ScienceDaily: Top News

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• Closer to vaccine against C. difficile
• New strep throat risk score brings data together to improve care
• Elusive bay cat caught on camera
• Reduce unnecessary lab tests, decrease costs by modifying software
• Cutting-edge detector technology for astronomical observations developed
• Foreign-educated health workers play vital role in US health system
• Eating disorders more common in males than realized
• Researchers offer solutions to looming healthcare provider shortage
• Physician shortage could be cut by new primary care models
• Solving pediatric obesity problem in rural communities
• 'Smarter' blood pressure guidelines could prevent heart attacks, strokes
• Electronic, internet health tools may decrease in-person physician visits
• Women, African-Americans at higher risk of heart attack from atrial fibrillation
• Repetition of rare events could reduce screening mistakes by security
• A better way to track your every move: Algorithm accurately tracks physical activity no matter where you carry your phone
• Dolphin genetic study provides revelations
• Diamond imperfections pave the way to technology gold
• New insights into brain neuronal networks
• Genetic study demonstrates Israel's wild boars originated in Europe
• Gas injection probably triggered small earthquakes near Snyder, Texas
• How common are habitable planets? One in five stars may have Earth-size, potentially habitable planets
• Fossil of largest known platypus discovered in Australia
• Nitrogen puzzle in oceans
• Gabapentin is safe, effective for treating alcohol dependence, study shows
• New test may predict severe high blood pressure during pregnancy
• Physicist discovers black holes in globular star clusters, upsetting 40 years of theory: Could there be ripples in spacetime?
• Brain aging is conclusively linked to genes
• Fishy behavior solves an animal locomotion mystery
• Computer-aided image analysis for breast tumor diagnosis
• Snakes control blood flow to aid vision
• Designer piercings: New membrane pores with DNA nanotechnology
• Dramatic end of plasma crystal experiment
• Gene responsible for hereditary cancer found to disrupt growth-regulating cellular pathway
• First snow leopard cubs ever born at Central Park Zoo
• Global change: Stowaways threaten fisheries in the Arctic
• Gravity and the robot satellite attitude problem
• New tool may unveil inhabitable worlds
• Researcher doubles down on deadly, infectious cat diseases
• Bitcoin open to takeover, researchers discover with new algorithm
• Quantum 'sealed envelope' system enables 'perfectly secure' information storage
• Is clinicians' decision making affected by 'precious baby' phenomenon?
• Assessing noise impact of offshore wind farm construction may help protect marine mammals
• Ibuprofen no good in treating colds or sore throats
• Mutations linked to breast cancer treatment resistance
• New computing model could lead to quicker advancements in medical research
• Stem cells linked to cognitive gain after brain injury
• Researchers discover new path to address genetic muscular diseases
• Banana disease spreading: Panama disease spreads among bananas again
• Computational models to decipher biological problems and boost biotech productivity
• Grammatical structures as a window into the past
• Scientists map structure of key complex in the immune system
• Transmitting stress response patterns across generations
• Water quality has a significant impact on recreational value and waterfront prices
• Why tumor cells go on dangerous tours
• New chemistry: Drawing and writing in liquid with light
• Highly stable quantum light source for applications in quantum information developed
• Tapping fungus to unlock energy: Crafting a better enzyme cocktail to turn plants into fuel faster
• Natural solution to rid plumbing of pathogens
• Kids who sleep more, may eat less
• Teens in child welfare system show higher drug abuse rate

Closer to vaccine against C. difficile Posted: 04 Nov 2013 04:22 PM PST A group of leading scientists from across Europe have launched a three-year project aimed at developing an oral vaccine against Clostridium difficile, an infection that kills 4,000 people a year (almost four-times more than MRSA) and for which there is currently no effective treatments.

New strep throat risk score brings data together to improve care Posted: 04 Nov 2013 02:13 PM PST A new risk measure called a "home score" could save a patient with symptoms of strep throat a trip to the doctor, according to a new paper. The score combines patients' symptoms and demographic information with data on local strep throat activity to estimate their strep risk, empowering them to seek care appropriately.

Elusive bay cat caught on camera Posted: 04 Nov 2013 02:13 PM PST The world's least known cat has been caught on camera in a previously unsurveyed rainforest.

Reduce unnecessary lab tests, decrease costs by modifying software Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:27 PM PST When patients undergo diagnostic lab tests as part of the inpatient admission process, they may wonder why or how physicians choose particular tests. Increasingly, medical professionals are using electronic medical systems that provide lists of lab tests from to choose. Now, researchers have studied how to modify these lists to ensure health professionals order relevant tests and omit unnecessary lab tests, which could result in better care and reduced costs.

Cutting-edge detector technology for astronomical observations developed Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:27 PM PST Semiconductors have had a nice run, but for certain applications, such as astrophysics, they are being edged out by superconductors. Scientists have now developed a superconducting detector array that measures the energy of individual photons.

Foreign-educated health workers play vital role in US health system Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:27 PM PST Foreign-educated and foreign-born health professionals play a vital role in the US health care workforce, particularly in addressing needs in primary care and other areas with worker shortages, according to a new study. However, there is no cohesive national strategy on the issue, which may contribute to a less-stable US health care workforce.

Eating disorders more common in males than realized Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:25 PM PST Parents and doctors assume eating disorders very rarely affect males. However, a study of 5,527 teenage males from across the US challenges this belief. Researchers found 17.9 percent of adolescent boys were extremely concerned about their weight and physique. These boys were more likely to start engaging in risky behaviors, including drug use and frequent binge drinking.

Researchers offer solutions to looming healthcare provider shortage Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:25 PM PST Thanks to a wave of aging baby boomers, epidemics of diabetes and obesity, and the Affordable Care Act, which aims to bring health care coverage to millions more Americans, the United States faces a severe shortage of primary health care providers. In a series of papers published in the November 2013 issue of Health Affairs, researchers at UC San Francisco advocated a number of potential solutions to the problem.

Physician shortage could be cut by new primary care models Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:25 PM PST The US expects a substantial shortages of primary care physicians in the future. A new study finds that much of that gap could be eliminated if the nation increases use of new models of care that expand the role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Under plausible expansion scenarios, patient-centered medical homes and nurse-managed health centers could eliminate 50 percent or more of the primary care physician shortage by 2025.

Solving pediatric obesity problem in rural communities Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:25 PM PST Using telemedicine to unite clinicians and provide health education for them -- and by extension, their patients -- is an effective way to manage childhood obesity in remote areas. For these communities, which often have limited access to pediatric subspecialists, having a HEALTH-COP can make all the difference.

'Smarter' blood pressure guidelines could prevent heart attacks, strokes Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:23 PM PST Current medical guidelines use a one-size-fits-all treatment approach that leads to some heart and stroke patients being on too many medications and others being on too little.

Electronic, internet health tools may decrease in-person physician visits Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:23 PM PST An analysis of recent trends in digital health care and a review of the scientific literature suggests patients' future use of physician services will change dramatically as electronic health records and consumer e-health "apps" proliferate.

Women, African-Americans at higher risk of heart attack from atrial fibrillation Posted: 04 Nov 2013 01:23 PM PST Doctors have known for years that atrial fibrillation (AF), or irregular heartbeat, increases the risk for stroke, but now researchers have shown that it also increases the risk for heart attack. In fact, for women and African Americans, it more than doubles the risk.

Repetition of rare events could reduce screening mistakes by security Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:27 PM PST The failure to detect infrequent, but obvious security threats at airport screenings and other checkpoints may have less to do with incompetence or poor training than a human tendency to overlook rare events. But a researcher suggests guards could improve their detection rates the same way adults learn vocabulary words -- through repetition.

A better way to track your every move: Algorithm accurately tracks physical activity no matter where you carry your phone Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:27 PM PST Physical activity tracking apps on smartphones are a potentially important tool for doctors who want to collect data and create treatment or intervention plans to improve the health of patients who struggle with activity and movement -- such as those with Parkinson's disease.

Dolphin genetic study provides revelations Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:27 PM PST A 10-year study found genetic differences in dolphins that were along geographic lines: onshore, offshore and even within same general area, such as the Indian River Lagoon in Florida.

Diamond imperfections pave the way to technology gold Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:27 PM PST Using ultrafast 2-D electronic spectroscopy, researchers have recorded unprecedented observations of energy moving through the atom-sized diamond impurities known as nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers. Their results provide information on NV centers that is important for such highly promising advanced technologies as supersensitive detections of magnetic fields and quantum computing.

New insights into brain neuronal networks Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:27 PM PST A paper published proposes a novel understanding of brain architecture using a network representation of connections within the primate cortex.

Genetic study demonstrates Israel's wild boars originated in Europe Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:27 PM PST Scientists had no reason to suspect Israeli wild boars were any different than their brothers and sisters roaming the Middle East. Now, a researcher demonstrates that, unlike the Near Eastern wild boars in surrounding countries, Israel's wild boars originated in Europe, brought to Israel starting almost 3,000 years ago by the Philistines and other seafaring raiders.

Gas injection probably triggered small earthquakes near Snyder, Texas Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:27 PM PST A series of small earthquakes near Snyder, Texas between 2006 and 2011 were probably triggered by the underground injection of large volumes of gas, primarily carbon dioxide -- a finding that has implications for the process of carbon capture and storage. Experts also note that similar rates of injections have not triggered comparable quakes in other fields, bolstering the idea that gas injection does not cause significant seismic events in many geologic settings.

How common are habitable planets? One in five stars may have Earth-size, potentially habitable planets Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:27 PM PST Astronomers analyzed all four years of Kepler data in search of Earth-size planets in the habitable zones of sun-like stars, and then rigorously tested how many planets they may have missed. Based on this analysis, they estimate that 22 percent of stars like the sun have potentially habitable Earth-size planets, though not all may be rocky or have liquid water, a presumed prerequisite for life.

Fossil of largest known platypus discovered in Australia Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:27 PM PST Until recently, the fossil record indicated that the platypus lineage was unique, with only one species inhabiting the Earth at any one time. This picture has changed with the spectacular find of a new, giant species of extinct platypus that was a side-branch of the platypus family tree.

Nitrogen puzzle in oceans Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:26 PM PST A team of scientists has revealed the details of an important microbial process regulating the global nitrogen budget in the oceans.

Gabapentin is safe, effective for treating alcohol dependence, study shows Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:26 PM PST The generic drug gabapentin, which is already widely prescribed for epilepsy and some kinds of pain, appears to be safe and effective in the treatment of alcohol dependence. The finding comes from a 150-patient randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial.

New test may predict severe high blood pressure during pregnancy Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:26 PM PST A new test that checks the level of a placental protein could help doctors determine if a woman will develop a severe form of high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Physicist discovers black holes in globular star clusters, upsetting 40 years of theory: Could there be ripples in spacetime? Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:26 PM PST An astrophysicist was part of a team of researchers that discovered the first examples of black holes in globular star clusters in our own galaxy, upsetting 40 years of theories against their possible existence.

Brain aging is conclusively linked to genes Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:26 PM PST For the first time in a large study sample, the decline in brain function in normal aging is conclusively shown to be influenced by genes, say American researchers.

Fishy behavior solves an animal locomotion mystery Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:25 PM PST The puzzling, apparently wasteful habit of some animals to exert force in the direction opposite of where they want to go actually has an important purpose: to increase both stability and maneuverability.

Computer-aided image analysis for breast tumor diagnosis Posted: 04 Nov 2013 11:24 AM PST Researchers hope radiologists will be able to routinely incorporate computer-aided image analysis and diagnosis in identifying tumor characteristics and forming patient-specific breast cancer treatment plans. Their approach uses data to identify how tumor characteristics apply to disease states, which could lead to the comparison of a tumor's characteristics with thousands of similar cases.

Snakes control blood flow to aid vision Posted: 04 Nov 2013 11:24 AM PST A new study shows that snakes can optimize their vision by controlling the blood flow in their eyes when they perceive a threat.

Designer piercings: New membrane pores with DNA nanotechnology Posted: 04 Nov 2013 09:37 AM PST A new way to build membrane-crossing pores, using Lego-like DNA building blocks, has been developed by scientists.

Dramatic end of plasma crystal experiment Posted: 04 Nov 2013 09:36 AM PST For seven years it delivered outstanding results for science and technology on the International Space Station, now the successful plasma crystal laboratory PK-3 Plus operated one last time. After undocking from the International Space Station the ESA Einstein transporter with the laboratory on board entered the Earth's atmosphere beginning of November and burned up - and PK-3 Plus produced its last plasma, a hot one. In June the operational phase of PK-3 Plus ended with a last series of experiments and with a spectacular finish; the scientists will still need some time to analyse these data.

Gene responsible for hereditary cancer found to disrupt growth-regulating cellular pathway Posted: 04 Nov 2013 09:27 AM PST Scientists report that the gene mutated in the rare hereditary disorder known as Birt-Hogg-Dubé cancer syndrome prevents activation of mTORC1, a critical nutrient-sensing and growth-regulating cellular pathway.

First snow leopard cubs ever born at Central Park Zoo Posted: 04 Nov 2013 09:27 AM PST The Wildlife Conservation Society's Central Park Zoo is debuting a pair of snow leopard cubs (Panthera uncia). These are the first snow leopard cubs ever born at the Central Park Zoo and the second snow leopard birth at a WCS zoo this year. The cubs, a male and a female, born this summer, weigh about 30 pounds but are expected to reach between 65-120 pounds.

Global change: Stowaways threaten fisheries in the Arctic Posted: 04 Nov 2013 08:27 AM PST The increased sea temperature expected in 2100 will in itself mean that the potential number of species introduced by ships will increase more than sixfold in the Norwegian Archipelago Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean. These are the findings of a new international study. Add to this the fact that the number of ships sailing in the Arctic will also increase and there is good reason to be on guard.

Gravity and the robot satellite attitude problem Posted: 04 Nov 2013 08:26 AM PST Using an in-orbit robot to capturing a malfunctioning satellite that is tumbling out of control is currently just a theoretical idea. However, research inspired by nature could take us a small step towards making such science fiction science fact.

New tool may unveil inhabitable worlds Posted: 04 Nov 2013 08:24 AM PST A spectropolarimeter and a high-precision velocimeter optimized for both the detection of habitable Earth twins orbiting around nearby red dwarf stars and the study of the formation of Sun-like stars and their planets, was confirmed.

Researcher doubles down on deadly, infectious cat diseases Posted: 04 Nov 2013 08:22 AM PST An animal health expert has developed a research approach that tackles two deadly infectious feline diseases at the same time.

Bitcoin open to takeover, researchers discover with new algorithm Posted: 04 Nov 2013 08:22 AM PST A major flaw that has gone unrealized until now leaves the $1.5 billion Bitcoin market open to manipulation and a potential takeover, according to a new study by computer scientists.

Quantum 'sealed envelope' system enables 'perfectly secure' information storage Posted: 04 Nov 2013 07:12 AM PST Breakthrough guarantees "unconditional" security of information by harnessing quantum theory and relativity, and has been successfully demonstrated on a global scale for the first time.

Is clinicians' decision making affected by 'precious baby' phenomenon? Posted: 04 Nov 2013 07:12 AM PST Parents who conceive through assisted reproductive technologies are likely to receive different medical advice in relation to prenatal testing than those who conceive naturally, academics have suggested.

Assessing noise impact of offshore wind farm construction may help protect marine mammals Posted: 04 Nov 2013 07:12 AM PST Growth in offshore wind generation is expected to play a major role in meeting carbon reduction targets around the world, but the impact of construction noise on marine species is yet unknown. A group of scientists have developed a method to assess the potential impacts of offshore wind farm construction on marine mammals, particularly the noise made while driving piles into the seabed for wind turbine foundations.

Ibuprofen no good in treating colds or sore throats Posted: 04 Nov 2013 07:11 AM PST Questions have been raised about the advice given to patients with a cold and sore throat. A study carried out showed that compared with paracetamol, ibuprofen or a combination of both ibuprofen and paracetamol provide no advantage for patients overall with respiratory tract infections (otherwise known as colds or sore throats).

Mutations linked to breast cancer treatment resistance Posted: 04 Nov 2013 07:10 AM PST Researchers have identified a type of mutation that develops after breast cancer patients take anti-estrogen therapies. The mutations explain one reason why patients often become resistant to this therapy.

New computing model could lead to quicker advancements in medical research Posted: 04 Nov 2013 07:10 AM PST A research team has now created a new generation of efficient data management and analysis software for large-scale, data-intensive scientific applications in the cloud. The goal was to keep up with the data deluge in the DNA sequencing space. The result has been a faster, more "intelligent" analysis of data.

Stem cells linked to cognitive gain after brain injury Posted: 04 Nov 2013 07:10 AM PST A stem cell therapy previously shown to reduce inflammation in the critical time window after traumatic brain injury also promotes lasting cognitive improvement, according to preclinical research.

Researchers discover new path to address genetic muscular diseases Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:55 AM PST For decades, scientists have searched for treatments for myopathies -- genetic muscular diseases such as muscular dystrophy and ALS, also called Lou Gehrig's disease. Now, an interdisciplinary team of researchers has discovered a new avenue to search for treatment possibilities.

Banana disease spreading: Panama disease spreads among bananas again Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:27 AM PST Panama disease is causing significant damage in banana cultivation in Southeast Asia. Scientists have demonstrated that the disease – caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense – has now also migrated to Jordan. This means that Panama disease is becoming increasingly widespread and major banana-producing countries in Africa and Latin America are also under threat.

Computational models to decipher biological problems and boost biotech productivity Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:27 AM PST Researchers have designed mathematical models that will allow us to understand basic concepts of metabolic and genetic regulatory systems as well as to optimize the production of drugs and other biotechnological products.

Grammatical structures as a window into the past Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:27 AM PST A new world atlas of colonial-era languages reveals massive traces of African and Pacific source languages.

Scientists map structure of key complex in the immune system Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:27 AM PST Scientists have mapped the "bouquet-like" structure of a key part of the body's immune system responsible for neutralizing bacteria and viruses.

Transmitting stress response patterns across generations Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:26 AM PST Children of survivors of extremely stressful life events face adjustment challenges of their own, as has been most carefully studied among the children of Nazi Death Camp survivors. This "intergenerational" transmission of stress response has been studied predominately from the psychological perspective. However, recent research points to biological contributions as well.

Water quality has a significant impact on recreational value and waterfront prices Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:26 AM PST People like to relax and enjoy nature by the water. Water quality and changes to it have a significant impact on the recreational use and prices of waterfront lots, according to recent research.

Why tumor cells go on dangerous tours Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:26 AM PST Tumors become highly malignant when they acquire the ability to colonize other tissues and form metastases. Researchers have identified a factor that promotes metastasis of colon tumors – and presents a possible target for therapy.

New chemistry: Drawing and writing in liquid with light Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:25 AM PST Researchers have manufactured photochemically active polymers which can be dissolved in water or certain alcohols.

Highly stable quantum light source for applications in quantum information developed Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:25 AM PST Physicists have been successful in generating photons - the quantum particles of light – with only one color. This is useful for quantum information. The scientists have actively stabilized the wavelength of the photons emitted by a semiconductor thereby neutralizing the charge noise in the semiconductor.

Tapping fungus to unlock energy: Crafting a better enzyme cocktail to turn plants into fuel faster Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:17 AM PST Scientists looking to create a potent blend of enzymes to transform materials like corn stalks and wood chips into fuels have developed a test that should turbocharge their efforts. Efforts revolve around the fungus Trichoderma reesei, which churns out enzymes that chew through molecules like complex sugars.

Natural solution to rid plumbing of pathogens Posted: 04 Nov 2013 06:17 AM PST Microbes in tap water are mostly harmless, with a few exceptions. A research team is investigating four harmful pathogens that have been documented in tap water and suggest a natural, probiotic way to deal with dangerous germs.

Kids who sleep more, may eat less Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:54 AM PST Fighting childhood obesity may be as simple as turning out the lights, according to the results of a new American study.

Teens in child welfare system show higher drug abuse rate Posted: 04 Nov 2013 12:54 AM PST Teenagers in the child welfare system are at higher-than-average risk of abusing marijuana, inhalants and other drugs. However, the study also shows that parental involvement matters.

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