ScienceDaily: Top News

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• Where are the hoverboards? Professor says not too far off
• Scientists find link between comet, asteroid showers and mass extinctions
• New 'geospeedometer' confirms super-eruptions have short fuses
• Histone deacetylase 6 inhibition enhances oncolytic viral therapy
• Botox may prevent irregular heartbeat after bypass surgery
• Test catches asthma in children before symptoms appear
• New report on energy-efficient computing
• Risk of drug-resistant malaria spreading to Africa
• HIV cure research: Scientists create two-headed protein to deplete HIV reservoir
• Brain connectivity changes with working memory after TBI
• Fly brains reveal neural pathway by which outside stimuli become behavior
• Researchers develop drug delivery technique to bypass blood-brain barrier
• Preserving the best qualities of 'Honeycrisp' apples
• Internal fingerprint sensor peers inside fingertips for more surefire ID
• Satellite sheds new light on solar system boundary
• More tunnels in ant nests means more food for colony
• First synthetic model of a bacterial outer membrane will support antibiotic development
• Dietary fat impacts autoimmune flare-ups in mice
• Stimulating specific brain area could help defrost arms frozen by stroke
• Superbug infection greatest increase in children ages one to five
• Growing old can be risky business
• Inherent mindfulness linked to lower obesity risk, belly fat
• Later age recommended for first screening mammogram: Now 45 not 40
• Most Earth-like worlds have yet to be born
• Smart car cyberattack warning: Flaws found in security systems
• Lathering up with sunscreen may protect against cancer -- killing coral reefs worldwide
• You too can learn to farm on Mars
• New study explains why you bulk up with resistance training, not endurance training
• People with sedentary lifestyles are at increased risk of developing kidney disease
• Dog's recovery highlights need for genetic testing, owner vigilance
• With organic rice in demand, scientists to help farmers improve production
• Uncovered: European roller's route between Africa, Europe
• Bangladesh health successes shift chronic diseases to poor
• New species find in Central Otago confirms link between Australian and South American shorebirds
• It is not money alone that motivates employees
• First movie of stellar-surface evolution beyond our Solar System
• New perspective in male infertility: Identification of new molecular target for male contraceptives
• Team-based treatment is better for first episode psychosis
• Dirty pipeline: Methane from fracking sites can flow to abandoned wells, new study shows
• From good to bad with a copper switch
• Program for parents helps sustain learning gains in kids from Head Start to kindergarten
• Super-slick material makes steel better, stronger, cleaner
• Alcohol ads linked to teen alcohol brand choices
• First mouse model of spontaneous depression-like episodes shows new candidate brain region
• Healthcare: How stereotypes hurt
• MRI shows heart ages differently in women than in men

Where are the hoverboards? Professor says not too far off Posted: 20 Oct 2015 04:24 PM PDT Thought you'd celebrate the real Back to the Future Day with a ride on your hoverboard or in your flying car? Sadly, that's not going to happen in time for Wednesday; but the levitating technology Marty McFly encountered in his jaunt through Oct. 21, 2015 during the 1989 film "Back to the Future II" isn't as far-fetched as it might seem.

Scientists find link between comet, asteroid showers and mass extinctions Posted: 20 Oct 2015 04:23 PM PDT For more than 30 years, scientists have argued about a controversial hypothesis relating to periodic mass extinctions and impact craters -- caused by comet and asteroid showers -- on Earth. Now scientists have concluded that mass extinctions occurring over the past 260 million years were likely caused by comet and asteroid showers.

New 'geospeedometer' confirms super-eruptions have short fuses Posted: 20 Oct 2015 04:17 PM PDT A new 'geospeedometer' that can measure the amount of time between the formation of an explosive magma melt and an eruption confirms that the process took less than 500 years in several ancient super-eruptions.

Histone deacetylase 6 inhibition enhances oncolytic viral therapy Posted: 20 Oct 2015 04:16 PM PDT Inhibition of histone deaceteylase 6 improves the ability of oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 to kill glioma cells, a new study indciates.

Botox may prevent irregular heartbeat after bypass surgery Posted: 20 Oct 2015 04:16 PM PDT Botox injections into fat surrounding the heart reduced the chances of developing an irregular heart rhythm -- the most common complication of bypass surgery -- say scientists.

Test catches asthma in children before symptoms appear Posted: 20 Oct 2015 11:57 AM PDT Nearly 7 million children in the United States have been diagnosed with asthma and thousands more are living undiagnosed, struggling to breathe each day. Now, researchers have found that a commonly used pulmonary lung function test can provide early detection of asthma before a child shows any symptoms of breathing problems. This early diagnosis could reduce the number of people who have serious complications of the disease later in life.

New report on energy-efficient computing Posted: 20 Oct 2015 11:53 AM PDT A new American report outlines key factors limiting progress in computing -- particularly related to energy consumption -- and novel research that could overcome these barriers.

Risk of drug-resistant malaria spreading to Africa Posted: 20 Oct 2015 11:52 AM PDT Drug-resistant forms of Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest species among malaria parasites, are able to infect the type of mosquito that is the main transmitter of malaria in Africa, according to new findings. The discovery suggests Africa -- where malaria will cause an estimated 400,000 deaths in 2015 -- is more at risk for drug-resistant malaria infections than previously thought, which could further compromise efforts to prevent and eliminate the disease.

HIV cure research: Scientists create two-headed protein to deplete HIV reservoir Posted: 20 Oct 2015 11:52 AM PDT Scientists have created a protein that awakens resting immune cells infected with HIV and facilitates their destruction in laboratory studies. The protein potentially could contribute to a cure for HIV infection by helping deplete the reservoir of long-lived, latently HIV-infected cells that can start making the virus when a person stops taking anti-HIV drugs. Further studies in animals and people are needed to determine the viability of this approach.

Brain connectivity changes with working memory after TBI Posted: 20 Oct 2015 11:52 AM PDT Scientists compared information flow in the brain in traumatic brain injury and controls using neuroimaging and a novel working memory task, CapMan, which measures capacity and mental manipulation. This is the first study to show causal relationship between these tasks of working memory and fronto-parietal regions.

Fly brains reveal neural pathway by which outside stimuli become behavior Posted: 20 Oct 2015 11:52 AM PDT Fruit fly brains have been used by researchers to capture the process by which the brain identifies behaviorally useful information in the external environment and uses it to determine our actions. The results provide a clear diagram of the stimulus-to-behavior neural process that is frequently carried out by human brains, but has been difficult for scientists to study.

Researchers develop drug delivery technique to bypass blood-brain barrier Posted: 20 Oct 2015 11:52 AM PDT Researchers have successfully prevented the development of Parkinson's disease in a mouse using new techniques to deliver drugs across the naturally impenetrable blood-brain barrier. Their findings lend hope to patients around the world with neurological conditions that are difficult to treat due to a barrier mechanism that prevents approximately 98 percent of drugs from reaching the brain and central nervous system.

Preserving the best qualities of 'Honeycrisp' apples Posted: 20 Oct 2015 11:52 AM PDT A study assessed potential impacts on grower profits when crop load management of 'Honeycrisp' apples is not optimal. Results showed that growers would realize a loss of $5,332/acre if production size of 48-88 count per 40-lb box decreased by 5 percent and the size of 100-163 count/box increased by 5 percent. The study also showed consumers were willing to pay an average of $0.12/lb more for a one-unit increase in soluble solids concentration in 'Honeycrisp.'

Internal fingerprint sensor peers inside fingertips for more surefire ID Posted: 20 Oct 2015 11:52 AM PDT Most optical fingerprint sensors today produce images by reflecting light from areas where the skin does not come in contact with a glass plate, a technique that captures details from only the very top layer of skin. In contrast, a new device images the 'internal fingerprints,' which have the same pattern as external fingerprints, but are about half a millimeter below the skin's surface.

Satellite sheds new light on solar system boundary Posted: 20 Oct 2015 11:48 AM PDT A team of scientists presents findings from six years of direct observations made by NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission of the interstellar wind that blows through our solar system.

More tunnels in ant nests means more food for colony Posted: 20 Oct 2015 11:48 AM PDT A study of the underground 'architecture' of harvester ant nests has found that the more connected the chambers an ant colony builds near the surface entrance, the faster the ants are able to collect nearby sources of food.

First synthetic model of a bacterial outer membrane will support antibiotic development Posted: 20 Oct 2015 11:48 AM PDT Scientists have developed a model of the outer membrane of the bacteria E. coli (Escherichia coli) providing a brand new tool for developing new antibiotics and other drugs in the fight against infections.

Dietary fat impacts autoimmune flare-ups in mice Posted: 20 Oct 2015 11:48 AM PDT Dietary fat may impact the severity and duration of autoimmune flare-ups, suggests a new study. Adjusting the length of fatty acids consumed by mice altered the function of T helper cells in the gut -- either intensifying or alleviating symptoms in an animal model of the autoimmune disease (i.e., multiple sclerosis).

Stimulating specific brain area could help defrost arms frozen by stroke Posted: 20 Oct 2015 11:48 AM PDT Little can be done to help the hundreds of thousands of people whose severe strokes have left them with one arm stuck close to the sides of their bodies like a broken wing. A 30-patient study, however, has found that magnetically stimulating a specific part of their brains can affect arm movements -- raising hope that, in the future, a short course of therapy targeting this area could help to free the arm and restore some use of the stroke-affected limb.

Superbug infection greatest increase in children ages one to five Posted: 20 Oct 2015 11:09 AM PDT Children are becoming infected with the highly fatal antibiotic resistant bacteria CRE at a much higher rate than the recent past, according to a data analysis in the United States.

Growing old can be risky business Posted: 20 Oct 2015 11:09 AM PDT Managing money can be difficult at any age. For older adults, changes in physical condition and life circumstances can lead to changes for the worse in financial behavior, putting their well-being in danger. Now those changes have been given a name: age-associated financial vulnerability. In a new article, experts are calling for research to identify and help older adults at risk from age-associated financial vulnerability.

Inherent mindfulness linked to lower obesity risk, belly fat Posted: 20 Oct 2015 11:09 AM PDT People with a high degree of attention to their present thoughts and feelings -- 'dispositional mindfulness' -- are less likely to be obese than people with a low degree of dispositional mindfulness, research shows. They also had about a pound less belly fat on average.

Later age recommended for first screening mammogram: Now 45 not 40 Posted: 20 Oct 2015 09:08 AM PDT Among the changes in the American Cancer Society's updated breast cancer screening guideline is that women with an average risk of breast cancer should undergo regular, annual screening mammography beginning at age 45 years, with women having an opportunity to choose to begin annual screening as early as age 40; and women 55 years and older should transition to screening every other year (vs. annual), according to a new article.

Most Earth-like worlds have yet to be born Posted: 20 Oct 2015 07:48 AM PDT Earth came early to the party in the evolving universe. According to a new theoretical study, when our solar system was born 4.6 billion years ago only eight percent of the potentially habitable planets that will ever form in the universe existed. And, the party won't be over when the sun burns out in another 6 billion years. The bulk of those planets - 92 percent - have yet to be born.

Smart car cyberattack warning: Flaws found in security systems Posted: 20 Oct 2015 07:38 AM PDT How Australia acts today will determine the security and safety of driverless cars, autonomous vehicles and intelligent transport systems in the future, with academics warning there is a risk of in-vehicle cyber attack without appropriate safeguards.

Lathering up with sunscreen may protect against cancer -- killing coral reefs worldwide Posted: 20 Oct 2015 07:37 AM PDT Lathering up with sunscreen may prevent sunburn and protect against cancer, but it is also killing coral reefs around the world.That's the conclusion of a team of international scientists.

You too can learn to farm on Mars Posted: 20 Oct 2015 07:37 AM PDT Scientists are helping students figure out how to farm on Mars, much like astronaut Mark Watney, played by Matt Damon, attempts in the critically acclaimed movie 'The Martian.'

New study explains why you bulk up with resistance training, not endurance training Posted: 20 Oct 2015 06:48 AM PDT Resistance and endurance exercises activate the same gene, PGC-1?, but the processes stimulated for the muscles to adapt depend on the exercise type. A new study offers insight into why the physical changes from resistance exercise are so different than from endurance exercise.

People with sedentary lifestyles are at increased risk of developing kidney disease Posted: 20 Oct 2015 06:48 AM PDT Being sedentary for too long during the day may be a risk factor for chronic kidney disease, according to a new study.

Dog's recovery highlights need for genetic testing, owner vigilance Posted: 20 Oct 2015 06:48 AM PDT The remarkable recovery of a dog nursed back to health from the brink of death recently highlights the value of a simple genetic test that can help owners determine if their pets are vulnerable to what in most cases is a safe, commonly-used drug.

With organic rice in demand, scientists to help farmers improve production Posted: 20 Oct 2015 06:48 AM PDT Organic rice is increasingly desired by U.S. consumers, but farmers know that growing the grain chemically free can mean providing a feast for insects, diseases and weeds. Now a multi-state team of scientists with a track record of battling pests is working toward the goal of making organic rice profitable for farmers and more available for consumers.

Uncovered: European roller's route between Africa, Europe Posted: 20 Oct 2015 06:18 AM PDT Its blue and brown-colored plumage is undoubtedly the most distinctive feature of the European roller, a threatened migratory bird. Up until now, little was known about this bird's migration patterns and wintering. For the first time, scientists from nine countries reveal the routes between the southern part of Africa and Europe taken by a considerable part of this species which is currently in a fragile state of conservation. Researchers have been able to uncover this information with the help of geolocators and satellite transmissions.

Bangladesh health successes shift chronic diseases to poor Posted: 20 Oct 2015 06:18 AM PDT Over the past decades, Bangladesh observed a successful health transition while chronic diseases shifted from the rich to affect, in excess, also poor households. Observations over more than two decades demonstrate that the situation is actually worsening as chronic diseases frequently drag more households below the poverty line. The challenges in health service delivery and financing are huge, say authors of a new report.

New species find in Central Otago confirms link between Australian and South American shorebirds Posted: 20 Oct 2015 06:18 AM PDT It is commonly known that birds evolved from dinosaurs. But what happened next? Today, shorebirds (otherwise known as waders) live in a wide variety of environments worldwide, from the Himalayas to Antarctica. With their long legs, shorebirds have long been a subject of evolutionary discussion, but where did they originate and how did they diverge into so many habitats across the globe? Due to a poor fossil record, these questions remain largely unanswered. However, a new article sheds new light on this mystery.

It is not money alone that motivates employees Posted: 20 Oct 2015 06:17 AM PDT Small signals of appreciation have a decisive influence on the output and quality of the work of employees. A field experiment revealed that a combination of performance-oriented piece wage and motivating words increases the performance by 20% and reduces the error rate by 40%.

First movie of stellar-surface evolution beyond our Solar System Posted: 20 Oct 2015 06:16 AM PDT Astronomers present for the first time a movie that shows the evolution of stellar spots on a star other than our Sun. The long-term, highly-sampled, phase-resolved spectroscopic data were made possible with the STELLA robotic telescopes on Tenerife. Over a period of 6 years the growth and fade of giant stellar spots on the star XX Tri are seen. The spots reveal an underlying magnetic cycle that has a period comparable to our Sun's but is much stronger.

New perspective in male infertility: Identification of new molecular target for male contraceptives Posted: 20 Oct 2015 06:16 AM PDT To date, oral contraceptives for women have been developed and used worldwide, but, there are no oral contraceptives for men.

Team-based treatment is better for first episode psychosis Posted: 20 Oct 2015 06:14 AM PDT Treating people with first episode psychosis with a team-based, coordinated specialty care (CSC) approach produces better clinical and functional outcomes than typical community care, new research shows. Investigators also found that treatment is most effective for people who receive care soon after psychotic symptoms begin.

Dirty pipeline: Methane from fracking sites can flow to abandoned wells, new study shows Posted: 20 Oct 2015 06:14 AM PDT Abandoned oil and gas wells near fracking sites can be conduits for methane escape not currently being measured, a significant finding given the current debate over new EPA rules regulating fracking-related release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, say investigators.

From good to bad with a copper switch Posted: 20 Oct 2015 06:13 AM PDT They turn into bad prions, but no one knew how. Now a group of scientists has finally identified the mechanism underlying the pathological transformation of prion proteins: it all depends on a metal, copper, and its bond with the protein.

Program for parents helps sustain learning gains in kids from Head Start to kindergarten Posted: 20 Oct 2015 06:13 AM PDT An instructional program for parents helps young children retain the literacy skills and positive learning behaviors acquired in Head Start through to the end of the kindergarten year, according to researchers.

Super-slick material makes steel better, stronger, cleaner Posted: 20 Oct 2015 06:13 AM PDT Now, researchers have demonstrated a way to make steel stronger, safer and more durable. Their new surface coating, made from rough nanoporous tungsten oxide, is the most durable anti-fouling and anti-corrosive material to date, capable of repelling any kind of liquid even after sustaining intense structural abuse.

Alcohol ads linked to teen alcohol brand choices Posted: 20 Oct 2015 06:13 AM PDT Overall exposure to brand-specific alcohol advertising is a significant predictor of underage youth alcohol brand consumption, with youth ages 13 to 20 more than five times more likely to consume brands that advertise on national television and 36 percent more likely to consume brands that advertise in national magazines compared to brands that don't advertise in these media.

First mouse model of spontaneous depression-like episodes shows new candidate brain region Posted: 20 Oct 2015 06:13 AM PDT A mouse strain with a mutation that leads to dysfunction of mitochondria -- the 'powerhouses' that provide energy to cells -- spontaneously undergo periodic episodes of depression-like behavior that resemble those in human, scientists report.

Healthcare: How stereotypes hurt Posted: 20 Oct 2015 06:13 AM PDT Warning: Stereotypes may be harmful to patients' health. An American national study has found people who encountered the threat of being judged by negative stereotypes related to weight, age, race, gender, or social class in health care settings were more likely to have hypertension, be depressed, and to rate their own health more poorly. They were also more distrustful of their doctors, felt dissatisfied with their care, and were less likely to use preventive care.

MRI shows heart ages differently in women than in men Posted: 20 Oct 2015 06:13 AM PDT The main pumping chamber of the heart ages differently in men and women, according to a MRI study. Researchers said the findings may support different treatment approaches for men and women with heart disease.

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