ScienceDaily: Top News

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• Immunotherapy breakthrough now approved as standard of care for advanced melanoma
• Magnesium intake may be beneficial in preventing pancreatic cancer
• Researchers demonstrate tracking of individual catalyst nanoparticles during heating
• PTSD resources lacking for nonveterans
• Maintaining salt balance helps insects avoid frosty fate: Could assist with pest control
• Magnetic nanoparticle chains offer new technique for controlling soft robots
• Extinction of large animals could make climate change worse
• Stroke recovery in mice improved by Ambien, study shows
• Ten-year-old concussed patient participates in research to identify biomarkers in mild traumatic brain injuries
• Childhood concussions impair brain function
• Candy games stimulate appetite
• Brain imaging technology offers new approach for studying Parkinsonian syndromes
• Greenhouse gas emissions from Canadian Arctic aquatic systems dated for the first time
• Superbug colony behaviors revealed in time lapse video
• Radioactive matter migrates more quickly through fractured carbonate rock
• Alternative method for the representation of microstructures in polycrystalline materials
• Inflammation can fan the flames of depression
• Antibiotic-infused implants designed to help faces heal
• Insensitive irritable bowel syndrome studied
• Researchers develop new method for looking into the lungs
• Microfluidic biochip for blood cell counts at the point-of-care
• Excavations uncover unique Hebrew inscription showing existence of a Jewish village at Kursi
• Despite growth, native advertising is still difficult for consumers to recognize
• Coffee may improve athletic endurance performance
• Almonds may help augment nutrients in diet
• Scientists train computer models to accurately simulate nature's variability
• Watching the ribosome at work
• 3D 'nanobridges' formed using electron beam writing with tiny jets of liquid precursor
• Dietary cocoa flavanols improve blood vessel function in patients with kidney dysfunction
• Nutritional vitamin D supplements do not help treat anemia in dialysis patients
• Surfing DNA: Enzyme catches a ride to fight infection
• ‘Virtual fossil’ reveals last common ancestor of humans and Neanderthals
• Darwin's finches may face extinction
• Kestrel inspires unpowered, autonomous glider to climb higher
• Encryption technologies for the era of quantum computers: Effective protection for microdevices
• Satellites find sustainable energy in cities
• Black holes could grow as large as 50 billion suns before their food crumbles into stars, research shows
• Is evolution more intelligent than we thought?
• WiFi signals can be exploited to detect attackers
• Novel mechanism that helps activated dendritic cells to initiate effective immunity
• Norway's EV purchasing spree is climate friendly, researchers say
• Mother frog controls embryo's gene activity
• Multiplying teeth, literally
• Gene controls stress hormone production in macaques
• Mental health status prior to bladder cancer surgery can indicate risk of complications
• Going viral: Could peroxisomes be key to stopping West Nile and Dengue viruses?
• Advancing the Edmonton Protocol for the improved treatment of type 1 diabetes
• Roadmap to safer cyberspace
• Targeting frailty in pre-lung transplant patients might improve survival rates, patient outcomes
• Researchers test sustainable forestry policies on tropical deforestation, logging
• Deforestation linked to rise in cases of emerging zoonotic malaria
• Prostate cancer discovery may make it easier to kill cancer cells
• New generation of synthetic bone grafts created
• Coastal marshes more resilient to sea-level rise than previously believed
• Neurodegenerative diseases: The case of the sticky protein
• Real-time tracking shows how batteries degrade
• Handle with care: Car seats and newborns
• Why smoking bans may have advantage over higher tobacco taxes

Immunotherapy breakthrough now approved as standard of care for advanced melanoma Posted: 18 Dec 2015 01:17 PM PST A first-of-its-kind (anti-PD-1) immunotherapy was recently approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration as first-line treatment for metastatic melanoma—allowing greater access to this therapy for patients without having to previously receive other prior treatments.

Magnesium intake may be beneficial in preventing pancreatic cancer Posted: 18 Dec 2015 01:14 PM PST Researchers have found that magnesium intake may be beneficial in preventing pancreatic cancer. Using information from the VITamins and Lifestyle study, the study analyzed data on more than 66,000 men and women, between the ages of 50 and 76, looking at the direct association between magnesium and pancreatic cancer.

Researchers demonstrate tracking of individual catalyst nanoparticles during heating Posted: 18 Dec 2015 01:14 PM PST Researchers have taken atomic-level images of individual nanoparticles during heating that could lead to improved fuel-cell technologies.

PTSD resources lacking for nonveterans Posted: 18 Dec 2015 01:14 PM PST Researchers report that information and resources regarding effective therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder are not easily available for nonveterans, who can be affected by the condition after crimes, disasters, and accidents. They offer recommendations for improvement.

Maintaining salt balance helps insects avoid frosty fate: Could assist with pest control Posted: 18 Dec 2015 01:14 PM PST For humans, getting chilly is a problem that can usually be solved with a hat and mitts, but for insects it's not so simple. A new study found that for some insects, the key to cold weather survival is in keeping their salt balance in check. That finding could help control pests in the future. Insects make up some 75 percent of all animal species and can carry disease.

Magnetic nanoparticle chains offer new technique for controlling soft robots Posted: 18 Dec 2015 01:14 PM PST Researchers have developed a technique that uses chains of magnetic nanoparticles to manipulate elastic polymers in three dimensions, which could be used to remotely control new 'soft robots.'

Extinction of large animals could make climate change worse Posted: 18 Dec 2015 01:12 PM PST The extinction of large animals from tropical forests could make climate change worse. New research reveals that a decline in fruit-eating animals such as large primates, tapirs and toucans could have a knock-on effect for tree species and carbon capture.

Stroke recovery in mice improved by Ambien, study shows Posted: 18 Dec 2015 01:12 PM PST Mice that had strokes rebounded significantly faster if they received low doses of a popular sleeping aid, according to researchers. Zolpidem, better known by the trade name Ambien, has long been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating insomnia. But it has never before been definitively shown to enhance recovery from stroke.

Ten-year-old concussed patient participates in research to identify biomarkers in mild traumatic brain injuries Posted: 18 Dec 2015 10:09 AM PST Researchers are looking for a relationship between eye movement and the brain to find biomarkers to help diagnose and treat concussions.

Childhood concussions impair brain function Posted: 18 Dec 2015 10:03 AM PST Pre-adolescent children who have sustained sports-related concussions have impaired brain function two years following injury, new research indicates. Over a million brain injuries are treated annually in the U.S. While organized sports at all levels have implemented safety protocols for preventing and treating head injuries, most pediatric concussions still result from athletic activities.

Candy games stimulate appetite Posted: 18 Dec 2015 08:34 AM PST At least once a week, two thirds of all children of primary-school age will play an internet game that was created to draw attention to a brand. Most of these advertisements are for snacks and candy. Only 6% of these children are aware that such advergames are advertisements. In the meantime, such games do affect their behavior, research shows.

Brain imaging technology offers new approach for studying Parkinsonian syndromes Posted: 18 Dec 2015 08:33 AM PST Using a portable device, researchers have identified differences in brain activation patterns associated with postural stability in people with Parkinsonian syndromes and healthy adults. The findings describe the critical role of the prefrontal cortex in balance control and may have implications with respect to detecting and treating Parkinsonian symptoms in the elderly.

Greenhouse gas emissions from Canadian Arctic aquatic systems dated for the first time Posted: 18 Dec 2015 08:33 AM PST For the first time, researchers have successfully dated the carbon dioxide and methane emitted by ponds and lakes on Bylot Island, Nunavut. The research team observed significant variability in age and emission rates of greenhouse gases (GHG) from aquatic systems located in a continuous permafrost zone.

Superbug colony behaviors revealed in time lapse video Posted: 18 Dec 2015 08:05 AM PST A well-known 'superbug' which was thought to have been a static or non-motile organism has been observed showing signs of active motility by scientists.

Radioactive matter migrates more quickly through fractured carbonate rock Posted: 18 Dec 2015 08:02 AM PST A new study has determined the impact of intrinsic colloid formation on increased migration of leaked radioactive materials in the environment. Colloids are microscopic inorganic or organic solids that remain suspended in water. Intrinsic colloids are formed when radioactive waste mixes with other dissolved components in the groundwater, such as bicarbonate.

Alternative method for the representation of microstructures in polycrystalline materials Posted: 18 Dec 2015 08:02 AM PST Most solid materials are of polycrystalline nature. New research explains the orientation distributions on large specimen areas, using a scanning electron microscope as a tool.

Inflammation can fan the flames of depression Posted: 18 Dec 2015 08:02 AM PST Chronic inflammation in the bloodstream can 'fan the flames' of depression, much like throwing gasoline on a fire, according to a new paper.

Antibiotic-infused implants designed to help faces heal Posted: 18 Dec 2015 08:02 AM PST Researchers describe their test of antibiotic-infused block copolymers in their plastic spacers to protect craniofacial tissue from infection while healing.

Insensitive irritable bowel syndrome studied Posted: 18 Dec 2015 08:00 AM PST For the first time, biopsies of patients with irritable bowel syndrome have shown that the nerves in their gut wall respond poorly to a cocktail of inflammatory substances. This refutes the previous theory that patients with irritable bowel syndrome have an overly sensitive gut.

Researchers develop new method for looking into the lungs Posted: 18 Dec 2015 08:00 AM PST For the first time, researchers have succeeded in producing 3-D images showing oxygen and carbon dioxide transport in the lungs. The new method provides hope for better treatment of COPD and lung cancer.

Microfluidic biochip for blood cell counts at the point-of-care Posted: 18 Dec 2015 08:00 AM PST Microfluidic biochips are developed to perform blood cell counts using only a drop blood. The clinical trials of the biosensor show a high correlation with the standard hematology analyzer counts.

Excavations uncover unique Hebrew inscription showing existence of a Jewish village at Kursi Posted: 18 Dec 2015 06:54 AM PST This first evidence of a Jewish village on the site strengthens the hypothesis, that until now was no more than folklore, that this is the "Kursi" mentioned in the New Testament as one of the sites where Jesus performed his miracles.

Despite growth, native advertising is still difficult for consumers to recognize Posted: 18 Dec 2015 06:54 AM PST The appearance of online editorial content and native, or paid, advertising is blurred in the minds of consumers, according to a research study.

Coffee may improve athletic endurance performance Posted: 18 Dec 2015 06:54 AM PST The caffeine in a morning cup of coffee could help improve athletic endurance, according to a new review study.

Almonds may help augment nutrients in diet Posted: 18 Dec 2015 06:54 AM PST Eating a moderate amount of almonds each day may enrich the diets of adults and their young children. In the study, when parents and children were eating almonds, their Healthy Eating Index increased for total protein foods, seafood and plant proteins and fatty acids, while they ate fewer empty calories.

Scientists train computer models to accurately simulate nature's variability Posted: 18 Dec 2015 06:52 AM PST Borrowing insights from techniques used to image cancer, scientists have devised a new method for generating "training images" that can be used to fine-tune models of uncertainty about underground physical processes and structures.

Watching the ribosome at work Posted: 18 Dec 2015 06:52 AM PST A new statistical method could help to clarify the function of unknown genes. A research team has adapted and tested a filter method from speech signal processing that makes sequencing data more interpretable.

3D 'nanobridges' formed using electron beam writing with tiny jets of liquid precursor Posted: 18 Dec 2015 06:02 AM PST Researchers have demonstrated a new process for rapidly fabricating complex three-dimensional nanostructures from a variety of materials, including metals. The new technique uses nanoelectrospray to provide a continuous supply of liquid precursor, which can include metal ions that are converted to high-purity metal by a focused electron beam.

Dietary cocoa flavanols improve blood vessel function in patients with kidney dysfunction Posted: 18 Dec 2015 06:02 AM PST Individuals with failing kidneys are at increased risk of developing heart problems, and they're more likely to die from cardiovascular causes than from any other cause. Now investigators suggest that ingesting a drink rich in cocoa flavanols improved blood vessel function and reduced diastolic blood pressure in patients with kidney failure.

Nutritional vitamin D supplements do not help treat anemia in dialysis patients Posted: 18 Dec 2015 06:02 AM PST Vitamin D2 supplements taken for 6 months did not reduce dialysis patients' need for anemia drugs that stimulate red blood cell production, report investigators at conclusion of the largest randomized clinical trial to date on the effects of nutritional vitamin D in dialysis patients.

Surfing DNA: Enzyme catches a ride to fight infection Posted: 18 Dec 2015 06:02 AM PST An enzyme crucial to keeping our immune system healthy "surfs" along the strands of DNA inside our cells, scientists have shown for the first time. The researchers used extremely powerful microscopy to watch how the enzyme AID (activation-induced deoxycytidine deaminase) moves around and interacts with other molecules.

‘Virtual fossil’ reveals last common ancestor of humans and Neanderthals Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:59 AM PST New digital techniques have allowed researchers to predict structural evolution of the skull in the lineage of Homo sapiens and Neanderthals, in an effort to fill in blanks in the fossil record, and provide the first 3D rendering of their last common ancestor. The study suggests populations that led to the lineage split were older than previously thought.

Darwin's finches may face extinction Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:59 AM PST Mathematical simulations show parasitic flies may spell extinction for Darwin's finches in the Galapagos Islands, but that pest-control efforts might save the birds that helped inspire the theory of evolution.

Kestrel inspires unpowered, autonomous glider to climb higher Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:59 AM PST Researchers have drawn inspiration from the way kestrels hover above their prey to develop an autonomous fixed-wing micro air vehicle (MAV) that can gain height from convenient updrafts.

Encryption technologies for the era of quantum computers: Effective protection for microdevices Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:59 AM PST Engineers have developed encryption technologies for practical applications to protect microdevices from hacker attacks conducted by quantum computers. The team is currently working towards protecting the data against threats of tomorrow with the devices available today.

Satellites find sustainable energy in cities Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:59 AM PST Underground heat islands in cities have an enormous geothermal potential. Warm groundwater can be used to produce sustainable energy for heating and cooling. Researchers have now developed a new method to find underground heat islands: They estimate groundwater temperature from surface temperatures and building densities measured by satellites.

Black holes could grow as large as 50 billion suns before their food crumbles into stars, research shows Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:56 AM PST Black holes at the heart of galaxies could swell to 50 billion times the mass of the sun before losing the discs of gas they rely on to sustain themselves, according to research.

Is evolution more intelligent than we thought? Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:56 AM PST Evolution may be more intelligent than we thought, according to researchers. In a new article, the authors make the case that evolution is able to learn from previous experience, which could provide a better explanation of how evolution by natural selection produces such apparently intelligent designs.

WiFi signals can be exploited to detect attackers Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:55 AM PST Physical attacks on devices connected to the Internet can be detected by analysing WiFi signals, computer scientists have discovered.

Novel mechanism that helps activated dendritic cells to initiate effective immunity Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:55 AM PST Phagocytosis represents a critical innate barrier against infection and serves the clearance of extracellular microbes, infected and dying cells. Different immune cells use phagocytosis for microbial killing, but in dendritic cells (DCs) it mainly serves the processing and presentation of specific molecules (antigens) that are able to alert the immune system and to initiate immune responses. Researchers describe now a mechanism of how the fusion between phagosomes and lysosomes influences the presentation of antigens on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I molecules to cytotoxic T cells, a process called cross-presentation.

Norway's EV purchasing spree is climate friendly, researchers say Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:55 AM PST If every other passenger car in Norway is plugged into the electric network by 2020, Europe will have to produce more electricity – mainly from coal-fired power plants – to meet the demand. But it will be a plus for the climate nonetheless.

Mother frog controls embryo's gene activity Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:54 AM PST Frog embryos do not fully control which genes they can turn on or off in the beginning of their development -- but their mother does, through specific proteins in the egg cell, molecular developmental biologists report.

Multiplying teeth, literally Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:54 AM PST Researchers have found a way to--literally--multiply teeth. In mice, they were able to extract teeth germs--groups of cells formed early in life that later develop into teeth, split them into two, and then implant the teeth into the mice's jaws, where they developed into two fully functional teeth.

Gene controls stress hormone production in macaques Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:54 AM PST Some people react more calmly in stressful situations than others. Certain genes, such as the so-called COMT gene, are thought to play a role in determining our stress response. Researchers have now studied this gene in macaques, a genus of Old World monkeys, and for the first time have shown that a specific variant of the gene is associated with higher excretion of the stress hormone cortisol. The gene variant may also influence social rank among the animals.

Mental health status prior to bladder cancer surgery can indicate risk of complications Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:46 AM PST A patient's mental health prior to surgery can influence postoperative outcomes. Removal of the bladder, or radical cystectomy (RC), is an effective treatment for locally advanced bladder cancer, but complications occur in as many as 66% of patients. In a new study, researchers found that patients whose self-assessment of mental health was low suffered more high grade complications in the 30 days following surgery than patients with higher self-assessments.

Going viral: Could peroxisomes be key to stopping West Nile and Dengue viruses? Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:46 AM PST A new discovery could open the door to one day treat or prevent diseases caused by West Nile virus and Dengue virus infections. Together the viruses are the cause of tens of millions of infections each year. Currently there are no treatments or vaccines available.

Advancing the Edmonton Protocol for the improved treatment of type 1 diabetes Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:45 AM PST A drug that mimics a naturally occurring protein found in Arctic fish is helping to significantly improve the efficacy of cell transplant treatments for type 1 diabetes patients -- a procedure known as the Edmonton Protocol that transplants insulin producing islets into patients to render them insulin independent for periods of time.

Roadmap to safer cyberspace Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:45 AM PST How do cybersecurity experts discover how to properly defend a system or build a network that's secure? As in other domains of science, this process involves hypothesis, experimentation, and analysis -- or at least it should. In reality, cybersecurity research can happen in an ad hoc fashion, often in crisis mode in the wake of an attack.

Targeting frailty in pre-lung transplant patients might improve survival rates, patient outcomes Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:45 AM PST Frailty can affect people of all ages and demographics. Defined simply as 'an increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes,' frailty can affect a patient's chances of surviving a surgical procedure or needing a nursing home. A new study is among the first to show a definitive connection between frailty and survival after a lung transplant procedure.

Researchers test sustainable forestry policies on tropical deforestation, logging Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:45 AM PST Policies aimed at protecting tropical forests in the Congo Basin may unexpectedly lead to increased deforestation and timber production, a new report suggests.

Deforestation linked to rise in cases of emerging zoonotic malaria Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:45 AM PST A steep rise in human cases of P. knowlesi malaria in Malaysia is likely to be linked to deforestation and associated environmental changes, according to new research. Plasmodium knowlesi is a zoonotic malaria parasite, transmitted between hosts by mosquitoes, which is common in forest-dwelling macaque monkeys. Although only recently reported in humans, it is now the most common form of human malaria in many areas of Malaysia, and has been reported across southeast Asia.

Prostate cancer discovery may make it easier to kill cancer cells Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:45 AM PST A newly discovered connection between two common prostate cancer treatments may soon make prostate cancer cells easier to destroy. Drugs that could capitalize on the discovery are already in the pipeline, report scientists.

New generation of synthetic bone grafts created Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:44 AM PST A new type of synthetic bone graft has been developed, which boosts the body's own ability to regenerate bone tissue and could produce better outcomes for patients. The research found that the new type of graft called Inductigraft was able to guide bone tissue regeneration in as little as four weeks.

Coastal marshes more resilient to sea-level rise than previously believed Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:43 AM PST Rising seas threaten coastal marshes worldwide. But a new study finds marshes are more resilient than previously believed. Elevated levels of atmospheric CO2 boost plant biomass production, allowing marshes to trap more sediment and generate more organic soil. This may elevate the threshold rate of relative sea-level rise at which marsh drowning is initiated by up to 60 percent and partially offset the effects of reduced sediment delivery and accelerating sea-level rise.

Neurodegenerative diseases: The case of the sticky protein Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:43 AM PST As interdisciplinary sleuths, medical researchers recently put together clues to solve the case of the sticky protein. This new tool opens more possibilities for studying neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Real-time tracking shows how batteries degrade Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:43 AM PST How disposable Lithium batteries degrade during normal use has been tracked in real-time by a research team using sophisticated 3-D imaging, giving a new way to non-invasively monitor performance loss and guide the development of more effective commercial battery designs.

Handle with care: Car seats and newborns Posted: 18 Dec 2015 05:43 AM PST In 2013, car accidents resulted in approximately 8,500 infants requiring hospitalization or emergency department visits and 135 infant deaths. When used properly, car seats can reduce the risk of infant death and injury by 71 percent. However, in a new study, researchers found that most families with newborns made at least one serious error in the use and installation of their car safety seat.

Why smoking bans may have advantage over higher tobacco taxes Posted: 17 Dec 2015 01:56 PM PST If governments want to discourage smoking among young people, both high taxes and smoking bans do the job – but bans may have one key advantage, say researchers. A first-of-its-kind American study found that bans worked best at limiting smoking among more casual users: Those who smoked less than a pack a day. Heavy taxes worked best with those who smoked more than a pack a day.

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