SPAM: FeedaMail: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Tiger moths: Mother Nature's fortune tellers

A new study shows Bertholdia trigona, a species of tiger moth found in the Arizona desert, can tell if an echo-locating bat is going to attack it well before the predator swoops in for the kill – making the intuitive, tiny-winged insect a master of self-preservation.

Manipulating memory in the hippocampus

Scientists have discovered that manipulating the levels of the protein tomosyn in a part of the brain associated with learning and memory may aid in the development of therapeutic procedures for epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

American, Nepalese children disagree on social obligations with age

As preschoolers age, American kids are more prone to acknowledge one's freedom to act against social obligations compared to Nepalese children, who are less willing to say that people can and will violate social codes, finds a cross-cultural study. The findings, researchers said, suggest that culture is a significant influence on children's concepts of choice regarding social norms.

Chimpanzees have five universal personality dimensions

While psychologists have long debated the core personality dimensions that define humanity, primate researchers have been working to uncover the defining personality traits for humankind's closest living relative, the chimpanzee. New research provides strong support for the universal existence of five personality dimensions in chimpanzees: reactivity/undependability, dominance, openness, extraversion and agreeableness with a possible sixth factor, methodical, needing further investigation.

No early birds getting the worms: Songbirds risk missing peak food supply

A mismatch between the departure schedules of songbirds and higher spring temperatures at their breeding sites means they are arriving 'late' for the advanced spring and likely missing out on peak food they need to be productive breeders.

Mystery behind dormant breast tumor cells that become metastatic unlocked

Researchers have identified the microenvironment surrounding microvasculature as a niche where dormant cancer cells may reside, and the sprouting of microvasculature blood vessels as the event that transforms dormant cancer cells into metastatic tumors.

New technique selectively dampens harmful immune responses

Current immune suppressants have major drawbacks, but medical researchers have now demonstrated a new technique that may lead to a better way to selectively repress unwanted immune reactions without disabling the immune system as a whole.

Diet likely changed game for some hominids 3.5 million years ago

A new look at the diets of ancient African hominids shows a "game changer" occurred about 3.5 million years ago when some members added grasses or sedges to their menus, according to a new study.

Meeting online leads to happier, more enduring marriages

More than a third of marriages between 2005 and 2012 began online, according to new research which also found that online couples have happier, longer marriages.

Mosquitoes reared in cooler temperatures have weaker immune systems

Scientists have discovered mosquitoes reared in cooler temperatures have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to dangerous viruses and thus more likely to transmit diseases to people. The finding may have a bearing on urban epidemics resulting from viral diseases, such as West Nile fever and chikungunya fever, which are transmitted by infected mosquitoes.

Rare stellar alignment offers opportunity to hunt for planets

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope will have two opportunities in the next few years to hunt for Earth-sized planets around the red dwarf Proxima Centauri. The opportunities will occur in October 2014 and February 2016 when Proxima Centauri, the star nearest to our sun, passes in front of two other stars.

Clear link between perceived stress and an increased incidence of psychosomatic symptoms

In four out of ten cases, long-term stress suffered by women leads to some form of physical complaint. This is shown by a study of 1,500 women.

Fukushima-derived radioactivity in seafood poses minimal poses minimal health risk, experts say

In 2012, biologists reported that they had detected radioactivity in Pacific bluefin tuna swimming off the California coast. The source of the radioactivity was Japan's Fukushima Dai-ichi powerplants, which were damaged by the strong earthquake and subsequent tsunami on 11 March 2011 and released large quantities of radioactivity into the Pacific Ocean. The news prompted widespread media interest and speculation as to the possible risks to seafood consumers posed by the levels of radioactivity found in the tuna. New research shows the likely doses of radioactivity ingested by humans consuming the contaminated fish, even in large quantities, is comparable to, or less than, the radiological dosages associated with other commonly consumed foods, many medical treatments, air travel and other background sources.

Enzyme from wood-eating gribble could help turn waste into biofuel

Scientists have discovered a new enzyme that could prove an important step in the quest to turn waste (such as paper, scrap wood and straw) into liquid fuel. To do this they turned to the destructive power of tiny marine wood-borers called 'gribble', which have been known to destroy seaside piers.

Higher-activity jobs tied to sleep extremes

Certain high-activity careers lead to both lower and higher sleep duration, potentially creating or exacerbating health problems.

New strategy for defeating neuroblastoma

Researchers have found a promising strategy for defeating neuroblastoma -- a malignant form of cancer in children -- that focuses on the so-called MYCN protein. A specific chemical molecule helps to break down MYCN, which either kills the cancer cell or makes it mature into a harmless neuron.

Perfectly designed microelectronics

The European Commission has defined micro- and nanoelectronics as one of five key technologies for Europe. At the moment, this segment of industry accounts for ten percent of Europe's gross domestic product (GDP). Miniaturized electronic circuits fulfill a broad range of important technical functions: they not only control our PCs, tablets, smartphones, and DVD players. Without them, the power grid would be far less efficient, airbags would not pop open, and medical devices would not be able to function.

Are smartphones disrupting your sleep?

Smartphones and tablets can make for sleep-disrupting bedfellows. One cause is believed to be the bright light-emitting diodes that allow the use of mobile devices in dimly lit rooms; the light exposure can interfere with melatonin, a hormone that helps control the natural sleep-wake cycle. But there may be a way to check your mobile device in bed and still get a good night's sleep. A new study suggests dimming the smartphone or tablet brightness settings and holding the device at least 14 inches from your face while using it will reduce its potential to interfere with melatonin and impede sleep.

PET finds increased cognitive reserve levels in highly educated pre-Alzheimer's patients

Highly educated individuals with mild cognitive impairment that later progressed to Alzheimer's disease cope better with the disease than individuals with a lower level of education in the same situation, according to a new study. In the study, neural reserve and neural compensation were both shown to play a role in determining cognitive reserve, as evidenced by positron emission tomography.

Rash decision? New UK coins increase nickel skin allergy risk four fold

In a bid to save £10 million a year the British Treasury is replacing copper–nickel five and ten pence coins with new nickel-plated steel versions. However, while no UK health assessment has taken place, scientists in Sweden have analyzed the allergy risk.

Smoking, sugar, spirits and 'sin' taxes: Higher price would help health

Go ye and sin no more -- or pay for it, when it comes to junk food, smoking and consuming alcohol. That's the message from two physicians who say raising "sin" taxes on tobacco and alcoholic beverages and imposing them on sugary drinks and fatty foods would lead many people to cut back, improving public health.

Companies pay almost $6,000 extra per year for each employee who smokes

A new study suggests that U.S. businesses pay almost $6,000 per year extra for each employee who smokes compared to the cost to employ a person who has never smoked cigarettes. Researchers say it's the first study to take a comprehensive look at the financial burden for companies employing smokers.

Dense hydrogen in a new light

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. The way it responds under extreme pressures and temperatures is crucial to our understanding of matter and the nature of hydrogen-rich planets. New work using intense infrared radiation shines new light on this fundamental material at extreme pressures and reveals the details of a surprising new form of solid hydrogen.

Interleukin 17F level and interferon beta response in patients with multiple sclerosis

A new study examines the association between IL-17F and treatment response to interferon beta-1b among patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

New biomolecular archaeological evidence points to the beginnings of viniculture in France

France is renowned the world over as a leader in the crafts of viticulture and winemaking -- but the beginnings of French viniculture have been largely unknown, until now. Imported ancient Etruscan amphoras and a limestone press platform, discovered at the ancient port site of Lattara in southern France, have provided the earliest known biomolecular archaeological evidence of winemaking -- and point to the beginnings of a Celtic or Gallic vinicultural industry in France circa 500-400 BCE.

Path to compact, robust sources for ultrashort laser pulses

Laser researchers are challenging a basic assumption of engineering: "You can't have it all." They have shown that for applications in biomedical optics, material processing, and communications, a new approach could deliver desired capabilities with no problematic tradeoffs: In compact, inexpensive, efficient and long-lived lasers that produce ultrashort, high-energy light pulses. They present experimental results with pulses as short as 60 picoseconds and predict that this technique will allow practical subpicosecond devices.

Genetic signature of deadly brain cancer identified

A multi-institutional team of researchers have pinpointed the genetic traits of the cells that give rise to gliomas -- the most common form of malignant brain cancer. The findings provide scientists with rich new potential set of targets to treat the disease.

Faster method to identify Salmonella strains developed

A new approach may be able to reduce by more than half the time it takes health officials to identify Salmonella strains, according to researchers.

Salt gets under your skin

It's time to expand the models for blood pressure regulation, according to clinical pharmacologist. Scientists have identified a new cast of cells and molecules that function in the skin to control sodium balance and blood pressure.

Common protein known to cause autism now linked to specific behaviors

Researchers find abnormal brain networks in Fragile X syndrome, a genetic malady that is the most common inherited cause of autism and intellectual disability.

Night work may impair glucose tolerance

A new study suggests that night work may impair glucose tolerance, supporting a causal role of night work in the increased risk of type 2 diabetes among shift workers.

Prevent MRSA in horse hospitals

Bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics have become a serious threat to humans and animals. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an example of such a bacterium. MRSA infections in horses are difficult to treat, as there are so few effective antibiotics. By improving hygiene in hospital care for animals, the spread of resistant bacteria can be reduced.

Time limits on welfare can lead to higher mortality rates

US workfare programs have been praised for improving the economic well-being of families but little is known about how these policies affected participants' health and mortality. In a study of enrollees in Florida's Family Transition Program who were given a time limit for welfare benefits, researchers found that participants had a 16 percent higher mortality rate or nine months of life expectancy lost compared to recipients of traditional welfare.

Risk of kidney disease doubled with use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics

The risk of acute kidney disease is doubled for people taking oral fluoroquinolone antibiotics, according to a new study.

Study links workplace daylight exposure to sleep, activity and quality of life

A new study demonstrates a strong relationship between workplace daylight exposure and office workers' sleep, activity and quality of life.

Method for recycling plastic with printed ink developed

Researchers have developed a procedure that removes printed ink on plastic films used in flexible packaging getting a product free from ink and suitable for recycling.

Role conflict and emotional demands are 'most important' risk factors for distress in workers

Employees who face high emotional demand and conflicting roles are more likely to report psychological distress—placing them at higher risk of mental health disorders and reduced productivity, reports a new study.

Distracted drivers: Your habits are to blame

More than a decade of research has shown that using a handheld or hands-free phone while driving is not safe because the brain does not have enough mental capacity to safely perform both tasks at once.

'Back to sleep' does not affect baby's ability to roll

New research shows little change in babies' ability to roll from their tummy to back and vice versa 20 years after 'back to sleep' campaign.

Allergic and autoimmune diseases linked, mouse study suggests

Scientists have discovered that a gene called BACH2 may play a central role in the development of diverse allergic and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, asthma, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and type-1 diabetes.

Metastatic tumors: New path in immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy is showing promise in treating patients with a variety of advanced, metastatic tumors, as evidenced by two newly unveiled studies.

Early-life risk factors account for racial and ethnic disparities in childhood obesity

A new prospective study finds that the increased prevalence of obesity and overweight among black and Hispanic children can largely be explained by early-life risk factors such as rapid infant weight gain, early introduction of solid foods and a lack of exclusive breast feeding.

Narcolepsy study finds surprising increase in neurons that produce histamine

A new study provides surprising evidence that people with narcolepsy have an increased number of neurons that produce histamine, suggesting that histamine signaling may be a novel therapeutic target for this potentially disabling sleep disorder.

Best ultraviolet maps of the nearest galaxies

Astronomers have used NASA's Swift satellite to create the most detailed ultraviolet light surveys ever of the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, the two closest major galaxies.

The jewels of the ocean: Two new species and a new genus of octocorals from the Pacific

Two new beautiful species of octocorals and a new genus have been described from the well explored west coast of North America. Despite the 3,400 known species nowadays, these colorful marine jewels continue to surprise with new discoveries which calls for a detailed exploration of the remarkable biodiversity of octocorals.

Altered neural circuitry may lead to anorexia and bulimia

New research suggests that the altered function of neural circuitry contributes to restricted eating in anorexia and overeating in bulimia. The research may offer a pathway to new and more effective treatments for these serious eating disorders.

The fight against genome parasites

In the gonads of animals, genome parasites such as transposons pose a serious threat to evolutionary fitness. With their ability to bounce around in the genome, they often cause dangerous mutations. To protect genomic integrity, animals evolved a sophisticated mechanism – the so called piRNA pathway – to silence the deleterious transposons. Not much is known about the molecular processes and the involved factors that constitute the piRNA pathway. Researchers have now identified about 50 genes, that play important roles in the piRNA pathway of the fruitfly Drosophila melanogaster.

Enhancer RNAs alter gene expression

In a pair of distinct but complementary papers, researchers illuminate the functional importance of a relatively new class of RNA molecules. The work suggests modulation of "enhancer-directed RNAs" or "eRNAs" could provide a new way to alter gene expression in living cells, perhaps affecting the development or pathology of many diseases.

Dogs, humans affected by OCD have similar brain abnormalities

Another piece of the puzzle to better understand and treat obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) has fallen into place with the publication of new research that shows that the structural brain abnormalities of Doberman pinschers afflicted with canine compulsive disorder (CCD) are similar to those of humans with OCD. The research suggests that further study of anxiety disorders in dogs may help find new therapies for OCD and similar conditions in humans.

Test to improve stem cell safety

Scientists have developed a test to identify unsafe stem cells. It is the first safety test specifically for human induced pluripotent stem cells.

Weather conditions do not affect fibromyalgia pain or fatigue

Weather conditions including temperature, sunshine, and precipitation have no impact on fibromyalgia symptoms in female patients, study suggests. Results suggest, however, that individual patients may be sensitive to some changes in the weather.

Innate immunity: When DNA is out of place

In animal cells, DNA molecules are normally restricted to the cell nucleus and the mitochondria. When DNA appears outside these organelles – in the so-called cytosol - it most probably originates from a bacterial pathogen or a DNA virus. This is why cytosolic DNA triggers a strong response by the innate immune system. However, various types of insult can also lead to the release into the cytosol of the cell's own DNA. In this case, the resulting immune response may precipitate an autoimmune disease.

Climate change may increase the risk of severe thunderstorms

Analysis has suggested that changes in the atmosphere will lead to more frequent conditions favorable for severe thunderstorms. According to recent studies there will be more damaging winds related to thunderstorms. The number of tornadoes and large hail is expected to remain at the same level as today.

Organic chemistry: Leading light waves astray

The development of structured synthetic materials with unusual electromagnetic properties, so-called metamaterials, promises to provide access to special physical effects of great technological interest. Metamaterials have already been fabricated that have a negative refractive index for electromagnetic waves – bending them in the opposite sense to light waves entering water, for instance – which opens up completely novel opportunities for the manipulation of light. One of these makes it possible, in principle, to create cloaking devices that seem to make objects disappear. Indeed, such an invisibility cloak has already been realized for microwaves.

Drug resistance may make malaria parasites vulnerable to other substances

Malaria parasites that develop resistance to the most effective class of anti-malarial drugs may become susceptible to other treatments as a result. The discovery could reveal potential new drug options, which would be essential in the event of resistance to the best anti-malarials.

Hubble maps 3-D structure of ejected material around erupting star

A flash of light from a stellar outburst has provided a rare look at the 3-D structure of material ejected by an erupting nova. Astronomers used NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to observe the light emitted by the close double-star system T Pyxidis, or T Pyx, a recurring nova, during its latest outburst in April 2011.

Anatomy determines how lizards attract partners and repel rivals

Catching the attention of females in a darkened rainforest amid a blur of windblown vegetation is no easy task. But male Anolis lizards on the island of Jamaica have evolved an ideal visual technique. A new study now solves the mystery of why their close relatives on the neighboring island of Puerto Rico do not adopt the same strategy.

Anxious? Activate your anterior cingulate cortex with a little meditation

Scientists, like Buddhist monks and Zen masters, have known for years that meditation can reduce anxiety, but not how. Scientists have now succeeded in identifying the brain functions involved.

Never forget a face? Researchers find women have better memory recall than men

New research suggests women can remember faces better than men, in part because they spend more time studying features without even knowing it. And, researchers say a technique can help improve anyone's memories.

Detecting disease with a smartphone accessory

Engineers have created a new optical sensor that plugs in to a smartphone and, using disposable microfluidic chips, allows for inexpensive in-the-field diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma, a cancer linked to AIDS.

White-tailed deer and the science of yellow snow

New research from wildlife ecologists indicates that white-tailed deer may be making the soil in their preferred winter homes unfit to grow the very trees that protect them there.

Quantum model helps solve mysteries of water

Scientists have revealed a major breakthrough in the modeling of water that could shed light on its mysterious properties.

An 'extinct' frog makes a comeback in Israel

The first amphibian to have been officially declared extinct by the International Union for Conservation of Nature has been rediscovered in the north of Israel after some 60 years and turns out to be a unique "living fossil," without close relatives among other living frogs.

Australian lake untouched by climate change

Researchers have found that a lake on an island off the coast of Queensland, Australia, has been relatively untouched by changes in climate for the past 7000 years, and has so far also resisted the impact of humans.

Zebrafish help identify mutant gene in rare muscle disease

Zebrafish with very weak muscles helped scientists decode the elusive genetic mutation responsible for Native American myopathy, a rare, hereditary muscle disease that afflicts Native Americans in North Carolina.

Exposure to rocket attacks in Israel increases adolescent violence

A study followed 362 Israeli adolescents from the southwestern Negev from 2008 to 2011, and conducted annual assessments of exposure to rocket attacks, symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as acts of violence.

Cognitive ability differences among the elderly explained

A new study shows compelling evidence that associations between cognitive ability and cortical grey matter in old age can largely be accounted for by cognitive ability in childhood.

Delievered to you by Feedamail.
Unsubscribe

SPAM

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

FeedaMail: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

No comments:

Post a Comment