Friday, April 17, 2015

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News


New genomics tool could help predict tumor aggressiveness, treatment outcomes

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 04:27 PM PDT

A new method for measuring genetic variability within a tumor might one day help doctors identify patients with aggressive cancers that are more likely to resist therapy, according to a study. Researchers used a new scoring method they developed called MATH (mutant-allele tumor heterogeneity) to measure the genetic variability among cancer cells within tumors from 305 patients with head and neck cancer. High MATH scores corresponded to tumors with many differences among the gene mutations present in different cancer cells.

Facebook users' wishful thinking: Cyberbullying, depression won't happen to me

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 04:27 PM PDT

Facebook users with so-called optimistic bias think they're less likely than other users to experience cyberbullying, depression and other negative social and psychological effects from using the site, a study finds. The study suggests that optimistic bias, or an intrinsic tendency to imagine future events in a favorable light that enhances positive self-regard -- in other words, wishful thinking -- leaves those Facebook users vulnerable to the negative realities of social media.

Ophthalmologists uncover autoimmune process that causes rejection of secondary corneal transplants

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 04:27 PM PDT

Ophthalmologists have identified an important cause of why secondary corneal transplants are rejected at triple the rate of first-time corneal transplants. The cornea -- the most frequently transplanted solid tissue -- has a first-time transplantation success rate of about 90 percent. But second corneal transplants undergo a rejection rate three times that of first transplants.

Professional golfers live a lonely life in the midst of rivalries on a meager income

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 04:27 PM PDT

Many professional golfers live a lonely isolated life in the midst of intense rivalries and on a meager income, new research shows.

Poll: Massachusetts police chiefs favor discretion in issuing concealed gun permits

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 04:27 PM PDT

Who decides who can carry concealed firearms legally? Should local police chiefs have a say? Massachusetts police chiefs think so. A new survey finds that a majority of Massachusetts police chiefs favor continuing to give local police discretion in whether or not to grant concealed carry hand gun permits in their jurisdiction. Massachusetts is one of nine states with a 'may-issue' concealed carry permit law, which gives a police chief discretion in issuing a gun permit.

Repeated marine predator evolution tracks changes in ancient and Anthropocene oceans

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 11:55 AM PDT

Scientists synthesized decades of scientific discoveries to illuminate the common and unique patterns driving the extraordinary transitions that whales, dolphins, seals and other species underwent as they moved from land to sea. Drawing on recent breakthroughs in diverse fields such as paleontology, molecular biology and conservation ecology, their findings offer a comprehensive look at how life in the ocean has responded to environmental change from the Triassic to the Anthropocene.

Dating the moon-forming impact event with meteorites

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 11:55 AM PDT

Through a combination of data analysis and numerical modeling work, researchers have found a record of the ancient moon-forming giant impact observable in stony meteorites. The research indicates numerous kilometer-sized fragments from the giant impact struck main belt asteroids at much higher velocities than typical main belt collisions, heating the surface and leaving behind a permanent record of the impact event.

How do we hear time within sound?

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 11:55 AM PDT

How does our auditory system represent time within a sound? A new study investigates how temporal acoustic patterns can be represented by neural activity within auditory cortex, a major hub within the brain for the perception of sound.

Exploring the ADHD-Autism link

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 11:54 AM PDT

A licensed clinical psychologist is focusing on the ADHD-autism link to better understand why people with ADHD and autism may be more prone to substance abuse and, in the process, to develop more effective behavioral therapies.

Giant galaxies die from the inside out: Star formation shuts down in the centers of elliptical galaxies first

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 11:11 AM PDT

Astronomers have shown for the first time how star formation in "dead" galaxies sputtered out billions of years ago. Astronomers have revealed that three billion years after the Big Bang, these galaxies still made stars on their outskirts, but no longer in their interiors. The quenching of star formation seems to have started in the cores of the galaxies and then spread to the outer parts.

Scientists discover protein that boosts immunity to viruses and cancer

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 11:11 AM PDT

Scientists have discovered a protein that plays a central role in promoting immunity to viruses and cancer, opening the door to new therapies. Experiments in mice and human cells have shown that the protein promotes the proliferation of cytotoxic T cells, which kill cancer cells and cells infected with viruses. The discovery was unexpected because the new protein had no known function and doesn't resemble any other protein.

Convenience, workplace incentives may increase use of public transit

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 11:10 AM PDT

Transit stops close to home and workplace incentives are associated with higher likelihood that commuters will choose public transportation, according to research.

First steps in basic process could be harnessed to make therapeutic cells

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 11:10 AM PDT

Understanding the molecular signals that guide early cells in the embryo to develop into different types of organs provides insight into how tissues regenerate and repair themselves. By knowing the principles that underlie the intricate steps in this transformation, researchers will be able to make new cells at will for transplantation and tissue repair in such situations as liver or heart disease.

Tumors prefer the easy way out

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 11:10 AM PDT

Researchers describe a new way that cancer cells invade other parts of the body, identifying a new treatment target that may be more effective than current drugs. "We are looking for novel ways of preventing cancer cells of the primary tumor from spreading to other parts of the body. Our study points to potential therapeutic targets that could be inhibited to halt tumor cell movement," says the study's principal investigator.

Intense magnetic field close to supermassive black hole

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 11:10 AM PDT

Astronomers have revealed an extremely powerful magnetic field, beyond anything previously detected in the core of a galaxy, very close to the event horizon of a supermassive black hole.

Dwarf planet Ceres color map reveals surface diversity

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:56 AM PDT

A new color map of dwarf planet Ceres, which NASA's Dawn spacecraft has been orbiting since March, reveals the diversity of the surface of this planetary body. Differences in morphology and color across the surface suggest Ceres was once an active body.

Zinc deficiency linked to activation of Hedgehog signaling pathway

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:26 AM PDT

Zinc deficiency -- long associated with numerous diseases, e.g., autism, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and ovarian cancers -- can lead to activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway, a biomolecular pathway that plays essential roles in developing organisms and in diseases, according to new research.

Major advance in artificial photosynthesis poses win/win for the environment

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:26 AM PDT

By combining biocompatible light-capturing nanowire arrays with select bacterial populations, a potentially game-changing new artificial photosynthesis system offers a win/win situation for the environment: solar-powered green chemistry using sequestered carbon dioxide.

Fish type, body size can help predict nutrient recycling rates

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:26 AM PDT

The nutrients excreted by fish in their 'pee' may be critical to the health of coastal ecosystems. But knowing whether generalizations can be made about how to predict these nutrient levels in various ecosystems has vexed researchers -- until now.

Socioeconomic factors affect odds of death after a lung cancer operation

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:26 AM PDT

People with limited education and low income have higher odds of death within 30 days after undergoing an operation for lung cancer than those who are more educated and financially better off, according to new research.

Housework keeps older adults more physically, emotionally fit, researcher finds

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:26 AM PDT

Older adults who keep a clean and orderly home -- because of the exercise it takes to get the job done -- tend to feel emotionally and physically better after tackling house chores, according to new findings.

Electronic micropump to deliver treatments deep within the brain

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:23 AM PDT

For a condition such as epilepsy, it is essential to act at exactly the right time and place in the brain. For this reason, a team of researchers has developed an organic electronic micropump which, when combined with an anti-convulsant drug, enables localized inhibition of epileptic seizure in brain tissue in vitro.

More individuals discussing end-of-life wishes with loved ones

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:23 AM PDT

Discussing end-of-life wishes with loved ones can be difficult, but new research shows more individuals are engaging in advance care planning. Advance care planning includes discussing end-of-life care preferences, providing written end-of-life care instructions and appointing a durable power of attorney for health care.

Encountering a wall corrects 'GPS' in mouse brains, study finds

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:22 AM PDT

By analyzing the activity of 'GPS' neurons in mice, researchers have discovered that the mental maps created by these cells accumulate errors, which are corrected when the animal encounters a wall. The findings support the theory that these cells, called grid cells, use an animal's perceived speed and direction to help it navigate familiar places.

Morphing octopuses have unique way to control their 'odd' forms

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:22 AM PDT

The body plan of octopuses is nothing if not unique, with a sophisticated brain in a soft, bilaterally symmetrical body, encircled by eight radially symmetrical and incredibly flexible arms. Now, researchers reporting the first detailed kinematic analysis of octopus arm coordination in crawling show that the animals have a unique motor control strategy to match their 'odd' form.

For men, online generosity is a competition

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:21 AM PDT

If you are looking to raise money online for your favorite cause, listen up. A real-world analysis of human behavior shows that men treat online giving as a competitive enterprise. Men will donate four times more money to an attractive female fundraiser in response to the contribution of another male.

Studying how climate affects biodiversity

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:20 AM PDT

A key question in the climate debate is how the occurrence and distribution of species is affected by climate change. But without information about natural variation in species abundance it is hard to answer. In a major study, researchers can now for the first time give us a detailed picture of natural variation.

Genetics overlap found between Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular risk factors

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:20 AM PDT

Genetic overlap between Alzheimer's disease (AD) and two significant cardiovascular disease risk factors -- high levels of inflammatory C-reactive protein (CRP) and plasma lipids or fats -- has been identified by researchers. The findings suggest the two cardiovascular phenotypes play a role in AD risk and perhaps offer a new avenue for potentially delaying disease progression.

New research sheds light on how popular probiotic benefits the gut

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:20 AM PDT

The gut bacteria Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has a reputation as a helpful microbe. Now, researchers have come up with an explanation for why. It appears that the bacteria may boost the activity of other gut microbes.

Osteoporosis diagnosis contributes to hearing loss risk

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:20 AM PDT

People who have osteoporosis face a 1.76-fold higher risk of developing sudden deafness than those who do not have the bone disease, according to a new study. Osteoporosis is a progressive condition in which bones become structurally weak and are more likely to fracture or break. More than 40 million people nationwide already have osteoporosis or are at risk of developing the condition due to low bone mass. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), also called sudden deafness, is an unexplained, rapid loss of hearing that typically happens in one ear. About half of the people who develop SSHL will spontaneously regain their hearing.

Difficult to break the soda habit? Sugar-sweetened beverages suppress body's stress response

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 10:20 AM PDT

Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages can suppress the hormone cortisol and stress responses in the brain, but diet beverages sweetened with aspartame do not have the same effect, according to a new study.

New transitional stem cells discovered

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 08:52 AM PDT

In an effort to grow placenta cells to better study the causes of pre-eclampsia, researchers serendipitously discovered a previously unknown form of human embryonic stem cell.

Adverse childhood events appear to increase the risk of being a hypertensive adult

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 08:52 AM PDT

Children who experience multiple traumatic events, from emotional and sexual abuse to neglect, have higher blood pressures as young adults than their peers, researchers report. These events include emotional, physical, and sexual abuse; emotional and physical neglect; and household dysfunction, such as substance abuse or domestic violence. Researchers found the blood pressure increase resulting from experiencing multiple events wasn't fully explained by known concurrent risk factors such as being male, black, a low socioeconomic status, inactivity, obesity, and smoking.

Nanotubes with two walls have singular qualities

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 08:52 AM PDT

Double-walled carbon nanotubes have unique electronic properties that may someday be tuned for semiconducting applications or for strong, highly conductive nanotube fibers, according to researchers.

Mapping language in the brain

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 08:32 AM PDT

'By studying language in people with aphasia, we can try to accomplish two goals at once: we can improve our clinical understanding of aphasia and get new insights into how language is organized in the mind and brain,' said the lead author of a new study.

Watch where you're going: New study reveals how people avoid bumping into each other

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 08:32 AM PDT

A new study is a rare look into the delicate dynamics of social movement, and shows how people avoid bumping into each other while doing complementary, coordinated tasks such as dancing. The research reveals that people fall into a specific pattern to avoid a collision. The study holds applications for areas including autism, schizophrenia, robotic research and sport rehabilitation.

New mouse model for the study of neurofibromatosis

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 08:32 AM PDT

New mouse models for the study of principal malignant tumor associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 have been developed by researchers. Neurofibromatosis are disorders of the nervous system that primarily affect the development and growth of neural tissue cells.

Novel online bioinformatics tool significantly reduces time of multiple genome analysis

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 08:32 AM PDT

A new bioinformatics pipeline has been developed that enables automated primer design for multiple genome species, significantly reducing turnaround time.

Virtual reality may be effective tool for evaluating balance control in glaucoma patients

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 08:28 AM PDT

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death and morbidity in older adults, especially those with a chronic eye disease such as glaucoma. To investigate this problem, a multidisciplinary group of researchers has become the first to use virtual reality technology to develop a new method for measuring balance control in those with glaucoma.

Mushrooms boost immunity, suggests research

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 08:28 AM PDT

Could a mushroom a day help keep the doctor away? Some early evidence indicates that the Shiitake mushroom boosts immunity. Of the thousands of mushroom species globally, about 20 are used for culinary purposes. Shiitake mushrooms are native to Asia and are cultivated for their culinary and medicinal value.

College football rivalries influenced by competition for resources

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 08:28 AM PDT

A new study of intercollegiate football rivalries suggests that competition for scarce resources influences fan opinions. The researchers found that geographic proximity and a shared history of comparable success determine rivalrous and sometimes hostile feelings.

Obesity significantly increases prostate cancer risk in African-American men

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 08:28 AM PDT

Obesity in black men substantially increases the risk of low- and high-grade prostate cancer, while obesity in white men moderately reduces the risk of low-grade cancer and only slightly increases the risk of high-grade cancer, according to the first large, prospective study to examine how race and obesity jointly affect prostate cancer risk.

Botox makes unnerving journey into our nervous system

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 06:40 AM PDT

Researchers have shown how Botox -- also known as Botulinum neurotoxin serotype A -- is transported via our nerves back to the central nervous system. Botox -- best known for its ability to smooth wrinkles -- has been extremely useful for the treatment of over-active muscles and spasticity as it promotes local and long-term paralysis. To date, it has generally been accepted as safe.

Wildfires emit more greenhouse gases than assumed in California climate targets

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 06:40 AM PDT

A new study quantifies the amount of carbon stored and released through California forests and wildlands. The results indicate that wildfires and deforestation are contributing more than expected to the carbon emissions, which could affect the ability to meet state mandatory goals to reduce greenhouse gases to 1990 levels by 2020.

Victorian baby teeth could help predict future health of children today

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 06:40 AM PDT

Baby teeth from children who died during the 1845-52 Irish famine could help us predict the future health of children born today, according to new research. Investigators found that the biochemical composition of teeth that were forming in the womb and during a child's early years not only provided insight into the health of the baby's mother, it even showed major differences between those infants who died and those who survived beyond early childhood.

Protein building blocks for nanosystems

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 06:39 AM PDT

Scientists have developed the concept of protein adaptor based nano-object assembly (PABNOA). PABNOA makes it possible to assemble gold nanoparticles in various structures with the help of ring-shaped proteins while defining the precise distance between these particles. This opens up the possibility of producing bio-based materials with new optical and plasmonic properties. The field of nanoplasmonics focuses on miniscule electromagnetic waves metal particles emit when they interact with light. The principle behind the production of these materials could also be applied to develop nanosystems that convert light into electrical energy as well as bio-based materials with new magnetic properties.

Palaeolithic remains show cannibalistic habits of human ancestors

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 06:39 AM PDT

Analysis of ancient cadavers recovered at a famous archaeological site confirm the existence of a sophisticated culture of butchering and carving human remains, according to a team of scientists.

A 'pin ball machine' for atoms and photons

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 06:39 AM PDT

A team of physicists proposes the combination of nano-photonics with ultracold atoms for simulating quantum many-body systems and creating new states of matter.

Scientists use brain stimulation to boost creativity, set stage to potentially treat depression

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 06:38 AM PDT

The first direct evidence has been found demonstrating that a low dose of electric current can enhance the brain's natural alpha oscillations to boost creativity by an average of 7.4 percent. Next up: using the method to treat depression, scientists say.

Faculty in doctoral programs more responsive to white male prospective students, research finds

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 06:38 AM PDT

Faced with requests to meet with potential doctoral students of easily identifiable gender, race or ethnicity, faculty in almost every academic discipline are significantly more responsive to white males than to women and minorities, according to research.

With biosimilar drug development on the rise, researchers explore efficacy

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 05:44 AM PDT

A new article focuses on the first biosimilar monoclonal antibody to be approved in Europe. "While there is growing interest in biosimilars and their potential to reduce the cost of treatment for a number of debilitating diseases, clinicians and patients alike still have some questions," said an author. "Using a detailed background on the clinical development of the first EMA approved biosimilar monoclonal antibody, this article creates a useful framework for consideration of these new drug options."

A sniff of happiness: Chemicals in sweat may convey positive emotion

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 05:43 AM PDT

Humans may be able to communicate positive emotions like happiness through the smell of our sweat, according to new research published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science. The research indicates that we produce chemical compounds, or chemosignals, when we experience happiness that are detectable by others who smell our sweat.

After prostate cancer, start walking, experts say

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 05:43 AM PDT

Walking at an easy pace for about three hours every week may be just enough physical activity to help prostate cancer survivors reduce damaging side effects of their treatment, according to a new study. "Non-vigorous walking for three hours per week seems to improve the fatigue, depression and body weight issues that affect many men post-treatment," said the lead author of the study. "If you walk even more briskly, for only 90 minutes a week, you could also see similar benefits in these areas."

Breastfeeding may prevent postpartum smoking relapse

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 05:43 AM PDT

While a large number of women quit or reduce smoking upon pregnancy recognition, many resume smoking postpartum. Previous research has estimated that approximately 70 percent of women who quit smoking during pregnancy relapse within the first year after childbirth, and of those who relapse, 67 percent resume smoking by three months, and up to 90 percent by six months. A new study indicates the only significant predictor in change in smoking behaviors for women who smoked during pregnancy was in those who breastfed their infant, finding that women who breastfed their infants for at least 90 days smoked less in the months following childbirth than women who breastfed for a shorter period of time or who did not breastfeed at all.

Increasing evidence points to inflammation as source of nervous system manifestations of Lyme disease

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 05:43 AM PDT

About 15 percent of patients with Lyme disease develop peripheral and central nervous system involvement, often accompanied by debilitating and painful symptoms. New research indicates that inflammation plays a causal role in the array of neurologic changes associated with Lyme disease. The investigators also showed that the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone prevents many of these reactions.

Proto-suns teeming with prebiotic molecules

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 05:42 AM PDT

Complex organic molecules such as formamide, from which sugars, amino acids and even nucleic acids essential for life can be made, already appear in the regions where stars similar to our Sun are born. Astrophysicists have detected this biomolecule in five protostellar clouds and propose that it forms on tiny dust grains.

Rainforest protection akin to speed limit control

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 05:41 AM PDT

The destruction of the Brazilian rainforest has slowed significantly. With around 5000 square kilometers annually, the loss is now about 80% lower than in 2004. An international team of researchers has evaluated the effectiveness of forest law enforcement in the Brazilian Amazon. In some federal states of the Brazilian Amazon region enforcement has been more effective than in others, they have found.

Blending realities to create a truly global workforce

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 05:37 AM PDT

The globalization of business already means many companies have their workforce scattered across the world. But what if engineers in different countries want to work together to solve a problem on exactly the same piece of equipment at exactly the same time? This is the challenge behind a unique new project currently underway.

Synthetic drugs: evidence that they can cause cancer

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 05:37 AM PDT

Almost weekly, a new synthetic psychoactive drug comes onto the market that can be ordered legally and easily, for example as an incense blend, via the Internet. Synthetic cannabinoids are difficult to identify chemically and the possible unwanted toxic effects that can occur following their consumption have so far barely been investigated. As part of the international EU project "SPICE II Plus", researchers have now also found evidence that synthetic substances damage the DNA of human cells and can therefore possibly have cancer-causing effects.

Firearm-related hospitalizations linked to U. S. stock market performance

Posted: 16 Apr 2015 05:37 AM PDT

Economic climate may impact incidence of firearm-related injuries and fatalities, which pose a burden on U.S. healthcare resources, report scientists.