ScienceDaily: Top News

---

• Jujube genome study sheds light on fruit tree's domestication
• Genes Nardilysin, OGDHL linked to human neurological conditions
• Burning more fat, less glucose could lead to diabetes, mouse models indicate
• Genetic cause identified for previously unrecognized developmental disorder
• The hidden inferno inside your laser pointer
• New tag revolutionizes whale research, and makes them partners in science
• Protein that activates immune response harms body's ability to fight HIV
• Champagne owes its taste to the finely tuned quality of its bubbles
• Research aids discovery of genetic immune disorder
• Visualizing gene expression with MRI
• Hard-wired: The brain's circuitry for political belief
• Genomic sequencing illuminates recent Shigella outbreaks in California
• Capsule for severe bleeding disorder moves closer to reality
• Why chess masters win
• Superfoods from algae cultivated thanks to an electric power station
• Light opens, closes windows in membranes
• Stability challenge in perovskite solar cell technology
• First movie of energy transfer in photosynthesis solves decades-old debate
• Scientists identify a new approach to recycle greenhouse gas
• False killer whale’s encounter with longline
• Linking human genome sequences to health data will change clinical medicine, says expert
• Smoking while pregnant may compromise children’s kidney function
• Prior kidney damage may pose risks for pregnant women and their babies
• Protein monitors lung volume, regulates breathing
• Final trial results confirm Ebola vaccine provides high protection against disease
• Heart-related deaths spike at Christmas
• Losing sleep over discrimination? 'everyday discrimination' may contribute to sleep problems
• Process cells use to destroy damaged organelles now identified
• What makes a skin cell destined to be hairy or sweaty
• New groundbreaking research on preterm birth
• Stem cell strategy for boosting testosterone levels tested in rodents
• Controlling the body clock
• Feeding the ravenous black hole at the center of our galaxy
• New precision medicine tool helps optimize cancer treatment
• High-mileage runners expend less energy than low-mileage runners
• Thinking with our hands can help find new ways of solving problems, research reveals
• Toeing the line: Study finds brain cells that signal path of travel

Jujube genome study sheds light on fruit tree's domestication Posted: 23 Dec 2016 08:59 AM PST Researchers have sequenced the genome of the dry jujube. They identified the genomic region that underlies the sugar and acid content of the fruits -- a key factor in jujube domestication -- as well as genes involved in fruit texture and breeding compatibility. The genome will serve as a resource for jujube breeding efforts.

Genes Nardilysin, OGDHL linked to human neurological conditions Posted: 23 Dec 2016 08:59 AM PST The gene, OGDHL, a key protein required for normal function of the mitochondria -- the energy-producing factory of the cell -- and its chaperone, nardilysin (NRD1) are linked to progressive loss of neurological function in humans, an international team of scientists has discovered.

Burning more fat, less glucose could lead to diabetes, mouse models indicate Posted: 23 Dec 2016 08:59 AM PST Making muscles burn more fat and less glucose can increase exercise endurance, but could simultaneously cause diabetes, says a team of scientists.

Genetic cause identified for previously unrecognized developmental disorder Posted: 23 Dec 2016 08:59 AM PST An international team of scientists has identified variants of the gene EBF3 causing a developmental disorder with features in common with autism. Identification of these gene variants leads to a better understanding of these complex conditions and opens the possibility of diagnosing other previously undiagnosed patients with similar clinical disorders

The hidden inferno inside your laser pointer Posted: 23 Dec 2016 08:58 AM PST Two physicists have discovered that basic concepts such as 'hot' or 'cold' apply to any system, even those far from equilibrium. Challenging established wisdom, the findings could possibly inform the design of future microelectronic devices and help bring some order around fundamental concepts in thermodynamics.

New tag revolutionizes whale research, and makes them partners in science Posted: 23 Dec 2016 08:58 AM PST A sophisticated new type of 'tag' on whales that can record data every second for hours, days and weeks at a time provides a view of whale behavior, biology and travels never before possible, scientists reported today in a new study. The data are also making whales partners in the study of climate change.

Protein that activates immune response harms body's ability to fight HIV Posted: 23 Dec 2016 08:58 AM PST Temporarily blocking a type of protein, called type I interferon, can restore immune function and speed up viral suppression during treatment with anti-viral drugs for people with chronic infection of the virus that causes AIDS, findings from a study in animals appear to demonstrate.

Champagne owes its taste to the finely tuned quality of its bubbles Posted: 23 Dec 2016 08:58 AM PST Ever wondered how the fate of champagne bubbles from their birth to their death with a pop enhances our perception of aromas? These concerns, which are relevant to champagne producers, are the focus of a scientists, helping champagne producers become aware of the neuro-physico-chemical mechanisms responsible for aroma release and flavor perception.

Research aids discovery of genetic immune disorder Posted: 23 Dec 2016 08:58 AM PST Investigators have identified a genetic immune disorder characterized by increased susceptibility and poor immune control of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and, in some cases, an EBV-associated cancer called Hodgkin's lymphoma. The researchers studied two unrelated sets of siblings with similar immune problems and determined their symptoms were likely caused by a lack of CD70, a protein found on the surface of several types of immune cells.

Visualizing gene expression with MRI Posted: 23 Dec 2016 08:58 AM PST A cellular gatekeeper for water molecules finds new use in magnetic resonance imaging, a new report explains.

Hard-wired: The brain's circuitry for political belief Posted: 23 Dec 2016 08:57 AM PST When people's political beliefs are challenged, their brains become active in areas that govern personal identity and emotional responses to threats, neuroscientists have found.

Genomic sequencing illuminates recent Shigella outbreaks in California Posted: 23 Dec 2016 08:57 AM PST In a study that could have significant impact on how disease outbreaks are managed, researchers have sequenced and analyzed genomes from Shigella sonnei (S. sonnei) bacteria associated with major shigellosis outbreaks in California in 2014 and 2015.

Capsule for severe bleeding disorder moves closer to reality Posted: 23 Dec 2016 08:22 AM PST Researchers are working to develop a pill to treat this serious inherited bleeding disorder. Oral delivery of the treatment--clotting factor IX--would allow individuals with type B hemophilia to swallow a pill rather than be subjected to several weekly injections of factor IX to control potentially fatal bleeding episodes.

Why chess masters win Posted: 23 Dec 2016 08:21 AM PST Chess is one of the oldest – and most popular – board games. Yet what is the secret of successful chess players? Cognitive scientists have been investigating this question for the past year in the project "Ceege" by recording players' eye movements and facial expressions. Now, the researchers are revealing their preliminary results and explain why Norwegian grandmaster Magnus Carlsen again earned the title of world chess champion at this year's tournament.

Superfoods from algae cultivated thanks to an electric power station Posted: 23 Dec 2016 08:21 AM PST "Algae for a Healthy World" is born, a consortium to produce biocompounds with food applications from microalgae. Researchers have met to formalize the commencement of the project, whose aim encompasses the development of the necessary biotechnological tools to improve and to optimize the production of biomass of marine origin.

Light opens, closes windows in membranes Posted: 23 Dec 2016 08:21 AM PST Researchers have developed novel membranes, whose selectivity can be switched dynamically with the help of light. For this purpose, azobenzene molecules were integrated into membranes made of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Depending on the irradiation wavelength, these azobenzene units in the MOFs adopt a stretched or angular form. In this way, it is possible to dynamically adjust the permeability of the membrane and the separation factor of gases or liquids.

Stability challenge in perovskite solar cell technology Posted: 23 Dec 2016 08:21 AM PST While solar cell technology is currently being used by many industrial and government entities, it remains prohibitively expensive to many individuals who would like to utilize it. There is a need for cheaper, more efficient solar cells than the traditional silicon solar cells so that more people may have access to this technology. One of the current popular topics in photovoltaic technology research centers around the use of organic-inorganic halide perovskites as solar cells because of the high power conversion efficiency and the low-cost fabrication.

First movie of energy transfer in photosynthesis solves decades-old debate Posted: 23 Dec 2016 08:21 AM PST Using ultrafast imaging of moving energy in photosynthesis, scientists have determined the speed of crucial processes for the first time. This should help scientists understand how nature has perfected the process of photosynthesis, and how this might be copied to produce fuels by artificial photosynthesis.

Scientists identify a new approach to recycle greenhouse gas Posted: 22 Dec 2016 04:16 PM PST Using a novel approach involving a key enzyme that helps regulate global nitrogen, molecular biologists have discovered an effective way to convert carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide that can be adapted for commercial applications like biofuel synthesis.

False killer whale’s encounter with longline Posted: 22 Dec 2016 04:15 PM PST A team of researchers and fishermen used video and audio recordings to observe false killer whales removing fish from a longline fishing hook, a behavior known as depredation.

Linking human genome sequences to health data will change clinical medicine, says expert Posted: 22 Dec 2016 04:15 PM PST The value of intersecting the sequencing of individuals' exomes (all expressed genes) or full genomes to find rare genetic variants -- on a large scale -- with their detailed electronic health record (EHR) information may have big benefits for medicine, reports a new article.

Smoking while pregnant may compromise children’s kidney function Posted: 22 Dec 2016 04:15 PM PST Compared with those born from nonsmoking mothers, young children whose mothers smoked while pregnant were 1.24-times more likely to show signs of kidney damage, research shows.

Prior kidney damage may pose risks for pregnant women and their babies Posted: 22 Dec 2016 04:15 PM PST Women with a history of recovered acute kidney injury had an increased rate of preeclampsia and delivered infants earlier than women with a history of normal kidney function, new research concludes.

Protein monitors lung volume, regulates breathing Posted: 22 Dec 2016 04:13 PM PST A new study might help shed light on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in human babies, which is thought to be associated with dysfunctional airway sensory neurons.

Final trial results confirm Ebola vaccine provides high protection against disease Posted: 22 Dec 2016 04:13 PM PST An experimental Ebola vaccine was highly protective against the deadly virus in a major trial in Guinea, according to results of a new study. The vaccine is the first to prevent infection from one of the most lethal known pathogens, and the findings add weight to early trial results published last year.

Heart-related deaths spike at Christmas Posted: 22 Dec 2016 04:13 PM PST Heart-related deaths spike during Christmas, but the effect may have nothing to do with the cold winter season, according to new research.

Losing sleep over discrimination? 'everyday discrimination' may contribute to sleep problems Posted: 22 Dec 2016 11:36 AM PST People who perceive more discrimination in daily life have higher rates of sleep problems, based on both subjective and objective measures, reports a new study.

Process cells use to destroy damaged organelles now identified Posted: 22 Dec 2016 11:35 AM PST Researchers have uncovered the mechanism that cells use to find and destroy an organelle called mitochondria that, when damaged, may lead to genetic problems, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory disease, and aging.

What makes a skin cell destined to be hairy or sweaty Posted: 22 Dec 2016 11:34 AM PST Researchers have identified the signals and exact timing during embryonic development that dictate the fate of skin cells to be sweaty or hairy. Unlike other mammals that must pant or seek shade when overheated, humans are able to self-cool by sweating.

New groundbreaking research on preterm birth Posted: 22 Dec 2016 11:33 AM PST Preterm birth -- birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy -- affects up to one in every six births in the United States and many other countries. In a recent study has discovered the critical function of a type of mother's immune cells -- B lymphocytes -- in resisting preterm birth triggered by inflammation.

Stem cell strategy for boosting testosterone levels tested in rodents Posted: 22 Dec 2016 10:16 AM PST Male hypogonadism is a condition that diminishes testosterone levels in approximately 30% of older men, but currently available therapies can produce serious side effects. In a new study, researchers developed an alternative approach involving the direct conversion of adult skin cells into functional testosterone-producing cells. When transplanted into male rodents with hypogonadism, these so-called Leydig-like cells survived and restored normal testosterone levels.

Controlling the body clock Posted: 22 Dec 2016 10:16 AM PST A new study investigates circadian timekeeping with a novel approach to creating genetic knock-out rescue mice. The study shows how this technique was used to quickly create numerous mouse lines, each with different mutations in a circadian regulator called CRY1. Studying each mutation and the effects on behavior showed that specific changes to the protein affected the duration of the circadian period.

Feeding the ravenous black hole at the center of our galaxy Posted: 22 Dec 2016 10:05 AM PST An improved method for simulating collisionless accretion disk around the supermassive Sagittarius A* at center of the Milky Way has been described in a new article.

New precision medicine tool helps optimize cancer treatment Posted: 22 Dec 2016 10:05 AM PST A user-friendly computational tool has been created that rapidly predicts which genes are implicated in an individual's cancer and recommends treatments.

High-mileage runners expend less energy than low-mileage runners Posted: 22 Dec 2016 10:05 AM PST Runners who consistently log high mileage show more neuromuscular changes that improve running efficiency than their low-mileage counterparts, according to researchers.

Thinking with our hands can help find new ways of solving problems, research reveals Posted: 22 Dec 2016 10:00 AM PST New research by two cognitive psychology experts is demonstrating how our decision making is heavily influenced by the world around us, challenging the traditional idea that thinking takes place strictly in the head.

Toeing the line: Study finds brain cells that signal path of travel Posted: 22 Dec 2016 06:58 AM PST Cognitive scientists say they have found neurons that help an animal align itself within a cognitive map of its environment. The neurons signal 'I'm on this line, in this orientation.'

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