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Thursday, February 7, 2013

ScienceDaily: Top News

ScienceDaily: Top News


The Deep Roots of Catastrophe: Partly molten, Florida-sized blob forms atop Earth's core

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 09:20 PM PST

A seismologist analyzed seismic waves that bombarded Earth's core, and believes he got a look at the earliest roots of Earth's most cataclysmic kind of volcanic eruption. But don't worry. He says it won't happen for perhaps 200 million years.

Scientists identify genetic mechanism that contributed to Irish Famine

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 04:06 PM PST

Plant pathologists studied the pathogen that triggered the Irish Famine of the 19th century by infecting potato plants, and deciphered how it succeeded in crippling the potato plant's immune system.

Sensing the light, but not to see: Primitive organism's photosensitive cells may be ancestral to 'circadian receptors' in mammalian retina

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 04:06 PM PST

In a primitive marine organism, scientists find photosensitive cells that may be ancestral to the "circadian receptors" in the mammalian retina.

Tiny marine creature spreading through ocean, stabilizing reefs and islands with calcareous shells

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 04:06 PM PST

The climate is getting warmer, and sea levels are rising -- a threat to island nations. As a group of researchers found out, at the same time, tiny single-cell organisms are spreading rapidly through the world's oceans, where they might be able to mitigate the consequences of climate change. Amphistegina are stabilizing coastlines and reefs with their calcareous shells.

Biostatisticians identify genes linked to heart disease

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 03:58 PM PST

Recently, large studies have identified some of the genetic basis for important common diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, but most of the genetic contribution to them remains undiscovered. Now researchers have applied sophisticated statistical tools to existing large databases to reveal substantial new information about genes that cause such conditions as high cholesterol linked to heart disease.

Antibiotic cream has high cure rate, few side effects in treating cutaneous leishmaniasis

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 03:58 PM PST

Researchers have demonstrated a high cure rate and remarkably few side effects in treating patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) with an investigational antibiotic cream. CL is a parasitic disease that causes disfiguring lesions, with 350 million people at risk worldwide and 1.5 million new cases annually.

Features of southeast European human ancestors influenced by lack of episodic glaciations

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 03:58 PM PST

A fragment of human lower jaw recovered from a Serbian cave is the oldest human ancestor found in this part of Europe, who probably evolved under different conditions than populations that inhabited more western parts of the continent at the same time, according to new research.

Despite reported dislike, older readers put in less effort when using e-readers

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 03:58 PM PST

Reading text on digital devices like tablet computers requires less effort from older adults than reading on paper.

'Listening to your heart' could improve body image, says study

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 03:58 PM PST

Women who are more aware of their bodies from within are less likely to think of their bodies principally as objects, according to new research.

Genetic variation doubles risk of aortic valve calcification

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 03:57 PM PST

Researchers have found a genetic variant that doubles the likelihood that people will have calcium deposits on their aortic valve. Such calcification, if it becomes severe, can cause narrowing or a blockage of the aortic valve, a condition called aortic stenosis. The study is the first large-scale, genome-wide association study to uncover a genetic link to aortic valve calcification.

Lower drinking ages lead to more binge drinking, study of U.S. states finds

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 01:23 PM PST

People who grew up in U.S. states where it was legal to drink alcohol before the age of 21 are more likely to be binge drinkers later in life. Researchers found that people who lived in states with lower minimum drinking ages weren't more likely to consume more alcohol overall, but when they did drink, they were more likely to drink heavily.

How new corals species form in the ocean

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 01:23 PM PST

Biological sciences professors have investigated how corals specialize to particular environments in the ocean. They propose that the large dispersal potential of coral larvae in open water and the proximity of different species on the ocean floor creates a mystery for researchers who study speciation, asking, "How can new marine species emerge without obvious geographic isolation?"

Nitrogen from pollution, natural sources causes growth of toxic algae, study finds

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 01:23 PM PST

Nitrogen in ocean waters fuels the growth of two tiny but toxic phytoplankton species that are harmful to marine life and human health, warns a new study. Researchers found that nitrogen entering the ocean -- whether through natural processes or pollution -- boosts the growth and toxicity of a group of phytoplankton that can cause the human illness amnesic shellfish poisoning.

Compound stimulates tumor-fighting protein in cancer therapy

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 01:23 PM PST

A compound that stimulates the production of a tumor-fighting protein may improve the usefulness of the protein in cancer therapy, according to a team of researchers.

Preserving biodiversity can be compatible with intensive agriculture

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 01:22 PM PST

Preserving genetically diverse local crops in areas where small-scale farms are rapidly modernizing is possible, according to a geographer, who is part of an international research project investigating the biodiversity of maize, or corn, in hotspots of Bolivia, Peru and Mexico.

India joined with Asia 10 million years later than previously thought, new timeline suggests

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 01:22 PM PST

Researchers have found that the collision between India and Asia occurred only 40 million years ago -- 10 million years later than previously thought. The scientists analyzed the composition of rocks from two regions in the Himalayas, and discovered evidence of two separate collisional events: As India crept steadily northward, it first collided with a string of islands 50 million years ago, before plowing into the Eurasian continental plate 10 million years later.

Hydrothermal liquefaction: The most promising path to sustainable bio-oil production

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 01:22 PM PST

A new generation of the HTL process can convert all kinds of biomasses to crude bio-oil, which is sufficiently similar to fossil crude oil that a simple thermal upgrade and existing refinery technology can be employed to subsequently obtain all the liquid fuels we know today. What is more, the HTL process only consumes approximately 10-15 percent of the energy in the feedstock biomass, yielding an energy efficiency of 85-90 percent.

New light shed on the mysteries of spider silk

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 01:22 PM PST

Researchers have now measured all of the elastic properties of an intact spider's web, drawing a remarkable picture of the behavior of one of nature's most intriguing structures. The work could lead to new "bio-inspired" materials that improve upon nature.

Improved X-ray microscopic imaging

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 01:22 PM PST

X-ray microscopy requires radiation of extremely high quality. In order to obtain sharp images instrument and sample must stay absolutely immobile even at the nanometer scale during the recording. Researchers have now developed a method that relaxes these hard restrictions. Even fluctuations in the material can be visualized.

Can nerve stimulation help prevent migraine?

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 01:22 PM PST

Wearing a nerve stimulator for 20 minutes a day may be a new option for migraine sufferers, according to new research.

Number of people with Alzheimer's disease in U.S. may triple by 2050

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 01:22 PM PST

The number of people with Alzheimer's disease in the U.S. is expected to triple in the next 40 years, according to a new study.

Breast milk reduces risk of sepsis and intensive care costs in very-low-birth-weight infants

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 01:21 PM PST

Feeding human breast milk to very-low-birth-weight infants greatly reduces risk for sepsis and significantly lowers associated neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) costs, according to a new study. A daily dose of 25 to 49.99 milliliters of human milk per kilogram cut NICU costs by more than $20,000, while 50 milliliters per kilogram per day lowered NICU costs by nearly $32,000.

Turning repulsive feelings into desires

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 01:21 PM PST

Hunger, thirst, stress and drugs can create a change in the brain that transforms a repulsive feeling into a strong positive "wanting," a new study indicates.

Pacific locked in 'La Nada' limbo

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 12:58 PM PST

Sea-surface height data from NASA's Jason-1 satellite show that the equatorial Pacific Ocean is still locked in what some call a neutral, or 'La Nada' state. This condition follows two years of strong, cool-water La Niña events.

Fish oil may protect dialysis patients from sudden cardiac death

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 12:16 PM PST

Medical literature long has touted the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for the heart. But until now, researchers have not studied the potential benefit for people on hemodialysis, who are among the highest-risk patients for sudden cardiac death. A new study, which included 100 patients who died of sudden cardiac death during their first year of hemodialysis and 300 patients who survived, is the first to examine this question.

Tiny capsule effectively kills cancer cells

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 11:16 AM PST

Devising a method for more precise and less invasive treatment of cancer tumors, scientists have developed a degradable nanoscale shell to carry proteins to cancer cells and stunt the growth of tumors without damaging healthy cells.

Happiness increases with age, across generations: But your overall level of well-being depends on when you were born

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 11:16 AM PST

Psychological well-being has been linked to many important life outcomes, including career success, relationship satisfaction, and even health. But it's not clear how feelings of well-being change as we age, as different studies have provided evidence for various trends over time. A new report reveals that self-reported feelings of well-being tend to increase with age, but that a person's overall level of well-being depends on when he or she was born.

Children with ACL injuries require special treatment

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 11:16 AM PST

Until a child's bones have fully matured (in girls, typically by age 14; in boys, age 16), an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament -- the primary, stabilizing ligament of the knee joint -- requires special consideration, treatment and care to ensure appropriate healing and to prevent long-term complications, experts say.

Frequently prescribed drug used in concerning ways with harmful side effects

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 11:16 AM PST

A popular class of drugs commonly used to treat sleep and mood symptoms continues to be frequently prescribed despite being known to have potentially life-threatening side effects.

Same factors influence depression in stroke patients, spouse caregivers

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 11:16 AM PST

Self-esteem, optimism and perceived control influence depression in stroke survivors and their spouse caregivers. Healthcare providers should assess the survivor and caregiver as a pair, not separately. Self-esteem influenced each partners' depression. Spousal optimism influenced stroke survivors' depression.

11,000 elephants slaughtered in national park once home to Africa’s largest forest elephant population

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 11:15 AM PST

The Wildlife Conservation Society has just announced that a national park, once home to Africa's largest forest elephant population, has lost a staggering 11,100 individuals due to poaching for the ivory trade. The shocking figures come from Gabon's Minkebe Park, where recent surveys of areas within the park revealed that two thirds of its elephants have vanished since 2004. The majority of these losses have probably taken place in the last five years.

Molecular link between metabolism and breast cancer

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 11:15 AM PST

A protein associated with conditions of metabolic imbalance, such as diabetes and obesity, may play a role in the development of aggressive forms of breast cancer, according to new findings.

Tapping into the rubber plant genome

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 11:14 AM PST

Scientists have sequenced the draft genome sequence of the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis, the major commercial source of natural rubber.

2012 global temperatures 10th highest on record

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 11:12 AM PST

The globally-averaged temperature for 2012 marked the 10th warmest year since record keeping began in 1880. It also marked the 36th consecutive year with a global temperature above the 20th century average. The last below-average annual temperature was 1976. Including 2012, all 12 years to date in the 21st century (2001-2012) rank among the 14 warmest in the 133-year period of record. Only one year during the 20th century -- 1998 -- was warmer than 2012.

2012 warmest and second most extreme year on record for the contiguous United States

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 11:07 AM PST

In 2012, the contiguous United States (CONUS) average annual temperature of 55.3°F was 3.2°F above the 20th century average, and was the warmest year in the 1895-2012 period of record for the nation. The 2012 annual temperature was 1.0°F warmer than the previous record warm year of 1998.

No clear evidence more gluten in new wheat is responsible for increase in celiac disease

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 10:11 AM PST

No clear evidence exists to support the idea that celiac disease is increasing in prevalence because farmers are growing strains of wheat that contain more gluten.

The last big bump before a supernova explodes

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 10:11 AM PST

Astronomers have found the first causal evidence that massive stars shed huge amounts of material in a "penultimate outburst" before they finally detonate as Type IIn supernovae. After characterizing supernova 2010mc, the scientists found evidence of previous outbursts in the same location and were able to conclusively relate them to the supernova explosion.

Enzyme behind breast cancer mutations identified

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 10:11 AM PST

Researchers have uncovered a human enzyme responsible for causing DNA mutations found in the majority of breast cancers. The discovery of this enzyme -- called APOBEC3B -- may change the way breast cancer is diagnosed and treated.

Calcium-binding protein mutations found in heart rhythm disorders

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 10:10 AM PST

Two new genes -- both coding for the signaling protein calmodulin -- have now been associated with severe early-onset disorders of heart rhythm. The findings expand the list of culprits that can cause sudden cardiac death and may point to new therapeutic approaches.

Biodiversity helps protect nature against human impacts

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 10:10 AM PST

New research suggests farmers and resource managers should not rely on seemingly stable but vulnerable single-crop monocultures. Instead they should encourage more kinds of plants in fields and woods as a buffer against sudden ecosystem disturbance.

Lungs of the planet reveal their true sensitivity to global warming

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 10:10 AM PST

The amount of carbon dioxide that rainforests absorb, or produce, varies hugely with year-to-year variations in the climate. Climate scientists have shown that these variations reveal how vulnerable the rainforest is to climate change.

Brain research provides clues to what makes people think and behave differently

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 10:10 AM PST

Differences in the physical connections of the brain are at the root of what make people think and behave differently from one another. Researchers shed new light on the details of this phenomenon, mapping the exact brain regions where individual differences occur. Their findings reveal that individuals' brain connectivity varies more in areas that relate to integrating information than in areas for initial perception of the world.

Tai Chi exercise may reduce falls in adult stroke survivors

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 10:10 AM PST

Tai Chi exercise reduced falls among stroke survivors. The ancient Chinese martial art helped survivors achieve and maintain balance to aid stroke recovery.

Smoking marijuana associated with higher stroke risk in young adults

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 10:10 AM PST

Marijuana use may double the risk of stroke in young adults. The New Zealand findings are the first from a case-controlled study to indicate a potential link between marijuana and stroke.

Traumatic brain injury complications common among U.S. combat soldiers

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 10:10 AM PST

U.S. soldiers in combat often suffer constricted blood vessels and increased pressure in the brain -- significant complications of traumatic brain injuries, according to new research.

Scientists discover how chromosomes keep their loose ends loose

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 10:10 AM PST

We take it for granted that our chromosomes won't stick together, yet this kind of cellular disaster would happen constantly were it not for a protein called TRF2. Now, scientists have discovered key details of how TRF2 performs this crucial chromosome-protecting function. The finding represents a significant advance in cell biology and also has implications for our understanding of cancer and the aging process.

Possible cause of, and treatment for, non-familial Parkinson's

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 10:09 AM PST

Researchers have identified a protein trafficking defect within brain cells that may underlie the common form of Parkinson's disease. The defect is at a point of convergence for the action of at least three different genes that had been implicated in prior studies of Parkinson's disease. Whereas most molecular studies focus on mutations associated with rare familial forms of the disease, these findings relate directly to the common non-familial form of Parkinson's.

Predicting a low carbon future for Toronto

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 09:13 AM PST

Cities are major players in the climate change game. More than half of the world's population lives in urban areas and over 70 percent of global GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions can be attributed to cities. A case study of Toronto demonstrates alternative strategies for how the city can implement a low carbon urban infrastructure plan by 2031.

Experimental drug combination selectively destroys lymphoma cells

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 09:13 AM PST

Laboratory experiments suggest that a novel combination of the drugs ibrutinib and bortezomib could potentially be an effective new therapy for several forms of blood cancer, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma.

Thailand: Astonishing ten new species of semi-aquatic freshwater earthworms revealed

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 09:13 AM PST

An astonishing ten new species of semi-aquatic freshwater earthworms have been discovered in river systems in Thailand, documenting a remarkable level of biodiversity. The animals occur in a wide range of natural freshwater habitats, including rice fields, where they might play an important role in the development of organic farming.

Magnetic field exposure may affect neurodegenerative disease risk

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 09:12 AM PST

Occupational exposure to magnetic fields (MF) may be associated with "moderately increased risk" of certain neurodegenerative diseases —- including Alzheimer's and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Mercury contamination in water can be detected with a mobile phone

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 08:10 AM PST

Chemists have manufactured a sheet that changes color in the presence of water contaminated with mercury. The results can be seen with the naked eye but when photographing the membrane with a mobile phone the concentration of this extremely toxic metal can be quantified.

New steps recommended to preserve China's famous Terracotta Warriors and other relics

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 08:09 AM PST

The preservation of immovable historic relics displayed in large open spaces like China's world-renowned Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses requires air curtains and other modifications to recreate the primitive environment from which archaeologists excavated the relics. That's the conclusion of a study of environmental control measures for archaeology museums in the People's Republic of China.

Benefits of Bt corn go beyond rootworm resistance

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 08:09 AM PST

Researchers find that Bt corn has higher yields and uses nitrogen more efficiently than non-Bt corn.

Earth-size planets may be next door, Kepler data suggest

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 08:09 AM PST

Using publicly available data from NASA's Kepler space telescope, astronomers have found that six percent of red dwarf stars have habitable, Earth-sized planets. Since red dwarfs are the most common stars in our galaxy, the closest Earth-like planet could be just 13 light-years away.

Being overweight linked to higher risk of gum disease

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 07:40 AM PST

Affecting approximately one-third of the U.S. population, obesity is a significant health concern for Americans. It's a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain forms of cancer, and now, according to a new article.

Targets of bully bosses aren't the only victims

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 07:37 AM PST

Abusive bosses who target employees with ridicule, public criticism, and the silent treatment not only have a detrimental effect on the employees they bully, but they negatively impact the work environment for the co-workers of those employees who suffer from "second-hand" or vicarious abusive supervision, according to new research.

Study identifies skiers who can be successfully treated without surgery after an ACL tear

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 07:37 AM PST

Roughly a quarter of recreational skiers who tear their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while hitting the slopes can be successfully treated without surgery, according to a new study.

Pest uses plant hairs for protection: Trichomes save insect from beetle predation

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 06:49 AM PST

Guam cycads' hairy problem allows invasive insect to flourish. Everyone needs to eat. But it's a dog-eat-dog world, and with the exception of the top predators, everyone also gets eaten. To cope with this vicious reality, a tiny insect that eats plants has learned to employ the plant's hairs for physical protection from its beetle predator.

Environmental factors determine whether immigrants are accepted by cooperatively breeding animals

Posted: 06 Feb 2013 06:47 AM PST

Cichlid fish are more likely to accept immigrants into their group when they are under threat from predators and need reinforcements, new research shows.

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