ScienceDaily: Top News

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• Groovy turtles' genes to aid in their rescue
• A symbiotic way of life: 'Simple and elegant mechanism' regulates relationships between insects and bacteria
• Mysterious 150-year-old writing in rare copy of Homer's 'Odyssey' identified
• Paleontologists unveil online showcase of 3-D fossil remains
• Evolution in species may reverse predator-prey population cycles
• Governor signs bill banning extreme-strength alcohol in Maryland
• Nerve damage after hip surgery may be due to inflammation
• Standard test that measures 'everyday task' performance is a good predictor of hospital readmission
• Family-based exposure therapy effective treatment for young children with OCD
• Climate change threatens to worsen U.S. ozone pollution
• Dementia diagnosis twice as likely if older adult has schizophrenia; Cancer less likely
• Is self-fumigation for the birds? Save threatened species by giving them treated cotton for nests
• Clues for superconductivity in an iron-based material
• Tomato turf wars: Benign bug beats salmonella; tomato eaters win
• History to blame for slow crop taming, study shows
• Terahertz imaging on the cheap: Fewer sensors required for high-resolution imaging systems
• Soy sauce molecule may unlock drug therapy for HIV patients
• Genetic approach helps design broadband metamaterial
• New mathematical framework to characterize shape of graphene
• Uncontrollable ice-melt? Uncorking East Antarctica could yield unstoppable sea-level rise, simulations show
• Bone marrow-on-a-chip unveiled
• How does stress increase risk for stroke, heart attack?
• New knowledge about muscular dystrophy uncovered
• Women and PAD: Excellent treatment outcomes in spite of disease severity
• New cause of high blood pressure, heart disease discovered: Phosphate-rich foods
• Light-sensitive 'eyes' in plants: How phytochrome proteins tell plants whether it's day or night
• Spotting a famous face in the crowd
• Nanoengineers develop basis for electronics that stretch at the molecular level
• Stimulant drug may help women cope with post-menopausal memory lapses
• Infusion of young blood recharges brains of old mice
• Few children receive dental care before recommended age of 1 year
• Disease outbreak may not spur parents to have children vaccinated
• Being born 4-6 weeks premature can affect brain structure, function
• Journey between XX, XY: Getting closer to unravelling mystery of sexual ambiguity
• No danger from magnetic fields in electric cars, experts say
• Environmental hormones: Tiny amounts, big effects on fish
• New combination therapy for hepatitis C
• What frog courtship can tell us about human small talk
• Number of children treated in U. S. emergency departments for baby gate-related injuries nearly quadrupled since 1990
• Bioinformatics approach helps researchers find new use for old drug
• Tracking proteins in single HIV particle
• Risk of nutritional deficiencies in obese teens
• New source of fat tissue stem cells discovered
• New approach to treating brittle bone disease unveiled
• DHA during pregnancy does not appear to improve cognitive outcomes for children, study indicates

Groovy turtles' genes to aid in their rescue Posted: 05 May 2014 12:53 PM PDT The diverse patterns on the diamondback terrapins' intricately grooved shell may be their claim to fame, but a newly published study of the genetic variation underneath their shell holds one key to rescuing these coastal turtles. Listed as an endangered species in Rhode Island and deemed threatened in Massachusetts, the terrapin is the only turtle in North America that spends its entire life in coastal marshes and mangroves.

A symbiotic way of life: 'Simple and elegant mechanism' regulates relationships between insects and bacteria Posted: 05 May 2014 12:53 PM PDT Scientists reveal how, at the cellular level, an animal and its symbiotic bacteria work together to make up a single organismal system.

Mysterious 150-year-old writing in rare copy of Homer's 'Odyssey' identified Posted: 05 May 2014 12:51 PM PDT An Italian computer engineer has solved a 150-year-old literary mystery found in a rare edition of Homer's Odyssey at the University of Chicago Library. The 1504 Venetian edition contains handwritten annotations in a previously unknown script.

Paleontologists unveil online showcase of 3-D fossil remains Posted: 05 May 2014 12:51 PM PDT More than two decades ago, a paleontologist began the laborious task of digitally scanning the bones of mastodons, mammoths and other prehistoric creatures so the images could be displayed on computers. Several recent technical advances have enabled the museum to place hundreds of the scanned images on a new website.

Evolution in species may reverse predator-prey population cycles Posted: 05 May 2014 12:51 PM PDT Populations of predators and their prey usually follow predictable cycles. When the number of prey increases -- perhaps as their food supply becomes more abundant -- predator populations also grow. When the predator population becomes too large, however, the prey population often plummets, leaving too little food for the predators, whose population also then crashes. Co-evolutionary changes in species may reverse traditional predator-prey population cycles, creating the appearance that prey are eating the predators, according to a new study.

Governor signs bill banning extreme-strength alcohol in Maryland Posted: 05 May 2014 11:20 AM PDT Today, Gov. O'Malley signed legislation banning the retail sale of alcohol 190-proof and stronger effective July 1. Maryland joins the ranks of more than a dozen other states that ban the sale of such products, including Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia.

Nerve damage after hip surgery may be due to inflammation Posted: 05 May 2014 11:20 AM PDT A recent article links some nerve damage after hip surgery to inflammatory neuropathy. Historically, nerve damage from hip surgery has been attributed to mechanical factors caused by anesthesiologists or surgeons, such as positioning of the patient during surgery or direct surgical injury of the nerves. In this study, researchers examined patients who developed inflammatory neuropathies, where the immune system attacks the nerves, leading to weakness and pain. Inflammatory neuropathies may be treated with immunotherapy.

Standard test that measures 'everyday task' performance is a good predictor of hospital readmission Posted: 05 May 2014 11:20 AM PDT Patients freshly discharged from acute care hospitals with low scores on a standard test that measures how well they perform such everyday activities as moving from a bed to a chair are far more likely to need readmission to a hospital within 30 days than those who score better, according to new research.

Family-based exposure therapy effective treatment for young children with OCD Posted: 05 May 2014 10:05 AM PDT Family-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is beneficial to young children between the ages of five and eight with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The study found developmentally sensitive family-based CBT that included exposure/response prevention was more effective in reducing OCD symptoms and functional impairment in this age group than a similarly structured relaxation program.

Climate change threatens to worsen U.S. ozone pollution Posted: 05 May 2014 10:05 AM PDT Ozone pollution across the continental United States will become far more difficult to keep in check as temperatures rise, according to new research. The detailed study shows that Americans face the risk of a 70 percent increase in unhealthy summertime ozone levels by 2050. This is because warmer temperatures and other changes in the atmosphere related to a changing climate, including higher atmospheric levels of methane, spur chemical reactions that lead to ozone.

Dementia diagnosis twice as likely if older adult has schizophrenia; Cancer less likely Posted: 05 May 2014 10:05 AM PDT The rate of dementia diagnosis for patients with schizophrenia has been found to be twice as high as for patients without this chronic, severe and disabling brain disorder. Cancer, however, was less likely. These results come from a study that followed over 30,000 older adults for a decade. This study also found that hospital admissions, hospital lengths of stay, nursing home facility use and nursing home length of stay for patients with schizophrenia were significantly greater than for patients without schizophrenia.

Is self-fumigation for the birds? Save threatened species by giving them treated cotton for nests Posted: 05 May 2014 10:01 AM PDT When biologists set out cotton balls treated with a mild pesticide, wild finches in the Galapagos used the cotton to help build their nests, killing parasitic fly maggots to protect baby birds. The self-fumigation method may help endangered birds and even some mammals.

Clues for superconductivity in an iron-based material Posted: 05 May 2014 08:26 AM PDT For the first time, scientists have a clearer understanding of how to control the appearance of a superconducting phase in a material, adding crucial fundamental knowledge and perhaps setting the stage for advances in the field of superconductivity.

Tomato turf wars: Benign bug beats salmonella; tomato eaters win Posted: 05 May 2014 08:25 AM PDT A benign bacterium shows promise in blocking Salmonella from colonizing raw tomatoes, research shows. When applied to Salmonella-contaminated tomato plants in a field study, the bacterium, known as Paenibacillus alvei, significantly reduced the concentration of the pathogen compared to controls. "This bacterium also has no known history of human pathology, making it a great candidate as a biological control agent," says a corresponding author.

History to blame for slow crop taming, study shows Posted: 05 May 2014 08:25 AM PDT It's been about 10,000 years since our ancestors began farming, but crop domestication has taken much longer than expected -- a delay caused less by genetics and more by culture and history, according to a new study. The new paper digs at the roots not just of crop domestication but of civilization itself: How did humans get food? Without domestication -- without food -- it's hard for populations to settle down," the lead researcher said. "Domestication was the key for all subsequent human civilization."

Terahertz imaging on the cheap: Fewer sensors required for high-resolution imaging systems Posted: 05 May 2014 08:25 AM PDT Terahertz imaging, which is already familiar from airport security checkpoints, has a number of other promising applications -- from explosives detection to collision avoidance in cars. Like sonar or radar, terahertz imaging produces an image by comparing measurements across an array of sensors. Those arrays have to be very dense, since the distance between sensors is proportional to wavelength. Scientists have now developed a technique that could reduce the number of sensors required for terahertz or millimeter-wave imaging by a factor of 10, or even 100, making them more practical.

Soy sauce molecule may unlock drug therapy for HIV patients Posted: 05 May 2014 08:25 AM PDT For HIV patients being treated with anti-AIDS medications, resistance to drug therapy regimens is commonplace. Often, patients develop resistance to first-line drug therapies, such as Tenofovir, and are forced to adopt more potent medications. Virologists now are testing the next generation of medications that stop HIV from spreading, and are using a molecule related to flavor enhancers found in soy sauce, to develop compounds that are more potent than Tenofovir.

Genetic approach helps design broadband metamaterial Posted: 05 May 2014 08:25 AM PDT A specially formed material that can provide custom broadband absorption in the infrared can be identified and manufactured using 'genetic algorithms,' according to engineers who say these metamaterials can shield objects from view by infrared sensors, protect instruments and be manufactured to cover a variety of wavelengths.

New mathematical framework to characterize shape of graphene Posted: 05 May 2014 08:23 AM PDT Scientists studying graphene's properties are using a new mathematical framework to make extremely accurate characterizations of the two-dimensional material's shape. Graphene, discovered in 2004, is a one-atom-thick sheet of graphite.

Uncontrollable ice-melt? Uncorking East Antarctica could yield unstoppable sea-level rise, simulations show Posted: 05 May 2014 07:44 AM PDT The melting of a rather small ice volume on East Antarctica's shore could trigger a persistent ice discharge into the ocean, resulting in unstoppable sea-level rise for thousands of years to come. These findings are based on computer simulations of the Antarctic ice flow using improved data of the ground profile underneath the ice sheet.

Bone marrow-on-a-chip unveiled Posted: 05 May 2014 07:44 AM PDT The first method to reproduce the structure, functions and cellular make-up of bone marrow in the laboratory has been unveiled by researchers. The new device gives scientists a much-needed new method to test the effects on bone marrow of toxic agents and new drugs to prevent lethal radiation poisoning and dangerous side effects of cancer therapies, all without animal testing.

How does stress increase risk for stroke, heart attack? Posted: 05 May 2014 07:44 AM PDT Scientists have shown that anger, anxiety, and depression not only affect the functioning of the heart, but also increase the risk for heart disease. Stroke and heart attacks are the end products of progressive damage to blood vessels supplying the heart and brain, a process called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis progresses when there are high levels of chemicals in the body called pro-inflammatory cytokines. It is thought that persisting stress increases the risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease by evoking negative emotions that, in turn, raise the levels of pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body.

New knowledge about muscular dystrophy uncovered Posted: 05 May 2014 07:43 AM PDT A previously unknown function of a cellular enzyme that can disperse toxic aggregates in the cells of patients with muscular dystrophy has been uncovered by researchers. The most common form of muscular dystrophy among adults is dystrophia myotonica type 1 (DM1), where approximately 1 in every 8000 is affected by the disease. The severity of the disease varies from mild forms to severe congenital forms. It is dominantly inherited and accumulates through generations, gaining increased severity and lowered age of onset.

Women and PAD: Excellent treatment outcomes in spite of disease severity Posted: 05 May 2014 07:43 AM PDT Stakes are higher for women with PAD, a circulation issue that's common among older adults. But women benefit just as much as men from procedures to unclog arteries. A new study demonstrates the need for doctors to ask women about leg discomfort and to screen for peripheral artery disease. PAD happens when fatty deposits build up in arteries outside the heart, usually the arteries supplying fresh oxygen and blood to the arms, legs and feet.

New cause of high blood pressure, heart disease discovered: Phosphate-rich foods Posted: 05 May 2014 07:42 AM PDT Phosphate-rich foods include processed cheese, Parmesan, cola, baking powder and most processed foods. Phosphates are widely used in the food industry as preservatives and pH stabilizers. When large quantities of phosphates are consumed, production of the FGF23 hormone is stimulated, which has a negative effect on the cardiovascular system.  One expert warns that "our phosphate consumption is relevant for our state of health."

Light-sensitive 'eyes' in plants: How phytochrome proteins tell plants whether it's day or night Posted: 05 May 2014 07:42 AM PDT Most plants try to turn towards the sun. Scientists now have a better understanding of how light-sensitive proteins in plant cells change when they are exposed to light. The family of proteins involved is known as the "phytochrome" family, and these proteins are found in all plant leaves. These proteins detect the presence of light and inform the cell whether it is day or night, or whether the plant is in the shade or the sun.

Spotting a famous face in the crowd Posted: 05 May 2014 07:42 AM PDT Using faces of Bill Clinton and Mick Jagger, researcher shows what mechanisms interfere with our ability to recognize faces. People can only recognize two faces in a crowd at a time -- even if the faces belong to famous people.

Nanoengineers develop basis for electronics that stretch at the molecular level Posted: 05 May 2014 06:50 AM PDT Nanoengineers are asking what might be possible if semiconductor materials were flexible and stretchable without sacrificing electronic function? Today's flexible electronics are already enabling a new generation of wearable sensors and other mobile electronic devices. But these flexible electronics, in which very thin semiconductor materials are applied to a thin, flexible substrate in wavy patterns and then applied to a deformable surface such as skin or fabric, are still built around hard composite materials that limit their elasticity.

Stimulant drug may help women cope with post-menopausal memory lapses Posted: 05 May 2014 06:49 AM PDT The psychostimulant drug lisdexamfetamine can aid post-menopausal women by improving attention and concentration, organization, working memory and recall, preliminary evidence from a recent study indicates. The study enrolled 30 women between the ages of 48 and 60 who had experienced a diminished ability to focus and multi-task in their early post-menopausal years. The cohort was made up of successful women -- none of whom were more than five years post-menopause.

Infusion of young blood recharges brains of old mice Posted: 05 May 2014 06:49 AM PDT Something -- or some things -- in the blood of young mice has the ability to restore mental capabilities in old mice, a new study has found. If the same goes for humans, it could spell a new paradigm for recharging our aging brains, and it might mean new therapeutic approaches for treating dementias such as Alzheimer's disease.

Few children receive dental care before recommended age of 1 year Posted: 05 May 2014 06:42 AM PDT Fewer than one per cent of healthy urban children surveyed in Toronto had received dental care by the recommended age of 12 months and fewer than two per cent had seen a dentist by the age of 24 months. Children most susceptible to cavities were least likely to receive early dental care, according to the a new study.

Disease outbreak may not spur parents to have children vaccinated Posted: 05 May 2014 06:42 AM PDT Conventional wisdom holds that when the risk of catching a disease is high, people are more likely to get vaccinated to protect themselves. This may not be the case, however, according to a new study.

Being born 4-6 weeks premature can affect brain structure, function Posted: 05 May 2014 06:41 AM PDT The brains of children who were born just a few weeks early differ from those born on time, and these differences may affect learning and behavior, according to a new study.

Journey between XX, XY: Getting closer to unravelling mystery of sexual ambiguity Posted: 05 May 2014 06:39 AM PDT In both humans and mammals, sexual development is a long process. In most cases, the genetic sex (XX or XY) results in the development of the corresponding gonadal sex (ovaries or testes), which in turn secretes hormones that will masculinize or feminize the fetus. But throughout gonadal development, various accidents may occur, giving rise to a wide range of alterations and ambiguities. Disorders of gonadal development represent a heterogeneous class of sexual ambiguities caused by defects in gonadal development or a failure of testis differentiation.

No danger from magnetic fields in electric cars, experts say Posted: 05 May 2014 06:38 AM PDT Many people are concerned that electric cars produce dangerous magnetic fields. New research shows that this is not the case. Researchers from seven countries have concluded that we can feel safe both in electric-powered cars and in those powered by hydrogen, petrol and diesel. None of them exposes passengers to higher electromagnetic fields than those recommended in international standards. In fact, field intensity is well below the recommended value, experts say.

Environmental hormones: Tiny amounts, big effects on fish Posted: 05 May 2014 06:38 AM PDT Empty nets and few species – environmental hormones are believed responsible for the diminishing numbers of fish. How damaging are these substances really, though? Studies that depict a complete picture of the lives of fish provide clues. Environmental hormones can be found for example in colorants and dyes, pesticides, cosmetics, plastics, and in pharmaceuticals. They are molecules that behave like hormones, because they resemble them in their structure. It has been suspected that the substances getting into an organism via the air, the skin, through foodstuffs.

New combination therapy for hepatitis C Posted: 05 May 2014 06:38 AM PDT A new combination therapy allows chronic hepatitis C to be treated in a manner that is less aggressive yet equally efficient, new research shows. "This is a revolutionary breakthrough in the treatment of this disease and represents a huge improvement in the quality of life of those affected," says a hepatologist. Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver caused by an infection with the hepatitis C virus. The virus is transmitted mostly via direct contact with contaminated blood or blood products.

What frog courtship can tell us about human small talk Posted: 05 May 2014 06:37 AM PDT If you've ever heard the boisterous courtship sounds being made at night by male frogs gathered around a pond or "watering hole" to attract mates, you may have noticed some communication similarities to those of humans enjoying a loud night out at a cocktail party or bar—that familiar cacophony with everyone essentially shouting over each other to be heard.

Number of children treated in U. S. emergency departments for baby gate-related injuries nearly quadrupled since 1990 Posted: 05 May 2014 06:20 AM PDT If you are a parent, chances are you have used or will use a baby gate at some point. Baby gates are designed to help protect young children from stairs and other dangers around the home. If you use these in your home, take note. A new study has found gates can lead to injury if used incorrectly.

Bioinformatics approach helps researchers find new use for old drug Posted: 05 May 2014 06:20 AM PDT By linking cancer gene expression patterns with drug activity, a research team has found a possible cancer therapy hidden in an antimicrobial agent. Using a novel bioinformatics approach, a team of researchers used a collection of gene expression data from human cancer cells treated with hundreds of small molecule drugs to help in the treatment of patients with advanced kidney cancer.

Tracking proteins in single HIV particle Posted: 04 May 2014 06:10 PM PDT A new technique to examine how proteins interact with each other at the level of a single HIV viral particle has been developed by an interdisciplinary team of scientists. The technique allows scientists to study the life-threatening virus in detail and makes screening potential anti-HIV drugs quicker and more efficient. The technique can also be used to study other diseases.

Risk of nutritional deficiencies in obese teens Posted: 04 May 2014 06:10 PM PDT A new study exposes the risk of nutritional deficiencies in severely obese teens – both those who had weight loss surgery and those who did not. At least five years after undergoing gastric bypass surgery, teens and young adults maintained significant weight loss but were at risk of nutritional deficiencies, particularly low iron, mild anemia and low vitamin D. The study also found low iron and low vitamin D in severely obese teens who did not undergo weight loss surgery. Those who didn't have surgery also had low levels of protein in their blood.

New source of fat tissue stem cells discovered Posted: 04 May 2014 03:22 PM PDT A new source of stem cells that produce fat tissue has been found, researchers say.  This unique in vitro human stem cell model of brown fat tissue could aid studies into how fat tissue develops and the development of new anti-obesity drugs. There are two types of fat tissue found in humans: white adipose tissue (WAT) that accumulates lipids, and brown adipose tissue (BAT) that can burn lipids to produce heat. Using gene expression analysis, immunophenotyping and differentiation tools, they found the two cell types had different properties, in particular in their potential to differentiate into BAT cells, thus indicating a different developmental pathway for the two types of fat cell.

New approach to treating brittle bone disease unveiled Posted: 04 May 2014 10:31 AM PDT A new approach to treating brittle bone disease, a congenital disorder that results in fragile bones that break easily, has been discovered by researchers. The study showed that excessive activity of an important signaling protein in the matrix of the bone called transforming growth factor beta is associated with the cause of the disease.

DHA during pregnancy does not appear to improve cognitive outcomes for children, study indicates Posted: 04 May 2014 06:56 AM PDT Although there are recommendations for pregnant women to increase their intake of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to improve fetal brain development, a randomized trial finds that prenatal DHA supplementation did not result in improved cognitive, problem-solving or language abilities for children at four years of age.

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