Thursday, June 9, 2016

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News


Most people don't sleep any worse when taking medicines with sleep disturbance warnings

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 06:21 PM PDT

Medicines that carry warnings about sleep disturbances do not seem to contribute to the amount of sleep disturbances in the general population, according to new 'real world' research. The findings suggest that investigators may need to provide more careful reporting of side effects in clinical trials, and emphasizes the value of research into the safety of medicines once they are being taken by the general population.

Tunable lasers to improve infrared spectroscopy

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 03:01 PM PDT

A new, broad-band tunable infrared laser has major implications for the detection of drugs and explosives, report scientists.

Fishing prohibitions produce more sharks along with problems for fishing communities

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 02:43 PM PDT

Scientists have good news about fishing closures established in Indonesia's shark sanctuary, which are good for sharks and other fish. The bad news: People who rely on shark fishing for their livelihoods have few other options but to fish in unprotected areas and sometimes turning to illegal practices.

Study of police officers finds fatigue impacts tactical social interaction

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 02:43 PM PDT

Fatigue associated with shift work influences how police officers interact day-to-day during encounters with the public, which can either build or erode trust in the police, a new study has found.

Sleep disturbances common among military spouses

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 02:42 PM PDT

Spouses of military service members experience significant sleep problems, which can impact their health and psycho-social functioning, research shows. The results underscore the importance of screening for sleep disturbances, providing evidence-based interventions to service members as well as their families.

Late sleep timing linked to poorer diet quality, lower physical activity

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 02:42 PM PDT

Among healthy adults with a habitual sleep duration of at least 6.5 hours, late sleep timing was associated with higher fast food consumption and lower vegetable intake, particularly among men, as well as lower physical activity, a new study has found.

Trauma in childhood linked to drug use in adolescence

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 02:42 PM PDT

Latest research from a national sample of almost 10,000 US adolescents found psychological trauma, especially abuse and domestic violence before age 11, can increase the likelihood of experimentation with drugs in adolescence, independent of a history of mental illness. This is the first study to document these associations in an American national sample of adolescents.

Centuries-old database reveals clues on human reproductive habits, trends

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 12:45 PM PDT

Using a database with historical records that began in 871 A.D., an anthropologist was able to show reproductive patterns and shed new light on the 'quantity-quality' trade-off, a biological concept used to describe a parent's unconscious decisions to balance between producing and the time and investing in offspring. Results from this study could help predict future population growth.

Eco-friendly approach to reducing toxic arsenic in rice

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 12:45 PM PDT

Incorporating rice husk to soil can decrease toxic inorganic arsenic levels in rice grain by 25 to 50 percent without negatively affecting yield, new research shows.

Switched-on Salmonella: Fluid forces guide disease traits of multidrug-resistant bacteria

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 12:44 PM PDT

In new research, researchers explore the effects of physiological fluid shear on ST313 -- a particularly dangerous type of Salmonella, which is resistant to multiple antibiotics and currently ravaging regions of sub-Saharan Africa.

New technique expands pool of gene-corrected liver cells

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 12:40 PM PDT

Medical researchers have developed a new technique that may help to overcome one of the largest hurdles in gene therapy -- the ability to generate a large pool of gene-corrected cells that would be effective in repairing or correcting injury and disease.

Fossil teeth suggest prehistoric red deer in the Adriatic migrated seasonally

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 12:40 PM PDT

Analysis of oxygen isotopes in fossil teeth from red deer near the Adriatic Sea suggest that they migrated seasonally, which may have driven the movements of the Paleolithic hunter-gatherers that ate them, according a new study.

New research shines light on surprising numbers, evolutionary variety of bioluminescent ocean fish

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 12:40 PM PDT

Bioluminescence -- the production of light from a living organism -- is more widespread among marine fishes than previously understood, report scientists.

Chemistry lessons from bacteria may improve biofuel production

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 11:50 AM PDT

A new analysis of a group of bacteria called Streptomyces reveals the way some strains of the microbe developed advanced abilities to tear up cellulose, and points out more efficient ways we might mimic those abilities to make fuel from otherwise unusable plant material.

No long-term 'star effect' for baseball teams on Twitter

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 11:39 AM PDT

Researchers have analyzed the Twitter usage of Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, athletes and fans and discovered that the 'star effect' had no long-term impacts on MLB teams' Twitter following and fan engagement.

Chivalry is not dead when it comes to morality

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 11:39 AM PDT

We're more likely to sacrifice a man than a woman when it comes to both saving the lives of others and in pursuing our self-interests, a team of psychology researchers has found.

Massive trove of battery and molecule data released to public

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 11:39 AM PDT

The Materials Project, a Google-like database of material properties aimed at accelerating innovation, has released an enormous trove of data to the public, giving scientists working on batteries, fuel cells, photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, and a host of other advanced materials a powerful tool to explore new research avenues.

Whole-exome sequencing predicts which bladder cancers, cell lines respond to cisplatin

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 11:29 AM PDT

A new study describes mutational landscape of bladder cancer cell lines, demonstrates that alterations in these cells lines do indeed match changes in samples of human bladder cancer and shows genes and gene pathways that may be functionally involved in the ability of bladder cancer to resist therapy.

Strangers reach mutual understanding through talking, asking questions, not from non-verbal cues

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 11:29 AM PDT

When two strangers meet and interact for the first time, the extent to which they develop mutual understanding depends on how much they talk and ask questions rather than on non-verbal cues such as gestures or exchanging glances, psychologists have discovered.

Immune system blood cell a potential marker for sinus polyp regrowth

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 11:29 AM PDT

In an effort to identify a simple, reliable way to track the course of nasal polyps in chronic sinus disease, researchers say they've linked rising levels of immune system white blood cells, called eosinophils, with regrowth of polyps removed by surgery.

Modeling the correct doses for disease-fighting drugs

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 11:29 AM PDT

In treating diseases with drugs, dosing is critical; too little is ineffective, while too much can be lethal. New research takes a mathematical approach to achieving optimal dosing for various drugs

New compound shows potential for triple-negative breast cancer

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 11:29 AM PDT

A promising new compound has been identified for targeting one of the most aggressive types of breast cancer. The compound, currently called UM-164, goes after a kinase known to play a role in the growth and spread of triple-negative breast cancer. UM-164 blocks the kinase c-Src and inhibits another pathway, p38, involved in this subtype.

Scientists observe supermassive black hole feeding on cold gas

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 11:26 AM PDT

For the first time, astronomers have detected billowy clouds of cold, clumpy gas streaming toward a black hole, at the center of a massive galaxy cluster. The clouds are traveling at speeds of up to 355 kilometers per second -- that's almost 800,000 miles per hour -- and may be only 150 light years away from its edge, almost certain to fall into the black hole, feeding its bottomless well.

How altered gut microbes cause obesity

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 11:25 AM PDT

Obesity is linked to changes in our gut microbes -- the trillions of tiny organisms that inhabit our intestines. But the mechanism has not been clear to date. In a new study, a team of researchers has identified how an altered gut microbiota causes obesity.

New chromosome origin element identified

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 11:25 AM PDT

Scientists have discovered a new essential sequence within bacterial genomes required for DNA replication -- the second ever to be discovered and the first for 30 years.

Constipated? Study finds surprising cause

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 11:25 AM PDT

A new study has shown a surprising link between constipation and herpes infection. The finding advances the science on herpes, and could help patients with chronic gastrointestinal diseases with no clear cause.

Single strain of plague bacteria sparked multiple historical and modern pandemics

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 11:25 AM PDT

A single entry of the plague bacterium into Europe was responsible for the Black Plague of the mid-14th century. This same strain sparked recurrent outbreaks on the continent over the following four centuries before spreading to China, where it triggered the third plague pandemic in the late 19th century. The wave of plague that traveled to Asia later became the source population for modern-day epidemics around the globe, reveals genome analyses of the bacterium.

Cloudy days on exoplanets may hide atmospheric water

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 10:08 AM PDT

Astronomers have found many hot Jupiters with water in their atmospheres, but others appear to have none. Scientists wanted to find out what the atmospheres of these giant worlds have in common. Researchers focused on a collection of hot Jupiters studied by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. They found that the atmospheres of about half of the planets were blocked by clouds or haze.

Permaculture movement found lacking in diversity

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 09:07 AM PDT

Permaculture is a grassroots movement whose participants attempt to live in a sustainable way, taking inspiration from natural ecosystems to "live off the land." For example, permaculture enthusiasts may grow seasonal organic produce fertilized with manure from livestock raised on their own land, rather than bringing in synthetic fertilizers or annual crop seeds from elsewhere. The idea is to rely as much as possible on perennial crops, to recycle and reuse materials, and reduce waste.

Myocardial infarction: Rush-hour for neutrophils

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 09:07 AM PDT

Researchers have shown that circadian oscillations in the influx of immune cells into the damaged tissue play a crucial role in exacerbating the effects of an acute heart attack in the early morning hours.

Researchers find the right balance to speed wireless downloads through use of duplexing

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 09:07 AM PDT

Researchers have come up with a means of boosting wireless efficiency without increasing interference by mixing full and half duplex radios in base stations. This tunable solution could also allow wireless providers to adjust the mix of cells based on the needs of a region. The research team conducted the first known study to investigate the impact of mixed-cell base stations on spectral efficiency and outages.

Danger from extreme storms, high seas to rise, warn Australian researchers

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 09:07 AM PDT

Storms that battered Australia's east coast are a harbinger of things to come and a stark reminder of the need for a national effort to monitor the growing threat from climate change, coastal researchers warn.

Gene-drive modified organisms are not ready to be released into environment, experts say

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 09:06 AM PDT

The emerging science of gene drives has the potential to address environmental and public health challenges, but gene-drive modified organisms are not ready to be released into the environment and require more research in laboratories and highly controlled field trials, says a new report.

Lignin from plants boosts the effectiveness of sunscreen

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 09:06 AM PDT

Warm weather means beach vacations and pool-dipping for many of us. It also signals a season of slathering on sunscreen to avoid getting burned. Someday, those products could be enhanced with lignin, a natural material in plants and a major waste product of the paper industry.

Metabolite of multiple sclerosis drug could be safe, effective therapy for Parkinson's disease

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 09:06 AM PDT

The metabolite of a drug that is helping patients battle multiple sclerosis appears to significantly slow the onset of Parkinson's disease, researchers say.

Pharmaceuticals in streams may come from multiple sources

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 09:06 AM PDT

Pharmaceuticals in surface water such as lakes and streams are a growing concern. They can cause developmental and other health issues in aquatic life. Scientists have largely considered treated wastewater that's released into the environment as the main source. Now researchers reveal other possible sources.

Names recommended for elements 115, 117 and 118

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 09:06 AM PDT

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) opened a public comment period Wednesday for the recommended names of elements 115, 117 and 118.

DNA 'scrunching' could be new target for antiviral drugs

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 09:06 AM PDT

Vaccines have saved countless lives since their first use more than 200 years ago. But treatments for infections once they take hold can be hard to come by. Now scientists could be onto a new approach to developing antiviral therapies. Scientists now report that DNA may 'scrunch' like a worm to get inside viral shells. This deeper understanding could help lead to novel ways to fight pathogens.

The newly discovered Godzilla goby fish

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 09:06 AM PDT

A new goby fish species was discovered in the southern Caribbean. Living at depths greater than conventional SCUBA divers can access, yet too shallow to interest deep-diving submersibles, the fish will now be known under the common name of the Godzilla goby, referring to its reptilian appearance and proportions.

Increase in biomarker linked with increased risk of heart disease, heart failure, death

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 09:05 AM PDT

A new study examined the association of six-year change in high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T with incident coronary heart disease, heart failure and all-cause mortality.

Clinical trial examines treatment of complicated grief

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 09:05 AM PDT

A new study reports on the results of a randomized clinical trial that looked at whether the antidepressant citalopram would enhance complicated grief treatment psychotherapy, and if citalopram would be efficacious without it.

Hobby drones made to crash to expose design flaws

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 08:32 AM PDT

New research raises concerns about how easily hackers could take control of flying drones and land or, more drastically, crash them.

Energy-saving devices work, if you use them correctly

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 08:32 AM PDT

A well-insulated home with a high-efficiency air conditioner and programmable thermostat are only as effective as the person using it. A new study shows that people living in green dwellings who don't maximize their technology can lose half of the energy savings available to them.

Bearded dragons change color on different body parts for social signals and temperature regulation

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 08:29 AM PDT

New research shows that bearded dragons are able to partition color change to specific body parts, depending on whether they are responding to temperature or communicating with other lizards.

Study highlights multiple factors of ADHD medication use

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 08:29 AM PDT

Youth who take Ritalin, Adderall or other stimulant medications for ADHD over an extended period of time early in life are no more at risk for substance abuse in later adolescence than teens without ADHD, according to a new study.

Pubertal timing strongly linked to men's sexual and reproductive health

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 08:29 AM PDT

A new study finds a strong association between late onset of puberty and subsequent semen quality. This is the first study of its kind to investigate the influence of pubertal timing on male reproductive health. 1,068 healthy young Danish men participated in the study and provided information on the timing of puberty. This suggests that timing of pubertal onset may be a fundamental marker of male reproductive health. Men with a history of early puberty were shorter, had a higher BMI and were often smokers or exposed to prenatal tobacco smoke.

Slime mold gives insight into intelligence of neuron-less organisms

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 08:29 AM PDT

How do organisms without brains make decisions? Most of life is brainless and the vast majority of organisms on Earth lack neurons altogether. Plants, fungi and bacteria must all cope with the same problem as humans -- to make the best choices in a complex and ever-changing world or risk dying - without the help of a simple nervous system in many cases.

Livestock pens approximately 5,000 years old in Álava, Spain

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 08:29 AM PDT

New pioneering work on agropastoral communities in the Chalcolithic outlines details about the existence of livestock enclosures in Álava dating back about 5,000 years.

Teenage boys who show empathy attract 1.8 more girlfriends than boys who don't

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 08:29 AM PDT

Boys high in cognitive empathy attracted an average of 1.8 more girl friendships than low empathy counterparts, as revealed by a landmark study.

How will automated technology affect communication-related jobs?

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 07:44 AM PDT

What happens if people increasingly rely on automated machines to carry out the socially essential work of communicating with one another? Automation of communication raises broad social, economic, and political concerns.

New radar prototype could help lower energy costs

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 07:44 AM PDT

Scientists have brought the wind power industry one step closer to its potential with the creation of a system to measure wind flow and control turbine-to-turbine interaction for maximum power generation.

New class of lasers invented

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 07:43 AM PDT

Researchers have invented a new class of lasers. The energy-efficient lasers are portable; reach wavelengths that are invisible, requiring technology that is transparent at those wavelengths; and they have the potential to scale to high-powered versions.

Female birds select sperm 'super swimmers'

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 07:43 AM PDT

Sperm with specific 'looks' are selected to fertilise bird eggs, say scientists.

Adults at risk for diabetes double activity levels through healthy lifestyle program

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 07:42 AM PDT

Adults at risk for type 2 diabetes or heart disease or both can substantially increase their physical activity levels through participating in a lifestyle intervention program designed for use in community-settings, such as senior centers or worksites. The analysis also confirmed that season matters, with participants getting more physical activity in the summer, versus winter, months.

Sea snakes have extra sense for water living

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 07:42 AM PDT

The move from life on land to life in the sea has led to the evolution of a new sense for sea snakes, an Australian study suggests.

World's first child-exoskeleton for spinal muscular atrophy

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 07:40 AM PDT

Researchers have introduced the world's first infant exoskeleton which is designed to help children with spinal muscular atrophy, a degenerative illness. Weighing 12 kilos, the apparatus is made of aluminium and titanium, and is designed to help patients walk- in some cases for the first time.

World-first pinpointing of atoms at work for quantum computers

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 07:39 AM PDT

Scientists can now identify the exact location of a single atom in a silicon crystal, a discovery that is key for greater accuracy in the operation of tomorrow's silicon based quantum computers.

Novel energy inside a microcircuit chip

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 07:39 AM PDT

Scientists have developed an extremely efficient small-size energy storage, a micro-supercapacitor, which can be integrated directly inside a silicon microcircuit chip.

Switzerland winds up superconductivity

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 07:09 AM PDT

The unusual electronic properties of some superconducting materials permit lossless and dense electrical currents at very low temperatures, even in high magnetic fields. Conductors made of these materials are thus ideal for winding coils to generate very high magnetic fields, which are essential for a number of applications like magnetic medical imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy for the analysis of complex molecules or even accelerator magnets. Physicists have now successfully developed and tested the first superconducting coil able to reach a magnetic field of 25 Tesla. A first in Europe.

Beneficial effects of exercise change with age

Posted: 08 Jun 2016 07:09 AM PDT

Compared to older people, younger adults experience greater antioxidant benefits from one exercise session, new research shows. According to a new study, age may play a significant role in a cell's ability to respond to that activity.