السبت، 14 يونيو 2014

ScienceDaily: Top News

ScienceDaily: Top News


Cracks in Pluto's moon could indicate it once had an underground ocean

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 12:28 PM PDT

If the icy surface of Pluto's giant moon Charon is cracked, analysis of the fractures could reveal if its interior was warm, perhaps warm enough to have maintained a subterranean ocean of liquid water, according to a new study.

Aromatic flavors of haze on Saturn's largest moon, Titan, recreated

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 12:28 PM PDT

Scientists have created a new recipe that captures key flavors of the brownish-orange atmosphere around Saturn's largest moon, Titan. The recipe is used for lab experiments designed to simulate Titan's chemistry. With this approach, the team was able to classify a previously unidentified material discovered in the moon's smoggy haze.

Scientists take totally tubular journey through brain cells

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 12:28 PM PDT

Scientists took a molecular-level journey into microtubules, the hollow cylinders inside brain cells that act as skeletons and internal highways, and watched how a protein called tubulin acetyltransferase (TAT) labels the inside of microtubules. The results answer long-standing questions about how TAT tagging works and offer clues as to why it is important for brain health.

Who's using your data? New technology to track how your private data is used online

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 10:07 AM PDT

By now, most people feel comfortable conducting financial transactions on the Web. The cryptographic schemes that protect online banking and credit card purchases have proven their reliability over decades. As more of our data moves online, a more pressing concern may be its inadvertent misuse by people authorized to access it. Every month seems to bring another story of private information accidentally leaked by governmental agencies or vendors of digital products or services.

Subseafloor bacteria survive by over-activating DNA-repair and antibiotic target genes

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 10:07 AM PDT

The subseafloor is home to over one-third of the bacteria on the planet, but up until recently it was unclear if this huge microbial biosphere was alive and dividing. Now the same group that demonstrated this activity has shown that bacteria from the hostile sea-floor environment have adapted by over-activating stress response and DNA-repair mechanisms, to cope with the harsh conditions.

Summer season springs cluster headaches into action

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 10:05 AM PDT

Did you know that while most people celebrate the start of summer on June 21, nearly 1 million Americans are facing the debilitating pain of cluster headaches due to Earth's shift towards the sun? It's true. The human biological rhythm is tied into earth's rotation, making individuals who suffer cluster from headaches encounter unrelenting head pain.

Severe scoliosis linked to rare mutations

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 07:17 AM PDT

Children with rare mutations in two genes are about four times more likely to develop severe scoliosis than their peers with normal versions of the genes, scientists have found. One to 3 percent of the general population has some mild curvature of the spine. In about one in 10,000 children, scoliosis will produce curvature so pronounced that it requires corrective surgery.

Crossing the goal line: New tech tracks football in 3-D space

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 07:16 AM PDT

Referees may soon have a new way of determining whether a football team has scored a touchdown or gotten a first down. Researchers have developed a system that can track a football in three-dimensional space using low-frequency magnetic fields.

Third warmest May in satellite record might portend record-setting El Niño

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 07:15 AM PDT

May 2014 was the third warmest May in the 35-year satellite-measured global temperature record, and the warmest May that wasn't during an El Niño Pacific Ocean warming event, according to new data. The global average temperature for May was 0.33 C (about 0.59 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than seasonal norms for the month. The warmest May was in 1998, during the "El Niño of the century."

Breakthrough for information technology using Heusler materials: May lead to very high performance spintronic components

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:44 AM PDT

It is the breakthrough that physicists and chemists around the world have long anticipated and it will play a pivotal role in information technology in coming years. Researchers have managed, for the first time, to directly observe the 100 percent spin polarization of a Heusler compound. Heusler alloys are composed of several metallic elements arranged in a lattice structure. They are among those materials that potentially can be used for ever smaller data storage components with ever greater storage capacity.

Researchers 'cage' water to see it change form

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:44 AM PDT

Scientists are using a pioneering method of 'caging' and cooling water molecules to study the change in orientation of the magnetic nuclei at the center of each hydrogen atom - a process which transforms the molecule from one form of water to another. By trapping water molecules in carbon spheres and cooling them, scientists have been able to follow the change in form (or isomer) of the molecules.

New membrane-synthesis pathways in bacteria discovered

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:44 AM PDT

New mechanisms used by bacteria to manufacture lipids, i.e. fat molecules, for the cell membrane have been discovered by researchers. Those mechanisms are a combination of familiar bacterial synthesis pathways and of such that occur in higher organisms. Thus, the team has debunked the long-standing theory that lipid production in bacteria differs substantially from that in higher organisms.

Neural reward response may demonstrate why quitting smoking is harder for some

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 02:46 PM PDT

For some cigarette smokers, strategies to aid quitting work well, while for many others no method seems to work. Researchers have now identified an aspect of brain activity that helps to predict the effectiveness of a reward-based strategy as motivation to quit smoking. "Our results suggest that... 'at-risk' smokers could potentially be identified prior to a quit attempt and be provided with special interventions designed to increase their chances for success," researchers remarked.

Transmission of information via proteins could revolutionize drug discovery

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 06:50 AM PDT

The existence of information highways that connect and correlate distant sites within a single protein have been discovered by researchers. Their article furthers a key theoretical field for drug discovery, as it would allow the discovery of many more drug binding sites in proteins of biomedical interest.

Advanced breast cancer: Benefits of Trastuzumab (Herceptin) outweigh the risk of harm

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 05:59 AM PDT

In women with advanced (or metastatic) breast cancer, treatment with the breast cancer drug Trastuzumab (Herceptin) is associated with prolonged survival but also increases the risk of developing heart problems, a new systematic review shows. However, the review concludes that more women benefit from use of Trastuzumab than are harmed.

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News

ScienceDaily: Health & Medicine News


Biomarkers predict long-term outcomes in juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:45 AM PDT

Data demonstrate the possibility of using biomarkers (developed from whole blood gene expression profiles) in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis to predict the status of their disease at 12 months. The long-term disease status at 12 months was accurately predicted only after treatment had been initiated, in newly diagnosed patients.

Sjögren's Syndrome significantly increases risk of heart attack

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:45 AM PDT

A new study showed a significantly increased risk of heart attack in patients with Sjögren's syndrome, particularly in the first year following diagnosis. There was also a trend towards an increased risk for stroke.

Higher health care cost burden of musculoskeletal conditions compared to other diseases

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:45 AM PDT

A new study highlights the increased health care costs associated with musculoskeletal conditions compared to other diseases. Health care costs were almost 50 percent higher for people with a musculoskeletal condition compared to any other singly occurring condition.

Genotyping can predict disease outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:45 AM PDT

New cohort studies have shown the amino acid valine at position 11 of HLA-DRB1 gene to be the strongest independent genetic determinant of radiological damage in rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, positions 71 and 74 were found to represent independent predictors, with the three positions together: 11, 71 and 74 strongly associated with disease outcomes.

Identifying cyst-laden meat: Sarcocystis thermostable PCR detection kit developed

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 06:24 PM PDT

Consumption of undercooked cyst-laden meat from cattle, sheep and goats may cause infection in humans. Researchers have successfully invented a PCR kit which provides a suitable and feasible means of screening, detection and identification with high sensitivity and specificity of the parasite.

Lower vitamin D level in blood linked to higher premature death rate

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 02:46 PM PDT

Researchers have found that people with lower blood levels of vitamin D were twice as likely to die prematurely as people with higher blood levels of vitamin D. The finding was based on a systematic review of 32 previous studies that included analyses of vitamin D, blood levels and human mortality rates. The specific variant of vitamin D assessed was 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the primary form found in blood.

Processed red meat linked to higher risk of heart failure, death in men

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 02:46 PM PDT

Men who regularly eat moderate amounts of processed red meat such as cold cuts (ham/salami) and sausage may have an increased risk of heart failure incidence and a greater risk of death from heart failure. Researchers recommend avoiding processed red meat and limiting the amount of unprocessed red meat to one to two servings a week or less.

New test detects toxic prions in blood

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 02:46 PM PDT

The first cases of mad cow disease in humans occurred in the late 1990s and are thought to be the consequence of eating contaminated beef products. Several cases of secondary infections caused by transfusions with blood from donors who developed vCJD have been reported, raising concerns about the safety of blood products. A new article describes an assay that can detect prions in blood samples from humans with vCJD and in animals at early stages of the incubation phase.

Findings point toward one of first therapies for Lou Gehrig's disease

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 11:23 AM PDT

Researchers have determined that a copper compound known for decades may form the basis for a therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig's disease. In humans, prior to this, no therapy for ALS has ever been discovered that could extend lifespan more than a few additional months.

With the right rehabilitation, paralyzed rats learn to grip again

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 11:23 AM PDT

After a large stroke, motor skills barely improve, even with rehabilitation. An experiment conducted on rats demonstrates that a course of therapy combining the stimulation of nerve fiber growth with drugs and motor training can be successful. The key, however, is the correct sequence: Paralyzed animals only make an almost complete recovery if the training is delayed until after the growth promoting drugs have been administered.

Unexpected origin for important parts of the nervous system

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 11:23 AM PDT

A new study shows that a part of the nervous system, the parasympathetic nervous system, is formed in a way that is different from what researchers previously believed. In this study a new phenomenon is investigated within the field of developmental biology, and the findings may lead to new medical treatments for congenital disorders of the nervous system.

Father's age influences rate of evolution: 90% of new mutations from father, chimpanzee study shows

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 11:23 AM PDT

The offspring of chimpanzees inherit 90 percent of new mutations from their father, and just 10 percent from their mother, a finding which demonstrates how mutation differs between humans and our closest living relatives, and emphasizes the importance of father's age on evolution.

Cellular complexity of brain tumors charted

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 11:23 AM PDT

Scientists have conducted a first-of-its-kind study that characterizes the cellular diversity within glioblastoma tumors from patients. The study, which looked at the expression of thousands of genes in individual cells from patient tumors, revealed that the cellular makeup of each tumor is more heterogeneous than previously suspected.

Rapid-acting antidepressant for treatment-resistant depression: New insights

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 11:21 AM PDT

Researchers have generated fresh insights that could aid in the development of rapid-acting antidepressants for treatment-resistant depression. The researchers found that by blocking NMDA receptors with the drug ketamine, they could elicit rapid antidepressant effects in patients with treatment-resistant depression. Ketamine was developed as an anesthetic, but is better known publicly for its abuse as the party drug Special K. Researchers are now seeking alternatives because ketamine can produce side effects that include hallucinations and the potential for abuse -- limiting its utility as an antidepressant.

Mexican genetics study reveals huge variation in ancestry: Basis for health differences among Latinos discovered

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 11:21 AM PDT

In the most comprehensive genetic study of the Mexican population to date, researchers have identified tremendous genetic diversity, reflecting thousands of years of separation among local populations and shedding light on a range of confounding aspects of Latino health.

Brain power: New insight into how brain regulates its blood flow

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 10:23 AM PDT

Engineering professors have identified a new component of the biological mechanism that controls blood flow in the brain, demonstrating that the vascular endothelium plays a critical role in the regulation of blood flow in response to stimulation in the living brain. Understanding how and why the brain regulates its blood flow could provide important clues to understanding early brain development, disease, and aging.

Potential anti-TNF response biomarker identified

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 05:57 AM PDT

DNA methylation has been identified as a potential biomarker of response to etanercept and adalimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis according to preliminary results from one of the largest methylome-wide investigations of treatment response to anti-TNF therapies. This data bring clinicians a step closer to being able to personalize a patient's treatment pathway.

Regular exercise beneficial in suppressing inflammation in rheumatic disease

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 05:53 AM PDT

Research findings suggest that exercise transiently suppresses local and systemic inflammation, reinforcing the beneficial effects of exercise and the need for this to be regular in order to achieve clinical efficacy in rheumatic disease.

Cranial ultrasound may replace temporal artery biopsy in diagnosis of giant cell arteritis

Posted: 12 Jun 2014 05:53 AM PDT

A new study shows that cranial ultrasound has a greater sensitivity than temporal artery biopsy, and a comparable specificity in the diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis.

Manipulating and detecting ultrahigh frequency sound waves: 1,000 times higher resolution ultrasound images possible

Posted: 11 Jun 2014 02:10 PM PDT

Researchers have demonstrated a technique for detecting and controlling ultrahigh frequency sound waves at the nanometer scale. This represents an advance towards next generation ultrasonic imaging with potentially 1,000 times higher resolution than today's medical ultrasounds.

PTSD, major depressive episode appears to increase risk of preterm birth

Posted: 11 Jun 2014 02:10 PM PDT

Diagnoses of both post-traumatic stress disorder and a major depressive episode appear to be associated with a sizable increase in risk for preterm birth that seems to be independent of antidepressant and benzodiazepine medication use.

Higher disease activity scores in obese RA patients

Posted: 11 Jun 2014 06:37 AM PDT

A new study showed that obese patients with rheumatoid arthritis have higher DAS (disease activity) scores than non-obese patients, irrespective of their disease stage.

Tendon stimulation the key to repair in 'tennis elbow': Saline injections as effective as platelet-rich plasma injections

Posted: 11 Jun 2014 06:37 AM PDT

New data show that ultrasound-guided injections of growth factors-containing platelet-rich plasma are no more effective in treating recently developed epicondylitis than injections of saline.

Biosimilar CT-P13 matches infliximab in improving ankylosing spondylitis disease activity

Posted: 11 Jun 2014 06:37 AM PDT

New data show that the newly approved infliximab biosimilar CT-P13 achieves statistically similar improvements in disease activity, disability and mobility in patients with ankylosing spondylitis compared to its original reference product infliximab.

Romosozumab significantly increases bone mineral density and bone content compared with teriparatide

Posted: 11 Jun 2014 06:37 AM PDT

A new study shows that in postmenopausal women with low bone mass, romosozumab significantly increased bone mineral density and bone content in both the spine and hip compared to baseline, and also compared with the commonly prescribed anabolic agent teriparatide and placebo.

New data clarify relationship between diet and disease activity

Posted: 11 Jun 2014 06:36 AM PDT

Two new studies have helped clarify the relationship between the dietary intake of monounsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis respectively.

الجمعة، 13 يونيو 2014

Lolcats 'n' Funny Pictures of Cats - I Can Has Cheezburger?

Lolcats 'n' Funny Pictures of Cats - I Can Has Cheezburger?


Excuse Me, Which Aisle are Those On?

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 02:00 PM PDT

Excuse Me, Which Aisle are Those On?

Submitted by: (via gericka)

Is it Safe, Dad?

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 01:30 PM PDT

Is it Safe, Dad?

Submitted by: (via louiebaur)

This Cat was Raised by Horses

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 01:00 PM PDT

This Cat was Raised by Horses

Submitted by: (via ruler3)

Tagged: Cats , gifs , funny , horses , trot

Is This Truly the "Cat From Hell?

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 12:45 PM PDT

Is This Truly the "Cat From Hell?

This cat made headlines after holding its family hostage, causing them to call 911. Head People Pets People Pets to get the full scoop and decide for yourself.

Submitted by: (via People Pets)

Sounds About Right

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 12:00 PM PDT

If You Can't Beat 'em, Join 'em

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 11:20 AM PDT

Submitted by: (via Hilary D)

Tagged: Cats , Video , weird , water bottle

What Kind of Evil Wiggle-Window has This Bird Come Up With?

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 11:00 AM PDT

Submitted by: (via Izabela V)

Tagged: Cats , birds , confused , laptop , Video

I'm Fabulous!

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 11:00 AM PDT

I'm Fabulous!

Submitted by: (via serblazelord420)

Tagged: Cats , artistic , jump , playing

Here I Come! Watch Out!

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 10:30 AM PDT

Here I Come!  Watch Out!

Submitted by: (via spoofmaker1)

Tagged: boop , gifs , sheep , ram

These Pets Aren't Playing Around!

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 09:40 AM PDT

Submitted by: (via Fox ADHD)

Hold on Tight!

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 09:00 AM PDT

Hold on Tight!

Submitted by: (via love_the_heat)

Going, Going, Gone

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 08:00 AM PDT

Going, Going, Gone

Submitted by: (via zyl-schalk)

Tagged: Cats , gifs , kittens , sleepy

Capshun suggested by The Cat

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 07:30 AM PDT

You Don't Have to be Fast...Just Not the Slowest

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 07:00 AM PDT

Agent in Training

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 06:30 AM PDT

Agent in Training

Submitted by: (via cocobango)

Tagged: Cats , cute , FBI

The Eternal Question

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 06:00 AM PDT

The Eternal Question

LoL by: Cheryl Sijbrandi

Tagged: fetch , dogs , ball , cute , confused

Just Getting Some Shade on a Hot Day

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:30 AM PDT

Just Getting Some Shade on a Hot Day

Submitted by: (via Sombiefog)

Tagged: Babies , cute , summer , seals

Come Out of Your Shell, Dude

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 05:00 AM PDT

Come Out of Your Shell, Dude

Submitted by: Unknown

Tagged: gifs , turtles , critters , Cats

I Hate it When I Lose My Pick!

Posted: 13 Jun 2014 04:00 AM PDT

I Hate it When I Lose My Pick!

LoL by: psom

Tagged: ferrets , guitars , puns