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Lunar cycle affects cardiac patients undergoing acute aortic dissection: Waning and full moon cycles impact length of stay, mortality

If you need cardiac surgery in the future, aortic dissection in particular, reach for the moon. Or at least try to schedule your surgery around its cycle. A new study found that acute aortic dissection repair performed in the waning full moon appears to reduce the odds of death, and a full moon was associated with shorter length of stay.

Scientists construct visual of intracellular 'zip code' signaling linked to learning, memory

New research provides a rare "picture" of the activity taking place at the single molecular level: visual evidence of the mechanisms involved when a cell transports mRNA (or messenger RNA) to where a protein is needed to perform a cellular function.

Nesting Gulf of Mexico loggerhead turtles face offshore risks

Threatened loggerhead sea turtles in the northern Gulf of Mexico can travel distances up to several hundred miles and visit offshore habitats between nesting events in a single season, taking them through waters impacted by oil and fishing industries.

Distorted GPS signals reveal hurricane wind speeds

Researchers have found a way to do something completely different with GPS: Measure and map the wind speeds of hurricanes. The new technique could help meteorologists better predict storm severity, how storms form, and where they might be headed.

Great exaptations: Most traits emerge for no crucial reason

By simulating changes in an organism's metabolism, scientists have now shown that most traits may emerge as non-crucial "exaptations" rather than as selection-advantageous adaptations.

Share robotic frogs help turn a boring mating call into a serenade

With the help of a robotic frog, biologists have discovered that two wrong mating calls can make a right for female túngara frogs. The "rather bizarre" result may provide insight into how complex traits evolve by hooking together much simpler traits.

Chemical compound shows promise as alternative to opioid pain relievers

A drug targeting a protein complex containing two different types of opioid receptors may be an effective alternative to morphine and other opioid pain medications, without any of the side effects or risk of dependence, according to new research.

CSI-style DNA fingerprinting tracks down cause of cancer spread

How do stationary cancer cells get the mutations that allow them to travel through the body to seed metastasis? Do they just grow these mutations themselves? Study shows that cancer cells fuse with blood cells -- which already can travel! -- to create a hybrid, metastatic cancer cell.

Common autism supplement affects endocrine system

Plant-based diets are healthy. Plants are high in flavonoids. So flavonoids are healthy. At least that's the reasoning of many manufacturers of flavonoid-based nutritional supplements. But a new study shows that may not be the case. Flavonoids tested in the study affected the endocrine system in ways that in one case promoted cancer and in another repressed it.

Computer as smart as a 4-year-old? Researchers IQ test new artificial intelligence system

Artificial and natural knowledge researchers IQ-tested one of the best available artificial intelligence systems and learned that it's about as smart as the average 4-year-old.

In children with fever, researchers distinguish bacterial from viral infections

Many children develop fevers without an obvious cause. Now, researchers have shown they can tell whether a child has a viral or bacterial infection by profiling the activity of genes in a blood sample.

Fiji's largest marine reserve swarming with sharks

Researchers have found that Fiji's largest marine reserve contains more sharks than surrounding areas that allow fishing, evidence that marine protected areas can be good for sharks.

Drought response identified in potential biofuel plant

Drought resistance is the key to large-scale production of Jatropha, a potential biofuel plant -- and an international group of scientists has identified the first step toward engineering a hardier variety.

Cancer researchers discover how BRCA mutation starts breast, ovarian cancers

Scientists have solved a key piece in the puzzle of how BRCA1 gene mutations specifically predispose women to breast and ovarian cancers.

High carbon dioxide spurs wetlands to absorb more carbon

Under elevated carbon dioxide levels, wetland plants can absorb up to 32 percent more carbon than they do at current levels, according to a 19-year study just published. With atmospheric carbon dioxide passing the 400 parts-per-million milestone this year, the findings offer hope that wetlands could help soften the blow of climate change.

Heart of space weather observed in action

Two NASA spacecraft have provided the most comprehensive movie ever of a mysterious process at the heart of all explosions on the sun: magnetic reconnection. Magnetic reconnection happens when magnetic field lines come together, break apart and then exchange partners, snapping into new positions and releasing a jolt of magnetic energy. This process lies at the heart of giant explosions on the sun, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections, which can fling radiation and particles across the solar system.

Scientists outline long-term sea-level rise in response to warming of planet

A new study estimates that global sea levels will rise about 2.3 meters, or more than seven feet, over the next several thousand years for every degree (Celsius) the planet warms. This is one of the first analyses to combine four major contributors to potential sea level rise into a collective estimate, and compare it with evidence of past sea-level responses to global temperature changes.

Fear factor: Missing brain enzyme leads to abnormal levels of fear in mice, new research reveals

A little bit of learned fear is a good thing, keeping us from making risky, stupid decisions or falling over and over again into the same trap. But new research from neuroscientists and molecular biologists shows that a missing brain protein may be the culprit in cases of severe over-worry, where the fear perseveres even when there's nothing of which to be afraid.

Electronic health records slow the rise of healthcare costs

Use of electronic health records can reduce the costs of outpatient care by roughly 3 percent, compared to relying on traditional paper records.

New insights on cancer cell signaling

A pair of studies sheds light on a biological process which is activated across a vast range of malignancies.

Researchers generate long-lasting blood vessels from reprogrammed human cells

Researchers have used vascular precursor cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells to generate, in an animal model, functional blood vessels that lasted as long as nine months.

Solving DNA puzzles is overwhelming computer systems, researchers warn

Scientists in the fast-growing field of computational genomics are getting lots of data but lack the computer power needed to analyze it quickly.

How cranberries impact infection-causing bacteria

Researchers are shedding light on the biological mechanisms by which cranberries may impart protective properties against urinary tract and other infections.

Music decreases perceived pain for kids in pediatric ER

Medical researches have provided more evidence that music decreases children's perceived sense of pain.

Chinese people may be at higher risk for stroke than Caucasians

A new study suggests that Chinese people may be at higher risk for stroke than Caucasians.

Elevated blood pressure increasing among children, adolescents

The risk of elevated blood pressure among children and adolescents rose 27 percent during a 13-year period, according to new research. Higher body mass, larger waistlines and eating excess sodium may be the reasons for the elevated blood pressure readings, researchers said.

Chew more to retain more energy

Almonds may still be considered one of the highest energy food sources but it's not about how much you bite off, instead it's about how much you chew, according to new research.

Spicing up food can make up for missing fat

Adding just a small amount of everyday herbs and spices to vegetables and reduced-calorie meals may make those foods more appetizing to consumers, which could ultimately help Americans cut down on dietary fat and choose more foods in line with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Drug shows dramatic reduction in seizures in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex

A drug originally developed to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs has now been shown to dramatically reduce seizures in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) -- a genetic disease characterized by benign tumors on multiple organ systems. TSC is estimated to affect more than a million individuals throughout the world.

Findings offer alternative approach to creating a universal influenza vaccine

Scientists have determined that it might be possible to stimulate the immune system against multiple strains of influenza virus by sequentially vaccinating individuals with distinct influenza strains isolated over the last century. It represents a different approach to creating a "universal" flu vaccine. Their results also suggest that world health experts might need to re-evaluate standard tests used for surveillance of novel influenza strains.

Neural origins of hot flashes identified in menopausal women

A new study from neuroscientists provides the first novel insights into the neural origins of hot flashes in menopausal women in years. The study may inform and eventually lead to new treatments for those who experience the sudden but temporary episodes of body warmth, flushing and sweating.

Path of plaque buildup in brain shows promise as early biomarker for Alzheimer's disease

The trajectory of amyloid plaque buildup —- clumps of abnormal proteins in the brain linked to Alzheimer's disease —- may serve as a more powerful biomarker for early detection of cognitive decline rather than using the total amount to gauge risk, researchers suggest in a new study.

RNA-interference pesticides will need special safety testing

RNA interference technology holds promise for the development of pesticides and genetically-modified crops, but possible harmful effects on beneficial species are a concern. Current safety testing protocols may not detect subtle effects on genes that are nonetheless important at some point during a beneficial species' life cycle.

Inner speech speaks volumes about the brain

Whether you're reading the paper or thinking through your schedule for the day, chances are that you're hearing yourself speak even if you're not saying words out loud. This internal speech -- the monologue you "hear" inside your head -- is a ubiquitous but largely unexamined phenomenon. A new study published in Psychological Science looks at a possible brain mechanism that could explain how we hear this inner voice in the absence of actual sound.

A close Bond: How the CIA exploited 007 for gadget ideas and public relations

The real-life CIA copied outlandish gadgets from Goldfinger and From Russia With Love, according to an analysis of declassified letters and interviews revealing the bond between Ian Fleming and Allen Dulles.

People who eat nuts more than three times a week have reduced risk of dying from cancer or cardiovascular disease

People who eat nuts, particularly walnuts, are more likely to live longer, finds new research. In a longitudinal study, researchers suggest that those who eat nuts more than three times a week have a reduced risk of dying from cancer or cardiovascular disease than non-nut eaters.

Big crab claws for bling or bang?

Male fiddler crabs tread an evolutionary fine line between growing an enlarged claw better for signalling to females or one better for fighting. Long light claws are better for attracting females, but not for fighting.

Artificial organelles transform free radicals into water and oxygen

Researchers have successfully developed artificial organelles that are able to support the reduction of toxic oxygen compounds. This opens up new ways in the development of novel drugs that can influence pathological states directly inside the cell.

Keys to reducing the impact of agriculture on climate change

Land is not being used to its best advantage according to a new study by environmental ecologists.

How successful plants take the lead

Why are some plant species rare, and others common? Why do certain exotic plant species become invasive – while others do not? Scientists have now identified the most important environmental and species characteristics for plants to colonize and establish in novel places.

New mode of cellular communication discovered in the brain

Researchers have discovered a new form of communication between different cell types in the brain. Nerve cells interact with neighboring glial cells, which results in a transfer of protein and genetic information. Nerve cells are thus protected against stressful growth conditions.

New thermocell could harvest 'waste heat' from power stations and even vehicle exhaust pipes

Harvesting waste heat from power stations and even vehicle exhaust pipes could soon provide a valuable supply of electricity.

Novel study using new technologies outlines importance of California condor social groups

The intricate social hierarchy of the California condor, an endangered species, is something that could not be studied until recently due to the severe reduction of this population in the wild. The first formal study on this species, based on remote video observation of reintroduced populations, indicates that the species has a complex system of interactions based on dominance.

Sanction mechanism identified between ants and host plants

In nature, many forms of plant-animal mutualism exist in which each partner benefits from the presence of the other. Although mutualistic interactions offer advantages for both partners, they are nonetheless a source of conflict. Biologists have recently observed an original sanction interaction between a plant and an ant.

Dogs imitate novel human actions and store them in memory

Dogs can learn, retain and replay actions taught by humans after a short delay. According to a new study this deferred imitation provides the first evidence of dogs' cognitive ability to both encode and recall actions.

New findings on makeup of universe may spawn research

New areas of extragalactic study may emerge from research by astrophysicists using data from the Chandra Space Telescope to conclude that baryons making up all visible matter – once thought to be missing from clusters – are present in the expected ratios in large, luminous clusters.

New Web-enabled technology records the presence of species by analyzing their sounds

Identifying, and monitoring the fluctuations of thousands of species in tropical ecosystems is a difficult challenge, but newly developed technology now makes it much easier. Scientists report on new cyberinfrastructure which enables real-time acoustic recording and subsequent species identification in remote locations around the world. Thousands of audio recordings of tropical birds, frogs, monkeys, and insects in Puerto Rico and Costa Rica have been captured (using automated stations) and analyzed to identify the species concerned.

Intestinal bacteria linked to white blood cell cancer

Researchers have discovered that specific types of bacteria that live in the gut are major contributors to lymphoma, a cancer of the white blood cells that are part of the human immune system.

Genetic secrets of the world's toughest little bird

New research reveals the genetic secrets of how a small bird can survive in one of the most hostile environments on earth. The ground tit (Parus humilis), lives in the Tibetan plateau, the largest high-altitude land mass in the world. This study has found molecular signatures in the ground tit genome which reveal how it copes with the extreme living conditions of this habitat.

H7N9 influenza strain resistant to antivirals, but tests fail to identify resistance

Some strains of the avian H7N9 influenza that emerged in China this year have developed resistance to the only antiviral drugs available to treat the infection, but testing for antiviral resistance can give misleading results, helping hasten the spread of resistant strains.

Fat in organs and blood may increase risk of osteoporosis

A new study has found that obese people with higher levels of fat in their liver, muscle tissue and blood also have higher amounts of fat in their bone marrow, putting them at risk for osteoporosis.

Genetic changes that may contribute to the onset of schizophrenia identified

Scientists have discovered rare genetic changes that may be responsible for the onset of schizophrenia. Several of these same genetic lesions had previously been found to have causal links to autism spectrum disorder. This discovery gives new support to the notion that multiple rare genetic changes may contribute to schizophrenia and other brain disorders.

Nanoparticles with protein 'passports' evade immune system, deliver more medication to tumors

Scientists have found a way to sneak nanoparticles carrying tumor-fighting drugs past cells of the immune system, which would normally engulf the particles, preventing them from reaching their target. The technique takes advantage of the fact that all cells in the human body display a protein on their membranes that functions as a specific 'passport' in instructing immune cells not to attack them. By attaching a small piece of this protein to nanoparticles, scientists were able to fool immune cells in mice into recognizing the particles as 'self' rather than foreign, thereby increasing the amount of medication delivered to tumors.

Mathematical models target disease with drugs chosen by your DNA

Medicines that are personally tailored to your DNA are becoming a reality, thanks to the work of U.S. and Chinese scientists who developed statistical models to predict which drug is best for a specific individual with a specific disease.

Where's Waldo? A new alien-like species discovered off California

After nearly 25 years of searching, three scientists have finally found Waldo. No, not the loveable bespectacled character in children's picture books, but rather an unusual clam discovered off the coast of California and British Columbia.

Even healthy-looking smokers have early cell damage which destroys necessary genetic programming

Smokers who've received a clean bill of health from their doctor may believe cigarettes haven't harmed their lungs. However, researchers have found that even smokers who seem healthy have damaged airway cells, with characteristics similar to cells found in aggressive lung cancer.

Manure used by Europe's first farmers 8,000 years ago

A new study says Europe's first farmers used far more sophisticated practices than was previously thought. Scientists have found that Neolithic farmers manured and watered their crops as early as 6,000 BC.

New nanoscale imaging method finds application in plasmonics

Researchers have shown how to make nanoscale measurements of critical properties of plasmonic nanomaterials, the specially engineered nanostructures that modify the interaction of light and matter for a variety of applications including sensors, cloaking (invisibility), photovoltaics and therapeutics.

Eye-tracking could outshine passwords if made user-friendly

Engineers found in a recent study that the user's experience could be key to creating an authentication system that doesn't rely on passwords.

Broadband photodetector for polarized light

Using carpets of aligned carbon nanotubes, researchers have created a solid-state electronic device that is hardwired to detect polarized light across a broad swath of the visible and infrared spectrum.

Researchers shed new light on supraglacial lake drainage

Supraglacial lakes -- bodies of water that collect on the surface of the Greenland ice sheet -- lubricate the bottom of the sheet when they drain, causing it to flow faster. Differences in how the lakes drain can impact glacial movement's speed and direction, researchers report.

Deepwater Horizon debris was likely source of Gulf of Mexico oil sheens

A chemical analysis of oil sheens found floating recently at the ocean's surface near the site of the Deepwater Horizon disaster indicates that the source is pockets of oil trapped within the wreckage of the sunken rig. Both the Macondo well and natural oil seeps common to the Gulf of Mexico were confidently ruled out.

People with pre-diabetes who drop substantial weight may ward off type 2 diabetes

People with pre-diabetes who lose roughly 10 percent of their body weight within six months of diagnosis dramatically reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes over the next three years, according to new research.

Bioengineers develop new approach to regenerate back discs

Cell therapies may stop or reverse the pain and disability of degenerative disc disease and the loss of material between vertebrae, according to scientists.

Tide is turning in skin cancer battle

Recent advances have put melanoma at the forefront of cancer research, raising hopes that scientists and clinicians may have cornered the deadliest of all skin cancers.

New model to improve vehicle-to-vehicle communication for 'intelligent transportation'

Imagine a transportation system where vehicles communicate directly with each other in real time, giving drivers warnings about traffic delays, allowing a single driver to control multiple vehicles or routing vehicles around hazardous road conditions. Those are all aspects of the "intelligent transportation" concept. And researchers have developed a model to improve the clarity of the vehicle-to-vehicle transmissions needed to make that concept a reality.

Prostate cancers are fewer, smaller on walnut-enriched diet

New research indicates that eating a modest amount of walnuts can protect against prostate cancer.

Levitation: Droplets surfing on sound waves

Researchers are able to make objects such as particles and liquid droplets fly in mid-air by letting them ride on acoustic waves. For the first time, they have been able to also control the movement of objects, merge droplets, letting them react chemically or biologically and even rotate a toothpick in the air.

Tooth is 'smoking gun' evidence that Tyrannosaurus rex was hunter, killer

Tyrannosaurus rex has long been popular with kids and moviemakers as the most notorious, vicious killing machine to roam the planet during the age of the dinosaurs. So, it may come as a shock that for more than a century some paleontologists have argued that T. rex was a scavenger, not a true predator -- more like a vulture than a lion. Indeed, a lack of definitive fossil proof of predation in the famous theropod has stirred controversy among scientists -- until now. Researchers have unearthed "smoking gun" physical proof that T. rex was indeed a predator, hunter and killer.

Distinctive brain blood flow patterns associated with sexual dysfunction

Premenopausal women who aren't interested in sex and are unhappy about this reality have distinctive blood flow patterns in their brains in response to explicit videos compared to women with normal sexual function, researchers report.

How patients experience direct-to-consumer genetic testing

Several companies sell genetic testing directly to consumers, but little research has been done on how consumers experience such tests. Now, a new study is providing insight into how a diverse sample of primary care patients experience genetic testing.

Damaging non-native forest pests at home in northeastern U.S.

Scientists have used spatial data to demonstrate that the distribution of invasive forest pests is highly focused, with a particularly large number of species established in the northeastern region and then moderate but still troublesome numbers radiating to the west and south.

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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

FeedaMail: ScienceDaily: Most Popular News

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