ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Accidental discovery bubbles with promise for safer hydrogen storage
• Mercury gets a meteoroid shower from Comet Encke
• Mars' moon Phobos is slowly falling apart
• Nanotechnology advances could pave way for implantable artificial kidney
• Onion-like layers help this efficient new nanoparticle glow
• How a mutant worm's reaction to a foul smell could lead to new disease treatment avenues
• Dust, iron, life: How atmospheric dust prepped Earth for life
• Kitchen utensils can spread bacteria between foods
• Large landowners key to slowing deforestation in Brazil
• Adding antiangiogenesis increases effectiveness of radiation against NF2-associated tumors
• Childhood obesity linked to poverty, parenting style
• Analysts' stock recommendations are not only independent, they're useful
• Clay makes better high-temp batteries
• Simpler way to define what makes a planet
• Faster way to assess ocean ecosystem health
• Climate change adaptation in high income countries: Some clear progress
• How voters would accept higher gas tax
• Creating a wide variety of new holograms
• Chronic arsenic exposure can impair ability of muscle to heal after injury
• California 6th grade science books: Climate change a matter of opinion not scientific fact
• Research points to development of single vaccine for Chikungunya, related viruses
• Controlling levels of specific gut bacteria could help prevent severe diarrhea
• What counts as fair?
• Early maternal loss has lifelong effects on chimpanzees
• Prenatal alcohol exposure: Services insufficient in supporting those affected
• New SARS-like virus can jump directly from bats to humans, no treatment available
• Dengue: Asymptomatic people transmit the virus to mosquitoes
• Ultra-thin, tunable, broadband microwave absorber may advance radar cloaking
• New derivation of pi links quantum physics and pure math
• 'Post-hospital syndrome' found to be a risk factor for elective surgery
• Why we look at pretty faces
• Using copper to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses
• LocoMouse: Innovative tool sheds light on motor deficits
• Sea urchin spurs new ideas for lightweight materials
• Low energy sweeteners help reduce energy intake and body weight, evidence shows
• Forensic science of dating inks fine tuned
• Immaculate white: New moth species preferring dry habitats is a rare case for Florida
• Highly sensitive sensors successfully map electrical patterns of embryonic heart
• Study shows why four-year-olds don't thrive in head start classes
• Twenty-two ancient shipwrecks discovered in small Greek archipelago
• Does alcohol consumption affect the risk for Parkinson's disease?
• Wheat disease-resistance gene identified, potential to save billions
• Computer model developed for predicting the dispersion of vog
• New method identifies up to twice as many proteins, peptides in mass spectrometry data
• Close-up view of galaxies prompts re-think on star formation
• Medicines do not seem to degrade faster in space
• Researchers develop antibiotic alternative for wound infections
• Gastric bypass for teens: Weight loss and lipid improvements sustained 8 years after surgery
• Obese kids young as age eight show signs of heart disease
• Short bursts of high-intensity exercise does more for type 2 diabetes
• College football linemen face greater risk of heart problems
• Polling station environments matter: Physical layout can impact the voting experience
• Genes may determine the side effects of menopausal hormone therapy, study suggests
• Lung cancer surgery can be beneficial for high-risk patients with early stage disease
• Heart valve patients may benefit from managing own blood thinners
• First, do no harm: Hospital patients given anti-heartburn drugs have higher risk of dying, study finds
• Novel stem cell line avoids risk of introducing transplanted tumors
• Two-year-olds with poor language skills fall behind at play
• Sugar molecules lose their 'Cinderella' status
• Gaucher disease may protect against Parkinson's disease-related color visual impairment

Accidental discovery bubbles with promise for safer hydrogen storage Posted: 10 Nov 2015 02:19 PM PST A surprise discovery may speed the transformation to hydrogen as a major fuel source in the future. Scientists discovered a biopolymer that was capturing and storing hydrogen. They have applied for a patent for the substance called Hydromer and are working on commercializing the polymer as coating material will allow for low maintenance costs and high durability for hydrogen storage.

Mercury gets a meteoroid shower from Comet Encke Posted: 10 Nov 2015 02:13 PM PST The planet Mercury is being pelted regularly by bits of dust from an ancient comet, a new study has concluded. This has a discernible effect in the planet's tenuous atmosphere and may lead to a new paradigm on how these airless bodies maintain their ethereal envelopes.

Mars' moon Phobos is slowly falling apart Posted: 10 Nov 2015 02:12 PM PST The long, shallow grooves lining the surface of Phobos are likely early signs of the structural failure that will ultimately destroy this moon of Mars.

Nanotechnology advances could pave way for implantable artificial kidney Posted: 10 Nov 2015 11:51 AM PST New advances in nanopore technology could lead to the development of a surgically implantable, artificial kidney.

Onion-like layers help this efficient new nanoparticle glow Posted: 10 Nov 2015 11:48 AM PST A new, onion-like nanoparticle could open new frontiers in biomaging, solar energy harvesting and light-based security techniques.

How a mutant worm's reaction to a foul smell could lead to new disease treatment avenues Posted: 10 Nov 2015 11:48 AM PST On Nov. 10 in the journal Science Signaling, University at Buffalo researchers will report that the mutant worms they were studying had altered dopamine signaling because the animals were missing the gene for an enzyme called PRMT-5, which facilitates an important cellular process -- protein arginine methylation.

Dust, iron, life: How atmospheric dust prepped Earth for life Posted: 10 Nov 2015 10:45 AM PST Dust begets life, and Earth's atmosphere 300 million years ago was perhaps the dustiest of all time, with large consequences for carbon cycling and the climate system. In a new article geologists examine the bioavailability of iron in dust from Earth's penultimate icehouse of the late Paleozoic. Dust links to carbon because of the iron -- a key nutrient for nearly all life, so atmospheric dust acts as a fertilizer.

Kitchen utensils can spread bacteria between foods Posted: 10 Nov 2015 10:45 AM PST Researchers have found that produce that contained bacteria would contaminate other produce items through the continued use of knives or graters -- the bacteria would latch on to the utensils commonly found in consumers' homes and spread. Unfortunately, many consumers are unaware utensils and other surfaces at home can contribute to the spread of bacteria, say the authors of a new report.

Large landowners key to slowing deforestation in Brazil Posted: 10 Nov 2015 10:45 AM PST An analysis by sociologists of data on land use in Mato Grosso, Brazil's third largest state, reveals that a large proportion of deforestation, as well as remaining forest cover, can be found on large private properties. Brazil once had the world's highest rate of deforestation. And while land is still being cleared at an alarming rate, the country has been successful in reducing its deforestation in recent decades.

Adding antiangiogenesis increases effectiveness of radiation against NF2-associated tumors Posted: 10 Nov 2015 10:45 AM PST Treatment with antiangiogenesis drugs may improve the effectiveness of radiation treatment of nervous system tumors that interfere with the hearing of patients with the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis 2, investigators report.

Childhood obesity linked to poverty, parenting style Posted: 10 Nov 2015 10:45 AM PST With childhood obesity rates on the rise, a team of based researchers embarked on a study to show how authoritarian parenting and household income combine to affect kid's obesity risk.

Analysts' stock recommendations are not only independent, they're useful Posted: 10 Nov 2015 10:45 AM PST Contrary to common complaints, analysts' stock recommendations are not only independent, they're useful, according to a new study by financial accounting experts.

Clay makes better high-temp batteries Posted: 10 Nov 2015 10:45 AM PST Scientists develop lithium-ion batteries with clay-based electrolytes for high-temperature environments.

Simpler way to define what makes a planet Posted: 10 Nov 2015 10:45 AM PST A professor of planetary astronomy has described a simple 'planet test' that can be readily applied to bodies orbiting the sun and other stars. According to this new test, all eight solar system planets and all classifiable exoplanets are confirmed as planets.

Faster way to assess ocean ecosystem health Posted: 10 Nov 2015 09:04 AM PST A new study identifies a set of features common to all ocean ecosystems that provide a visual diagnosis of the health of the underwater environment coastal communities rely on. Together, the features detail cumulative effects of threats -- such as overfishing, pollution, and invasive species -- so responders can act quickly to increase ocean resiliency and sustainability.

Climate change adaptation in high income countries: Some clear progress Posted: 10 Nov 2015 09:04 AM PST Researchers are looking at whether progress is being made in designing policies and initiatives to reduce vulnerability to climate change across countries. Their aim is to contribute new ways of monitoring the global climate adaptation process. They report that between 2010 and 2014, the 41 Annex I Parties to the UNFCCC countries made progress on climate change adaptation in broad terms, but that more must be done to develop ways to measure what works and what doesn't.

How voters would accept higher gas tax Posted: 10 Nov 2015 09:04 AM PST Americans would be more likely to accept a gas tax increase if they knew the extra revenue would improve energy efficiency, repair roads and bridges or be refunded to taxpayers equally, indicates a new study.

Creating a wide variety of new holograms Posted: 10 Nov 2015 09:04 AM PST Researchers have developed techniques that can be used to create ideal geometric phase holograms for any kind of optical pattern -- a significant advance over the limitations of previous techniques. The holograms can be used to create new types of displays, imaging systems, telecommunications technology and astronomical instruments.

Chronic arsenic exposure can impair ability of muscle to heal after injury Posted: 10 Nov 2015 09:04 AM PST Chronic exposure to arsenic can lead to stem cell dysfunction that impairs muscle healing and regeneration. More than 140 million people worldwide and 4 million Americans chronically ingest arsenic in their drinking water. The 21st most abundant metal in Earth's crust, arsenic is naturally present in soil and bedrock-walled wells and has no odor, color or taste.

California 6th grade science books: Climate change a matter of opinion not scientific fact Posted: 10 Nov 2015 09:04 AM PST A new study that analyzed four California science textbooks from major publishers found they position climate change as a debate over differing opinions. Contrary to the clear majority of climate scientists who cite scientific data and evidence of human-caused climate change, the textbooks present the topic as uncertain, that humans may or may not cause it, and that its unclear if we need immediate mitigating action, the researchers found.

Research points to development of single vaccine for Chikungunya, related viruses Posted: 10 Nov 2015 09:02 AM PST What if a single vaccine could protect people from infection by many different viruses? That concept is a step closer to reality. Researchers have identified 'broadly neutralizing' antibodies that protect against infection by multiple, distantly related alphaviruses -- including Chikungunya virus -- that cause fever and debilitating joint pain. The discovery, in mice, lays the groundwork for a single vaccine or antibody-based treatment against many different alphaviruses.

Controlling levels of specific gut bacteria could help prevent severe diarrhea Posted: 10 Nov 2015 09:02 AM PST Everyone has suffered from it. It's ranged from mild to severe. It's a condition that's most-often described in a whisper. Diarrhea. Severe cases of diarrhea, however, are no joking matter. New research may offer patients suffering from acute cases new treatments that focus on intestinal microbial communities to prevent the disease.

What counts as fair? Posted: 10 Nov 2015 09:02 AM PST Neuroscientists find that children's ability to count is key to distributing resources based on merit.

Early maternal loss has lifelong effects on chimpanzees Posted: 10 Nov 2015 09:02 AM PST Wild-caught chimpanzees, who were orphaned and imported from Africa in their early infancy, exhibit an impaired social behavior also as adults. So far, long-term effects of early traumatic experiences on social behavior were known only for humans and socially isolated chimpanzees.

Prenatal alcohol exposure: Services insufficient in supporting those affected Posted: 10 Nov 2015 08:57 AM PST There is an urgent need to do more to recognize prenatal alcohol exposure at an early stage and to integrate better pathways for diagnosis, assessment and support. The importance of raising awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders is the focus of new research, as there are unclear protocols and guidelines in place to adequately support those directly affected.

New SARS-like virus can jump directly from bats to humans, no treatment available Posted: 10 Nov 2015 08:57 AM PST A new bat SARS-like virus has been discovered that can jump directly from its bat hosts to humans without mutation. However, researchers point out that if the SARS-like virus did jump, it is still unclear whether it could spread from human to human.

Dengue: Asymptomatic people transmit the virus to mosquitoes Posted: 10 Nov 2015 08:57 AM PST Scientists have provided proof that people infected by dengue virus but showing no clinical symptoms can actually infect mosquitoes that bite them. It appears that these asymptomatic people -- who, together with mildly symptomatic patients, represent three-quarters of all dengue infections -- could be involved in the transmission chain of the virus.

Ultra-thin, tunable, broadband microwave absorber may advance radar cloaking Posted: 10 Nov 2015 08:57 AM PST Microwave absorbers are a kind of material that can effectively absorb incident microwave energy to make objects invisible to radar. Recently, as radar detection devices have improved, scientists are working on high-performance absorbers that can cloak objects in the equivalent ultra-high frequency regime. However, conventional absorbers for the ultra-high regime are usually unsuitable for stealth missions. To solve this problem, researchers have developed an ultra-thin, tunable broadband microwave absorber for ultra-high frequency applications.

New derivation of pi links quantum physics and pure math Posted: 10 Nov 2015 08:57 AM PST In 1655 the English mathematician John Wallis published a book in which he derived a formula for pi as the product of an infinite series of ratios. Now researchers, in a surprise discovery, have found the same formula in quantum mechanical calculations of the energy levels of a hydrogen atom.

'Post-hospital syndrome' found to be a risk factor for elective surgery Posted: 10 Nov 2015 08:56 AM PST A condition known as 'post-hospital syndrome' (PHS) is a significant risk factor for patients who undergo elective outpatient surgery, a new study has found. PHS is defined as having been hospitalized during the previous 90 days. This first-of-its-kind study found that among patients with PHS, 7.6 percent had to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of undergoing elective outpatient hernia surgery. By comparison, only 1.6 percent of non-PHS patients had to be readmitted following hernia surgery.

Why we look at pretty faces Posted: 10 Nov 2015 07:23 AM PST Few visual impressions can be compared to humans' interest for faces. New research suggests that our brain rewards us for looking at pretty faces.

Using copper to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses Posted: 10 Nov 2015 07:21 AM PST Copper can effectively help to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, which are linked to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), new research shows. Animal coronaviruses that 'host jump' to humans, such as SARS and MERS, result in severe infections with high mortality. Researchers found that a closely-related human coronavirus - 229E - can remain infectious on common surface materials for several days, but is rapidly destroyed on copper.

LocoMouse: Innovative tool sheds light on motor deficits Posted: 10 Nov 2015 07:20 AM PST A state-of-the-art open-source tool captures fine details of locomotion and offers new insights onto the neural basis of balance and coordination, report developers. Using LocoMouse, the researchers analyzed locomotion in mice with cerebellar degeneration, and were surprised to discover that many of the mouse's movements were unexpectedly intact.

Sea urchin spurs new ideas for lightweight materials Posted: 10 Nov 2015 07:20 AM PST Materials researchers love sea creatures. Mother-of-pearl provokes ideas for smooth surfaces, clams inspire gluey substances, shark's skin is used to develop materials that reduce drag in water, and so on. Researchers have now found a model for strong, lightweight materials by diving below the sea surface to investigate a sea urchin cousin known as the heart urchin.

Low energy sweeteners help reduce energy intake and body weight, evidence shows Posted: 10 Nov 2015 07:20 AM PST Use of low energy sweeteners (LES) in place of sugar, in children and adults, leads to reduced calorie intake and body weight - and possibly also when comparing LES beverages to water -- according to a new review.

Forensic science of dating inks fine tuned Posted: 10 Nov 2015 07:20 AM PST When did you make your book entries? When was the settlement signed? When was the will made? These are often very tricky questions to answer and frequently arise in judicial contexts. In fact, the dating of documents is a key area in the field of forensic science. A new method that determines the age of a document in a less invasive way than other techniques and is also able to date documents up to five years old.

Immaculate white: New moth species preferring dry habitats is a rare case for Florida Posted: 10 Nov 2015 07:20 AM PST Spreading its wings over the sandhills and scrub of peninsular Florida, a moth species with immaculately white wings has remained unnoticed by science until a scientist set it apart from a very similar species. As a result of their research the authors have also included a key to facilitate the recognition of different pale-winged moths and their close relatives.

Highly sensitive sensors successfully map electrical patterns of embryonic heart Posted: 10 Nov 2015 07:20 AM PST Highly sensitive sensors have been successfully used to map the electrical activity of the developing heart in embryos, scientists report. The study could lead to new insight into how heart rhythm abnormalities develop, the researchers say.

Study shows why four-year-olds don't thrive in head start classes Posted: 10 Nov 2015 06:44 AM PST Most Head Start classrooms serve children of mixed ages and that hurts the academic growth of older children, a new national study suggests.

Twenty-two ancient shipwrecks discovered in small Greek archipelago Posted: 10 Nov 2015 06:44 AM PST An archaeological expedition has recorded 22 shipwrecks over 13 days in what may be the ancient shipwreck capital of the world.

Does alcohol consumption affect the risk for Parkinson's disease? Posted: 10 Nov 2015 06:42 AM PST For many years, researchers have been investigating whether there are any associations between Parkinson's disease (PD) and lifestyle choices such as smoking and coffee and alcohol consumption. In a new review, authors say that the literature concerning alcohol consumption presents conflicting information.

Wheat disease-resistance gene identified, potential to save billions Posted: 10 Nov 2015 06:40 AM PST An international group of scientists has discovered a gene that can prevent some of the most significant wheat diseases -- creating the potential to combat food security for this staple and save billions of dollars in lost production each year.

Computer model developed for predicting the dispersion of vog Posted: 10 Nov 2015 06:40 AM PST A new paper details the development and utility of a computer model for the dispersion of volcanic smog or 'vog,' which forms when volcanic sulfur dioxide gas interacts with water and coverts it to acid sulfate aerosol particles in the atmosphere.

New method identifies up to twice as many proteins, peptides in mass spectrometry data Posted: 10 Nov 2015 06:40 AM PST An team of researchers developed a method that identifies up to twice as many proteins and peptides in mass spectrometry data than conventional approaches. The method can be applied to a range of fields, including clinical settings and fundamental biology research for cancer and other diseases. The key to the method's improved performance is its ability to compare data to so-called spectral libraries -- a pattern-matching exercise -- rather than individual spectra or a database of sequences.

Close-up view of galaxies prompts re-think on star formation Posted: 10 Nov 2015 06:40 AM PST Astronomers have identified for the first time one of the key components of many stars, a study suggests. A type of gas found in the voids between galaxies -- known as atomic gas -- appears to be part of the star formation process under certain conditions, researchers say.

Medicines do not seem to degrade faster in space Posted: 10 Nov 2015 06:40 AM PST The results of an opportunistic, pilot-scale study suggest that medication degradation on the ISS does not differ from what is typically seen on Earth.

Researchers develop antibiotic alternative for wound infections Posted: 10 Nov 2015 06:39 AM PST For the first time, researchers have discovered how electrical stimulation works for the treatment of bacterial infections, paving the way for a viable alternative to medicinal antibiotics. The researchers passed an electric current over a film of bacteria and in 24 hours killed almost all of a multi-drug resistant bacterium that is often present in difficult-to-treat infections. The remaining bacterial population was 1/10,000th of its original size.

Gastric bypass for teens: Weight loss and lipid improvements sustained 8 years after surgery Posted: 10 Nov 2015 06:39 AM PST Eight years after having gastric bypass surgery as teenagers, patients continue to have significant weight loss and improvement in their lipid profiles.

Obese kids young as age eight show signs of heart disease Posted: 10 Nov 2015 06:39 AM PST Imaging tests of obese children's hearts showed signs of heart disease, including kids as young as 8 years old. Obese children had 27 percent more muscle mass in the left ventricle of their hearts and 12 percent thicker heart muscles -- both signs of heart disease -- compared to normal weight children. Forty percent of the obese children were considered 'high-risk' because of problems with thickened muscle in the heart as well as impaired pumping ability.

Short bursts of high-intensity exercise does more for type 2 diabetes Posted: 10 Nov 2015 06:39 AM PST Short bursts of high-intensity exercise improved cholesterol, blood sugar and weight among type 2 diabetes patients more than 30 minutes of sustained, lower-intensity exercise. Burst exercise patients experienced more than a two-fold greater improvement in HbA1c levels which is a measure of blood sugar levels and greater reductions in body mass index.

College football linemen face greater risk of heart problems Posted: 10 Nov 2015 06:39 AM PST A study of freshman college athletes found participation in American-style football was associated with significant increases in systolic blood pressure. Although both football linemen and non-linemen were found to have thicker left ventricular heart walls post-season, when compared to non-linemen, the linemen were at higher risk of developing irregularly thickened heart walls.

Polling station environments matter: Physical layout can impact the voting experience Posted: 10 Nov 2015 05:32 AM PST Human factors/ergonomics researchers examined the relationship between U.S. voting system usability and the polling station environment because these systems are so diverse and little is understood about the impact of one on the other. The study reveals that if environmental features and system attributes deter people from voting, it could lead to altered election outcomes.

Genes may determine the side effects of menopausal hormone therapy, study suggests Posted: 10 Nov 2015 05:32 AM PST Cardiovascular disease risk in women increases after menopause and is associated with the drop in estrogen levels. Menopausal hormone therapy could slow the progression, but oral formulations also increase the risk of blood clots. A new study reports that whether a woman will obtain cardiovascular benefits from certain types of hormone therapy may depend on her genes.

Lung cancer surgery can be beneficial for high-risk patients with early stage disease Posted: 10 Nov 2015 05:32 AM PST Surgical lung resection, in which part of a lung is removed, can be a safe and effective treatment option for high-risk patients with early stage lung cancer, say researchers.

Heart valve patients may benefit from managing own blood thinners Posted: 10 Nov 2015 05:32 AM PST Allowing select patients to self-manage blood thinners following heart valve surgery may lead to a lower risk of major complications, according to a new article.

First, do no harm: Hospital patients given anti-heartburn drugs have higher risk of dying, study finds Posted: 10 Nov 2015 05:32 AM PST Right now, in any US hospital, about half of the patients have a prescription for an acid-reducing drug to reduce heartburn or prevent bleeding in their stomach and gut. But that well-intentioned drug may actually boost their risk of dying during their hospital stay, by opening them up to infections that pose more risk than bleeding would, researchers report.

Novel stem cell line avoids risk of introducing transplanted tumors Posted: 10 Nov 2015 05:32 AM PST A new "progenitor cell" capable of unlimited expansion and differentiation into mature kidney cells, but without the risk of forming tumors, has been described by researchers in a new article.

Two-year-olds with poor language skills fall behind at play Posted: 10 Nov 2015 05:31 AM PST Two-year-olds with poor language skills fare worse than their peers at play and, subsequently, fall behind socially, a researcher concludes.

Sugar molecules lose their 'Cinderella' status Posted: 10 Nov 2015 05:30 AM PST Carbohydrates are often considered the 'Cinderella' molecules of biology yet they are a feature of an increasing number of medicines, from small molecule drugs to protein therapeutics or vaccines.

Gaucher disease may protect against Parkinson's disease-related color visual impairment Posted: 10 Nov 2015 05:30 AM PST Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients have a five-fold greater risk of carrying genetic mutations in the ?-glucocerebrosidase gene (GBA), which are commonly associated with Gaucher disease (GD). Patients with both PD and GD tend to experience earlier onset of PD and more serious cognitive changes than PD patients without the mutations. A new study suggests that GD or the presence of GBA mutations may actually shield patients from deficiency in visual color discrimination, which is a hallmark of PD.

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