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Mars rover Opportunity working at edge of 'Solander'

NASA's Mars rover Opportunity is studying the area of contact between a rock layer formed in acidic wet conditions long ago and an even older one that may be from a more neutral wet environment.

NASA Voyager statement about competing models to explain recent spacecraft data

A newly published paper argues that NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft has already entered interstellar space. The model described in the paper is new and different from other models used so far to explain the data the spacecraft has been sending back from more than 11 billion miles (18 billion kilometers) away from our sun.

Radar images of Asteroid 2005 WK4

A collage of radar images of near-Earth asteroid 2005 WK4 was generated by NASA scientists using the 230-foot (70-meter) Deep Space Network antenna at Goldstone, Calif., on Aug. 8, 2013. The asteroid is between 660 and 980 feet (200 and 300 meters) in diameter; it has a rounded and slightly asymmetric shape. As it rotates, a number of features are evident that suggest the presence of some flat regions and a bulge near the equator.

Viewing Fukushima in the cold light of Chernobyl

Three research articles on Chernobyl bring a new focus on just how extensive the long-term effects of the Fukushim Daiichi nuclear disaster might be on Japanese wildlife.

After a fire, before a flood: NASA's Landsat directs restoration to at-risk areas

While the 138,000-acre Silver Fire still smoldered, forest restoration specialists were on the job. They analyzed maps created using Landsat satellite data to determine where the burn destroyed vegetation and exposed soil -- and where to focus emergency restoration efforts.

NASA's Fermi celebrates five years in space, enters extended mission

During its five-year primary mission, NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has given astronomers an increasingly detailed portrait of the universe's most extraordinary phenomena, from giant black holes in the hearts of distant galaxies to thunderstorms on Earth.

High-precision measurement of subatomic shape shifting and new result on differences among neutrino masses

New results about the oscillation of neutrinos -- elusive, ghostlike particles that carry invaluable clues about the makeup of the early universe -- have been announced by the Daya Bay Collaboration, an international experiment taking place outside of Hong Kong.

Astronomers take sharpest photos ever of the night sky

Thanks to new technology, astronomers can now view objects in the sky at unprecedented sharpness in visible light. Using a telescope mirror that vibrates a thousand times each second to counteract atmospheric flickering, the team has achieved image resolution capabilities that could see a baseball diamond on the moon.

Mood is influenced by immune cells called to the brain in response to stress

New research shows that in a dynamic mind-body interaction during the interpretation of prolonged stress, cells from the immune system are recruited to the brain and promote symptoms of anxiety.

Rising mountains, cooling oceans prompted spread of invasive species 450 million years ago

New research suggests that the rise of an early phase of the Appalachian Mountains and cooling oceans allowed invasive species to upset the North American ecosystem 450 million years ago.

NASA spacecraft reactivated to hunt for asteroids; Probe will assist agency in search for candidates to explore

A NASA spacecraft that discovered and characterized tens of thousands of asteroids throughout the solar system before being placed in hibernation will return to service for three more years starting in September, assisting the agency in its effort to identify the population of potentially hazardous near-Earth objects, as well as those suitable for asteroid exploration missions.

Antipsychotic drug use in children for mood/behavior disorders increases type 2 diabetes risk

Prescribing of "atypical" antipsychotic medications to children and young adults with behavioral problems or mood disorders may put them at unnecessary risk for type 2 diabetes, a new study shows. Young people using medications like risperidone, quetiapine, aripiprazol and olanzapine led to a threefold increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes within the first year of taking the drug, according to the study.

Disease caused by repeat brain trauma in athletes may affect memory, mood, behavior

New research suggests that chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease associated with repeat brain trauma including concussions in athletes, may affect people in two major ways: initially affecting behavior or mood or initially affecting memory and thinking abilities. The condition has been found in amateur and professional athletes, members of the military and others who experienced repeated head injuries, including concussions and subconcussive trauma.

What is your heart attack risk?

Researchers in India have carried out a data mining exercise to determine which are the most important risk factors in increasing the chances of an individual suffering a heart attack. They confirm that the usual suspects high blood cholesterol, intake of alcohol and passive smoking play the most crucial role in "severe," "moderate" and "mild" cardiac risks, respectively.

Lab-made complexes are 'sun sponges'

Scientists have described a testbed for light-harvesting antennae, the structures that capture the sun's light in plants and bacteria. Prototype designs built on the testbed soak up more of the sun's spectrum and are far easier to assemble than synthetic antennas made entirely from scratch. They offer the best of both worlds, combining human synthetic ingenuity with the repertoire of robust chemical machinery selected by evolution.

How women achieve a healthier weight may impact long-term health of offspring

New research suggests that the healthy weight and glucose control women achieve through weight-loss surgery don't necessarily translate into health benefits for their future children.

Experimental Ebola treatment protects some primates even after disease symptoms appear

Scientists have successfully treated the deadly Ebola virus in infected animals following onset of disease symptoms, according to a new article. The results show promise for developing therapies against the virus, which causes hemorrhagic fever with human case fatality rates as high as 90 percent.

Tuberculosis genomes portray secrets of pathogen's success

By any measure, tuberculosis (TB) is a wildly successful pathogen. It infects as many as two billion people in every corner of the world, with a new infection of a human host estimated to occur every second.

Genesis and evolution of H7N9 influenza virus

Influenza researchers have used genetic sequencing to trace the source and evolution of the avian H7N9 influenza virus that emerged in humans in China earlier this year.

Putting sleep disorders to bed: New way to improve internal clock function

Researchers have identified how a fundamental biological process called protein synthesis is controlled within the body's circadian clock -- the internal mechanism that controls one's daily rhythms. Their findings may help shed light on future treatments for disorders triggered by circadian clock dysfunction, including jet lag, shift work disorders, and chronic conditions like depression and Parkinson's disease.

The bitter and the sweet: Fruit flies reveal a new interaction between the two

Fruit flies have a lot to teach us about the complexity of food. Like these tiny little creatures, most animals are attracted to sugar but are deterred from eating it when bitter compounds are added.

Bacteria make us feel pain… and suppress our immune response

Researchers found pain from invasive skin infections from Staph, and possibly other serious, painful infections, appear to be induced by the invading bacteria themselves, and not by the body's immune response as previously thought. The research demonstrates that once the pain neurons "sense" the bacteria, they suppress the immune system, potentially helping the bacteria become more virulent.

MERS virus discovered in bat near site of outbreak in Saudi Arabia

A 100 percent genetic match for Middle East Respiratory Syndrome has been discovered in an insect-eating bat in close proximity to the first known case of the disease in Saudi Arabia. The discovery points to the likely animal origin for the disease, although researchers say that an intermediary animal is likely also involved.

Researchers open a door for solid state physics: Laser processes observed with X-rays on a solid

Researchers report a new way to use X-rays to probe the properties of solid materials. They were able to show that solids lend themselves to X-ray analysis based on nonlinear physical effects. Until now, this could only be done using laser analysis. Their results could potentially redefine what future lightsources ought to look like.

Schizophrenia symptoms linked to faulty 'switch' in brain

Scientists have shown that psychotic symptoms experienced by people with schizophrenia could be caused by a faulty 'switch' within the brain.

Poor oral health linked to cancer-causing oral HPV infection

Poor oral health, including gum disease and dental problems, was found to be associated with oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which causes about 40 percent to 80 percent of oropharyngeal cancers, according to a new study.

Use of tPA for ischemic stroke nearly doubled from 2003 to 2011

Use of the "clot-busting" drug tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to treat patients with strokes caused by a blockage of blood flow nearly doubled between 2003 and 2011. A research team reports both an overall increase in the use of tPA to dissolve clots blocking arteries supplying the brain and administration of the potentially life-saving drug to a more diverse group of patients.

Elevated levels of copper in amyloid plaques associated with neurodegeneration in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease

Metals such as iron, copper, and zinc are important for many biological processes. In recent years, studies have shown that these nutritionally-essential metals are elevated in human Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains and some animal models of AD. Scientists are now exploring whether these metals are causing the neurodegeneration seen in AD or are indicative of other ongoing pathologic processes.

Psychotherapy lags as evidence goes unheeded

Psychologists analyze why the use of psychotherapy has declined despite a strong evidence base for the efficacy of some psychosocial treatments. The problems, they find, lie within the profession as well as outside.

First scientific method to authenticate world's costliest coffee, from the feces of the palm civet

The world's most expensive coffee can cost $80 a cup, and scientists now are reporting development of the first way to verify authenticity of this crème de la crème, the beans of which come from the feces of a Southeast Asian animal called a palm civet. Their study appears in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

Shorter working hours do not guarantee happier workers

A reduction in working hours does not necessarily mean happier employees, as it might merely be adding stress to their general working environment. This is according to a study that looks at the impact of South Korea's recently introduced Five-Day Working Policy.

Grandmothers who raise their grandkids struggle with depression, study suggests

Grandmothers who care for their grandkids fulltime need help for depression and family strains, report researchers.

Carbon monoxide penetrates gypsum wallboard

Carbon monoxide (CO) from external sources can easily penetrate gypsum wallboard (drywall) commonly used in apartments and houses, potentially exposing people indoors to the toxic, odorless, tasteless gas within minutes, concludes a new study. CO also penetrates painted drywall, albeit more slowly, the researchers determined.

Impaired autophagy associated with age-related macular degeneration

A new study changes our understanding of the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The researchers found that degenerative changes and loss of vision are caused by impaired function of the lysosomal clean-up mechanism, or autophagy, in the fundus of the eye. The results open new avenues for the treatment of the dry form of AMD, which currently lacks an efficient treatment.

A new gene-expression mechanism is a minor thing of major importance

A rare, small RNA turns a gene-splicing machine into a switch that controls the expression of hundreds of human genes. Researchers have discovered an entirely new aspect of the gene-splicing process that produces messenger RNA.

'Virtual heart' precision-guides defibrillator placement in children with heart disease

The small size and abnormal anatomy of children born with heart defects often force doctors to place lifesaving defibrillators entirely outside the heart, rather than partly inside — a less-than-ideal solution to dangerous heart rhythms that involves a degree of guesstimating and can compromise therapy.

For disappointed sports fans, defeats increase consumption of fat and sugar

On the Monday following a big football game, fans of the losing team seem to load up on saturated fats and sugars, whereas supporters of the winning team opt for healthier foods, according to new research.

Hunter-gatherers' taste for spice revealed

Our early ancestors had a taste for spicy food, new research has revealed. Archeologists have found evidence of the use of spices in cuisine at the transition to agriculture. The researchers discovered traces of garlic mustard on the charred remains of pottery dating back nearly 7,000 years.

Brain size may signal risk of developing an eating disorder

New research indicates that teens with anorexia nervosa have bigger brains than teens that do not have the eating disorder. That is according to a study that examined a group of adolescents with anorexia nervosa and a group without.

Simple mix of rock and organic waste is powerful fertilizer

A simple mixture of organic waste, such as chicken manure, and zeolite, a porous volcanic rock, has been developed into a powerful fertilizer which can also reclaim desert or contaminated land.

Food source for whales, seals and penguins at risk: Warming Antarctic seas likely to impact on krill habitats

Antarctic krill are usually less than 6 cm in length but their size belies the major role they play in sustaining much of the life in the Southern Ocean. They are the primary food source for many species of whales, seals, penguins and fish.

Human brains are hardwired for empathy, friendship

A University of Virginia study using brain scans has found that people experience risk to friends in the same way they feel risk to themselves.

Flu shot may halve heart attack risk in middle aged with narrowed arteries

The flu shot seems to almost halve the risk of heart attacks in middle aged people with narrowed arteries, finds new research.

Family history of diabetes increases the risk of prediabetes by 26 percent, with effect most evident in non-obese

A study involving more than 8,000 participants has shown that people with a family history of diabetes see their risk of prediabetes increase by 26 percent.

Breast is best: Good bacteria arrive from mum's gut via breast milk

Scientists have discovered that important 'good' bacteria arrive in babies' digestive systems from their mother's gut via breast milk.

Half of all UK 7 year olds not exercising for recommended minimum

Half of all UK seven year olds are sedentary for six to seven hours every day, and only half clock up the recommended daily minimum of moderate to vigorous physical activity, indicates new research.

A virus changes its stripes: Human outbreak of eastern equine encephalitis

In the summer of 2010, the eastern Panamanian province of Darien experienced a phenomenon that had never been seen before in Latin America: a human outbreak of eastern equine encephalitis. Scientists have now investigated the outbreak, testing samples from 174 patients and many horses.

Ecologists get first bumblebees' eye view of the landscape

Ecologists have produced the most detailed picture yet of how bumblebees use the landscape thanks to DNA technology and remote sensing. The results – which come from the largest ever study of wild bumblebee nests – could help farmers and policy makers ensure the countryside is better suited to the needs of these vital but declining pollinators.

Engaging in a brief cultural activity can reduce implicit prejudice

A small cue of social connection to someone from another group -- such as a shared interest -- can help reduce prejudice immediately and up to six months later, according to new research.

Beetles modify emissions of greenhouse gases from cow pats

Cattle contribute to global warming by burping and farting large amounts of greenhouse gases. Some of the same gases are also emitted from cow pats on pastures. But now researchers have found that beetles living in cow pats may reduce emissions of the key greenhouse gas -- methane.

Red delicious or wolf apple? Brazilian savanna fruits high in antioxidants

Native Brazilian fruits grown in arid climates and poor soil have similar antioxidant activity to conventionally grown red delicious apples, according to new research.

Depressed people have a more accurate perception of time

People with mild depression underestimate their talents. However, new research shows that depressed people are more accurate when it comes to time estimation than their happier peers.

Pre-war insect hunters help to save our pollinators

Maps made more than seventy years ago and records collected by amateur naturalists between the World Wars are providing new clues about declining pollinator numbers, ecologists have found. By showing which land use changes have driven pollinator declines over the past 100 years, the research reveals how we could ensure future land use benefits these vital insects.

Relating animals to humans could help conservation projects

New research suggests that people's tendency to relate more to animals that bear a resemblance to humans (anthropomorphism) could help improve public engagement with conservation projects.

Potential for successful climate predictions: Hindcast experiments capture long-term climate fluctuations

Marine scientists recently managed to successfully hindcast climate shifts in the Pacific. These shifts also have a profound effect on the average global surface air temperature of the Earth.

Old concrete can protect lakes and streams from phosphorus-laden run-off

Lakes and streams are often receiving so much phosphorus that it could pose a threat to the local aquatic environment. Now, research shows that there is an easy and inexpensive way to prevent phosphorus from being discharged to aquatic environments. The solution is crushed concrete from demolition sites.

Process devised for ultrathin carbon membranes

Scientists have succeeded in developing a new path to produce carbon nanomembranes. In the future, such membranes are expected to be able to filter out very fine materials. The advantage of the new method of fabrication is that it allows a variety of different carbon nanomembranes to be generated which are much thinner than conventional membranes.

Boys suffer from their fathers' long working hours

Fathers' extremely long working hours can be detrimental to their sons´ wellbeing. This is the key finding of a longitudinal study.

More efficient and economical capture of power plant carbon dioxide emissions

Scientists have developed a new technology that captures the carbon dioxide emissions of power plants more economically and ecologically. The new technology is based on a combination of traditional circulating fluidized bed combustion and oxyfuel combustion, enabling more extensive use of cheaper fuels and even biomass.

Mending a broken heart? Non-beating human cells transformed into heart-muscle cells

In the aftermath of a heart attack, cells within the region most affected shut down. They stop beating. And they become entombed in scar tissue. But now, scientists have demonstrated that this damage need not be permanent -- by finding a way to transform the class of cells that form human scar tissue into those that closely resemble beating heart cells.

Unraveling the mystery of Saharan dust migration

Scientists area studying the impact of Saharan dust on Houston's air quality, and how it might differ from other sources of pollution. The dust is carried across the Atlantic Ocean on trade winds most summers, and research has shown it can be differentiated from other sources of pollution.

Wolves howl because they care

When a member of the wolf pack leaves the group, the howling by those left behind isn't a reflection of stress but of the quality of their relationships. So say researchers based on a study of nine wolves from two packs living at Austria's Wolf Science Center.

Space slinky: Jet of superheated gas -- 5,000 light-years long -- ejected from supermassive black hole

Astronomers have assembled, from more than 13 years of observations from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, a series of time-lapse movies showing a jet of superheated gas — 5,000 light-years long — as it is ejected from a supermassive black hole in the giant elliptical galaxy M87.

Why people with red hair have a higher risk of developing melanoma

Researchers have found that the same genetic mutation responsible for red hair also promotes a well-known cancer-causing pathway.

The 'whole' problem with recycling

People are psychologically hard-wired to believe that products that are damaged or that aren't whole -- such as small or ripped paper or dented cans -- are useless, and this leads users to trash them rather than recycle them. To circumvent overcrowding landfills and environmental problems, researchers say consumers and manufacturers can take steps to override the urge to toss wholly recyclable items.

How hormones and microbes drive the gender bias in autoimmune diseases

Females can mount more powerful immune responses than males, but the flip side of this enhanced protection against infections is a greater risk for autoimmune disorders. A new study reveals that certain gut microbes prevalent in males can help protect them against type 1 diabetes. The study demonstrates that these microbes cooperate with sex hormones to cause this gender bias and provides an important framework that could lead to better treatments.

How SARS virus hijacks host cells

Infectious disease researchers have uncovered components of the SARS coronavirus -- which triggered a major outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome in 2002-03 -- that allow it to take over host cells in order to replicate.

Better management of free time ensures happier retirement

How well retirees plan their free time is more important than the amount of free time on hand, study reveals. Retirees should be masters of their own destiny, and actively manage and plan their free time to ensure a happy and fulfilling retirement. A new study found that the effective management of free time has a far greater impact on a retiree's quality of life than the amount of time the person actually has available for leisure activities.

Sticking power of plant polyphenols used in new coatings

Researchers have exploited the powerful and healthful polyphenols found in green tea, red wine and dark chocolate in a new way. Polyphenols are also sticky, and the researchers have used this property to make new multifunctional coatings based on inexpensive compounds that can stick to virtually anything, including Teflon. Simply dissolving polyphenol powders in water with the proper dash of salt quickly produces colorless coatings that have antioxidant properties, are non-toxic and can kill bacteria on contact.

Well-being not a priority for workaholics

Researchers found a preliminary link between workaholics and reduced physical and mental well-being.

Drug delivery: Why gold nanoparticles can penetrate cell walls

Gold nanoparticles with special coatings can deliver drugs or biosensors to a cell's interior without damaging it.

Morphing manganese: New discovery alters understanding of chemistry that moves elements through natural world

A new discovery alters our understanding of the chemistry that moves elements, such as oxygen, carbon, and manganese, through the natural world.

Quick test kit detects phenolic compounds in drinking water

Phenolic compounds a problem in industrialised countries. Clean drinking water is a diminishing natural resource in developing nations and in many industrialized countries. Scientists have now developed a simple and inexpensive test kit that detects phenolic compounds in water. Sources of phenolic compounds found in drinking water include industrial wastewaters, drug residues and pipes.

Pop! Bursting the bubble on carbonation

New research reveals that bubbles are not necessary to experience the unique 'bite' of carbonated beverages, which actually comes from carbonic acid. Bubbles do, however, enhance carbonation's bite through the light physical feel of the bubbles picked up by our sense of touch.

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Thursday, August 22, 2013

FeedaMail: ScienceDaily: Most Popular News

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