ScienceDaily: Top News

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• Science-driven strategies for more effective endangered species recovery
• Bacteria attack lignin with enzymatic tag team
• Flu virus hijacking tactics revealed by scientists, paving way for new treatments
• Droughts hit cereal crops harder since 1980s
• High-fidelity CRISPR-Cas9 nucleases have no detectable off-target mutations
• 'Seeing' black holes with the naked eye
• Toward liquid fuels from carbon dioxide
• Higher risk of leukemia linked to low sunlight, vitamin D
• Using nanoparticles to combat arteriosclerosis
• One crop, two ways, multiple benefits
• Antibiotics pave way for C. diff infections by killing bile acid-altering bacteria
• Aluminum nanoparticles could improve electronic displays
• New details linking stress, fat metabolism revealed
• Why low oxygen levels soon after birth may raise risk for learning and behavioral disorders
• Generous mothers are nagged less
• New technology to provide insights into the health of students
• Purple limes, blood oranges could be next for Florida citrus
• Redirected flood waters lead to unintended consequences
• Biological 'clock' discovered in sea turtle shells
• Renewable energy for state renewable portfolio standards yielded sizable benefits
• Less prostate cancer screening may delay treatment for earlier onset cancers
• Human activities trigger hypoxia in freshwaters around the globe
• High rate of symptoms, hospitalization following gastric bypass surgery for obesity
• 'Twins' of superstar Eta Carinae found in other galaxies
• Twenty new freshwater fish species uncovered in Australia
• Scientists call for new tools to explore the world's microbiomes
• Archaeological discovery yields surprising revelations about Europe's oldest city
• Leaf-mimicking device harnesses light to purify water
• Fish-flavored cat food could contribute to feline hyperthyroidism, study suggests
• Globular clusters could host interstellar civilizations
• First clinical practice guidelines call for lifelong maintenance of restored teeth
• New efficiency record set with dual-junction solar cell
• Do no harm: Examining the impact of medical students' short-term international study
• Nanowalls for smartphones
• Deep-water ocean circulation, marine biodiversity and climate change
• Cancer drug shows promise for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy
• Is your toddler ready for reading lessons?
• How three genes you’ve never heard of may influence human fertility
• Dogfighting bees perform aerial combat right at researcher’s front door
• Post-exercise fog muddies a see-through shrimp’s cloak of invisibility
• Over 400 conditions co-occur with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, study finds
• People face subconscious urges to over-eat in winter, research shows
• Monitoring chicken flock behaviour could help combat leading cause of food poisoning
• Male workers in typically female jobs are not motivated by money
• The waiter's weight: Heavy waiters mean heavier meals
• How two-tone cats get their patches comes to light in cell study
• New strategy aims to enhance efficacy, safety of bone repair treatment
• Insulin-producing pancreatic cells created from human skin cells
• Link between stress, unhealthy microbiomes discovered
• Tracing a cellular family tree
• Heart is fishy defense against ocean’s Dead Zones
• Fossilized last meal reflects spiral-shaped intestine
• Spooky interference at a distance
• Fish ladders promote genetic exchange
• Wheat genome sequencing gets major boost
• Defect in retinal computation linked to congenital nystagmus
• Adhesion ABC: Integrin clusters are the universal units of cell adhesion
• Black hole affecting galactic climate identified
• Presenteeism in prison officers is a serious health and safety risk

Science-driven strategies for more effective endangered species recovery Posted: 06 Jan 2016 11:30 AM PST 18 conservation researchers and practitioners propose six broad strategies to raise the effectiveness of the ESA for endangered species recovery, based on a thorough review of the scientific literature on the status and performance of the law.

Bacteria attack lignin with enzymatic tag team Posted: 06 Jan 2016 11:30 AM PST New research shows how bacterial enzymes team up to attack lignin. The findings could lead to more efficient processes for creating biofuels from wood, grass and agricultural waste, say scientists.

Flu virus hijacking tactics revealed by scientists, paving way for new treatments Posted: 06 Jan 2016 11:30 AM PST Scientists have discovered how flu viruses 'hijack' cell machinery when they infect the body. The findings may pave the way for more effective antiviral treatments for pandemics and for seasonal flu, which infects over 800 million people worldwide every year.

Droughts hit cereal crops harder since 1980s Posted: 06 Jan 2016 11:30 AM PST Drought and extreme heat events slashed cereal harvests in recent decades by 9 percent to 10 percent on average in affected countries -- and the impact of these weather disasters was greatest in the developed nations of North America, Europe and Australasia, according to a new study.

High-fidelity CRISPR-Cas9 nucleases have no detectable off-target mutations Posted: 06 Jan 2016 11:30 AM PST A new engineered version of the gene-editing CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease appears to robustly abolish the unwanted, off-target DNA breaks that are a significant current limitation of the technology, reducing them to undetectable levels.

'Seeing' black holes with the naked eye Posted: 06 Jan 2016 11:30 AM PST All you need is a 20 cm telescope to observe a nearby, active black hole. An international research team reports that the activity of black holes can be observed as visible light during outbursts, and that flickering light emerging from gases surrounding black holes is a direct indicator of this. New results indicate that optical rays and not just X-rays provide reliable observational data for black hole activity.

Toward liquid fuels from carbon dioxide Posted: 06 Jan 2016 09:56 AM PST In the quest for sustainable alternative energy and fuel sources, one viable solution may be the conversion of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into liquid fuels, say scientists.

Higher risk of leukemia linked to low sunlight, vitamin D Posted: 06 Jan 2016 09:52 AM PST Persons residing at higher latitudes, with lower sunlight/ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure and greater prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, are at least two times at greater risk of developing leukemia than equatorial populations, new research has found.

Using nanoparticles to combat arteriosclerosis Posted: 06 Jan 2016 09:52 AM PST In industrialized countries, a high number of people suffer from arteriosclerosis -- with fatal consequences: Deposits in the arteries lead to strokes and heart attacks. Researchers have now developed a method for guiding replacement cells to diseased vascular segments using nanoparticles. They demonstrated in mice that the fresh cells actually exert their curative effect in these segments. However, much research remains to be done prior to use in humans.

One crop, two ways, multiple benefits Posted: 06 Jan 2016 09:51 AM PST Recently published research demonstrates the effects of using faba beans in two different ways to increase soil health in Canadian soils. This research has multiple benefits: saving money on the cost of fertilizer, and reducing the chances that excess nitrogen fertilizer will run off into nearby water bodies.

Antibiotics pave way for C. diff infections by killing bile acid-altering bacteria Posted: 06 Jan 2016 09:51 AM PST Bile acids, which are altered by bacteria normally living in the large intestine, inhibit the growth of Clostridium difficile, new research indicates. The work sheds light on the ways in which some commonly used antibiotics can promote C. diff infections by killing off the bile acid-altering microbes.

Aluminum nanoparticles could improve electronic displays Posted: 06 Jan 2016 09:51 AM PST Whether showing off family photos on smartphones or watching TV shows on laptops, many people look at liquid crystal displays (LCDs) every day. LCDs are continually being improved, but almost all currently use color technology that fades over time. Now, a team reports that using aluminum nanostructures could provide a vivid, low-cost alternative for producing digital color.

New details linking stress, fat metabolism revealed Posted: 06 Jan 2016 09:50 AM PST If you're under constant stress and can't lose weight, there might be a protein to blame. Researchers have discovered that chronic stress stimulates production of betatrophin, a protein that then goes on to inhibit an enzyme involved in fat metabolism.

Why low oxygen levels soon after birth may raise risk for learning and behavioral disorders Posted: 06 Jan 2016 09:50 AM PST New research shows that the development of white matter in the mouse brains is delayed when they are exposed to chronic low oxygen levels shortly after birth. If true in humans, this may help explain why infants born with cyanotic heart disease, prematurity and/or severe lung disease often exhibit developmental disabilities that effect learning during childhood, years after the low-oxygen exposure.

Generous mothers are nagged less Posted: 06 Jan 2016 09:50 AM PST For the first time, scientists have identified specific genetic variations in offspring that lead to preferential maternal treatment, which in turn improves offspring fitness.

New technology to provide insights into the health of students Posted: 06 Jan 2016 08:48 AM PST Researchers used the centrality of cellphones in college students' lives to delve deep into students' usage habits and how their social networks affect their everyday lives. Next, the researchers will apps and wearable devices to study whether social circles influence fitness.

Purple limes, blood oranges could be next for Florida citrus Posted: 06 Jan 2016 08:48 AM PST Scientists are developing genetically engineered limes containing anthocyanin, which are beneficial bioflavonoids that have numerous roles in human well-being, including treating obesity and diabetes.

Redirected flood waters lead to unintended consequences Posted: 06 Jan 2016 08:47 AM PST An intricate system of basins, channels, and levees called the Headwaters Diversion carries water from the eastern Missouri Ozark Plateau to the Mississippi River south of Cape Girardeau. The system protects 1.2 million acres of agricultural lands in southeast Missouri from both overflow from the Mississippi River during flooding events and from Ozark Plateau runoff. Historical and more recent extensive rainfall and subsequent flooding prompted researchers to look more closely at where the excess or diverted water goes.

Biological 'clock' discovered in sea turtle shells Posted: 06 Jan 2016 08:47 AM PST Radiocarbon dating of atomic bomb fallout found in sea turtle shells can be used to reliably estimate the ages, growth rates and reproductive maturity of sea turtle populations in the wild, according researchers. The newly tested technique provides scientists with a more accurate means of estimating turtle growth and maturity and may help shed new light on the status of endangered sea turtles populations worldwide.

Renewable energy for state renewable portfolio standards yielded sizable benefits Posted: 06 Jan 2016 08:47 AM PST Billions in dollars in benefits come from reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and from reductions in other air pollution for state renewable portfolio standard policies operating in 2013, a new study estimates. RPS policies require utilities or other electricity providers to meet a minimum portion of their load with eligible forms of renewable electricity.

Less prostate cancer screening may delay treatment for earlier onset cancers Posted: 06 Jan 2016 08:47 AM PST The USPSTF recommendation against regular prostate specific antigen screening for prostate cancer has been in place for 2.5 years. Although the number of prostate needle biopsies (PNB) has been reduced, patients who undergo PNB are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with high risk disease, and detection of intermediate risk, potentially curable PCa has likely decreased. While 'over diagnosis' and 'overtreatment' may have been impacted, there is concern that diagnosis of treatable cancers will be delayed.

Human activities trigger hypoxia in freshwaters around the globe Posted: 06 Jan 2016 08:47 AM PST An increase in human activities and nutrient release have led to the current rise in the number of hypoxic lakes worldwide, new research shows. The international research team has found out that the onset of lacustrine hypoxia is mainly due to direct and local anthropogenic impacts rather than to recent climate change.

High rate of symptoms, hospitalization following gastric bypass surgery for obesity Posted: 06 Jan 2016 08:47 AM PST Although the vast majority of patients reported improved well-being after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, the prevalence of symptoms such as abdominal pain and fatigue were high and nearly one-third of patients were hospitalized, according to a study.

'Twins' of superstar Eta Carinae found in other galaxies Posted: 06 Jan 2016 08:09 AM PST Eta Carinae, the most luminous and massive stellar system located within 10,000 light-years of Earth, is best known for an enormous eruption seen in the mid-19th century that hurled an amount of material at least 10 times the sun's mass into space. Still shrouded by this expanding veil of gas and dust, Eta Carinae is the only object of its kind known in our galaxy. Now a study using archival data from NASA's Spitzer and Hubble space telescopes has found five similar objects in other galaxies for the first time.

Twenty new freshwater fish species uncovered in Australia Posted: 06 Jan 2016 08:07 AM PST Researchers have discovered a record 20 new fish species while conducting fieldwork in the remote Kimberley, unveiling it as Australia's most biodiverse region for freshwater fish.

Scientists call for new tools to explore the world's microbiomes Posted: 06 Jan 2016 08:07 AM PST In October, an interdisciplinary group of scientists proposed forming a Unified Microbiome Initiative (UMI) to explore the world of microorganisms that are central to life on Earth and yet largely remain a mystery. A new article describes the tools scientists will need to understand how microbes interact with each other and with us.

Archaeological discovery yields surprising revelations about Europe's oldest city Posted: 06 Jan 2016 08:07 AM PST An ancient Aegean city not only recovered but also flourished following the collapse of the Bronze Age, a new study shows. Recent fieldwork at the ancient city of Knossos on the Greek island of Crete finds that during the early Iron Age (1100 to 600 BC), the city was rich in imports and was nearly three times larger than what was believed from earlier excavations.

Leaf-mimicking device harnesses light to purify water Posted: 06 Jan 2016 08:07 AM PST For years, scientists have been pursuing ways to imitate a leaf's photosynthetic power to make hydrogen fuel from water and sunlight. In a new twist, a team has come up with another kind of device that mimics two of a leaf's processes -- photosynthesis and transpiration -- to harness solar energy to purify water. Their development could help address issues of water scarcity.

Fish-flavored cat food could contribute to feline hyperthyroidism, study suggests Posted: 06 Jan 2016 08:07 AM PST Over the past three decades, the number of cats diagnosed with hyperthyroidism has increased. According to research reports, many factors such as exposure to flame retardants could be responsible, and now a new study points in another direction. It suggests that fish-flavored cat food could be among the culprits.

Globular clusters could host interstellar civilizations Posted: 06 Jan 2016 08:06 AM PST Globular star clusters are extraordinary in almost every way. They're densely packed, holding a million stars in a ball only about 100 light-years across on average. They're old, dating back almost to the birth of the Milky Way. And according to new research, they also could be extraordinarily good places to look for space-faring civilizations.

First clinical practice guidelines call for lifelong maintenance of restored teeth Posted: 06 Jan 2016 07:25 AM PST The first American clinical practice guidelines for caring for patients with teeth restorations such as crowns, bridges, veneers and implants has been published.

New efficiency record set with dual-junction solar cell Posted: 06 Jan 2016 07:10 AM PST A new world record has been set by scientists for converting non-concentrated (1-sun) sunlight into electricity using a dual-junction III-V/Si solar cell.

Do no harm: Examining the impact of medical students' short-term international study Posted: 06 Jan 2016 07:10 AM PST International study experiences are a valuable and increasingly expected part of medical students' academic experience, but authors of a new article say not all programs leave patients and communities better off. They have recommendations for choosing effective programs and also for shifting the focus to ensure the programs are beneficial for all.

Nanowalls for smartphones Posted: 06 Jan 2016 07:10 AM PST Transparent electrodes have been manufactured for use in touchscreens using a novel nanoprinting process. The new electrodes are some of the most transparent and conductive that have ever been developed.

Deep-water ocean circulation, marine biodiversity and climate change Posted: 06 Jan 2016 07:10 AM PST A direct link has been shown between the greatest increase in Phanerozoic marine biodiversity and the onset of a sudden icehouse. The onset of sudden icehouse conditions during the Mid Ordovician was an abrupt change in climate. Prior to this, Earth was exposed to a prolonged super-greenhouse with sea surface temperatures estimated above 40 degree Celsius, thus, seriously affecting the ability of life to evolve and diversify. The researchers now speculate that the sudden emergence of icehouse conditions brought about fundamental changes in ocean circulation, instigating thermohaline circulation in the oceans.

Cancer drug shows promise for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy Posted: 06 Jan 2016 07:10 AM PST A drug commonly used to treat leukemia is showing potential as a treatment that could slow the progression of the muscle-wasting condition, Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Is your toddler ready for reading lessons? Posted: 06 Jan 2016 07:10 AM PST Even before they can read, children as young as 3 years of age are beginning to understand how a written word is different than a simple drawing -- a nuance that could provide an important early indicator for children who may need extra help with reading lessons, suggests new research.

How three genes you’ve never heard of may influence human fertility Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:20 AM PST Variation in egg-coat and sperm expressed genes influences fertility in diverse organisms, from sea stars to mice to humans.

Dogfighting bees perform aerial combat right at researcher’s front door Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:20 AM PST Simple consumer-grade equipment was used to study the combat flight behaviors of carpenter bees right at the researcher's home.

Post-exercise fog muddies a see-through shrimp’s cloak of invisibility Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:20 AM PST New research finds that escape behaviors cause the normally transparent Pederson's cleaner shrimp to turn opaque, disrupting their camouflage.

Over 400 conditions co-occur with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, study finds Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:18 AM PST 428 distinct disease conditions have been identified that co-occur in people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), in the most comprehensive review of its kind.

People face subconscious urges to over-eat in winter, research shows Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:18 AM PST People have evolved to have subconscious urges to over-eat, and limited ability to avoid becoming obese, especially in winter, a new study has found.

Monitoring chicken flock behaviour could help combat leading cause of food poisoning Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:18 AM PST A new technique that monitors the movement of chickens can be used to predict which flocks are at risk of becoming infected with Campylobacter -- the most common bacterial source of food poisoning in humans in the UK.

Male workers in typically female jobs are not motivated by money Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:17 AM PST Men in typically female-dominated occupations tend to value the social aspects of their career over financial rewards, researchers report.

The waiter's weight: Heavy waiters mean heavier meals Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:17 AM PST Whether you order a dessert or a drink might depend on your waiter. And it's not what they say; it's how much they weigh.

How two-tone cats get their patches comes to light in cell study Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:17 AM PST Scientists have discovered how the distinctive piebald patches seen in black and white cats and some horses are formed in the womb. The characteristic piebald patches seen in many domestic animals is caused by the darkly pigmented cells multiplying more slowly so they don't cover the whole of the body, the experts say.

New strategy aims to enhance efficacy, safety of bone repair treatment Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:17 AM PST Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) is used clinically to promote bone repair. However, the high BMP2 concentrations required to stimulate bone growth in humans may produce life-threatening adverse effects, a problem that prompted an FDA warning in 2008. Now, a team of clinicians and engineers has shown that adding the protein kinase C-binding protein NELL-1 (Nel-like molecule-1) to BMP2 therapy may allow clinicians to achieve better results at lower -- and safer -- BMP2 doses.

Insulin-producing pancreatic cells created from human skin cells Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:17 AM PST Scientists have successfully converted human skin cells into fully-functional pancreatic cells. The new cells produced insulin in response to changes in glucose levels, and, when transplanted into mice, the cells protected the animals from developing diabetes in a mouse model of the disease.

Link between stress, unhealthy microbiomes discovered Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:17 AM PST Red squirrels living in a low-stress environment harbor healthier communities of micro-organisms, a result that might hold implications for human health, according to a new study.

Tracing a cellular family tree Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:17 AM PST By combining sophisticated RNA sequencing technology with a new device that isolates single cells and their progeny, researchers can now trace detailed family histories for several generations of cells descended from one 'ancestor.'

Heart is fishy defense against ocean’s Dead Zones Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:15 AM PST New research has revealed how the heart is one of the major factors which determine whether a fish lives or dies in oceanic Dead Zones. Researchers say the findings may explain why some fish are able to survive harsh environmental conditions better than others.The research may help in the battle to understand why fish stocks dwindle in polluted marine environments with low oxygen levels – known as hypoxia.

Fossilized last meal reflects spiral-shaped intestine Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:15 AM PST The fossilized food remains of the extinct predatory fish Saurichthys reflect its spiral-shaped intestine. The spiral valve in fossils from Southern Switzerland is similar to that of sharks and rays. Paleontologists have thus closed a gap in the knowledge concerning the evolution of the gastrointestinal tract in vertebrates.

Spooky interference at a distance Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:15 AM PST Nanotechnologists have discovered a new fundamental property of electrical currents in very small metal circuits. They show how electrons can spread out over the circuit like waves and cause interference effects at places where no electrical current is driven.

Fish ladders promote genetic exchange Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:15 AM PST Hydroelectric power plants, weirs and waterfalls are often insurmountable barricades for fish. This can have a significant impact on the genetic structure of the separate populations. Whether and to what extent fish ladders mitigate this negative effect is now being investigated for the first time. A research team studying the chub species has been able to show that fish ladders do indeed promote genetic exchange between different populations. The effects of the barriers cannot, however, be completely negated.

Wheat genome sequencing gets major boost Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:15 AM PST The production of a whole genome assembly of bread wheat, the most widely grown cereal in the world, significantly accelerating global research into crop improvement, experts say. The project consisted of producing a whole genome assembly of the bread wheat variety Chinese Spring based on Illumina short sequence reads assembled with NRGene's DeNovoMAGICTM software.

Defect in retinal computation linked to congenital nystagmus Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:15 AM PST A clearly defined neuron type has been identified, along with its circuit in the retina in the pathophysiology of idiopathic congenital nystagmus. In a mouse model of the disease, which shows similar clinical symptoms as patients, a defect in starburst cells elicited by dysfunctional FRMD7 leads to the loss of the horizontal optokinetic reflex.

Adhesion ABC: Integrin clusters are the universal units of cell adhesion Posted: 06 Jan 2016 06:14 AM PST Scientists from the Mechanobiology Institute, Singapore (MBI) at the National University of Singapore have discovered the universal building blocks that cells use to form initial connections with the surrounding environment. These early adhesions have a consistent size of 100 nanometres, are made up of a cluster of around 50 integrin proteins and are the same even when the surrounding surface is hard or soft. Deciphering the universal nature of adhesion formation may reveal how tumour cells sense and migrate on surfaces of different rigidity, which is a hallmark of metastasis, the devastating ability of cancer to spread throughout the body.

Black hole affecting galactic climate identified Posted: 05 Jan 2016 07:46 PM PST Researchers used NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory, launched and deployed in 1999 by Space Shuttle Columbia, to identify a powerful galactic blast produced by a giant black hole about 26 million light years from Earth. The black hole is the nearest supermassive black hole to Earth that is currently undergoing such violent outbursts.

Presenteeism in prison officers is a serious health and safety risk Posted: 05 Jan 2016 07:39 PM PST More than half of prison officers feel pressure to go into work while unwell, with serious implications for their health and the safe running of prisons. The results of the study showed that 84 per cent of prison officers feel pressurised to work while unwell at least "sometimes," whereas more than half "always" experience such pressure. Staff shortages, pressure from management, fear of letting colleagues down and feelings of job insecurity were the main explanations provided for presenteeism.

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