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Underlying ocean melts ice shelf, speeds up glacier movement

Warm ocean water, not warm air, is melting the Pine Island Glacier's floating ice shelf in Antarctica and may be the culprit for increased melting of other ice shelves, according to an international team of researchers.

Simple steps may identify patients that hold onto excess sodium

Getting a second urine sample and blood pressure measure as patients head out of the doctor's office appears an efficient way to identify those whose health may be in jeopardy because their bodies hold onto too much sodium, researchers report.

Movement of marine life follows speed and direction of climate change

New research shows that the trick to predicting when and where sea animals will relocate due to climate change is to follow the pace and direction of temperature changes, known as climate velocity.

Local animal populations contribution to human Salmonella infections overstated

A new study has shown that, contrary to popular belief, local domestic animals are unlikely to be the major source of antibiotic resistant Salmonella in humans.

Scientists pinpoint proteins vital to long-term memory

Scientists have found a group of proteins essential to the formation of long-term memories.

Radical new view of health: Stem cells are wired for cooperation, down to the DNA

We often think of human cells as tiny computers that perform assigned tasks, where disease is a result of a malfunction. But researchers now offer a radical view of health — seeing it more as a cooperative state among cells, while they see disease as result of cells at war that fight with each other for domination.

Molecular structure reveals how HIV infects cells

A team scientists has determined the high-resolution atomic structure of a cell-surface receptor that most strains of HIV use to get into human immune cells. The researchers also showed where maraviroc, an HIV drug, attaches to cells and blocks HIV's entry.

Viruses associated with coral epidemic of 'white plague'

They call it the "white plague," and like its black counterpart from the Middle Ages, it conjures up visions of catastrophic death, with a cause that was at first uncertain even as it led to widespread destruction -- on marine corals in the Caribbean Sea. Now, at least, one of the causes of this plague has been found.

Functioning 'mechanical gears' seen in nature for first time

Previously believed to be only human-made, a natural example of a functioning gear mechanism has been discovered in a common insect -- showing that evolution developed interlocking cogs long before we did. In Issus, the skeleton is used to solve a complex problem that the brain and nervous system can't, one of the researchers said.

Molecule that triggers septic shock identified

Researchers have identified a sensor pathway inside cells. These internal sensors are like motion detectors inside a house; they trigger an alarm that signals for help — a response from the immune system.

Decades on, bacterium's discovery feted as paragon of basic science

Over time, the esoteric and sometimes downright strange quests of science have proven easy targets for politicians and others looking for perceived examples of waste in government — and a cheap headline.

Americans living longer, more healthy lives

In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers have found that the average 25-year-old American today can look forward to 2.4 more years of a healthy life than 20 years ago while a 65-year-old today has gained 1.7 years.

Teen driving and marijuana use: More one in four high school seniors drive after using alcohol or drugs, or ride with a driver who has

A new study finds that 28 percent of U.S. high school seniors have driven after using drugs or drinking alcohol in the past two weeks, or ridden in a vehicle with a driver who did. In particular, driving after smoking marijuana has increased over the past three years.

Sewage treatment removes widely used home and garden insecticides from wastewater

Even though sewage treatment plants are not designed to remove tiny amounts of pesticides, they do an excellent job of dealing with the most widely used family of home and garden insecticides, scientists report. The study focused on pyrethroid insecticides.

Current pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions put over 600 million people at risk of higher water scarcity

Our current pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are projected to set the global mean temperature increase at around 3.5°C above pre-industrial levels, will expose 668 million people worldwide to new or aggravated water scarcity.

Genes linked to being right- or left-handed identified

A genetic study has identified a biological process that influences whether we are right handed or left handed. Scientists found correlations between handedness and a network of genes involved in establishing left-right asymmetry in developing embryos.

Get touchy feely with plants

Forget talking to plants to help them grow, gently rubbing them with your fingers can make them less susceptible to disease, a new article reveals. Gently rubbing the leaves of thale cress plants (Arabidsopsis thaliana) between thumb and forefinger activates an innate defense mechanism, scientists report. Within minutes, biochemical changes occur, causing the plant to become more resistant to Botrytis cinerea, the fungus that causes grey mould.

Youth more likely to be bullied at schools with anti-bullying programs

It turns out that anti-bullying programs may have opposite of the intended effect when it comes to children and peer victimization at school.

Bacteria responsible for gum disease facilitates rheumatoid arthritis

A research team has uncovered how the bacterium responsible for periodontal disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis, worsens rheumatoid arthritis by leading to earlier onset, faster progression and greater severity of the disease, including increased bone and cartilage destruction.

Dating of beads sets new timeline for early humans

Scientists have new dating evidence indicating when the earliest fully modern humans arrived in the Near East, the region known as the Middle East. They have obtained the radiocarbon dates of marine shell beads found at Ksar Akil, a key archaeological site in Lebanon, which allowed them to calculate that the oldest human fossil from the same sequence of archaeological layers is 42,400-41,700 years old. This is significant because the age of the earliest fossils, directly and indirectly dated, of modern humans found in Europe is roughly similar. This latest discovery throws up intriguing new possibilities about the routes taken by the earliest modern humans out of Africa.

Low Omega-3 could explain why some children struggle with reading

A new study has shown that a representative sample of UK schoolchildren aged seven to nine years had low levels of key Omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. Furthermore, the study found that children's blood levels of the long-chain Omega-3 DHA (the form found in most abundance in the brain) 'significantly predicted' how well they were able to concentrate and learn.

Pinpointing when the First Dynasty of Kings ruled Egypt

For the first time, a team of scientists and archaeologists has been able to set a robust timeline for the first eight dynastic rulers of Egypt. Until now there have been no verifiable chronological records for this period or the process leading up to the formation of the Egyptian state. The chronology of Early Egypt between 4500 and 2800 BC has been reset by building mathematical models that combine new radiocarbon dates with established archaeological evidence.

New technique in RNA interference cuts time and cost in genetic screens

There is a new contender in the field of gene discovery, and it's giving knockout mice a run for their money. Researchers have shown that a new technique using RNA interference is able to find genes that cause epidermal tumor growth in months rather than the decades it may take using traditional methods employing specially bred, genetically altered mice.

Tuna closely related to some of the strangest fish in the sea

Some of the strangest fish in the sea are closely related to dinner table favorites the tunas and mackerels, an international team of scientists has found.

Unexpected interaction between ocean currents and bacteria may weaken ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide

For the first time, researchers have successfully demonstrated an interaction between ocean currents and bacteria: The unexpected interaction leads to the production of vast amounts of nitrogen gas in the Pacific Ocean. This takes place in one of the largest oxygen free water masses in the world -- and these zones are expanding. This can ultimately weaken the ocean's ability to absorb CO2.

Diet during pregnancy and early life may affect children's behavior and intelligence

The statement "you are what you eat" is significant for the development of optimum mental performance in children as evidence is accumulating to show that nutrition pre-birth and in early life "programs" long term health, well being, brain development and mental performance and that certain nutrients are important to this process.

Algae and bacteria in sea ice are important for the carbon budgets of frozen oceans

Underneath the pristine snow cover of the Arctic and Antarctic pack ice, there is a community of microscopic algae and bacteria that thrive within the ice itself. These ice-organisms are adapted to growing on the ice surfaces and within a labyrinth of channels and pores that permeate the ice floes. Their presence may affect how carbon travels to the ocean floor and even the weather.

Tiny plankton could have big impact on climate

As the climate changes and oceans' acidity increases, tiny plankton seem set to succeed. An international team of marine scientists has found that the smallest plankton groups thrive under elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. This could cause an imbalance in the food web as well as decrease ocean CO2 uptake, an important regulator of global climate.

Polymer regenerates all by itself

Scientists have reported the first self-healing polymer that spontaneously and independently repairs itself without any intervention. The researchers have dubbed the material a "Terminator" polymer in tribute to the shape-shifting, molten T-100 terminator robot from the Terminator 2 film.

Simple textiles can be used with catalysts to enable complex chemical reactions

In future, it will be much easier to produce some active pharmaceutical substances and chemical compounds than was the case to date. Chemists have immobilized various catalysts on nylon in a very simple way. Catalysts mediate between the reagents in a chemical reaction and control the process leading to the desired end product. When textile material is used as a support for the chemical auxiliaries, the reaction can proceed on a large surface thereby increasing its efficiency. One of the catalysts that the researchers used in this way plays an important role in the synthesis of a pharmaceutical agent which could only be used previously in dissolved form, making the production process very complicated and expensive. Immobilising this catalyst on fabric simplifies production considerably. This process may be expected to yield similar advantages for other chemical processes.

Toward a truly white organic LED: Physicists develop polymer with tunable colors

By inserting platinum atoms into an organic semiconductor, physicists were able to "tune" the plastic-like polymer to emit light of different colors – a step toward more efficient, less expensive and truly white organic LEDs for light bulbs of the future.

Surgery proving effective with epilepsy patients

Neurosurgeons have found MRI-guided laser ablation to be an effective therapy for certain epilepsy patients.

Molecular mirror images assigned: Safer drugs thanks to a new solution to a 150-year-old chemistry problem?

Just like gloves, molecules come in so-called left-handed and right-handed versions. Until now, however, it could be determined only with great difficulty whether a certain molecule is right-handed or left-handed. Scientists now report a new solution to this 150-year old problem. In medicine, this would be a big step forward because, for example, the unwanted side effects of drugs could be avoided.

Scientists achieve highest open-circuit voltage for quantum dot solar cells

Using colloidal lead sulfide nanocrystal quantum dot substances, researchers have achieved the highest recorded open-circuit voltages for quantum dot solar cells to date.

Machine learning used to boil down the stories that wearable cameras are telling

Computers will someday soon automatically provide short video digests of a day in your life, your family vacation or an eight-hour police patrol, say computer scientists. Researchers are working to develop tools to help make sense of the vast quantities of video that are going to be produced by wearable camera technology like Google Glass and Looxcie.

Software may be able to take over from hardware in managing caches

It may be time to let software, rather than hardware, manage the high-speed on-chip memory banks known as "caches."

Young people choose education based on parents' background

Even though Danish students have equal access to education, their choice of studies is still influenced by social class. Young people from working class backgrounds are motivated by studies with a clear job profile and high income, while prestige and studies with a strong identity appeal to young people of parents with university degrees when choosing which studies to pursue.

Learning cursive in the first grade helps students

By 2014, 45 American states will stop teaching cursive writing in favour of keyboard proficiency. In Québec, there are no plans for the moment to abandon this type of writing.

The '50-50' chip: Memory device of the future? Material built from aluminum and antimony shows promise for next-generation data-storage devices

A new, environmentally-friendly electronic alloy consisting of 50 aluminum atoms bound to 50 atoms of antimony may be promising for building next-generation "phase-change" memory devices, which may be the data-storage technology of the future.

To touch the microcosmos: New haptic microscope technique allows researchers to 'feel' microworld

What if you could reach through a microscope to touch and feel the microscopic structures under the lens? In a breakthrough that may usher in a new era in the exploration of the worlds that are a million times smaller than human beings, researchers have unveiled a new technique that allows microscope users to manipulate samples using a technology known as "haptic optical tweezers."

Structures needed for equitable access to DNA identification after disaster

Ethics, policy and human rights experts argue that international structures are needed to promote more equal access to forensic identification technologies, ensure their fair and efficient use, and provide uniform protections to participants following large-scale conflict and disaster.

Testing child's urine may help doctors identify risk for high blood pressure

Measuring sodium in a child's urine may help doctors identify those at risk for having high blood pressure later in life, according to a new study.

Model organism gone wild

Some wild clones of social amoebas farm the bacteria they eat, but this is a losing strategy if nonfarming amoebas can steal the farmers' crops. To make the strategy work, the farmers also carry bacteria that secrete chemicals that poison free riders. The work suggest farming is complex evolutionary adaptation that requires additional strategies, such as recruiting third parties, to effectively defend and privatize the crops.

Carbon farming schemes should consider multiple cobenefits

Carbon farming schemes will have harmful effects, such as impairing ecosystem services, reducing biodiversity, and reducing food supply, unless resulting revegetation decisions take into account the full range of cobenefits and disbenefits expected from various types of planting. In particular, the views of local inhabitants as well as landowners should be considered in order to maximize the probability of long-term success.

Diets low in polyunsaturated fatty acids may be a problem for youngsters

In the first study to closely examine the polyunsaturated fatty acid intake among US children under the age of five, researchers have found what might be a troubling deficit in the diet of many youngsters.

Can drinking orange juice aid in cancer prevention?

Researchers review available evidence that links orange juice with cancer chemoprevention, including the putative mechanisms involved in the process, the potential toxicity of orange juice, and the available data in terms of evidence-based medicine.

Research points to promising treatment for macular degeneration

In the hunt for a better treatment for macular degeneration, studies using mice and a class of drugs known as MDM2 inhibitors proved highly effective at regressing the abnormal blood vessels responsible for the vision loss associated with the disease.

SARS virus treatments could hold the key for treatment of MERS-CoV outbreak

A new type of coronavirus, the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus, MERS-CoV, was first found a year ago in a patient who died. It took several months before it was discovered that a new virus had emerged. New cases have been reported from across the Middle Easst and Europe, and approximately 50% of patients have died from it. The new virus is closely related to the SARS coronavirus, and itt is therefore likely that treatments that worked on the SARS corona virus will also work at the MERS corona virus.

Potential new drug target for cystic fibrosis

Scientists have discovered a promising potential drug target for cystic fibrosis. Their work uncovers a large set of genes not previously linked to the disease, demonstrating how a new screening technique can help identify new drug targets.

Measles cases on the rise in US, experts encourage vaccine

Believed to be eradicated from the United States in 2000, measles have been brought into the country and can infect those who are not vaccinated.

Electric transport with wind in its sails

Researchers are aiming to remove the electric car market's biggest problem – the fear of not reaching the next charging station. Simpler charging is on its way, and the cost-effectiveness of electric goods vehicles and electric buses is being tested on Norwegian roads.

Using technology to reduce hospital admissions for COPD patients

Patients with COPD can use tablet computers to report their daily condition, allowing hospitals to pick up early symptoms, take action and thereby reduce admissions.

Eco-friendly bamboo garments lure consumers - if the price is right

Consumers who plan to buy eco-friendly bamboo apparel are attracted if the price is right, but their next consideration is the product's novelty, according to a new study by Baylor University researchers.

Link between rates of gun ownership and homicides

US states with higher estimated rates of gun ownership experience a higher number of firearms-related homicides.

30 percent lower risk of dying for diabetics with bypass surgery

People with diabetes have a 30 percent less chance of dying if they undergo coronary artery bypass surgery rather than opening the artery through angioplasty and inserting a stent, a new study has found.

Sober drinking knowledge fails 'in the moment' of intoxication

Approximately one-third of all fatal crashes each year in the US involve an alcohol-impaired driver. New research compares individuals' perceived dangerousness of driving after drinking while intoxicated with those perceptions while sober. Results show that sober knowledge does not necessarily translate into responsible judgment while intoxicated.

Older drinkers may experience fewer hangovers than youngsters

While hangovers may be a source of humor, their effects can be debilitating, costly, and even dangerous. A new study of hangovers across the lifespan has found that the tendency to experience hangovers decreases as age increases. Study authors speculate that older adults who binge drink do so to a lesser intensity than younger adults.

Childhood obesity may quadruple high blood pressure risk in adulthood