ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Irish chronicles reveal links between cold weather and volcanic eruptions
• Nutrition during first 1,000 days of life crucial for childhood and economic development
• NASA builds sophisticated Earth-observing microwave radiometer
• Black holes abundant among the earliest stars
• 'Temporal cloaking' could bring more secure optical communications
• Study suggests fathers should ask kids: 'Am I the dad you need me to be?'
• A 20-minute bout of yoga stimulates brain function immediately after
• Genetic mutation inherited from father's side linked to early puberty
• Most popular baby names from last decade decoded
• Nontoxic cancer therapy proves effective against metastatic cancer
• Over 120,000-year-old bone tumor in Neandertal specimen found
• When angry, talk: Describing emotional situations alters heart rate, cardiac output
• Neuroimaging may offer new way to diagnose bipolar disorder
• Rapid, irregular heartbeat may be linked to problems with memory and thinking
• Gut bacteria play key role in vaccination
• Scientists unexpectedly discover stress-resistant stem cells in fat tissue removed during liposuction
• More fresh air in classrooms means fewer absences
• Firefighting robot paints 3-D thermal imaging picture for rescuers
• Scientists discover how HIV kills immune cells; Findings have implications for HIV treatment
• Resistivity switch is window to role of magnetism in iron-based superconductors
• Genetic testing of rare blood cancer reveals new mutation
• 'Belief in science' increases in stressful situations
• Over-produced autism gene alters synapses, affects learning and behavior in mice
• New report identifies research priorities for most pressing gun violence problems in US
• Where trash accumulates in the deep sea
• Life on Earth shockingly comes from out of this world
• New microfluidic method expands toolbox for nanoparticle manipulation
• Electronic stimulation therapy for obstructive sleep apnea is safe, effective, new study suggests
• Multiple sclerosis: Phase 1 trial safely resets patients' immune systems, reduces attack on myelin protein
• First evidence that the genome can adapt to temperature changes
• Drug prevents post-traumatic stress-like symptoms in mice
• NASA's Spitzer sees Milky Way's blooming countryside
• U.S. Clean Air Act increased Atlanta rainfall
• Increased NMR/MRI sensitivity through hyperpolarization of nuclei in diamond
• Animals and humans: A false divide?
• Formula-feeding linked to metabolic stress and increased risk of later disease
• New study rebuts increase in willingness to cooperate from intuitive thinking
• First observation of spin Hall effect in a quantum gas is step toward 'atomtronics'
• Cat's Paw Nebula 'littered' with baby stars
• Young star suggests our sun was a feisty toddler
• Malaria's deadly grip revealed: Severe malaria breakthrough
• Researchers announce discovery of oldest-known fossil primate skeleton
• Scientists discover oldest primate skeleton
• Discovery of oldest primate skeleton helps chart early evolution of humans, apes
• Discovery of oldest primate skeleton, ancestor of humans and apes
• Ancient trapped water explains Earth's first ice age
• Targeting an aspect of Down syndrome
• Aligning values with employer can lead to promotion, suggests new study
• Teacher collaboration, professional communities improve many elementary school students' math scores
• Neurochemical traffic signals may open new avenues for the treatment of schizophrenia
• First dual-action compound kills cancer cells, stops them from spreading
• Strength in numbers when resisting forbidden fruit
• Pollution controls increase beach attendance, study shows
• New scorpion species adds to the remarkable biodiversity of the Ecuadorian Andes
• Cheese may prevent cavities
• A lucky catch: A tiny new fish, Haptoclinus dropi, from the southern Caribbean
• Concerns about anesthesia's impact on the brain
• Scientists map the wiring of the biological clock
• Detecting lead hotspots in urban gardens requires different sampling strategies
• Tiny bubbles in your metallic glass may not be a cause for celebration

Irish chronicles reveal links between cold weather and volcanic eruptions Posted: 05 Jun 2013 08:08 PM PDT Medieval chronicles have given researchers a glimpse into the past to assess how historical volcanic eruptions affected the weather in Ireland up to 1500 years ago. Researchers have successfully linked the climatic aftermath of volcanic eruptions to extreme cold weather events in Ireland over a 1200-year period from 431 to 1649.

Nutrition during first 1,000 days of life crucial for childhood and economic development Posted: 05 Jun 2013 08:07 PM PDT New research on maternal and childhood nutrition finds that over 3 million children die every year of malnutrition -— accounting for nearly half of all child deaths under 5. Along with state-of-the-art global estimates on the long-term burden of malnutrition, the series presents a new framework for prevention and treatment that considers underlying factors, such as food security, social conditions, resources, and governance.

NASA builds sophisticated Earth-observing microwave radiometer Posted: 05 Jun 2013 04:07 PM PDT A NASA team delivered in May a sophisticated microwave radiometer specifically designed to overcome the pitfalls that have plagued similar Earth-observing instruments in the past.

Black holes abundant among the earliest stars Posted: 05 Jun 2013 04:07 PM PDT By comparing infrared and X-ray background signals across the same stretch of sky, astronomers have discovered evidence of a significant number of black holes that accompanied the first stars in the universe.

'Temporal cloaking' could bring more secure optical communications Posted: 05 Jun 2013 04:05 PM PDT Researchers have demonstrated a method for "temporal cloaking" of optical communications, representing a potential tool to thwart would-be eavesdroppers and improve security for telecommunications.

Study suggests fathers should ask kids: 'Am I the dad you need me to be?' Posted: 05 Jun 2013 04:05 PM PDT As Father's Day approaches, psychologists say dads should ask their children for a little more feedback than they might get with the yearly greeting card. A new study found that the way young people interpret their father's parenting behavior varies depending on the child's gender, ethnicity and whether the father is their biological dad or stepfather.

A 20-minute bout of yoga stimulates brain function immediately after Posted: 05 Jun 2013 04:05 PM PDT Researchers report that a single, 20-minute session of Hatha yoga significantly improved participants' speed and accuracy on tests of working memory and inhibitory control, two measures of brain function associated with the ability to maintain focus and take in, retain and use new information. Participants performed significantly better immediately after the yoga practice than after moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise for the same amount of time.

Genetic mutation inherited from father's side linked to early puberty Posted: 05 Jun 2013 04:05 PM PDT Researchers have identified that a genetic mutation leads to a type of premature puberty, known as central precocious puberty.

Most popular baby names from last decade decoded Posted: 05 Jun 2013 04:02 PM PDT Names can provide a clue to a person's background. And, with certain names come certain preconceptions. But could a parent's choice of name for their child be influenced by evolution? Scientists analyzed the most popular baby names from the last decade to decode the link between the sounds in a name and the sex, in a new article.

Nontoxic cancer therapy proves effective against metastatic cancer Posted: 05 Jun 2013 04:01 PM PDT A combination of dietary and hyperbaric oxygen therapies effectively increased survival time in a mouse model of aggressive metastatic cancer, a new research team found. The study demonstrates the potential of these cost-effective, nontoxic therapies to positively contribute to current cancer treatment regimens.

Over 120,000-year-old bone tumor in Neandertal specimen found Posted: 05 Jun 2013 04:01 PM PDT The first case of a bone tumor of the ribs in a Neanderthal specimen reveals that at least one Neanderthal suffered a cancer that is common in modern-day humans, according to new research.

When angry, talk: Describing emotional situations alters heart rate, cardiac output Posted: 05 Jun 2013 04:01 PM PDT The act of describing a feeling such as anger may have a significant impact on the body's physiological response to the situation that elicits the emotion, according to new research.

Neuroimaging may offer new way to diagnose bipolar disorder Posted: 05 Jun 2013 04:00 PM PDT MRI may be an effective way to diagnose mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, according to experts.

Rapid, irregular heartbeat may be linked to problems with memory and thinking Posted: 05 Jun 2013 03:59 PM PDT People who develop a type of irregular heartbeat common in old age called atrial fibrillation may also be more likely to develop problems with memory and thinking, according to new research.

Gut bacteria play key role in vaccination Posted: 05 Jun 2013 03:59 PM PDT The bacteria that live in the human gut may play an important role in immune response to vaccines and infection by wild-type enteric organisms, according to two recent studies.

Scientists unexpectedly discover stress-resistant stem cells in fat tissue removed during liposuction Posted: 05 Jun 2013 03:59 PM PDT Researchers have isolated a new population of primitive, stress-resistant human pluripotent stem cells easily derived from fat tissue that are able to differentiate into virtually every cell type in the human body without genetic modification.

More fresh air in classrooms means fewer absences Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:45 AM PDT If you suspect that opening windows to let in fresh air might be good for you, a new study has confirmed your hunch. Analyzing extensive data on ventilation rates collected from more than 150 classrooms in California over two years, the researchers found that bringing classroom ventilation rates up to the state-mandated standard may reduce student absences due to illness by approximately 3.4 percent.

Firefighting robot paints 3-D thermal imaging picture for rescuers Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:44 AM PDT Engineers have developed new image processing techniques for rapid exploration and characterization of structural fires by small Segway-like robotic vehicles. A sophisticated on-board software system takes the thermal data recorded by the robot's small infrared camera and maps it onto a 3-D scene constructed from the images taken by a pair of stereo RGB cameras.

Scientists discover how HIV kills immune cells; Findings have implications for HIV treatment Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:44 AM PDT Untreated HIV infection destroys a person's immune system by killing infection-fighting cells, but precisely when and how HIV wreaks this destruction has been a mystery until now. New research reveals how HIV triggers a signal telling an infected immune cell to die. This finding has implications for preserving the immune systems of HIV-infected individuals.

Resistivity switch is window to role of magnetism in iron-based superconductors Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:44 AM PDT Physicists have discovered surprising changes in electrical resistivity in iron-based superconductors. The findings offer further evidence that magnetism and superconductivity are closely related in this class of novel superconductors.

Genetic testing of rare blood cancer reveals new mutation Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:44 AM PDT A recent article describes genetic testing of a rare blood cancer called atypical chronic neutrophilic leukemia that revealed a new mutation present in most patients with the disease.

'Belief in science' increases in stressful situations Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:44 AM PDT A faith in the explanatory and revealing power of science increases in the face of stress or anxiety, a study by psychologists suggests. The researchers argue that a 'belief in science' may help non-religious people deal with adversity by offering comfort and reassurance, as has been reported previously for religious belief.

Over-produced autism gene alters synapses, affects learning and behavior in mice Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:44 AM PDT A gene linked to autism spectrum disorders that was manipulated in two lines of transgenic mice produced mature adults with irreversible deficits affecting either learning or social interaction.

New report identifies research priorities for most pressing gun violence problems in US Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:43 AM PDT A new report proposes priorities for a research agenda to improve understanding of the public health aspects of gun-related violence, including its causes, health burden, and possible interventions.

Where trash accumulates in the deep sea Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:43 AM PDT Surprisingly large amounts of discarded trash end up in the ocean. Plastic bags, aluminum cans, and fishing debris not only clutter our beaches, but accumulate in open-ocean areas such as the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch." Now, new research shows that trash is also accumulating in the deep sea, particularly in Monterey Canyon.

Life on Earth shockingly comes from out of this world Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:43 AM PDT Early Earth was not very hospitable when it came to jump starting life. In fact, new research shows that life on Earth may have come from out of this world. Researchers have found that icy comets that crashed into Earth millions of years ago could have produced life building organic compounds, including the building blocks of proteins and nucleobases pairs of DNA and RNA.

New microfluidic method expands toolbox for nanoparticle manipulation Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:43 AM PDT Researchers have developed a new flow-based method for manipulating and confining single particles in free solution, a process that will help address current challenges faced by nanoscientists and engineers. The "microfluidic trap" is capable of 2-D particle manipulation using the sole action of fluid flow.

Electronic stimulation therapy for obstructive sleep apnea is safe, effective, new study suggests Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:43 AM PDT A clinical study suggests that electronic stimulation therapy reduces obstructive sleep apnea and is safe and effective. Stimulation Therapy for Apnea Reduction (STAR Trial) evaluated an implantable electronic stimulation device called Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation therapy designed to deliver mild stimulation to the hypoglossal nerve on each breathing cycle during sleep, preventing the tongue from collapsing and obstructing the airway.

Multiple sclerosis: Phase 1 trial safely resets patients' immune systems, reduces attack on myelin protein Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:43 AM PDT A phase 1 clinical trial for the first treatment to reset the immune system of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients showed the therapy was safe and dramatically reduced patients' immune systems' reactivity to myelin by 50 to 75 percent. The therapy used billions of patients' own specially processed blood cells to create tolerance to myelin, the insulating layer that forms around nerves. In MS, the immune system attacks myelin. The approach left the normal immune system intact.

First evidence that the genome can adapt to temperature changes Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:40 AM PDT Researchers have been tracking the evolution of Drosophila subobscura, a small fly that is very common all over Europe, since 1976. They are focusing on a specific type of genomic variability known as chromosomal inversion polymorphism. The study has compared how the flies' genomes change from spring to summer, summer to autumn and autumn to spring, over the years. Researchers have shown that the 2011 heatwave dramatically altered the genetic constitution of natural populations of Drosophila subobscura.

Drug prevents post-traumatic stress-like symptoms in mice Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:39 AM PDT When injected into mice immediately following a traumatic event, a new drug prevents the animals from developing memory problems and increased anxiety that are indicative of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

NASA's Spitzer sees Milky Way's blooming countryside Posted: 05 Jun 2013 11:00 AM PDT New views from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope show blooming stars in our Milky Way galaxy's more barren territories, far from its crowded core.

U.S. Clean Air Act increased Atlanta rainfall Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:37 AM PDT The Clean Air Act of 1970 caused a rebound in rainfall for a US city. Scientists analyzed summer rainfall data from nine weather stations in the Atlanta metropolitan area from 1948 to 2009. They discovered that precipitation increased markedly in the late 1970s as pollution decreased following passage of the Clean Air Act of 1970.

Increased NMR/MRI sensitivity through hyperpolarization of nuclei in diamond Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:37 AM PDT Researchers have demonstrated the first magnetically-controlled nearly complete hyperpolarization of the spins of carbon-13 nuclei located near synthetic defects in diamond crystals. This spin hyperpolarization, which can be carried out with refrigerator-style magnets at room temperature, enhances NMR/MRI sensitivity by many orders of magnitude.

Animals and humans: A false divide? Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:37 AM PDT We don't just share our lives with animals; we are animals -- a reality that we often choose to forget in modern Western culture. New research delves deeper into our relationship with other creatures, critically examining our own animal nature, and looking at how animals profoundly influence our culture -- perhaps more so than we had initially thought.

Formula-feeding linked to metabolic stress and increased risk of later disease Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:37 AM PDT New evidence from research suggests that infants fed formula, rather than breast milk, experience metabolic stress that could play a part in the long-recognized link between formula-feeding and an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and other conditions in adult life.

New study rebuts increase in willingness to cooperate from intuitive thinking Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:37 AM PDT A study that was presented in Nature last year attracted a great deal of attention when it asserted that intuition promotes cooperation. But a group of researchers in behavioral and neuroeconomics say that this is not true, in a new study now being published in Nature.

First observation of spin Hall effect in a quantum gas is step toward 'atomtronics' Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:36 AM PDT Researchers have reported the first observation of the spin Hall effect in a Bose-Einstein condensate.

Cat's Paw Nebula 'littered' with baby stars Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:36 AM PDT Most skygazers recognize the Orion Nebula, one of the closest stellar nurseries to Earth. Although it makes for great views in backyard telescopes, the Orion Nebula is far from the most prolific star-forming region in our galaxy. That distinction may go to one of the more dramatic stellar nurseries like the Cat's Paw Nebula, otherwise known as NGC 6334, which is experiencing a "baby boom."

Young star suggests our sun was a feisty toddler Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:36 AM PDT If you had a time machine that could take you anywhere in the past, what time would you choose? Most people would probably pick the era of the dinosaurs in hopes of spotting a T. rex. But many astronomers would choose the period, four and a half billion years ago, that our solar system formed. New work suggests that our sun was both active and "feisty" in its infancy, growing in fits and starts while burping out bursts of X-rays.

Malaria's deadly grip revealed: Severe malaria breakthrough Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:35 AM PDT Researchers have identified how malaria parasites growing inside red blood cells stick to the sides of blood vessels in severe cases of malaria. The discovery may advance the development of vaccines or drugs to combat severe malaria by stopping the parasites attaching to blood vessels.

Researchers announce discovery of oldest-known fossil primate skeleton Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:35 AM PDT An international team of researchers has announced the discovery of the world's oldest-known fossil primate skeleton representing a previously unknown genus and species named Archicebus achilles. In addition to being the oldest known example of an early primate skeleton, the new fossil is crucial for illuminating a pivotal event in primate and human evolution -- the evolutionary divergence between the lineage leading to anthropoids and that leading to living tarsiers.

Scientists discover oldest primate skeleton Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:35 AM PDT Paleontologists have discovered a nearly complete, articulated skeleton of a new tiny, tree-dwelling primate dating back 55 million years. It is is the oldest primate skeleton of this quality and completeness ever discovered.

Discovery of oldest primate skeleton helps chart early evolution of humans, apes Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:35 AM PDT An international team of researchers has announced the discovery of the world's oldest known fossil primate skeleton, an animal that lived about 55 million years ago and was even smaller than today's smallest primate, the pygmy mouse lemur. This new fossil illuminates a pivotal event in primate and human evolution: the divergence between the lineage leading to modern monkeys, apes, and humans and the branch leading to living tarsiers--small, nocturnal tree-dwelling primates.

Discovery of oldest primate skeleton, ancestor of humans and apes Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:35 AM PDT The discovery of the oldest fossil skeleton of a primate provides insight into the phase of evolution when the lineage of modern monkeys, apes and humans split away. The fossil represents a new species, Archicebus achilles, and was unearthed in China. The skeleton was digitally reconstructed with synchrotron X-rays at the ESRF, allowing to study in detail this fossil radically different from any other primate, living or fossil. The results are published in Nature.

Ancient trapped water explains Earth's first ice age Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:35 AM PDT Tiny bubbles of water found in quartz grains in Australia may hold the key to understanding what caused the Earth's first ice age, say scientists.

Targeting an aspect of Down syndrome Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:29 AM PDT Researchers have determined how a gene that is known to be defective in Down syndrome is regulated and how its dysregulation may lead to neurological defects, providing insights into potential therapeutic approaches to an aspect of the syndrome.

Aligning values with employer can lead to promotion, suggests new study Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:29 AM PDT Employees looking to move up within their organization should get on board with the goals and values of their employer, according to new research.

Teacher collaboration, professional communities improve many elementary school students' math scores Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:02 AM PDT Many elementary students' math performance improves when their teachers collaborate, work in professional learning communities or do both, yet most students don't spend all of their elementary school years in these settings, a new study shows.

Neurochemical traffic signals may open new avenues for the treatment of schizophrenia Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:02 AM PDT Researchers have uncovered important clues about a biochemical pathway in the brain that may one day expand treatment options for schizophrenia.

First dual-action compound kills cancer cells, stops them from spreading Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:02 AM PDT Scientists are reporting development and successful lab tests on the first potential drug to pack a lethal one-two punch against melanoma skin cancer cells. Hit number one destroys cells in the main tumor, and the second hit blocks the spread of the cancer to other sites in the body, according to their report.

Strength in numbers when resisting forbidden fruit Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:01 AM PDT A new study from the University of British Columbia helps explain how people become obsessed with forbidden pleasures.

Pollution controls increase beach attendance, study shows Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:01 AM PDT Southern California beaches with storm drain diversion systems attract millions more people annually, a new study shows.

New scorpion species adds to the remarkable biodiversity of the Ecuadorian Andes Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:01 AM PDT A new large-tail scorpion species has been discovered in the Ecuadorian Andes. The 5 cm long, reddish brown Tityus (Atreus) crassicauda could be only a tiny part of an avalanche of future discoveries in the region, considered by many as the "epicenter" of global diversity.

Cheese may prevent cavities Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:01 AM PDT Consuming dairy products is vital to maintaining good overall health, and it's especially important to bone health. But there has been little research about how dairy products affect oral health in particular. However, according to a new study, consuming cheese and other dairy products may help protect teeth against cavities.

A lucky catch: A tiny new fish, Haptoclinus dropi, from the southern Caribbean Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:01 AM PDT A lucky catch, a new species of tiny blenniiform fish has been discovered as a part of the Smithsonian Institution's Deep Reef Observation Project. The new, beautifully colored Haptoclinus dropi is only about 2 cm long. It was collected from poorly studied deep reefs that lie beyond the reach of scuba divers. It represents the second species in the genus and an exciting catch for Caribbean marine diversity.

Concerns about anesthesia's impact on the brain Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:01 AM PDT As pediatric specialists become increasingly aware that surgical anesthesia may have lasting effects on the developing brains of young children, new research suggests the threat may also apply to adult brains. Researchers report that testing in laboratory mice shows anesthesia's neurotoxic effects depend on the age of brain neurons -- not the age of the animal undergoing anesthesia, as once thought.

Scientists map the wiring of the biological clock Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:01 AM PDT Biologists have discovered a crucial part of the biological clock: the wiring that sets its accuracy to within a few minutes out of the 1440 minutes per day. This wiring uses the neurotransmitter, GABA, to connect the individual cells of the biological clock in a fast network that changes strength with time of day.

Detecting lead hotspots in urban gardens requires different sampling strategies Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:00 AM PDT Analyzing soil lead in an urban garden plot is important and sampling approaches may involve tradeoffs between finding 'hotspots' versus looking at the average amount of lead when checking for safe levels.

Tiny bubbles in your metallic glass may not be a cause for celebration Posted: 05 Jun 2013 10:00 AM PDT Bubbles in a champagne glass may add a festive fizz, but microscopic bubbles that form in metallic glass can signal serious trouble. That's why researchers used computer simulations to study how these bubbles form and expand.

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