Saturday, August 8, 2015

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News


New video camera released featuring ultra-high-speed CMOS image sensor

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 12:09 PM PDT

An ultra-high-speed CMOS image sensor that offers 10 million frames per second with ISO16,000 photosensitivity has been developed by researchers.

Researcher creates AFDHAL cooking oil that can be used 80 times

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 12:09 PM PDT

Using palm oil and Rutaceae herb, researchers have developed cooking oil that can be used 80 times. This cooking oil was scientifically defined using the main ingredients which are not only capable of reducing oil absorption in fried cooking up to 85 per cent but also minimize the risks of getting cardiovascular and cancer.

Researcher calls for more natural baseline data collection in world's oceans

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 11:44 AM PDT

One of the biggest challenges in evaluating the environmental impacts of the Macondo blowout was the lack of baseline data, an expert say. She argues in a new article that environmental monitoring data is desperately needed to establish natural baselines.

'Caveman instincts' may favor deep-voiced politicians

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 11:43 AM PDT

When politicians debate an opponent, it's not just what they say that matters -- it's also how they say it. A new study shows that voters naturally prefer candidates with deeper voices, which they associate with strength and competence more than age. The researchers say our love lower-pitched voices may harken back to 'caveman instincts' associating leadership with physical prowess more than wisdom and experience.

Pupil shape linked to animals' ecological niche

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 11:43 AM PDT

A land animals' ecological niche is a strong predictor of pupil shape, a new analysis has found. Species with pupils that are vertical slits are more likely to be ambush predators that are active both day and night. In contrast, those with horizontally elongated pupils are extremely likely to be plant-eating prey species with eyes on the sides of their heads.

How yeast doubled its genome, by mating between species

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 11:43 AM PDT

The common baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was the first non-bacterial living thing to have its genome sequenced, back in 1996. However, when the sequence of that genome emerged it appeared that the scientists were seeing double -- the organism seemed to have two very different versions of many of its genes. How could this have happened?

Silently suffering from hearing loss negatively affects quality of life

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 10:12 AM PDT

Hearing loss in adults is under treated despite evidence that hearing aid technology can significantly lessen depression and anxiety and improve cognitive functioning, according to research.

New research may enhance display, LED lighting technology

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 10:12 AM PDT

A new method to extract more efficient and polarized light from quantum dots (QDs) over a large-scale area has been developed by researchers. Their method, which combines QD and photonic crystal technology, could lead to brighter and more efficient mobile phone, tablet, and computer displays, as well as enhanced LED lighting.

Charge density, optical properties of multicomponent crystals

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 10:12 AM PDT

Optical materials serve a major role in modern sciences and technology. Many of the devices we use feature technology resulting from material discoveries in this fast moving area of research.

Emergency department counseling program fails to reduce intimate partner violence or heavy drinking among at-risk women

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 09:33 AM PDT

A large randomized clinical trial of an emergency department (ED)-based program aimed at reducing incidents of excessive drinking and partner violence in women did not result in significant improvements in either risk factor, according to a new study.

Copper clusters capture, convert carbon dioxide to make fuel

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 09:33 AM PDT

The chemical reactions that make methanol from carbon dioxide rely on a catalyst to speed up the conversion, and scientists identified a new material that could fill this role. With its unique structure, this catalyst can capture and convert carbon dioxide in a way that ultimately saves energy.

Scientists move a step closer to understanding species distributions in the face of climate change

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 09:31 AM PDT

Scientists move a step closer to understanding species distributions in the face of climate change.

Fish go deep to beat the heat

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 08:08 AM PDT

Fish retreat to deeper water to escape the heat, a new study shows, a finding that throws light on what to expect if predictions of ocean warming come to pass.

High-altitude climate change to kill cloud forest plants

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 08:07 AM PDT

Scientists have discovered many tropical, mountaintop plants won't survive global warming, even under the best-case climate scenario. Many of the species they studied will likely not be able to survive in their current locations past 2080 as their high-altitude climate changes, they say.

Web-based patient-centered toolkit helps improve patient-provider communication

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 08:07 AM PDT

A novel web-based, patient-centered toolkit used by patients and/or their healthcare proxys in the hospital setting helped them to engage in understanding and developing their plan of care, and has the potential to improve communication with providers, a new study reports.

Study looks at Google Glass to bring toxicology specialists to remote emergency rooms

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 08:07 AM PDT

Google Glass, a head-mounted streaming audio/video device, may be used to effectively extend bed-side toxicology consults to distant health care facilities such as community and rural hospitals to diagnose and manage poisoned patients.

Experiment sees neutrinos change over 500 miles

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 08:07 AM PDT

Scientists on the NOvA experiment saw their first evidence of oscillating neutrinos, confirming that the extraordinary detector built for the project not only functions as planned but is also making great progress toward its goal of a major leap in our understanding of these ghostly particles.

Scientists adopt new strategy to find Huntington's disease therapies

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 08:07 AM PDT

Scientists searched the chromosomes of more than 4,000 Huntington's disease patients and found that DNA repair genes may determine when the neurological symptoms begin. The results may provide a guide for discovering new treatments for Huntington's disease and a roadmap for studying other neurological disorders.

New test measures effectiveness of treatments for Huntington's disease

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 08:07 AM PDT

A new test allows physicians to measure the effects of gene silencing therapy in Huntington's disease and will support the first human clinical trial of a drug that targets the genetic cause of the disease.

Ruxolitinib in polycythaemia vera: Hint of non-quantifiable added benefit

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 08:07 AM PDT

Following review of Ruxolitinib in polycythaemia vera, patients complain of fatigue less frequently and have a better quality of life. The study design makes interpretation of the results difficult, however.

Salt flat indicates some of the last vestiges of Martian surface water

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 08:07 AM PDT

Mars turned cold and dry long ago, but researchers have discovered evidence of an ancient lake that likely represents some of the last potentially habitable surface water ever to exist on the Red Planet.

Great plains agricultural greenhouse gas emissions could be eliminated

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 06:46 AM PDT

A historical analysis of greenhouse gas emissions from the U.S. Great Plains has been conducted that demonstrates the potential to completely eliminate agricultural greenhouse gas emissions from the region.

New biomarker identified in breast, prostate cancers holds promise for treating disease

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 06:46 AM PDT

Researchers have identified a novel genetic biomarker responsible for the progression of many breast and prostate cancers. The finding could bolster efforts to better identify patients who respond to certain types of chemotherapy drugs, they say.

Brain's ability to dispose of key Alzheimer's protein drops dramatically with age

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 06:46 AM PDT

Some of the key changes in the aging brain that lead to increased risk of Alzheimer's Disease have now been identified by a team of researchers.

Crime-scene compound may be newest tool in fight against malaria

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 06:46 AM PDT

The compound that detectives spray at crime scenes to find trace amounts of blood may one day be used to kill the malaria parasite, scientists say.

Perseid meteors to light up summer skies

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 06:26 AM PDT

The evening of Wednesday 12 August into the morning of Thursday 13 August sees the annual maximum of the Perseid meteor shower. This year, a new moon makes prospects for watching this natural firework display particularly good.

Parasitized spider makes bed for its natural enemy, wasp larva

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 06:25 AM PDT

An ichneumonid parasitic wasp seizes control of the parasitized spider and exploits its 'resting web' building behavior as seen before moulting, scientists have discovered. Researchers examining the threads' force, found that the web produced through parasitic manipulation is more robust than the resting web. Given that the wasp induces a behavior inherent in the spider, revealing the molecular mechanism of the web manipulation is likely to contribute to the practical application of spider silk.

Controlling inflammation to reduce chronic disease risk

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 06:25 AM PDT

An unresolved inflammatory response is likely to be involved from the early stages of disease development, scientists say. Controlling inflammation is crucial to human health and a key future preventative and therapeutic target. In a recent article, a coalition of experts explains how nutrition influences inflammatory processes and help reduce chronic diseases risk.

New 2D transistor material made using precision lasers

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 06:25 AM PDT

Molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2)  is a crystalline compound that if pure enough can be used as a transistor.  Its molecular structure is an atomic sandwich made up of one molybdenum atom for every two tellurium atoms[HY1].  It was first made in the 1960's via several different fabrication methods, but until last year it had never been made in a pure enough form to be suitable for electronics. 

Pouring fire on fuels at the nanoscale

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 06:25 AM PDT

There are no magic bullets for global energy needs. But fuel cells in which electrical energy is harnessed directly from live, self-sustaining chemical reactions promise cheaper alternatives to fossil fuels.

Texas voter photo ID requirement discourages turnout

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 06:24 AM PDT

A new study examines the impact of the controversial Texas law in US Congressional District 23.

Protein may trigger cancer cell's metabolism

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 06:24 AM PDT

New research shows that a modified version of the protein Hsp90 that's known to trigger death in nervous system cells may actually help cancer cells.

Internet program to encourage handwashing reduces spread of cold, flu viruses

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 06:23 AM PDT

A web-based program to encourage more frequent handwashing reduces the risk of catching and passing on respiratory tract infections to other household members, a randomized trial of more than 16,000 UK households has found. Users of the program, called PRIMIT, also reported fewer gastrointestinal infections, a lower demand for consultations with their doctors, and fewer antibiotic prescriptions.

Big dinosaur discoveries in tiny toothy packages

Posted: 07 Aug 2015 06:23 AM PDT

Researchers have examined one of the smallest parts of the fossil record -- theropod teeth -- to shed light on the evolution of dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous. Findings have effectively quadrupled the dinosaur diversity in the area of study, including the exceptional site of Laño. There were previously only two known species in the area.

Kidney impairment decreases blood flow to the brain, boosting risk of brain disorders

Posted: 06 Aug 2015 02:12 PM PDT

Poor kidney function was strongly related to decreased blood flow to the brain, report researchers following a population-based study. Poor kidney function was linked to stroke and dementia most strongly in participants with decreased blood flow to the brain.

New vitamin B3 pathway identified

Posted: 06 Aug 2015 02:11 PM PDT

A new vitamin B3 pathway that regulates liver metabolism has been identified by scientists. The discovery provides an opportunity to pursue the development of novel drug therapies for the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes and related metabolic diseases.