ScienceDaily: Top News

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• Colorado wildfire study shows actions can change outcomes
• Adults born with heart disease at increased risk of heart attack and death
• Specific vitamin D levels linked to heart problems
• The power of magical thinking: Why superstitions are hard to shake
• The art of appropriate patient selection for heart procedures
• Using FM to improve wireless networks
• Strangled cells condense their DNA
• Marriage has morphed into a means of supporting intensive investments in children
• Genetic risk information for coronary heart disease leads to lower bad cholesterol
• Fossil wasp galls indicate little change in Southern California habitats since Ice Age
• A new way to look at metal organic frameworks
• Langauge: Automated tool for dialect analysis
• Scientific research is conservative but could be accelerated, analysis finds
• How low to go for blood pressure? Lower target could affect millions of Americans
• Computers used to tackle one of chemistry's greatest challenges
• Leading cause of blindness could be prevented or delayed
• Diabetes drug reduces risk of heart failure and may prevent it, study shows
• New technology colors in the infrared rainbow
• Tissue engineers recruit cells to make their own strong matrix
• The past shows how abrupt climate shifts affect Earth
• The first long-haired ones: New wasp group proposed for five new species from India
• Complex grammar of the genomic language
• New genetic cause of a childhood kidney cancer discovered
• Molecular clocks control mutation rate in human cells
• How glucose regulation enables malignant tumor growth
• Giant fullerene system inhibits the infection by an artificial Ebola virus
• A warmer world will be a hazier one
• Hydrogel superglue is 90 percent water
• Unpacking embryonic pluripotency
• Cellular mechanism for transporting calcium in the formation of dental enamel cells
• Clue to formation of magnetic fields around stars and galaxies
• Long-sought protein sensor for the ‘sixth sense’ found -- proprioception
• Flipping the switch to better see cancer cells at depths
• New enzyme therapy shows proof of concept as treatment for cocaine overdose
• Thickness of grey matter predicts ability to recognize faces and objects
• Sexism rules in the voting booth unless voters have more information
• Long-term effects of wireless heart failure monitor just released
• An arms race among venomous animals?
• Dead bacteria used to kill colorectal cancer
• Positive emotions more contagious than negative ones on Twitter
• Development of nanostructuring technology to simultaneously control heat and electricity
• Exploring the paradox of metabolically healthy obesity
• Poverty influences effects of race and education on pain after knee replacement surgery
• New disease-carrying mosquito arrives in British Columbia, Canada
• Increasing production of seed oils
• Microplate discovery dates birth of Himalayas
• Training for runners: Improve individual skills supported by BigData
• Combination therapy reduces occurrence, number of migraines following cardiac procedure
• Coronary angioplasties classified as inappropriate reduced since guidelines published
• Counting stars: Illegal trade of Indian star tortoises is a far graver issue
• Wealthiest -- not sickest -- patients may have edge in organ transplants
• Researchers discover control for devastating disease in texas vineyards
• Temporary ambulance locations reduces response times and may save lives
• New light shed on the challenge of climate negotiations
• Smart help for phone users
• Movies as a tool to assess acceptability of intimate partner violence
• Conducting gels, from waste to wealth
• Vanilla yogurt makes us feel happy
• Lakes resist the introduction of new fish
• World first blood test reduces risk, increases accuracy in prenatal testing

Colorado wildfire study shows actions can change outcomes Posted: 09 Nov 2015 03:20 PM PST A new study of Colorado's devastating 2012 Waldo Canyon wildfire demonstrates that prompt and effective action can significantly change the outcome of fires that occur in areas where residential communities and undeveloped wildlands meet. The study) is the most comprehensive examination in history of a wildland urban interface fire.

Adults born with heart disease at increased risk of heart attack and death Posted: 09 Nov 2015 03:18 PM PST A study of adults up to age 70 shows a dramatically increased risk of heart attack in those who were born with heart disease.

Specific vitamin D levels linked to heart problems Posted: 09 Nov 2015 01:05 PM PST A lack of vitamin D can result in weak bones. Recent studies also show that vitamin D deficiency is linked to more serious health risks such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

The power of magical thinking: Why superstitions are hard to shake Posted: 09 Nov 2015 01:04 PM PST When sports fans wear their lucky shirts on game day, they know it is irrational to think clothing can influence a team's performance. But they do it anyway. Researchers finds that even when people recognize that their belief does not make sense, they can still allow that irrational belief to influence how they think, feel and behave.

The art of appropriate patient selection for heart procedures Posted: 09 Nov 2015 01:02 PM PST A decline in the number of heart patients undergoing unnecessary PCI (angioplasty) procedures reflects improvements in clinical decision-making and documentation to determine which patients benefit most from the procedure, according to new findings.

Using FM to improve wireless networks Posted: 09 Nov 2015 12:38 PM PST Wi-FM allows wireless networks to communicate with one another through FM radio signals to determine the best times to send data and avoid data traffic jams.

Strangled cells condense their DNA Posted: 09 Nov 2015 12:38 PM PST Scientists have been able to see, for the first time, the dramatic changes that occur in the DNA of cells that are starved of oxygen and nutrients. This starved state is typical in some of today's most common diseases, particularly heart attacks, stroke and cancer. The findings provide new insight into the damage these diseases cause and may help researchers to discover new ways of treating them.

Marriage has morphed into a means of supporting intensive investments in children Posted: 09 Nov 2015 12:38 PM PST Marriage as an institution is not what it used to be. Since the 1950s, the number of couple exchanging "I dos" has dropped steadily. And while most Americans do marry at some point in their lives, many are choosing to do so later. A new study examines Americans' changing sensibilities about marriage, using economics as a measuring tool. Researchers contend that families with high incomes and high levels of education have the greatest incentives to maintain long-term relationships.

Genetic risk information for coronary heart disease leads to lower bad cholesterol Posted: 09 Nov 2015 12:38 PM PST Medical researchers have discovered that disclosing genetic risk for coronary heart disease, also known as bad cholesterol.

Fossil wasp galls indicate little change in Southern California habitats since Ice Age Posted: 09 Nov 2015 12:38 PM PST New research on fossil galls -- abnormal plant growths caused, in this case, by tiny wasps -- helps reconstruct the local habitats of Southern California at the end of the last Ice Age.

A new way to look at metal organic frameworks Posted: 09 Nov 2015 12:38 PM PST Scientists have developed a technique called 'gas adsorption crystallography' that provides a new way to study the process by which metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are able to store immense volumes of gases such a carbon dioxide, hydrogen and methane.

Langauge: Automated tool for dialect analysis Posted: 09 Nov 2015 12:38 PM PST Scientists have created an automatic speech analysis tool that pushes the technological envelope for what types of sociolinguistic dialect research are possible.

Scientific research is conservative but could be accelerated, analysis finds Posted: 09 Nov 2015 12:31 PM PST Institutional and cultural pressures lead scientists to avoid risk-taking and choose inefficient research strategies, two new articles conclude. Despite increased opportunities for groundbreaking experiments, most scientists choose conservative research strategies to reduce personal risk, which makes collective discovery slower and more expensive. However, these computational studies also uncovered more efficient approaches for maximizing discovery and identified the approaches used more often by scientists who have won Nobel Prizes and other prestigious awards.

How low to go for blood pressure? Lower target could affect millions of Americans Posted: 09 Nov 2015 12:31 PM PST At least 16.8 million Americans could benefit from lowering their systolic blood pressure to 120 mmHg, much lower than current guidelines, according to a new study.

Computers used to tackle one of chemistry's greatest challenges Posted: 09 Nov 2015 11:24 AM PST Researchers have successfully predicted the crystal structures of small organic molecules by computational methods without experimental input. The ability to predict crystal structures could enable the design of materials with superior properties, for example the creation of brighter pigments, more effective pharmaceuticals, or even lower calorie foodstuff.

Leading cause of blindness could be prevented or delayed Posted: 09 Nov 2015 11:24 AM PST In a major scientific breakthrough, a drug used to treat Parkinson's and related diseases may be able to delay or prevent macular degeneration, the most common form of blindness among older Americans.

Diabetes drug reduces risk of heart failure and may prevent it, study shows Posted: 09 Nov 2015 11:15 AM PST For the first time, research shows that a type 2 diabetes drug significantly reduces hospitalizations and death from heart failure. At the end of the trial period, investigators found that patients treated with the drug experienced reductions in blood sugar and blood pressure, as well as weight loss, compared to those on placebo. They also found major significant reductions in hospitalizations for heart failure (35%); the combined result for heart failure hospitalization or dying from heart disease (34%); and the combined result for being hospitalized or dying from heart failure (39%).

New technology colors in the infrared rainbow Posted: 09 Nov 2015 11:15 AM PST Researchers have devised a technology that can bring true color to infrared imaging systems, like the one the Predator used to track Arnold Schwarzenegger through the jungle. Rather than creating images based on the amount of infrared radiation detected, these cameras could detect different wavelengths -- or colors -- of the infrared spectrum, which would capture much more information about the objects being imaged, such as their chemical composition.

Tissue engineers recruit cells to make their own strong matrix Posted: 09 Nov 2015 11:15 AM PST Extracellular matrix is the material that gives tissues their strength and stretch. It's been hard to make well in the lab, but a research team reports new success. The key was creating a culture environment that guided cells to make ECM themselves.

The past shows how abrupt climate shifts affect Earth Posted: 09 Nov 2015 11:15 AM PST New research shows how past abrupt climatic changes in the North Atlantic propagated globally. The study results show how forcing the climate system into a different state can trigger climate variations that spread globally and have very different impacts in different regions of Earth. This is important now, where rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels lead to global warming and may trigger abrupt climatic changes.

The first long-haired ones: New wasp group proposed for five new species from India Posted: 09 Nov 2015 11:02 AM PST Accustomed to parasitising the eggs of spiders, a worldwide genus of wasps is represented by as few as 24 known representatives from India. Biologists have discovered five new species of them. Because of their uniqueness and their close resemblance to each other, they are considered a group in their own right.

Complex grammar of the genomic language Posted: 09 Nov 2015 11:02 AM PST The 'grammar' of the human genetic code is more complex than that of even the most intricately constructed spoken languages in the world. The findings explain why the human genome is so difficult to decipher -- and contribute to the further understanding of how genetic differences affect the risk of developing diseases on an individual level.

New genetic cause of a childhood kidney cancer discovered Posted: 09 Nov 2015 11:01 AM PST Genetic mutations in a gene called REST have been shown to cause Wilms tumor, a rare kidney cancer that occurs in children.

Molecular clocks control mutation rate in human cells Posted: 09 Nov 2015 11:01 AM PST A theory that our cells have molecular clock processes ticking inside them, that damage DNA by generating mutations continuously throughout life, has just been proven.These clock-like mutational processes could ultimately be responsible for a large proportion of human cancer and contribute to human aging. Two clock-like mutational processes have been found in human cells and the rates at which the two clocks tick in different human cell types have been determined.

How glucose regulation enables malignant tumor growth Posted: 09 Nov 2015 11:01 AM PST A new study identifies a key pathway used by cancer cells to make the lipids by integrating oncogenic signaling, fuel availability and lipid synthesis to support cell division and rapid tumor growth.

Giant fullerene system inhibits the infection by an artificial Ebola virus Posted: 09 Nov 2015 11:01 AM PST Using an artificial Ebola virus model, a medical researchers have demonstrated how a supermolecule -- constituted by 13 fullerenes -- has been able of inhibiting the virus infection by blocking a receptor implied in its expansion. The model, tested in vitro, highlights the potential of this biotechnology to eradicate the infection.

A warmer world will be a hazier one Posted: 09 Nov 2015 10:54 AM PST Aerosols impact the environment by affecting air quality and alter the Earth's radiative balance by either scattering or absorbing sunlight to varying degrees. What impact does climate change, induced by greenhouse gases (GHGs), have on the aerosol burden? A new study using the newest and state-of-the-art computer models shows that under climate change associated with GHG-induced warming most aerosol species will register a robust increase, with implications for future air quality.

Hydrogel superglue is 90 percent water Posted: 09 Nov 2015 10:54 AM PST Engineers have developed a method to make synthetic, sticky hydrogel that is more than 90 percent water. The hydrogel, which is a transparent, rubber-like material, can adhere to surfaces such as glass, silicon, ceramics, aluminum, and titanium with a toughness comparable to the bond between tendon and cartilage on bone.

Unpacking embryonic pluripotency Posted: 09 Nov 2015 10:49 AM PST Researchers have identified factors that spark the formation of pluripotent cells. Their findings shed light on human embryonic development and help research into cell reprogramming and assisted conception.

Cellular mechanism for transporting calcium in the formation of dental enamel cells Posted: 09 Nov 2015 10:45 AM PST The team found that the main calcium influx pathway involved in the mineralization of enamel [called the CRAC (Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+) channel -- the main type of SOCE (Store-operated Ca2+ entry) channel -- is critical for controlling calcium uptake, which is necessary for the development of tooth enamel.

Clue to formation of magnetic fields around stars and galaxies Posted: 09 Nov 2015 10:45 AM PST An enduring astronomical mystery is how stars and galaxies acquire their magnetic fields. Physicists have now found a clue to the answer in the collective behavior of small magnetic disturbances.

Long-sought protein sensor for the ‘sixth sense’ found -- proprioception Posted: 09 Nov 2015 10:45 AM PST For decades, biologists have been trying to find the crucial sensor protein in nerve endings that translates muscle and tendon stretching into proprioceptive nerve signals. Now, scientists have identified this sensor protein in mice.

Flipping the switch to better see cancer cells at depths Posted: 09 Nov 2015 10:44 AM PST Using a high-tech imaging method, biomedical engineers were able to see early-developing cancer cells deeper in tissue than ever before with the help of a novel protein from a bacterium.

New enzyme therapy shows proof of concept as treatment for cocaine overdose Posted: 09 Nov 2015 10:39 AM PST A long-acting enzyme that rapidly and safely metabolizes cocaine in the blood stream is currently being investigated in animal models as a possible treatment for cocaine overdose.

Thickness of grey matter predicts ability to recognize faces and objects Posted: 09 Nov 2015 10:39 AM PST The thickness of the cortex in a region of the brain that specializes in facial recognition can predict an individual's ability to recognize faces and other objects.

Sexism rules in the voting booth unless voters have more information Posted: 09 Nov 2015 10:39 AM PST Female candidates have to be more qualified than their male opponents to prevail in an election because many people don't see women as leaders, according to research that reveals hidden bias that can emerge in the voting booth.

Long-term effects of wireless heart failure monitor just released Posted: 09 Nov 2015 08:06 AM PST Long-term data collected on the use of an FDA-approved wireless heart failure monitor shows the treatment cut hospitalizations nearly in half and significantly reduced risk of death in patients.

An arms race among venomous animals? Posted: 09 Nov 2015 08:06 AM PST Scientists have revealed new discoveries about how animal venom evolves. The research points to a 'two-speed' evolution of animal venom, showing for the first time the significant roles played by different forces of natural selection.

Dead bacteria used to kill colorectal cancer Posted: 09 Nov 2015 08:06 AM PST Scientists have successfully used dead bacteria to kill colorectal cancer cells.

Positive emotions more contagious than negative ones on Twitter Posted: 09 Nov 2015 08:05 AM PST New study shows that emotions spread like a virus through Twitter; some people are more susceptible than others to this 'emotional contagion;' positive emotions are much more contagious than negative ones.

Development of nanostructuring technology to simultaneously control heat and electricity Posted: 09 Nov 2015 08:04 AM PST The improvement of thermoelectric materials that can directly convert wasted heat to electric energy may lead to one of the solutions for energy issues. Researchers proposed a unique nanostructure and established a methodology for the development of a material in which heat and electricity conductions can be controlled simultaneously.

Exploring the paradox of metabolically healthy obesity Posted: 09 Nov 2015 08:04 AM PST Researchers have defined some key characteristics of the metabolically healthy obese -- those obese individuals who remain free from type 2 diabetes and other disorders, that usually associate with obesity. Their findings have implications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and obesity.

Poverty influences effects of race and education on pain after knee replacement surgery Posted: 09 Nov 2015 07:39 AM PST Findings suggest that lower socioeconomic status at the community level significantly increases the risk of pain and poor function following a knee replacement.

New disease-carrying mosquito arrives in British Columbia, Canada Posted: 09 Nov 2015 07:39 AM PST Scientists are studying an invasive, disease-carrying mosquito, Aedes japonicus, after finding it for the first time in Western Canada. The mosquitoes could poise a significant hazard to health if global warming favors the development of some of the viruses it can transmit.

Increasing production of seed oils Posted: 09 Nov 2015 07:39 AM PST Researchers have succeeded in inducing the genes involved in oil synthesis in seeds to work for longer periods of time, thereby allowing them to accumulate more seed oil.

Microplate discovery dates birth of Himalayas Posted: 09 Nov 2015 07:39 AM PST An international team of scientists has discovered the first oceanic microplate in the Indian Ocean -- helping identify when the initial collision between India and Eurasia occurred, leading to the birth of the Himalayas. Scientists believe the collision occurred 47 million years ago when India and Eurasia initially smashed into each other.

Training for runners: Improve individual skills supported by BigData Posted: 09 Nov 2015 07:37 AM PST Running is one of the most popular sports. However, not many runners have received formal training on running. Researchers have developed a system for improving running skills based on big data analysis.

Combination therapy reduces occurrence, number of migraines following cardiac procedure Posted: 09 Nov 2015 07:37 AM PST Scientists randomly assigned 171 patients with an indication for atrial septal defect (ASD) closure and no history of migraine to receive dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin + clopidogrel [the clopidogrel group], n = 84) or single antiplatelet therapy (aspirin + placebo [the placebo group], n = 87) for 3 months following transcatheter ASD closure.

Coronary angioplasties classified as inappropriate reduced since guidelines published Posted: 09 Nov 2015 07:37 AM PST Researchers examined trends in percutaneous coronary intervention use, patient selection, and procedural appropriateness following the introduction of Appropriate Use Criteria.

Counting stars: Illegal trade of Indian star tortoises is a far graver issue Posted: 09 Nov 2015 07:37 AM PST Star-patterned Indian tortoises are found in homes across Asia, where they are commonly kept as pets. One can also see them in a temple, praised as the living incarnation of a Hindu god. How did they get there? Suspicious of a large-scale international illegal trade, a team of researchers spent 17 months investigating the case focusing on India and Thailand.

Wealthiest -- not sickest -- patients may have edge in organ transplants Posted: 09 Nov 2015 07:37 AM PST Registering at multiple transplant centers appears to give an edge to wealthy organ transplant patients over those with the most medical need. Multiple listing -- more likely done by wealthy, privately insured patients -- is an effective way to address organ shortages, but undermines the principle of transplanting the sickest patients first and should be reconsidered, researchers said.

Researchers discover control for devastating disease in texas vineyards Posted: 09 Nov 2015 06:21 AM PST A product that helped stop a 100-year-old battle with a cotton disease in Texas has been proven effective in stopping the same fungus from devastating vineyards, according to a plant pathologist.

Temporary ambulance locations reduces response times and may save lives Posted: 09 Nov 2015 06:20 AM PST Ambulances deployed at temporary locations that can be changed depending on the time of day and accident statistics can reduce response time and may save lives on the way to the hospital.

New light shed on the challenge of climate negotiations Posted: 09 Nov 2015 05:49 AM PST After over two decades of climate negotiation meetings, it is clear that agreeing on reduction of emissions poses a great challenge. Researchers are attempting to gain better theoretical understanding of the mechanisms that can impact the results of the negotiations. New research indicates that it might be more difficult to reach agreement than previous theoretical models have shown, but it also shows that there are ways to move forward.

Smart help for phone users Posted: 09 Nov 2015 05:49 AM PST The elderly may find that using a smartphone is difficult and incomprehensible, while the disabled may encounter problems because phone operation requires delicate motor functions. But one inventor saw no reason for it to be this way – and has found a solution to the problem.

Movies as a tool to assess acceptability of intimate partner violence Posted: 09 Nov 2015 05:49 AM PST A new study uses passages from movies to analyze the acceptability of violence against women in couple relationships. Intimate partner violence against women by their male partners is a widespread phenomenon across countries and cultures, although in varying degrees. It is the most common form of violence suffered by women, with an estimated global prevalence of around 30%, decreasing to 23.2% in high-income regions, and a global percentage of female homicides committed by their intimate partners of 38.6%, rising to 41.2% in western countries, suggest the authors.

Conducting gels, from waste to wealth Posted: 09 Nov 2015 05:49 AM PST Scientists have demonstrated an innovative way of using a gel to extract precious metals such as silver and gold from waste and convert them into conducting nanoparticles to form a hybrid nanomaterial potentially suitable for a range of high-tech applications.

Vanilla yogurt makes us feel happy Posted: 09 Nov 2015 05:43 AM PST Foods that are more - or less - delicious than we expect can also cause mood changes. We all know what it's like to take a bite of something expecting one taste and getting another - it can be an enjoyable or disgusting experience. New research reveals that being pleasantly surprised or disappointed with a food product can actually change a person's mood.

Lakes resist the introduction of new fish Posted: 09 Nov 2015 05:43 AM PST Researchers have developed a new method of establishing how freshwater fish can defend themselves against an invasion of a new fish species. The method takes into account that resident species in a lake contribute at a varying degree to the resistance of the new species.

World first blood test reduces risk, increases accuracy in prenatal testing Posted: 09 Nov 2015 05:39 AM PST Research into a simple, accurate and low risk blood test that can detect fetal blood group, sex, and genetic conditions in unborn babies, report scientists. The new, simple and safe DNA blood test could spell the end of invasive amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling, they say.

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