ScienceDaily: Top News

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• Oldest known squawk box suggests dinosaurs likely did not sing
• Soft robots that mimic human muscles
• Vitamins A and C help erase cell memory
• Just give me some privacy
• Climate change may help Ethiopia, increase the country's access to water
• Dysfunction in neuronal transport mechanism linked to Alzheimer's disease
• New model for understanding myeloma
• Hypothyroidism symptoms linger despite medication use, normal blood tests
• Visual cortex plays role in plasticity of eye movement reflex
• Tatooine worlds orbiting two suns often survive violent escapades of aging stars
• New analysis sheds light on Zika virus evolution, spread
• Regeneration of spinal nerve cells boosted
• Temporary extinction reprieve for some frogs
• From unknown to beardog: Findings rescue fossils from 'trashbin' genus
• Moms and dads of kids with food allergies think they're allergic too
• Common nerve protein elevated in aggressive neuroblastomas
• Plugged-in parenting: How parental smartphone use may affect kids
• How this Martian moon became the 'Death Star'
• In the workplace, incivility begets incivility, new study shows
• Teachers could be making students’ anxiety worse
• New treatment approach for leukemia renders cancer genes powerless
• Stem cell gene found to command skeletal muscle regeneration
• Cosmological mystery solved by largest ever map of voids and superclusters
• People with bipolar disorder more than twice as likely to have suffered childhood adversity
• China's emission of toxic fluorinated chemicals highest in the world
• Swiss employees do not hold back on cynical behaviour
• You fingers show your athletic potential and anxiety
• Scientists identify potent new anti-obesity, anti-diabetes target
• The Milky Way's ancient heart: VISTA finds remains of archaic globular star cluster
• Clinical trial confirms GP-prescribed treatments are effective for women with heavy periods
• Post breastfeeding tissue remodelling explained by new research
• Impact of pesticide on bumblebees revealed by taking experiments into the field
• Calcium supplements may damage the heart
• Televiewing predicts social impairment during adolescence
• Combination therapy shows promise in fighting neuroblastoma
• Correlation found in TBI, concussions
• Common asthma drug could prevent liver disease, reduce need for liver transplants
• Achieving ultra-low friction without oil additives
• Technique may identify patients with fast-progressing fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• New research on common bacterium opens door to fighting gastric cancer
• Study gives doctors guidance on 'reproductive coercion'
• Scientists discover 'supramolecule' that could help reduce nuclear, agricultural waste
• Genome of fiercely protective Fonni's dog reflects human history of Sardinia
• Genomic study of high school students from across Denmark reveals remarkable genetic homogeneity
• Sweat too much? You might have a treatable medical condition called 'hyperhidrosis'
• Virus carrying DNA of black widow spider toxin discovered
• Synchronizing optical clocks to one quadrillionth of a second
• Mapping free-fall styles of solid objects within fluids
• Cicada wings inspire antireflective surfaces
• New approach to gallbladder surgery, smallest reported incision
• Childhood family environment linked with relationship quality 60 years later
• Medieval cities not so different from modern European cities
• Study finds differences in obesity rates between children/teens with and without autism
• Family stressors and traumatic childhood experiences linked to ADHD diagnoses in children

Oldest known squawk box suggests dinosaurs likely did not sing Posted: 12 Oct 2016 10:42 AM PDT The oldest known vocal organ of a bird has been found in an Antarctic fossil of a relative of ducks and geese that lived more than 66 million years ago during the age of dinosaurs.

Soft robots that mimic human muscles Posted: 12 Oct 2016 10:31 AM PDT Robots are usually expected to be rigid, fast and efficient. But researchers have turned that notion on its head with their soft robots.

Vitamins A and C help erase cell memory Posted: 12 Oct 2016 10:28 AM PDT Vitamins A and C aren't just good for your health, they affect your DNA too. Researchers have discovered how vitamins A and C act to modify the epigenetic 'memory' held by cells; insight which is significant for regenerative medicine and our ability to reprogram cells from one identity to another.

Just give me some privacy Posted: 12 Oct 2016 10:22 AM PDT Not everyone who strives to navigate the internet without being tracked is up to no good. This is the underlying premise of a qualitative study led by researchers who gathered the stories of people working on collaborative projects online -- like editing Wikipedia -- and are concerned about their privacy and taking steps to protect it.

Climate change may help Ethiopia, increase the country's access to water Posted: 12 Oct 2016 10:21 AM PDT Despite the many disastrous impacts of climate change, there are some regions of the globe that might benefit from hotter temperatures. A team of researchers have predicted that water availability in the Blue Nile Basin of Ethiopia may increase in coming decades due to global climate change. It could also lead to increased crop production, spur massive hydroelectric power projects, and foster irrigation development in the region.

Dysfunction in neuronal transport mechanism linked to Alzheimer's disease Posted: 12 Oct 2016 10:20 AM PDT Researchers have confirmed that mutation-caused dysfunction in a process cells use to transport molecules within the cell plays a previously suspected but underappreciated role in promoting the heritable form of Alzheimer's disease, but also one that might be remedied with existing therapeutic enzyme inhibitors.

New model for understanding myeloma Posted: 12 Oct 2016 10:20 AM PDT To develop new approaches to cancer prevention, scientists have attempted to grow tumor cells from precursor states in animal models.

Hypothyroidism symptoms linger despite medication use, normal blood tests Posted: 12 Oct 2016 10:20 AM PDT New research gives hypothyroidism patients—who often feel dismissed and forgotten—evidence that their persistent symptoms are not just in their heads.

Visual cortex plays role in plasticity of eye movement reflex Posted: 12 Oct 2016 10:20 AM PDT The visual cortex – a region of the brain known to process sensory information – plays a key role in promoting the plasticity of innate, spontaneous eye movements, according to a study.

Tatooine worlds orbiting two suns often survive violent escapades of aging stars Posted: 12 Oct 2016 09:12 AM PDT Planets that revolve around two suns may surprisingly survive the violent late stages of the stars' lives, according to new research. The finding is surprising because planets orbiting close to a single sun, like Mercury and Venus in our solar system, would be destroyed when the aging star swells into a red giant.

New analysis sheds light on Zika virus evolution, spread Posted: 12 Oct 2016 09:10 AM PDT Researchers have modeled the evolutionary development and diversity of the Zika virus to better understand how infection spreads between populations and how the virus reacts with the immune system. Such an understanding is essential if an effective vaccine is to be developed.

Regeneration of spinal nerve cells boosted Posted: 12 Oct 2016 07:27 AM PDT Researchers successfully boosted the regeneration of mature nerve cells in the spinal cords of adult mammals -- an achievement that could one day translate into improved therapies for patients with spinal cord injuries.

Temporary extinction reprieve for some frogs Posted: 12 Oct 2016 07:27 AM PDT Australian scientists have good news for frog conservation: there may be longer than expected time to intervene before climate change causes extinction of some species.

From unknown to beardog: Findings rescue fossils from 'trashbin' genus Posted: 12 Oct 2016 07:26 AM PDT A new study identifies two fossils previously thought to be generic carnivorans (a large, diverse order of mammals) as some of the earliest known members of the beardog family. These fossils are from animals estimated to be no larger than about five pounds, roughly the size of a Chihuahua and much smaller than formidable descendants that would later evolve.

Moms and dads of kids with food allergies think they're allergic too Posted: 12 Oct 2016 07:26 AM PDT Only 28 percent of parents of kids with food allergies tested positive to the foods to which they reported being allergic, new research shows.

Common nerve protein elevated in aggressive neuroblastomas Posted: 12 Oct 2016 07:26 AM PDT A protein produced by nerve cells appears to be elevated in the blood of those with an aggressive form of neuroblastoma. The finding could potentially lead to a prognostic test for the disease or be used to monitor its progress.

Plugged-in parenting: How parental smartphone use may affect kids Posted: 12 Oct 2016 07:26 AM PDT Parents' use of mobile technology around young children may be causing internal tension, conflicts and negative interactions with their kids, suggests a small qualitative study.

How this Martian moon became the 'Death Star' Posted: 12 Oct 2016 06:59 AM PDT Researchers have demonstrated for the first time how an asteroid or comet could have caused a mega crater on Mars' largest moon Phobos -- which resembles the Death Star from the film "Star Wars" -- without completely destroying the satellite.

In the workplace, incivility begets incivility, new study shows Posted: 12 Oct 2016 06:59 AM PDT Incivil behaviors at work -- put-downs, sarcasm and other condescending comments -- tend to have a contagious effect, according to a new study by a management professor.

Teachers could be making students’ anxiety worse Posted: 12 Oct 2016 06:59 AM PDT The anxiety that comes with feeling like an outsider in the classroom can hinder students' learning and, ironically, teachers could be making it worse, according to a new study by a Michigan State University researcher.

New treatment approach for leukemia renders cancer genes powerless Posted: 12 Oct 2016 06:58 AM PDT A targeted epigenetic approach for the treatment of aggressive forms of leukemia has been revealed by researchers. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) refers to a group of disorders that are also known as blood cancer. AML is an aggressive disease of malignant immature blood cells which, if left untreated, almost always causes the death of the affected patient.

Stem cell gene found to command skeletal muscle regeneration Posted: 12 Oct 2016 06:58 AM PDT Prox1 gene has long been known to play an important role in fetal development. Researchers have now discovered that Prox1 is essential also for skeletal muscle stem cell differentiation. Skeletal muscles are important not only for locomotion but also for the regulation of whole-body metabolism. Muscles have remarkable capacity to regenerate after injury and to adapt in response to exercise training.

Cosmological mystery solved by largest ever map of voids and superclusters Posted: 12 Oct 2016 06:58 AM PDT Astrophysicists have created the largest ever map of voids and superclusters in the Universe, which helps solve a long-standing cosmological mystery.

People with bipolar disorder more than twice as likely to have suffered childhood adversity Posted: 12 Oct 2016 06:57 AM PDT People with bipolar disorder are more than twice as likely to have suffered childhood adversity. Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme depressive and manic states which impair quality of life and increase suicide risk. An urgent need in this field is better understanding of risk factors that can be used to improve detection and treatment.

China's emission of toxic fluorinated chemicals highest in the world Posted: 12 Oct 2016 06:57 AM PDT China is today the largest emitter of certain toxic fluorinated chemicals in the world, researchers show after measuring the levels of 12 fluorinated substances at the mouths of 19 Chinese rivers.

Swiss employees do not hold back on cynical behaviour Posted: 12 Oct 2016 06:56 AM PDT Every fourth employee regards promises made by the company they work for as having been broken and every third is not satisfied with their relationship to their superior and with their co-workers, research shows. Although more than half of the employees feel emotional ties to their employer, there is widespread cynicism in the workplace, e.g. in the form of derogatory remarks and ridicule.

You fingers show your athletic potential and anxiety Posted: 12 Oct 2016 06:56 AM PDT By comparing your index and ring fingers, a neuroscientist can tell if you are likely to be anxious, or if you are likely to be a good athlete.

Scientists identify potent new anti-obesity, anti-diabetes target Posted: 12 Oct 2016 06:56 AM PDT Scientists have identified a key protein that promotes fat accumulation in animal models by slowing the breakdown and expenditure of fat and encouraging weight gain.

The Milky Way's ancient heart: VISTA finds remains of archaic globular star cluster Posted: 12 Oct 2016 06:56 AM PDT Ancient stars, of a type known as RR Lyrae, have been discovered in the centre of the Milky Way for the first time, using ESO's infrared VISTA telescope. RR Lyrae stars typically reside in ancient stellar populations over 10 billion years old. Their discovery suggests that the bulging centre of the Milky Way likely grew through the merging of primordial star clusters. These stars may even be the remains of the most massive and oldest surviving star cluster of the entire Milky Way.

Clinical trial confirms GP-prescribed treatments are effective for women with heavy periods Posted: 12 Oct 2016 06:56 AM PDT The largest and longest running clinical trial of medical therapies for heavy periods has found that women can be greatly helped by having treatments just from their GP, with most avoiding hospital operations.

Post breastfeeding tissue remodelling explained by new research Posted: 12 Oct 2016 06:56 AM PDT A ground-breaking study into the changes that occur in a woman's breast, from growing into one that provides milk for a new-born, and then back to its normal state, has discovered that milk-producing cells are, in effect, cannibalized by other cells following the period of breastfeeding.

Impact of pesticide on bumblebees revealed by taking experiments into the field Posted: 11 Oct 2016 08:00 PM PDT A study in which free-foraging bee colonies were placed in the field has shown that pesticide exposure can affect colony development.

Calcium supplements may damage the heart Posted: 11 Oct 2016 03:26 PM PDT Taking calcium in the form of supplements may raise the risk of plaque buildup in arteries and heart damage, although a diet high in calcium-rich foods appears be protective, say researchers at conclusion of their study that analyzed 10 years of medical tests on more than 2,700 people.

Televiewing predicts social impairment during adolescence Posted: 11 Oct 2016 01:36 PM PDT Young children who watch too much television are at risk of victimization and social isolation, and adopting violent and antisocial behavior toward other students at age 13, new research indicates.

Combination therapy shows promise in fighting neuroblastoma Posted: 11 Oct 2016 01:19 PM PDT Further light has been shed on the role of the cytokine TGF?1 in the growth of neuroblastoma, and suggests the possibility for a small molecule drug/antibody combinatorial therapy to treat this cancer.

Correlation found in TBI, concussions Posted: 11 Oct 2016 01:19 PM PDT Physicians and researchers have identified a link between domestic violence and traumatic brain injury. The findings could have important implications in the treatment of domestic violence survivors, both in medical and social service communities.

Common asthma drug could prevent liver disease, reduce need for liver transplants Posted: 11 Oct 2016 01:19 PM PDT A drug commonly used for the prevention of allergies and asthma someday could find new use in preventing liver disease and reducing the need for transplants, according to new research.

Achieving ultra-low friction without oil additives Posted: 11 Oct 2016 01:19 PM PDT A new process for treating metal surfaces has been developed that has the potential to improve efficiency in piston engines and a range of other equipment.

Technique may identify patients with fast-progressing fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease Posted: 11 Oct 2016 11:10 AM PDT Combining multiple non-invasive measures, researchers describe a novel method to quantify the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to its more dangerous and deadly states -- advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis.

New research on common bacterium opens door to fighting gastric cancer Posted: 11 Oct 2016 11:10 AM PDT A common bacterium that more than half of people have in their gut can use hydrogen gas present in the gastrointestinal tract to inject a cancer-causing toxin into otherwise healthy cells, according to a recently published study.

Study gives doctors guidance on 'reproductive coercion' Posted: 11 Oct 2016 10:17 AM PDT New research finds that men purposely are breaking their own condoms and pressuring female partners in their teens and 20s to go without birth control in order to get them pregnant. The study provides doctors and nurse practitioners a streamlined set of questions to discuss with their female patients about this troubling issue, known as "reproductive coercion."

Scientists discover 'supramolecule' that could help reduce nuclear, agricultural waste Posted: 11 Oct 2016 10:14 AM PDT The first definitive evidence has been reported for a chemical bond between two negatively charged molecules of bisulfate, or HSO4, a new molecular structure with potential applications to the safe storage of nuclear waste and reduction of chemicals that contaminate water and trigger large fish kills.

Genome of fiercely protective Fonni's dog reflects human history of Sardinia Posted: 11 Oct 2016 10:14 AM PDT A genomic analysis of 28 dog breeds has traced the genetic history of the remarkable Fonni's Dog, a herd guardian endemic to the Mediterranean island of Sardinia. The results reveal that the regional variety has developed into a true breed through unregulated selection for its distinctive behavior, and that its ancestors came from the very same geographic areas as Sardinia's human migrants. Just as Sardinian people have long provided a wealth of genetic insights to scientists, the canine natives are an example of an isolated population that could prove a powerful resource for finding genes that influence health and behavior.

Genomic study of high school students from across Denmark reveals remarkable genetic homogeneity Posted: 11 Oct 2016 10:14 AM PDT People from Denmark are remarkably genetically similar to each other, report researchers. The study revealed that, Denmark has a relatively genetically homogeneous population as people have mixed freely throughout the country.

Sweat too much? You might have a treatable medical condition called 'hyperhidrosis' Posted: 11 Oct 2016 10:14 AM PDT Are you embarrassed by how much you sweat? It's normal to sweat when you get nervous or exert yourself. However, if you sweat easily or to the point where sweat is visible on your clothing when you aren't exerting yourself, you may have a condition called "hyperhidrosis," or excessive sweating. Without treatment, say experts, hyperhidrosis can interfere with everyday activities and may even cause other skin conditions to develop.

Virus carrying DNA of black widow spider toxin discovered Posted: 11 Oct 2016 10:13 AM PDT Biologists sequencing the genome of the WO virus, which infects the bacterial parasite Wolbachia, have discovered that the phage carries DNA that produces black widow spider toxin: the first time an animal-like DNA has been found in such a virus.

Synchronizing optical clocks to one quadrillionth of a second Posted: 11 Oct 2016 10:12 AM PDT An international team of researchers has advanced their work with synchronizing a remote optical clock with a master clock by exploring what happens to time signals that need to travel through 12 kilometers (km) of turbulent air. As the team reports, they were able to demonstrate real-time, femtosecond-level clock synchronization across a low-lying, strongly turbulent, 12-km horizontal air path by optical two-way time transfer.

Mapping free-fall styles of solid objects within fluids Posted: 11 Oct 2016 10:12 AM PDT James Clerk Maxwell conducted some of the first documented studies of free-falling objects during the mid-1800s, when the physicist analyzed the tumbling motion of a freely falling plate. But much remains unknown about the phenomena. Maxwell's work inspired a team of researchers to conduct a numerical study to explore the patterns made by 2-D rectangular plates falling freely within water.

Cicada wings inspire antireflective surfaces Posted: 11 Oct 2016 10:12 AM PDT A team of researchers has used the shape of cicada wings as a template to create antireflective structures fabricated with one of the most intriguing semiconductor materials, titanium dioxide. The antireflective structures they produced are capable of suppressing visible light -- 450 to 750 nanometers -- at different angles of incidence.

New approach to gallbladder surgery, smallest reported incision Posted: 11 Oct 2016 10:12 AM PDT A surgical team has completed the first series of operations with a novel surgical system that can remove a diseased gallbladder through a single incision hidden in the belly button.

Childhood family environment linked with relationship quality 60 years later Posted: 11 Oct 2016 10:12 AM PDT Growing up in a warm family environment in childhood is associated with feeling more secure in romantic relationships in one's 80s, according to new research. The findings show that men who grew up in caring homes were more adept at managing stressful emotions when assessed as middle-aged adults, which helps to explain why they had more secure marriages late in life.

Medieval cities not so different from modern European cities Posted: 11 Oct 2016 10:12 AM PDT Modern European cities and medieval cities share a population-density-to-area relationship, a new paper concludes – the latest research to find regularities in human settlement patterns across space and time.

Study finds differences in obesity rates between children/teens with and without autism Posted: 11 Oct 2016 10:00 AM PDT Children and teens with autism spectrum disorder may be more likely to be obese and stay obese during adolescence than their peers without autism spectrum disorder, research indicates.

Family stressors and traumatic childhood experiences linked to ADHD diagnoses in children Posted: 11 Oct 2016 10:00 AM PDT Children who experience family and environmental stressors, and traumatic experiences, such as poverty, mental illness and exposure to violence, are more likely to be diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), say researchers.

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