Saturday, July 25, 2015

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News


The algorithm of writing

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 12:19 PM PDT

Researchers explores the promise and peril of computer-based writing assessment software.

Unlocking the rice immune system

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 12:18 PM PDT

Researchers have identified a bacterial signaling molecule that triggers an immunity response in rice plants, enabling the plants to resist a devastating blight disease.

Clues to human molecular interactions

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 12:18 PM PDT

Scientists have unraveled how an important plant protein, known as TOPLESS, interacts with other molecules responsible for turning genes off. The findings in plants provide a general model across species for this type of gene silencing, which is linked to several vital biological functions in humans.

Bomb-proof lining contains explosion in luggage hold of aircraft

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 10:56 AM PDT

Using new technology, tests show plane's luggage hold may be able to contain force of an explosion if a device hidden in a passenger's luggage detonates.

Know it's a placebo? Study shows the 'medicine' could still work

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 10:56 AM PDT

A new study shoes that under certain conditions, research participants who know a treatment they are receiving to ease pain is a placebo with no medical value, it still works.

Inbreeding not to blame for Colorado's bighorn sheep population decline

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 10:05 AM PDT

The health of Colorado's bighorn sheep population remains as precarious as the steep alpine terrain the animals inhabit, but a new study has found that inbreeding -- a common hypothesis for a recent decline -- likely isn't to blame.

Understanding why some latina women discontinue participation in cancer prevention outreach

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 09:40 AM PDT

It has long been known that rates of breast and cervical cancer screening among Latinas are low compared to rates for U.S. women overall. A new study found that age and fear of cancer diagnosis are among the reasons why Latina women do not continue participation following breast and cervical cancer education programs.

Clear connection between wireless devices and cancer, experts say

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 09:39 AM PDT

A metabolic imbalance caused by radiation from your wireless devices could be the link to a number of health risks, such as various neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, a recent study suggests.

Research analyzes impact of case volume on outcomes for DVT treatment

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 07:54 AM PDT

Patients who have lower extremity proximal deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot in their leg, are increasingly undergoing minimally invasive catheter-based clot removal -- also referred to as catheter-directed thrombolysis -- rather than solely being treated with traditional blood-thinning medications. A study has found that a higher volume of CDT cases annually was associated with lower in-hospital mortality rates and lower intracranial hemorrhage.

Object recognition for robots

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 07:54 AM PDT

A team of researchers specializes in SLAM, or simultaneous localization and mapping, the technique whereby mobile autonomous robots map their environments and determine their locations. Now these researchers have demonstrated how SLAM can be used to improve object-recognition systems, which will be a vital component of future robots that have to manipulate the objects around them in arbitrary ways.

Brain structure reveals ability to regulate emotions

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 07:54 AM PDT

People diagnosed with a personality disorder may find it difficult to function in society due to difficulties in regulating emotions -- but also healthy individuals differ in how often they become irritated, angry or sad. Scientists have published a study where they show that the affected brain areas in people with a clinical diagnosis are also affected in healthy individuals.

Residential tourism model implemented in tourist destinations has increased earthquake risk

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 06:37 AM PDT

Researchers warn that "because of real estate speculation and the management of public budgets based on income from the real estate business, seismic risk has been forgotten." Taking as reference the town of Torrevieja, where one of the biggest earthquakes in the province of Alicante took place in 1829 with more than 389 dead and 209 wounded, the author has published an article on seismic risk in tourist destinations since "the technological solutions proposed in its Local Action Plan against earthquakes does not seem enough."

Toxin from salmonid fish has potential to treat cancer

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 06:37 AM PDT

Pathogenic bacteria develop killer machines that work very specifically and highly efficiently. Scientists have solved the molecular mechanism of a fish toxin that could be used in the future as a medication to treat cancer.

Prostate cancer not caused by shift work, experts say

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 06:37 AM PDT

Shift work is widespread: between approximately one in five and one in six of the working population work shifts. Now new research shows, that in fact, shift workers do not develop prostate cancer more frequently than their colleagues who work during the day.

'Watch' helps surgeons minimize potential risks of all-inside meniscal repair

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 06:37 AM PDT

A 'Watch' has been issued regarding potential risks with anchor-based all-inside meniscal repairs. While all-inside techniques have many advantages, including shorter surgical time and reduced risk of damage to neurovascular tissues, potential drawbacks include risks of local soft-tissue irritation and implant migration or breakage.In particular, the 'Watch' offers important tips for successfully using FAST-FIX meniscal-repair devices produced by Smith & Nephew.

Patient satisfaction is good indicator of success after spinal surgery

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 05:48 AM PDT

Patient satisfaction ratings after surgery for spinal degenerative disease--especially in terms of reduced pain and disability--are a good indicator of the procedure's effectiveness, reports a new study.

For prostate cancer patients, risk-specific therapies now more the norm

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 05:26 AM PDT

After decades of overtreatment for low-risk prostate cancer and inadequate management of its more aggressive forms, patients are now more likely to receive medical care matched to level of risk, according to a study.

Premature birth linked to withdrawn personality

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 05:25 AM PDT

Adults born very premature are more likely to be socially withdrawn and display signs of autism, research shows. The results showed that the adults born very preterm scored highly for displaying a socially withdrawn personality, indicated by autistic features, neuroticism, introversion and decreased risk taking.

Prostate cancer: Scientists discover why some tumous are resistant to radiotherapy

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 05:25 AM PDT

Scientists believe they have identified how some tiny regulatory molecules in cells can make prostate cancers resistant to radiotherapy. It is hoped that this new development could pave the way for more effective treatments -- allowing a lower dose of radiotherapy to be used while prolonging the lives of thousands of men.

Diagnosis of psychiatric disorders not as important as outcomes

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 05:25 AM PDT

Nailing the diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder may not be important in prescribing effective treatment, according a clinical researcher. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that nearly one in five Americans suffers from mental illnesses as defined in the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Wind energy provides 8% of Europe's electricity

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 05:19 AM PDT

EU's grid connected cumulative capacity in 2014 reached 129 GW, meeting 8% of European electricity demand, equivalent to the combined annual consumption of Belgium, the Netherlands, Greece and Ireland. According to a report, the impressive growth of the industry will allow at least 12% electricity share by 2020, a significant contribution to the goal of the European energy and climate package of 20% share of energy from renewable sources.

Insights into catalytic converters

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 05:19 AM PDT

How do catalytic converters work? Scientists have studied the reactions under close-to-reality conditions: With the help of X-rays, they observed the interactions of the nitrogen monoxide pollutant molecule and of the reduction agent ammonia with iron and copper centers, i.e. transition metal ions in Fe-ZSM-5 and Cu-SSZ-13, where the reaction takes place. Their results can now be used to further improve the exhaust gas aftertreatment.

Diversity of European butterflies could be seriously underestimated, DNA suggests

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 05:19 AM PDT

The DNA sequences of the 228 known butterfly species in the Iberian peninsula have been obtained by researchers who compared it to available data for Europe. Their study compiles 3500 genetic sequences of all the species, with their geographical distribution, and will be useful for the conservation of butterfly biodiversity. The DNA sequences obtained suggest that up to 28% of species could be totally new to science.

Bossy rooster takes lead vocal of cock-a-doodle-do

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 05:19 AM PDT

From ancient times, people have been aware of the rooster's "cock-a-doodle-do" that marks the break of dawn, but has anyone wondered who crows first? In a new study, biologists have revealed that there is actually a systematic rule based on social ranking that determines the order of crowing in roosters.

Scientists discover first 'DNA ambulance'

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 05:17 AM PDT

Researchers have discovered how severely damaged DNA is transported within a cell and how it is repaired. It's a discovery that could unlock secrets into how cancer operates.

Attention-control video game curbs combat vets' PTSD symptoms

Posted: 24 Jul 2015 05:17 AM PDT

A computerized attention-control training program significantly reduced combat veterans' preoccupation with - or avoidance of -- threat and attendant PTSD symptoms. By contrast, another type of computerized training, called attention bias modification - which has proven helpful in treating anxiety disorders - did not reduce PTSD symptoms. Researchers conducted parallel trials in which the two treatments were tested in US and Israeli combat veterans.

Powerful, efficient ceramic fuel cells could enable in-home production of electricity from natural gas

Posted: 23 Jul 2015 06:11 PM PDT

The development of affordable and efficient ceramic fuel cells that could be used to power homes is the culmination of five years worth of work, investigators say. The research would enable more efficient use of natural gas for power generation through the use of fuel cells that convert the chemical energy of a fuel source into electrical energy close to where it is used, the authors of a new study explain.

'Successful aging' linked to harmful drinking among over 50s

Posted: 23 Jul 2015 04:05 PM PDT

The over 50s who are 'successful agers' -- healthy, active, sociable, and well off -- are more at risk of harmful drinking than their less successful peers, concludes new research.