ScienceDaily: Top News

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• Functions of global ocean microbiome key to understanding environmental changes
• Trees either hunker down or press on in a drying and warming western US climate
• Quick clean-up: New process turns decades into hours for mining-water purification
• Do you really need that MRI?
• Why does tamoxifen work better in some women?
• Heat radiates 10,000 times faster at the nanoscale
• First explanations for boundary within Earth's mantle
• Chemists characterize a chemical state thought to be unobservable
• Some prairie vole brains are better wired for sexual fidelity
• Public and private investments in Ph.D. research programs pay economic development dividends
• Shaking the nanomaterials out: New method to purify contaminated water
• Models overestimate rainfall increases due to climate change, experts say
• Combined imaging modalities may change cancer management
• Children with specific birth defects at increased risk for abuse
• Anatomy of a microscopic wood chipper
• 3D map of human genome reveals relationship between mutations and disease development
• Cancer drug shows promise in reducing toxic genetic material in myotonic dystrophy
• Nurse staffing, work environments affect survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest
• CRISPR-Cas9 helps uncover genetics of exotic organisms
• Researchers report possibility of using unused human pancreata to build new organs
• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals may be threatening fertility in industrialized countries
• Scientists identify effective and novel mechanisms to block chikungunya virus
• How one gene contributes to two diseases
• New acoustic, vibrational duet discovered in crickets
• Bacteria engineered with synthetic circadian clocks
• Brain function: First look at how astrocytes function in humans
• Surprising diversity of TB strains found in Ethiopia
• 530 million-year-old fossils of ancient, microscopic worms discovered
• The subtle dance of atoms influences enzyme activity
• Pivotal role of gut bacteria in insect-to-insect communication
• Plant growth enhanced by increased carbon dioxide, but food webs give rise to significant variations
• Safer, faster heart scans in view
• A ‘ghost from the past’ recalls the infancy of the Milky Way
• Minerals from Papua New Guinea hold secret for recycling of noble gases
• Physics of wrapping miniature droplets takes cue from street foods
• Prime-boost H7N9 influenza vaccine concept promising in clinical trial
• New blood test could predict arthritis risk early
• Scientists develop diesel that emits far less CO2
• Historic image of tiger and her cubs
• Parents have more influence than they might realize to prevent substance use
• New concussion treatment could change how head injuries are treated
• Mastectomy plus reconstruction has highest rate of complication, complication-related costs of guideline-concordant therapies for early breast cancer
• Geminids set to light up winter sky in year's best meteor shower
• Neurotransmitter GABA predicts learning
• Archaeologists unearth new evidence of Roman, medieval Leicester
• Ozone and climate: With the HALO research aircraft to the North Pole
• Heart disease: Jamming the signal
• Signal transduction in cells: Researchers describe new model for regulation
• Brain circuit mechanisms underlying arousal regulation revealed
• Groundbreaking microscopy unlocks secrets of plant virus assembly
• Cloudy with a chance of warming
• New theory of Okinawan coral migration, diversity proposed
• How skates and rays got their wings
• Plants cope with climate change at genetic level
• Cancer patients' access to minimally invasive hysterectomies remains persistently limited
• Plants absorb less carbon dioxide than models show, study shows
• Deep core of African lake gives insight to ancient lake levels, biodiversity
• Nanotech drug delivery shows promise for improved melanoma treatment

Functions of global ocean microbiome key to understanding environmental changes Posted: 10 Dec 2015 03:16 PM PST The billions of marine microorganisms present in every liter of seawater represent a structured ecological community that regulates how Earth functions in practically every way, from energy consumption to respiration. The function and behavior of this community will determine how the global ocean responds to broader environmental changes, according to a new review article.

Trees either hunker down or press on in a drying and warming western US climate Posted: 10 Dec 2015 03:16 PM PST Details of the radically divergent strategies that two common tree species employ to cope with drought in southwestern Colorado have been revealed by researchers. As they report in a new paper, one tree species shuts down production and conserves water, while the other alters its physiology to continue growing and using water.

Quick clean-up: New process turns decades into hours for mining-water purification Posted: 10 Dec 2015 03:16 PM PST Cleaning up the water left over from mining operations can literally take generations -- 25 to 50 years on average -- leaving billions of gallons of the precious resource locked up and useless. Now, a researcher has figured out how to trim that time dramatically - to just two to three hours, a potential boon to mining companies, the environment and global regions where water is scarce.

Do you really need that MRI? Posted: 10 Dec 2015 03:16 PM PST Too many tests at the doctor's office could cost you more than just dollars. In addition to the huge hit to your wallet, there's also the potential harm of false positives, and just because a test has traditionally been done for a condition doesn't mean it's the best way to treat it. One expert is helping lead a national push to determine what neurologic tests or services are performed more than they should be.

Why does tamoxifen work better in some women? Posted: 10 Dec 2015 03:16 PM PST The anti-hormone therapy tamoxifen can reduce breast cancer recurrence by about half in women with hormone-sensitive breast cancer. But it works better in some women than others. Researchers are not sure why. New studies add to questions about predicting whether tamoxifen will be effective in an individual breast cancer patient.

Heat radiates 10,000 times faster at the nanoscale Posted: 10 Dec 2015 11:49 AM PST When heat travels between two objects that aren't touching, it flows differently at the smallest scales -- distances on the order of the diameter of DNA, or 1/50,000 of a human hair.

First explanations for boundary within Earth's mantle Posted: 10 Dec 2015 11:47 AM PST Two geologists have provide different, though not necessarily incompatible, explanations for a boundary in Earth's mantle at a depth of one megameter (1,000 kilometers). One study suggests that the mantle below this line is more viscous, while the other proposes that the lower section is denser, due to a shift in rock composition.

Chemists characterize a chemical state thought to be unobservable Posted: 10 Dec 2015 11:46 AM PST Researchers determine the energy and map the structure of a chemical reaction's transition state.

Some prairie vole brains are better wired for sexual fidelity Posted: 10 Dec 2015 11:46 AM PST Researchers have found that natural selection drives some male prairie voles to be fully monogamous and others to seek more partners. The surprising contrasts in the animals' brains result from differences in their DNA. Just as people can be introverted or extroverted, prairie voles can be more or less prone to sexual fidelity because of these genetic differences.

Public and private investments in Ph.D. research programs pay economic development dividends Posted: 10 Dec 2015 11:45 AM PST Research-funded Ph.D. recipients earn high wages after graduation, participate in national and international labor markets, and make an important impact on local economic development, according to a new study.

Shaking the nanomaterials out: New method to purify contaminated water Posted: 10 Dec 2015 11:05 AM PST Nano implies small -- and that's great for use in medical devices, beauty products and smartphones -- but it's also a problem. All these tiny particles get into our water and are difficult to remove. Now, researchers have a novel and very simple way to take the nanomaterials out.

Models overestimate rainfall increases due to climate change, experts say Posted: 10 Dec 2015 11:05 AM PST Most climate models overestimate the increase in global precipitation due to climate change, research shows. Specifically, the research team looked at 25 models and found they underestimate the increase in absorption of sunlight by water vapor as the atmosphere becomes moister, and therefore overestimate increases in global precipitation.

Combined imaging modalities may change cancer management Posted: 10 Dec 2015 11:05 AM PST PET/CT and whole-body MRI detect extraskeletal disease that may change the management of high-risk breast and prostate cancer patients, according to a recent study. In addition, the combined administration of F-18 sodium fluoride (NaF) and F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in a single PET/CT scan showed significantly higher sensitivity and accuracy than alternative methods for the detection of skeletal lesions.

Children with specific birth defects at increased risk for abuse Posted: 10 Dec 2015 11:05 AM PST Children born with cleft lip or palate and spina bifida are at an increased risk for abuse before the age of two, according to researchers. The researchers found that compared to children without birth defects the risk of maltreatment in children with cleft lip and/or palate was increased by 40 percent and for children with spina bifida, the risk was increased by 58 percent.

Anatomy of a microscopic wood chipper Posted: 10 Dec 2015 11:05 AM PST Biomolecular engineers have obtained the most detailed measurements ever made of the behavior of an individual cellulase enzyme as it decomposes cellulose, the most plentiful polymer on the planet. Improved understanding of how cellulases work could be the key to producing advanced biofuels that can replace gasoline for powering vehicles, they say.

3D map of human genome reveals relationship between mutations and disease development Posted: 10 Dec 2015 10:07 AM PST A map has been created of the DNA loops that comprise the three dimensional (3D) structure of the human genome and contribute to gene regulation in human embryonic stem cells. The location of genes and regulatory elements within this chromosomal framework will help scientists better navigate their genomic research, establishing relationships between mutations and disease development.

Cancer drug shows promise in reducing toxic genetic material in myotonic dystrophy Posted: 10 Dec 2015 09:56 AM PST A drug used to treat cancer can neutralize the toxic RNA that causes the prolonged muscle contractions and other symptoms of myotonic dystrophy type 1, the most common form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy, a group of researchers has shown for the first time in cells and in a mouse model.

Nurse staffing, work environments affect survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest Posted: 10 Dec 2015 09:56 AM PST Patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest have low survival rates -- but why do some hospitals achieve higher survival than others? Higher nurse staffing levels and better working conditions may be part of the answer, reports a new study.

CRISPR-Cas9 helps uncover genetics of exotic organisms Posted: 10 Dec 2015 09:56 AM PST A revolutionary gene-editing tool is transforming the study of standard lab animals like the fruit fly, but could have even greater impact in genetic studies of more exotic animals, like the octopus or sea anemone. Scientists used CRISRP-Cas9 to quickly and efficiently knock out six Hox genes in the amphipod, revealing one example of how segmented animals deploy different limbs on different segments, like tools in a Swiss army knife.

Researchers report possibility of using unused human pancreata to build new organs Posted: 10 Dec 2015 09:56 AM PST Researchers have been working for years to develop an artificial pancreas in the lab to help the millions of people with type 1 diabetes. But what if the answer is to 'recycle' the more than 300 human pancreata from organ donors that aren't currently being used?

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals may be threatening fertility in industrialized countries Posted: 10 Dec 2015 09:56 AM PST The birth rate is declining in all industrialized countries, and socioeconomic factors and women's age are not solely to blame. Male reproductive health and environmental factors are also significant, as concluded in a new scientific review article.

Scientists identify effective and novel mechanisms to block chikungunya virus Posted: 10 Dec 2015 09:52 AM PST Scientists looking at the antiviral mechanisms of two previously identified human monoclonal antibodies have found they potently inhibit chikungunya virus (CHIKV) at multiple stages of infection. These antibodies prevent CHIKV from both entering and exiting cells, an important finding that could lead to new approaches in therapeutics and vaccines to fight infectious diseases.

How one gene contributes to two diseases Posted: 10 Dec 2015 09:52 AM PST Although it is known that psychiatric disorders have a strong genetic component, untangling the web of genes contributing to each disease is a daunting task. Scientists have found hundreds of genes that are mutated in patients with disorders such as autism, but each patient usually has only a handful of these variations. Now neuroscientists have unraveled Shank3 gene's role in autism and schizophrenia.

New acoustic, vibrational duet discovered in crickets Posted: 10 Dec 2015 09:45 AM PST In a finding that sheds light on the evolution of acoustic communication systems in animals, a research team has discovered that one group of crickets has a unique communication system that likely evolved from males startling females into revealing their location.

Bacteria engineered with synthetic circadian clocks Posted: 10 Dec 2015 09:45 AM PST Many of the body's processes follow a natural daily rhythm or so-called circadian clock, so there are certain times of the day when a person is most alert, when the heart is most efficient, and when the body prefers sleep. Even bacteria have a circadian clock, and in a new study, researchers designed synthetic microbes to learn what drives this clock and how it might be manipulated.

Brain function: First look at how astrocytes function in humans Posted: 10 Dec 2015 09:45 AM PST Pretty much everything happening in the brain would fail without astrocytes. These star-shaped glia cells are known to have a critical role in synapse creation, nervous tissue repair, and the formation of the blood-brain barrier. But while we have decades of data in mice about these nervous system support cells, how relevant those experiments are to human biology (and the success of potential therapies) has been an open question.

Surprising diversity of TB strains found in Ethiopia Posted: 10 Dec 2015 09:45 AM PST Ethiopia is a hotspot for tuberculosis (TB) infection, ranking third among African countries and eighth in the world for TB burden according to the World Health Organization. But, say researchers who have analyzed the genomes of 66 TB strains, that's most likely not because TB was absent in the country before Europeans made contact. Rather, Europeans may have introduced a new wave of disease spread by more virulent TB strains.

530 million-year-old fossils of ancient, microscopic worms discovered Posted: 10 Dec 2015 08:21 AM PST An historic find --- made in South China -- fills a huge gap in the known fossil record of kinorhynchs, small invertebrate animals that are related to arthropods.

The subtle dance of atoms influences enzyme activity Posted: 10 Dec 2015 08:09 AM PST Infinitesimal fluctuations occurring on the milli- and even nano-second time scales within the three-dimensional structure of enzymes may be one of the keys to explaining protein function. Researchers have demonstrated that even when certain amino acids are far from the active site of an enzyme, a change in their flexibility and atomic fluctuations can significantly impact enzyme activity.

Pivotal role of gut bacteria in insect-to-insect communication Posted: 10 Dec 2015 07:18 AM PST German cockroaches gather by acting on colony-specific pheromones produced by specific fecal bacteria, a new study shows. The research helps to explain how cockroaches, a particularly nasty species, know to gather in a certain area.

Plant growth enhanced by increased carbon dioxide, but food webs give rise to significant variations Posted: 10 Dec 2015 07:18 AM PST Inter-annual variation in climate has stronger effects on predators such as spiders than populations of their detritivorous prey, such as isopods, according to new research. This leads to changes in food chain length, which can in turn influence decomposition and plant growth. These findings emphasize the importance of combined approaches that consider food webs and physiological processes to understand the consequences of global climate change, writes the research team.

Safer, faster heart scans in view Posted: 10 Dec 2015 07:18 AM PST T1 mapping technique provides clearer imagery and could be used with a wider range of patients than current techniques as it does not require the rare earth heavy metal Gadolinium.

A ‘ghost from the past’ recalls the infancy of the Milky Way Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:53 AM PST When our galaxy was born, around 13 billion years ago, a plethora of clusters containing millions of stars emerged. But over time, they have been disappearing. However, hidden behind younger stars that were formed later, some old and dying star clusters remain, such as the so-called E 3. Astronomers have now studied this testimony to the beginnings of our galaxy. Globular clusters are spherical-shaped or globular stellar groupings - hence its name- which can contain millions of stars. There are about 200 of them in the Milky Way, but few are as intriguing to astronomers as the E 3 cluster. It is situated around 30,000 light years away, in the southern constellation of Chameleon.

Minerals from Papua New Guinea hold secret for recycling of noble gases Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:53 AM PST A new study brings insight to how atmospheric noble gases, in particular argon and neon, cycle from the surface to the Earth's mantle, and back to the surface again.

Physics of wrapping miniature droplets takes cue from street foods Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:53 AM PST Soft condensed matter physics could be considered "the study of things that are squishy, according to one researcher. This area of research focuses on substances that can be easily bent or deformed, such as liquids, foams, and gels. Physicists have now investigated the way very thin elastic sheets wrap droplets of water.

Prime-boost H7N9 influenza vaccine concept promising in clinical trial Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:53 AM PST With hopes of making one dose of an inactivated H7N9 vaccine fully protective, scientists successfully tested a prime-boost concept in a small clinical trial. The 'primer' vaccine introduces the immune system to H7N9 influenza virus, and subsequent vaccination with the 'booster' inactivated virus vaccine promotes a better immune response.

New blood test could predict arthritis risk early Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:51 AM PST Testing for antibodies that target citrullinated tenascin-C (cTNC) could diagnose rheumatoid arthritis in around 50 percent of cases, including some cases not identified by current best tests. It also has a very low rate of false positives -- 98 percent accurate at ruling out rheumatoid arthritis.

Scientists develop diesel that emits far less CO2 Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:51 AM PST Researchers have discovered a new approach to the production of fuels. Their new method can be used to produce much cleaner diesel. It can quickly be scaled up for industrial use. In five to 10 years, we may see the first cars driven by this new clean diesel.

Historic image of tiger and her cubs Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:33 AM PST WCS and partners report from Bastak Reserve, a 162 square mile (420 km2) protected area in the Pri-Amur region of the Russian Far East, a tiger cub who lost her mother and nearly died, has became a "Cinderella" and is now a mother.

Parents have more influence than they might realize to prevent substance use Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:33 AM PST Adolescence is a time when many children may consider experimenting with alcohol or drugs. New research shows parents can reduce that risk by maintaining a healthy and open relationship with their children.

New concussion treatment could change how head injuries are treated Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:33 AM PST The standard of care for acute concussion may undergo a dramatic change, depending on the results of a new exercise treatment that physicians have developed and begun testing. It is the first randomized, controlled clinical trial of this exercise treatment for concussion.

Mastectomy plus reconstruction has highest rate of complication, complication-related costs of guideline-concordant therapies for early breast cancer Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:33 AM PST Mastectomy and reconstruction have the highest rate of complications and complication-related costs, regardless of age, suggests a review of guideline-concordant treatment modalities for women with early stage breast cancer. It was also the most expensive treatment option in a younger patient population, according to the study.

Geminids set to light up winter sky in year's best meteor shower Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:30 AM PST From 13 to 15 December, weather permitting, skywatchers across the world will be looking up as the Geminid meteor shower reaches its peak, in potentially one of the best night sky events of the year.

Neurotransmitter GABA predicts learning Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:30 AM PST Neuroscientists at the Ruhr-University Bochum have determined a link between brain levels of the neurotransmitter GABA, the main source of inhibition in the brain, and tactile learning. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, they were able to show that success in learning can be predicted by baseline GABA levels.

Archaeologists unearth new evidence of Roman, medieval Leicester Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:28 AM PST Insights into Roman and medieval domestic life has been revealed by archaeologists whose project has taken place below a former city center bus depot.

Ozone and climate: With the HALO research aircraft to the North Pole Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:28 AM PST Pollution of Earth's atmosphere by ozone-depleting substances, such as chlorine or bromine from halons and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), decreased over the past years, new research shows. Ozone is, however, not only influenced by these substances, but acts as a greenhouse gas itself: Its impact on climate near the ground is highest in the tropopause region, the transition zone between stratosphere and troposphere at 7 to 17 kilometers altitude.

Heart disease: Jamming the signal Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:28 AM PST A short peptide has been developed that inhibits the activation of a signal pathway in monocytes that enables monocytes to adhere stick to endothelial cells and penetrate sites of acute inflammation.

Signal transduction in cells: Researchers describe new model for regulation Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:28 AM PST The cellular activity of the enzyme ROCK is controlled by a 'molecular ruler,' new research shows. ROCK is a protein kinase. These enzymes transmit signals and regulate complex processes in cells. These findings represent a completely new model in kinase regulation, say experts.

Brain circuit mechanisms underlying arousal regulation revealed Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:18 AM PST Adjusting a specific deep-brain circuit's firing frequency immediately and dramatically alters rats' forebrain activity and alertness levels, investigators have shown.

Groundbreaking microscopy unlocks secrets of plant virus assembly Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:18 AM PST New research into how a plant virus assembles could lay the groundwork for future use to carry drugs into the human body. The study describes the structure of an empty version of Cowpea Mosaic Virus (CPMV) and the molecular 'glue' that allows the virus to build itself and encapsulate its genome.

Cloudy with a chance of warming Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:18 AM PST Clouds can increase warming in the changing Arctic region more than scientists expected, by delivering an unexpected double-whammy to the climate system, according to a new study.

New theory of Okinawan coral migration, diversity proposed Posted: 10 Dec 2015 06:18 AM PST New genome analysis of coral population leads to new findings about Okinawan coral reefs. Coral populations are under threat across the globe. The analysis of coral genomes in relation to their larvae migratory pathways is essential to preserve and restore the richness and beauty of the coral reef, say experts.

How skates and rays got their wings Posted: 10 Dec 2015 12:23 AM PST The evolution of the striking, wing-like pectoral fins of skates and rays relied on repurposed genes, according to a new study. The findings shed light on the genetic mechanisms responsible for the evolution and diversification of vertebrate appendages.

Plants cope with climate change at genetic level Posted: 10 Dec 2015 12:18 AM PST Climate change can influence everything from pine beetle outbreaks in the Rocky Mountains to rising sea levels in Papua New Guinea. In the face of a rapidly changing earth, plants and animals are forced to quickly deal with new challenges if they hope to survive. According to a recent paper, some species may be able to handle environmental changes better than others.

Cancer patients' access to minimally invasive hysterectomies remains persistently limited Posted: 10 Dec 2015 12:18 AM PST Wide racial and economic disparities have been found in access to minimally invasive hysterectomies for early uterine cancer in the United States.

Plants absorb less carbon dioxide than models show, study shows Posted: 10 Dec 2015 12:18 AM PST While global plant growth has increased slightly during the past 30 years, researchers have found that it hasn't increased as much as some scientists predicted.

Deep core of African lake gives insight to ancient lake levels, biodiversity Posted: 10 Dec 2015 12:18 AM PST An unprecedented glimpse into the past of a lake with explosive biodiversity has been gained by recent research that unearthed a 380-meter-deep time capsule from Lake Malawi.

Nanotech drug delivery shows promise for improved melanoma treatment Posted: 10 Dec 2015 12:18 AM PST A new three-drug delivery system for cancer treatment, especially metastatic melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has been developed by researchers. The work has demonstrated that the system may have particular value with cancers like this that often spread through the lymphatic system. It may offer a novel therapeutic option for more effective cancer treatment.

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