ScienceDaily: Top News

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• Volcanoes tied to shifts in Earth's climate over millions of years
• New molecule-building method opens vast realm of chemistry for pharma and other industries
• Cool combination produces easier carbon bonds
• Giant dinosaurs hatched with adult-like proportions
• Chemists shed new light on global energy, food supply challenge
• Immune response to flu causes death in older people, not the virus, study suggests
• Evolution in action detected in Darwin's finches
• Mechanics of a heartbeat are controlled by molecular strut in heart muscle cells
• Microscopic 'clocks' time distance to source of galactic cosmic rays
• Better data needed to stop sixth mass extinction
• How immunity to respiratory syncytial virus develops in childhood, deteriorates in adults
• Mortality rate of poor children in the US is in decline
• The atom without properties
• Iron age man was as fond of Swiss cheese as we are
• Numerical simulations shed new light on early universe
• Brain processes which lead to the concept of 'zero' on the number line
• New genetic risk factors for myopia discovered
• Unique mouse model for studying ALS developed
• Machine learning as good as humans' in cancer surveillance, study shows
• Increasing cases of anaphylaxis among children
• Need to remember something? Better draw it, study finds
• Researchers identify key factor for reprogramming adult cells into stem cells
• New neurodevelopmental syndrome identified
• Cell copying machine: How daughters look like their mothers
• Researchers identify new mechanism to target 'undruggable' cancer gene
• Temporal cues help keep humans looking human
• Link between cognitive decline genes, healthy aging suggested by study
• How a macaque's brain knows it's swinging
• HIV infection prematurely ages humans by an average of 5 years
• Fossil teeth suggest that seeds saved bird ancestors from extinction
• Asleep somewhere new, one brain hemisphere keeps watch
• Rituximab is superior to fingolimod for certain patients with multiple sclerosis
• Safety of outpatient hand, shoulder surgeries examined
• Caught in the act: 3-D structure of RNA-modifying protein determined in action
• Finding sleep's sweet spot
• Algorithm for robot teams handles moving obstacles
• Infectious outbreaks must be combatted strategically, experts argue
• Unique regulatory pattern that promotes essential cell function found
• US national forests and grasslands could yield less water in future climate
• Bubble Nebula looks like a gigantic cosmic soap bubble
• Facial grading systems for patients with facial paralysis
• No risk association observed for anthracycline chemotherapy, cognitive decline
• No increased risk of fatal cardiovascular events for breast cancer patients on newer hormone therapy
• Unhealthy ozone days could increase by more than a week in coming decades
• Process that drives prostate cancer metastasis uncovered
• Plant signals travel different routes to turn on defense
• Confused cells lead to genetic disorders like heart problems, premature aging
• Farming amoebae carry around detoxifying food
• Do gut microbes shape our evolution?
• DNA proves mammoths mated beyond species boundaries
• Virtual opponents reveal fighting strategies of male jumping spiders
• Global snapshot of indigenous peoples health released
• Advanced 3-D imaging technique applied for the first time to deadly lung disease
• Giant plankton gains long-due attention
• Boosting the brain can lead to cognitive overload
• Interrogation computers work, if you believe they are human controlled
• Metadating: Putting the data into dating
• Binding to produce flowers
• Discovery could lead to better asthma treatment
• Recycling an anti-hypertensive agent to fight brain tumors

Volcanoes tied to shifts in Earth's climate over millions of years Posted: 21 Apr 2016 12:00 PM PDT A new study reveals that volcanic activity associated with the plate-tectonic movement of continents may be responsible for climatic shifts from hot to cold over tens and hundreds of millions of years throughout much of Earth's history.

New molecule-building method opens vast realm of chemistry for pharma and other industries Posted: 21 Apr 2016 12:00 PM PDT Scientists have devised a new molecule-building method likely to have a major impact on the pharmaceutical industry and other chemistry-based enterprises. The method allows construction of novel, complex and potentially valuable molecules, starting from a large class of relatively cheap and non-toxic carboxylic acids compounds.

Cool combination produces easier carbon bonds Posted: 21 Apr 2016 12:00 PM PDT By combining two century-old techniques in organic chemistry, chemists are able to make organic compounds with greater ease and precision. Such compounds are important for drug discovery and development.

Giant dinosaurs hatched with adult-like proportions Posted: 21 Apr 2016 11:58 AM PDT Analysis of a new dinosaur fossil suggests that the largest species ever known to walk the Earth was born with adult-like proportions, perhaps allowing it to be more independent than some other species of dinosaur.

Chemists shed new light on global energy, food supply challenge Posted: 21 Apr 2016 11:58 AM PDT All living things require nitrogen for survival, but the world depends on only two known processes to break nitrogen's ultra-strong bonds to allow conversion to a form humans, animals and plants can consume. One is a natural, bacterial process on which farmers have relied since the dawn of agriculture. The other is the century-old Haber-Bösch process, which revolutionized fertilizer production and spurred unprecedented growth of the global food supply.

Immune response to flu causes death in older people, not the virus, study suggests Posted: 21 Apr 2016 11:58 AM PDT Death from influenza virus in older people may be primarily caused by a damaging immune response to flu and not by the virus itself, new research suggests. The insight could lead to novel strategies for combating flu in the most vulnerable patients, said the researchers.

Evolution in action detected in Darwin's finches Posted: 21 Apr 2016 11:57 AM PDT The most characteristic feature of Darwin's finches is the diversification of beak morphology that has allowed these species to expand their utilization of food resources in the Galapagos archipelago. A team of scientists has now identified a gene that explains variation in beak size within and among species. The gene contributed to a rapid shift in beak size of the medium ground finch following a severe drought.

Mechanics of a heartbeat are controlled by molecular strut in heart muscle cells Posted: 21 Apr 2016 11:57 AM PDT Molecular struts called microtubules interact with the heart's contractile machinery to provide mechanical resistance for the beating of the heart, which could provide a better understanding of how microtubules affect the mechanics of the beating heart, and what happens when this goes awry, researchers have found using high-resolution microscopy.

Microscopic 'clocks' time distance to source of galactic cosmic rays Posted: 21 Apr 2016 11:57 AM PDT Most of the galactic cosmic rays reaching Earth come from nearby clusters of massive stars, according to new observations from NASA's ACE spacecraft. The distance between the cosmic rays' point of origin and Earth is limited by the survival of a radioactive isotope of iron, Fe-60, which has a half life of 2.6 million years. These tiny clocks indicate there was a source within spitting distance of Earth within the past few million years.

Better data needed to stop sixth mass extinction Posted: 21 Apr 2016 11:57 AM PDT To prevent a new mass extinction of the world's animal and plant life, we need to understand the threats to biodiversity, where they occur and how quickly change is happening. For this to happen, we need reliable and accessible data. A new study reveals those data are largely missing. We are lacking key information on important threats to biodiversity such as invasive species, logging, bush meat harvesting, and illegal wildlife trade.

How immunity to respiratory syncytial virus develops in childhood, deteriorates in adults Posted: 21 Apr 2016 11:57 AM PDT The leading infectious cause of severe infant respiratory disease, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also a major cause of respiratory illness in the elderly. Approved vaccines do not yet exist, and whilst childhood infection induces partial immunity, individuals remain susceptible to RSV reinfection life-long. A comprehensive characterization of the antibody-response to RSV now advances our understanding of the human immune response against RSV and has implications for vaccine design.

Mortality rate of poor children in the US is in decline Posted: 21 Apr 2016 11:15 AM PDT Wealthier individuals have a lower mortality rate than poorer people. The common assumption that this effect has intensified in recent years is rebutted now by a new study. Instead of examining life expectancy at birth, the study looks at the mortality rates by age group in different counties in the USA. The study finds that the mortality rates of disadvantaged children and young adults are falling and are approaching the mortality rates in wealthy areas, while the differences among older people continue to be pronounced.

The atom without properties Posted: 21 Apr 2016 11:15 AM PDT The microscopic world is governed by the rules of quantum mechanics, where the properties of a particle can be completely undetermined and yet strongly correlated with those of other particles. Physicists have observed these so-called Bell correlations for the first time between hundreds of atoms.

Iron age man was as fond of Swiss cheese as we are Posted: 21 Apr 2016 11:15 AM PDT Archaeologists have uncovered evidence that Swiss cheesemaking dates back to prehistoric times, paving the way for such delicacies as Gruyere and Emmental.

Numerical simulations shed new light on early universe Posted: 21 Apr 2016 11:14 AM PDT Innovative multidisciplinary research in nuclear and particle physics and cosmology has led to the development of a new, more accurate computer code to study the early universe.

Brain processes which lead to the concept of 'zero' on the number line Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:39 AM PDT Neuroscientists discover brain processes which lead to the concept of "zero" on the number line.

New genetic risk factors for myopia discovered Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:39 AM PDT Myopia, also known as short-sightedness or near-sightedness, is the most common disorder affecting the eyesight and it is on the increase. The causes are both genetic and environmental. Experts have now made important progress towards understanding the mechanisms behind the development of the condition.

Unique mouse model for studying ALS developed Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:39 AM PDT A unique mouse model has been developed that will allow researchers around the world to better study the genetic origins and potential treatments for a neurodegenerative brain disease that causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often referred to as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease, and frontotemporal dementia.

Machine learning as good as humans' in cancer surveillance, study shows Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:38 AM PDT Machine learning has come of age in public health reporting. Researchers have found that existing algorithms and open source machine learning tools were as good as, or better than, human reviewers in detecting cancer cases using data from free-text pathology reports. The computerized approach was also faster and less resource intensive in comparison to human counterparts.

Increasing cases of anaphylaxis among children Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:38 AM PDT Anaphylaxis, known to be a sudden and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, seems to be increasing among children, according to a new study. The findings reveal that the percentage of emergency department visits due to anaphylaxis doubled over a four-year period.

Need to remember something? Better draw it, study finds Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:38 AM PDT Researchers have found that drawing pictures of information that needs to be remembered is a strong and reliable strategy to enhance memory.

Researchers identify key factor for reprogramming adult cells into stem cells Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:38 AM PDT Scientists have identified and characterized a biological factor critical to the transformation of adult somatic cells (cells that are not sperm or egg cells) into stem cells.

New neurodevelopmental syndrome identified Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:38 AM PDT A new neurodevelopmental syndrome and the genetic mutation that causes it has been identified by a team of researchers. The discovery was made by performing whole-exome sequencing of patients with an undiagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder to identify excess spontaneous, or non-inherited, mutations.

Cell copying machine: How daughters look like their mothers Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:36 AM PDT Tiny structures in our cells, called centrioles, control both cell division and motility. The number of these structures is highly monitored, with deviations causing infertility, microcephaly and cancer. A research team has uncovered the mechanism by which mother cells know that they provide the right number of centrioles to their daughters.

Researchers identify new mechanism to target 'undruggable' cancer gene Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:36 AM PDT RAS genes are mutated in more than 30 percent of human cancers and represent one of the most sought-after cancer targets for drug developers. A new study has identified a new mechanism for targeting this important cancer gene.

Temporal cues help keep humans looking human Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:36 AM PDT Researchers used genetically modified bacteria as a model to help explain how a developing animal keeps all of its parts and organs in the same general proportions as every other member of its species. By combining two chemical signals with a few variables, timing cues emerge that can not only create patterns, they can also make sure these patterns have roughly the same proportions from one bacterial colony to the next.

Link between cognitive decline genes, healthy aging suggested by study Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:36 AM PDT An eight-year-long accrual and analysis of the whole genome sequences of healthy elderly people, or 'Wellderly,' has revealed a higher-than-normal presence of genetic variants offering protection from cognitive decline, researchers report.

How a macaque's brain knows it's swinging Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:36 AM PDT Any organism with a brain needs to make decisions about how it's going to navigate through three-dimensional spaces. That's why animals evolved sensory organs in the ears to detect if they're rotating or moving in a straight line. But how does an animal perceive curved motion, as in turning a corner? One explanation is that curved motion is detected when sensory neurons in the brain receiving converging information about linear and rotational movement are activated.

HIV infection prematurely ages humans by an average of 5 years Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:36 AM PDT Thanks to combination antiretroviral therapy, many people with HIV can be expected to live decades after being infected. Yet doctors have observed that these patients often show signs of premature aging. Now a study has applied a highly accurate biomarker to measure just how much HIV infection ages people at the biological level -- an average of almost 5 years.

Fossil teeth suggest that seeds saved bird ancestors from extinction Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:36 AM PDT When the dinosaurs became extinct, plenty of small bird-like dinosaurs disappeared along with giants like Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops. Why only some of them survived to become modern-day birds remains a mystery. Now, researchers suggest that abrupt ecological changes following a meteor impact may have been more detrimental to carnivorous bird-like dinosaurs, and early modern birds with toothless beaks were able to survive on seeds when other food sources declined.

Asleep somewhere new, one brain hemisphere keeps watch Posted: 21 Apr 2016 10:36 AM PDT Have trouble sleeping on your first night in a new place? A new study explains what's going on in the brain during that 'first-night effect.'

Rituximab is superior to fingolimod for certain patients with multiple sclerosis Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:55 AM PDT A new study indicates that rituximab is more effective than fingolimod for preventing relapses in patients with highly active multiple sclerosis switching from treatment with natalizumab. The study included patients infected with JC virus, which is present in approximately 50% of the general population. While the virus generally causes no problems under normal circumstances, it can cause progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a serious demyelinating disease of the brain, in patients with immune deficiencies due to disease or immunosuppressant drugs.

Safety of outpatient hand, shoulder surgeries examined Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:46 AM PDT A large study of hand and shoulder surgeries performed at a freestanding, outpatient center found few complications -- 0.2 percent in nearly 29,000 patients over an 11-year period.

Caught in the act: 3-D structure of RNA-modifying protein determined in action Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:46 AM PDT The structure of a bacterial RNA-binding protein has been determined in the act of modifying a molecule of RNA, an achievement that provides researchers with a unique view of the protein's function in action and could lead to clues that would help in the fight against the development of antibiotic-resistant infections.

Finding sleep's sweet spot Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:31 AM PDT A new study shows that when it comes to promoting healthy hearts, it's not a matter of getting more sleep. It's a matter of getting adequate sleep at optimal times, say researchers.

Algorithm for robot teams handles moving obstacles Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:31 AM PDT Researchers will present a new, decentralized planning algorithm for teams of robots that factors in not only stationary obstacles, but also moving obstacles. The algorithm also requires significantly less communications bandwidth than existing decentralized algorithms, but preserves strong mathematical guarantees that the robots will avoid collisions.

Infectious outbreaks must be combatted strategically, experts argue Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:31 AM PDT New funding is not enough to guarantee success against emerging infectious diseases around the world. Rather, good governance, a long-term technology investment strategy and strong product management skills are essential, say researchers.

Unique regulatory pattern that promotes essential cell function found Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:31 AM PDT Scientists and clinicians often encounter road blocks in designing specific treatments for diseases like cancer or developmental disorders because proteins that regulate cell functions through complex mechanisms are misunderstood. A researcher has discovered a novel aspect of a fundamental cellular process that could be a key to overcoming that barrier.

US national forests and grasslands could yield less water in future climate Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:28 AM PDT A warmer climate may lead to higher growth and productivity on US national forests and grasslands, but researchers say this could reduce quantities of freshwater flowing from most of these lands, even with increases in precipitation.

Bubble Nebula looks like a gigantic cosmic soap bubble Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:28 AM PDT A new NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image captures in stunning clarity what looks like a gigantic cosmic soap bubble. The object, known as the Bubble Nebula, is in fact a cloud of gas and dust illuminated by the brilliant star within it. The vivid new portrait of this dramatic scene wins the Bubble Nebula a place in the exclusive Hubble hall of fame.

Facial grading systems for patients with facial paralysis Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:28 AM PDT When patients have facial paralysis, many rehabilitation specialists and facial reanimation surgeons use the time-tested Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (FGS) to measure and look for changes in facial function. A new electronic and digitally graded facial measurement scale called eFace was recently created to provide similar information to the Sunnybrook FGS.

No risk association observed for anthracycline chemotherapy, cognitive decline Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:28 AM PDT New data analyses found no association between anthracycline chemotherapy and greater risk of cognitive decline in breast cancer survivors, according to an article. Possible adverse effects of breast cancer treatment on cognitive function have been acknowledged but the risks of specific chemotherapies remain undetermined.

No increased risk of fatal cardiovascular events for breast cancer patients on newer hormone therapy Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:28 AM PDT The use of aromatase inhibitors, hormone-therapy drugs used to treat patients with breast cancer, was not associated with an increased risk of fatal cardiovascular events, including heart attacks or stroke, compared with tamoxifen, another commonly prescribed anti-cancer drug that works on hormones and which has been associated with a serious risk of stroke, report investigators.

Unhealthy ozone days could increase by more than a week in coming decades Posted: 21 Apr 2016 08:28 AM PDT If emission rates continue unchecked, regions of the United States could experience between three and nine additional days per year of unhealthy ozone levels by 2050, according to a new study.

Process that drives prostate cancer metastasis uncovered Posted: 21 Apr 2016 07:10 AM PDT A novel function of the gene PLK1 (polo-like kinase 1) has been uncovered that helps prostate cancer cells metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body. This mechanism highlights new potential targets for cancer therapies and challenges the previous understanding of PLK1's role in cancer growth and progression.

Plant signals travel different routes to turn on defense Posted: 21 Apr 2016 07:10 AM PDT Faced with a pathogen, important signaling chemicals within plant cells travel different routes to inform the plant to turn on its defense mechanisms, according to a recent study.

Confused cells lead to genetic disorders like heart problems, premature aging Posted: 21 Apr 2016 07:10 AM PDT It has been disorienting to the scientific and medical community as to why different subtle changes in a protein-coding gene causes many different genetic disorders in different patients, including premature aging, nerve problems, heart problems and muscle problems. No other gene works like this. According to a new study, it has to do with cell "commitment."

Farming amoebae carry around detoxifying food Posted: 21 Apr 2016 07:08 AM PDT The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum can farm symbiotic bacteria for food by carrying them from generation to generation. New research shows that these bacteria can also protect the amoeba from environmental toxins.

Do gut microbes shape our evolution? Posted: 21 Apr 2016 07:08 AM PDT Our gut microbes are key to our health, but they may also shape our evolution, according to a new hypothesis. Expanding on the concept of the hologenome -- the host genome together with the genomes of its microbiota -- he argues that the host's microbiota participate in the host's evolution and at times may save a host faced with sudden environmental change by employing rarely used genes to help it adapt and survive.

DNA proves mammoths mated beyond species boundaries Posted: 21 Apr 2016 07:08 AM PDT New research examining the DNA of North American mammoths challenges the way we categorize a species. Several species of mammoth are thought to have roamed across the North American continent. The new study results show that while mammoths clearly evolved differences in their physical appearance to deal with different environments, it did not prohibit them from cross-breeding and producing healthy offspring.

Virtual opponents reveal fighting strategies of male jumping spiders Posted: 21 Apr 2016 07:06 AM PDT Jumping spiders are known for their excellent vision. This attribute may enable them to visually size up a potential opponent and decide whether to step away from a possible fight even before it starts. However, in live fights, jumping spiders may have limited opportunity to show this skill, according to a new study.

Global snapshot of indigenous peoples health released Posted: 21 Apr 2016 07:05 AM PDT A world-first study into the health and wellbeing of more than 154 million indigenous and tribal people globally reveals the extent of work that needs to be done if the United Nations is to meet its 2030 goals of ending poverty and inequality.

Advanced 3-D imaging technique applied for the first time to deadly lung disease Posted: 21 Apr 2016 07:05 AM PDT Doctors and scientists have used advanced 3-D X-ray imaging technology to give new insight into the way an aggressive form of lung disease develops in the body.

Giant plankton gains long-due attention Posted: 21 Apr 2016 05:59 AM PDT A team of marine biologists and oceanographers have revealed the importance in all the world's oceans of a group of large planktonic organisms called Rhizaria, which had previously been completely underestimated. According to their findings, these organisms make up 33% of the total abundance of large zooplankton in the world's oceans, and account for 5% of the overall marine biomass. The study was carried out on samples collected during eleven oceanographic campaigns (2008-2013) covering the world's main oceanic regions, and included the Tara Oceans expedition.

Boosting the brain can lead to cognitive overload Posted: 21 Apr 2016 05:59 AM PDT Electrical stimulation of the brain's cells while solving challenging tasks can lead to mental overload. The researchers divided the task they gave to study participants into three levels -- simple, medium and difficult. They found no effect of stimulation when participants performed the simple and medium tasks, yet they found a large negative effect on the most difficult tasks.

Interrogation computers work, if you believe they are human controlled Posted: 21 Apr 2016 05:59 AM PDT Study into the use of avatars in interrogation situations demonstrates that they are only effective if the subjects under interrogation believe that the avatar is under human control.

Metadating: Putting the data into dating Posted: 21 Apr 2016 05:59 AM PDT Heart rate, step counts and sleeping patterns may not be the most romantic of topics, but what would happen if you started talking about them on a date?

Binding to produce flowers Posted: 21 Apr 2016 05:57 AM PDT The LEAFY protein, a transcription factor responsible for flower development, is able to assemble itself in small chains made up of several proteins. This mechanism allows it to bind to and activate regions of the genome that are inaccessible to a single protein.

Discovery could lead to better asthma treatment Posted: 21 Apr 2016 05:57 AM PDT Scientists have made a discovery that could lead to improved treatment for asthma sufferers. They have found that blocking a certain signalling molecule can alleviate symptoms such as mucus production, swelling (edema), and constriction of the airways in the lungs.

Recycling an anti-hypertensive agent to fight brain tumors Posted: 21 Apr 2016 05:57 AM PDT Treatments available for glioblastoma -- malignant brain tumors -- have little effect. An international collaboration tested active ingredients from existing medications and eventually identified one compound of interest, prazosin, on these tumors. Not only did it seem to be effective in this type of cancer, but it also acted on a signaling pathway that is common with other cancers.

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