Have you ever wondered about the possibilities of levitation? So have many others, and with recent advancements in technology this invisible power is becoming more viable. In COMSOL's recent blog post, the Magnetic Levitation phenomenon is discussed. Read more here: http://goo.gl/UsJUb
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Here is your customized Phys.org Newsletter for June 5, 2013:
Spotlight Stories Headlines
- Most experiments that claim to show the quantum Zeno paradox fall short, study says- Wi-Fi signals enable gesture recognition throughout entire home (w/ Video)
- Life on Earth shockingly comes from out of this world
- Oldest primate skeleton discovered
- New all-solid sulfur-based battery outperforms lithium-ion technology
- First observation of spin Hall effect in a quantum gas is step toward 'atomtronics'
- Southern Europeans have North African genes
- 'Temporal cloaking' could bring more secure optical communications
- Research team maps wiring of biological clock
- Helicopter takes to the skies with the power of thought (w/ Video)
- Drug prevents post-traumatic stress-like symptoms in mice
- NGC 6334: A mini starburst region?
- Multiple sclerosis breakthrough: Trial safely resets patients' immune systems and reduces attack on myelin protein
- New microfluidic method expands toolbox for nanoparticle manipulation
- Tiny bubbles in your metallic glass may not be a cause for celebration
Space & Earth news
Ready for launch: Heart of space mission, LISA Pathfinder, successfully tested
The optical bench of the LISA Pathfinder (LPF) mission passed with flying colors extensive testing at the Institute for Gravitational Research (IGR) at the University of Glasgow.
Climate and land use: Europe's floods raise questions
Less than three months after being battered by snow and ice, central Europe now finds itself fighting floods—and some scientists are pointing the finger at human interference with the climate system.
Climate proof sea defences with a green twist
Sturdier protection is vital to defend coastal areas from the expected sea level rise associated with global warming. But nature's protection also needs to be part of the equation.
Tres Lagunas and Thompson Ridge fires in New Mexico
Two fires in New Mexico which started within a day of each other continue to plague residents around Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Detecting lead hotspots in urban gardens requires different sampling strategies
The local food movement is gaining traction in cities across America, with urban gardens contributing a healthy source of fresh produce for local citizens as well as providing a social outlet for gardeners and creating open spaces for residents to enjoy. Urban gardening is not without risks, however. Many garden plots within cities were previously inhabited by residences or industrial buildings that disposed of toxic chemicals on site, creating potential health hazards from the use of lead in paint, gasoline and industrial activities.
Partnership aims to reduce pollution from 'microplastics'
If you've been on or near the water, you've seen it—the plastic trash that litters oceans, lakes, and streams worldwide. But visible plastic—soda bottles, lighters, flip-flops, combs, rope—may be the least of the problem. Scientists are beginning to realize that what you can't see, tiny bits of polyethylene or polypropylene called "microplastics," likely pose a greater threat to marine ecosystems.
Billions of dollars at stake in Deepwater Horizon trial
How much will BP pay to compensate for damage from the Deepwater Horizon oil-rig disaster? One article in a three-part cover package on the disaster in this week's edition of Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN) focuses on what promises to be a long, complicated federal trial—now getting underway in New Orleans—that will provide an answer. C&EN is the weekly newsmagazine of the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society.
Pollution controls increase beach attendance, study shows
Southern California beaches with storm drain diversion systems attract millions more people annually, a new study in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin shows.
Scientists tell Australia to save Great Barrier Reef
Leading marine scientists warned the Australian government on Wednesday of the growing threat to the Great Barrier Reef from unchecked industrial development.
Rocket launch from Va. spaceport rescheduled
ASA has rescheduled the Virginia launch of a rocket carrying instruments that will study how the first galaxy was formed.
Cosmic CSI team: Whole Earth Telescope focuses on burned-out stars
(Phys.org) —Like a CSI unit, a team of astronomers at observatories worldwide has been digging around in the innards of dead stars, collecting evidence on how they died. One of the dead stars actually ate part of its neighbor; another has a history of other astronomical hijinks.
The origin of the s-star cluster at the galactic center
(Phys.org) —Scientists Fabio Antonini, of the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics, and David Merritt, of the Rochester Institute of Technology, have developed a new theory that explains the orbits of the massive young stars that closely orbit the black hole at the center of the Milky Way.
Making the mega-band: Exploring how black holes become supermassive
(Phys.org) —Rock stars live fast, die young and end their days self-destructively. University of Alberta postdoctoral fellow Jeanette Gladstone says, surprisingly, some stars live the same way.
Amazon plant growth detectable at last
Until recently it was impossible to carry out large-scale measurements of photochemical activity in the tropical rainforest and therefore draw conclusions on the subject. A chance success – a measurement by a satellite over the Brazilian Amazon – represents a scientific breakthrough. The technology used shows the effects of drought, heat or cold on plants, which is very useful when analysing agricultural production or climatic conditions. University of Twente scientists and NASA researchers have published an article on the research in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
Study finds Clean Air Act increased Atlanta rainfall
A Georgia State University researcher is the first to show that the Clean Air Act of 1970 caused a rebound in rainfall for a U.S. city.
Research shows where trash accumulates in the deep sea
Surprisingly large amounts of discarded trash end up in the ocean. Plastic bags, aluminum cans, and fishing debris not only clutter our beaches, but accumulate in open-ocean areas such as the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch." Now, a paper by researchers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) shows that trash is also accumulating in the deep sea, particularly in Monterey Canyon.
Spitzer sees Milky Way's blooming countryside
(Phys.org) —New views from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope show blooming stars in our Milky Way galaxy's more barren territories, far from its crowded core.
NASA satellite sees strong thunderstorms in developing gulf low
NASA's Aqua satellite passed over low pressure System 91L in the Gulf of Mexico and captured infrared imagery that revealed a lot of uplift and strong thunderstorms in the eastern part of the storm despite a poorly organized circulation. NOAA's GOES-East satellite showed the large extent of the low pressure area stretching from Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula to Florida.
NASA builds sophisticated Earth-observing microwave radiometer
(Phys.org) —A NASA team delivered in May a sophisticated microwave radiometer specifically designed to overcome the pitfalls that have plagued similar Earth-observing instruments in the past.
Europe launches record cargo for space station
A European rocket blasted off from French Guiana on Wednesday carrying a record 6.6 tonnes of cargo for the International Space Station (ISS) and its orbiting crew.
Earthquake acoustics offer hint that a tsunami is imminent, researchers find
(Phys.org) —On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 undersea earthquake occurred 43 miles off the shore of Japan. The earthquake generated an unexpectedly massive tsunami that washed over eastern Japan roughly 30 minutes later, killing more than 15,800 people and injuring more than 6,100. More than 2,600 people are still unaccounted for.
Stellar winds may electrify exoplanets
(Phys.org) —The strangest class of exoplanets found to date might be even stranger than astronomers have thought. A new model suggests that they are partially heated by electric currents linked to their host stars. Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) astronomer Dr. Derek Buzasi has proposed a model in which electric currents arising from the interaction between the planet's magnetic field and the hot charged wind from the star flow through the interior of the planet, heating it like an electric toaster.
Kepler stars and planets are bigger than previously thought
(Phys.org) —In a new study using the NOAO Kitt Peak National Observatory Mayall 4-meter telescope, observations of a large sample of stars with candidate planets identified by the NASA Kepler Mission have revealed that many of the stars, and hence their planets, are actually somewhat larger than originally thought. In addition, the researchers confirm that planets larger than Neptune are more likely to be found orbiting stars that contain more heavy elements (such as iron) than the Sun. Small planets, however, have been discovered around stars both rich and poor in metals.
NGC 6334: A mini starburst region?
(Phys.org) —Stars are known to form in dense clouds of gas and dust, but why do some regions show prodigious rates of star formation, while others barely produce any young stars at all? Many of the richest sites are found in distant galaxies: the name "starburst" is applied to them. Now, a team has identified a region in our own galaxy that may deserve this title, and help explain what leads to the furious production of new stars in a starburst region.
Laser-brightened cirrus clouds
(Phys.org) —Intense laser light pulses increase the brightness of high cirrus clouds. Together with colleagues from Berlin and Geneva, climate researchers from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have been investigating the interactions of laser light and ice clouds using the unique AIDA aerosol and cloud chamber on KIT's Campus North. The results of these studies have been published in the renowned Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Young star suggests our sun was a feisty toddler
If you had a time machine that could take you anywhere in the past, what time would you choose? Most people would probably pick the era of the dinosaurs in hopes of spotting a T. rex. But many astronomers would choose the period, four and a half billion years ago, that our solar system formed. In lieu of a working time machine, we learn about the birth of our Sun and its planets by studying young stars in our galaxy. New work suggests that our Sun was both active and "feisty" in its infancy, growing in fits and starts while burping out bursts of X-rays.
Cat's Paw Nebula 'littered' with baby stars
Most skygazers recognize the Orion Nebula, one of the closest stellar nurseries to Earth. Although it makes for great views in backyard telescopes, the Orion Nebula is far from the most prolific star-forming region in our galaxy. That distinction may go to one of the more dramatic stellar nurseries like the Cat's Paw Nebula, otherwise known as NGC 6334, which is experiencing a "baby boom."
Ancient trapped water explains Earth's first ice age
Tiny bubbles of water found in quartz grains in Australia may hold the key to understanding what caused the Earth's first ice age, say scientists.
Chandra, Spitzer study suggests black holes abundant among the earliest stars
(Phys.org) —By comparing infrared and X-ray background signals across the same stretch of sky, an international team of astronomers has discovered evidence of a significant number of black holes that accompanied the first stars in the universe.
Curiosity Mars rover nears turning point
(Phys.org) —NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission is approaching its biggest turning point since landing its rover, Curiosity, inside Mars' Gale Crater last summer.
Life on Earth shockingly comes from out of this world
(Phys.org) —Early Earth was not very hospitable when it came to jump starting life. In fact, new research shows that life on Earth may have come from out of this world.
Technology news
Obama to confront Xi on cyber spying
President Barack Obama will tell Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that he must deal with cyber spying and hacking of US targets that originate inside his country when they meet for talks this week.
Japan dotcom jailbird back in business
Maverick Internet tycoon Takafumi Horie, who was jailed for accounting fraud, said Wednesday Japan's online landscape was prime territory for his aggressive style of business.
Retrofitting earthquake protection could save lives
Whether or not a building collapses and claims many lives during an earthquake is a matter of structure and statistics, according to researchers in Turkey. Writing in the International Journal of Emergency Management, civil engineer Kubilay Kaptan of Istanbul Aydin University, explains how preventing total building collapse during an earthquake could be as straightforward as identifying and reinforcing those structures susceptible to serious damage.
Helping to curb illegal border crossings
Illegal border-crossings in Europe remain an on-going issue, with the latest figures estimated to be nearly 141 000 - up 35 % from previous years. However, the TALOS project has developed a system for transportable autonomous patrol for land border surveillance, which aims to tackle the problem.
Yahoo! says new rules to pave way for accreditation
Yahoo! Singapore said Wednesday that new rules requiring the licensing of online news sites will help pave the way for it to get full media accreditation.
Underwater sensor successfully tested
As part of the Dutch STW SeaSTAR project researchers at the University of Twente have conducted tests using underwater communication and location finding at the Rutbeek water recreation park near Enschede. The aim of the SeaSTAR project is to develop wireless sensor network technology for underwater monitoring. These networks can be used for the underwater monitoring of leaks or movements in gas and oil pipelines or to understand marine life, for instance, or to check water quality or inspect ports and harbours. The latest tests show that precise location finding is now possible.
Amazon launches online shopping site in India
Online retail giant Amazon launched a new Internet shopping site in India on Wednesday, stoking already fierce competition in the fast-expanding "e-tailing" market.
Apple fights manipulation claims on e-book prices
Apple Inc. defended itself Tuesday against claims that the computer giant manipulated electronic book prices and stifled competition when it opened an online bookstore three years ago.
Apple poised for hiring spree in Silicon Valley
Apple expects to expand its Silicon Valley workforce by nearly 50 percent during the next three years, signaling the company's faith in its ability to keep coming up with hit products like the iPhone and iPad.
German scientific publisher Springer Science in IPO
German scientific, medical and technical publisher Springer Science + Business Media said Wednesday that it plans to go public via the issue of new shares.
Toyota recalls 242,000 Prius, Lexus hybrid cars
Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it is recalling about 242,000 of its Prius and Lexus hybrid vehicles due to problems with their braking systems.
Repairing turbines with the help of robots
Compressor and turbine blades are important components in aircraft engines and gas turbines. When they become damaged, it is often cheaper to repair them than to buy replacements. Now there is a new robot-assisted technique that is boosting efficiency.
Greater convenience and safety for wheelchair users
With modern communication aids, users of electric powered wheelchairs can operate a PC and cellphone without human assistance. A new module is set to transform electric powered wheelchairs into communication hubs.
Building more sustainable aircrafts
Life Cycle Assessments of components can help make aircraft production more sustainable. The decisive factor is making the data available at an early stage. Thanks to a new eco design software, these data are now available even at the design stage.
Effective privacy protection in social networks
Researchers are working on new methods to help them gain a better understanding of the usage habits of participants in social networks. The results will be incorporated in the development of userfriendly tools for privacy protection.
Less friction loss in combustion engines
Researchers have developed a method that can reduce engine friction and wear even during production of engine components. Special coatings can help to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Intelligent door seal prevents poor air quality
For a long time, heat insulation was en vogue – and nearly no one was concerned about poor indoor air quality. And yet excess CO2 hampers concentration. Now, researchers have come up with an intelligent door seal system.
Cybersecurity: Plugging smart grid weaknesses
Power companies are increasingly upgrading to smart grids—national or state-based intelligent computer systems that collect information from consumers and suppliers in order to automatically improve the grid's efficiency and reliability. The National Institute of Standards and Technology in the United States has produced a set of cybersecurity guidelines, called NISTIR 7628, for smart grid programmers across the globe. However, Aldar Chan and Jianying Zhou at the A*STAR Institute for Infocomm Research in Singapore point out that, although the guidelines are comprehensive, they lack standardized instructions for scenarios that may arise with new technologies such as electric vehicles. Chan and Zhou have also identified two key weaknesses within NISTIR 7628.
Tiny airplanes and subs could be next hurricane hunters
Kamran Mohseni envisions a day when the unmanned vehicles in his laboratory at the University of Florida will swarm over, under and through hurricanes to help predict the strength and path of the storms.
New hybrid technology set to change the future of renewables
A new hybrid technology that integrates wind and solar power generation is set to overcome many of the problems associated with traditional renewable power systems and revolutionise the green energy sector.
Researchers add eyes, brains to occupancy detection
It's a gnawing frustration of modern office life. You're sitting quietly—too quietly—in an office or carrel, and suddenly the lights go off.
Supermileage vehicle is all about the mpg, not the mph
(Phys.org) —For most people, having a car that can clock 50 miles per gallon is a dream. For a group of BYU engineering students, anything less than 1,000 mpg is a disappointment.
Smarter energy use by industry could cut electricity demand by 75 percent
(Phys.org) —As the Government debates the UK Energy Bill, new research has found that turning down non-essential services, such as heating, air-conditioning and pumping equipment, at times of peak electricity demand could play a far greater role in helping the UK achieve future energy security.
Facebook Likes could be worth millions: Study confirms online sales are enhanced by social recommendations
When online retailers display customer recommendations next to their product descriptions, it can significantly increase the sales of these. This is the conclusion reached following a study undertaken by academics at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) and the Technische Universität (TU) Darmstadt.
Researcher develops method to accurately compare concert hall sound
Researchers at Aalto University in Finland have developed a method that allows accurate comparisons of concert hall acoustics. The leader of the research group, Associate professor Tapio Lokki, was presented with an International Commission for Acoustics Early Career Award today in Montreal, Canada. The award was given to professor Lokki for outstanding contributions to room acoustics, and in particular for the novel subjective and objective assessment methods of concert halls.
Mighty micropumps: Small but powerful vacuum pumps demonstrated
DARPA-funded researchers recently demonstrated the world's smallest vacuum pumps. This breakthrough technology may create new national security applications for electronics and sensors that require a vacuum: highly sensitive gas analyzers that can detect chemical or biological attack, extremely accurate laser-cooled chip-scale atomic clocks and microscale vacuum tubes.
Dell: Investors offer short by $3.9B
Dell says a buyout offer from shareholder Southeastern and billionaire investor Carl Icahn is about $3.9 billion short of the amount needed to pay shareholders as promised and operate the business.
Yahoo! revamps search page design
Yahoo! unveiled a new search page design Wednesday as part of the struggling Internet pioneer's effort to ramp up competition with Google.
56% of US adults have smartphones
More than half of American adults own a smartphone, including some 80 percent of those in the 18 to 34 age group, a survey showed Wednesday.
New search tool helps in fight against child porn, permits quick capture of e-criminals
When local police came calling with child porn allegations last January, former Saint John city councillor Donnie Snook fled his house clutching a laptop. It was clear that the computer contained damning data. Six months later, police have finally gathered enough evidence to land him in jail for a long time to come.
Microsoft to add Outlook to Windows RT tablets (Update)
Microsoft will add its popular Outlook email program to more tablets running on a lightweight version of its Windows operating system as part of a free software update this year.
Washington Post unveils paywall plans
The Washington Post said Wednesday it would start a metered paywall beginning on June 12, offering digital subscription packages at between $9.99 and $14.99 per month.
Lenovo marks first US manufacturing plant
Three business reasons—quicker, closer and custom—prompted computer maker Lenovo Group to open its first U.S. manufacturing operation in North Carolina instead of low-cost foreign locations like Mexico or China, its North American president said.
Casinos ban gamblers from using Google Glass (Update)
U.S. casinos are forbidding gamblers from wearing Google Glass, the tiny eyeglasses-mounted device capable of shooting photos, filming video and surfing the Internet.
US officials to meet over cellphone thefts
Top law enforcement officials from San Francisco and New York plan to meet with some of the largest U.S. smartphone makers next week to help thwart the rise in cellphone thefts and robberies.
Israel leads global drone exports as demand grows
In an expansive hangar in central Israel, workers toil on one of the world's most contentious aircraft, fitting dozens of drones with advanced sensors, cameras and lasers before they are shipped to militaries worldwide to perform highly sensitive tasks.
Publishing CEO highlights Apple role in ebook case
A top publishing executive Wednesday acknowledged Apple's role in reshaping the pricing model for electronic books, as the government sought to prove its case in a price-fixing trial.
At a glance: Changes coming with Windows 8.1
Microsoft plans an update to its Windows 8 system to address some of the complaints and incorporate other feedback received since the radical makeover to the operating system came out in October.
Microsoft unveils operating system update
Software giant Microsoft has unveiled the updated version of its touch-enabled Windows 8 operating system at the world's second largest computer show in Taipei.
Japan's NHK unveils multi-camera system for 'bullet-time' slow motion replays (w/ video)
(Phys.org) —NHK, Japan's national broadcasting organization has developed a multi-camera system that allows for recording a single scene from slightly different angles. A computer knits the recorded video together allowing for a special effect known as "bullet-time." The term has come to be defined as a specific type of special effect where time appears to be slowed to the point of being able to follow a bullet after being fired as it makes its way to a target. Additionally, the point of view is altered while the bullet is still moving, simulating an ability to circle around it.
Team uses Petri nets to solve automation problems
An expert in robotics and automation problems, especially those involving manufacturing systems, NJIT Distinguished Professor and IEEE Fellow Mengchu Zhou will have two articles published in the upcoming proceedings of the 2013 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation. Both papers were recently presented at this conference.
Mind-controlled games on show at Asia's biggest IT fair
Finger fatigue after hours of video gaming may become a thing of the past, as firms unveil headsets that measures users' brainwaves and allow them to interact with apps installed in computers.
Bank account-draining Zeus gets lots of action in 2013
(Phys.org) —A Trojan program designed to steal money from people's bank accounts has not only been around for years but is now on the rise. A New York Times Bits blog report said it is enjoying a good life on Facebook. If you click on the wrong link on Facebook, the virus gets access to your bank account and can steal your money, according to the report. Called Zeus, the malicious program dates back to around 2007, but security experts say it rose steadily this year. According to Cupertino, California-based Trend Micro, incidents of Zeus gained momentum, and the firm's Zeus watchers pointed to a steady rise in the first five months of 2013. Actually, what has been seen are what Trend Micro refers to as Zeus/ZBOT variants, the same old type of threat resurfacing but now with refinements and new features.
Helicopter takes to the skies with the power of thought (w/ Video)
A remote controlled helicopter has been flown through a series of hoops around a college gymnasium in Minnesota. It sounds like your everyday student project; however, there is one caveat… the helicopter was controlled using just the power of thought.
Wi-Fi signals enable gesture recognition throughout entire home (w/ Video)
(Phys.org) —Forget to turn off the lights before leaving the apartment? No problem. Just raise your hand, finger-swipe the air, and your lights will power down. Want to change the song playing on your music system in the other room? Move your hand to the right and flip through the songs.
Medicine & Health news
Final rules on employment wellness programs released
(HealthDay)—The final rules on employment-based wellness programs, which support workplace health promotion and prevention as a way of limiting health care costs and reducing the burden of chronic disease, have been released by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS).
Treatment helps sex stage a comeback after menopause
A satisfying sex life is an important contributor to older adults' quality of life, but the sexual pain that can come after menopause can rob women and their partners of that satisfaction. Treatment can help restore it, shows a global survey including some 1,000 middle-aged North American men and women, published online today in Menopause, the journal of The North American Menopause Society (NAMS).
Fast and simple detection of tropical diseases
While medical technology and healthcare standards have improved significantly over the past century, tropical diseases continue to pose a major threat to human health. At present, vaccines are unavailable for many major tropical infections such as dengue fever and hand, foot and mouth disease. Increased exploration of tropical rainforests, international air travel, tourism to tropical regions and human migration have also led to a rising incidence of tropical diseases. Accordingly, the rapid and accurate detection of such diseases is more important than ever to facilitate prompt treatment and prevent potential pandemics.
Pioneering study to investigate factors affecting how much peanut is safe to eat
(Medical Xpress)—A new study has begun which will, for the first time, identify how factors like exercise and stress may change how much peanut can cause an allergic reaction in the UK population.
Mosquito devices may be used to disperse Australian delinquents—but how do they work?
You may have read last week that, in a bid to curb graffiti, Sydney's State Rail may trial Mosquito devices – technology that emits a high-pitched noise that's audible only to people aged in their early twenties and younger – to drive away would-be vandals. A kind of teenager repellent, if you will.
Aflibercept in AMD: No proof of added benefit
It is not proven that patients with wet age-related macular degeneration benefit from the new drug aflibercept, as the drug manufacturer did not present any suitable data for a comparison with the current standard therapy in its dossier. This is the conclusion of a dossier assessment by the German IQWiG, Cologne, which was published in March 2013 and for which an English-language extract is now available.
Use caution with computerized concussion test, researcher says
Newly published research from an international team featuring UT Arlington assistant professor Jacob Resch has reaffirmed questions about portions of the popular computerized concussion assessment tool ImPACT.
New program to help heart patients navigate care, reduce readmissions
The American College of Cardiology is developing a program with support from founding sponsor AstraZeneca to provide personalized services to heart disease patients and help avoid a quick return to the hospital.
Habilitative services under health reform faces uncertainty, new analysis says
Despite their inclusion as essential health benefits, habilitative services face an uncertain future under the Affordable Care Act, according to a new analysis done at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services (SPHHS).
Rural living presents health challenges for cancer survivors
Cancer survivors who live in rural areas aren't as healthy as their urban counterparts, according to new research from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
U of A research leads to enhanced CFL concussion guidelines
Research from the University of Alberta shows CFL players are more likely to value medical tests after concussions compared to university-level players. But the professional athletes were more apt to incorrectly believe it's OK to return to the sport within 24 to 48 hours if they had no symptoms.
Building commitment and capacity for nutrition: Time to act
Global and national momentum to address the challenge of malnutrition has never been higher, and the knowledge now exists to build commitment and to convert it into enduring impacts, according to the authors of the fourth paper in The Lancet Series on maternal and childhood malnutrition.
Some morning-after over-counter pill sales allowed
A New York appeals court is allowing some emergency contraception pills to be sold without a prescription or age restrictions while the government argues the issue in court.
Team finds genetic variant that could improve warfarin dosing in African-Americans
In the first genome-wide association study to focus on warfarin dose requirement in African-Americans, a multi-institutional team of researchers has identified a common genetic variation that can help physicians estimate the correct dose of the widely used blood-thinning drug warfarin.
Pre-op depression skews satisfaction after lumbar sx
(HealthDay)—Preoperative depression influences self-reported patient satisfaction after revision lumbar surgery, independent of the surgery's effectiveness, according to a study published in the May issue of The Spine Journal.
Cancer survivors and their partners at greater risk of anxiety than depression in long term
Contrary to popular belief, long-term cancer survivors are not at substantially increased risk of depression compared with their healthy counterparts, but are about a quarter more likely to experience anxiety, new research published Online First in The Lancet Oncology indicates. Moreover, partners face similar levels of depression but even higher rates of anxiety as cancers survivors themselves.
Alzheimer's disease drugs linked to reduced risk of heart attacks
Drugs that are used for treating Alzheimer's disease in its early stages are linked to a reduced risk of heart attacks and death, according to a large study of over 7,000 people with Alzheimer's disease in Sweden.
Doctors should screen for frailty to prevent deaths
Everyone older than 70 should be checked for frailty, a condition that is both easily treated and potentially deadly, according to an article by representatives from six major international and U.S. medical organizations.
Sleep study finds important gender differences among heart patients
Many women get too little sleep, despite considerable evidence showing the importance of sleep to overall health. Now a new UC San Francisco study has discovered another reason why inadequate sleep may be harmful, especially to women and their hearts.
Rehabilitation based on brain-computer interfaces could be superior to robot-assisted programs, research finds
Changes in the pattern of connections in the resting brain predict the extent to which stroke patients will recover following rehabilitation, according to new research led by Cuntai Guan of the A*STAR Institute for Infocomm Research, Singapore and Karen Chua of the Tan Tock Sen Hospital, Singapore, in collaboration with Bálint Várkuti of the University of Tübingen, Germany.
Numerical simulation provides insights into social attitudes
A Singaporean computer scientist and his American colleague have created a computer simulation of how humans perform on a widely employed test of implicit or unconscious social attitudes, particularly racial bias.
Obesity: How inflammation influences appetite
Sustained low-grade inflammation and an above-average appetite are commonly found in obese individuals. Therefore, it seems counterintuitive that the acute inflammation associated with many illnesses normally suppresses appetite. A team led by Weiping Han of the Singapore Bioimaging Consortium at A*STAR has used mice to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that explain the different effects of chronic and acute inflammation on appetite. The study also helps to explain why obesity compromises appetite-suppression mechanisms.
Targeted stimulation of immune pathway may help body fight back against liver cancer
Though it originates from the body's own cells, a tumor is as much of a hostile invader as any virus or bacterium. If the immune system is sufficiently sensitized, it can mount a counterattack just as it might fight an infection. For many patients, this response is insufficient, but researchers led by Jean-Pierre Abastado of the A*STAR Singapore Immunology Network have uncovered an immune mechanism that may help patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) keep their liver cancer at bay.
Protein block stops vascular damage in diabetes
Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have discovered how to stop the destructive process that leads to cardiovascular disease in diabetic laboratory animals.
Investigating a link between oral health and kidney function
(Medical Xpress)—Medical research has already documented a link between cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease, or serious gum infection. Now researchers say preliminary studies suggest a connection between gum infections and kidney disease as well.
Hand me a towel, it's more hygienic
(Medical Xpress)—Next time you wash your hands, it is worth remembering that it is more hygienic to dry your hands using paper towels than electric air dryers, according to a QUT-led study.
An urban challenge: Diagnosing and treating latent tuberculosis infection
(Medical Xpress)—A new study from Yale Schools of Medicine and Public Health reveals the challenges in identifying high-risk people in urban settings, especially foreign-born individuals, who may have latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). The study appears in the Journal of Community Health.
Researchers state need for further research into electronic cigarettes
A new Cancer Research UK report highlights the unanswered questions surrounding the safety and effectiveness of electronic or e-cigarettes.
Researchers unravel the developmental origins of immune disease
(Medical Xpress)—The ability to predict and implement preventative measures for common diseases, such as diabetes and asthma, even before a baby is born, is one step closer following a breakthrough by University of Sydney researchers, their findings published in The Journal of Immunology.
Peer pressure starts in childhood, not with teens
(Medical Xpress)—Peer group influences affect children much earlier than researchers have suspected, finds a new University of Maryland-led study. The researchers say it provides a wake-up call to parents and educators to look out for undue group influences, cliquishness and biases that might set in early, the researchers say.
Bladder cancer recurrence and mortality could decline with better treatment compliance
(Medical Xpress)—Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center led by Dr. Karim Chamie have found that more intense surveillance and treatment of bladder cancer in the first two years after diagnosis could reduce the number of patients whose cancer returns after treatment and lower the disease's death rate. The study was published online ahead of press today in the journal Cancer.
Antibody engineering know-how
(Medical Xpress)—Antibodies are of enormous value to society as therapeutic and diagnostic agents. There are many scientists worldwide interested in producing their own novel engineered antibody based molecules as part of their research work.
Research reveals high salt levels in biscuits
They may appear to be a sweet treat, but a new study from researchers at Queen Mary, University of London, has revealed the high level of salt in many biscuits.
Influenza vaccine for 2013: Who, what, why and when?
Questions about who should be vaccinated against influenza are asked each year as the winter (and influenza) season approaches. Even though influenza vaccines have been used since the 1940s, there's still much confusion about their use and effectiveness.
Scientists uncover protective influence of Vitamin A against inflammatory bowel disease
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have made novel discoveries around the protective influence of Vitamin A against the damaging immune responses that lead to inflammatory bowel disease. The research led by Professor of Experimental Immunology, Kingston Mills has just been published in the leading peer reviewed medical journal The Journal of Experimental Medicine.
Cyberbullying puts teens at risk
Teenage victims of cyberbullying, defined as the use of the internet or cell phones to send hurtful and harassing messages, are more likely to develop symptoms of depression, substance abuse and internet addiction, reports a new study in the Journal of Adolescent Health.
Quality improvement educational initiative proves to be a model program for surgical residents
Researchers at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, have developed a novel graduate medical education initiative that enables surgical residents to hone their skills in quality improvement (QI). Surgical trainees who completed the year-long educational program found the QI training to be beneficial, and more importantly, believe it put them in a position to lead QI initiatives in the future. The report appears in the June issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
Stable bedtime helps sleep apnea sufferers adhere to treatment
(Medical Xpress)—A consistent bedtime routine is likely key to helping people with obstructive sleep apnea adhere to their prescribed treatment, according to Penn State researchers.
MRI identifies compression fractures before cementing
(HealthDay)—In patients with suspected vertebral compression fractures, the addition of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reduces the rate of misdiagnosis of acute lesions and hidden lesions before percutaneous cement augmentation procedures, according to a study published in the May issue of the Journal of Spinal Disorders & Techniques.
Recession forced cutbacks in care for special needs kids: study
(HealthDay)—The belt tightening triggered by the recent recession appears to have forced families to make tough choices about care for children with chronic physical or emotion problems, a new study suggests.
Blood transfusions in cardiac surgery may up infections
(HealthDay)—Transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) during or after surgery may increase the risk of major infections, such as pneumonia and bloodstream infections, according to research published in the June issue of the Annals of Thoracic Surgery.
Stress, anxiety and pain disturb Americans' sleep, survey finds
If you suspect you're not getting enough sleep, you're probably right: A new survey says 83 percent of Americans don't get a good night's sleep on a consistent basis.
Scientists at UCI restore long-term memory to mice
University of California-Irvine neurobiologists have discovered a protein complex in neurons that is essential to long-term memory formation and is also corrupted in the brains of people with some developmental disabilities such as autism.
Obese mums may pass health risks on to grandchildren
Health problems linked to obesity—like heart disease and diabetes—could skip an entire generation, a new study suggests.
Electronic stimulation therapy for obstructive sleep apnea found safe, effective
A clinical study has found that electronic stimulation therapy to reduce obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is safe and effective.
Rapid, irregular heartbeat may be linked to problems with memory and thinking
People who develop a type of irregular heartbeat common in old age called atrial fibrillation may also be more likely to develop problems with memory and thinking, according to new research published in the June 5, 2013, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Researchers identify a new gene that is essential for nuclear reprogramming
Researchers are still fascinated by the idea of the possibility of reprogramming the cells of any tissue, turning them into cells with the capacity to differentiate into cells of a completely different type— pluripotent cells—and they are still striving to understand how it happens.
Metastatic breast cancer study shows success in finding new treatment
Funded by volleyball tournaments, a new study released this week shows success in pinpointing individualized treatment for women with metastatic breast cancer, according to George Mason University researchers.
These scientists are 'itching' to help you stop scratching
Itch and scratch, itch and scratch. It's not the most serious physical problem in our lives, but it is common and it is very annoying. Now, researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and in Boston have come up with new findings that can stop the itching through silencing the neurons that transmit itch-generating stimuli.
Gut bacteria play key role in vaccination, study finds
The bacteria that live in the human gut may play an important role in immune response to vaccines and infection by wild-type enteric organisms, according to two recent studies resulting from a collaborative effort between the University of Maryland School of Medicine Institute for Genome Sciences and the Center for Vaccine Development.
New disease-to-drug genetic matching puts snowboarder back on slopes
(Medical Xpress)—A recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine describes genetic testing of a rare blood cancer called atypical chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL) that revealed a new mutation present in most patients with the disease. The mutation also serves as an Achilles heel, allowing doctors at the University of Colorado Cancer Center to prescribe a never-before-used, targeted treatment. The first patient treated describes his best snowboarding season ever.
School-located vaccination programs could reduce flu cases and deaths among children
Offering flu vaccines at elementary schools could expand vaccination rates and reduce costs, according to a new study reported in the scientific journal Vaccine by researchers from UC Davis Health System; the Monroe County, New York, Department of Public Health; University of Rochester Medical Center; and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Scientists discover how HIV kills immune cells
Untreated HIV infection destroys a person's immune system by killing infection-fighting cells, but precisely when and how HIV wreaks this destruction has been a mystery until now. New research by scientists at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, reveals how HIV triggers a signal telling an infected immune cell to die. This finding has implications for preserving the immune systems of HIV-infected individuals.
Researcher shows data mining EMRs can detect bad drug reactions
NJIT Assistant Professor Mei Liu, PhD, a computer scientist, has recently shown in a new study that electronic medical records can validate previously reported adverse drug reactions and report new ones.
Bacillus thuringiensis Cry4B toxin kills Anopheles gambiae, a principal vector of malaria
Researchers at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), led by Dr. Lee Bulla, have characterized a protein produced by the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti), which is highly toxic against Anopheles gambiae, the principal mosquito vector of malaria. The protein toxin, which has been known for a number of years, is produced in a complex of other protein toxins, called Cry toxins, which also have mosquitocidal activity against other species of mosquito. The novelty of the research done by the UTD scientists is that they differentially fractionated all the native Cry proteins contained in the Bti complex, collectively cloned and expressed the genes responsible for their production and determined that one of the toxins (Cry4B) has very high toxicity to a Permethrin-resistant strain of An. gambiae, compared to the other Cry toxins of the complex.
Higher state health spending positively correlates to higher obesity rates, study finds
Americans are gaining weight at an alarming rate, with obesity increasing from 12 percent of the nation's population in 1990 to 23 percent by 2005, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Despite an increase in state public health funding to combat these growing rates around the country, obesity continues to rise. A new University of Missouri study has found that as states spend more money on health care, obesity rates actually increase. Charles Menifield, a professor in the Truman School of Public Affairs at MU, says his findings strongly suggest that governmental spending efforts in fighting obesity have not been successful.
Neurochemical traffic signals may open new avenues for the treatment of schizophrenia
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have uncovered important clues about a biochemical pathway in the brain that may one day expand treatment options for schizophrenia. The study, published online in the journal Molecular Pharmacology, was led by faculty within the department of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics at BUSM.
Nearly one-third of children with autism also have ADHD
In a study of the co-occurrence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in early school-age children (four to eight years old), researchers at the Kennedy Krieger Institute found that nearly one-third of children with ASD also have clinically significant ADHD symptoms. Published in Autism: The International Journal and Practice (Epub ahead of print), the study also found that children with both ASD and ADHD are significantly more impaired on measures of cognitive, social and adaptive functioning compared to children with ASD only.
Physiotherapy patient interaction a key ingredient to pain reduction, research says
How many times have you been to a physiotherapist where you've had more time in the waiting room than face-time with the physio?
Strength in numbers when resisting forbidden fruit
A new study from the University of British Columbia helps explain how people become obsessed with forbidden pleasures.
More fresh air in classrooms means fewer absences
(Medical Xpress)—If you suspect that opening windows to let in fresh air might be good for you, a new study by scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) has confirmed your hunch. Analyzing extensive data on ventilation rates collected from more than 150 classrooms in California over two years, the researchers found that bringing classroom ventilation rates up to the state-mandated standard may reduce student absences due to illness by approximately 3.4 percent.
New research shows cheese may prevent cavities
Consuming dairy products is vital to maintaining good overall health, and it's especially important to bone health. But there has been little research about how dairy products affect oral health in particular. However, according to a new study published in the May/June 2013 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), consuming cheese and other dairy products may help protect teeth against cavities.
20-minute bout of yoga stimulates brain function immediately after
Researchers report that a single, 20-minute session of Hatha yoga significantly improved participants' speed and accuracy on tests of working memory and inhibitory control, two measures of brain function associated with the ability to maintain focus and take in, retain and use new information. Participants performed significantly better immediately after the yoga practice than after moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise for the same amount of time.
Study says fathers should ask kids: 'Am I the dad you need me to be?'
As Father's Day draws near, psychologist Jeff Cookston says dads should ask their children for a little more feedback than they might get with the yearly greeting card.
US experts review heart attack risk of diabetes drug
GlaxoSmithKline's controversial diabetes drug Avandia, restricted in the US and banned in Europe over concerns it raises heart attack risk, is getting a second look this week by US medical experts.
New technique for deep brain stimulation surgery proves accurate and safe
The surgeon who more than two decades ago pioneered deep brain stimulation surgery in the United States to treat people with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders has now developed a new way to perform the surgery—which allows for more accurate placement of the brain electrodes and likely is safer for patients.
Neuroimaging may offer new way to diagnose bipolar disorder
MRI may be an effective way to diagnose mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, according to experts from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. In a landmark study using advanced techniques, the researchers were able to correctly distinguish bipolar patients from healthy individuals based on their brain scans alone. The data are published in the journal Psychological Medicine.
Genetic mutation inherited from father's side linked to early puberty
Reaching puberty at an unusually early age can have adverse effects on social behavior and psychological development, as well as physical effects, including short stature, and lifelong health risks, such as diabetes, breast cancer and heart disease. Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH), in a multi-institutional collaboration with Boston Children's Hospital, the Broad Institute, and the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, have identified that a genetic mutation leads to a type of premature puberty, known as central precocious puberty. Central precocious puberty is defined by the development of secondary sexual characteristics before eight years in girls and nine years in boys.
Nontoxic cancer therapy proves effective against metastatic cancer
A combination of nontoxic dietary and hyperbaric oxygen therapies effectively increased survival time in a mouse model of aggressive metastatic cancer, a research team from the Hyperbaric Biomedical Research Laboratory at the University of South Florida has found.
Short-term therapy given by para-professionals reduces symptoms among rape survivors in DRC
Survivors of sexual violence have long gone without treatment and suffered debilitating symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Feeling happy or sad changes oral perceptions of fat for mildly depressed individuals
Subjects with mild, subclinical depression rate the taste of high-fat and low-fat foods similarly when in a positive or negative mood, according to research published June 5 in the open access journal PLOS ONE by Petra Platte and colleagues from the University of Wurzburg, Germany.
When angry, talk: Describing emotional situations alters heart rate, cardiac output
The act of describing a feeling such as anger may have a significant impact on the body's physiological response to the situation that elicits the emotion, according to research published June 5 in the open access journal PLOS ONE by Karim Kassam from Carnegie Mellon University and Wendy Mendes from the University of California San Francisco.
Researchers target an aspect of Down syndrome
University of Michigan researchers have determined how a gene that is known to be defective in Down syndrome is regulated and how its dysregulation may lead to neurological defects, providing insights into potential therapeutic approaches to an aspect of the syndrome.
Study expands concerns about anesthesia's impact on the brain
As pediatric specialists become increasingly aware that surgical anesthesia may have lasting effects on the developing brains of young children, new research suggests the threat may also apply to adult brains.
Researchers reveal malaria's deadly grip
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen, in collaboration with Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, the University of Oxford, NIMR Tanzania and Retrogenix LTD, have identified how malaria parasites growing inside red blood cells stick to the sides of blood vessels in severe cases of malaria.
Drug prevents post-traumatic stress-like symptoms in mice
When injected into mice immediately following a traumatic event, a new drug prevents the animals from developing memory problems and increased anxiety that are indicative of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Multiple sclerosis breakthrough: Trial safely resets patients' immune systems and reduces attack on myelin protein
A phase 1 clinical trial for the first treatment to reset the immune system of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients showed the therapy was safe and dramatically reduced patients' immune systems' reactivity to myelin by 50 to 75 percent, according to new Northwestern Medicine research.
Over-produced autism gene alters synapses, affects learning and behavior in mice
A gene linked to autism spectrum disorders that was manipulated in two lines of transgenic mice produced mature adults with irreversible deficits affecting either learning or social interaction.
New study rebuts increase in willingness to cooperate from intuitive thinking
A study that was presented in Nature last year attracted a great deal of attention when it asserted that intuition promotes cooperation. But a group of researchers in behavioral and neuroeconomics at Linköping University say that this is not true, in a new study now being published in Nature.
Research team maps wiring of biological clock
The World Health Organization lists shift work as a potential carcinogen, says Erik Herzog, PhD, Professor of Biology in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. And that's just one example among many of the troubles we cause ourselves when we override the biological clocks in our brains and pay attention instead to the mechanical clocks on our wrists.
Biology news
Wild turkey damage to crops and wildlife mostly exaggerated
As populations of wild turkeys have increased, the number of complaints about crop damage has also increased. However, a literature review which will be published in the June 2013 issue of Journal of Integrated Pest Management, finds that these claims are mostly exaggerated.
Spike in whale deaths off Argentina's Patagonia
Southern Right Whales are dying off at a record rate in Argentina's Patagonia region, a conservation group warned.
Microbial genomes help propose phylum name
At the phylum level, the number and diversity of unknown microbes still far outnumber those being studied. Metagenomics and single-cell genomics are tools helping researchers learn more about the "biological dark matter" that has not been cultivated and studied in the laboratory.
A lucky catch: A tiny new fish, Haptoclinus dropi, from the southern Caribbean
A new species of tiny blenniiform fish has been discovered in the biodiversity rich waters of the southern Caribbean. Haptoclinus dropi is only around 2cm in length with a beautiful color pattern that includes iridescence on the fins. The proposed common name of the species is four-fin blenny, due to the division of the dorsal fin into four sections, which is a distinguishing feature of the genus and unique among blenniiform fishes. The study was published in the open access journal Zookeys.
New phytase effective in improving phosphorus, calcium digestibility in pigs
Phosphorus is a vital nutrient for pig growth, but the majority of the phosphorus in common plant-based feedstuffs is bound to phytate and therefore is unavailable to pigs. Diets fed to pigs can be supplemented with microbial phytase to improve phosphorus digestibility, according to Hans S. Stein, a University of Illinois professor in animal sciences.
Monsanto: Modified wheat 'isolated occurrence' (Update)
A genetically modified test strain of wheat that emerged to the surprise of an Oregon farmer last month was likely the result of an accident or deliberate mixing of seeds, the company that developed it said Wednesday.
Mako shark caught off California could be record (Update)
A huge mako shark caught off the coast of Southern California could set a record, but a critic said it should have been released because sharks are threatened worldwide.
Chinese wasps are taking on the emerald ash borer
The emerald ash borer (EAB), a relatively new invasive insect pest, has killed tens of millions of ash trees throughout the eastern United States since it was first detected in 2002 in Michigan and Canada. This insect has the potential to kill an estimated seven billion ash trees in urban and rural forests and could cause tens of billions of dollars in damage.
Classic microscopy reveals borrelia bacteria
A simple method has been found that tells people who have become seriously ill after a tick bite once and for all whether they have bacteria in their blood.
New orchid identified from Komodo
(Phys.org) —A new species of orchid has been identified on the South East Asian island of Komodo despite having been wrongly named for the past 300 years.
Social networks could help prevent disease outbreaks in endangered chimpanzees
(Phys.org) —Many think of social networks in terms of Facebook friends and Twitter followers, but for recent University of Georgia doctoral graduate Julie Rushmore, social networks are tools in the fight against infectious diseases.
Flood impact on mosquitoes unclear, according to entomologist
Recent flooding throughout the state might give mosquito populations a boost. But, then again, it might not.
Biology's drive toward engineering
Biology is on the verge of getting its versions of the lever, wheel and axle, pulley and other basic machines that enable engineers to build almost any mechanical device, a new analysis has concluded. The viewpoint article on availability of this new toolkit—for engineering biological factories that can produce new biofuels, crops and chemicals, among others—appears in the journal ACS Synthetic Biology.
Extinct species revival raises hopes, fears
The world's last passenger pigeons perished a century ago. But a Santa Cruz, Calif.-based research project could send them flocking into the skies again, using genetic engineering to restore the once-abundant species and chart a revival for other long-gone creatures.
A new scorpion species adds to the remarkable biodiversity of the Ecuadorian Andes
A new species of scorpion Tityus (Atreus) crassicauda has been discovered from the extraordinarily biodiversity rich region of the Ecuadorian Andes. The intriguing new species is classed as medium sized, but still around the Impressive 5 cm in length. It is distinguished by reddish brown overall coloration, broken by peculiar decoration of 3 longitudinal brown stripes , separated by yellow zones. The study was published in the open access journal Zookeys.
First evidence that the genome can adapt to temperature changes
Researchers at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona are the first to have studied the effects of a heatwave on the genetic make-up of a species. The researchers have been monitoring the evolution of the fly Drosophila subobscura for 37 years, and they have observed that the European heatwave of spring 2011 caused dramatic alterations in the genetic make-up of its populations, due to a rapid proliferation of genotypes that were more tolerant of high temperatures.
Monsanto testing new GMO wheat
US agriculture giant Monsanto, in the spotlight over the discovery of unauthorized genetically modified wheat growing in Oregon, said Wednesday it has a new GM wheat strain under development.
Inbreeding caused albinism of Barcelona's famous gorilla: study
Inbreeding was the cause of the albinism of "Snowflake", the only albino gorilla known to man which was a star attraction of the Barcelona zoo for decades, Spanish researchers said.
Genetically modified cotton improves diet quality for small-scale farmers in India
Insect-resistant genetically modified (GM) cotton has significantly improved calorie consumption and dietary quality among small-scale farmers in India over a 7-year-period, according to research published June 5 in the open access journal PLOS ONE by Matin Qaim and Shahzad Kouser from the University of Goettingen, Germany.
Discovering one reason why swarming evolved offers tantalizing clues on how intelligence developed
Many animals – from locusts to fish – live in groups and swarm, but scientists aren't sure why or how this behavior evolved. Now a multidisciplinary team of Michigan State University scientists has used a model system to show for the first time that predator confusion can make prey evolve swarming behavior.
Sexual selection in the sea
Biologists have uncovered new insights into how the male sexual behaviour of the peculiar southern bottletail squid is primed to produce the greatest number of offspring.
Personality is the result of nurture, not nature, suggests new study on birds
Researchers at the University of Exeter and the University of Hamburg investigated how personality is transferred between generations. They found that foster parents have a greater influence on the personalities of fostered offspring than the genes inherited from birth parents.
'Lizard King' fossil shows giant reptiles coexisted with mammals during globally warm past
Some 40 million years before rock and roll singer Jim Morrison's lyrics earned him the moniker "the Lizard King," an actual king lizard roamed the hot tropical forests of Southeast Asia, competing with mammals for food and other resources.
Molecular VELCRO for chromosome stability
(Phys.org) —A team of scientists at the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research and the University of Geneva has functionally dissected the molecular processes that ensure the stability of chromosomes. They show in the renowned scientific journal Cell, how three proteins interact on the repetitive sequences at the chromosomal ends, the telomeres, to form a powerful protein scaffold required for telomere homeostasis.
Study shows city life may cause permanent change in circadian clock for blackbirds
(Phys.org) —An international team of researchers working in Germany has found that blackbirds that live in the city tend to have different circadian rhythm cycles than do blackbirds that live in a nearby forest. In their paper published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B, the researchers describe the results of their field and lab study comparing activity times of the two groups of birds.
New screening technique paves the way for protein drugs from bacteria
A cheaper, more efficient technique for developing complex protein drugs from bacteria has been developed at the University of Sheffield.
Scientists isolate new population of pluripotent stem cells in fat removed during liposuction
Researchers from the UCLA Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology have isolated a new population of primitive, stress-resistant human pluripotent stem cells easily derived from fat tissue that are able to differentiate into virtually every cell type in the human body without genetic modification.
Southern Europeans have North African genes
(Phys.org) —Southern Europeans are more genetically diverse than Northern Europeans. Geneticists have several different explanations for this phenomenon, one of which is migration from Africa to southern Europe. However, previous studies, which have relied on samples from sub-Saharan populations, have not revealed much shared ancestry between Africans and Europeans. Recognizing that there are many genetic differences between Northern and sub-Saharan Africans, Carlos Bustamante of Stanford University and his colleagues performed a DNA analysis that included North African populations. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows high levels of shared ancestry between Southern Europeans and North Africans.
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