ScienceDaily: Top News

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• Affordable genetic diagnostic technique for target DNA analysis developed
• Magnetism at nanoscale
• Effects of spinach extract on satiety: Feel full, curb cravings
• New cancer marker identified; possible therapeutic target for breast cancer
• Perfectionism linked to burnout at work, school and sports, research finds
• New insights on hurricane intensity, pollution transport
• Starvation effects handed down for generations
• Self-assembling, biomimetic membranes may aid water filtration
• Analysis of post deployment health assessment forms indicates risks of alcohol abuse among service members returning from deployment
• On-chip processor the first step in point-of-care asthma and tuberculosis diagnostics
• Ebola vaccine efficacy trial suggest vaccine provides high protection against disease
• Getting to the bottom of aging
• Drinking at conception boosts diabetes risk for baby, study shows
• Brain-controlled prosthesis nearly as good as one-finger typing
• Discovery about brain protein causes rethink on development of Alzheimer's disease
• Young adults with autism show improved social function following skills program
• Transparent, electrically conductive network of encapsulated silver nanowires
• Parents inclined to misjudge child happiness based on personal feelings
• RNA-binding protein influences key mediator of cellular inflammation, stress responses
• Shaping the hilly landscapes of a semi-conductor nanoworld
• Predicting emerging structures and bulk properties of new materials
• Gold-diamond nanodevice for hyperlocalized cancer therapy
• Protein machines make fluctuating flows unconsciously
• Watching a tumor grow in real-time
• Scientists warn an entire eco-system is under threat from climate change
• Solid state physics: Quantum matter stuck in unrest
• Heating and cooling with light leads to ultrafast DNA diagnostics
• Butterflies heat up the field of solar research
• Exercise during adolescence linked to lowered risk of death later
• Gene drive research: Safeguarding the greater good
• How to become a T follicular helper cell
• Cancer patients lose faith in healthcare system if referred late by GP
• Research explores future energy security of China
• Get up for your heart health, move for your waistline
• Byproduct of intestinal bacteria may jeopardize heart health in patients with kidney disease
• Cost of physician board recertification fuels questions about how best to achieve better outcomes for patients
• Texting while driving bans save 19 lives per year
• Concussions most common during practice
• Blocking PHD2 oxygen sensor inhibits breast cancer dissemination
• Rotten tomatoes and two thumbs up
• How to look for a few good catalysts
• Waking up HIV

Affordable genetic diagnostic technique for target DNA analysis developed Posted: 31 Jul 2015 08:20 AM PDT A technique to analyze various target DNAs has been developed using an aptamer, a DNA fragment that can recognize and bind to a specific protein or enzyme.

Magnetism at nanoscale Posted: 31 Jul 2015 08:19 AM PDT As the demand grows for ever smaller, smarter electronics, so does the demand for understanding materials' behavior at ever smaller scales. Physicists are building a unique optical magnetometer to probe magnetism at the nano- and mesoscale.

Effects of spinach extract on satiety: Feel full, curb cravings Posted: 31 Jul 2015 08:13 AM PDT A new study examines how consuming the concentrated extract of thylakoids found in spinach can reduce hunger and cravings. Thylakoids encourage the release of satiety hormones, which is very beneficial in slowing down fat digestion.

New cancer marker identified; possible therapeutic target for breast cancer Posted: 31 Jul 2015 07:52 AM PDT Basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer and is often referred to as "triple negative," which means it is not responsive to the common medical therapeutics. BLBC is more likely to metastasize -- or spread to different areas of the body -- quicker and earlier, and is associated with a poor prognosis. A new way to detect - and perhaps treat -- this deadly form of breast cancer has now been found, scientists report.

Perfectionism linked to burnout at work, school and sports, research finds Posted: 31 Jul 2015 07:52 AM PDT Perfectionistic concerns have a positive relationship with overall burnout and symptoms of burnout, research has found. Perfectionistic concerns can create stress, interfere with relationships and more.

New insights on hurricane intensity, pollution transport Posted: 31 Jul 2015 07:52 AM PDT As tropical storm Isaac was gaining momentum toward the Mississippi River in August 2012, researchers were dropping instruments from the sky above to study the ocean conditions beneath the storm. The newly published study showed how a downwelling of warm waters deepened the storm's fuel tank for a rapid intensification toward hurricane status. The results also revealed how hurricane-generated currents and ocean eddies can transport oil and other pollutants to coastal regions.

Starvation effects handed down for generations Posted: 31 Jul 2015 07:52 AM PDT Starvation early in life can alter an organism for generations to come, according to a new study in nematodes. The epigenetic effects are a 'bet-hedging strategy.' Famine survivors are smaller and less fertile, and they acquire a toughness that lasts at least two generations. The mechanism of the epigenetic inheritance has not been identified, however.

Self-assembling, biomimetic membranes may aid water filtration Posted: 31 Jul 2015 07:52 AM PDT A synthetic membrane that self assembles and is easily produced may lead to better gas separation, water purification, drug delivery and DNA recognition, according to an international team of researchers.

Analysis of post deployment health assessment forms indicates risks of alcohol abuse among service members returning from deployment Posted: 31 Jul 2015 07:40 AM PDT An analysis of responses to questionnaires administered to U.S. active component service members who had returned from deployment during a 7-year surveillance period found that 3.4 percent and 4.8 percent of them, respectively, indicated a severe risk for alcohol abuse.

On-chip processor the first step in point-of-care asthma and tuberculosis diagnostics Posted: 31 Jul 2015 07:40 AM PDT A device to mix liquids utilizing ultrasonics is the first and most difficult component in a miniaturized system for low-cost analysis of sputum from patients with pulmonary diseases such as tuberculosis and asthma.

Ebola vaccine efficacy trial suggest vaccine provides high protection against disease Posted: 31 Jul 2015 07:39 AM PDT Tests of the experimental Ebola vaccine VSV-ZEBOV in over 7500 participants in Guinea suggest that the vaccine provides high protection against the disease as early as ten days after vaccination, in adults who have potentially been exposed to the virus by coming in close contact with a recently infected person.

Getting to the bottom of aging Posted: 31 Jul 2015 07:38 AM PDT The question of why we age is one of the most fascinating questions for humankind, but nothing close to a satisfactory answer has been found to date. Scientists have now taken one step closer to providing an answer. They have conducted a study in which, for the first time, they have shown that a certain area of the cell, the so-called endoplasmic reticulum, loses its oxidative power in advanced age. If this elixir of life is lost, many proteins can no longer mature properly. At the same time, oxidative damage accumulates in another area of the cell, the cytosol. This interplay was previously unknown and now opens up a new understanding of aging, but also of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.

Drinking at conception boosts diabetes risk for baby, study shows Posted: 31 Jul 2015 07:37 AM PDT Babies conceived by women who drink alcohol around the time of conception face dramatically increased risks of type 2 diabetes and obesity in early middle age, a study has found.

Brain-controlled prosthesis nearly as good as one-finger typing Posted: 31 Jul 2015 07:37 AM PDT Brain-controlled prostheses sample a few hundred neurons to estimate motor commands that involve millions of neurons. Sampling errors can reduce the precision and speed of thought-controlled keypads. A new technique can analyze this sample and make dozens of corrective adjustments in the blink of an eye to make thought-controlled cursors more precise.

Discovery about brain protein causes rethink on development of Alzheimer's disease Posted: 31 Jul 2015 07:37 AM PDT A protein involved in the progression of Alzheimer's disease also has properties that could be helpful for human health, a research study has found. The discovery helps researchers better understand the complicated brain chemistry behind the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Young adults with autism show improved social function following skills program Posted: 31 Jul 2015 07:37 AM PDT A social skills program for high-functioning young adults with autism spectrum disorder significantly improved the participants' ability to engage with their peers, a new study has found.

Transparent, electrically conductive network of encapsulated silver nanowires Posted: 31 Jul 2015 07:37 AM PDT A transparent electrode with high electrical conductivity has been developed for solar cells and other optoelectronic components -- that uses minimal amounts of material. It consists of a random network of silver nanowires that is coated with aluminium-doped zinc oxide. The novel electrode requires about 70 times less silver than conventional silver grid electrodes, but possesses comparable electrical conductivity.

Parents inclined to misjudge child happiness based on personal feelings Posted: 31 Jul 2015 07:37 AM PDT Parents' estimations of their children's happiness differ significantly from the child's own assessment of their feelings, according to a new study. Research showed parents of 10 and 11-year-olds consistently overestimated their child's happiness, while those with 15 and 16-year-olds were inclined to underestimate.

RNA-binding protein influences key mediator of cellular inflammation, stress responses Posted: 31 Jul 2015 07:36 AM PDT RNA-binding proteins such as RC3H1 regulate the degradation of the mRNA molecules and thus prevent the production of specific proteins. Researchers have now shown that ROQUIN binds several thousand mRNA molecules. They demonstrated that ROQUIN also influences the gene regulator NF-kappaB, a key mediator of cellular inflammation and stress responses.

Shaping the hilly landscapes of a semi-conductor nanoworld Posted: 31 Jul 2015 07:36 AM PDT Nanoscale worlds sometimes resemble macroscale roller-coaster style hills, placed at the tip of a series of hexagons. Surprisingly, these nanohills stem from the self-organization of particles -- the very particles that have been eroded and subsequently redeposited following the bombardment of semi-conductors with ion beams. Now, a new theoretical study constitutes the first exhaustive investigation of the redeposition effect on the evolution of the roughening and smoothing of two-dimensional surfaces bombarded by multiple ions.

Predicting emerging structures and bulk properties of new materials Posted: 31 Jul 2015 07:36 AM PDT Researchers have discovered a way to tweak design recipes for a special class of materials. The discovery has significant technological implications in manufacturing new functional materials, they say.

Gold-diamond nanodevice for hyperlocalized cancer therapy Posted: 31 Jul 2015 07:36 AM PDT Precise targeting biological molecules, such as cancer cells, for treatment is a challenge, due to their sheer size. Now, scientists have proposed an advanced solution that can potentially be applied to thermal cancer therapy. An improved sensing technique for nanometer-scale heating and temperature sensing uses a chemical method to attach gold nanorods to the surface of a diamond nanocrystal, the authors have invented a new biocompatible nanodevice.

Protein machines make fluctuating flows unconsciously Posted: 31 Jul 2015 07:36 AM PDT Protein machines, regardless of their specific functions, can collectively induce fluctuating hydrodynamic flows and substantially enhance the diffusive motions of particles in the cell, an international research group has demonstrated.

Watching a tumor grow in real-time Posted: 31 Jul 2015 04:04 AM PDT Researchers have gained new insight into the phases of breast cancer growth. The ability to visualize and characterize the composition of a tumor in detail during its development can provide valuable insights in order to target appropriate therapeutics.

Scientists warn an entire eco-system is under threat from climate change Posted: 31 Jul 2015 04:04 AM PDT Birds, bugs and blanket bogs -- scientists warn an entire eco-system is under threat from climate change.

Solid state physics: Quantum matter stuck in unrest Posted: 31 Jul 2015 04:04 AM PDT Using ultracold atoms trapped in light crystals, scientists have observed a novel state of matter that never thermalizes.

Heating and cooling with light leads to ultrafast DNA diagnostics Posted: 31 Jul 2015 04:02 AM PDT Researchers used LEDs and a thin film of gold to turbocharge the heating and cooling cycles of the PCR test so results are ready in minutes, not hours. The innovation greatly expands the clinical and research applications of a workhorse lab tool used in forensics, medical diagnostics and more.

Butterflies heat up the field of solar research Posted: 31 Jul 2015 04:02 AM PDT The humble butterfly could hold the key to unlocking new techniques to make solar energy cheaper and more efficient, pioneering new research has shown. By mimicking the v-shaped posture adopted by Cabbage White butterflies to heat up their flight muscles before take-off, the amount of power produced by solar panels can increase by almost 50 per cent, scientists say.

Exercise during adolescence linked to lowered risk of death later Posted: 31 Jul 2015 04:02 AM PDT Women who participated in exercise as adolescents had a reduced risk of death from cancer and all causes in their middle and older ages. After adjusting for socioeconomic factors in adult life, the researchers found that women who participated in exercise as adolescents for 1.33 hours a week or less had a 16 percent lowered risk for death from cancer, and a 15 percent lowered risk for death from all causes; those who participated in exercise as adolescents for more than 1.33 hours a week had a 13 percent lowered risk for death from all causes.

Gene drive research: Safeguarding the greater good Posted: 30 Jul 2015 07:00 PM PDT Research teams have proactively assembled an international group of 26 experts, including prominent genetic engineers and fruit fly geneticists, to unanimously recommend a series of preemptive measures to safeguard gene drive research.

How to become a T follicular helper cell Posted: 30 Jul 2015 07:00 PM PDT Follicular helper Tcells (TFH cells), a rare type of immune cell that is essential for inducing a strong and lasting antibody response to viruses and other microbes, have garnered intense interest in recent years but the molecular signals that drive their differentiation had remained unclear. Now, a team of researchers has identified a pair of master regulators that control the fate of TFH cells.

Cancer patients lose faith in healthcare system if referred late by GP Posted: 30 Jul 2015 07:00 PM PDT If it takes more than three trips to the GP to be referred for cancer tests, patients are more likely to be dissatisfied with their overall care, eroding confidence in the doctors and nurses who go on to treat and monitor them, a study shows.

Research explores future energy security of China Posted: 30 Jul 2015 07:00 PM PDT China needs to reduce its dependence on coal and improve the range of fuels it uses if it is to have long term energy security, according to new research. The study looks at the future of electricity supply in China and the issues it faces in reducing its carbon emissions -- nationally China's electricity sector accounts for more than half its total greenhouse gas emissions.

Get up for your heart health, move for your waistline Posted: 30 Jul 2015 07:00 PM PDT More time spent standing rather than sitting could improve your blood sugar, fats in the blood and cholesterol levels, according to a new study. The study also shows that replacing time spent sitting with time walking could have additional benefits for your waistline and body mass index.

Byproduct of intestinal bacteria may jeopardize heart health in patients with kidney disease Posted: 30 Jul 2015 02:25 PM PDT Blood levels of TMAO, a byproduct generated from intestinal bacterial as they metabolize dietary nutrients, progressively increase with advancing severity of kidney disease. TMAO levels are dramatically reduced when kidney function is restored following kidney transplantation, researchers say, noting that high TMAO levels are linked with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and premature death in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Cost of physician board recertification fuels questions about how best to achieve better outcomes for patients Posted: 30 Jul 2015 01:31 PM PDT Many American physicians are pushing back against or debating new requirements for maintaining medical board certifications, which affect more than 250,000 physicians nationwide.

Texting while driving bans save 19 lives per year Posted: 30 Jul 2015 01:30 PM PDT On average, there was a 7 percent reduction in crash-related hospitalizations in states that have enacted bans on texting and driving, researchers say. Hospitalizations were reduced the most -- 9 percent -- among 22-64 year olds and those aged 65 and older.

Concussions most common during practice Posted: 30 Jul 2015 01:30 PM PDT As high school and college athletes hit the fields and courts in pre-season practice, concussion awareness should be part of their education, experts say, as most concussions happen during practice and not during games.

Blocking PHD2 oxygen sensor inhibits breast cancer dissemination Posted: 30 Jul 2015 01:29 PM PDT Reducing the expression of the PHD2 oxygen sensor impairs the ability of breast cancers to metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body, scientists have discovered. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, primarily due to metastasis. These findings indicate that PHD2 inhibition may have valuable therapeutic potential.

Rotten tomatoes and two thumbs up Posted: 30 Jul 2015 01:24 PM PDT How online shoppers respond when faced with wide variations in online reviews can give retailers insights into how to display the reviews and what to expect.

How to look for a few good catalysts Posted: 30 Jul 2015 01:24 PM PDT Two key physical phenomena take place at the surfaces of materials: catalysis and wetting. A catalyst enhances the rate of chemical reactions; wetting refers to how liquids spread across a surface. Non-wetting surfaces promote chemical reaction rates, new research confirms.

Waking up HIV Posted: 30 Jul 2015 01:22 PM PDT Highly active anti-retroviral therapy has helped millions survive the human immunodeficiency virus. Unfortunately, HIV has a built-in survival mechanism, creating reservoirs of latent, inactive virus that are invisible to both HAART and the immune system. But now, researchers have identified a compound that activates latent HIV, offering the tantalizing possibility that the virus can be flushed out of the silent reservoirs and fully cured.

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