also associated with fewer changes in fetal heart rate, which normally parallel fetal movements.

Plunging fish numbers linked to dam releases

An Australian study has thrown cold water on the notion that large dam releases compensate for the effects of interrupting natural water flows.

New means to communicate population risk assessments among scientists and decision-makers

Population viability analyses (PVAs) are commonly used to assess extinction risks for species. Despite their many advantages and usefulness, many people find them hard to design, apply and communicate. In a new review, a team of researchers suggests that our capacity to learn from PVAs may be greatly improved using a common standard. The "DAC-PVA" protocol has hence been designed for supporting the effective Design, Application, and Communication of PVAs.

Screening fails to affect breast cancer mortality statistics, UK study finds

New research from the UK analysing breast cancer mortality data spanning almost 40 years concludes that breast cancer screening does not yet show an effect on mortality statistics. The research analyzed mortality trends before and after the introduction of the National Health Service Breast Screening Programme in 1988.

Background mortality rates key to accurate reporting of vaccine safety risks

In a study using the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD), investigators analyzed four years of data and determined that background mortality rates (rates of death irrespective of cause) are crucial in interpreting the numbers of deaths following vaccination. The VSD mortality rate following immunization is lower than the general US population mortality rate, and the causes of death are similar. These background rates can be used in communications to the public about vaccine safety risks.

Blood-sucking deer keds are spreading in Norway

A high moose population density and mild autumn weather result in a higher prevalence of deer keds (louse fly parasite). A great deal of pine forest in the habitat of the moose has the same effect. These are the results of new research into how deer keds are spreading in Southeast Norway.

Potential disease-transmission sources in animals ID'd by calculating risk using social network mathematics

Scientists have successfully identified animal species that can transmit more diseases to humans by using mathematical tools similar to those applied to the study of social networks like Facebook or Twitter. Their research describes how parasite-primate interactions transmit diseases like malaria, yellow fever or AIDS to humans. Their findings could make an important contribution to predicting the animal species most likely to cause future pandemics.

Electric cars in action: Small and medium-sized companies sharing fleets of electric vehicles

Imagine a number of different companies sharing a single fleet of electric vehicles. Researchers in Germany are busy working out just how to make this vision a reality. The Shared E-Fleet research project aims not only to work up suitable IT solutions, but also to design the smart energy management and profitable business models that are called for.

Why is my baby hospitalized? Many moms in under-developed countries don't know the answer

Communication gap between moms and providers in low-income countries about why sick newborns are hospitalized puts babies at higher health risks.

Voiding disorder therapy improved sexual dysfunction

A prospective study of 23 women aged 21 to 71 showed pelvic neuromodulation for bladder disorders also increased five of six sexual function scores in a validated questionnaire administered pre- and post-treatment.

Fukushima accident raised levels of radioactive strontium off the east coast of Japan by up to 100 times

Researchers in Spain have studied the spread of radioactive strontium in the coastal waters of eastern Japan during the three months following the Fukushima nuclear accident, which happened in March 2011. The samples analysed show the impact of the direct release of radioactive materials into the Pacific Ocean, and indicate that the amount of strontium-90 discharged into the sea during those three months was between 90 and 900 Tbq (terabecquerels), raising levels by up to two orders of magnitude. The highest concentrations were found to the north of the Kuroshio current, which acts as a barrier preventing radioactive material from being carried to lower latitudes.

Less friction loss in combustion engines

Researchers have developed a method that can reduce engine friction and wear even during production of engine components. Special coatings can help to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

Scientists discover new layer of the human cornea

Scientists have discovered a previously undetected layer in the cornea, the clear window at the front of the human eye. The breakthrough could help surgeons to dramatically improve outcomes for patients undergoing corneal grafts and transplants.

Graphene and semiconductor technology together: Smaller, cheaper, better

Mobile phones that bend, self-powered nanodevices, new and improved solar cell technology and windows that generate electricity are but a few of the potential products from the union of semiconductors and graphene.

How to stop a trunk and start a tail? The leg has the key

A new study reveals the mechanisms behind trunk to tail transition in vertebrates.

Effective privacy protection in social networks

Researchers are working on new methods to help them gain a better understanding of the usage habits of participants in social networks. The results will be incorporated in the development of userfriendly tools for privacy protection.

Fractal patterns spontaneously emerge during bacterial cell growth

Despite bacterial colonies always forming circular shapes as they grow, their cells form internal divisions which are highly asymmetrical and branched. These fractal (self-similar) patterns are due to the physical forces and local instabilities that are a natural part of bacterial cell growth, a new study reveals. The research has important implications for the emerging field of synthetic biology.

Iberian lynx attacks on farm animals are on the rise

Scientists in Spain have spent six years studying the hunting behavior of the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), registering a total of 40 attacks with 716 farm animals killed. Their results indicate that, although the resulting economic losses are not high, this behavior is on the rise.

Hands-free talking and texting are unsafe for drivers, study shows

Using hands-free devices to talk, text or send e-mail while driving is distracting and risky, contrary to what many people believe, says a new study.

New kind of variable star discovered: Minute variations in brightness reveal whole new class of stars

Astronomers have found a new type of variable star. The discovery was based on the detection of very tiny changes in brightness of stars in a cluster. The observations revealed previously unknown properties of these stars that defy current theories and raise questions about the origin of the variations.

Sunny super-Earth?

Astronomers have observed the atmosphere of super-Earth "GJ3470b" for the first time using two telescopes. This super-Earth is an exoplanet, having only about 14 times the mass of our home planet, and it is the second lightest one among already-surveyed exoplanets. The observational data revealed that this planet is highly likely to NOT be covered by thick clouds.

Traumatic brain injury patients treated with anti-spasm agent partially recover from disorders of consciousness

Two traumatic brain-injury patients steadily emerged from minimally conscious state after receiving intrathecal baclofen therapy.

Controlling magnetic clouds in graphene

Wonder material graphene can be made magnetic and its magnetism switched on and off at the press of a button, opening a new avenue towards electronics with very low energy consumption. Scientists have now shown how to create elementary magnetic moments in graphene and then switch them on and off.

Fingernails reveal clues to limb regeneration

Mammals possess the remarkable ability to regenerate a lost fingertip, including the nail, nerves and even bone. In humans, an amputated fingertip can sprout back in as little as two months, a phenomenon that has remained poorly understood until now. Biologists now shed light on this rare regenerative power in mammals, using genetically engineered mice to document for the first time the biochemical chain of events that unfolds in the wake of a fingertip amputation.

Male guppies reproduce long after death

Performing experiments in a river in Trinidad, evolutionary biologists have found that male guppies -- small freshwater fish -- continue to reproduce for at least ten months after they die, living on as stored sperm in females, who have much longer lifespans than males. While it is well known that guppies store sperm, biologists had never before thought of the extent of the storage.

World's deepest ERT imaging system for CO2 sequestration developed

Researchers have broken the record for tracking the movement and concentration of carbon dioxide in a geologic formation using the world's deepest Electrical Resistance Tomography system.

Chalking up a marine blooming alga: Genome fills a gap in the tree of life

Carbon dioxide is released when the calcium carbonate "armor" of the photosynthetic alga Emiliania huxleyi forms, but Ehux can trap as much as 20 percent of organic carbon derived from CO2 in some marine ecosystems. Its versatility in either contributing to primary production or adding to CO2 emissions makes Ehux a critical player in the marine carbon cycle. The Ehux genome sequence has now been compared with other algal sequences.

Fast, reliable pathogen identification

Researchers may have developed a way to quickly and reliably diagnose life-threatening bacterial infections and pinpoint the right antibiotics to clear the infections.

When will the next megathrust hit the west coast of North America?

A new study presents our first glimpse back in geologic time of the recurrence interval of large and megathrust earthquakes impacting the vulnerable BC outer coastline.

Moving Iron in Antarctica

Diatoms stuff more iron into their silica shells than they actually need. As a result, there's not enough iron to go around, and the added iron during fertilization experiments may stimulate less productivity than expected. The study also says that the removal of iron through incorporation into diatom silica may be a profound factor controlling the Southern Ocean's bioavailable pool of iron, adversely affecting the ecosystem.

People anticipate others' genuine smiles, but not polite smiles

Smile and the world smiles with you -- but new research suggests that not all smiles are created equal. The research shows that people actually anticipate smiles that are genuine but not smiles that are merely polite. The differing responses may reflect the unique social value of genuine smiles.

Humans are happier when they do the right thing; it also helps them overcome difficulties

Communities that stick together and do good for others cope better with crises and are happier for it, according to a new study. Part of the reason for this greater resilience is the fact that humans are more than simply social beings, they are so-called 'pro-social' beings. In other words, they get happiness not just from doing things with others, but from doing things both with and for others.

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Wednesday, June 12, 2013

FeedaMail: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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