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Improving medicine acceptance in kids: A matter of taste

Many children reject medicines due to an aversion to bitter taste. As such, bitterness presents a key obstacle to the acceptance and effectiveness of beneficial drugs by children worldwide. A new review addresses this critical problem by highlighting recent advances in the scientific understanding of bitter taste, with special attention to the sensory world of children.

Putting the brakes on inflammation: Signal prevents immune system from spinning out of control

Researchers discovered a previously unknown mechanism that prevents the immune system from going into overdrive. The findings shed light on the mechanisms underlying autoimmune disorders such as Crohn's disease, allergies, chronic inflammation and cancer, and offer potential applications for therapies.

Nano scientists reach holy grail in label-free cancer marker detection: Single molecules

Scientists have announced a nano-enhanced version of a biosensor has detected a single cancer marker protein and even smaller molecules below the mass of all known markers. This achievement sets a new benchmark for the most sensitive limit of detection, and may significantly advance early disease diagnostics.

New species of Hero Shrew found in equatorial Africa: Most bizarre mammalian spine on Earth

Scientists have described a new species of Hero Shrew -- the mammal with the most bizarre lower spine on Earth. The interlocking vertebrae of the Hero Shrew render the spine four to five times more robust relative to body mass, a condition not found in any other mammal. The spine has been an enigma to evolutionary biologists, with no known adaptive significance.

Seeing photosynthesis from space: NASA scientists use satellites to measure plant health

NASA scientists have established a new way to use satellites to measure what's occurring inside plants at a cellular level. Plants grow and thrive through photosynthesis, a process that converts sunlight into energy. During photosynthesis, plants emit what is called fluorescence -- light invisible to the naked eye but detectable by satellites orbiting hundreds of miles above Earth. NASA scientists have now established a method to turn this satellite data into global maps of the subtle phenomenon in more detail than ever before.

Tropical ecosystems boost carbon dioxide as temperatures rises

NASA scientists and an international team of researchers have found tropical ecosystems can generate significant carbon dioxide when temperatures rise, unlike ecosystems in other parts of the world.

Shedding new light on the brightest objects in the universe

Astrophysicists have documented the immense power of quasar radiation, reaching out for many thousands of light years to the limits of the quasar's galaxy.

Cannabis constituent has no effect on multiple sclerosis progression, study shows

The first large non-commercial clinical study to investigate whether the main active constituent of cannabis (tetrahydrocannabinol or THC) is effective in slowing the course of progressive multiple sclerosis, shows that there is no evidence to suggest this; although benefits were noted for those at the lower end of the disability scale.

Color patterns in fish larvae may reveal relationships among species

Similarities in how different organisms look can indicate a close evolutionary relationship. Conversely, great differences in appearance can suggest a very distant relationship, as in many adult marine fish species. For the first time, however, a scientist has found that color patterns of different fish species in the larval stage can be very similar, revealing a closer evolutionary relationship than their adult forms would suggest.

'International beam team' solves Martian meteorite-age puzzle

By directing energy beams at tiny crystals found in a Martian meteorite, geologists have proven that the most common group of meteorites from Mars is almost four billion years younger than many scientists had believed -- resolving a long-standing puzzle in Martian science and painting a much clearer picture of the Red Planet's evolution that can now be compared to that of habitable Earth.

Changes proposed to New Orleans area levee systems

Less may mean more when it comes to the levee systems designed to protect New Orleans from hurricanes. That's the conclusion of a new study led by the co-developer of the authoritative computer model for storm surge used by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state of Louisiana to determine water levels due to hurricane surge and to design levee heights and alignments.

How do babies learn to be wary of heights?

Infants develop a fear of heights as a result of their experiences moving around their environments, according to new research.

Smoking cessation two by two

To quit smoking is not easy. Support from one's partner can help -- but only if the smokers have developed skills of their own that help them to stop, according to a new study.

Cracking the blue-green code: Study of gene expression in blue-green algae reveals what makes it bloom, toxic

If your local pond, lake, or watering hole is looking bright green this summer, chances are it has blue-green algae and it may be dangerous to you or your pets. A newly published study has used a novel approach to better understand why these algae form blooms and what makes them toxic.

Newly discovered marine viruses offer glimpse into untapped biodiversity

Studying bacteria from the Baltic Sea, researchers have discovered an entire array of previously unknown viruses that use these bacteria as hosts. By impacting the life cycles of these bacteria, the viruses play indirect but crucial ecological roles in environments ranging from the oceans and sea ice to the human gut.

Brain research shows psychopathic criminals do not lack empathy, but fail to use it automatically

A brain imaging study in the Netherlands shows individuals with psychopathy have reduced empathy while witnessing the pains of others. When asked to empathize, however, they can activate their empathy.

Potential cause of Parkinson's disease points to new therapeutic strategy

Biologists have made a significant discovery that could lead to a new therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease. The findings focus on an enzyme known as parkin, whose absence causes an early-onset form of Parkinson's disease. Precisely how the loss of this enzyme leads to the deaths of neurons has been unclear. But the TSRI researchers showed that parkin's loss sharply reduces the level of another protein that normally helps protect neurons from stress.

Want to stick with your diet? Better have someone hide the chocolate

If you are trying to lose weight or save for the future, new research suggests avoiding temptation may increase your chances of success compared to relying on willpower alone.

The ferromagnetic Kondo effect: A circuit simulates an effect predicted by physicists but never actually observed

A group of physicists has shown how to obtain a particular case of a physical effect -- so far never observed in reality -- whose studies have earned a Nobel Prize. The scientists have also observed the response of the material subject to such effect. These observations will provide precious indications to the experimental physicists in order to verify, in the future, their theory.

A quick test for the Black Death

Diagnosing the presence of Yersinia pestis, the cause of plague, may soon be easier than ever before. Scientists have come up with a simple, inexpensive and reliable method of detecting the bacterium. The research team, specialising in glycochemistry and glycobiology, first identified and synthesised an oligosaccharide structure on bacterial surface before combining it with a protein to heighten the immunological effect. The presence of antibodies against this surface glycan in the blood of infected patients can be a biomarker of diagnostic value in Yersinia pestis infections. The Potsdam-based scientists also used the antigen to create antibodies which can directly detect the plague pathogen in infected samples.

An evolutionary compromise for long tooth preservation

Researchers have conducted stress analyses on gorilla teeth of differing wear stages. Their findings show that different features of the occlusal surface antagonize tensile stresses in the tooth to tooth contact during the chewing process. They further show that tooth wear, with its loss of dental tissue and reduction of occlusal relief decreases tensile stresses in the tooth. The result, however, is that food processing becomes less effective. Thus, when the condition of the occlusal surface changes during an individual's lifetime due to tooth wear, the biomechanical requirements on the existing dental material change as well -- an evolutionary compromise for longer tooth preservation.

Low radon concentrations accurately measurable for the first time

You can't see it, you can't smell it, you can't taste it -- but at high doses, it can be lethal: the natural radioactive noble gas radon occurs especially in places where the subsoil consists of granite. It can, however, also occur in construction materials. It has been known for a long time that radon at high doses can cause lung cancer -- numerous workers from the Wismut-Werke uranium mines in the former GDR died of it. Now, scientists, however, deem radon to be dangerous also at low concentrations and therefore have increased the classification of its radiation effects: radon gas is now officially classified as contributing just as strongly to the exposure rate of the general public as medical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Watching molecule movements in live cells

The newly developed STED-RICS microscopy method records rapid movements of molecules in live samples. By combining raster image correlation spectroscopy (RICS) with STED fluorescence microscopy, researchers have opened up new applications in medical research, e.g. analyzing the dynamics of cell membranes at high protein concentrations.

Embedded nerve cells hold the key to brain activity

Understanding complex systems such as the brain of mammals: Dr. Arvind Kumar and colleagues from the Bernstein Center and the Cluster of Excellence BrainLinks-BrainTools at the University of Freiburg present a new view on brain function. Much of today's brain research follows an approach that has been in use for decades: An area of the brain is either silenced of augmented in its activity, and the resulting effects in other parts of the brain -- or in the whole organ -- are measured. While this approach is very successful in understanding how the brain processes input from our senses, a team of scientists argues that it is too simple when trying to understand other brain regions.

Are North Atlantic right whales mating in the Gulf of Maine?

Using data obtained during six years of regular aerial surveys and genetics data collected by a consortium of research groups, scientists have strengthened evidence pointing to the central Gulf of Maine as a mating ground for North Atlantic right whales, according to a new study.

Common agricultural chemicals shown to impair honey bees' health

Honey bees used to pollinate crops are exposed to many agricultural chemicals, including common fungicides which impair their ability to fight off a potentially lethal parasite, according to a new study.

Speaker's power to act on words influences listeners' brain response

A speaker's power to act on his words influences how a listener perceives the meaning of their message, according to new research.

Large study reveals increased cancer risks associated with family history of the disease

A family history of cancer increases the risk of other members of the family developing not only the same cancer but also a different (discordant) cancer, according to a large study of 23,000 people in Italy and Switzerland. The research is one of the few large studies of this kind that takes into account other important factors, such as individual characteristics and lifestyles, that could affect the degree of risk as well.

A promising target to treat asthma

Scientists have found a promising, new way to treat asthma: Target an enzyme in airway lining cells. The finding could lead to the development of drugs that block the enzyme, CaMKII, from excessive oxidation, which can trigger asthma attacks.

Direct nitrogen fixation for low cost energy conversion

Researchers have announced a simple, low-cost and eco-friendly method of creating nitrogen-doped graphene nanoplatelets (NGnPs), which could be used in dye-sensitized solar cells and fuel cells The work could be a step towards replacing conventional platinum (Pt)-based catalysts for energy conversion.

New light shed on cause of pandemic influenza

With the use of sophisticated mathematical modelling techniques, mathematicians have completed a study that explains the phenomenon of multiple waves of influenza pandemic in the last century.

Luxury products' role in relationships revealed

Purchasing designer handbags and shoes is a means for women to express their style, boost self-esteem, or even signal status. New research suggests some women also seek these luxury items to prevent other women from stealing their man.

Scientists get dirty at the Robson Glacier

New research presents some of the first data documenting microbial community diversity, biomass and function along a 100-year-old soil chronosequence in a Canadian glacier retreat area.

Ancient technology for metal coatings 2,000 years ago can't be matched even today

Artists and craftsmen more than 2,000 years ago developed thin-film coating technology unrivaled even by today's standards for producing DVDs, solar cells, electronic devices and other products. Understanding these sophisticated metal-plating techniques from ancient times could help preserve priceless artistic and other treasures from the past.

Neural simulations hint at the origin of brain waves

Computer models of individual neurons are being assembled into neural circuits that produce actual electrical signals akin to brain waves. The results are helping solve the mystery of how and why these signals arise in the brain.

A magnetic pen for smartphones adds another level of conveniences

Scientists have developed a magnetically driven pen interface that works both on and around mobile devices. This interface, called the MagPen, can be used for any type of smartphones and tablet computers so long as they have embedded magnetometers.

Record incidence of hantavirus disease

2824 new cases of hantavirus disease were reported in Germany in 2012, the highest number ever in a single year.

Dangers to biological diversity from proliferation of global cashmere garment industry

A new study reveals a disturbing link between the cashmere trade and the decay of ecosystems that support some of the planet's most spectacular yet little-known large mammals.

Facebook infidelity examined in new research

Researchers looked at instances of infidelity occurring through Facebook interactions to develop a process model for the stages of coping with knowledge of the infidelity.

Face identification accuracy is in the eye (and brain) of the beholder

Though humans generally have a tendency to look at a region just below the eyes and above the nose toward the midline when first identifying another person, a small subset of people tend to look further down –– at the tip of the nose, for instance, or at the mouth.

Monoclonal antibody effective against norovirus

Researchers have provided the first proof of concept data showing that a monoclonal antibody can neutralize human norovirus. This research could one day lead to effective therapies against the virus.

Genetic glitch at the root of allergies revealed

Newly published research reveals that a faulty genetic pathway already known for its role in some connective tissue disorders is also a potent player in many types of allergies. Scientists have long understood that allergies are the result of a complex interplay between environment and genes, but now, in what investigators believe is a scientific first, a single genetic pathway has been implicated in an array of allergic disorders.

Quantifying cities' emotional effects

A new Web tool could help measure subjective impressions of urban environments, which may have consequences for social behaviors.

HPV's link to esophageal cancer

The human papillomavirus triples the risk of people developing yet another cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, according to new research.

Physical inactivity, poor diet and smoking linked to disability in older population

An unhealthy lifestyle is associated with a greater likelihood of developing disability over the age of 65, with the risk increasing progressively with the number of unhealthy behaviors, suggests a new article.

New study shows inbreeding in winter flounder in Long Island's bays

Research conducted in six bays of Long Island, NY has shown that local populations of winter flounder are inbred, which is a situation that is not usually considered in marine fisheries management.

Adenoviruses may pose risk for monkey-to-human leap

Adenoviruses commonly infect humans, causing colds, flu-like symptoms and sometimes even death, but now researchers have discovered that a new species of adenovirus can spread from primate to primate, and potentially from monkey to human.

Pigeons fly home with a map in their heads

It is a fascinating phenomenon that homing pigeons always find their way home. Researchers have now carried out experiments demonstrating that pigeons have a spatial map and thus possess cognitive capabilities. In unknown territories, they recognize where they are in relation to their loft and are able to choose their targets themselves.

Elementary physics in a single molecule

Physicists have succeeded in performing an extraordinary experiment: They demonstrated how magnetism that generally manifests itself by a force between two magnetized objects acts within a single molecule. This discovery is of high significance to fundamental research and provides scientists with a new tool to better understand magnetism as an elementary phenomenon of physics.

'Epilepsy in a dish': Stem cell research reveals clues to disease's origins and may aid search for better drugs

A new stem cell-based approach to studying epilepsy has yielded a surprising discovery about what causes one form of the disease, and may help in the search for better medicines to treat all kinds of seizure disorders.

New genetic cause of pulmonary hypertension identified

Scientists have identified new genetic mutations that can cause pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a rare fatal disease characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs. The mutations, found in the gene KCNK3, appear to affect potassium channels in the pulmonary artery, a mechanism not previously linked to the condition. Cell culture studies showed that the mutations' effects could be reversed with a drug compound known as a phospholipase inhibitor.

Stopping cholesterol drugs may be associated with increased risk of Parkinson's

People who stop taking cholesterol drugs may be at an increased risk for developing Parkinson's disease, according to new research. Previous studies on the relationship between cholesterol drugs called statins and the risk of Parkinson's disease have had inconsistent results.

Molluscs vs. bacteria: New finding on marine natural products biosynthesis

The gastropod mollusc Scaphander lignarius -- a marine invertebrate found in North Atlantic and Mediterranean water -- is the first organism, besides bacteria, in which the biosynthesis of lignarenones, organic molecules involved in organism's chemical defence, has been identified.

Laser-controlled molecular switch turns blood clotting on, off on command

Researchers have designed tiny, light-controlled gold particles that can release DNA controls to switch blood clotting off and on.

'Weightism' increases risk for becoming, staying obese

Weight discrimination may increase risk for obesity rather than motivating individuals to lose weight, according to new research.

Pocket-sized sensor gives instant fat burning updates

Fitness fanatics may soon be able to gauge if their hard work is paying off without the need for weighing scales thanks to a new device that can instantly tell if your body is burning fat. The portable, pocket-sized sensor, produced by a group of researchers in Japan, works by measuring increased levels of acetone on the breath - a good indicator of when the body has begun to break down fat.

Nemo on chemo: Pig receiving chemotherapy for lymphoma successfully recovering

Playful as a puppy even at 730 pounds, Nemo, a rescued black-and-white Hampshire pig, became a porcine pioneer after lymphoma struck. Undergoing a novel care plan, he became a teaching case for veterinary oncologists at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, paving the way to combat cancer in large animals. Nemo is believed to be the first pig to be treated for lymphoma. The pig's medical treatment began when his owner, George Goldner, saw his friend fall ill.

New techniques use lasers, LEDs, and optics to 'see' under the skin

Scientists report on new non-invasive optical techniques using lasers, light-emitting diodes, and spectroscopic methods to probe and render images from beneath the surface of the skin. The technologies have a wide variety of medical and cosmetic applications such as treating burns, identifying cancer, and speeding the healing of wounds.

Novel nanometer scaffolds regulate the biological behaviors of neural stem cells

The surface characteristics of nanoscaffolds made by nanotechnology are more similar to the three-dimensional topological structure of the extracellular matrix and the effects on the biological behaviors of cells and tissue repair are more beneficial.

Key target responsible for triggering detrimental effects in brain trauma identified

Researchers studying a type of cell found in the trillions in our brain have made an important discovery as to how it responds to brain injury and disease such as stroke. Scientists have identified proteins which trigger the processes that underlie how astrocyte cells respond to neurological trauma.

Watching catalysts at work at the atomic scale

Developing materials with novel catalytic properties is one of the most important tasks in energy research. It is especially important to understand the dynamic processes involved in catalysis at the atomic scale, such as the formation and breaking of chemical bonds as well as ligand exchange mechanism.

What if quantum physics worked on a macroscopic level? Researchers have successfully entangled optic fibers populated by 500 photons

Quantum physics concerns a world of infinitely small things. But for years, researchers have been attempting to observe the properties of quantum physics on a larger scale, even macroscopic.

Flow restrictors may reduce young children's accidental ingestion of liquid medications

Over 500,000 calls are made to poison control centers each year after accidental ingestion of medications by young children, and the number of emergency department visits for unsupervised medication ingestions is rising. In a new study, researchers studied whether adding flow restrictors to bottles can limit the amount of liquid medication a child could access even if child-resistant caps are missing or improperly closed.

Maternal smoking during pregnancy associated with offspring conduct problems, study suggests

New research examines relationship between maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring conduct problems among children.

Deciphering the air-sea communication: Ocean significantly affects long-term climate fluctuations

Scientists have investigated the role of heat exchange between ocean and atmosphere in long-term climate variability in the Atlantic. The scientists analyzed meteorological measurements and sea surface temperatures over the past 130 years. It was found that the ocean significantly affects long term climate fluctuations, while the seemingly chaotic atmosphere is mainly responsible for the shorter-term, year-to-year changes.

Study of veterans finds links between outdoor activities, improved mental health

Veterans participating in extended outdoor group recreation show signs of improved mental health, suggesting a link between the activities and long-term psychological well-being, according to results of a new study.

Simulated hibernation aids toad work

A partnership with the Memphis Zoo brought a colony of threatened toads from the Colorado Rockies to Mississippi State University. Researchers there joined the ranks of those trying to learn how to get the animals to breed in captivity. They had no success until they simulated hibernation in the refrigerator.

New nuclear fuel-rod cladding could lead to safer power plants

In the aftermath of Japan's earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant was initially driven into shutdown by the magnitude 9.0 quake; its emergency generators then failed because they were inundated by the tsunami. But the greatest damage to the complex, and the greatest release of radiation, may have been caused by explosions of hydrogen gas that built up inside some of the reactors. That hydrogen buildup was the result of hot steam coming into contact with overheated nuclear fuel rods covered by a cladding of zirconium alloy, or "zircaloy" -- the material used as fuel-rod cladding in all water-cooled nuclear reactors, which constitute more than 90 percent of the world's power reactors. When it gets hot enough, zircaloy reacts with steam to produce hydrogen, a hazard in any loss-of-coolant nuclear accident. A team of researchers is developing an alternative that could provide similar protection for nuclear fuel, while reducing the risk of hydrogen production by roughly a thousandfold.

18th century specimen reveals new South African weevil genus

An old specimen collected probably between 1772 and 1775 has been found to belong to an unknown, relict South African genus of weevils (snout beetles). This highlights the value of museums as keepers of priceless views of biodiversity against the present loss of richness and rampant human-driven extinction.

Silky brain implants may help stop spread of epilepsy

Silk has walked straight off the runway and into the lab. According to a new study, silk implants placed in the brain of laboratory animals and designed to release a specific chemical, adenosine, may help stop the progression of epilepsy.

Captured: Mysterious oyster killers

Researchers have apprehended tiny, elusive parasites that have plagued oysters from British Columbia to California.

Twitter predicted to become a big TV screen

New research predicts that Twitter will become much like TV. Researchers predict Twitter posts by everyday people will slow down, yet celebrities and commercial users will continue to post for financial gain.

Extinct ancient ape did not walk like a human, study shows

Anthropologists find Miocene ape was physically incapable of walking habitually on two legs.

Potential new target to treat malignant pleural mesothelioma

Researchers conclude that Ephrin B2 seems to play an important role in malignant pleural mesothelioma cell lines and tumors.

Microbial who-done-it for biofuels

Scientists have developed a promising technique for identifying microbial enzymes that can effectively deconstruct biomass into fuel sugars under refinery processing conditions.

NASA's Van Allen Probes discover particle accelerator in the heart of Earth's radiation belts

Scientists have discovered a massive particle accelerator in the heart of one of the harshest regions of near-Earth space, a region of super-energetic, charged particles surrounding the globe called the Van Allen radiation belts. Scientists knew that something in space accelerated particles in the radiation belts to more than 99 percent the speed of light but they didn't know what that something was. New results from NASA's Van Allen Probes now show that the acceleration energy comes from within the belts themselves. Particles inside the belts are sped up by local kicks of energy, buffeting the particles to ever faster speeds, much like a perfectly timed push on a moving swing.

Pacific equatorial cold water region explained

A new study reveals for the first time how the mixing of cold, deep waters from below can change sea surface temperatures on seasonal and longer timescales.

Researchers get better metrics on laser potential of key material

Researchers have developed more accurate measurements of how efficiently a polymer called MEH-PPV amplifies light, which should advance efforts to develop a new generation of lasers and photonic devices.

Computer can infer rules of the forest

Researchers have devised a computer algorithm that takes intermittent samples -- for example, the number of prey and predating species in a forest once a year, or the concentration of different species in a chemical bath once an hour -- and infer the likely reactions that led to that result. They're working backward from traditional stochastic modeling, which they say could help unravel the hidden laws in fields as diverse as molecular biology to population ecology to basic chemistry.

Secret of plant geometry revealed: How plants set the angles of their branches

Researchers have discovered how plants set the angles of their branches relative to gravity. While the other principle features governing the architecture of plants such as the control of the number of branches and positioning around the main shoot are now well understood, scientists have long puzzled over how plants set and maintain the angle of their lateral branches relative to gravity.

Bad night's sleep? The moon could be to blame

Many people complain about poor sleep around the full moon, and now a report offers some of the first convincing scientific evidence to suggest that this really is true. The findings add to evidence that humans -- despite the comforts of our civilized world -- still respond to the geophysical rhythms of the moon, driven by a circalunar clock.

Neuroscientists show ability to plant false memories: Location where brain stores memory traces, both false and authentic, pinpointed

The phenomenon of false memory has been well-documented: In many court cases, defendants have been found guilty based on testimony from witnesses and victims who were sure of their recollections, but DNA evidence later overturned the conviction. In a step toward understanding how these faulty memories arise, neuroscientists have shown that they can plant false memories in the brains of mice. They also found that many of the neurological traces of these memories are identical in nature to those of authentic memories.

NASA's IRIS telescope offers first glimpse of sun's mysterious atmosphere

The moment when a telescope first opens its doors represents the culmination of years of work and planning -- while simultaneously laying the groundwork for a wealth of research and answers yet to come. It is a moment of excitement and perhaps even a little uncertainty. On July 17, 2013, the international team of scientists and engineers who supported and built NASA's Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph, or IRIS, all lived through that moment. As the spacecraft orbited around Earth, the door of the telescope opened to view the mysterious lowest layers of the sun's atmosphere and the results thus far are nothing short of amazing. The data is crisp and clear, showing unprecedented detail of this little-observed region.

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Thursday, July 25, 2013

FeedaMail: ScienceDaily: Most Popular News

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