ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Exercise in a bottle could become a reality
• Late bedtimes could lead to weight gain
• Gene suppression helps form memories
• Genetic mutations linked to a form of blindness
• New polymer creates safer fuels
• Study finds gaps in clinical genetic counseling services for women undergoing BRCA testing
• Hotel 'greenwashing' dirties eco-friendly reputation
• Researchers in Northwestern Hawaiian Islands finds highest rates of unique marine species
• Mission impossible?
• A balanced diet is good for corals too, study finds
• Motivation promotes recovery after spinal cord injury: Neuroscientific evidence
• A natural history of neurons
• Deworming shows growth similar to placebo in pre-school children in Peru
• Ancient ecosystem response to 'big five' mass extinction
• Holodeck? Using holography to better understand clouds
• New dietary guidelines must be sustainable, regardless of politics
• Asteroid impact, volcanism were one-two punch for dinosaurs
• Hibernating bats mount a partial immune response against white nose fungus
• Elabela identified as potential hormone for regenerative medicine
• Look inside your heart
• Removing genes without a trace
• Organic electronics with an edge
• Cash: Friend or foe?
• Reproductive test tube crocodiles
• Electron partitioning process in graphene observed
• Simulating path of 'magma mush' inside an active volcano
• Global warming can alter shape of the planet, as melting glaciers erode the land
• More-flexible machine learning
• Extending a battery's lifetime with heat
• Known from flower stalls as 'Big Pink', orchid proved to be an undescribed wild species
• New science redefines remote: Even pandas global
• The media love men... bad news for women
• Silicon 'plant stones' for strong rice: Fertilizing & recycling Si in Vietnamese fields
• More students earning statistics degrees; Not enough to meet surging demand
• The ecology of microbial invasions
• The solution to a 50-year-old riddle: Why certain cells repel one another
• Why do people vote strategically, and for whom?
• Coincidence or conspiracy? Studies investigate conspiracist thinking
• Language about climate change differs between proponents and skeptics
• Many young fish moving north with adults as climate changes
• A snapshot of stem cell expression
• Preclinical drug developed to prevent gastrointestinal side effects of type 1 diabetes
• Molecular switch keeps circadian clock running on time
• Is beauty really in the 'eye of the beholder'? Yes, and here's why
• Colds, flu may temporarily increase stroke risk in kids
• Divorcing drugs and violence is key to saving U.S. drug policy, research shows
• Children with severe obesity may be at higher risk for heart disease and diabetes
• Exposure to toxic chemicals threatening human reproduction and health
• Breakthrough in understanding sugar uptake
• Brilliant colors from environmentally friendly crystals
• Proteins from rice: raw materials instead of waste
• Lighting the way to your car
• Accurate timing of migration prolongs life expectancy in pike
• Frog tongues: Sticky strips of pure muscle
• New infrared camera detects gas leaks in industry
• Search engine for more accurate, fast recognition of metabolites
• Smart walkers for elderly with new technology
• Collaborative behaviours, traditional practices
• Diesel exhaust gases without any nitric oxides – is that possible?
• Better processes with high quality master data

Exercise in a bottle could become a reality Posted: 01 Oct 2015 07:22 PM PDT Research finds around 1000 molecular reactions to exercise, opening the door for drug treatments to mirror the health benefits of exercise.

Late bedtimes could lead to weight gain Posted: 01 Oct 2015 05:49 PM PDT Teenagers and adults who go to bed late on weeknights are more likely to gain weight than their peers who hit the hay earlier, according to a study that has found a correlation between sleep and body mass index.

Gene suppression helps form memories Posted: 01 Oct 2015 01:50 PM PDT A new study has identified a number of genes that are repressed at various time points after memory formation, providing important clues as to how long-term memories are formed.

Genetic mutations linked to a form of blindness Posted: 01 Oct 2015 01:50 PM PDT Scientists have identified two naturally occurring genetic mutations in dogs that result in achromatopsia, a form of blindness. One of the most promising avenues for developing a cure, however, is through gene therapy, and to create those therapies requires animal models of disease that closely replicate the human condition.

New polymer creates safer fuels Posted: 01 Oct 2015 01:50 PM PDT Before embarking on a transcontinental journey, jet airplanes fill up with tens of thousands of gallons of fuel. In the event of a crash, such large quantities of fuel increase the severity of an explosion upon impact. Researchers have discovered a polymeric fuel additive that can reduce the intensity of postimpact explosions that occur during accidents and terrorist acts. Furthermore, preliminary results show that the additive can provide this benefit without adversely affecting fuel performance.

Study finds gaps in clinical genetic counseling services for women undergoing BRCA testing Posted: 01 Oct 2015 01:50 PM PDT Medical researchers have published results from a national study identifying factors and outcomes associated with the use of genetic counseling and testing services for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in the community setting. The work indicates a significant opportunity to increase genetic counseling in community care.

Hotel 'greenwashing' dirties eco-friendly reputation Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:41 PM PDT Hotels across the globe are increasingly encouraging guests to embrace green practices. Yet while guests think they are supporting the environment by shutting off lights and reusing towels, they may in fact be victims of 'greenwashing,' a corporation's deceitful practice of promoting environmentally friendly programs while hiding ulterior motives.

Researchers in Northwestern Hawaiian Islands finds highest rates of unique marine species Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:41 PM PDT Scientists returned from a 28-day research expedition aboard NOAA Ship Hi'ialakai exploring the deep coral reefs within Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. During the trip, scientists recorded numerous species of marine life never before seen, including a possible new species of seahorse, and a sea star not previously found in Hawaii.

Mission impossible? Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:39 PM PDT Researchers team up to study monitoring failures in the cockpit -- even among experienced pilots.

A balanced diet is good for corals too, study finds Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:39 PM PDT A nutrient-rich, balanced diet is beneficial to corals during stressful thermal events, new research shows. The study concluded that the particular nutrient balance in seawater is what matters most.

Motivation promotes recovery after spinal cord injury: Neuroscientific evidence Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:39 PM PDT The nucleus accumbens, that control motivation in the brain, activates the activity of the motor cortex of the brain, and then promotes recovery of motor function during the early stage of recovery after spinal cord injury, new research shows.

A natural history of neurons Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:39 PM PDT Our brain cells have different genomes from one another. The study shows for the first time that mutations in somatic cells -- that is, any cell in the body except sperm and eggs -- are present in significant numbers in the brains of healthy people. These mutations appear to occur more often in the genes a neuron uses most. Patterns of mutation allow researchers to trace brain cell lineages.

Deworming shows growth similar to placebo in pre-school children in Peru Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:39 PM PDT The three intestinal worms roundworm (Ascaris), whipworm (Trichuris) and hookworm, cause infections and diseases that are among the most common neglected tropical diseases in the developing world. Researchers recently set up a large-scale randomised controlled trial of 12 and 13-month-old children attending health centres in Iquitos, Peru.

Ancient ecosystem response to 'big five' mass extinction Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:30 PM PDT A new study explores one of the 'big five' mass extinctions, the Permian-Triassic event, revealing unexpected results about the types of animals that were most vulnerable to extinction, and the factors that might best predict community stability during times of great change. The authors say cutting-edge modeling techniques helped highlight the critical importance of understanding food webs (knowing 'who eats what') when trying to predict what communities look like before, during, and after a mass extinction.

Holodeck? Using holography to better understand clouds Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:30 PM PDT Researchers use a real life HOLODEC (yes, said like the Star Trek holodeck). The instrument creates a holographic model of water droplets in clouds. Check out the airborne laboratory the researchers fly with the National Center for Atmospheric Research and what the crew sees inside clouds.

New dietary guidelines must be sustainable, regardless of politics Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:30 PM PDT The new iteration of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans must incorporate sustainability considerations -- both for the health and wellbeing of Americans and the world in which we live, urges a new article.

Asteroid impact, volcanism were one-two punch for dinosaurs Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:30 PM PDT The debate whether an asteroid impact or volcanic eruptions in India led to the mass extinction 66 million years ago is becoming increasingly irrelevant, as new dates for the eruptions show that the two catastrophes were nearly simultaneous. Scientists found that the eruptions accelerated within 50,000 years of the impact and were likely reignited by the impact, which may have generated magnitude 9 earthquakes or stronger everywhere on Earth.

Hibernating bats mount a partial immune response against white nose fungus Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:30 PM PDT White-nose syndrome, an invasive skin infection caused by the Pseudogymnoascus destructans fungus has killed millions of bats since it was first seen in North America in 2007. A analysis of gene expression in hibernating bats infected with the destructive fungus reveals how the resting animals' immune system fights the infection.

Elabela identified as potential hormone for regenerative medicine Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:11 PM PDT A hormone is found to be critical in promoting growth of human embryonic stem cells, paving the way for improved regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies.

Look inside your heart Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:11 PM PDT Quantifying the damage caused to specific parts of the heart by cardiac arrest is key to providing effective treatment and accurate prognoses for millions of people worldwide. Now, researchers have developed a computational method that uses magnetic resonance imaging data to assess the extent of damage to the left ventricle, the heart's powerhouse.

Removing genes without a trace Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:11 PM PDT Genes may now be deleted without creating a scar in certain strains of Escherichia coli and other microorganisms, thanks to new research. The technique makes it easier to string together several genetic engineering steps without interference caused by a deletion scar.

Organic electronics with an edge Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:10 PM PDT Using sophisticated theoretical tools, researchers in Singapore have identified a way to construct topological insulators -- a new class of spin-active materials -- out of planar organic-based complexes rather than toxic inorganic crystals.

Cash: Friend or foe? Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:10 PM PDT Investigation into cash-rich companies is revealing insights into corporate governance and shareholder value, according to new research.

Reproductive test tube crocodiles Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:10 PM PDT Researchers in Malaysia have succeeded in carrying out a research on developing a reproductive technology for saltwater crocodiles. The study aimed at developing a breeding technology such as artificial insemination for the reptiles.

Electron partitioning process in graphene observed Posted: 01 Oct 2015 12:10 PM PDT Researchers have precisely conducted current-fluctuation ("shot noise") measurement in the graphene p-n junction in the quantum Hall regime.

Simulating path of 'magma mush' inside an active volcano Posted: 01 Oct 2015 11:22 AM PDT The first simulation of the individual crystals in volcanic mush, a mix of liquid magma and solid crystals, shows mixing to help understand the buildup of pressure deep inside a volcano.

Global warming can alter shape of the planet, as melting glaciers erode the land Posted: 01 Oct 2015 11:22 AM PDT Climate change is causing more than just warmer oceans and erratic weather. According to scientists, it also has the capacity to alter the shape of the planet.

More-flexible machine learning Posted: 01 Oct 2015 11:21 AM PDT Researchers have presented a new way of doing machine learning that enables semantically related concepts to reinforce each other. So, for instance, an object-recognition algorithm would learn to weigh the co-occurrence of the classifications 'dog' and 'Chihuahua' more heavily than it would the co-occurrence of 'dog' and 'cat.'

Extending a battery's lifetime with heat Posted: 01 Oct 2015 10:19 AM PDT Over time, the electrodes inside a rechargeable battery cell can grow tiny, branch-like filaments called dendrites, causing short circuits that kill the battery or even ignite it in flames. But thanks to new experiments and computer simulations, researchers have explored in detail how higher temperatures can break down these dendrites -- and possibly extend battery lifetimes.

Known from flower stalls as 'Big Pink', orchid proved to be an undescribed wild species Posted: 01 Oct 2015 10:01 AM PDT As easy as it might seem, seeking new species among cultivated plants could be actually quite tricky. While looking into the undescribed orchid, known at the market as 'Big Pink', researchers were likely to find yet another human-made hybrid. In reality, they are now describing as 'new' a wild orchid species that has been sitting at the flower stalls since 2013.

New science redefines remote: Even pandas global Posted: 01 Oct 2015 10:00 AM PDT This just in from the pandas nestled in a remote corner of China: Their influence spans the globe. Researchers apply a new integrated framework to the decades of work they've done to understand how pandas and local people in pandas' fragile environment interact across the world.

The media love men... bad news for women Posted: 01 Oct 2015 10:00 AM PDT Five out of every six names that appear in the media today are those of men, a research team has discovered. That's because the media focuses nearly exclusively on individuals at the top of occupational and social hierarchies, who are mostly men: CEOs, politicians, movie directors, and the like the researchers discovered.

Silicon 'plant stones' for strong rice: Fertilizing & recycling Si in Vietnamese fields Posted: 01 Oct 2015 09:59 AM PDT Recent research showed that silicon (Si) is an important nutrient enhancing the endurability of rice plants, however, what controls on Si availability in soils still remain poorly studied. Researchers of the LEGATO project tested the effects of Si fertilization on Si uptake and growth of rice and on decomposability of the produced straw in Northern Vietnam.

More students earning statistics degrees; Not enough to meet surging demand Posted: 01 Oct 2015 09:59 AM PDT Statistics is one of the fastest-growing degrees in the US, but the growth may not be enough to satisfy the high demand for -- statisticians in technology, consumer products, health care, government, manufacturing and other areas of the economy, an analysis conducted by the American Statistical Association finds. Data recently released by the National Center for Education Statistics shows bachelor's degrees in statistics grew 17 percent from 2013 to 2014.

The ecology of microbial invasions Posted: 01 Oct 2015 09:58 AM PDT Scientists have described how microbial invasions follow the same general pattern as invasions by plant or animal species. This is a clear example of how the microbiological world follows general rules of ecology. The discovery demonstrates the value of using microbial systems to investigate ecological and evolutionary questions, and has strong implications for our understanding and even treatment of infectious diseases.

The solution to a 50-year-old riddle: Why certain cells repel one another Posted: 01 Oct 2015 09:58 AM PDT When cells from the connective tissue collide, they repel one another -- this phenomenon was discovered more than 50 years ago. It is only now, however, that researchers have discovered the molecular basis for this process. Their findings could have important implications for cancer research.

Why do people vote strategically, and for whom? Posted: 01 Oct 2015 09:58 AM PDT People vote strategically when they think neither their first nor their second choice has any chance of winning in their electorate, according to an analysis of Quebec's 2012 provincial elections. And they vote for their third choice party in the hopes of blocking an outcome that would be even worse, the analysis finds.

Coincidence or conspiracy? Studies investigate conspiracist thinking Posted: 01 Oct 2015 09:58 AM PDT In pop culture, conspiracy believers -- like FBI agent Fox Mulder on The X Files or professor Robert Langdon in The Da Vinci Code -- tend to reject the notion of coincidence or chance; even the most random-seeming events are thought to result from some sort of intention or design. But new research from psychological scientists shows no evidence for a link between conspiracist thinking and perceptions of order, design, or intent.

Language about climate change differs between proponents and skeptics Posted: 01 Oct 2015 09:58 AM PDT Proponents of climate change tend to use more conservative, tentative language to report on the science behind it, while skeptics use more emotional and assertive language when reinterpreting scientific studies, shows research.

Many young fish moving north with adults as climate changes Posted: 01 Oct 2015 09:58 AM PDT Numerous studies in the Northeast US have shown that adult marine fish distributions are changing, but few studies have looked at the early life stages of those adult fish to see what is happening to them over time. A new study has some answers, finding that distributions of young stages and the timing of the life cycle of many fish species are also changing.

A snapshot of stem cell expression Posted: 01 Oct 2015 09:58 AM PDT A new study reveals new genes involved in pluripotency, new subpopulations of cells and new methods to find meaning in the data. The findings have implications for the study of early development.

Preclinical drug developed to prevent gastrointestinal side effects of type 1 diabetes Posted: 01 Oct 2015 09:56 AM PDT Up to 80 percent of individuals living with long-term type 1 diabetes experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal distension, irritable bowel syndrome, and fecal incontinence. A study reveals why these symptoms arise and tests an investigational drug in mice that could prevent them from developing.

Molecular switch keeps circadian clock running on time Posted: 01 Oct 2015 09:56 AM PDT Circadian rhythms help everything from plants to humans coordinate with the daily light-dark cycle, but how this natural clock keeps accurate time, or why it goes awry in people with sleep disorders, is still under investigation. New findings suggest that a molecular switch balances the activity of two key proteins that keep the central timepiece of the clock -- the daily accumulation and degradation of the PER2 protein -- on schedule.

Is beauty really in the 'eye of the beholder'? Yes, and here's why Posted: 01 Oct 2015 09:56 AM PDT Many of us have had the experience of disagreeing with friends or family about which celebrity is more attractive. Now, researchers show in a study of twins that those differences of opinion are mostly the result of personal experiences that are unique to each individual. In other words, even identical twins don't agree.

Colds, flu may temporarily increase stroke risk in kids Posted: 01 Oct 2015 07:05 AM PDT Stroke is very rare in children, but colds, flu and other minor infections may temporarily increase stroke risk in children, according to a study. The study also found routine childhood vaccines may decrease the risk of stroke.

Divorcing drugs and violence is key to saving U.S. drug policy, research shows Posted: 01 Oct 2015 07:04 AM PDT New research is being used in public policy discussions surrounding changes to mandatory minimum sentences involving nonviolent drug offenders through the Smarter Sentencing Act.

Children with severe obesity may be at higher risk for heart disease and diabetes Posted: 01 Oct 2015 07:04 AM PDT A direct correlation has been found between more severe forms of obesity in children and related risk factors for developing heart disease and diabetes--particularly in boys. It is estimated that there are more than 3 million children in the United States who are severely obese.

Exposure to toxic chemicals threatening human reproduction and health Posted: 01 Oct 2015 07:00 AM PDT Dramatic increases in exposure to toxic chemicals in the last four decades are threatening human reproduction and health, according to experts. Exposure to toxic environmental chemicals is linked to millions of deaths and costs billions of dollars every year, according to the authors.

Breakthrough in understanding sugar uptake Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:58 AM PDT Researchers have reached a breakthrough in understanding how fructose is transported into our cells. This could be a potential benefit for the development of novel treatments against some forms of cancer, obesity and diabetes.

Brilliant colors from environmentally friendly crystals Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:58 AM PDT Quantum dots have made it possible to substantially increase color quality in LCD displays. However, these cadmium-based nanocrystals have proven to be harmful to the environment. Researchers are now developing a promising alternative: quantum dots based on indium phosphide.

Proteins from rice: raw materials instead of waste Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:58 AM PDT Proteins remain after starch is extracted from rice. Until now, this valuable raw material was disposed of by rice starch producers at great expense. A new process is being developed to split proteins into smaller pieces, or peptides, and then clean them. The peptides can be put to good use in products such as cosmetics or nutritional supplements.

Lighting the way to your car Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:57 AM PDT On the new BMW 7 Series, a lighting system featuring a striped pattern of ground illumination makes it easier to enter the vehicle in the dark. Researchers have developed special microoptic lenses for this application to channel light from the vehicle underbody directly onto the ground, illuminating the path to the car.

Accurate timing of migration prolongs life expectancy in pike Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:55 AM PDT Animal migration is a spectacular phenomenon that has fascinated humans for long. It is widely assumed that appropriate timing of migratory events is crucial for survival, but the causes and consequences of individual variation in timing are poorly understood. New research based on migrating pike in the Baltic Sea reveals how behaviors such as punctuality, flexibility and fine-tuning influence life expectancy in fish.

Frog tongues: Sticky strips of pure muscle Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:55 AM PDT Scientists have shown, for the first time, what happens when a frog's tongue makes contact with a surface. They discovered similarities to conventional adhesive tape. Like sticky tape, the tongues form lots of little threads (fibrils) when being removed from a surface, which break one at a time before the contact disconnects.

New infrared camera detects gas leaks in industry Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:55 AM PDT A spin-off has developed a new low-cost infrared camera that makes it possible to quickly and efficiently detect gas leaks that can occur in different industrial facilities.

Search engine for more accurate, fast recognition of metabolites Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:55 AM PDT Metabolites are small molecules, such as sugars, fatty acids and amino acids that, among other things, serve as sources of energy in the cells and as building materials for cell walls. For researchers they are, as it were, traces of the functioning and status of cells. Now researchers have created a search engine that improves their recognition. This provides potential applications including anti-doping work, drug control by Customs and crime scene investigation.

Smart walkers for elderly with new technology Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:54 AM PDT Researchers have developed a smart walker prototype that supports independent living among the elderly by making the traditional walker smart. They have retrofitted it with sensors and digital software that analyze user's physical condition and daily activities. This allows the device to collect useful information on user's daily rhythm, walking distances, duration and speed of walking, in addition to hand grip strength. Such information can then be used to monitor user's wellbeing and physical condition, the group says.

Collaborative behaviours, traditional practices Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:54 AM PDT A new report on information practices in the physical sciences has been released by researchers. While cross-border and cross-disciplinary collaborations are breaking down subject siloes across the physical sciences, a culture of traditional and DIY information practices still holds sway among scientists when it comes to the curation, management and publication of formal research findings, the authors say.

Diesel exhaust gases without any nitric oxides – is that possible? Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:54 AM PDT The scandal surrounding VW has thrust nitric oxide (NOx) emissions from diesel vehicles into the limelight. Owing to the different engine technologies, these have always been higher than in gasoline-powered cars. On the other hand, diesel consumes less fuel. If a way can be found to "denitrify" diesel emissions efficiently, we would have an economical, clean engine. Researchers are thus working hard on optimizing the catalytic converter technology for diesel.

Better processes with high quality master data Posted: 01 Oct 2015 06:54 AM PDT Where is the field of master data management currently headed? How can companies find the right products to meet their needs? In a recent market study, researchers compared the master data management systems of 14 providers, with a primary focus placed on the features of the various systems.

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