ScienceDaily: Top News

---

• Wave energy integration costs should compare favorably to other energy sources
• Major study sends clear safety message to prevent brain injury in children
• Doctor warns against 'keepsake' ultrasounds
• TV use, unhealthy eating linked
• Broad immune response may be needed to destroy latent HIV
• Prognostic test developed for E2F4 in breast cancer
• Beer, bread yeast-eating bacteria aid human health
• Which fossil fuel reserves must stay in the ground to avoid dangerous climate change?
• Couples' conflicts: Withdrawal or expecting your romantic partner to mind-read hurts relationships, but in different ways
• Nutrient sensor in key growth-regulating metabolic pathway identified
• Shedding light on why blue LEDS are so tricky to make
• Caregiver, families with mentally ill members all need help, CWRU researchers find
• Study of ancient dogs in the Americas yields insights into human, dog migration
• Tracking subtle brain mutations, systematically
• Cheap asphalt provides 'green' carbon capture
• Coral reefs threatened by a deadly combination of changing ocean conditions
• Oil sand mining is not polluting Athabasca Delta, new sampling method reveals
• Ohio's diversion program helps juvenile offenders with behavioral health issues
• A potential long-lasting treatment for sensitive teeth
• What's in the grime tarnishing the Taj Mahal?
• Expressing anger linked with better health in some cultures
• Nanowire clothing could keep people warm, without heating everything else
• Review article estimates annual US cost of psoriasis in 2013
• PTSD doubles diabetes risk in women
• Brain imaging may help predict future behavior
• How society makes it worse for people who self-harm
• Levitation recreates nature's dumbbells
• Sudden jump in a storm's lightning might warn a supercell is forming
• Sticking to lifestyle guidelines may reduce risk for certain cancers and for overall mortality
• Foot-powered cell phone charger for world's needy
• Physical recovery in critically ill patients can predict remission of anxiety, PTSD symptoms
• Genetics in depression: What's known, what's next
• Brain scientists figure out how a protein crucial to learning and memory works
• New approach may lead to inhalable vaccines for influenza, pneumonia
• Microfluidics to accelerate cell membrane research
• Forget the selfish gene: Evolution of life is driven by the selfish ribosome
• Genome wide expression changes in vascular tissue identified due to infection/diet
• Cool deep-water protects coral reefs against heat stress
• Onions overwintered in low tunnels successfully grown by scientists
• New light shed on electron spin flips
• Too much gas, too little food appear major factors in injury, disease-related memory loss
• Potential new tool to monitor radiotherapy side effects
• The best offense against bacteria is a good defense
• Mandatory meat labels economically not worth the fight
• Dopamine a safe anti-angiogenic drug in cancer treatment, study shows
• Volunteer 'Disk Detectives' top one million classifications of possible planetary habitats
• Was Beethoven's music literally heartfelt? Could a cardiac arrhythmia have influenced famous works by the musical great?
• After weight loss surgery, people could experience discrimination when interviewing for jobs
• Selective functionalization synthesizes chemotherapeutic natural products
• Doing more with less: Steering a quantum path to improved internet security
• Responsive material could be the 'golden ticket' of sensing
• Networks of the brain reflect the individual gender identity
• How do Palestinians cope in the midst of the conflict?
• Mode of action of protein channelrhodopsin-2 decoded: Findings facilitate manufacture of optogenetic tools
• Smile to remember a smile: Facial expression used to help recall emotion
• Having a hard time focusing? Research identifies complex of neurons crucial to controlling attention
• Where did all the stars go? Dark cloud obscures hundreds of background stars
• Hormonal similarity makes happy couples, at least in birds
• Chronic Wound Care: The health warning some smokers aren't hearing from their doctors
• Do infants judge others' language proficiency? It depends on their own, research shows

Wave energy integration costs should compare favorably to other energy sources Posted: 07 Jan 2015 11:08 AM PST A new analysis suggests that large-scale wave energy systems developed in the Pacific Northwest should be comparatively steady, dependable and able to be integrated into the overall energy grid at lower costs than some other forms of alternative energy, including wind power.

Major study sends clear safety message to prevent brain injury in children Posted: 07 Jan 2015 11:07 AM PST An exhaustive analysis of data from more than 40,000 cases of brain trauma in children provides convincing evidence that protecting children in advance from head injuries is the key to reducing their severity.

Doctor warns against 'keepsake' ultrasounds Posted: 07 Jan 2015 11:07 AM PST Expectant parents should avoid the use of ultrasounds for nonmedical reasons, according to maternal-fetal medicine experts. "Ultrasound is a valuable tool when done for medical purposes by trained professionals," said one physician. "But this technology should not be used for entertainment purposes to see an image of a baby or to identify gender."

TV use, unhealthy eating linked Posted: 07 Jan 2015 10:39 AM PST People who watch excessive amounts of TV tend to eat more unhealthy foods and might not understand the foundations of a healthy diet, a study suggests.

Broad immune response may be needed to destroy latent HIV Posted: 07 Jan 2015 10:39 AM PST A major barrier to finding a cure for HIV/AIDS is the presence of latent HIV in the cells of chronically infected individuals. But researchers may have now pinpointed a strategy for eliminating the residual virus.

Prognostic test developed for E2F4 in breast cancer Posted: 07 Jan 2015 10:14 AM PST By looking at the expression levels of downstream genes of the regulators in breast cancer, researchers have identified a gene signature in E2F4 that is predictive of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer. The findings define a new opportunity for personalizing medicine for women whose Oncotype DX assay results classify them as of 'intermediate-risk for recurrence.'

Beer, bread yeast-eating bacteria aid human health Posted: 07 Jan 2015 10:14 AM PST Bacteria that have evolved to eat their way through yeast in the human gut could inform the development of new treatments for people suffering from bowel diseases, experts report.

Which fossil fuel reserves must stay in the ground to avoid dangerous climate change? Posted: 07 Jan 2015 10:14 AM PST A third of oil reserves, half of gas reserves and over 80% of current coal reserves globally should remain in the ground and not be used before 2050 if global warming is to stay below the 2°C target agreed by policy makers, according to new research.

Couples' conflicts: Withdrawal or expecting your romantic partner to mind-read hurts relationships, but in different ways Posted: 07 Jan 2015 10:13 AM PST When you have a conflict with your significant other, do you withdraw like a turtle into its shell? Or do you expect your partner to be a mind reader about what ticks you off? Both of those can be harmful, but in different ways and for different reasons, according to a new study.

Nutrient sensor in key growth-regulating metabolic pathway identified Posted: 07 Jan 2015 10:13 AM PST For the first time, scientists have identified a protein that appears to be a nutrient sensor for the key growth-regulating mTORC1 metabolic pathway.

Shedding light on why blue LEDS are so tricky to make Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:39 AM PST Scientists have uncovered the mystery of why blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are so difficult to make, by revealing the complex properties of their main component -- gallium nitride -- using sophisticated computer simulations.

Caregiver, families with mentally ill members all need help, CWRU researchers find Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:39 AM PST Listening to older sisters of mentally ill siblings discuss their mothers' difficult caregiving experiences made a researcher wonder if something important about families was missed in a prior study that focused on women caregivers of mentally ill family members.

Study of ancient dogs in the Americas yields insights into human, dog migration Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:39 AM PST A new study suggests that dogs may have first successfully migrated to the Americas only about 10,000 years ago, thousands of years after the first human migrants crossed a land bridge from Siberia to North America.

Tracking subtle brain mutations, systematically Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:31 AM PST DNA sequences were once thought to be identical from cell to cell, but it's increasingly understood that mutations can arise during brain development that affect only certain groups of brain cells. A new technique allows these subtle mutation patterns to be traced and mapped spatially for the first time.

Cheap asphalt provides 'green' carbon capture Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:31 AM PST Scientists have turned asphalt into an effective, environmentally friendly carbon-capture material for use at natural gas wellheads.

Coral reefs threatened by a deadly combination of changing ocean conditions Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:31 AM PST The lowering of the ocean's pH is making it harder for corals to grow their skeletons and easier for bioeroding organisms to tear them down. Erosion rates increase tenfold in areas where corals are also exposed to high levels of nutrients, according to a new study. As sea level rises, these reefs may have a harder time growing toward the ocean surface, where they get sunlight they need to survive.

Oil sand mining is not polluting Athabasca Delta, new sampling method reveals Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:31 AM PST A new study into the pre-industrial baseline levels of heavy metals in sediment carried by the Athabasca River shows that emissions from the Alberta oil sands and other human activities have not yet increased the concentrations traveling to the Athabasca Delta around 200 kilometers from the oil sands.

Ohio's diversion program helps juvenile offenders with behavioral health issues Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:31 AM PST An evaluation of Ohio's Behavioral Health/Juvenile Justice initiative in 11 counties found the program benefits most young offenders diverted from detention centers to community-based agencies to treat mental health issues, drug problems or both.

A potential long-lasting treatment for sensitive teeth Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:31 AM PST Rather than soothe and comfort, a hot cup of tea or cocoa can cause people with sensitive teeth a jolt of pain. But scientists are now developing a new biomaterial that can potentially rebuild worn enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity for an extended period. They have tested the material on dogs.

What's in the grime tarnishing the Taj Mahal? Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:29 AM PST Every several years, workers apply a clay mask to India's iconic but yellowing Taj Mahal to remove layers of grime and reveal the white marble underneath. Now scientists are getting to the bottom of what kinds of pollutants are discoloring one of the world's celebrated wonders. Their findings could help inform efforts to protect the mausoleum and other surfaces from pollution.

Expressing anger linked with better health in some cultures Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:29 AM PST In the US and many Western countries, people are urged to manage feelings of anger or suffer its ill effects -- but new research with participants from the US and Japan suggests that anger may actually be linked with better, not worse, health in certain cultures.

Nanowire clothing could keep people warm, without heating everything else Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:29 AM PST To stay warm when temperatures drop outside, we heat our indoor spaces -- even when no one is in them. But scientists have now developed a novel nanowire coating for clothes that can both generate heat and trap the heat from our bodies better than regular clothes. They now report on their technology, which could help us reduce our reliance on conventional energy sources.

Review article estimates annual US cost of psoriasis in 2013 Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:29 AM PST The annual US cost of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, was estimated to be between $112 billion and $135 billion in 2013, according to a review article.

PTSD doubles diabetes risk in women Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:29 AM PST Women with post-traumatic stress disorder are nearly twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared with women who don't have PTSD, according to new research. The longitudinal cohort study provides the strongest evidence to date of a causal relationship between PTSD and type 2 diabetes.

Brain imaging may help predict future behavior Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:29 AM PST Noninvasive brain scans have led to basic science discoveries about the human brain, but they've had only limited impacts on people's day-to-day lives. A review article highlights a number of recent studies showing that brain imaging can help predict an individual's future learning, criminality, health-related behaviors, and response to drug or behavioral treatments. The technology may offer opportunities to personalize educational and clinical practices.

How society makes it worse for people who self-harm Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:25 AM PST Social attitudes are reinforcing the negative beliefs towards people who self harm, according to research. The first ever study of the life stories of people who self-harm and who were also diagnosed with a personality disorder revealed that several spoke of being refused pain relief while being sutured by hospital staff. Others had met staff who thought they were immune to pain because they self-harmed.

Levitation recreates nature's dumbbells Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:25 AM PST Using magnetic levitation to imitate weightlessness, physicists have manufactured solid wax models of splash form tektites. "These wax models provide the first direct experimental validation for numerical models of the equilibrium shapes of spinning droplets. This research is of importance to fundamental physics and also to study of tektite formation," an author said.

Sudden jump in a storm's lightning might warn a supercell is forming Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:24 AM PST A sudden jump in the number of lightning strikes inside a garden-variety thunderstorm might soon give forecasters a new tool for predicting severe weather and issuing timely warnings, according to new research. The sudden increase in lightning is one sign a normal storm is rapidly evolving into a supercell, with a large rotating updraft -- or mesocyclone -- at its heart.

Sticking to lifestyle guidelines may reduce risk for certain cancers and for overall mortality Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:24 AM PST Following cancer prevention guidelines from the American Cancer Society may modestly reduce your overall risk of developing cancer and have a greater impact on reducing your overall risk of dying early, a study of nearly a half-million Americans has found. Having a healthy body weight and staying active appeared to have the most positive impact.

Foot-powered cell phone charger for world's needy Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:24 AM PST Engineering students are field-testing their foot-powered cell phone charger in rural villages of the Kingdom of Lesotho. The sophomores hope to sell chargers which use ratchet mechanics.

Physical recovery in critically ill patients can predict remission of anxiety, PTSD symptoms Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:23 AM PST Better physical functioning — basic and complex activities considered essential for maintaining independence — is associated with remission of general anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, a two-year longitudinal study involving 13 intensive care units in four U.S. hospitals has found.

Genetics in depression: What's known, what's next Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:23 AM PST Even with modern genomewide analysis techniques, it has proven difficult to identify genetic factors affecting risk for depression, according to a new review article. "Given the established heritability of depression, there is every reason to expect that with larger studies we will be able to identify genetic loci," said one author. "Identifying ways to generate these larger samples is one of the many challenges before us."

Brain scientists figure out how a protein crucial to learning and memory works Posted: 07 Jan 2015 09:23 AM PST Researchers have found out how a protein crucial to learning works: by removing a biochemical "clamp" that prevents connections between nerve cells in the brain from growing stronger. The finding moves neuroscientists a step closer to figuring out how learning and memory work, and how problems with them can arise.

New approach may lead to inhalable vaccines for influenza, pneumonia Posted: 07 Jan 2015 07:14 AM PST A novel approach to creating inhalable vaccines using nanoparticles has been uncovered by researchers, showing promise for targeting lung-specific diseases, such as influenza, pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Microfluidics to accelerate cell membrane research Posted: 07 Jan 2015 07:14 AM PST Life processes depend fundamentally on phenomena occurring on the membranes separating cells from their environment. Until now poorly understood, the mechanisms responsible for transport through the cell membrane will be able to be studied faster and more cheaply - thanks to a microfluidic system recently developed. The system enables the serial formation of cell membranes and measurement of the processes taking place on them.

Forget the selfish gene: Evolution of life is driven by the selfish ribosome Posted: 07 Jan 2015 07:14 AM PST Since the discovery of how DNA encodes genetic information, most research on the evolution of life has focused on genes. According to the 'selfish gene' theory, cells and organisms exist simply as packages to protect and transmit genes. New research challenges this idea, proposing instead that if anything is 'selfish' it must be the ribosome. That upends everything we think we know about the evolution of life and, in fact, the function of ribosomes themselves.

Genome wide expression changes in vascular tissue identified due to infection/diet Posted: 07 Jan 2015 07:14 AM PST Although it has been shown that a diet high in fat and exposure to certain bacteria can cause atherosclerosis, researchers have for the first time identified distinct gene pathways that are altered by these different stimuli. These findings suggest that future therapies for this disease may need to be individualized.

Cool deep-water protects coral reefs against heat stress Posted: 07 Jan 2015 07:11 AM PST Cool currents from the deep ocean could save tropical corals from lethal heat stress. Researchers observed internal waves preserving corals in the Andaman Sea.

Onions overwintered in low tunnels successfully grown by scientists Posted: 07 Jan 2015 07:11 AM PST In response to high demand for year-round local produce, researchers report they have successfully grown bulbing onions planted in fall for a spring harvest with the aid of inexpensive low tunnels.

New light shed on electron spin flips Posted: 07 Jan 2015 07:11 AM PST Researchers have derived a new set of equations that allows for calculating electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) transition probabilities with arbitrary alignment and polarization of the exciting electromagnetic radiation.

Too much gas, too little food appear major factors in injury, disease-related memory loss Posted: 07 Jan 2015 07:11 AM PST Inflammation plays a role in learning and memory loss that can result from brain injury or disease, and researchers now have evidence that neurons may be suffering from too much gas and too little food.

Potential new tool to monitor radiotherapy side effects Posted: 07 Jan 2015 07:10 AM PST A patient-centred approach to assessing the side effects of radiotherapy has been proposed by researchers. Their study results have shown that it may be able to improve the detection and management of treatment-related toxicity.

The best offense against bacteria is a good defense Posted: 07 Jan 2015 07:09 AM PST A small protein active in the human immune response can disable bacterial toxins by exploiting a property that makes the toxins effective -- but also turns out to be a weakness. The small proteins are called defensins. Scientists have known defensins can neutralize bacterial toxins for about a decade, but until now didn't know how.

Mandatory meat labels economically not worth the fight Posted: 07 Jan 2015 07:09 AM PST A little label is causing a big stir among the U.S., Canada and Mexico, but research finds the majority of consumers don't even know it exists. In October 2014, the World Trade Organization ruled in favor of Canada and Mexico, finding that the mandated country-of-origin labels in the U.S. are not trade compliant and hurt business in nearby countries. The U.S. is appealing the decision.

Dopamine a safe anti-angiogenic drug in cancer treatment, study shows Posted: 07 Jan 2015 06:13 AM PST Dopamine -- an inexpensive drug currently used to treat heart, vascular and kidney disorders -- can be safely used in cancer treatment to curb the growth of blood vessels in tumors, a new study shows.

Volunteer 'Disk Detectives' top one million classifications of possible planetary habitats Posted: 07 Jan 2015 06:13 AM PST A NASA-sponsored website designed to crowdsource analysis of data from the agency's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer mission has reached an impressive milestone.

Was Beethoven's music literally heartfelt? Could a cardiac arrhythmia have influenced famous works by the musical great? Posted: 07 Jan 2015 06:13 AM PST Could it be that when Ludwig van Beethoven composed some of the greatest masterpieces of all time that he was quite literally following his heart?

After weight loss surgery, people could experience discrimination when interviewing for jobs Posted: 07 Jan 2015 06:12 AM PST People say that they would be more likely to hire someone who has lost weight through exercise and dieting than through surgery. This is just one of the stigmas faced by obese people who undergo weight-reducing bariatric surgery, report researchers. Over 100,000 bariatric surgeries are performed annually in the US, and in many cases ensure substantial and sustained long-term weight loss for obese people.

Selective functionalization synthesizes chemotherapeutic natural products Posted: 07 Jan 2015 06:12 AM PST Scientists have synthesized marine alkaloids with anti-cancer and therapeutic properties through a sequential C-H functionalization strategy.

Doing more with less: Steering a quantum path to improved internet security Posted: 07 Jan 2015 05:22 AM PST New research may lead to greatly improved security of information transfer over the internet. Physicists have demonstrated the potential for 'quantum steering' to be used to enhance data security over long distances, discourage hackers and eavesdroppers and resolve issues of trust with communication devices.

Responsive material could be the 'golden ticket' of sensing Posted: 07 Jan 2015 05:22 AM PST A new responsive material 'glued' together with short strands of DNA, and capable of translating thermal and chemical signals into visible physical changes, could underpin a new class of biosensors or drug delivery systems.

Networks of the brain reflect the individual gender identity Posted: 07 Jan 2015 05:21 AM PST Our sense of belonging to the male or female gender is an inherent component of the human identity perception. As a general rule, gender identity and physical sex coincide. If this is not the case, one refers to trans-identity or transsexuality. In a current study, brain researchers were able to demonstrate that the very personal gender identity of every human being is reflected and verifiable in the cross-links between brain regions.

How do Palestinians cope in the midst of the conflict? Posted: 07 Jan 2015 05:17 AM PST Living in the midst of the conflict in the Middle East entails plenty of suffering, but it also challenges people to look for coping mechanisms. For many Palestinians, voluntary work and family are sources of meaningfulness in life. Furthermore, humor, nature and maintaining everyday routines are also important factors supporting coping, according to new research.

Mode of action of protein channelrhodopsin-2 decoded: Findings facilitate manufacture of optogenetic tools Posted: 07 Jan 2015 05:17 AM PST Researchers have shed light upon the mode of action of the light-controlled channelrhodopsin-2 with high spatiotemporal resolution. This biomolecule is used in optogenetic applications, which is deployed to control the activity of living cells with light. "The model we developed makes it possible to create customized optogenetic tools for individual applications," says one researcher.

Smile to remember a smile: Facial expression used to help recall emotion Posted: 07 Jan 2015 05:17 AM PST We use facial expression to help recall an emotion, researchers say. A new study shows that in order to recall an emotion (positive or negative) we "re-enact" the motor sequence of the facial expression corresponding to that emotion. In other words: when remembering a smile, we smile.

Having a hard time focusing? Research identifies complex of neurons crucial to controlling attention Posted: 07 Jan 2015 05:17 AM PST Our ability to pay attention to certain things while ignoring distractions determines how good we are at a given task, whether it is driving a car or doing brain surgery. Researchers for the first time convincingly identified a network of neurons in a particular area of the brain, the lateral prefrontal cortex, that interact with one another to promptly filter visual information while at the same time ignoring distractions. It's a discovery with potentially far reaching implications for people who suffer from diseases such as autism, ADHD and schizophrenia

Where did all the stars go? Dark cloud obscures hundreds of background stars Posted: 07 Jan 2015 05:16 AM PST Some of the stars appear to be missing in this intriguing new image. But the black gap in this glitteringly beautiful starfield is not really a gap, but rather a region of space clogged with gas and dust. This dark cloud is called LDN 483 -- for Lynds Dark Nebula 483. Such clouds are the birthplaces of future stars.

Hormonal similarity makes happy couples, at least in birds Posted: 07 Jan 2015 05:12 AM PST Some people say that we become more like our partner as time goes on. Surprisingly, the same seems to be true in the animal world -- studies on compatibility between mates show that individual animals are more successful when they behave in a similar fashion to their mate. New research shows that mating pairs of the bird species known as great tits become more similar in their hormones over time.

Chronic Wound Care: The health warning some smokers aren't hearing from their doctors Posted: 07 Jan 2015 05:12 AM PST While many smokers may make quitting part of their New Year's resolution – a new study may give some yet another reason to stop – the negative impact cigarette smoke has on chronic wounds. Despite the fact that chronic wounds cost billions to treat annually, healthcare providers often don't discuss smoking with their chronic wound patients. New research explores the connection between non-healing wounds and smoking – and the missed opportunities to help patients understand how their habit is hurting their ability to heal.

Do infants judge others' language proficiency? It depends on their own, research shows Posted: 07 Jan 2015 05:12 AM PST Monolingual infants expect others to understand only one language, an assumption not held by bilingual infants, a study by researchers has found. "Our results not only offer insight into infants' perception of linguistic abilities, but, more importantly, may help us better understand whom they see as good communication partners," explains one of the study's co-authors.

You are subscribed to email updates from Latest Science News -- ScienceDaily To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States