Tuesday, February 23, 2016

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सर्वश्रेष्ठ देहदान

आपल्याकडे देहदान आणि अवयवदान या दोन गोष्टींबाबत आवश्यक तेवढी जागरूकता झालेली नाही. कित्येकांना तर अवयवदान आणि देहदान या दोन भिन्न गोष्टी आहेत याची कल्पनाच नाही. अवयवदान आणि देहदानाची ही माहिती.

साधारणपणे मृत्यूबद्दल चर्चेला कोणी तयार नसतं. त्यात देहदान किंवा अवयवदानाबद्दल अनेक गैरसमजुती असतात. दररोज बेवारस प्रेतं खूप मिळत असतील, मग आपण कशाला देहदान किंवा अवयवदान करावं, दान केलेल्या देहाची?विटंबना होत नसेल, नोंदणी केली?तर दान घेणार नाहीत, एखादा अवयव दान दिला तर पुढील जन्म त्या अवयवाशिवाय मिळेल, ज्येष्ठ नागरिकांना यापैकी?काहीच करता येत नाही. नेत्रदान/त्वचादान केलं तर देह रक्तबंबाळ विद्रूप होत असेल, देहदान घेण्यासाठी हॉस्पिटल आपल्या घरी वाहन पाठवत असेल, देहदानानंतर अंत्यविधी करता येत नसतील.. अशा अनेक गैरसमजुती?असतात. मात्र या समजुती दूर झाल्या तर अनेक लोकांना दृष्टी मिळेल, त्वचेचं दान मिळेल.

फक्त मुंबईतच दरसाल एक लाख व्यक्तींचं निधन होतं. त्या सगळ्यांनी नेत्रदान किंवा त्वचादान केलं तर भारतात एकही?आगीने जखमी?झालेला रुग्ण त्वचेअभावी संसर्गाने निधन पावणार नाही. प्रत्येक कॉर्निअल-अंध बालकाला दृष्टी मिळेल. रस्त्यांवर वाहनांमुळे होणा-या बहुतेक गंभीर अपघातातील रुग्णांचा मेंदू मृत्यू होतो. त्या सर्वाचे अवयव दानात मिळाले तर संपूर्ण आशियायी देशांत अवयव रोपणासाठी अवयवांची?कमतरता भासणार नाही. मृत्यूशय्येवरील रुग्णाला जीवनदान मिळेल. यासाठीच आपटे काकांची राजहंस प्रतिष्ठान ही संस्था गेल्या दशकभरापासून विनामूल्य कार्यरत आहे.

अवयवदान म्हणजे काय?

अवयवदान जिवंतपणी करता येते. दानात लिव्हरचा काही भाग व एक किडनी फक्त जवळच्या नातेवाइकांना दान करता येते. मस्तिश्क स्तंभ मृत्यू (ब्रेनडेड अवस्थे)नंतर पण अवयवदान करता येते. रुग्ण अतिदक्षता विभागात (आयसीयू) कृत्रिम श्वसनावर (व्हेंटिलेटर) असला तरच अवयवदान करता येते. साधारणपणे ब्रेन हॅमरेज व अपघातात मेंदूला इजा झाली असली तर ब्रेनडेड अवस्था येण्याची शक्यता असते, बहुतेक सर्व चांगल्या स्थितीत असलेले अवयव जवळच्या नातेवाइकांच्या संमतीने दान करता येतात. दानाचा लाभधारक सहकारी यंत्रणा ठरवते. अवयवदानानंतर देह अंत्यसंस्कारासाठी परत मिळतो.

नैसर्गिक मृत्यूनंतर

ज्या क्षणी माणसाचं हृदय बंद पडतं, त्या क्षणी अन्य सर्व अवयव दानासाठी निरुपयोगी होतात. नैसर्गिक मृत्यूनंतर अवयवदान करता येत नसलं तरी त्वचादान, नेत्रदान व देहदान यापैकी एक वा तिन्ही दाने करता येतात. तिन्ही दान करायची असतील, तर प्रथम त्वचादान, नंतर नेत्रदान व अखेरीस देहदान हा क्रम अवलंबावा लागतो. या उदात्त दानांनी दात्यास अवयव रूपांनी अजरामर केल्याचे स्वर्गीय समाधान नातेवाइकांस मिळते व दानाबद्दल मेडिकल कॉलेजकडून/ त्वचा, नेत्र पेढीकडून सर्टिफिकेट मिळते. मात्र कोणताही आर्थिक लाभ मिळत नाही. या सर्व उदात्त दानासाठी वयाची अट नाही, मात्र जवळच्या नातेवाइकांची संमती असणे आवश्यक असते. कोणतीही सज्ञान स्त्री-पुरुष व्यक्ती नातेवाइकांच्या संमतीने इच्छादानपत्र नोंदणी करू शकते. तशी नोंदणी झाली नसली तरीही जवळच्या नातेवाइकांच्या संमतीने ही सर्व उदात्त दाने करता येतात. ही सर्व दाने स्वीकारण्याचे कार्य सदा सर्वकाळ (२४ ७ ७) सुरू असते. नातेवाइकांनी कळविल्यानंतर 'राजसंह प्रतिष्ठान'चे कार्यकर्ते प्रत्यक्ष उपस्थित राहून सर्वतोपरी सहाय्य करतात.

त्वचादान

मृत्यूनंतर २-३ तासांत त्वचादान करणे चांगले असते. यासाठी डॉक्टर दात्याच्या घरी येऊन अध्र्या तासाची शस्त्रक्रिया करतात तेव्हा रक्ताचा थेंबही येत नाही. तसेच दात्याचा देह विद्रूपही होत नाही. त्वचादानामुळे आगीने/ अ‍ॅसिडने होरपळून जखमी झालेल्या अनेक रुग्णांचे प्राण वाचवता येतात. प्रक्रिया केलेली त्वचा टिकवून ठेवता येते.

नेत्रदान

मृत्यूनंतर ३-४ तासांत, त्वचादानानंतर लगेच नेत्रदान करणे चांगले असते. डॉक्टर दात्याच्या घरी येऊन अध्र्या तासाची शस्त्रक्रिया करतात तेव्हा रक्ताचा थेंबही येत नाही. नेत्रदानानंतर कृत्रिम नेत्र बसवतात, त्यामुळे देह विद्रूप दिसत नाही. नेत्रदानातून मिळालेल्या कॉर्नियाच्या उपयोगाने दोन वा अधिक अंधांना दृष्टी मिळू शकते. मोतिबिंदू ऑपरेशन झालेली, चष्मा वापरणारी, रक्तदाब/ मधुमेह पीडित व्यक्तीपण निधनानंतर नेत्रदान करू शकते. दानानंतर कॉर्निया प्रयोगशाळेत तपासून, प्रक्रिया करून त्याचे ४८ तासात प्रत्यारोपण केले जाते. ७० वर्षानंतरच्या दात्याचे नेत्र रोपणासाठी उपयुक्त नसल्यास केवळ संशोधनासाठी वापरला जातो. दानानंतर नेत्रपेढीकडून प्रमाणपत्र मिळते. नेत्राचा लाभधारक निवडण्यास वा नाव समजण्यास कायद्याने प्रतिबंध आहे.

देहदान

मृत्यूनंतर ५-६ तासांत देहदान करणे चांगले असते. त्यासाठी दात्याचा देह नातेवाइकांनी मेडिकल कॉलेजमध्ये नेऊन द्यायचा असतो. देहदात्याचा अत्यंत जवळचा नातेवाईक परदेशात असेल व १-२ दिवसांत येणार असेल तर त्यास देहदानानंतर दात्याचे दर्शन देण्याची खास व्यवस्था करता येते. कोणतीही सज्ञान स्त्री-पुरुष व्यक्ती देहदान इच्छा नोंदणी करू शकते. ज्यास वयाची अट नसते. देहदान मृत्यूच्या गावापासून जवळ असलेल्या मेडिकल कॉलेजमध्ये स्वीकारले जाते. ज्याचा उपयोग प्रयोगशाळेत डॉक्टरांच्या प्रशिक्षणासाठी व संशोधनासाठी होतो.

एका देहावर साधारणपणे दहा डॉक्टरांचे प्रशिक्षण अवलंबून असते. अशा प्रकारे निपुण डॉक्टरने आपल्या ४० वर्षाच्या वैद्यकीय सेवेत दररोज एका रुग्णाचा जीव वाचवला तर एका देहदानापासून प्रशिक्षण घेतलेले दहा डॉक्टर १,२०,००० रुग्णांचे प्राण वाचवतील. यावरून देहदानाचे महत्त्व लक्षात येते. जनजागृती व माहितीच्या अभावामुळे दरवर्षी मुंबईत निधन पावलेल्या १ लाख व्यक्तींपैकी फक्त १०० देहच दानात मिळतात यावरून विषयाचे गांभीर्य लक्षात येते.

देहदानानंतर फॉर्मेलीन रसायनाचा वापर करून 'एम्बाल्मिंग' प्रक्रियेने देह काही वर्षे टिकवला जातो. प्रयोगशाळेत अत्यंत आदरपूर्वक प्रार्थना करून प्रशिक्षणार्थी डॉक्टर प्रयोग सुरू करतात. प्रयोगशाळेतील कार्य पूर्ण झाल्यावर सरकारी नियमाप्रमाणे तो देह आदरपूर्वक, गांभीर्याने नष्ट केला जातो.
कोणते देह स्वीकारले जात नाहीत?

अपघाताने मरण पावलेल्या व बेवारस देहांचे पोस्टमॉर्टम करणे बंधनकारक असते. ज्यात नसांना छेद द्यावा लागतो. 'एम्बालिंग' करून असा देह टिकवणे शक्य नसते म्हणून तसा देह दानात स्वीकारता येत नाही. त्याचप्रमाणे संसर्गजन्य रोगाने मरण पावलेल्या व्यक्तींचा देह स्वीकारता येत नाही, म्हणून टीबी, गँगरीन, डेंग्यू, एड्स, हेपिटायटीस, काविळ, सेप्टिसिमिया इ. रोगांनी निधन झालेल्या व्यक्तींचे देह स्वीकारता येत नाहीत, देहदानानंतर मेडिकल कॉलेजकडून महापालिकेच्या वार्ड ऑफिसरला लिहिलेले पत्र नातेवाइकांना मिळते. ते पत्र महापालिकेच्या मृत्यू नोंदणी कार्यालयात दिल्यावर मृत्यूचा दाखला मिळतो.

 त्वचा/ नेत्रदान/ देहदान प्रत्यक्ष करण्याच्या वेळी काय करावे :

» दात्याचा देह स्वच्छ ठेवा.

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» डॉक्टरांना उदात्त दानाच्या निर्णयाची माहिती द्यावी व मृत्यूच्या कारणाचा दाखला लवकर मिळवावा.

» सर्व नातेवाइकांना उदात्त दानाची माहिती द्यावी.

राजहंस प्रतिष्ठानचे आपटे काका यांना एसएमएस केल्यास घरपोच सर्व माहिती?आणि देहदानाचा फॉर्म पाठवतात. इतकंच नव्हे तर हा फॉर्मपाठवण्यासाठी त्यांचा पत्ता असलेले पाकीटही सोबत पाठवतात.
आपटे काका : ९८२००७८२७३.

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गुणकारी मटकी

आपल्या रोजच्या आहारातील, पचण्यास हलकी असलेल्या मटकीचं उगमस्थान भारतातील असून हिमालय ते कन्याकुमारीपर्यंत सापडतं. तर वायव्य भारतात १ हजार २०० मी. उंचीपर्यंत मटकीची लागवड केली जाते. 

आपल्या रोजच्या आहारातील, पचण्यास हलकी असलेल्या मटकीचं उगमस्थान भारतातील असून हिमालय ते कन्याकुमारीपर्यंत सापडतं. तर वायव्य भारतात १ हजार २०० मी. उंचीपर्यंत मटकीची लागवड केली जाते. परंतु मटकीचं उत्पादन फक्त भारतातच केलं जात नसून पाकिस्तान, म्यानमार, ऑस्ट्रेलिया, अमेरिकन खंडातील काही देशांतही केलं जातं. विग्नार या वंशात मटकीचाही समावेश करण्यात आला आहे.

यामध्ये आधी फक्त मूग, उडीद, तूर, चवळी यांचा समावेश केला होता. परंतु आता मटकीचाही त्यात समावेश आहे. मटकीची लागवड नोव्हेंबर ते डिसेंबर महिन्यात होते. मटकीचं उत्पादन कोरडय़ा किंवा निमकोरडय़ा जागेत केलं जातं. मटकीचं पीक हे मृद्संधारणासाठी अतिशय उपयुक्त आहे.

याची मुळं मादक असतात. सुश्रुत संहितेत मटकीचा उल्लेख वनमुग्द या नावाने केला आहे. मटकीमध्ये जलांश १०.८ टक्के, प्रथिने २३.६ टक्के, स्निग्ध पदार्थ १.१ टक्के, तंतू ४.५ टक्के व इतर काबरेहायड्रेट ५३.५ टक्के आणि खनिजे १०० ग्रॅममध्ये ३.५ ग्रॅम आढळतात. मटकीमध्ये प्रामुख्याने कॅरोटीन, थायामीन, रिबोरफ्लाविन आणि क जीवनसत्त्वे असतात. अशा या मटकीचे गुणधर्म पुढीलप्रमाणे —

» मटकीमध्ये रोगप्रतिकार क्षमता अधिक आहे, त्यामुळे डॉक्टर आजारपणात मटकी खाण्याचा सल्ला देतात.

» ड्रग्जचं व्यसन असणा-यांना मटकी अत्यंत गुणकारक आहे. मटकीमुळे व्यसनाधीन लोकांना काहीशा प्रमाणात फरक पडतो.

» मटकी वाजीकर, पित्तविकार रोधक, पाचक व हृदयास बल देणारी आहेत.

» मोड असलेल्या मटकीत 'क' जीवनसत्त्व प्रामुख्याने आढळतं. त्याशिवाय मटकी पचनाला सर्वात हलके कडधान्य आहे.

» वजन संतुलित राखण्यासाठीही मटकीचा वापर केला जातो.

» आपल्या वाढत जाणा-या अतिताणावर नियंत्रण ठेवण्यासाठीही मटकीचा वापर केला जातो.

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भुजंगासन

भुजंग म्हणजे साप. संस्कृतमध्ये सापाला भुजंग असं म्हणतात. या आसनात आपण शरीराचा वरील भाग हाताच्या साहाय्याने उचलतो. उचललेला शरीराचा वरील भाग हा सापाच्या उगारलेल्या फण्यासारखा दिसतो. म्हणून या आसनाला भुजंगासन किंवा सर्पासन असं म्हणतात.

आसन करण्याची पद्धती
योगामॅटवर पोटावर म्हणजे पालथं झोपावं. पूर्ण शरीर एका रेषेत असावं. दोन्ही पाय सरळ आणि ताठ असावेत. दोन्ही पायांचा एकमेकांना स्पर्श केलेला असावा. आता दोन्ही हात छातीच्या जवळ ठेवावेत. कपाळ जमिनीला लावावं. पूर्ण शरीर सैल ठेवावं. आता हळुवारपणे शरीराचा वरील भाग म्हणजे बेंबीपर्यंतचा भाग वर उचलावा. तसंच मागे बघावं. दोन्ही हात कोपरातून थोडे वाकवावेत. बाजूच्या चित्रात दाखवल्याप्रमाणे हे आसन करावं.

श्वास

» शरीराचा वरील भाग उचलताना श्वास घ्यावा.

» आसन स्थितीत नियमित श्वासोच्छ्वास असावा.

» शरीराचा वरील भाग खाली आणताना श्वास सोडावा.

वेळ

सुरुवातीला हे आसन चार वेळा करावे, नंतर हळुवारपणे फायनल स्थितीत वेळ वाढवावी.

आसन करतानाची काळजी

भुजंगासन या आसनात आपण शरीराचा वरील भाग वर उचलतो. सुरुवातीला जेवढा वर आणता येईल तेवढाच वर आणावा. या आसनात मान मागे वळवली जाते. जितकी तुम्हाला मान मागे वळवता येईल तितकीच वळवावी. जास्त वळवू नये. त्याचप्रमाणे दोन्ही हात कोपरातून दुमडावेत. हातांना सरळ अथवा ताठ ठेवू नये. हे आसन करताना ज्यांच्या पाठीवर ताण येतो. त्यांनी हे आसन करूच नये. आसन सोडताना घाई करू नये. शरीराचा वरील भाग हळुवारपणे खाली आणावा.

विशेष नोंद

ज्या व्यक्तींना पेप्टिक अल्सर, हर्निया, हायपर थायरॉईड असे आजार आहेत, त्यांनी हे जाणकारांच्या उपस्थितीतच करावं.
शुक्रासन हे सूर्यनमस्काराची सातवी स्थिती आहे.

फायदे

» दीर्घ श्वास सुधारतो.

» या आसनामुळे पाठीचं दुखणं किंवा पाठीशी संबंधित इतर त्रास कमी होण्यास मदत होते.

» मासिक पाळीच्या तक्रारी दूर होतात.

» या आसनात पोटाच्या स्नायूंवर भरपूर दाब पडतो. त्यामुळे अपचन आणि मलावरोध नाहीसे होतात.

» पोटावरील चरबी कमी होण्यास मदत होते.

»लिव्हर व किडनीसाठी हे आसन खूप फायदेशीर आहे.

» या आसनाच्या नित्य सरावाने छाती, खांदे मान आणि मस्तिष्काचा भाग सुदृढ आणि मजबूत होतो, तसेच शरीराचा बांधा सुडौल होतो.

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Stay hopeful. You never know what tomorrow may bring.

Stay hopeful. You never know what tomorrow may bring.


Stay hopeful. You never know what tomorrow may bring.

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 10:31 PM PST

Stay hopeful. You never know what tomorrow may bring.

Stay hopeful. You never know what tomorrow may bring.

The post Stay hopeful. You never know what tomorrow may bring. appeared first on .

Take every chance in life, because some things only happen once.

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 10:23 PM PST

Take every chance in life, because some things only happen once.

Take every chance in life, because some things only happen once.

The post Take every chance in life, because some things only happen once. appeared first on .

People who uplift you are the best kind of people. You don’t simply keep them. You have to treasure them. — Dodinsky

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 10:07 PM PST

People who uplift you are the best kind of people. You don't simply keep them. You have to treasure them. — Dodinsky

People who uplift you are the best kind of people. You don’t simply keep them. You have to treasure them. — Dodinsky

The post People who uplift you are the best kind of people. You don’t simply keep them. You have to treasure them. — Dodinsky appeared first on .

When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. – Marcus Aurelius

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 09:59 PM PST

When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. - Marcus Aurelius

When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. – Marcus Aurelius

The post When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. – Marcus Aurelius appeared first on .

I am humble enough to know that I’m not better than anybody and wise enough to know that I’m different from the rest.

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 09:49 PM PST

I am humble enough to know that I'm not better than anybody and wise enough to know that I'm different from the rest.

I am humble enough to know that I’m not better than anybody and wise enough to know that I’m different from the rest.

The post I am humble enough to know that I’m not better than anybody and wise enough to know that I’m different from the rest. appeared first on .

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News


Proven one-step process to convert CO2 and water directly into liquid hydrocarbon fuel

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 07:08 PM PST

Chemists and engineers have proven that concentrated light, heat and high pressures can drive the one-step conversion of carbon dioxide and water directly into useable liquid hydrocarbon fuels.

Almond joy: Eating just a handful a day boosts diet health, study shows

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 07:08 PM PST

Just add a handful of almonds: a University of Florida study suggests that improving one's diet can be as simple as that.

Species groups follow patterns reacting to climate change on US Northeast Shelf

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 12:57 PM PST

Researchers studying groups of species with similar depth and temperature distribution have found that those groups have similar responses to the effects of climate change. Interactions between individual species in those groups, however, may be affected by the amount of available habitat, predator-prey relationships, and competition for food resulting from shifts in range and distribution. The study evaluated the pace and magnitude of climate change effects for nearly 70 demersal or bottom-dwelling species on the US Northeast Shelf.

New theorem helps reveal tuberculosis' secret

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 12:57 PM PST

Researchers seek to streamline the analysis of complex biochemical networks and to reveal inconsistencies in biological data. Their theorem helps to uncover hidden drivers of non-monotonic responses to monotonic stimuli in tuberculosis bacteria.

Time of day can impact spray

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 12:57 PM PST

Some herbicides are more effective when applied at noon compared to early morning or late evening applications, new research indicates. Researchers say the results have long-term implications for weed management.

Researchers advance understanding of turbulence that drains heat from fusion reactors

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 12:56 PM PST

Physicists at the US Department of Energy's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory appear to have gained important new insights into what affects plasma turbulence, which can impact the leakage of heat from the fusion plasma within tokamaks. Understanding how fusion plasmas lose heat is crucial because the more a plasma is able to retain its heat the more efficient a fusion reactor can be.

Bat 'super immunity' could help protect people

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 12:56 PM PST

For the first time, researchers have uncovered a unique ability in bats which allows them to carry but remain unaffected by lethal diseases.

Some distractions while driving are more risky than others, researchers say

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 12:56 PM PST

Drivers more than double their crash risk for more than half of their trips when they choose to engage in distracting activities.

Antarctic ice sheet is more vulnerable to carbon dioxide than expected

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 12:56 PM PST

Results from a new climate reconstruction of how Antarctica's ice sheets responded during the last period when atmospheric carbon dioxide reached levels like those expected to occur in about 30 years, plus sediment core findings reported in a companion paper, suggest that the ice sheets are more vulnerable to rising atmospheric carbon dioxide than previously thought.

Tracking prejudices in the brain

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 12:18 PM PST

We do not always say what we think: we like to hide certain prejudices, sometimes even from ourselves. But unconscious prejudices become visible with tests, because we need a longer time if we must associate unpleasant things with positive terms. Researchers now show that additional processes in the brain are not responsible for this, but some of them simply take longer.

Researchers use Botox-like injection to treat runners, cyclists with knee pain

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 12:18 PM PST

A painful knee condition that affects more than one in eight active people has been treated effectively with a botulinum toxin injection and physiotherapy.

Which discipline or reward is best for your child?

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 12:18 PM PST

A new study lends insight into how children react to discipline practices used by parents and teachers, and sheds light on their view of what's fair.

Earth science: Remote predictions of fluid flow in fractures possible with new finding

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 12:16 PM PST

A team of researchers has created a way to quickly and remotely evaluate fluid flow in subsurface fractures that could impact aquifers, oil and gas extraction, sequestration of greenhouse gases or nuclear waste and remediation of leaked contaminants.

Toddler screening essential for autism detection despite national task force's reservation

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 12:16 PM PST

Given that earlier diagnoses have been found to be more beneficial for treating children on the autism spectrum, a team of researchers believes that universal screening in 18-24 month-old children remains essential, despite a federal task force deciding there is insufficient evidence to recommend it.

Fungi are at the root of tropical forest diversity, or lack thereof, study finds

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 12:16 PM PST

The types of beneficial fungi that associate with tree roots can alter the fate of a patch of tropical forest, boosting plant diversity or, conversely, giving one tree species a distinct advantage over many others, researchers report.

Fish of dinosaur era with unique 'hook-shaped sail' on its back

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 12:16 PM PST

A 90-million-year-old fossil fish, currently on display at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas, turns out to be a new species. Research reveals the 5.5-foot-long fossil fish to possess a tuna-like body with a unique 'hook-shaped sail' on its back. The fish's new species name, Pentanogmius fritschi, is in honor of local amateur collector Joseph Fritsch.

Intense deep-ocean turbulence in equatorial Pacific could help drive global circulation

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 12:16 PM PST

The findings could help solve an outstanding mystery about the global ocean conveyor belt and improve future climate forecasts.

Non-destructive technique measures oxygen levels in 3-D cells used for toxicity testing

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 12:16 PM PST

A non-destructive technique that can measure the concentration and consumption of oxygen in 3-D models of biological cells has been developed by scientists.

Charging electric vehicles at night can cause more harm than good, says study

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 11:45 AM PST

While charging electric vehicles at night is more cost-effective, it increases air emissions, new research demonstrates.

Graphic images may not scare smokers off cigarettes, says study

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 11:45 AM PST

Images of disease and suffering should move smokers to kick the habit – at least, that's the thinking behind graphic warning labels used on cigarette packages in much of the world, and maybe someday in the U.S.

The little things: Gratitude and shared laughter strengthen romantic partnerships

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 11:45 AM PST

Research suggests gratitude and shared laughter strengthen romantic partnerships.

Phase 2 clinical trial to treat rare hereditary muscle disease shows promise

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 11:43 AM PST

Researchers present the first clinical study that provides evidence that an extended-release sialic acid supplement may stabilize muscle strength in patients with GNE myopathy (GNEM), a rare hereditary, progressive, adult-onset muscle disease.

Dried plums provide protection from bone loss due to radiation, study shows

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 11:43 AM PST

Dried plums are effective in protecting from bone loss due to iodized radiation, a new study shows. The study showed consuming dried plums can protect from ionizing radiation that increases oxidative damage in skeletal tissues and results in an imbalance in bone remodeling.

New surgical technique improves biological hip joint replacement

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 11:43 AM PST

Traditional hip replacement procedures reduce pain and restore mobility. However, for younger, more active patients, an artificial hip has a limited lifetime and usually requires restricted activity. Now, researchers have tested a new biological technique that may provide better and longer-lasting joint function.

Throwaway culture can include friendships, researcher says

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 11:43 AM PST

Are your BFFs as disposable as your razors? According to a new study, the mindset that objects are disposable extends to social ties.

Physicists discover new laws governing 'developmental biology of materials'

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 11:28 AM PST

When one atom first meets another, the precise nature of that interaction can determine much about what kinds of physical properties and behaviors will emerge. Now, a team of researchers reports the discovery of a new set of rules governing one type of atomic-pair interaction.

Study of tundra soil demonstrates vulnerability of ecosystem to climate warming

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 11:28 AM PST

Findings from one of the first comprehensive field studies by a collaborative team of researchers demonstrate the active layer microbiome of tundra soil was significantly altered after only 1.5 years of experimental warming -- a rapid response demonstrating high sensitivity of this ecosystem to warming. Collectively, the results of this study suggest the vulnerability of permafrost ecosystem carbon to climate warming and the significance of microbial feedbacks in mediating this vulnerability.

Crystal, magnetic structure of multiferroic hexagonal manganite

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 11:28 AM PST

Ever since Curie conjectured on 'the symmetry in physical phenomena, symmetry of an electric field and a magnetic field,' it has long been a dream for material scientists to search for this rather unusual class of material. Multiferroic materials are a class of crystalline material which exhibit a number of unique properties, in which at least two order parameters exist simultaneously.

Spanish conquest left its imprint on men's genes in Panama

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 11:28 AM PST

European men who chose indigenous women as the mothers of their children left their mark on men in the New World. Only 22 percent of Panamanian men have Y-chromosomes of native origin, even though most Panamanians are of female indigenous ancestry.

Gulf of Mexico historic shipwrecks help scientists unlock mysteries of deep-sea ecosystems

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 11:28 AM PST

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill significantly altered microbial communities thriving near shipwrecks in the Gulf of Mexico, potentially changing these diverse ecosystems and degrading the historically and culturally significant ships they live on, according to new research.

Zebrafish embryos exposed to atrazine pass on health problems to their young

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 11:28 AM PST

Atrazine exposure during embryonic development could cause later reproductive problems for female zebrafish, as well as physical deformations in their offspring, according to new research. Atrazine, an agricultural herbicide, is a suspected endocrine-disrupting chemical. It is used to kill broadleaf and grassy weeds in crops, such as corn, especially in the Midwest, and it often contaminates water supplies.

One drug used to prevent HIV transmission during pregnancy shows evidence of developmental effects

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 11:28 AM PST

The antiretroviral drug atazanavir -- sometimes included in treatments to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission during pregnancy -- may have small but significant effects on infant development, reports a new study.

How fish control microbes through their gills

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 11:28 AM PST

Fish induce production of a particular antibody in their gills in response to pathogen exposure, researchers report at the conclusion of work that could lead to improved fish vaccines for aquaculture.

Nearly all US forests threatened by drought, climate change

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 11:13 AM PST

Forests across the United States are feeling the heat from increasing drought and climate change, according to a study by scientists from 14 research institutions. While the effects have been most pronounced in the West, the team found virtually all US forests are now experiencing some degree of change and are vulnerable to future declines.

Differences found in pain coping between black, white Americans

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 11:13 AM PST

Black and white Americans cope with pain differently. A new review and analysis of 19 studies is the first to examine the entire published literature and quantify the relationship between race and the use of pain-coping strategies.

Low-carbon policies could prevent up to 175,000 US deaths by 2030

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 11:13 AM PST

Reducing US emissions to the levels needed to avoid a 2-degree C warming could prevent up to 175,000 premature deaths by 2030 and yield near-term national benefits of about $250 billion a year, according to a study. When longer-term global impacts are figured in, benefits could be 5 to 10 times larger than the estimated costs of implementing emissions reductions. However, this would require greater reductions than those targeted in current legislation or regulations.

Meningitis A nearly eliminated in Africa through vaccination, reaching over 235 million people

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 10:41 AM PST

Global vaccine experts and officials from all 26 African 'meningitis belt' countries have convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to celebrate one of Africa's biggest public health achievements -- the introduction of a vaccine designed, developed, and produced for use in Africa, that in five years of use has nearly eliminated serogroup A meningococcal disease from meningitis belt countries and is now being integrated into routine national immunization programs.

Seeing cancer in 3-D

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 10:41 AM PST

Cancer cells don't live on glass slides, yet the vast majority of images related to cancer biology come from the cells being photographed on flat, two-dimensional surfaces. A new high-resolution microscope now makes it possible to visualize cancer cells in 3-D and record how they are signaling to other parts of their environment, revealing the previously unappreciated biology of how cancer cells functions within living things.

Little diet pain, big health gain

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 10:40 AM PST

Those who struggle with obesity, take heart. Losing as little as 5 percent of your body weight is enough to reap significant health benefits, according to a study. The randomized controlled trial of 40 obese men and women compared, for the first time, the health outcomes of 5 percent, 10 percent, and 15 percent weight loss. While additional weight loss further improved metabolic health, 5 percent weight loss was sufficient to reduce multiple risk factors for type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.

Extinct glyptodonts really were gigantic armadillos, ancient DNA shows

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 10:40 AM PST

Extinct glyptodonts really were gigantic armadillos, according to researchers who have reconstructed the family tree of glyptodonts based on their mitochondrial genome, reconstructed from small fragments of DNA extracted from bits of a protective, bony carapace.

Soap bubbles' secrets go pop

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 08:52 AM PST

Some phenomena that appear to be well understood are much more mysterious than it seems. In spite of the numerous applications that rely on the presence or absence of bubbles, no advanced scientific studies had been carried out so far into how bubbles form. A team of researchers tackled this question and developed a self-sustaining bubble machine in the laboratory. The researchers have managed to determine the minimum speed at which air must be blown on a soap film to form bubbles, under various experimental conditions.

Method to safely share password data

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 08:51 AM PST

An unfortunate reality for cybersecurity researchers is that real-world data for their research too often comes via a security breach. Now computer scientists have devised a way to let organizations share statistics about their users' passwords without putting those same customers at risk of being hacked.

High death rates from unnatural causes for male lions in Cecil the Lion's park

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 08:51 AM PST

When Cecil the Lion was killed last year by a trophy hunter in Zimbabwe, it caused an international outcry. Now researchers have calculated that many more males from the same park are likely to die in conflicts with humans.

Worm study may resolve discrepancies in research on aging

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 08:51 AM PST

Researchers may have discovered what's responsible for discrepant findings between dozens of fundamental studies of the biology of aging. A drug commonly used in research with C. elegans worms, they report, has had unanticipated effects on lifespan.

Supply of GPs, detection of hypertension in England associated with premature mortality rates

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 08:51 AM PST

The associations between mortality under 75 years and general practice characteristics have been examined by researchers in England. The team set out to investigate whether a conceptual model representing some of the proposed mechanisms of primary care could explain variations in premature mortality in general practice populations, taking particular account of deprivation among population characteristics.

Tough social issues provide a challenge for companies and researchers

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 08:51 AM PST

Multinational companies are facing tough issues like climate change, poverty and human rights. A new study suggests that they are increasingly seen to have a responsibility to support sustainable development.

Quantum processes control accurately to several attoseconds

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 08:51 AM PST

An international team of scientists has succeeded in proving that control over quantum processes accurately to several attoseconds (one billionth of a billionth of a second) is possible.

Crafting a better T cell for immunotherapy

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 08:51 AM PST

T-cell therapy, a form of immunotherapy, involves engineering the patient's T cells in the laboratory to carry new proteins that guide the immune cells directly to tumor cells, allowing the engineered T cells to attack and kill the cancer. Now, a group of researchers has devised a new approach that could speed and improve this process, using a special, small protein tag that can be used to purify and track the T cells once they have been engineered in the laboratory.

Researchers uncover potential target for treating autoimmune disease

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 08:49 AM PST

A molecule that appears to be a cause of autoimmune diseases such as lupus has been identified by a group of researchers. Elevated levels of the molecule allow self-reactive immune cells to escape into the blood stream and attack the body's own tissues.

Quantum phase transition underpins superconductivity in copper oxides

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 08:49 AM PST

Physicists have zoomed in on the transition that could explain why copper-oxides have such impressive superconducting powers. Settling a 20-year debate in the field, they found that a mysterious quantum phase transition associated with the termination of a regime called the "pseudogap" causes a sharp drop in the number of conducting electrons available to pair up for superconductivity.

Researchers trace peanut crop back to its Bolivian roots

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 08:49 AM PST

A wild plant from Bolivia is a 'living relic' of the prehistoric origins of the cultivated peanut species, a team of researchers reports. The peanut that is grown by farmers today is the result of hybridization between two wild species. The hybrid was cultivated by ancient inhabitants of South America and, by selection, was transformed into today's crop plant.

Scientists pave way for new generation of superbug drugs

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 08:49 AM PST

Scientists are getting closer to solving the problem of antibiotic resistance. New research reveals the mechanism by which drug-resistant bacterial cells maintain a defensive barrier. The findings pave the way for a new wave of drugs that kill superbugs by bringing down their defensive walls rather than attacking the bacteria itself.

Newly discovered HIV genome modification may put a twist on vaccine and drug design

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 08:49 AM PST

HIV infection of human immune cells triggers a massive increase in methylation, a chemical modification, to both human and viral RNA, aiding replication of the virus. A new study identifies a new mechanism for controlling HIV replication and its interaction with the host immune system.

Home health care, post-acute care in a facility infrequent for hospitalized kids

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 08:49 AM PST

Hospitalized children infrequently used home health care (HHC) and facility-based post-acute care (PAC) after they were discharged, according to a new article.

The Charlie Sheen effect on HIV prevention

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 08:49 AM PST

For some time scientists and advocates have recognized the importance of celebrity in public health. Could Sheen's disclosure, albeit tragic, generate renewed national attention for HIV and HIV prevention, providing an important public health benefit? A new study finds that Charlie Sheen's HIV disclosure corresponded with record levels of public engagement with HIV and HIV prevention.

Atmospheric sulfate particles reduced, but as acidic as ever

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 08:49 AM PST

Tough emission controls have dramatically reduced the amount of toxic sulfate particles in air, but at least in the Southeast United States, they haven't reduced the acidity of the health-threatening particles.

Promising respiratory drug focus of new clinical trial for parkinson's disease

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 08:26 AM PST

A medication approved to treat various respiratory diseases and that has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies is the focus of a new clinical trial for Parkinson's disease.

Goods targeted in thefts 'change with market values'

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 08:14 AM PST

The more expensive an item, the more likely it is to be targeted by thieves and stolen, a has revealed. The findings also show that the rise in the theft of goods such as mobile phones, bicycles, jewellery and the decline in audio equipment, TVs and DVDs taken from properties in London is closely linked to price.

Multiple cosmic impacts 790,000 years ago

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 08:14 AM PST

Approximately 790,000 years ago there were multiple cosmic impacts on Earth with global consequences. Geoscientists have reached this conclusion after dating so-called tektites from various parts of the world.

Sea level mapped from space with GPS reflections

Posted: 22 Feb 2016 08:14 AM PST

The GPS signal used for 'sat-navs' could help improve understanding of ocean currents, according to new research. Ocean surface height measurements are routinely made from space by radar altimeters, but this new study is the first that uses the GPS reflections. The data for this research was acquired from the TechDemoSat-1 satellite, launched in 2014.