ScienceDaily: Top News

---

• Clues to flu's mechanisms uncovered: Scientists analyze how influenza-related proteins help infect cells
• Superconductors: Physical link to strange electronic behavior
• Study of twins discovers gene mutation linked to short sleep duration
• Wildfires and other burns play bigger role in climate change
• Certain Arctic lakes store more greenhouse gases than they release
• Corrosion lab tests suggest need for underground gas tank retrofits
• Groundbreaking research maps cultural history by mapping mobility of notable intellectuals
• Chemists create nanofibers using unprecedented new method, reminiscent of fibers found in living cells
• Asteroid impacts significantly altered ancient Earth
• Fermi satellite detects gamma-rays from exploding novae: Surprising discovery dispels long-held idea
• Political attitudes derive from body and mind: 'Negativity bias' explains difference between liberals and conservatives
• C. difficile vaccine proves safe, 100 percent effective in animal models
• New leads for liver disease treatments: Strict genomic partitioning by biological clock separates key metabolic functions
• Oldest rove beetle in the Omaliini tribe found in French amber
• Pressure probing potential photoelectronic manufacturing compound
• The 'memory' of starvation is in your genes
• Insular cortex alterations in mouse models of autism
• A mathematical theory proposed by Alan Turing in 1952 can explain the formation of fingers
• 'Rewired' mice show signs of longer lives with fewer age-related illnesses
• Disease mutations in mosaicism, rare condition where cells within the same person have different genetic makeup
• Shrinking dinosaurs evolved into flying birds
• New mapping approach lets scientists zoom in and out as the brain processes sound
• Study advances 'DNA revolution,' tells butterflies' evolutionary history
• Lead in teeth can tell a body's tale, study finds
• Hubble shows farthest lensing galaxy yields clues to early universe
• Pervasive implicit hierarchies for race, religion, age revealed by study
• Effect of loud noises on brain revealed in study
• Monoamine oxidase A: Biomarker for postpartum depression
• Fossils could be discovered on the moon: Signs of ancient life may be littered across the moon
• Gulf oil spill researcher: Bacteria ate some toxins, but worst remain, research finds
• Brother of Hibiscus flower is found alive and well on Maui, Hawaii
• Breakthrough in understanding of important blood protein
• Numerous unknown jets from young stars and planetary nebulae discovered
• Singing the same tune: Scientists develop novel ways of separating birdsong sources
• Chemists demonstrate 'brick-and-mortar' assembly of new molecular structures
• Boat noise impacts development, survival of sea hares
• Comfortable climate indoors with porous glass incorporated into plaster
• Charging electric cars efficiently with inductive method
• Giving emotions to virtual characters
• Key to aging immune system: Discovery of DNA replication problem
• Children and hot cars a cause for deadly concern
• Bees able to spot which flowers offer best rewards before landing
• How black truffles deal with jumpers in their genome
• Benefits of e-cigarettes outweigh harms, current evidence suggests
• Classic Lewis Carroll character inspires new ecological model

Clues to flu's mechanisms uncovered: Scientists analyze how influenza-related proteins help infect cells Posted: 31 Jul 2014 05:16 PM PDT Scientists calculate the transformation of a protein associated with influenza and discover details of intermediate states that may be treated with new drugs.

Superconductors: Physical link to strange electronic behavior Posted: 31 Jul 2014 05:16 PM PDT Scientists have new clues this week about one of the baffling electronic properties of the iron-based high-temperature superconductor barium iron nickel arsenide. Scientists have the first evidence, based on sophisticated neutron measurements, of a link between magnetic properties and the material's tendency, at sufficiently low temperatures, to become a better conductor of electricity in some directions than in others.

Study of twins discovers gene mutation linked to short sleep duration Posted: 31 Jul 2014 05:15 PM PDT Researchers who studied 100 twin pairs have identified a gene mutation that may allow the carrier to function normally on less than six hours of sleep per night. The genetic variant also appears to provide greater resistance to the effects of sleep deprivation.

Wildfires and other burns play bigger role in climate change Posted: 31 Jul 2014 05:15 PM PDT Research demonstrates that it isn't just the carbon dioxide from biomass burning that's the problem. Black carbon and brown carbon maximize the thermal impacts of such fires. They essentially allow biomass burning to cause much more global warming per unit weight than other human-associated carbon sources.

Certain Arctic lakes store more greenhouse gases than they release Posted: 31 Jul 2014 05:15 PM PDT New research counters a widely-held scientific view that thawing permafrost uniformly accelerates atmospheric warming, indicating instead that certain Arctic lakes store more greenhouse gases than they emit into the atmosphere.

Corrosion lab tests suggest need for underground gas tank retrofits Posted: 31 Jul 2014 12:00 PM PDT A hidden hazard lurks beneath many of the roughly 156,000 gas stations across the United States. The hazard is corrosion in parts of underground gas storage tanks -- corrosion that could result in failures, leaks and contamination of groundwater, a source of drinking water. In recent years, field inspectors in nine states have reported many rapidly corroding gas storage tank components such as sump pumps.

Groundbreaking research maps cultural history by mapping mobility of notable intellectuals Posted: 31 Jul 2014 12:00 PM PDT New research presents a pioneering approach to understanding European and North American cultural history by mapping out the mobility patterns of notable intellectuals over a 2,000-year span.

Chemists create nanofibers using unprecedented new method, reminiscent of fibers found in living cells Posted: 31 Jul 2014 12:00 PM PDT Researchers have developed a novel method for creating self-assembled protein/polymer nanostructures that are reminiscent of fibers found in living cells. The work offers a promising new way to fabricate materials for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications.

Asteroid impacts significantly altered ancient Earth Posted: 31 Jul 2014 12:00 PM PDT New research shows that more than four billion years ago, the surface of Earth was heavily reprocessed as a result of giant asteroid impacts. A new model based on existing lunar and terrestrial data sheds light on the role asteroid bombardments played in the geological evolution of the uppermost layers of the Hadean Earth.

Fermi satellite detects gamma-rays from exploding novae: Surprising discovery dispels long-held idea Posted: 31 Jul 2014 12:00 PM PDT Astronomers have discover very high energy gamma rays being emitted by an exploding star. The surprising discovery dispels the long-held idea that classical nova explosions are not powerful enough to produce such high-energy radiation.

Political attitudes derive from body and mind: 'Negativity bias' explains difference between liberals and conservatives Posted: 31 Jul 2014 11:59 AM PDT Neither conscious decision-making or parental upbringing fully explain why some people lean left and others lean right, researchers say. A mix of deep-seated psychology and physiological responses are at the core of political differences.

C. difficile vaccine proves safe, 100 percent effective in animal models Posted: 31 Jul 2014 11:59 AM PDT An experimental vaccine protected 100 percent of animal models against the highly infectious and virulent bacterium, Clostridium difficile, which causes an intestinal disease that kills approximately 30,000 Americans annually.

New leads for liver disease treatments: Strict genomic partitioning by biological clock separates key metabolic functions Posted: 31 Jul 2014 11:59 AM PDT Much of the liver's metabolic function is governed by circadian rhythms -- our own body clock -- and researchers have now found two independent mechanisms by which this occurs.

Oldest rove beetle in the Omaliini tribe found in French amber Posted: 31 Jul 2014 11:59 AM PDT Scientists have discovered and described a rove beetle that is the oldest definitive member of the tribe Omaliini that has ever been found in amber.

Pressure probing potential photoelectronic manufacturing compound Posted: 31 Jul 2014 11:59 AM PDT Molybdenum disulfide is a compound often used in dry lubricants. Its semiconducting ability and similarity to the carbon-based graphene makes molybdenum disulfide of interest to scientists as a possible candidate for use in the manufacture of electronics, particularly photoelectronics. New work reveals that molybdenum disulfide becomes metallic under intense pressure.

The 'memory' of starvation is in your genes Posted: 31 Jul 2014 11:58 AM PDT Epigenetic 'experiments' -- changes resulting from external rather than genetic influences -- suggest that the body's physiological responses to hardship could be inherited, although the underlying mechanism has been a mystery. Now researchers have discovered a genetic mechanism that passes on the body's response to starvation to subsequent generations of worms, with potential implications for humans also exposed to starvation and other physiological challenges.

Insular cortex alterations in mouse models of autism Posted: 31 Jul 2014 11:58 AM PDT The insular cortex is an integral "hub," combining sensory, emotional and cognitive content. Not surprisingly, alterations in insular structure and function have been reported in many psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety disorders, depression, addiction and autism spectrum disorders. Scientists now describe consistent alterations in integrative processing of the insular cortex across autism mouse models of diverse etiologies.

A mathematical theory proposed by Alan Turing in 1952 can explain the formation of fingers Posted: 31 Jul 2014 11:58 AM PDT Researchers have shown that BMP and WNT proteins are the so-called 'Turing molecules' for creating embryonic fingers. Findings explain why polydactyly -- the development of extra fingers or toes -- is relatively common in humans, affecting up to one in 500 births, and confirms a fundamental theory first proposed by the founding father of computer science, Alan Turing, back in 1952.

'Rewired' mice show signs of longer lives with fewer age-related illnesses Posted: 31 Jul 2014 11:58 AM PDT While developing a new cancer drug, researchers discovered that mice lacking a specific protein live longer lives with fewer age-related illnesses. The mice, which lack the TRAP-1 protein, demonstrated less age related tissue degeneration, obesity, and spontaneous tumor formation when compared to normal mice. Their findings could change how scientists view the metabolic networks within cells.

Disease mutations in mosaicism, rare condition where cells within the same person have different genetic makeup Posted: 31 Jul 2014 11:57 AM PDT Scientists have long speculated that mosaicism -- a biological phenomenon, in which cells within the same person have a different genetic makeup -- plays a bigger role in the transmission of rare disease mutations than is currently known. A study sheds new light on the frequency of mosaicism in genomic disorders and its influence on recurrence risk.

Shrinking dinosaurs evolved into flying birds Posted: 31 Jul 2014 11:55 AM PDT Scientists have revealed how massive, meat-eating, ground-dwelling dinosaurs evolved into agile flying birds: they just kept shrinking and shrinking, for over 50 million years.

New mapping approach lets scientists zoom in and out as the brain processes sound Posted: 31 Jul 2014 11:54 AM PDT Researchers have mapped the sound-processing part of the mouse brain in a way that keeps both the proverbial forest and the trees in view. Their imaging technique allows zooming in and out on views of brain activity within mice, and it enabled the team to watch brain cells light up as mice "called" to each other.

Study advances 'DNA revolution,' tells butterflies' evolutionary history Posted: 31 Jul 2014 11:54 AM PDT By tracing nearly 3,000 genes to the earliest common ancestor of butterflies and moths, scientists have created an extensive "Tree of Lepidoptera" in the first study to use large-scale, next-generation DNA sequencing.

Lead in teeth can tell a body's tale, study finds Posted: 31 Jul 2014 08:09 AM PDT Your teeth can tell stories about you, and not just that you always forget to floss. The discovery could help police solve cold cases, an investigator has said. For instance, if an unidentified decomposed body is found, testing the lead in the teeth could immediately help focus the investigation on a certain geographic area. That way, law enforcement can avoid wasting resources checking for missing persons in the wrong places.

Hubble shows farthest lensing galaxy yields clues to early universe Posted: 31 Jul 2014 08:09 AM PDT Astronomers have unexpectedly discovered the most distant galaxy that acts as a cosmic magnifying glass. Seen in a new image as it looked 9.6 billion years ago, this monster elliptical galaxy breaks the previous record holder by 200 million years.

Pervasive implicit hierarchies for race, religion, age revealed by study Posted: 31 Jul 2014 07:25 AM PDT As much as social equality is advocated in the United States, a new study suggests that besides evaluating their own race and religion most favorably, people share implicit hierarchies for racial, religious, and age groups that may be different from their conscious, explicit attitudes and values.

Effect of loud noises on brain revealed in study Posted: 31 Jul 2014 07:25 AM PDT Prolonged exposure to loud noise alters how the brain processes speech, potentially increasing the difficulty in distinguishing speech sounds, according to neuroscientists. Exposure to intensely loud sounds leads to permanent damage of the hair cells, which act as sound receivers in the ear. Once damaged, the hair cells do not grow back, leading to noise-induced hearing loss.

Monoamine oxidase A: Biomarker for postpartum depression Posted: 31 Jul 2014 07:25 AM PDT Postpartum mood swings are correlated with high monoamine oxidase A binding, a study shows. For most women, the birth of their baby is one of the most strenuous but also happiest days in their lives. The vast majority of women experience a temporary drop in mood for a few days after birth. These symptoms of "baby blues" are not an illness; however, in some cases they can represent early signs of an imminent episode of depression: in 13 percent of mothers, the emotional turmoil experienced after childbirth leads to the development of a full-blown postpartum depression.

Fossils could be discovered on the moon: Signs of ancient life may be littered across the moon Posted: 31 Jul 2014 07:10 AM PDT Physicists have tested what would happen if a piece of rock containing microscopic fossils from Earth was launched into space and hit the surface of the moon. The team turned fossil-filled rock into powder which was mixed with water and frozen to replicate a meteoroid.

Gulf oil spill researcher: Bacteria ate some toxins, but worst remain, research finds Posted: 31 Jul 2014 06:53 AM PDT Bacteria in the Gulf of Mexico consumed many of the toxic components of the oil released during the Deepwater Horizon spill in the months after the spill, but not the most toxic contaminants, new research has found.

Brother of Hibiscus flower is found alive and well on Maui, Hawaii Posted: 31 Jul 2014 06:53 AM PDT Most people are familiar with Hibiscus flowers -- they are an iconic symbol of tropical resorts worldwide where they are commonly planted in the landscape. Only a few, however, are aware of an equally beautiful and highly endangered related group of plants known as Hibiscadelphus -- literally 'brother of Hibiscus.' Remarkably, in 2012 scientists found a population of these unique trees in a remote, steep valley on the west side of Maui.

Breakthrough in understanding of important blood protein Posted: 31 Jul 2014 06:51 AM PDT A previously unknown protein mechanism has now been described by new research. This provides an exceptionally detailed understanding of how nature works, and it can also provide the ability to control nature -- in this case, it is about how coagulated blood can be dissolved, and this can lead to treatment of diseases carrying a risk of blood clots.

Numerous unknown jets from young stars and planetary nebulae discovered Posted: 31 Jul 2014 06:51 AM PDT Preliminary research findings have identified hundreds of so far unknown jets from young stars, as well as numerous new planetary nebulae in the Galactic Plane.

Singing the same tune: Scientists develop novel ways of separating birdsong sources Posted: 31 Jul 2014 06:51 AM PDT A new study could greatly improve current methods of localizing birdsong data. The study demonstrates the validity of using approximate maximum likelihood (AML) algorithms to determine the direction of arrival (DOA) of birdsong sources.

Chemists demonstrate 'brick-and-mortar' assembly of new molecular structures Posted: 31 Jul 2014 06:50 AM PDT Chemists have described the self-assembly of large, symmetrical molecules in bricks-and-mortar fashion, a development with potential value for the field of organic electronic devices such as field-effect transistors and photovoltaic cells.

Boat noise impacts development, survival of sea hares Posted: 31 Jul 2014 06:50 AM PDT The development and survival of an important group of marine invertebrates known as sea hares is under threat from increasing boat noise in the world's oceans, according to a new study. Sea hares usually hatch from their eggs to swim away and later feed on toxic alga but this study found that when exposed to playback of boat noise, more eggs failed to develop and those that hatched were more likely to die.

Comfortable climate indoors with porous glass incorporated into plaster Posted: 31 Jul 2014 06:47 AM PDT Proper humidity and temperature play a key role in indoor climate. In the future, establishing a comfortable indoor environment may rely on porous glass incorporated into plaster, as this regulates moisture particularly well and keeps mold at bay.

Charging electric cars efficiently with inductive method Posted: 31 Jul 2014 06:47 AM PDT We already charge our toothbrushes and cellphones using contactless technology. Researchers have developed a particularly efficient and cost-effective method that means electric cars could soon follow suit.

Giving emotions to virtual characters Posted: 31 Jul 2014 06:46 AM PDT Researchers were able to simulate human facial expressions in virtual characters and use them in order to create better environments within a virtual communication.

Key to aging immune system: Discovery of DNA replication problem Posted: 31 Jul 2014 06:44 AM PDT The immune system ages and weakens with time, making the elderly prone to life-threatening infection and other maladies, and scientists have now discovered a reason why.

Children and hot cars a cause for deadly concern Posted: 31 Jul 2014 06:44 AM PDT Nearly 700 children have lost their lives over the last 20 years in the United States as a result of being left in or playing in a hot car. At last count, the total in the U.S. this year is 18.

Bees able to spot which flowers offer best rewards before landing Posted: 30 Jul 2014 05:37 PM PDT Bumblebees are able to connect differences in pollen quality with floral features, like petal color, and so land only on the flowers that offer the best rewards, according to a new study.

How black truffles deal with jumpers in their genome Posted: 30 Jul 2014 05:37 PM PDT Black truffles, also known as Périgord truffles, have a syrupy sweet flavor and are highly prized in haute cuisine. They are fungi that grow on the roots of oak and hazelnut trees, and are the second most expensive truffle species. The black truffle uses reversible epigenetic processes to regulate its genes, and adapt to changes in its surroundings. The 'methylome' illustrates how the truffle deals with its complex genome's repeating elements and 'jumping genes.' The authors say this may shed light on how traits like aroma and color are controlled.

Benefits of e-cigarettes outweigh harms, current evidence suggests Posted: 30 Jul 2014 05:36 PM PDT A major scientific review of available research on the use, content, and safety of e-cigarettes has concluded that -- although long-term health effects of e-cigarette use are unknown -- compared with conventional cigarettes they are likely to be much less harmful to users or bystanders.

Classic Lewis Carroll character inspires new ecological model Posted: 30 Jul 2014 01:16 PM PDT Inspired by the Red Queen in Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass, researchers have improved a 35-year-old ecology model to better understand how species evolve over decades to millions of years. The new model, called a mean field model for competition, incorporates the "Red Queen Effect," an evolutionary hypothesis introduced by Lee Van Valen in the 1970s, which suggests that organisms must constantly increase their fitness (or ability to survive and reproduce) in order to compete with other ever-evolving organisms in an ever-changing environment.

You are subscribed to email updates from All Top News -- ScienceDaily To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610