ScienceDaily: Top News

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• Study links sleep to mood disturbance, poor quality of life in obese
• Crocodiles are cleverer than previously thought: Some crocodiles use lures to hunt their prey
• Glimpsing the infrastructure of a gamma-ray burst jet
• Rising ocean acidification leads to anxiety in fish
• Multi-dog study points to canine brain's reward center
• New fossil species found in Mozambique reveals new data on ancient mammal relatives
• IVF improving, but fertility treatments keep multiple births high
• Fledgling supernova remnant reveals neutron star's secrets
• Early tree-dwelling bipedal human ancestor was similar to ancient apes and 'Lucy' but not living apes
• NASA's Cassini spacecraft obtains best views of Saturn hexagon
• Humans threaten wetlands' ability to keep pace with sea-level rise
• Sea-level rise to drive coastal flooding, regardless of change in cyclone activity
• Oldest hominin DNA sequenced: Mitochondrial genome of a 400,000-year-old hominin from Spain decoded
• Industrial age helps some coastal regions capture carbon dioxide, surprise finding shows
• The first decade: Team reports on US trials of bioenergy grasses
• First evidence of primates regularly sleeping in caves
• Mysteries of Earth's radiation belts uncovered by NASA twin spacecraft
• Multiple mates worth the risk for female prairie dogs
• Can iPads help students learn science? Yes, study shows
• New scheme uses shared visual cues to help people remember multiple passwords
• No blue skies for mice: Scientist study differential distribution of photoreceptors in retina of mice
• Researchers find shape-shifting stops migrating cancer cells
• Virtual wall could stop spread of oil and help build invisible barrier for oil spills
• Turning waste into power with bacteria and loofahs
• While the Arctic Ocean is largely a carbon sink, parts are also a source of atmospheric carbon dioxide
• Scientists unearth secrets of Périgord truffles, the culinary 'black diamond'
• Silkworms spin colored silks while on a 'green' dyed-leaf diet
• Important discovery related to anxiety disorders, trauma
• Fossils clarify the origins of wasps and their kin: Alderfly ancestors, snakefly cousins
• Education, not fertility, key for economic development in developing countries
• Fruit pest targeted by genomic research
• First global snapshot of key coral reef fishes: Fishing has reduced vital seaweed eaters by more than 50 percent
• How to change cell types by flipping a single switch
• Five distinct humpback whale populations identified in North Pacific
• Dads: How important are they? New research highlights value of fathers in both neurobiology and behavior of offspring
• Ten times more throughput on optic fibers
• New method for stabilizing hemoglobin could lead to stable vaccines, artificial blood
• Radiographic imaging exposes relationship between obesity, cancer
• Explosive growth of young star
• Blood vessels reorganize after face transplantation surgery
• Mammography screening intervals may affect breast cancer prognosis
• MR-guided ultrasound offers noninvasive treatment for breast cancer
• More extreme weather events likely: Climate projections of unparalleled accuracy for the whole of Europe
• Ocean crust could store many centuries of industrial carbon dioxide
• World record: Longest ECG ever measured non-invasively
• Harlequin ladybugs escape enemies while native species succumb
• Missing 'brake in the brain' can trigger anxiety
• Rapid climate changes at end of last glaciation, but with 120 year time lag
• Depression in pregnant mothers may alter the pattern of brain development in their babies
• Amoeboid swimming: Crawling in a fluid
• The promise of nanotechnology
• Omega-3 dietary supplements pass blood-brain barrier
• Intense two-color double X-ray laser pulses: Powerful tool to study ultrafast processes
• Study highlights massive benefits of HIV treatment in South Africa
• Highly insulating windows are very energy efficient, though expensive
• Light finds the right mix: Quickly switching orientation of a laser beam enables control over quantum properties of light
• Friendly app attacks detect vulnerabilities
• Exercise beneficial for dementia
• Toxigenic C. difficile resides harmlessly in infants, poses risk to adults

Study links sleep to mood disturbance, poor quality of life in obese Posted: 04 Dec 2013 03:24 PM PST A new study shows that poor sleep quality is strongly associated with mood disturbance and lower quality of life among people with extreme obesity.

Crocodiles are cleverer than previously thought: Some crocodiles use lures to hunt their prey Posted: 04 Dec 2013 03:24 PM PST Biologists have observed two crocodilian species -- muggers and American alligators -- using twigs and sticks to lure birds, particularly during nest-building time.

Glimpsing the infrastructure of a gamma-ray burst jet Posted: 04 Dec 2013 03:24 PM PST A new study using observations from a novel instrument provides the best look to date at magnetic fields at the heart of gamma-ray bursts, the most energetic explosions in the universe. An international team of astronomers has glimpsed the infrastructure of a burst's high-speed jet.

Rising ocean acidification leads to anxiety in fish Posted: 04 Dec 2013 03:22 PM PST A new research study combining marine physiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, and behavioral psychology has revealed a surprising outcome from increases of carbon dioxide uptake in the oceans: anxious fish. Scientists have shown for the first time that rising acidity levels increase anxiety in juvenile rockfish, an important commercial species in California.

Multi-dog study points to canine brain's reward center Posted: 04 Dec 2013 03:22 PM PST After capturing the first brain images of two alert, unrestrained dogs last year, researchers have confirmed their methods and results by replicating them in an experiment involving 13 dogs. The research showed that most of the dogs had a positive response in the caudate region of the brain when given a hand signal indicating they would receive a food treat, as compared to a different hand signal for "no treat."

New fossil species found in Mozambique reveals new data on ancient mammal relatives Posted: 04 Dec 2013 03:18 PM PST In the remote province of Niassa, Mozambique, a new species and genus of fossil vertebrate was found. The species is a distant relative of living mammals and is approximately 256 million years old. This new species belongs to a group of animals called synapsids. Synapsida includes a number of extinct lineages that dominated the communities on land in the Late Permian (260-252 million years ago), as well as living mammals and their direct ancestors.

IVF improving, but fertility treatments keep multiple births high Posted: 04 Dec 2013 03:18 PM PST More than one in three twin births and three of four births of triplets or more in the United States arise from fertility treatments, according to new estimates published. Although in-vitro fertilization (IVF) practices have improved to produce fewer triplets or higher-order births than at peak, multiples from non-IVF treatments continue unabated.

Fledgling supernova remnant reveals neutron star's secrets Posted: 04 Dec 2013 03:14 PM PST Astronomers have identified the glowing wreck of a star that exploded a mere 2,500 years ago — the blink of an eye in astronomical terms.

Early tree-dwelling bipedal human ancestor was similar to ancient apes and 'Lucy' but not living apes Posted: 04 Dec 2013 03:12 PM PST An analysis of the femur of one of the oldest human ancestors reveals the six-million-year-old "Millenium Man" was bipedal but lived in the trees. The research could provide additional insight to the origins of human bipedalism.

NASA's Cassini spacecraft obtains best views of Saturn hexagon Posted: 04 Dec 2013 12:48 PM PST NASA's Cassini spacecraft has obtained the highest-resolution movie yet of a unique six-sided jet stream, known as the hexagon, around Saturn's north pole.

Humans threaten wetlands' ability to keep pace with sea-level rise Posted: 04 Dec 2013 10:20 AM PST Left to themselves, coastal wetlands can withstand rapid levels of sea-level rise. But humans could be sabotaging some of their best defenses, according to a new review.

Sea-level rise to drive coastal flooding, regardless of change in cyclone activity Posted: 04 Dec 2013 10:20 AM PST Though recent studies focus on climate change impacts on intensity and frequency of tropical cyclones, a new review shows that sea level rise and shoreline retreat are the two more certain factors expected to drive an increase in future flood risk.

Oldest hominin DNA sequenced: Mitochondrial genome of a 400,000-year-old hominin from Spain decoded Posted: 04 Dec 2013 10:20 AM PST Using novel techniques to extract and study ancient DNA researchers have determined an almost complete mitochondrial genome sequence of a 400,000-year-old representative of the genus Homo from Sima de los Huesos, a unique cave site in Northern Spain, and found that it is related to the mitochondrial genome of Denisovans, extinct relatives of Neandertals in Asia. DNA this old has until recently been retrieved only from the permafrost.

Industrial age helps some coastal regions capture carbon dioxide, surprise finding shows Posted: 04 Dec 2013 10:09 AM PST Coastal portions of the world's oceans, once believed to be a source of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, are now thought to absorb as much as two-thirds more carbon than they emitted in the preindustrial age, researchers estimate.

The first decade: Team reports on US trials of bioenergy grasses Posted: 04 Dec 2013 09:38 AM PST The first long-term US field trials of Miscanthus x giganteus, a towering perennial grass used in bioenergy production, reveal that its exceptional yields, though reduced somewhat after five years of growth, are still more than twice those of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), another perennial grass used as a bioenergy feedstock. Miscanthus grown in Illinois also outperforms even the high yields found in earlier studies of the crop in Europe, the researchers found.

First evidence of primates regularly sleeping in caves Posted: 04 Dec 2013 09:37 AM PST Scientists have discovered that some ring-tailed lemurs in Madagascar regularly retire to limestone chambers for their nightly snoozes, the first evidence of the consistent, daily use of the same caves and crevices for sleeping among the world's wild primates.

Mysteries of Earth's radiation belts uncovered by NASA twin spacecraft Posted: 04 Dec 2013 09:37 AM PST Just over a year since launch, NASA's Van Allen Probes mission continues to unravel longstanding mysteries of Earth's high-energy radiation belts that encircle our planet and pose hazards to orbiting satellites and astronauts.

Multiple mates worth the risk for female prairie dogs Posted: 04 Dec 2013 09:37 AM PST Mating with more than one male increases reproductive success for female prairie dogs, despite an increase in risks such as increased susceptibility to predation and increased exposure to diseases and parasites. So why would a female prairie dog take the risk? The answer is simple: female prairie dogs that mate with two or more males rear more offspring than those that mate with only one.

Can iPads help students learn science? Yes, study shows Posted: 04 Dec 2013 09:37 AM PST A new study shows that students grasp the unimaginable emptiness of space more effectively when they use iPads to explore 3-D simulations of the universe, compared to traditional classroom instruction.

New scheme uses shared visual cues to help people remember multiple passwords Posted: 04 Dec 2013 09:37 AM PST It turns out that the way to keep track of your many passwords to online accounts is the same as how to get to Carnegie Hall -- practice, practice, practice. So researchers have devised a scheme that enables users to create 100 or more passwords by remembering -- and regularly rehearsing -- a small number of one-sentence stories. The story sentences become the basis for password fragments that are randomly combined to create unique, strong passwords for multiple accounts.

No blue skies for mice: Scientist study differential distribution of photoreceptors in retina of mice Posted: 04 Dec 2013 09:36 AM PST Guppies, hyenas and mice share one particular retinal specialization in their eye: Photoreceptors ("cones") sensitive to 'green' light are largely located in the top half of the eye, whereas cones sensitive to 'blue' light dominate the bottom half. Scientists have investigated this retinal specialization in mice, showing that the apparent match between 'color' and differential cone distribution brings the animals no advantage.

Researchers find shape-shifting stops migrating cancer cells Posted: 04 Dec 2013 09:32 AM PST Like a car with a front and back end, a steering mechanism and an engine to push it forward, cancer cells propel themselves through normal tissues and organs to spread cancer throughout the body. Researchers, however, have managed to turn these cells into shapes like a round fried egg and an exaggerated starfish that sticks out in many directions — both of which cannot move.

Virtual wall could stop spread of oil and help build invisible barrier for oil spills Posted: 04 Dec 2013 08:20 AM PST A new technique forms a virtual wall for oily liquids that will help confine them to a certain area, aiding researchers who are studying these complex molecules. This development will have future implications in the guided delivery of oil and effective blockage of oil spreading.

Turning waste into power with bacteria and loofahs Posted: 04 Dec 2013 08:20 AM PST Loofahs, best known for their use in exfoliating skin to soft, radiant perfection, have emerged as a new potential tool to advance sustainability efforts on two fronts at the same time: energy and waste. A new study describes the pairing of loofahs with bacteria to create a power-generating microbial fuel cell.

While the Arctic Ocean is largely a carbon sink, parts are also a source of atmospheric carbon dioxide Posted: 04 Dec 2013 08:20 AM PST While the Arctic Ocean is largely a carbon sink, researchers find parts are also a source of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The Arctic Ocean as a whole seems to be storing more carbon than in previous years but the increase in the carbon sink may not be as large as scientists had previously thought.

Scientists unearth secrets of Périgord truffles, the culinary 'black diamond' Posted: 04 Dec 2013 08:20 AM PST Just in time for the holidays when cooks in France and elsewhere will be slipping bits of the coveted black Périgord truffle under their turkeys' skin for a luxurious flavor, scientists are revealing the secrets that give the culinary world's "black diamond" its unique, pungent aroma. Their study could lead to better ways to determine the freshness and authenticity of the pricey delicacy.

Silkworms spin colored silks while on a 'green' dyed-leaf diet Posted: 04 Dec 2013 08:20 AM PST For some 5,000 years, cultivated silkworms have been spinning luxurious white silk fibers destined for use in the finest clothing. But current dyeing practices produce wastewater that contains potentially harmful toxins, so scientists are turning to a new, "greener" dyeing method in which they coax already-colored fibers from the caterpillars by feeding them dyed leaves.

Important discovery related to anxiety disorders, trauma Posted: 04 Dec 2013 08:20 AM PST A team of researchers discovered that the protein PC7 plays a critical role in the brain by affecting certain types of cognitive performance such as anxiety, learning and emotional memory. Their results could have a significant impact on regulating behavior related to anxiety disorders and trauma.

Fossils clarify the origins of wasps and their kin: Alderfly ancestors, snakefly cousins Posted: 04 Dec 2013 08:20 AM PST The insect order Hymenoptera -- wasps, bees, ants and relatives -- is the third most diverse animal group, but its origin remains controversial. Fossils from Permian beds of Russia demonstrate that the wasp lineage is not as ancient as held before, and is related to alderflies and snakeflies. The wasp and snakefly ancestors were very small, indicating that these lineages have passed through a "miniaturization bottleneck."

Education, not fertility, key for economic development in developing countries Posted: 04 Dec 2013 08:20 AM PST A new study shows that improvements in education levels around the world have been key drivers of economic growth in developing countries that has previously been attributed to declines in fertility rates.

Fruit pest targeted by genomic research Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:16 AM PST Genome sequencing of the spotted wing drosophila, a major fruit pest, is expected to accelerate basic and applied research, leading to better monitoring and control strategies for the insect.

First global snapshot of key coral reef fishes: Fishing has reduced vital seaweed eaters by more than 50 percent Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:16 AM PST Biologists have reported on the impact of fishing on a group of fish known to protect the health of coral reefs. The report offers key data for setting management and conservation targets to protect and preserve fragile coral reefs.

How to change cell types by flipping a single switch Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:16 AM PST With few exceptions, cells don't change type once they have become specialized -- a heart cell, for example, won't suddenly become a brain cell. However, new findings have identified a method for changing one cell type into another in a process called forced transdifferentiation.

Five distinct humpback whale populations identified in North Pacific Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:16 AM PST The first comprehensive genetic study of humpback whale populations in the North Pacific Ocean has identified five distinct populations -- at the same time a proposal to designate North Pacific humpbacks as a single "distinct population segment" is being considered under the Endangered Species Act.

Dads: How important are they? New research highlights value of fathers in both neurobiology and behavior of offspring Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:16 AM PST Even with today's technology, it still takes both a male and a female to make a baby. But is it important for both parents to raise that child? Many studies have outlined the value of a mother, but few have clearly defined the importance of a father, until now. New findings show that the absence of a father during critical growth periods, leads to impaired social and behavioral abilities in adults.

Ten times more throughput on optic fibers Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:14 AM PST Two scientists have shown how to achieve a dramatic increase in the capacity of optical fibers. Their simple, innovative solution, generating perfect "Nyquist sinc pulses," reduces the amount of space required between the pulses of light that transport data. The breakthrough could increase the throughput of data in telecommunications systems by a factor of 10.

New method for stabilizing hemoglobin could lead to stable vaccines, artificial blood Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:14 AM PST A research team has found a way to stabilize hemoglobin, the oxygen carrier protein in the blood, a discovery that could lead to the development of stable vaccines and affordable artificial blood substitutes.

Radiographic imaging exposes relationship between obesity, cancer Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:14 AM PST Researchers are working to improve understanding about obesity and cancer. A study published today is the first to use direct radiographic imaging of adipose tissue rather than estimates like body mass index or waist circumference, and focuses on the relationship between obesity and cancer risk in aging populations.

Explosive growth of young star Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:14 AM PST A star is formed when a large cloud of gas and dust condenses and eventually becomes so dense that it collapses into a ball of gas, where the pressure heats the matter, creating a glowing gas ball -- a star is born. New research shows that a young, newly formed star in the Milky Way had such an explosive growth, that it was initially about 100 times brighter than it is now.

Blood vessels reorganize after face transplantation surgery Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:14 AM PST For the first time, researchers have found that the blood vessels in face transplant recipients reorganize themselves, leading to an understanding of the biologic changes that happen after full face transplantation.

Mammography screening intervals may affect breast cancer prognosis Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:14 AM PST In a study of screening mammography-detected breast cancers, patients who had more frequent screening mammography had a significantly lower rate of lymph node positivity -- or cancer cells in the lymph nodes -- as compared to women who went longer intervals between screening mammography exams.

MR-guided ultrasound offers noninvasive treatment for breast cancer Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:14 AM PST A technique that uses focused ultrasound under magnetic resonance guidance to heat and destroy tumors may offer a safe and effective treatment for breast cancer, according to new research.

More extreme weather events likely: Climate projections of unparalleled accuracy for the whole of Europe Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:11 AM PST Scientists have analyzed climate projections for the whole of Europe at an unprecedented resolution of 12 km, by downscaling the global simulations carried out for the 5th IPCC report. These simulations for the 21st century now provide a much more detailed representation of local phenomena and extreme events. Initial analyses confirm that there will be a significant increase in the frequency of extreme events, such as heavy rainfall, heatwaves and droughts.

Ocean crust could store many centuries of industrial carbon dioxide Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:11 AM PST Researchers have identified regions beneath the oceans where the igneous rocks of the upper ocean crust could safely store very large volumes of carbon dioxide. The burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas has led to dramatically increasing concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere causing climate change and ocean acidification. Although technologies are being developed to capture CO2 at major sources such as power stations, this will only avoid further warming if that CO2 is then safely locked away from the atmosphere for centuries.

World record: Longest ECG ever measured non-invasively Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:11 AM PST Patients suffering from cardiac diseases may rapidly become emergencies. However, many cardiac diseases are announced several months before, and symptoms are simply overlooked. A long-term ECG may help. A sensor belt for the first time allows clinicians to document cardiac activity of a patient over a long term, around the clock, for up to six months.

Harlequin ladybugs escape enemies while native species succumb Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:11 AM PST The astonishing success of the alien invasive harlequin ladybird (ladybug) in Britain has given a team of scientists a unique opportunity to investigate a key ecological theory – the Enemy Release Hypothesis.

Missing 'brake in the brain' can trigger anxiety Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:11 AM PST Fear, at the right level, can increase alertness and protect against dangers. Disproportionate fear, on the other hand, can disrupt the sensory perception, be disabling, reduce happiness and therefore become a danger in itself. In anxiety disorders, the fear is so strong that there is tremendous psychological strain and living a normal life seems impossible. Researchers have now found a possible explanation as to how social phobias and fear can be triggered in the brain: a missing inhibitory connection or missing "brake" in the brain.

Rapid climate changes at end of last glaciation, but with 120 year time lag Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:09 AM PST Regional climate changes can be very rapid. Geoscientists now report that such a rapid climate change occurred in different regions with a time difference of 120 years. Investigation in the west German Eifel region and in southern Norway demonstrated that at the end of the last glaciation about 12,240 years before present climate became warmer, first recognized in the Eifel region and 120 years later in southern Norway. Nonetheless, the warming was equally rapid in both regions.

Depression in pregnant mothers may alter the pattern of brain development in their babies Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:09 AM PST Depression is a serious mental illness that has many negative consequences for sufferers. But depression among pregnant women may also have an impact on their developing babies. Children of depressed parents are at an increased risk of developing depression themselves, a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. These children also display alterations in the amygdala, a brain structure important for the regulation of emotion and stress.

Amoeboid swimming: Crawling in a fluid Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:09 AM PST Researchers have developed a particularly simple model that reproduces the swimming mechanism of amoebas. They show that, by changing shape, these single cell organisms propel themselves forward in a viscous fluid at the same speed as when they crawl on a solid substrate. The way microorganisms swim is fundamentally different to that of fish since, at their scale, viscosity effects dominate and make fins totally inefficient.

The promise of nanotechnology Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:09 AM PST If the promise of nanotechnology is to be fulfilled, then research programs must leapfrog to new nanomanufacturing processes. That's the conclusion of a review of the current state of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Omega-3 dietary supplements pass blood-brain barrier Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:09 AM PST New research shows that omega-3 fatty acids in dietary supplements can cross the blood brain barrier in people with Alzheimer's disease, affecting known markers for both the disease itself and inflammation. The findings strengthen the evidence that omega-3 may benefit certain forms of this seriously debilitating disease.

Intense two-color double X-ray laser pulses: Powerful tool to study ultrafast processes Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:09 AM PST Scientists have generated ultra-bright, two-color X-ray laser pulses for the first time in the hard X-ray region. These light pulses with different wavelengths, whose time separation can be adjusted with attosecond accuracy, are very powerful tools to investigate the structure of matter and the dynamics of ultrafast physical processes and chemical reactions.

Study highlights massive benefits of HIV treatment in South Africa Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:09 AM PST Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the treatment of HIV infection has saved 2.8 million years of life in South Africa since 2004 and is projected to save an additional 15.1 million years of life by 2030, according to a new study published. The analysis suggests these dramatic benefits could be even greater if more aggressive HIV testing and treatment strategies are implemented.

Highly insulating windows are very energy efficient, though expensive Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:08 AM PST Highly insulating triple-pane windows keep a house snug and cozy, but it takes two decades or more for the windows to pay off financially based on utility-bill savings.

Light finds the right mix: Quickly switching orientation of a laser beam enables control over quantum properties of light Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:08 AM PST Classical computers process data as a series of ones and zeros known as bits; in contrast, quantum computers encode information into the physical properties of an information unit known as a quantum bit, or qubit. Two or more qubits are then able to link together to speed up the processing efficiency, enabling quantum computers to tackle mathematical problems beyond the capability of conventional machines. However, reliably creating the precise multiple qubits required for quantum-computer protocols remains a challenge.

Friendly app attacks detect vulnerabilities Posted: 04 Dec 2013 06:08 AM PST Hacking programs disguised as games are helping Apple to improve the security of devices operating on its iOS platform.

Exercise beneficial for dementia Posted: 03 Dec 2013 06:01 PM PST Exercise may benefit older people with dementia by improving their cognitive functioning and ability to carry out everyday activities, according to a new systematic review. However, the authors of the review did not see any clear effect of exercise on depression in older people with dementia and say that more evidence is needed to understand how exercise could reduce the burden on family caregivers and health systems.

Toxigenic C. difficile resides harmlessly in infants, poses risk to adults Posted: 03 Dec 2013 04:12 PM PST Infants and toddlers frequently carry toxigenic Clostridium difficile, usually with no harm to themselves, but can serve as a reservoir and spread the bacteria to adults in whom it can cause severe disease, according to a study by a team of Swedish researchers.

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