ScienceDaily: Top News

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• Epigenetic Marks Lay Foundations for a Child’s Future Abilities
• More Americans at risk from strong earthquakes, says new report
• 'Flameproof' falcons and hawks: Most polluted bird on record found in Vancouver
• Birds show surprising resilience in the face of natural stresses
• Backyard birds enhance life in urban neighborhoods
• Thick atmosphere of Saturn's moon Titan fluctuates with Sun's cycle
• Better social media techniques increase fan interest, engagement
• Proposed breast cancer screening guidelines would increase deaths, experts say
• Sugary drinks boost risk factors for heart disease, study shows
• New class of 3-D-printed aerogels improve energy storage
• Tau ceti: The next Earth? Probably not
• Stressed-out parasites: Overcoming drug-resistant malaria
• Genes make some people mosquito targets, twins pilot study shows
• Stegosaurus plates may have differed between male, female
• Arctic beetles may be ideal marker of climate change
• Metamaterials shine bright as new terahertz source
• Discovery could impact study of chronic pain conditions
• Missing genetic link found in a challenging immune disease
• Pesticide harms wild bees, unique field study shows
• To predict disease researchers ask if plant neighbors are relatives
• Finding effective, cost-effective treatments for complex wounds
• New Ebola treatment effective three days after infection
• Computer-assisted diagnosis tool helps physicians assess skin conditions without aid from dermatologists
• Toxic mushroom-based drug may help battle colorectal cancer
• Caloric restriction: A fountain of youth for aging muscles?
• Phonons, arise! Small electric voltage alters conductivity in key materials
• From metal to insulator and back again
• This is your teen's brain behind the wheel
• New method to detect most common bacteria contaminating oysters
• Vehicle cost, lack of consumer information hinder purchases of plug-in electric vehicles
• Materials scientists putting new spin on computing memory
• Quantum 'paparazzi' film photons in the act of pairing up
• Cloud security reaches silicon: System for defending against memory-access attacks implemented in chips
• Flame retardants could contribute to hyperthyroidism in older cats
• Soy: It's good for eating, baking -- and cleaning up crude oil spills
• Nanoparticle drug reverses Parkinson's-like symptoms in rats
• Scientists X-ray anti-inflammatory drug candidates
• Researchers discover new drugs to combat the root cause of multiple sclerosis
• Researchers show how blood-brain barrier is maintained
• Earthquake potential where there is no earthquake history
• Magma intrusion is likely source of Columbia-Ecuador border quake swarms
• Poor diet may contribute to the decline in British bees
• Lessons to be learned from Caribbean treatment of mental health
• Backache: A matter of mechanics
• Autism and prodigy share a common genetic link
• New brain mapping model could improve effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation
• Emotional intelligence critical for leaders
• A lot of smoke: Study examines cigarillo modification health claims
• Researchers see promise in treatment to reduce dementia after TBI
• New 'comb' detects terahertz waves with extreme precision
• 'Holey' graphene for energy storage: Charged holes in graphene increase energy storage capacity
• Electron spin brings order to high entropy alloys
• Natural reparative capacity of teeth elucidated
• Millimeter-sized stones formed our planet
• Large heads, narrow pelvises and difficult childbirth in humans: Adaptations in human morphology explain why
• Clinical studies show 'CHORI-bar' results in broad scale health improvements
• Scientists watch living taste cells in action
• Polarization in US Congress is worsening, and it stifles policy innovation
• Brain activity tested to identify cybersecurity threats
• Breast arterial calcification strong predictor of coronary artery calcification

Epigenetic Marks Lay Foundations for a Child’s Future Abilities Posted: 22 Apr 2015 07:05 PM PDT Epigenetic marks on our DNA account for how all cells in the body have the same DNA sequence, inherited from our parents, but nonetheless there are hundreds of different cell types. The body uses epigenetics as its principal control system, to increase or decrease the expression of our genes, and epigenetic processes are known to be important in memory and other aspects of brain function. The new research used umbilical cord tissue collected at birth and identified epigenetic marks in a key brain development gene called HES1 that were linked to the child's ability to learn and their cognitive performance at ages 4 and 7 years. The findings in two groups of children in Southampton, UK, were accompanied by additional findings in children from Singapore that HES1 epigenetic marks at birth were associated with aspects of socially disruptive behaviour that have previously been linked with a reduced school performance.

More Americans at risk from strong earthquakes, says new report Posted: 22 Apr 2015 02:50 PM PDT More than 143 million Americans living in the 48 contiguous states are exposed to potentially damaging ground shaking from earthquakes, with as many as 28 million people likely to experience strong shaking during their lifetime, according to new research.

'Flameproof' falcons and hawks: Most polluted bird on record found in Vancouver Posted: 22 Apr 2015 01:50 PM PDT A Cooper's hawk, found in Greater Vancouver, is the most polluted wild bird that has been found anywhere in the world.

Birds show surprising resilience in the face of natural stresses Posted: 22 Apr 2015 12:22 PM PDT Life as a wild baby bird can involve a lot of stress; competing with your siblings, dealing with extreme weather, and going hungry due to habitat loss are just a few examples. However, birds have an amazing capacity to overcome stresses experienced early in life and go on to reproductive success as adults, according to a new article.

Backyard birds enhance life in urban neighborhoods Posted: 22 Apr 2015 12:22 PM PDT How aware are you of the birds that live in your neighborhood? Do you know how many different species there are? Do enjoy your local birds, or find them annoying? A new paper provides a fascinating look at the relationship between people and nature in a city setting.

Thick atmosphere of Saturn's moon Titan fluctuates with Sun's cycle Posted: 22 Apr 2015 12:21 PM PDT Saturn's moon Titan is the only moon in the solar system that has an atmosphere as thick as Earth's, consisting of more than 98 percent nitrogen, roughly 1.4 percent of methane, and smaller amounts of other gases. NASA's Cassini satellite has been circling Saturn since 2004, witnessing more than one-third of its 29-year orbit around the Sun, allowing it to observe the changing of the seasons. However, a new study finds that the seasons are not the only thing changing Titan's atmosphere: its chemical makeup fluctuates according to the Sun's 11-year cycle of magnetic activity.

Better social media techniques increase fan interest, engagement Posted: 22 Apr 2015 12:21 PM PDT Researchers found that the more MLB teams released original content from their Twitter accounts, such as score updates or player profiles, the more followers they gained and engagement they initiated. The researchers say their findings could provide guidance for many businesses struggling with how to use social media.

Proposed breast cancer screening guidelines would increase deaths, experts say Posted: 22 Apr 2015 12:20 PM PDT The breast cancer screening guidelines proposed yesterday by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) would result in thousands of additional and unnecessary breast cancer deaths each year, according to radiologists at Loyola University Health System (LUHS).

Sugary drinks boost risk factors for heart disease, study shows Posted: 22 Apr 2015 11:25 AM PDT Consumption of sugary drinks increases risk factors for cardiovascular disease in a dose-dependent manner -- the more you drink, the greater the risk. The study is the first to demonstrate such a direct, dose-dependent relationship.

New class of 3-D-printed aerogels improve energy storage Posted: 22 Apr 2015 11:25 AM PDT Researchers have made graphene aerogel microlattices with an engineered architecture via a 3-D printing technique known as direct ink writing.

Tau ceti: The next Earth? Probably not Posted: 22 Apr 2015 11:25 AM PDT Star system Tau Ceti has long been used in science fiction as a very likely place to have life due to its proximity to Earth and the star's sun-like characteristics. Since December 2012 Tau Ceti has become even more appealing, thanks to evidence of possibly five planets orbiting it, with two of these potentially residing in the habitable zone. Researchers took a closer look and determined that most likely the planets do not and cannot support life.

Stressed-out parasites: Overcoming drug-resistant malaria Posted: 22 Apr 2015 11:24 AM PDT Drug resistance to the critical antimalarial therapeutics of the artemisinin family has emerged in Southeast Asia, highlighting the need to understand how these drugs work and how they can be used more effectively. Research now shows that artemisinins may function by chemically damaging the malaria parasite's proteins, causing them to activate a cellular stress response.

Genes make some people mosquito targets, twins pilot study shows Posted: 22 Apr 2015 11:24 AM PDT The likelihood of being bitten by mosquitoes could be down to our genes, according to a study carried out on twins.

Stegosaurus plates may have differed between male, female Posted: 22 Apr 2015 11:24 AM PDT The first convincing evidence for sexual differences in a species of dinosaur has been described in a study of the iconic dinosaur Stegosaurus.

Arctic beetles may be ideal marker of climate change Posted: 22 Apr 2015 11:23 AM PDT Researchers need to find ways to measure how the changes in climate are affecting biodiversity. One of the best places to look may be down at our feet, at beetles. That`s because, as a research team discovered after doing the first large-scale survey of Arctic beetles, these six-legged critters are not only abundant in number but also diverse in feeding habits and what they eat is closely linked to the latitude in which they are found.

Metamaterials shine bright as new terahertz source Posted: 22 Apr 2015 11:22 AM PDT Metamaterials allow design and use of light-matter interactions at a fundamental level. An efficient terahertz emission from two-dimensional arrays of gold split-ring resonator metamaterials was discovered as a result of excitation by a near-infrared pulsed laser.

Discovery could impact study of chronic pain conditions Posted: 22 Apr 2015 10:57 AM PDT Researchers have uncovered the critical role in pain processing of a gene associated with a rare disease. Their breakthrough paves the way for a better understanding of chronic pain conditions, they say.

Missing genetic link found in a challenging immune disease Posted: 22 Apr 2015 10:57 AM PDT In the largest genome-wide analysis to date of common variable immunodeficiency disorder, scientists have identified a gene that may be a 'missing link' between overactive and underactive immune activity.

Pesticide harms wild bees, unique field study shows Posted: 22 Apr 2015 10:57 AM PDT For the first time, a research project has investigated how a neonicotinoid pesticide, clothianidin, affects both honeybees and wild bees in an agricultural landscape. The study shows that honeybees can cope with exposure to the pesticide, but that it has a strong negative impact on wild bees.

To predict disease researchers ask if plant neighbors are relatives Posted: 22 Apr 2015 10:57 AM PDT Disease shapes plant communities and determines the outcomes of environmental change, weed invasions and agriculture and forestry management strategies. Whether or not a disease devastates a plant community depends on how related the plant species are and on how many individual plants of each species are present.

Finding effective, cost-effective treatments for complex wounds Posted: 22 Apr 2015 10:57 AM PDT Two new papers identify which of the hundreds of available treatments for complex wounds are most likely to be effective and which are most likely to be cost-effective. Complex wounds are a significant burden on patients and on the economy, costing the North American health-care system $10 billion a year. That doesn't include indirect costs such as patient or caregiver frustration, economic loss and decreased quality of life.

New Ebola treatment effective three days after infection Posted: 22 Apr 2015 10:57 AM PDT A post-exposure treatment that is effective against a specific strain of the Ebola virus that killed thousands of people in West Africa has been developed by researchers. The treatment uses a sequence specific short strand of RNA, known as siRNA, designed to target and interfere with the Ebola virus, rendering it harmless. One of the advantages of this approach is the ability to quickly modify it to different viral strains.

Computer-assisted diagnosis tool helps physicians assess skin conditions without aid from dermatologists Posted: 22 Apr 2015 10:56 AM PDT In the first major study to examine the use of a computer-assisted, photo-driven differential diagnosis generator for skin conditions, researchers found physicians routinely used the tool, without an increase in calling for inpatient dermatology consultations.

Toxic mushroom-based drug may help battle colorectal cancer Posted: 22 Apr 2015 10:56 AM PDT For some time, cancer scientists have considered the toxin, alpha-amanatin derived from "death cap" mushrooms, as a possible cancer treatment. However, due to its penchant for causing liver toxicity, its potential as an effective therapy has been limited.

Caloric restriction: A fountain of youth for aging muscles? Posted: 22 Apr 2015 10:56 AM PDT Caloric restriction has been studied as a way to increase longevity in animals. Now, researcher explore how it may positively affect muscle and find that aging muscles receive the most benefit. Calorie restriction is thought to have a protective effect on muscle cells and may help cells better use antioxidants, avoid damage caused by free radicals and function better.

Phonons, arise! Small electric voltage alters conductivity in key materials Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:20 AM PDT The creation of devices to control phonons -- elusive atomic vibrations that transport heat energy in solids at speeds up to the speed of sound -- has taken a step forward when researchers successfully altered the thermal conductivity of a widely used commercial material, using only a simple nine-volt battery.

From metal to insulator and back again Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:20 AM PDT Metals are compounds that are capable of conducting the flow of electrons that make up an electric current. Other materials, called insulators, are not capable of conducting an electric current. At low temperatures, all materials can be classified as either insulators or metals. New work homes in on the physics underlying the recently discovered fact that some metals stop being metallic under pressure.

This is your teen's brain behind the wheel Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:20 AM PDT A new study of teenagers and their moms reveals how adolescent brains negotiate risk -- and the factors that modulate their risk-taking behind the wheel. Researchers observed that teens driving alone found risky decisions rewarding. Blood flow to the ventral striatum, a "reward center" in the brain, increased significantly when teen drivers chose to ignore a yellow stoplight and drove through the intersection anyway. A mother's presence, however, blunted the thrill of running the yellow light.

New method to detect most common bacteria contaminating oysters Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:20 AM PDT In a major breakthrough in shellfish management and disease prevention, researchers have discovered a new method to detect a bacterium that has contaminated New England oyster beds and sickened consumers who ate the contaminated shellfish. The new patent-pending detection method - which is available for immediate use to identify contaminated shellfish -- is a significant advance in efforts to identify shellfish harboring disease-carrying strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Vehicle cost, lack of consumer information hinder purchases of plug-in electric vehicles Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:20 AM PDT Vehicle cost, current battery technology, and inadequate consumer knowledge are some of the barriers preventing widespread adoption of plug-in electric vehicles, says a new congressionally mandated report.

Materials scientists putting new spin on computing memory Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:20 AM PDT As computers continue to shrink -- moving from desks and laps to hands and wrists -- memory has to become smaller, stable and more energy conscious. A group of researchers is trying to do just that with help from a new class of materials, whose magnetism can essentially be controlled by the flick of a switch.

Quantum 'paparazzi' film photons in the act of pairing up Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:19 AM PDT In the quantum world of light, being distinguishable means staying lonely. Only those photons that are indistinguishable can wind up in a pair, through what is called Hong-Ou-Mandel interference. This subtle quantum effect has been successfully imaged for the first time.

Cloud security reaches silicon: System for defending against memory-access attacks implemented in chips Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:19 AM PDT A system for defending against memory-access attacks can be implemented in chips.

Flame retardants could contribute to hyperthyroidism in older cats Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:19 AM PDT For years, health advocates have been pushing to ban some flame retardants for their potentially harmful effects, especially on young children and infants. Now scientists report these compounds could play a role in a common health problem for one of our most beloved pets: cats. A new study found that cats with hyperthyroidism had high levels of certain flame retardants, hinting at a possible link.

Soy: It's good for eating, baking -- and cleaning up crude oil spills Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:19 AM PDT If you've studied ingredient labels on food packaging, you've probably noticed that soy lecithin is in a lot of products, ranging from buttery spreads to chocolate cake. Scientists have now found a potential new role for this all-purpose substance: dispersing crude oil spills. Their study could lead to a less toxic way to clean up these environmental messes.

Nanoparticle drug reverses Parkinson's-like symptoms in rats Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:19 AM PDT As baby boomers age, the number of people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease is expected to increase. Patients who develop this disease usually start experiencing symptoms around age 60 or older. Currently, there's no cure, but scientists are reporting a novel approach that reversed Parkinson's-like symptoms in rats. Their results could one day lead to a new therapy for human patients.

Scientists X-ray anti-inflammatory drug candidates Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:18 AM PDT Using an ultra bright X-ray source, scientists have decoded the molecular and three-dimensional structure of two promising drug candidates from the new group of Spiegelmers for the first time. The results provide a deeper understanding of the mode of action of these substances that have already entered clinical trials.

Researchers discover new drugs to combat the root cause of multiple sclerosis Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:17 AM PDT Several drugs could lead to new treatment options for multiple sclerosis, including two drugs that effectively treat MS at the source, in vivo, researchers report. At the pathological level, MS is a disease in which the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath, a type of insulation that covers nerves, ultimately disrupting communication between the brain and the body and leading to nerve deterioration.

Researchers show how blood-brain barrier is maintained Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:17 AM PDT In a new study, researchers have made insights into how the blood-brain barrier, or BBB, is maintained, identifying a protein key to the process. Delivering this protein to mice with the rodent equivalent of MS improved their symptoms.

Earthquake potential where there is no earthquake history Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:17 AM PDT It may seem unlikely that a large earthquake would take place hundreds of kilometers away from a tectonic plate boundary, in areas with low levels of strain on the crust from tectonic motion. But major earthquakes such as New Zealand's 2011 Mw 6.3 quake have shown that large earthquakes do occur. So what should seismologists look for if they want to identify where an earthquake might happen despite the absence of historical seismic activity?

Magma intrusion is likely source of Columbia-Ecuador border quake swarms Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:17 AM PDT The 'seismic crisis' around the region of the Chiles and Cerro Negro de Mayasquer volcanoes near the Columbia-Ecuador border is likely caused by intruding magma, according to a new report.

Poor diet may contribute to the decline in British bees Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:15 AM PDT The changing British landscape could be contributing to the decline in its bee populations, according research. Analysis of 35 hives in 20 sites in North West England found that honeybees living near areas of extensive farmland were surviving on a lower protein diet than those in hives near natural grasslands and woodlands.

Lessons to be learned from Caribbean treatment of mental health Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:15 AM PDT With Caribbean people in the UK nine times more likely than white British counterparts to be diagnosed with schizophrenia, a mental health researcher has visited Jamaica and Barbados to find out what lessons can be learned.

Backache: A matter of mechanics Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:15 AM PDT The mechanics of the lower vertebrae have been the focus of recent study. Researchers are aiming to reveal how wear and tear comes about on vertebral bodies and spinal disks, hoping to make easier the choice of appropriate therapy.

Autism and prodigy share a common genetic link Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:14 AM PDT Researchers have uncovered the first evidence of a genetic link between prodigy and autism. The scientists found that child prodigies in their sample share some of the same genetic variations with people who have autism.

New brain mapping model could improve effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:13 AM PDT Brain researchers have developed a new brain mapping model that could improve the success rate of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in treating conditions including depression, neuropathic pain, and stroke. The model helps pinpoint target sites during TMS, a procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to alleviate or eliminate symptoms of stroke, depression, and attention disorders.

Emotional intelligence critical for leaders Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:13 AM PDT A newly minted Ph.D. surveyed county Extension directors, their subordinates and peers. The student connected diet and exercise to emotional leadership, a key component for leaders everywhere.

A lot of smoke: Study examines cigarillo modification health claims Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:13 AM PDT Known by a variety of names, "hyping," "champing" and "freaking" a cigarillo – a smaller, leaner type of cigar – is believed by many to significantly reduce the amount of cancer-causing properties associated with tobacco products. A new study examines such claims.

Researchers see promise in treatment to reduce dementia after TBI Posted: 22 Apr 2015 09:13 AM PDT Researchers have been attempting to understand the cascade of events following mild head injury that may lead to an increased risk for developing a progressive degenerative brain disease, and their new study shows initial promise for a treatment that might interrupt the process that links the two conditions.

New 'comb' detects terahertz waves with extreme precision Posted: 22 Apr 2015 07:44 AM PDT Chemists have created a device that generates and detects terahertz waves over a wide spectral range with extreme precision, allowing it to be used as an unparalleled tool for measuring terahertz waves.

'Holey' graphene for energy storage: Charged holes in graphene increase energy storage capacity Posted: 22 Apr 2015 07:44 AM PDT Engineers have discovered a method to increase the amount of electric charge that can be stored in graphene, a two-dimensional form of carbon. The research may provide a better understanding of how to improve the energy storage ability of capacitors for potential applications in cars, wind turbines, and solar power.

Electron spin brings order to high entropy alloys Posted: 22 Apr 2015 07:44 AM PDT Researchers have discovered that electron spin brings a previously unknown degree of order to the high entropy alloy nickel iron chromium cobalt -- and may play a role in giving the alloy its desirable properties.

Natural reparative capacity of teeth elucidated Posted: 22 Apr 2015 07:44 AM PDT Researchers have taken an important step in research on stem cells and dental repair by isolating dental stem cell lines and describing the natural mechanism by which they repair lesions in the teeth. This fundamental discovery will make it possible to initiate unprecedented therapeutic strategies to mobilize the resident dental stem cells and magnify their natural capacity for repair.

Millimeter-sized stones formed our planet Posted: 22 Apr 2015 07:44 AM PDT Researchers can now explain how asteroids are formed. Our own planet also has its origins in the same process, a cosmic ocean of millimeter-sized particles that orbited the young sun, according to new research.

Large heads, narrow pelvises and difficult childbirth in humans: Adaptations in human morphology explain why Posted: 22 Apr 2015 07:42 AM PDT The size of the neonatal skull is large relative to the dimensions of the birth canal in the female pelvis. This is the reason why childbirth is slower and more difficult in humans than in most other primates. Scientists have identified adaptations in the morphology of the human body, which were unknown so far, a new study shows.

Clinical studies show 'CHORI-bar' results in broad scale health improvements Posted: 22 Apr 2015 07:42 AM PDT A fruit-based micronutrient and fiber-dense supplement bar was shown in clinical trials to improve metabolism in overweight/obese otherwise healthy adults in ways that are consistent with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Consumption of the bar for two months also reduced chronic inflammation, and initiated a reduction in weight and waist circumference.

Scientists watch living taste cells in action Posted: 22 Apr 2015 07:42 AM PDT Scientists have for the first time captured live images of the process of taste sensation on the tongue. The international team imaged single cells on the tongue of a mouse with a specially designed microscope system.

Polarization in US Congress is worsening, and it stifles policy innovation Posted: 22 Apr 2015 07:42 AM PDT A new study confirms quantitatively that partisan disagreements in the US Congress are worsening and that polarization is harmful to policy innovation.

Brain activity tested to identify cybersecurity threats Posted: 22 Apr 2015 07:42 AM PDT In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers tested brain activity to better understand employees who pose a risk to cybersecurity.

Breast arterial calcification strong predictor of coronary artery calcification Posted: 22 Apr 2015 07:42 AM PDT In a study to ascertain whether breast arterial calcification (BAC) detected with digital mammography correlates to chest CT findings of coronary artery calcification (CAC), researchers have discovered a striking relationship between the two factors. In 76 percent of the study cohort, women who had a BAC score of 0 also had a CAC score of 0. As the BAC score increases, there is a concomitant increase in the CAC score.

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