الخميس، 17 نوفمبر 2016

ScienceDaily: Top News

ScienceDaily: Top News

E-cigarettes may harm teens' lung health

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 04:07 PM PST

E-cigarette use among teenagers is growing dramatically, and public health experts are concerned that these devices may be a gateway to smoking. Now, new research indicates that even if these young e-cigarette users do not become tobacco smokers, e-cigarettes may harm their health.

Severe dizziness treated with steroid injections into the eardrum

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 04:05 PM PST

Injections of steroid into the ear are an effective treatment for a common form of severe dizziness, suggests a new study.

USGS estimates 20 billion barrels of oil in Texas' Wolfcamp Shale Formation

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 03:43 PM PST

The Wolfcamp shale in the Midland Basin portion of Texas' Permian Basin province contains an estimated mean of 20 billion barrels of oil, 16 trillion cubic feet of associated natural gas, and 1.6 billion barrels of natural gas liquids, according to an assessment by the U.S. Geological Survey. This estimate is for continuous (unconventional) oil, and consists of undiscovered, technically recoverable resources.

Next-generation biomaterial being developed to treat bleeding

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 12:53 PM PST

A new biomaterial is under development that has potential to protect patients at high risk for bleeding in surgery, report researchers.

Tooth wear patterns suggest Paranthropus early hominins had softer diets than expected

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 11:47 AM PST

Analysis of wear patterns on fossil teeth from East African hominins suggests the diets of Paranthropus aethiopicus and Paranthropus boisei were softer than had been thought, according to a study.

Ultra-long acting pill releases daily doses of medicine for a month

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 11:46 AM PST

Imagine swallowing a pill today that continues releasing the daily dose of a medicine you need for the next week, month or even longer. Investigators have developed a long-acting drug delivery capsule that may help to do just that in the future. To test the capsule's real-world applications, the team used both mathematical modeling and animal models to investigate the effects of delivering a sustained therapeutic dose of a drug called ivermectin, which is used to treat parasitic infections.

New gene-editing technology partially restores vision in blind animals

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 11:41 AM PST

Researchers have discovered a holy grail of gene editing -- the ability to, for the first time, insert DNA at a target location into the non-dividing cells that make up the majority of adult organs and tissues. The technique, which the team showed was able to partially restore visual responses in blind rodents, will open new avenues for basic research and a variety of treatments, such as for retinal, heart and neurological diseases.

Tiny electronic device can monitor heart, recognize speech

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 11:40 AM PST

Researchers have developed a tiny, soft and wearable acoustic sensor that measures vibrations in the human body, allowing them to monitor human heart health and recognize spoken words.

Taking miniature organs from lab to clinic

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 11:38 AM PST

Scientists have developed a gel for growing miniaturized body organs that can be used in clinical diagnostics and drug development. Organoids are miniature organs that can be grown in the lab from a person's stem cells. They can be used to model diseases, and in the future could be used to test drugs or even replace damaged tissue in patients.

Distant star is roundest object ever observed in nature

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 11:31 AM PST

Stars are not perfect spheres. While they rotate, they become flat due to the centrifugal force. A team of researchers has now succeeded in measuring the oblateness of a slowly rotating star with unprecedented precision. The researchers have determined stellar oblateness using asteroseismology -- the study of the oscillations of stars. The technique is applied to a star 5000 light years away from Earth and revealed that the difference between the equatorial and polar radii of the star is only 3 kilometers -- a number that is astonishing small compared to the star's mean radius of 1.5 million kilometers; which means that the gas sphere is astonishingly round.

Acoustic buoy now detecting rare and endangered whales in New York Bight

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 11:30 AM PST

An acoustic buoy making its first near real-time detections of two rare great whale species in the New York Bight, including the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale.

Mutation for multicellular life was a backbone changer

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 11:28 AM PST

A random mutation can spark a huge jump in the evolutionary course of a protein important for the evolution of animals, new research shows. Following the discovery that a random mutation 600 million years ago in a single-celled organism created a new family of proteins that are important for multicellular life, researchers now describe what the mutation did to the original protein family.

Some hog workers developing drug-resistant skin infections linked to livestock-associated staph

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 11:17 AM PST

Some workers at industrial hog production facilities are not only carrying livestock-associated, antibiotic-resistant bacteria in their noses, but may also be developing skin infections from these bacteria, new research suggests.

New analysis adds support for a subsurface ocean on Pluto

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 11:13 AM PST

A liquid ocean lying deep beneath Pluto's frozen surface is the best explanation for features revealed by NASA's New Horizons spacecraft, according to a new analysis. The idea that Pluto has a subsurface ocean is not new, but the study provides the most detailed investigation yet of its likely role in the evolution of key features such as the vast, low-lying plain known as Sputnik Planitia (formerly Sputnik Planum).

Cracked, frozen and tipped over: New clues from Pluto's past

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 11:05 AM PST

New research by planetary scientists reveals fascinating clues about Pluto, suggesting the small world at the fringes of our solar system is much more active than anyone ever imagined.

Elderly discovered with superior memory and Alzheimer’s pathology

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 10:28 AM PST

New research on the brains of individuals 90 years and older who had superior memories until their deaths revealed widespread and dense Alzheimer's plaques and tangles in some cases, considered full-blown Alzheimer's pathology.

A milestone in small RNA biology

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 10:28 AM PST

Organisms are in a constant battle against viruses that invade their genomes. Among their most effective weapons are silencing pathways that use small RNAs to selectively target invading nucleic acids for their destruction. Scientists have now unravelled the precise mechanisms by which germline cells produce a class of small RNAs, called piRNAs, that control transposon silencing in animals.

Researchers show how circadian 'clock' may influence cancer pathway

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 10:19 AM PST

A new study describes an unexpected role for proteins involved with our daily "circadian" clocks in influencing cancer growth.

Newer generation LVAD is associated with better outcomes for heart failure patients at 6 months, study shows

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 10:19 AM PST

A newer generation left ventricular assist device (LVAD) provides better outcomes for patients with advanced heart failure at six months compared to its predecessor, according to a new study.

Looking for a city's DNA? Try its ATMs

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 10:19 AM PST

Automated teller machine keypads in New York City hold microbes from human skin, household surfaces, or traces of food, a study has found. The work shows that ATMs can provide a repository to offer a picture of a city's DNA.

Highest-resolution model to date of brain receptor behind marijuana's high

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 10:19 AM PST

Researchers report the most detailed 3-D structure to date of the brain receptor that binds and responds to the chemical at the root of marijuana's high.

Ant bridges connect shy tropical tree crowns

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 09:35 AM PST

Internet and phone connections are essential for effective communicators and for success in business. New results from a study in Panama show that connections between trees may be important for maintaining the rich diversity of tropical forests.

Owl-inspired wing design reduces wind turbine noise by 10 decibels

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 09:34 AM PST

Many species of owl are able to hunt in effective silence by suppressing their noise at sound frequencies above 1.6 kilohertz (kHz) - over the range that can be heard by humans. A team of researchers studying the acoustics of owl flight is working to pinpoint the mechanisms that accomplish this virtual silence to improve human-made aerodynamic design -- of wind turbines, aircraft, naval ships and, even, automobiles.

Solar smart window could offer privacy, light control on demand

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 09:02 AM PST

Smart windows get darker to filter out the sun's rays on bright days, and turn clear on cloudy days to let more light in. This feature can help control indoor temperatures and offers some privacy without resorting to aids such as mini-blinds. Now scientists report a new development in this growing niche: solar smart windows that can turn opaque on demand and even power other devices.

Salty snow could affect air pollution in the Arctic

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 09:02 AM PST

In pictures, the Arctic appears pristine and timeless with its barren lands and icy landscape. In reality, the area is rapidly changing. Scientists are working to understand the chemistry behind these changes to better predict what could happen to the region in the future. A research team reports that sea salt could play a larger role in the formation of local atmospheric pollutants than previously thought.

Improving cryopreservation for a longer-lasting blood supply

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 09:01 AM PST

Freezing and reanimating your body is still science fiction, but cryopreserving cells and certain tissues for future use is a reality. Still, the process could use some improvements to make it more useful in emergencies. In a recent study, scientists take a close look at a new class of small molecules with the potential to make the process more practical and give the cells and tissues a longer shelf life.

Teen stalking victims: Analysis of consequences reveals disturbing trends

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 08:58 AM PST

14% of teenage girls and 13% of boys report being a victim of stalking, and these teens are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, according to a new study.

Climate change may prevent volcanoes from cooling the planet

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 08:42 AM PST

New research shows that climate change may impede the cooling effect of volcanic eruptions. Previous research has shown that as the planet warms, the lower layers of the atmosphere will expand, making it much harder for the gasses to reach the stratosphere.

Great valley found on Mercury

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 07:40 AM PST

Scientists have discovered a new large valley on Mercury that may be the first evidence of buckling of the planet's outer silicate shell in response to global contraction. The researchers discovered the valley using a new high-resolution topographic map of part of Mercury's southern hemisphere created by stereo images from NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft.

Deepwater Horizon oil shows up in sparrows

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 07:35 AM PST

Scientists have identified the first evidence of Deepwater Horizon oil in a land animal - the Seaside Sparrow. The scientists analyzed the diet and feathers of sparrows collected more than a year after the oil spill. The birds that were captured in habitats that were exposed to the oil had a different chemical signature in their tissues than the birds that were found in areas of the marsh that were not exposed to the oil.

Atlas of the developing mouse heart created

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 07:35 AM PST

Exactly how heart cells follow their genetic programming to create an intricate, life-sustaining pump remains something of a mystery. A new study, however, is beginning to shed some light on this issue.

A hawk's-eye view of raptor hunting

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 07:34 AM PST

The neural processes underlying visual hunting behavior in hawks are similar to those in humans, new research suggests. To study a raptor's head movements while hunting, the scientists behind the study recruited an unusual research assistant—a Northern Goshawk named Shinta, fitted with a tiny head-mounted camera.

Women at greater risk for Zika infection due to suppressed vaginal immune response

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 07:33 AM PST

Women at greater risk for Zika infection due to suppressed vaginal immune response, report researchers. They add that the extra time that is needed to fight sexually transmitted virus means a greater chance of fetal exposure.

Indonesian fires exposed 69 million to 'killer haze'

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 07:32 AM PST

Wildfires in Indonesia and Borneo exposed 69 million people to unhealthy air pollution, new research has shown.

What can Pokémon Go teach the world of conservation?

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 07:31 AM PST

Launched in July this year, Pokémon Go has become a global phenomenon, reaching 500 million downloads within two months of release. The augmented reality game, designed for mobile devices, allows users to capture, battle and train virtual creatures called Pokémon that appear on screen as if part of the real-world environment. But can the game's enormous success deliver any lessons to the fields of natural history and conservation?

World's fastest quantum simulator operating at the atomic level

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 07:29 AM PST

Scientists have develop the world's fastest simulator that can simulate quantum mechanical dynamics of a large number of particles interacting with each other within one billionths of a second.

Marijuana could help treat drug addiction, mental health, study suggests

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 07:28 AM PST

Using marijuana could help some alcoholics and people addicted to opioids kick their habits, a new study suggests. The research also found some evidence that medical cannabis may help with symptoms of depression, PTSD and social anxiety. However, the review concluded that cannabis use might not be recommended for conditions such as bipolar disorder and psychosis.

New AI algorithm taught by humans learns beyond its training

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 07:22 AM PST

Researchers have designed an algorithm that learns directly from human instructions, rather than an existing set of examples, and outperformed conventional methods of training neural networks by 160 per cent. But more surprisingly, their algorithm also outperformed its own training by nine per cent -- it learned to recognize hair in pictures with greater reliability than that enabled by the training, marking a significant leap forward for artificial intelligence.

Scientists discover a nearby 'super-Earth'

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 07:21 AM PST

Researchers have discovered a "super-Earth" type planet, GJ 536 b, whose mass is around 5.4 Earth masses, in orbit around a nearby very bright star. The exoplanet is not within the star's habitable zone, but its short orbital period of 8.7 days and the luminosity of its star, a red dwarf which is quite cool and near to our Sun, make it an attractive candidate for investigating its atmospheric composition.

A father's influence makes for better grades

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 07:16 AM PST

The warmth of a father's love has a special influence on young people, and makes them feel optimistic and determined to strive for greater things. It also boosts the math grades of teenage girls and the language ability of boys.

'Beautiful accident' leads to advances in high pressure materials synthesis

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 07:15 AM PST

Unexpected results from a neutron scattering experiment could open a new pathway for the synthesis of novel materials and also help explain the formation of complex organic structures observed in interstellar space.

Coastal erosion study could hold valuable lessons for climate change mitigation

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 07:04 AM PST

The erosion rates of cliffs along the Sussex coast in England have rapidly sped up in the last 200 years, a new study has found.

High blood pressure affects 1.13 billion people around the world

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 07:00 AM PST

The number of people in the world with high blood pressure has reached 1.13 billion, according to new research. The largest ever study of its kind, the research involved the World Health Organization and hundreds of scientists throughout the world, and incorporated blood pressure measurements from nearly 20 million people.

Glowing tumors help surgeons cut out brain cancer with precision

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 06:49 AM PST

An experimental cancer imaging tool that makes tumors glow brightly during surgery has shown promise again in a new clinical study, this time in patients with brain cancer. The fluorescent dye technique, originally developed by surgeons to treat lung cancer, illuminated brain tumors in real-time during surgery, helping physicians distinguish between healthy and cancerous tissue

More human-like model of Alzheimer's better mirrors tangles in the brain

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 06:49 AM PST

A new animal model using tau tangles isolated from the brains of Alzheimer's patients rather than synthetic tau tangles paints a closer picture of the tau pathology in the AD brain, outlines a new report.

What makes a patient more likely to end up back in the hospital? Study finds surprising role for social factors

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 06:49 AM PST

When it comes to predicting which patients will end up back in the hospital -- costing their hospital a readmission penalty -- the answer is not as one-size-fits-all as hospital gowns, a new study shows. Social and disability factors matter, and differ by condition.

Where cells go: Mechanical and chemical cues collaborate to guide them

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 06:49 AM PST

Living cells respond to biochemical signals by moving toward those at higher concentration, a process carefully mapped out by biologists over the past several decades. But cells also move in response to mechanical forces, such as bumping up against other objects -- although the details of that action have been poorly understood.

UK burden of fungal asthma greatly exceeds prior estimates new study warns

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 06:47 AM PST

Experts are warning of a significant increase in the number of people in the UK who are living with invasive and serious fungal diseases that affect the lungs, bloodstream and brain and can sometimes lead to death.

Visualization of the behavior of sugar transport proteins

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 06:45 AM PST

A group of researchers has clarified the role of a N-glycan chain on glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) by developing a method for visualizing intracellular trafficking of proteins.

Words and bones tell a similar story about deep history

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 06:45 AM PST

Common descent of human populations is reflected both in their cranial features and their linguistic affiliations over vast geographic distances, new evidence suggests. The formation of different languages and language groupings appears to have happened in the same broad period and geographical locations as the development of facial features in various human populations, say researchers.

Sleep disorders: 3D video monitoring with intelligent software as new analysis option

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 06:45 AM PST

The usual method of recording periodic leg movements in sleep for people with sleep disorders is to use electromyography (EMG), an electrophysiological method used in neurological diagnosis that measures muscle activity. However, the cables that this method requires can interfere with the patient's sleep and electrodes can become detached, thereby compromising the quality of the data. In a new study, scientists have now demonstrated that superior data can be obtained using supplementary 3D scene analysis of movements, which is now being used for the first time.

Manufacturing time of breath sensors drastically reduced

Posted: 16 Nov 2016 06:45 AM PST

A group of researchers has succeeded in producing nanostructured gas sensor devices for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOC) in breath for the purpose of healthcare in time equivalent to or shorter than one tenth of the time required for manufacturing conventional gas sensors. This group improved conventional complicated production methods, developing a simple production method of just sintering substrates applied with materials. This gas sensor's sensing response was comparable to the top-of-the-line sensors reported all over the world.

Wide variability in generic heart failure drugs can make them unaffordable to uninsured patients

Posted: 15 Nov 2016 06:04 PM PST

Prices for commonly used generic heart failure drugs varies widely, outlines a new report. An estimated 7.3 million Americans with cardiovascular disease are underinsured or uninsured.

Immunology treatments providing hope for late-stage melanoma patients

Posted: 15 Nov 2016 06:03 PM PST

Therapies designed to help the body's immune system attack cancer cells are proving to be effective for some patients with advanced cases of the disease, report scientists.

Insight into children's race and gender identities

Posted: 15 Nov 2016 06:03 PM PST

Children aged 7 to 12 rate gender as more important than race, research shows. It also reveals that their perceptions of both are a complex mix of personal and societal influences.

Crowdsourcing a better prostate cancer prediction tool

Posted: 15 Nov 2016 06:02 PM PST

A prediction model created by "research parasites" offers a more accurate prognosis for a patient's metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, say researchers.

Skilful cockatoos able to shape same tool from different materials

Posted: 15 Nov 2016 06:00 PM PST

Tool manufacture was once regarded a defining feature of humankind, but it is now known that a variety of animal species use and make their own tools. In nature, some of the most striking cases of tool-related behavior are seen not just among close relatives of Homo sapiens, such as chimps and other primates, but among birds including crows, vultures and Galapagos finches. Researchers have now shown that Goffin's cockatoos can make and use elongated tools of appropriate shape and length out of amorphous materials, suggesting that the birds can anticipate how the tools will be used.
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