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Dengue fever mystery in two US cities: Both exposed to risk

As dengue fever continues to spread from Key West north into the Florida mainland, it remains a mystery as to why this dangerous mosquito-borne illness is not yet common around Tucson, Arizona -- even though outbreaks routinely occur in nearby Mexico and mosquitoes that can carry dengue are now common in the state, according to a new research.

Why seedlings always grow towards the light

Scientists have discovered how cells in the stems of seedlings use blue light to grow towards the light. During earlier research the discovery was made that the cells in the seedling stems responded to blue light used in the microscope. The scientists have now discovered how the blue light causes small structures in the cell, the microtubules, to grow perpendicular to their normal growth direction.

Senescence is normal process in embryo, not only linked to aging, cancer

Two studies describe senescence as a normal and critical process during embryogenesis. They attribute a completely new and unexpected role to this process, which was always linked to aging and cancer.

State child restraint laws leave many unprotected

Child restraint laws across many states have gaps that leave unprotected passengers highly vulnerable to vehicle-crash injuries, a study has found. The findings show that many child restraint laws lag behind existing research on vehicular safety and fail to follow guidelines adopted by medical experts.

Hubble views an old and mysterious cluster

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has captured the best ever image of the globular cluster Messier 15, a gathering of very old stars that orbits the center of the Milky Way. This glittering cluster contains over 100 000 stars, and could also hide a rare type of black hole at its center.

Glowing worms illuminate the roots of behavior

Researchers have developed a system to image brain activity in multiple awake and unconstrained worms. The technology, which makes it possible to study the genetics and neural circuitry associated with animal behavior, can also be used as a high-throughput screening tool for drug development targeting autism, depression, and other brain disorders.

Newly discovered mechanism suggests novel approach to prevent type 1 diabetes

New research demonstrates a disease mechanism in type 1 diabetes that can be targeted using simple, naturally occurring molecules to help prevent the disease. The work highlights a previously unrecognized molecular pathway that contributes to the malfunction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells in T1D in humans and mice, and shows that a chemical intervention can help beta cells function properly and survive.

Intranasal insulin improves cognitive function in patients with type 2 diabetes

As the link between type 2 diabetes and dementia becomes more widely recognized, new findings offer promise of a new treatment for this growing problem.

Tiny crystals could revolutionize structural biology studies

Scientists have developed a new method that generates a high-resolution protein structure from crystals one-million times smaller than those needed for X-ray crystallography, the most common method for determining protein structure. The new technique, called MicroED, has the potential to accelerate structural biologists' efforts and to expand the repertoire of proteins whose high-resolution structures can be solved.

No peak in sight for evolving bacteria

There's no peak in sight -- fitness peak, that is -- for the bacteria being studied in one American lab. Scientists there have been running an evolutionary bacteria experiment for 25 years, generating more than 50,000 generations. In a paper published, the author compares it to hiking.

Dogs likely originated in Europe more than 18,000 years ago, biologists report

Wolves likely were domesticated by European hunter-gatherers more than 18,000 years ago, and gradually evolved into dogs that became household pets, biologists report.

Mid-nineteenth century Chinese maps controlled water and directed labor

A sequence of twelve maps from the mid-nineteenth century reveal that they were accurate enough for planning and executing middle-sized water control projects for the department of Dengchuan in southwest China.

Older adults with severe mental illness challenge healthcare system

Although older adults with serious mental illness didn't have more recorded physical illness and had fewer outpatient visits to primary care physicians, they made more medical emergency department visits and had considerably longer medical hospitalizations than older adults without mental illness according to a study.

Probiotics reduce piglet pathogens

Piglets fed probiotic Enterococcus faecium showed reduced numbers of potentially pathogenic Escherichia coli strains in their intestines, according to a team of German researchers. The research is important, because in 2006 the European Union prohibited the feeding of antibiotics to livestock as growth promoters. Therefore, the research team sought to investigate whether probiotics could substitute for antibiotics, by reducing pathogen populations in the intestines.

Lack of sleep in teens linked to higher risk of illness

Newly released findings have found that acute illnesses, such as colds, flu, and gastroenteritis were more common among healthy adolescents who got less sleep at night. Additionally, the regularity of teens' sleep schedules was found to impact their health.

High blood pressure in middle age vs old age may predict memory loss

People in middle age who have a high blood pressure measure called pulse pressure are more likely to have biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in their spinal fluid than those with lower pulse pressure, according to research published.

Spintronics: Nano magnets arise at 2-D boundaries

According to a new theory, imperfections in certain two-dimensional materials create the conditions by which nanoscale magnetic fields arise.

Quantum world record smashed

A normally fragile quantum state has been shown to survive at room temperature for a world record 39 minutes, overcoming a key barrier towards building ultrafast quantum computers.

Protein interplay in muscle tied to life span

Biologists have uncovered a complicated chain of molecular events that leads from insulin to protein degradation in muscles and significantly diminished life span in fruit flies. The new study, which may have broad implications across species, identifies the fly version the mammalian protein activin as the central culprit in the process.

Distant artificial atoms cooperate by sharing light: Future applications in advanced quantum devices

Scientists have shown for the first time that atoms can work collectively rather than Scientists have shown for the first time that atoms can work collectively rather than independently of each other to share light. Quantum physicists have long discussed such an effect, but it has not been seen before in an experiment.

Gene linked to common intellectual disability

Researchers have taken a step forward in unravelling the causes of a commonly inherited intellectual disability, finding that a genetic mutation leads to a reduction in certain proteins in the brain.

Widespread use of opioid medications in nonsurgical hospital patients

A comprehensive analysis of more than 1 million hospital admissions in the United States finds that over 50 percent of all nonsurgical patients were prescribed opioids during their hospitalizations -- often at very high doses.

Microbiome changed by gluten increases incidences of type 1 diabetes

Research has shown that the intestinal microbiome plays a large role in the development of type 1 diabetes.

Plant oil suppresses viability of human prostate cancer cells

Geranylgeraniol, found in linseed oil, Cedrela toona wood oil, sucupira branca fruit oil and more recently, annatto seed oil, may be a new weapon in the arsenal of mevalonate-suppressive isoprenoids with potential synergism in the fight against prostate cancer.

New studies may explain fractures in some who take osteoporosis drugs

Research with baboons may help explain why some people who take bone-strengthening drugs like bisphosphonates are at risk for atypical fractures in the long bones in their legs.

Hydrogen fuel from sunlight? Low-cost, long-lasting water splitter made of silicon and nickel

Scientists have created a silicon-based water splitter that is both low-cost and corrosion-free. The novel device -- a silicon semiconductor coated in an ultrathin layer of nickel -- could help pave the way for large-scale production of clean hydrogen fuel from sunlight.

Scientists nearing forecasts of long-lived wildfires

Scientists have developed a new computer modeling technique that offers the promise, for the first time, of producing continually updated daylong predictions of wildfire growth throughout the lifetime of long-lived blazes. The technique combines detailed computer simulations with newly available satellite observations.

One in seven students has dabbled in 'smart' drugs

American and European studies prove that students use prescription medication or drugs to enhance their cognitive performance. Researchers examined whether Swiss students have also experimented with neuroenhancement and which substances they take by conducting a survey of 6,725 students with an average age of 23 at the two universities and ETH Zurich.

Women with asthma could face delay in becoming pregnant

Women with asthma could take longer to conceive, according to new research.

Cognitive scientists ID mechanism central to early childhood learning, social behavior

A study provides compelling evidence for a new and possibly dominant way for social partners to coordinate joint attention, key for parent-child communication and early language learning. The findings open up new questions about language learning and the teaching of language. They could also have major implications for the treatment of children with early social-communication impairment, such as autism, where joint caregiver-child attention with respect to objects and events is a key issue.

First detailed map of global forest change

Scientist have created the first high-resolution global map of forest extent, loss and gain, a resource that greatly improves our ability to understand human and naturally-induced forest changes and the local to global implications of these changes on environmental, economic and other natural and societal systems, members of the team say.

Toward new quantum possibilities: Seeing a photon without absorbing it

Scientists can detect an optical photon twice. Light is of fundamental importance. It allows us to see the world around us and record pictures of our environment. It enables communication over long distances through optical fibers. All current methods of detecting light share a common property: absorption and thus destruction of a photon. It has been a long-standing dream to be able to watch individual photons fly by without absorbing them. Scientists have now for the first time realized a device which leaves the photon untouched upon detection. This provides new possibilities for using single photons in quantum communication and quantum information processing.

World's most irreplaceable protected areas identified

A new scientific study has identified the protected areas most critical to preventing extinctions of the world's mammals, birds and amphibians. Resulting from an international collaboration, this analysis provides practical advice for improving the effectiveness of protected areas in conserving global biodiversity.

Evolution can select for evolvability, biologists find

Evolution does not have foresight. But organisms with a greater capacity to evolve may fare better in changing environments. This raises the question: Does evolution favor characteristics that increase a species' ability to evolve? For several years, biologists have attempted to provide evidence that natural selection has acted on evolvability. Now a new article offers clear evidence that the answer is yes.

Drug trial for top parasitic killer of the Americas

According to results of the first-ever Phase 2 clinical trial in Bolivia, the drug candidate E1224 showed good safety and was effective at clearing the parasite causing Chagas disease, but had little to no sustained efficacy one year after treatment. On the other hand, standard therapy, benznidazole, was effective long term but continued to be associated with side effects. The results point to alternative dosing regimens and possible combination therapies to improve patient care.

Genes uniquely expressed by brain's immune cells

Investigators have used a new sequencing method to identify a group of genes used by the brain's immune cells -- called microglia -- to sense pathogenic organisms, toxins or damaged cells that require their response. Identifying these genes should lead to better understanding of the role of microglia both in normal brains and in neurodegenerative disorders.

Baby boys at higher risk of death, disability in preterm births

Groundbreaking global studies on preterm birth and disability carried out by almost 50 researchers at 35 institutions and launched in association with World Prematurity Day finds baby boys are at a higher risk of death and disability due to preterm birth than baby girls. These disabilities range from learning problems and blindness to deafness and motor problems, including cerebral palsy.

Surgeons often profoundly affected by surgical complications

Many surgeons are seriously affected on an emotional level by major surgical complications, and they often feel that institutional support is inadequate. Those are among the conclusions of a small study published. The findings provide valuable insights into the factors that affect surgeons' reactions to surgical complications and how surgeons could be better supported in their aftermath.

Where someone drowns determines their chance of survival

Two new Canadian research studies show that location is the most important factor in determining drowning survival.

Vivax malaria may be evolving around natural defense

Researchers have discovered recent genetic mutations in a parasite that causes over 100 million cases of malaria annually -- changes that may render tens of millions of Africans who had been considered resistant, susceptible to infection.

Team-based approaches needed to fight high blood pressure

Despite proven treatments, blood pressure control is still a challenge in the United States. Local, regional and national programs that use coordinated care and multiple resources, including an evidence-based hypertension treatment algorithm, are needed to reduce and control blood pressure.

Cardiovascular complications diabetes associated with physical activity

On World Diabetes Day, a study underlines importance of regular exercise for those with type 2 diabetes.

Can certain herbs stave off Alzheimer's disease?

Researchers have found that antioxidant extracts from spearmint and rosemary fight mild cognitive impairment in an animal model.

Whither the teakettle whistle

The source and mechanism of a whistling kettle has never been fully described scientifically; acknowledging the vibrations made by the build-up of steam escaping through two metal spout plates is about as far as the explanation went. That wasn't enough for engineers who, through a series of experiments, have produced the world's first accurate model of the whistling mechanism inside the classic stovetop kettle.

Variation of halogens in Martian soil calls for an atmosphere-surface cycle

Scientists have assessed the details of halogen variability and an unusual process that may influence it. The group investigated the potential for an existing halogen cycle on Mars, which would alter the current paradigm of halogens distributed mostly by water-related processes.

Ocean's carbon dioxide uptake can impair digestion in marine animal

Ocean acidification impairs digestion in marine organisms, according to a new study. Researchers have studied the larval stage of green sea urchins Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis. The results show that the animals have problems digesting food in acidified water.

Can games have positive effects on young people's lives?

Researchers are exploring how computer games and game based learning can be applied in the healthcare sector in a bid to boost young people's understandings of medical conditions that they may be living with and how to best to care for themselves.

Rapid testing to diagnose flu leads to more appropriate care in ED

When patients in the emergency department are diagnosed with influenza by means of a rapid test, they get fewer unnecessary antibiotics, are prescribed antiviral medications more frequently, and have fewer additional lab tests compared to patients diagnosed with influenza without testing, according to a new study. The findings suggest that diagnosing influenza with a rapid diagnostic test leads to more appropriate, specific, and efficient care.

Junior research group investigates living an independent life

According to aging research findings, seniors cope better when they live an active lifestyle. The living environment, such as the neighborhood, buildings, roads, parks and local supply possibilities, as well as climatic conditions, thereby play an important influential role. A junior research group are contributing toward designing quarters that are generationally sound and promote health.

Privately insured bariatric surgery patients lose more weight than government-subsidized

Researchers found the biggest determinant of weight loss after bariatric surgery was not how long a patient was on a medically supervised diet program before surgery, but whether or not the patient had private or government-subsidized insurance.

Doctor says yes, insurer says no: higher death rate

Researchers found patients who were denied or delayed insurance approval for bariatric surgery, despite being cleared by their medical team, had a mortality rate three times higher than patients who received insurance approval without delay.

Success of climate talks vital for 2°C target

Achieving a global climate agreement soon could be crucial for the objective to keep global mean temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius. The challenges of meeting the long-term target will otherwise increase drastically both in terms of the required emissions reductions and economic impacts.

Tasmania home to first alpine sword-sedge

Australian botanists have described a unique new species of sedge (family Cyperaceae, which includes Papyrus and Chinese Water Chestnut) from the mist-shrouded mountains of Tasmania. Lepidosperma monticola is a small plant that is only known from the south-west of the island.

Toddlers can learn verbs even in non-social contexts

Language acquisition has traditionally been considered a social, interactive process, however new research reveals that toddlers are able to acquire the meanings of words even in "socially impoverished contexts" where social or visual information is absent.

Topical treatment for psoriasis targets deeper layers of the skin, improves healing

A novel combination anti-psoriasis therapy has potential for superior and longer-lasting therapeutic effects than current topical treatments by targeting genetic abnormalities in deeper layers of the skin.

Primary care key to management of patients with HIV infection

The HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America has updated its HIV care guidelines to reflect the fact that people with HIV are now living normal life spans, and their physicians need to focus on preventive care, including screening for high cholesterol, diabetes and osteoporosis.

New malaria vaccines roadmap targets next generation products by 2030

The world should aim to have vaccines that reduce malaria cases by 75 percent, and are capable of eliminating malaria, licensed by 2030, according to the updated 2013 Malaria Vaccine Technology Roadmap, launched today. This new target comes in addition to the original 2006 Roadmap's goal of having a licensed vaccine against Plasmodium falciparum malaria, the most deadly form of the disease, for children under 5 years of age in sub-Saharan Africa by 2015.

How teens choose their friends

A national study finds that the courses students take in high school have powerful effects on the friendships they make.

Anthrax bacteria play hide and seek

An anthrax infection can be fatal even when the infectious agent is no longer detected. Research reveals the way its lethal factor manages to turn invisible to the immune system.

Nicotine withdrawal traced to very specific group of brain cells

Nicotine withdrawal might take over your body, but it doesn't take over your brain. The symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are driven by a very specific group of neurons within a very specific brain region, according to a report. Although caution is warranted, the researchers say, the findings in mice suggest that therapies directed at this group of neurons might one day help people quit smoking.

Toxin produced by bacteria could serve as model for next-generation antibiotics

The recent rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a serious public health threat, and there is a need for new therapeutic strategies to combat these infections. A study has revealed a new toxin that inhibits bacterial growth by blocking the DNA replication machinery, which is not targeted by currently available antibiotics. The findings open new therapeutic avenues for developing the next generation of antibiotics.

Low-dose treatment may block malaria transmission

Lower doses of the antimalarial drug primaquine are as effective as higher doses in reducing malaria transmission, according to a study.

Copper intake makes tumors breathe

Copper imbalances have been associated with a number of pathological conditions, including cancer. Scientists have found that copper in drinking water -- given at the maximum levels permitted in public water supplies -- accelerated the growth of tumors in mice. On the other hand, reducing copper levels reduced tumor growth. The study strongly suggests that copper is an essential factor for the growth of tumors in humans as well.

Algorithm identifies individual grains in planetary regolith

Researchers have developed an image analysis and segmentation algorithm specifically to aid planetary scientists with the task of analyzing soil samples taken by Mars rovers.

Late afternoon, early evening caffeine can disrupt sleep at night

A new study shows that caffeine consumption even six hours before bedtime can have significant, disruptive effects on sleep.

Social media brings academic journals to general readers

A study recently published shows that a handful of academic journals have successfully leveraged social media to reach many times the readers of the journals themselves. But the majority of journals have yet to embrace social media and so lag behind professional organizations and patient advocacy groups in their ability to disseminate information in a culturally relevant way.

Pediatric ICU nurses with more experience, education cut inpatient mortality

Nursing leaders from 38 children's hospitals demonstrated that nursing education and experience significantly impact outcomes for patients who underwent cardiac surgery. The researchers recommend that there be no more than 20 percent of nurses with less than two years of clinical experience in pediatric ICUs to decrease mortality rates.

Smartphone apps to help smokers quit come up short

Most popular smartphone apps do not include evidence-based practices known to help smokers quit, finds a new study.

Cuts to local health departments hurt communities

A new study finds that many local health departments aren't able to meet goals to increase health care access.

Immune-modulating drug unexpectedly benefits mice with fatal mitochondrial defect

In a lab devoted to increasing healthy lifespans, the transplant anti-rejection drug rapamycin showed unexpected health benefits and increased survival in a mouse model of a fatal mitochondrial defect. Children with the untreatable condition suffer from brain damage and muscle weakness, and rarely live beyond 6 or 7 years. The drug enables the body to bypass the mitochondrial defect by switching its metabolism to burn fats and amino acids instead of glucose, and thereby reduces toxic byproducts.

Molecule critical to healing wounds identified

Skin provides a first line of defense against viruses, bacteria and parasites that might otherwise make people ill. When an injury breaks that barrier, a systematic chain of molecular signaling launches to close the wound and re-establish the skin's layer of protection. A study now shows that the molecule FOX01 is critical to the wound-healing process.

The Gorgons of the Eastern Pacific: Scientists describe two new gorgonian soft coral species

Gorgonians are a type of soft corals easily distinguishable by the complex branching shape, which has also probably inspired their name, coming from the Gorgon Medusa -- a creature from the Greek mythology that had hair made of venomous snakes. The existence of Medusa outside myth might be debatable, but gorgonian corals do exist and scientists describe two new beautiful species.

New hologram technology created with tiny nanoantennas

Researchers have created tiny holograms using a "metasurface" capable of the ultra-efficient control of light, representing a potential new technology for advanced sensors, high-resolution displays and information processing.

Study shows bariatric surgery may turn back the effects of aging

Researchers say surgical weight loss may turn back the effects of aging at a genetic level, in the first study of its kind.

Alcohol ads in US magazines still expose consumers to risky content, messages

A new report calls into question whether existing American federal and voluntary standards for alcohol advertisements curtail potentially damaging content and protect public health.

Alberta plan fails to protect headwater havens for vulnerable wildlife

Scientists said today that the draft South Saskatchewan Regional Plan released recently by the Alberta government falls far short of protecting vulnerable fish and wildlife populations and headwater sources of precious water that are cherished by southern Albertans.

Starting dialysis after conception may improve birth rates

Compared with women with advanced kidney disease who conceived after starting dialysis, women who conceived and then started dialysis during the pregnancy had a much better live birth rate (91% vs 63%), and their infants were of similar birth weight and gestational age. In both groups of women with kidney disease, babies were likely to be premature and of low birth-weight, which reflects the high-risk nature of these pregnancies.

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Friday, November 15, 2013

FeedaMail: ScienceDaily: Most Popular News

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