ScienceDaily: Top News

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• Maternal micronutrients, nurturing environment boost child development
• Smoking related imagery absent from only one James Bond movie to date
• Acupuncture may alleviate babies' excessive crying (infantile colic)
• Student, professor use sports analytics to discover NCAA ranking patterns
• Access to health care strengthens communities
• For first time ever, x-ray imaging captures material defect process
• Study finds high survival rate for elderly patients with implantable defibrillator
• Persistent infection keeps immune memory sharp, leading to long-term protection
• Now drivers can hear ambulances no matter how loud their music is playing
• Every meal triggers inflammation
• Metabolic sensor causes granulomas to form
• Genome sequence of polar alga explains evolutionary adaptation to extreme variable climate
• The lasting effects of ministrokes may contribute to dementia
• Tracking Antarctic adaptations in diatoms
• Study tracks 'memory' of soil moisture
• Best treatment option written in cancer's genetic script
• Seeing the quantum future, literally
• Nanoscale view of energy storage
• Considering cattle could help eliminate malaria in India
• Common crop chemical leaves bees susceptible to deadly viruses
• New study refutes how fruit flies developed their tolerance for alcohol
• Retail therapy for jealous partners
• Parents struggle with when to keep kids home sick from school
• Simultaneous water, nitrogen use can enhance sustainability
• Presumed young star turns out to be a galactic senior citizen
• Nanoparticle exposure can awaken dormant viruses in the lungs
• Light source discovery 'challenges basic assumption' of physics
• Protein research: the computer as microscope
• UV light for producing customized surfaces
• Certain anti-influenza compounds also inhibit Zika virus infection, Researchers find
• New research study creates new opportunities for treating brain diseases
• Atrial fibrillation more prevalent in dialysis patients than expected
• First humans arrived in North America a lot earlier than believed
• Computational modeling reveals anatomical distribution of drag on downhill skiers
• Benzodiazepines, related drugs increase stroke risk among persons with Alzheimer's disease
• One in five young people lose sleep over social media
• 'Baby talk' in marmoset monkeys
• Diversification key to resilient fishing communities
• Chemical-biological strategy for microRNA target identification

Maternal micronutrients, nurturing environment boost child development Posted: 16 Jan 2017 04:04 PM PST A new study offers a recipe for parents who want smarter kids: maternal micronutrient supplements during pregnancy, early life nurturing, happy moms, and educated parents.

Smoking related imagery absent from only one James Bond movie to date Posted: 16 Jan 2017 04:04 PM PST Smoking related imagery is conspicuous by its absence from only one Bond movie since 007 first graced cinema screens in 1962, finds a new analysis.

Acupuncture may alleviate babies' excessive crying (infantile colic) Posted: 16 Jan 2017 04:03 PM PST Acupuncture may be an effective treatment option for babies with infantile colic -- those who cry for more than three hours a day on three or more days of the week -- reveals research.

Student, professor use sports analytics to discover NCAA ranking patterns Posted: 16 Jan 2017 02:14 PM PST Does conference size impact conference rankings in NCAA men's basketball? According to research and analysis, it does.

Access to health care strengthens communities Posted: 16 Jan 2017 01:11 PM PST New research has focused on an aspect of the ACA/health care debate that hasn't really been discussed—the social impact on communities. The author of a new report was able to control for income level and other factors and still finds issues with trust, support and other issues in communities where members are uninsured.

For first time ever, x-ray imaging captures material defect process Posted: 16 Jan 2017 01:10 PM PST A new approach has been uncovered to detail the formation of material defects at the atomic scale and in near-real time, an important step that could assist in engineering better and stronger new materials.

Study finds high survival rate for elderly patients with implantable defibrillator Posted: 16 Jan 2017 01:06 PM PST Of patients over age 65 who received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) after surviving sudden cardiac arrest or a near-fatal arrhythmia, almost 80 percent survived two years—a higher rate than found in past trials performed to demonstrate the efficacy of the devices in this situation, according to a study.

Persistent infection keeps immune memory sharp, leading to long-term protection Posted: 16 Jan 2017 01:05 PM PST For many infectious diseases, a single bout of the illness protects a person against contracting it again. Sometimes, the infecting microbe persists in the body long after symptoms resolve. Now, researchers studying the tropical parasite Leishmania have found a clue to explain the link between long-term immunity and long-term infection: The parasite is constantly multiplying and being killed by immune cells, keeping the immune system alert and prepared for any new encounters with the parasite.

Now drivers can hear ambulances no matter how loud their music is playing Posted: 16 Jan 2017 09:19 AM PST If you've ever been startled by the sudden appearance of an ambulance while blasting music in your car, then you appreciate the value of a loud siren. Fortunately, your car is probably equipped already to receive warning signals on its audio system, thanks to a new solution developed by students in Sweden.

Every meal triggers inflammation Posted: 16 Jan 2017 09:19 AM PST When we eat, we do not just take in nutrients – we also consume a significant quantity of bacteria. The body is faced with the challenge of simultaneously distributing the ingested glucose and fighting these bacteria. This triggers an inflammatory response that activates the immune systems of healthy individuals and has a protective effect, as doctors have proven for the first time. In overweight individuals, however, this inflammatory response fails so dramatically that it can lead to diabetes.

Metabolic sensor causes granulomas to form Posted: 16 Jan 2017 09:19 AM PST Granulomas are tissue nodules of immune cells that occur in diseases such as tuberculosis and sarcoidosis and can damage many organs. For the first time, a team of researchers has identified what causes them to form. It is the chronic activation of the metabolic sensor mTOR (mammalian Target Of Rapamycin) that is responsible for the formation of granulomas. The scientists also discovered that, in sarcoidosis (in which granulomas cause damage to the lungs), this mechanism leads to a course that is chronic and difficult to treat. Since mTOR inhibitors belong to a group of drugs already licensed for clinical use, these findings offer new and quickly testable treatment options.

Genome sequence of polar alga explains evolutionary adaptation to extreme variable climate Posted: 16 Jan 2017 09:18 AM PST An international team of researchers has identified the genetic mutations which allowed microalgae (phytoplankton) from the Southern Ocean to adapt to extreme and highly variable climates -- a step towards understanding how polar organisms are impacted by climate change.

The lasting effects of ministrokes may contribute to dementia Posted: 16 Jan 2017 09:18 AM PST Investigators report preclinical research showing that microinfarcts induce prolonged dysfunction in brain areas estimated to be 12-times larger than the visible injury site. Data from c-Fos assays and in vivo hemodynamic imaging reveal how individually miniscule microinfarcts might collectively contribute to broader brain dysfunction in patients with vascular cognitive impairment and dementia.

Tracking Antarctic adaptations in diatoms Posted: 16 Jan 2017 09:18 AM PST In the Antarctic Ocean, large populations of the diatom Fragillariopsis cylindrus dominate the phytoplankton communities. To learn more about how F. cylindrus adapted to its extremely cold environment, a team of researchers conducted a comparative genomic analysis involving three diatoms. The results provided insights into the genome structure and evolution of F. cylindrus, as well as this diatom's role in the Southern Ocean.

Study tracks 'memory' of soil moisture Posted: 16 Jan 2017 09:18 AM PST SMAP's first year of observational data has now been analyzed and is providing some significant surprises that will help in the modeling of climate, forecasting of weather, and monitoring of agriculture around the world.

Best treatment option written in cancer's genetic script Posted: 16 Jan 2017 09:18 AM PST An international collaboration has shown proof-of-concept that truly personalized therapy will be possible in the future for people with cancer. Details of how a knowledge bank could be used to find the best treatment option for people with acute myeloid leukemia are published in a new report.

Seeing the quantum future, literally Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:29 AM PST Scientists have demonstrated the ability to 'see' the future of quantum systems and used that knowledge to preempt their demise, in a major achievement that could help bring the strange and powerful world of quantum technology closer to reality. Although applications of quantum-enabled technologies are compelling, quantum physicists had previously been stymied by the most significant obstacle to building reliable quantum technologies -- 'decoherence' or the randomization of quantum systems by their environments.

Nanoscale view of energy storage Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:29 AM PST Through long shifts at the helm of a highly sophisticated microscope, researchers have recorded reactions at near-atomic-scale resolution. Their success is another step toward building a better battery.

Considering cattle could help eliminate malaria in India Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:29 AM PST The goal of eliminating malaria in countries like India could be more achievable if mosquito-control efforts take into account the relationship between mosquitoes and cattle, according to an international team of researchers.

Common crop chemical leaves bees susceptible to deadly viruses Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:29 AM PST A chemical that is thought to be safe and is, therefore, widely used on crops -- such as almonds, wine grapes and tree fruits -- to boost the performance of pesticides, makes honey bee larvae significantly more susceptible to a deadly virus, according to researchers.

New study refutes how fruit flies developed their tolerance for alcohol Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:29 AM PST Scientists have conducted experiments investigating whether a molecular change in an enzyme gave the Drosophila melanogaster fruit fly species its superior ability to metabolize alcohol.

Retail therapy for jealous partners Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:29 AM PST When people in a relationships feel jealous about the attention their partners are receiving, they are more likely to purchase eye-grabbing products. This is an attempt to recapture the attention of their partners, new research suggests.

Parents struggle with when to keep kids home sick from school Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:23 AM PST Opinions among parents differ when it comes to how sick is too sick to stay home, or the importance of sick day consequences such as parents missing work or kids missing tests.

Simultaneous water, nitrogen use can enhance sustainability Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:20 AM PST Researchers have studied diverse techniques to enhance the water- and nitrogen-use efficiency in cropping systems.

Presumed young star turns out to be a galactic senior citizen Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:20 AM PST 49 Lib, a relatively bright star in the southern sky, is twelve billion years old rather than just 2.3 billion. For many decades, researchers were stumped by conflicting data pertaining to this celestial body, because they had estimated it as much younger than it really is. Determining its age anew, astronomers have now successfully resolved all inconsistencies.

Nanoparticle exposure can awaken dormant viruses in the lungs Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:20 AM PST Nanoparticles from combustion engines can activate viruses that are dormant in in lung tissue cells, researchers have found.

Light source discovery 'challenges basic assumption' of physics Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:20 AM PST A widely-held understanding of electromagnetic radiation has been challenged in newly published research. The study found that the normal direct correspondence between the bandwidths of the current source and emitted radiation can be broken. This was achieved by extracting narrowband radiation with high efficiency, without making the oscillation of the current narrowband.

Protein research: the computer as microscope Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:16 AM PST Using a combination of infrared spectroscopy and computer simulation, researchers have gained new insights into the workings of protein switches. With high temporal and spatial resolution, they verified that a magnesium atom contributes significantly to switching the so-called G-proteins on and off.

UV light for producing customized surfaces Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:16 AM PST Scientists have developed a new process to structure surfaces and to apply or detach functional molecules. They use UV light for the formation or breaking of so-called disulfide bridges, i.e. bonds of sulfur atoms. Both photodynamic reactions allow for a temporally and spatially controlled and reversible modification of the surface and, hence, can be used to produce functional interfaces.

Certain anti-influenza compounds also inhibit Zika virus infection, Researchers find Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:14 AM PST Three anti-influenza compounds effectively inhibit Zika virus infection in human cells, scientists have discovered. These results provide the foundation for development of the broad-spectrum cell-directed antivirals or their combinations for treatment of Zika and other emerging viral diseases.

New research study creates new opportunities for treating brain diseases Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:14 AM PST Immunotherapy has proven to be effective against many serious diseases. But to treat diseases in the brain, the antibodies must first get past the obstacle of the blood-brain barrier. In a new study, a research group describes their development of a new antibody design that increases brain uptake of antibodies almost 100-fold.

Atrial fibrillation more prevalent in dialysis patients than expected Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:14 AM PST Atrial fibrillation, which is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, is an important risk factor for strokes. A multi-centre study shows that the prevalence of atrial fibrillation in haemodialysis patients in Vienna is significantly higher than previously thought. Moreover, only half of the patients affected are treated with an anticoagulant.

First humans arrived in North America a lot earlier than believed Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:14 AM PST The timing of the first entry of humans into North America across the Bering Strait has now been set back 10,000 years, scientists report.

Computational modeling reveals anatomical distribution of drag on downhill skiers Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:14 AM PST Minimizing air resistance and friction with snow is key to elite performance in downhill skiing. Experiments in wind tunnels have revealed the total drag experienced by skiers, but have not provided precise data on which parts of the body cause the most air resistance when adopting the full-tuck position.

Benzodiazepines, related drugs increase stroke risk among persons with Alzheimer's disease Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:14 AM PST The use of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-like drugs was associated with a 20 per cent increased risk of stroke among persons with Alzheimer's disease, shows a recent study. Benzodiazepines were associated with a similar risk of stroke as benzodiazepine-like drugs.

One in five young people lose sleep over social media Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:14 AM PST One in five young people regularly wake up in the night to send or check messages on social media, according to new research. This night-time activity is making teenagers three times more likely to feel constantly tired at school than their peers who do not log on at night, and could be affecting their happiness and wellbeing.

'Baby talk' in marmoset monkeys Posted: 16 Jan 2017 06:14 AM PST Neuroscientists have investigated the development of vocalization in young monkeys, and have summarized their findings in a new report.

Diversification key to resilient fishing communities Posted: 14 Jan 2017 08:04 AM PST Fishing communities can survive, and even thrive, as fish abundance and market prices shift if they can catch a variety of species and nimbly move from one fishery to the next, a new study finds.

Chemical-biological strategy for microRNA target identification Posted: 13 Jan 2017 12:56 PM PST A research team reports photo-clickable miRNAs as probes for intracellular target identification of miRNAs.

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