ScienceDaily: Top News

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• Astrophysicists detect destruction of 3 stars by supermassive black holes
• 'Worm pill' could ease autoimmune disease symptoms
• U.S. immigration associated with rise in smoking among Latinos, Asians
• Climate change negatively impacting Great Lakes, researcher says
• Fertile discovery: Treating male infertility with synthetic protein
• Western Wall weathering: Extreme erosion explained
• Nanocubes get in a twist
• All-you-can-eat at the end of the universe: How early black holes could have grown to billions of times the mass of our sun
• Not only in DNA's hands: Epigenetics has large say in blood formation
• 'Seeing' through virtual touch is believing
• Quantum simulators explained
• Western Wall wearing away? Discovery of extreme erosion process could guide new preservation techniques
• Aberrant mTOR signaling impairs whole body physiology
• Sensitive acid sensor controls insulin production
• Making cashews safer for those with allergies

• Solving a sticky problem with fetal surgery using a glue inspired by the sandcastle worm
• Keeping filler ingredients out of your cup of coffee
• 2010 Chilean earthquake causes icequakes in Antarctica
• Water tractor beam: Complex waves generate flow patterns to manipulate floating objects
• Bioengineers: Matrix stiffness is essential tool in stem cell differentiation
• Newly discovered heart molecule could lead to effective treatment for heart failure
• Scientists unlock key to blood vessel formation
• Discovery of new form of dystrophin protein could lead to therapy for some Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients
• Pairing old technologies with new for next generation electronic devices
• Target identified for rare inherited neurological disease in men
• Spectacular 3-D sketching system revolutionizes design interaction and collaboration
• Carbon dioxide 'sponge' could ease transition to cleaner energy

• Grass really is greener on TV, computer screens, thanks to quantum dots


Astrophysicists detect destruction of 3 stars by supermassive black holes Posted: 11 Aug 2014 09:51 AM PDT Researchers have reported registering three possible occasions of the total destruction of stars by supermassive black holes at the centers of galaxies.

'Worm pill' could ease autoimmune disease symptoms Posted: 11 Aug 2014 09:51 AM PDT Experts believe a molecule in parasitic worms could help explain why worm infections can effectively treat a range of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The study successfully identified peptides from parasitic worms that suppress the body's immune response. Researchers believe this could pave the way for a new drug containing the peptide to provide relief from the symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

U.S. immigration associated with rise in smoking among Latinos, Asians Posted: 11 Aug 2014 09:51 AM PDT Immigration to the US may result in increased smoking in Latino and Asian women, according to new research by sociologists. The current study found that accounting for gender differences in aspects of acculturation (including time spent in the U.S., citizenship status, and English-language proficiency) explained gender differences in smoking frequency for both Asian and Latino migrants.

Climate change negatively impacting Great Lakes, researcher says Posted: 11 Aug 2014 09:51 AM PDT Climate change is having a direct negative effect on the Great Lakes, including impacts to recreational value, drinking water potential, and becoming more suited to invasive species and infectious pathogens, according to a researcher. One of the many conclusions reached in the study was the need to develop technology that allows real-time monitoring and management of water systems.

Fertile discovery: Treating male infertility with synthetic protein Posted: 11 Aug 2014 09:51 AM PDT A promising method of treating male infertility using a synthetic version of the sperm-originated protein known as PAWP has been developed by researchers. The research promises to diagnose and treat cases of male factor infertility where a patient's sperm is unable to initiate or induce activation of the egg to form an early embryo.

Western Wall weathering: Extreme erosion explained Posted: 11 Aug 2014 09:49 AM PDT Researchers investigating erosion at Jerusalem's Western Wall found that limestone with very small crystals eroded up to 100 times faster and had sometimes receded by tens of centimeters, potentially weakening the wall's structure. The researchers described an accelerated erosion process causing some rocks to become more weathered than others, and showed that chemo-mechanical erosion extends down to the tiny micron scale. The findings could help guide preservation techniques at cultural heritage sites worldwide.

Nanocubes get in a twist Posted: 11 Aug 2014 09:49 AM PDT Nanocubes are anything but child's play. Scientists have used them to create surprisingly yarn-like strands: They showed that given the right conditions, cube-shaped nanoparticles are able to align into winding helical structures. Their results reveal how nanomaterials can self-assemble into unexpectedly beautiful and complex structures.

All-you-can-eat at the end of the universe: How early black holes could have grown to billions of times the mass of our sun Posted: 11 Aug 2014 09:48 AM PDT A new model shows how early black holes could have grown to billions of times the mass of our sun. These giant bodies -- quasars -- feed on interstellar gas, swallowing large quantities of it non-stop. Thus they reveal their existence: The light that is emitted by the gas as it is sucked in and crushed by the black hole's gravity travels for eons across the Universe until it reaches our telescopes. Looking at the edges of the Universe is therefore looking into the past. These far-off, ancient quasars appear to us in their "baby photos" taken less than a billion years after the Big Bang: monstrous infants in a young Universe.

Not only in DNA's hands: Epigenetics has large say in blood formation Posted: 11 Aug 2014 09:48 AM PDT Every day trillions of blood cells are being formed in our body: from the oxygen-carrying red blood cells to the many types of white blood cells that fight pathogens and infection. All of these highly specialized cells originate from blood stem cells -- unique cells that have the potential to mature into all blood types. How exactly is the fate of these stem cells regulated? Preliminary findings are starting to reshape the conventional understanding of the way stem cell fate decisions are controlled, thanks to a new technique for epigenetic analysis they have developed.

'Seeing' through virtual touch is believing Posted: 11 Aug 2014 09:48 AM PDT Surprising results research could lead to new ways to help the visually impaired better navigate everyday life. A handheld torch uses infra-red sensors to "see" objects in front of it. When the torch detects an object, it emits a vibration -- similar to a cellphone alert -- through an attached wristband. The gentle buzz increases in intensity as the torch nears the object, letting the user make judgments about where to move based on a virtual touch.

Quantum simulators explained Posted: 11 Aug 2014 09:46 AM PDT Everything you ever wanted to know about quantum simulators summed up in a new review. A quantum simulator is a device that actively uses quantum effects to answer questions on model systems. This review outlines various approaches used in quantum simulators.

Western Wall wearing away? Discovery of extreme erosion process could guide new preservation techniques Posted: 11 Aug 2014 09:46 AM PDT Researchers have investigated erosion in the different kinds of limestone in the Western Wall at the foot of Jerusalem's Temple Mount. Stones made up of large crystals were almost unchanged in 2000 years, while limestone with small crystals eroded much faster and in some places had receded by tens of centimeters, potentially weakening the wall's structure. The researchers describe an accelerated erosion process that  explains why some rocks are more weathered than others, and showed that chemo-mechanical erosion extends down to the tiny micron scale.

Aberrant mTOR signaling impairs whole body physiology Posted: 11 Aug 2014 09:45 AM PDT The protein mTOR is a central controller of growth and metabolism. Deregulation of mTOR signaling increases the risk of developing metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and cancer. Researchers now describe how aberrant mTOR signaling in the liver not only affects hepatic metabolism but also whole body physiology.

Sensitive acid sensor controls insulin production Posted: 11 Aug 2014 09:45 AM PDT Many human metabolic functions only run smoothly if the acid level in the body remains neutral and stable. For humans, normal blood pH values lie between 7.35 and 7.45. By way of comparison, an empty stomach is extremely acidic, with a pH value of 1.5. A team of bioengineers have now developed a new implantable molecular device composed of two modules: a sensor that constantly measures blood pH and a gene feedback mechanism that produces the necessary amount of insulin.

Making cashews safer for those with allergies Posted: 11 Aug 2014 09:43 AM PDT For the millions of adults and children in the U.S. who have to shun nuts to avoid an allergic reaction, help could be on the way. Scientists are now developing a way to process cashews — and potentially other nuts — that could make them safer for people who are allergic to them.

Solving a sticky problem with fetal surgery using a glue inspired by the sandcastle worm Posted: 11 Aug 2014 09:43 AM PDT In creating an adhesive patterned after glue produced by the lowly underwater sandcastle worm, researchers are reporting that they may have solved the problem of premature births that sometimes result from fetal surgery. It also could open up numerous opportunities to safely perform more complex fetal surgeries in the future.

Keeping filler ingredients out of your cup of coffee Posted: 11 Aug 2014 09:43 AM PDT Coffee drinkers beware: Surprise ingredients may be hiding in your coffee, and growing shortages may well increase the chance of having more fillers in the future. A new test may quickly find them before the beverage reaches stores and restaurants.

2010 Chilean earthquake causes icequakes in Antarctica Posted: 10 Aug 2014 06:42 PM PDT In March of 2010, the ice sheets in Antarctica vibrated a bit more than usual because of something more than 3,000 miles away: the 8.8-magnitude Chilean earthquake. A new study is the first to indicate that Antarctica's frozen ground is sensitive to seismic waves from distant earthquakes. Some of the icequakes were quick bursts and over in less than one second. Others were long duration, tremor-like signals up to 10 seconds. They occurred in various parts of the continent, including seismic stations along the coast and near the South Pole.

Water tractor beam: Complex waves generate flow patterns to manipulate floating objects Posted: 10 Aug 2014 06:42 PM PDT Physicists have created a tractor beam on water, providing a radical new technique that could confine oil spills, manipulate floating objects or explain rips at the beach.

Bioengineers: Matrix stiffness is essential tool in stem cell differentiation Posted: 10 Aug 2014 06:42 PM PDT Bioengineers have demonstrated that the stiffness of the extracellular matrix used to culture stem cells really does matter. The research team also found that a protein binding the stem cell to the hydrogel is not a factor in the differentiation of the stem cell as previously suggested. The protein layer is merely an adhesive, the team reports.

Newly discovered heart molecule could lead to effective treatment for heart failure Posted: 10 Aug 2014 06:41 PM PDT Researchers have discovered a previously unknown cardiac molecule that could provide a key to treating, and preventing, heart failure. The newly discovered molecule provides the heart with a tool to block a protein that orchestrates genetic disruptions when the heart is subjected to stress, such as high blood pressure.

Scientists unlock key to blood vessel formation Posted: 10 Aug 2014 06:41 PM PDT A gene that plays a vital role in blood vessel formation has been discovered by scientists, research that adds to our knowledge of how early life develops. "Blood vessel networks are not already pre-constructed but emerge rather like a river system. Vessels do not develop until the blood is already flowing and they are created in response to the amount of flow. This gene, Piezo1, provides the instructions for sensors that tell the body that blood is flowing correctly and gives the signal to form new vessel structures," the lead researcher said.

Discovery of new form of dystrophin protein could lead to therapy for some Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients Posted: 10 Aug 2014 06:41 PM PDT Scientists have discovered a new form of dystrophin, a protein critical to normal muscle function, and identified the genetic mechanism responsible for its production. Studies of the new protein isoform suggest it may offer a novel therapeutic approach for some patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a debilitating neuromuscular condition that usually leaves patients unable to walk on their own by age 12.

Pairing old technologies with new for next generation electronic devices Posted: 10 Aug 2014 06:38 PM PDT A new method to efficiently generate and control currents based on the magnetic nature of electrons in semi-conducting materials has been developed by researchers, offering a radical way to develop a new generation of electronic devices.

Target identified for rare inherited neurological disease in men Posted: 10 Aug 2014 06:36 PM PDT The mechanism by which a rare, inherited neurodegenerative disease causes often crippling muscle weakness in men, in addition to reduced fertility, has been identified by researchers. The study shows that a gene mutation long recognized as a key to the development of Kennedy's disease impairs the body's ability to degrade, remove and recycle clumps of "trash" proteins that may otherwise build up on neurons, progressively impairing their ability to control muscle contraction.

Spectacular 3-D sketching system revolutionizes design interaction and collaboration Posted: 10 Aug 2014 06:36 PM PDT Collaborative three-dimensional sketching is now possible thanks to a system known as Hyve-3D. The system is a full scale immersive 3D environment. Users create drawings on hand-held tables. They can then use the tablets to manipulate the sketches to create a 3D design within the space.

Carbon dioxide 'sponge' could ease transition to cleaner energy Posted: 10 Aug 2014 09:42 AM PDT A plastic sponge that sops up the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) might ease our tranisition away from polluting fossil fuels to new energy sources like hydrogen. A relative of food container plastics could play a role in President Obama's plan to cut CO2 emissions. The material might also someday be integrated into power plant smokestacks.

Grass really is greener on TV, computer screens, thanks to quantum dots Posted: 08 Aug 2014 08:00 AM PDT High-tech specks called quantum dots could bring brighter, more vibrant color to mass market TVs, tablets, phones and other displays. A new technology called 3M quantum dot enhancement film (QDEF) that efficiently makes liquid crystal display (LCD) screens more richly colored is described by an expert.

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