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Malaria's deadly grip revealed: Severe malaria breakthrough

Researchers have identified how malaria parasites growing inside red blood cells stick to the sides of blood vessels in severe cases of malaria. The discovery may advance the development of vaccines or drugs to combat severe malaria by stopping the parasites attaching to blood vessels.

How HIV kills immune cells

Untreated HIV infection destroys a person's immune system by killing infection-fighting cells, but precisely when and how HIV wreaks this destruction has been a mystery until now. New research reveals how HIV triggers a signal telling an infected immune cell to die. This finding has implications for preserving the immune systems of HIV-infected individuals.

Resistivity switch is window to role of magnetism in iron-based superconductors

Physicists have discovered surprising changes in electrical resistivity in iron-based superconductors. The findings offer further evidence that magnetism and superconductivity are closely related in this class of novel superconductors.

Where trash accumulates in the deep sea

Surprisingly large amounts of discarded trash end up in the ocean. Plastic bags, aluminum cans, and fishing debris not only clutter our beaches, but accumulate in open-ocean areas such as the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch." Now, new research shows that trash is also accumulating in the deep sea, particularly in Monterey Canyon.

Big multiple sclerosis breakthrough: Phase 1 trial safely resets patients' immune systems and reduces attack on myelin protein

A phase 1 clinical trial for the first treatment to reset the immune system of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients showed the therapy was safe and dramatically reduced patients' immune systems' reactivity to myelin by 50 to 75 percent. The therapy used billions of patients' own specially processed blood cells to create tolerance to myelin, the insulating layer that forms around nerves. In MS, the immune system attacks myelin. The approach left the normal immune system intact.

Detecting lead hotspots in urban gardens requires different sampling strategies

Analyzing soil lead in an urban garden plot is important and sampling approaches may involve tradeoffs between finding 'hotspots' versus looking at the average amount of lead when checking for safe levels.

New gene that is essential for nuclear reprogramming

Researchers are still fascinated by the idea of reprogramming the cells of any tissue, turning them into cells with the capacity to differentiate into cells of a completely different type -- pluripotent cells -- and they are still striving to understand how it happens. Now, researchers in Spain discovered a new gene called TRF1 that is essential for nuclear reprogramming.

NASA's IceBridge mission contributes to new map of Antarctica

A new dataset called Bedmap2 gives a clearer picture of Antarctica from the ice surface down to the bedrock below. Bedmap2 is a significant improvement on the previous collection of Antarctic data -- known as Bedmap -- that was produced more than 10 years ago.

Researchers announce discovery of oldest-known fossil primate skeleton

An international team of researchers has announced the discovery of the world's oldest-known fossil primate skeleton representing a previously unknown genus and species named Archicebus achilles. In addition to being the oldest known example of an early primate skeleton, the new fossil is crucial for illuminating a pivotal event in primate and human evolution -- the evolutionary divergence between the lineage leading to anthropoids and that leading to living tarsiers.

Discovery of oldest primate skeleton, ancestor of humans and apes

The discovery of the oldest fossil skeleton of a primate provides insight into the phase of evolution when the lineage of modern monkeys, apes and humans split away. The fossil represents a new species, Archicebus achilles, and was unearthed in China. The skeleton was digitally reconstructed with synchrotron X-rays at the ESRF, allowing to study in detail this fossil radically different from any other primate, living or fossil. The results are published in Nature.

Discovery of oldest primate skeleton helps chart early evolution of humans, apes

An international team of researchers has announced the discovery of the world's oldest known fossil primate skeleton, an animal that lived about 55 million years ago and was even smaller than today's smallest primate, the pygmy mouse lemur. This new fossil illuminates a pivotal event in primate and human evolution: the divergence between the lineage leading to modern monkeys, apes, and humans and the branch leading to living tarsiers--small, nocturnal tree-dwelling primates.

Black holes abundant among the earliest stars

By comparing infrared and X-ray background signals across the same stretch of sky, astronomers have discovered evidence of a significant number of black holes that accompanied the first stars in the universe.

'Temporal cloaking' could bring more secure optical communications

Researchers have demonstrated a method for "temporal cloaking" of optical communications, representing a potential tool to thwart would-be eavesdroppers and improve security for telecommunications.

NASA builds sophisticated Earth-observing microwave radiometer

A NASA team delivered in May a sophisticated microwave radiometer specifically designed to overcome the pitfalls that have plagued similar Earth-observing instruments in the past.

A 20-minute bout of yoga stimulates brain function immediately after

Researchers report that a single, 20-minute session of Hatha yoga significantly improved participants' speed and accuracy on tests of working memory and inhibitory control, two measures of brain function associated with the ability to maintain focus and take in, retain and use new information. Participants performed significantly better immediately after the yoga practice than after moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise for the same amount of time.

Study suggests fathers should ask kids: 'Am I the dad you need me to be?'

As Father's Day approaches, psychologists say dads should ask their children for a little more feedback than they might get with the yearly greeting card. A new study found that the way young people interpret their father's parenting behavior varies depending on the child's gender, ethnicity and whether the father is their biological dad or stepfather.

Gut bacteria play key role in vaccination

The bacteria that live in the human gut may play an important role in immune response to vaccines and infection by wild-type enteric organisms, according to two recent studies.

Genetic mutation inherited from father's side linked to early puberty

Researchers have identified that a genetic mutation leads to a type of premature puberty, known as central precocious puberty.

Most popular baby names from last decade decoded

Names can provide a clue to a person's background. And, with certain names come certain preconceptions. But could a parent's choice of name for their child be influenced by evolution? Scientists analyzed the most popular baby names from the last decade to decode the link between the sounds in a name and the sex, in a new article.

Nontoxic cancer therapy proves effective against metastatic cancer

A combination of dietary and hyperbaric oxygen therapies effectively increased survival time in a mouse model of aggressive metastatic cancer, a new research team found. The study demonstrates the potential of these cost-effective, nontoxic therapies to positively contribute to current cancer treatment regimens.

Over 120,000-year-old bone tumor in Neandertal specimen found

The first case of a bone tumor of the ribs in a Neanderthal specimen reveals that at least one Neanderthal suffered a cancer that is common in modern-day humans, according to new research.

When angry, talk: Describing emotional situations alters heart rate, cardiac output

The act of describing a feeling such as anger may have a significant impact on the body's physiological response to the situation that elicits the emotion, according to new research.

Neuroimaging may offer new way to diagnose bipolar disorder

MRI may be an effective way to diagnose mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, according to experts.

Rapid, irregular heartbeat may be linked to problems with memory and thinking

People who develop a type of irregular heartbeat common in old age called atrial fibrillation may also be more likely to develop problems with memory and thinking, according to new research.

Scientists unexpectedly discover stress-resistant stem cells in fat tissue removed during liposuction

Researchers have isolated a new population of primitive, stress-resistant human pluripotent stem cells easily derived from fat tissue that are able to differentiate into virtually every cell type in the human body without genetic modification.

Firefighting robot paints 3-D thermal imaging picture for rescuers

Engineers have developed new image processing techniques for rapid exploration and characterization of structural fires by small Segway-like robotic vehicles. A sophisticated on-board software system takes the thermal data recorded by the robot's small infrared camera and maps it onto a 3-D scene constructed from the images taken by a pair of stereo RGB cameras.

'Belief in science' increases in stressful situations

A faith in the explanatory and revealing power of science increases in the face of stress or anxiety, a study by psychologists suggests. The researchers argue that a 'belief in science' may help non-religious people deal with adversity by offering comfort and reassurance, as has been reported previously for religious belief.

Genetic testing of rare blood cancer reveals new mutation

A recent article describes genetic testing of a rare blood cancer called atypical chronic neutrophilic leukemia that revealed a new mutation present in most patients with the disease.

Over-produced autism gene alters synapses, affects learning and behavior in mice

A gene linked to autism spectrum disorders that was manipulated in two lines of transgenic mice produced mature adults with irreversible deficits affecting either learning or social interaction.

New microfluidic method expands toolbox for nanoparticle manipulation

Researchers have developed a new flow-based method for manipulating and confining single particles in free solution, a process that will help address current challenges faced by nanoscientists and engineers. The "microfluidic trap" is capable of 2-D particle manipulation using the sole action of fluid flow.

Electronic stimulation therapy for obstructive sleep apnea is safe, effective, new study suggests

A clinical study suggests that electronic stimulation therapy reduces obstructive sleep apnea and is safe and effective. Stimulation Therapy for Apnea Reduction (STAR Trial) evaluated an implantable electronic stimulation device called Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation therapy designed to deliver mild stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve on each breathing cycle during sleep, preventing the tongue from collapsing and obstructing the airway.

New report identifies research priorities for most pressing gun violence problems in US

A new report proposes priorities for a research agenda to improve understanding of the public health aspects of gun-related violence, including its causes, health burden, and possible interventions.

First evidence that the genome can adapt to temperature changes

Researchers have been tracking the evolution of Drosophila subobscura, a small fly that is very common all over Europe, since 1976. They are focusing on a specific type of genomic variability known as chromosomal inversion polymorphism. The study has compared how the flies' genomes change from spring to summer, summer to autumn and autumn to spring, over the years. Researchers have shown that the 2011 heatwave dramatically altered the genetic constitution of natural populations of Drosophila subobscura.

Drug prevents post-traumatic stress-like symptoms in mice

When injected into mice immediately following a traumatic event, a new drug prevents the animals from developing memory problems and increased anxiety that are indicative of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Tiny bubbles in your metallic glass may not be a cause for celebration

Bubbles in a champagne glass may add a festive fizz, but microscopic bubbles that form in metallic glass can signal serious trouble. That's why researchers used computer simulations to study how these bubbles form and expand.

First observation of spin Hall effect in a quantum gas is step toward 'atomtronics'

Researchers have reported the first observation of the spin Hall effect in a Bose-Einstein condensate.

Targeting an aspect of Down syndrome

Researchers have determined how a gene that is known to be defective in Down syndrome is regulated and how its dysregulation may lead to neurological defects, providing insights into potential therapeutic approaches to an aspect of the syndrome.

First dual-action compound kills cancer cells, stops them from spreading

Scientists are reporting development and successful lab tests on the first potential drug to pack a lethal one-two punch against melanoma skin cancer cells. Hit number one destroys cells in the main tumor, and the second hit blocks the spread of the cancer to other sites in the body, according to their report.

Aligning values with employer can lead to promotion, suggests new study

Employees looking to move up within their organization should get on board with the goals and values of their employer, according to new research.

Teacher collaboration, professional communities improve many elementary school students' math scores

Many elementary students' math performance improves when their teachers collaborate, work in professional learning communities or do both, yet most students don't spend all of their elementary school years in these settings, a new study shows.

Neurochemical traffic signals may open new avenues for the treatment of schizophrenia

Researchers have uncovered important clues about a biochemical pathway in the brain that may one day expand treatment options for schizophrenia.

Strength in numbers when resisting forbidden fruit

A new study from the University of British Columbia helps explain how people become obsessed with forbidden pleasures.

Pollution controls increase beach attendance, study shows

Southern California beaches with storm drain diversion systems attract millions more people annually, a new study shows.

Concerns about anesthesia's impact on the brain

As pediatric specialists become increasingly aware that surgical anesthesia may have lasting effects on the developing brains of young children, new research suggests the threat may also apply to adult brains. Researchers report that testing in laboratory mice shows anesthesia's neurotoxic effects depend on the age of brain neurons -- not the age of the animal undergoing anesthesia, as once thought.

Irish chronicles reveal links between cold weather and volcanic eruptions

Medieval chronicles have given researchers a glimpse into the past to assess how historical volcanic eruptions affected the weather in Ireland up to 1500 years ago. Researchers successfully linked the climatic aftermath of volcanic eruptions to extreme cold weather events in Ireland over a 1200-year period from 431 to 1649.

Nutrition during first 1,000 days of life crucial for childhood and economic development

New research on maternal and childhood nutrition finds that over 3 million children die every year of malnutrition -— accounting for nearly half of all child deaths under 5. Along with state-of-the-art global estimates on the long-term burden of malnutrition, the series presents a new framework for prevention and treatment that considers underlying factors, such as food security, social conditions, resources, and governance.

A lucky catch: A tiny new fish, Haptoclinus dropi, from the southern Caribbean

A lucky catch, a new species of tiny blenniiform fish has been discovered as a part of the Smithsonian Institution's Deep Reef Observation Project. The new, beautifully colored Haptoclinus dropi is only about 2 cm long. It was collected from poorly studied deep reefs that lie beyond the reach of scuba divers. It represents the second species in the genus and an exciting catch for Caribbean marine diversity.

Autism discovery paves way for early blood test and therapeutic options

Cells from individuals with autism spectrum disorders showed significantly decreased metabolism of the amino acid L-tryptophan, new research shows. The article shows promise for understanding the mechanism of the pathogenesis, as well as developing an early ASDs screening test by measuring the metabolism of L-tryptophan using advanced Biolog Phenotype MicroArray cell scanning technology.

'Caldas tear' resolves puzzling seismic activity beneath Colombia

Colombia sits atop a complex geological area where three tectonic plates are interacting, producing seismicity patterns that have puzzled seismologists for years. Now seismologists have identified the "Caldas tear," which is a break in a slab that separates two subducting plates and accounts for curious features, including a "nest" of seismic activity beneath east-central Colombia and high grade mineral deposits on the surface.

Listening to music while driving has very little effect on driving performance, study suggests

Most motorists enjoy listening to the radio or their favourite CD while driving. Many of them switch on the radio without thinking. But is this safe? Experiments carried out by an environment and traffic psychologist suggest that it makes very little difference. In fact the effects that were measured turned out to be positive. Music helps drivers to focus, particularly on long, monotonous roads.

Most youth football player concussions occur during games, not practice

Despite the lack of data regarding the rates of concussions in youth football, concerns have been raised about the sport being dangerous for this age group. Researchers have analyzed the incidence rates of concussion in youth football players in this age group and found a significantly higher incidence during games compared to practice sessions.

New DNA test on roo poo identifies species

Researchers have developed a simple and cost-effective DNA test to identify kangaroo species from their droppings which will boost the ability to manage and conserve kangaroo populations.

Second life for possible spintronic materials: Manganese, gallium nitride merged in uniform layer

Ten years ago, scientists were convinced that a combination of manganese and gallium nitride could be a key material to create spintronics, the next generation of electronic devices that operate on properties found at the nanoscale.

Sensitive flow sensor: Hair sensor uncovers hidden signals

An "artificial cricket hair" used as a sensitive flow sensor has difficulty detecting weak, low-frequency signals – they tend to be drowned out by noise. But now, a bit of clever tinkering with the flexibility of the tiny hair's supports has made it possible to boost the signal-to-noise ratio by a factor of 25. This in turn means that weak flows can now be measured.

Alpine lakes reflect climate change

Global warming impacts lakes' structure, function and water quality. Increases in temperature as a result of climate change are mirrored in lake waters where temperatures are also on the rise. A new study forecasts surface water temperatures in large Austrian lakes for 2050 and discusses the impact on the lakes' structure, function and water quality.

Mapping the brain

Whether we run to catch a bus or reach for a pen: Activities that involve the use of muscles are related to very specific areas in the brain. Traditionally, their exact location has only been determined through electrical stimulation or unnatural, experimental tasks. A team of scientists has now succeeded for the first time in mapping the brain's surface using measurements of everyday movements.

Brand leadership is unlikely to be regained once lost

Business history is littered with the remains of fallen giants. Yuban coffee, Fels Naptha laundry soap, Bobbie Brooks, Zenith, Kodak -- all these brands were leaders in their time, and then something changed. At some point, they were knocked off the top rung and never got back there again. That might sound strange -- leaders transformed into also-rans -- but new research shows this story to be all too common.

Drought, river fragmentation forcing endangered fish out of water, biologist finds

North American drought has caused dramatic changes in native fish communities.

Evolutionary history of a cancer-related gene

Scientists have described how a genetic duplication that took place in the vertebrate ancestor some 500 million years ago encouraged the evolution of the ASF1b gene; a gene essential for proper cell division and related to some types of cancer such as breast cancer.

Reversal cells may tip the balance between bone formation and resorption in health and disease

By analyzing biopsy specimens from patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis and primary hyperparathyroidism, investigators have begun to pay increasing attention to "reversal cells," which prepare for bone formation during bone remodeling. The hope is that these reversal cells will become critical therapeutic targets that may someday prevent osteoporosis and other bone disorders.

Living fossils? Actually, sturgeon fish are evolutionary speedsters

Efforts to restore sturgeon in the Great Lakes region have received a lot of attention in recent years, and many of the news stories note that the prehistoric-looking fish are "living fossils" virtually unchanged for millions of years.

Specifically sized gold nanoparticle spheres increase the sensitivity of a light-based chemical detector

A sensor that relies on reflected light to analyze biomedical and chemical samples now has greater sensitivity, thanks to a carpet of gold nanoparticles. Scientists have determined the ideal size of nanoparticle to improve surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors.

New technique for deep brain stimulation surgery proves accurate and safe

The surgeon who more than two decades ago pioneered deep brain stimulation surgery in the United States to treat people with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders has now developed a new way to perform the surgery -- which allows for more accurate placement of the brain electrodes and likely is safer for patients.

NASA builds sophisticated Earth-observing microwave radiometer

A NASA team delivered in May a sophisticated microwave radiometer specifically designed to overcome the pitfalls that have plagued similar Earth-observing instruments in the past. Literally years in the making, the new radiometer, which is designed to measure the intensity of electromagnetic radiation, specifically microwaves, is equipped with one of the most sophisticated signal-processing systems ever developed for an Earth science satellite mission.

NASA's Orion spacecraft proves sound under pressure

After a month of being poked, prodded and pressurized in ways that mimicked the stresses of spaceflight, NASA's Orion crew module successfully passed its static loads tests on Wednesday.

NASA spacecraft sees tornado's destructive swath

A new image from the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) instrument on NASA's Terra spacecraft shows the extent of destruction from the deadly Newcastle-Moore tornado that ripped through central Oklahoma on May 20, 2013. The Newcastle-Moore tornado was rated at EF-5 on the Enhanced Fujita scale. An EF-5 is the most powerful category of tornado.

NASA to study how pollution, storms and climate mix

NASA aircraft will take to the skies over the southern United States this summer to investigate how air pollution and natural emissions, which are pushed high into the atmosphere by large storms, affect atmospheric composition and climate.

NASA's Curiosity Mars rover nears turning point

NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission is approaching its biggest turning point since landing its rover, Curiosity, inside Mars' Gale Crater last summer. Curiosity is finishing investigations in an area smaller than a football field where it has been working for six months, and it will soon shift to a distance-driving mode headed for an area about 5 miles (8 kilometers) away, at the base Mount Sharp.

Cassini sees precursors to aerosol haze on Saturn's largest moon, Titan

Scientists working with data from NASA's Cassini mission have confirmed the presence of a population of complex hydrocarbons in the upper atmosphere of Saturn's largest moon, Titan, that later evolve into the components that give the moon a distinctive orange-brown haze. The presence of these complex, ringed hydrocarbons, known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), explains the origin of the aerosol particles found in the lowest haze layer that blankets Titan's surface. Scientists think these PAH compounds aggregate into larger particles as they drift downward.

Surgeons implant bioengineered vein

In a first-of-its-kind operation in the United States, a team of doctors created a bioengineered blood vessel and implanted it into the arm of a patient with end-stage kidney disease. The procedure, the first U.S. clinical trial to test the safety and effectiveness of the bioengineered blood vessel, is a milestone in the field of tissue engineering. The new vein is an off-the-shelf, human cell-based product with no biological properties that would cause organ rejection.

Scientists coax brain to regenerate cells lost in Huntington's disease

Researchers have been able to mobilize the brain's native stem cells to replenish a type of neuron lost in Huntington's disease. The scientists were able to both trigger the production of new neurons in mice with the disease and show that the new cells successfully integrated into the brain's existing neural networks, dramatically extending the survival of the treated mice.

MRI study: Breastfeeding boosts babies' brain growth

A study using brain images from "quiet" MRI machines adds to the growing body of evidence that breastfeeding improves brain development in infants. Breastfeeding alone produced better brain development than a combination of breastfeeding and formula, which produced better development than formula alone.

'Dust trap' around young star solves long-standing planet formation mystery

Astronomers have imaged a region around a young star where dust particles can grow by clumping together. This is the first time that such a dust trap has been clearly observed and modeled. It solves a long-standing mystery about how dust particles in discs grow to larger sizes so that they can eventually form comets, planets and other rocky bodies.

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Thursday, June 6, 2013

FeedaMail: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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