ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• It slices, it dices, and it protects the body from harm: 3D structure discovered of enzyme that helps defend against bacteria
• How Earth might have looked: How a failed Saharan Atlantic Ocean rift zone sculped Africa's margin
• Great freeze over Great Lakes, as seen from satellite
• 3-D imaging sheds light on Apert syndrome development
• Poor sleep quality linked to reduced brain gray matter in Gulf War vets
• Frequent childhood nightmares may indicate an increased risk of psychotic traits
• Worm-Like Mite Species Discovered: A species from this 'extremophile' family hasn't been described for 40 years
• Brain differences linked to insomnia identified by researchers
• Ultra-fast laser spectroscopy lights way to understanding new materials
• To teach scientific reproducibility, start young
• The nature of color: New formula to calculate hue improves accuracy of color analysis
• Racial bias in pain perception appears among children as young as 7
• Education attenuates impact of TBI on cognition
• Burmese pythons pose little risk to people in Everglades, study suggests
• Asthma drug aids simultaneous desensitization to several food allergies, study finds
• Shaky Hand, Stable Spoon: Device Helps Essential Tremor Patients
• The space double-whammy: Less gravity, more radiation
• CubeSats and robotics on International Space Station
• NASA-JAXA launch mission to measure global rain, snow
• Drinking water linked to infections in many countries
• Unusual genetic mutation found linked to adolescent liver cancer
• Indonesia's competitiveness at risk from neglected diseases of poverty
• Emergency alert in the cell: newly discovered regulatory mechanisms of cellular stress
• A molecular ballet under the X-ray laser: taking images of free molecules
• Specific types of macrophages that affect Crohn's disease severity identified
• Food production in northeastern U.S. may need to change if climate does
• NASA scientists find evidence of water in meteorite, reviving debate over life on Mars
• Dangerous mistaken identity: Protein folding leads to some neurodegenerative diseases
• Retention leads to discipline problems in other kids
• Twitter 'big data' can be used to monitor HIV, drug-related behavior
• Less snowpack will harm ecosystem, study shows
• Competition breeds new fish species, study finds
• Coral fish biodiversity loss: Humankind could be responsible
• Advantages emerge in using nanostructured material in the forging process of mechanical components
• Can an app help make life easier for children with ADHD?
• A sharp eye for molecular fingerprints: Broad absorption spectra recorded on microsecond scale with two laser frequency combs
• Drilling in concrete, without a sound?
• New class of magnetic materials: Physicists pave the way for more energy efficient technology
• Mental health problems mistaken for physical illness in children
• Diabetes, obesity more common in socioeconomically deprived regions
• New fast and furious black hole found
• Nobelist proposes unconventional view of type 2 diabetes causation
• Novel therapeutic targets for Huntington's disease discovered
• Why and how anti-retroviral therapy works even against HIV cell-to-cell transmission
• Early atherosclerotic plaques in vessel wall regress completely when cholesterol levels are lowered
• High-calorie diet could slow progression of motor neuron disease (ALS), study finds
• Fossilized human feces from 14th century contain antibiotic resistance genes
• Big step for next-generation fuel cells and electrolyzers
• New study reveals evolution at work: Analyses elucidate a part of the brain particular to primates
• Early strokes leave many young adults with long-lasting disability
• Color of passion: Orange underbellies of female lizards signal fertility
• Fat or flat: Getting galaxies into shape
• Bison Ready for New Pastures? Protocol Used to Demonstrate Brucellosis-Free Bison from Infected Herds
• Implantable magnetic 'bracelet' brings relief to GERD sufferers
• Nasty parasitic worm, common in wildlife, now infecting U.S. cats
• 'Shark's eye' view: Witnessing the life of a top predator
• Dual role of brain glycogen revealed by researchers
• Fragile X syndrome: Trigger for most common form of intellectual disability and autism uncovered
• Deadly immune 'storm' caused by emergent flu infections
• Making treatment of rare blood disorder more affordable, effective

It slices, it dices, and it protects the body from harm: 3D structure discovered of enzyme that helps defend against bacteria Posted: 28 Feb 2014 06:06 PM PST An essential weapon in the body's fight against infection has come into sharper view. Researchers have discovered the 3-D structure of an enzyme that cuts to ribbons the genetic material of viruses and helps defend against bacteria. The discovery of the structure of this enzyme, a first-responder in the body's "innate immune system," could enable new strategies for fighting infectious agents and possibly prostate cancer and obesity. "This work illustrates the wonderful usefulness of doing both crystallography and careful kinetic and enzymatic studies at the same time," said one scientist.

How Earth might have looked: How a failed Saharan Atlantic Ocean rift zone sculped Africa's margin Posted: 28 Feb 2014 06:05 PM PST Break-up of the supercontinent Gondwana about 130 Million years ago could have led to a completely different shape of the African and South American continent with an ocean south of today's Sahara desert, as geoscientists have shown through the use of sophisticated plate tectonic and three-dimensional numerical modelling.

Great freeze over Great Lakes, as seen from satellite Posted: 28 Feb 2014 01:06 PM PST The true-color image above, from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer on NASA's Aqua satellite, shows the mostly frozen state of the Great Lakes on Feb. 19. On that date, ice spanned 80.3 percent of the lakes. The ice reached an even greater extent on Feb. 13, when it covered about 88 percent of the Great Lakes -- coverage not achieved since 1994, when ice spanned over 90 percent. In addition to this year, ice has covered more than 80 percent of the lakes in only five other years since 1973.

3-D imaging sheds light on Apert syndrome development Posted: 28 Feb 2014 01:06 PM PST Three-dimensional imaging of two different mouse models of Apert Syndrome shows that cranial deformation begins before birth and continues, worsening with time, according to a team of researchers who studied mice to better understand and treat the disorder in humans.

Poor sleep quality linked to reduced brain gray matter in Gulf War vets Posted: 28 Feb 2014 01:06 PM PST A new study of Gulf War veterans found an association between poor sleep quality and reduced gray matter volume in the brain's frontal lobe, which helps control important processes such as working memory and executive function. "This study emphasizes the importance of seeking medical help if you are troubled by the poor quality of your sleep," said American Academy of Sleep Medicine President. "A board certified sleep medicine physician can identify the cause of your sleep problem and develop an effective treatment plan for you."

Frequent childhood nightmares may indicate an increased risk of psychotic traits Posted: 28 Feb 2014 01:06 PM PST Children who suffer from frequent nightmares or bouts of night terrors may be at an increased risk of psychotic experiences in adolescence, according to new research. shows that children reporting frequent nightmares before the age of 12 were three and a half times more likely to suffer from psychotic experiences in early adolescence. Similarly, experiencing night terrors doubled the risk of such problems, including hallucinations, interrupted thoughts or delusions. Younger children, between two and nine years old, who had persistent nightmares reported by parents had up to one and a half times increased risk of developing psychotic experiences.

Worm-Like Mite Species Discovered: A species from this 'extremophile' family hasn't been described for 40 years Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:58 PM PST It looks like a worm and moves like a worm – sort of. But it is a previously unidentified microscopic species of mite that was discovered by a graduate student on The Ohio State University campus.

Brain differences linked to insomnia identified by researchers Posted: 28 Feb 2014 12:57 PM PST Researchers report that people with chronic insomnia show more plasticity and activity than good sleepers in the part of the brain that controls movement. "Insomnia is not a nighttime disorder," says study leader. "It's a 24-hour brain condition, like a light switch that is always on. Our research adds information about differences in the brain associated with it." The researchers say they hope their study opens the door to better diagnosis and treatment of the most common and often intractable sleep disorder that affects an estimated 15 percent of the United States population.

Ultra-fast laser spectroscopy lights way to understanding new materials Posted: 28 Feb 2014 11:01 AM PST Scientists are revealing the mysteries of new materials using ultra-fast laser spectroscopy, similar to high-speed photography where many quick images reveal subtle movements and changes inside the materials. Seeing these dynamics is one emerging strategy to better understanding how new materials work, so that we can use them to enable new energy technologies.

To teach scientific reproducibility, start young Posted: 28 Feb 2014 11:01 AM PST In the wake of retraction scandals and studies showing reproducibility rates as low as 10 percent for peer-reviewed articles, the scientific community has focused attention on ways to improve transparency and duplication. A team of math and statistics professors has proposed a way to address one root of that problem: teach and emphasize reproducibility to aspiring scientists, using software that makes the concept feel logical rather than cumbersome.

The nature of color: New formula to calculate hue improves accuracy of color analysis Posted: 28 Feb 2014 11:01 AM PST Color is crucial in ecological studies, playing an important role in studies of flower and fruit development, responses to heat/drought stress, and plant–pollinator communication. But, measuring color variation is difficult, and available formulas sometimes give misleading results. An improved formula to calculate hue (one of three variables characterizing color) has now been developed.

Racial bias in pain perception appears among children as young as 7 Posted: 28 Feb 2014 09:13 AM PST A new psychology study has found that a sample of mostly white American children -- as young as seven, and particularly by age 10 -- report that black children feel less pain than white children. The author noted that this finding is important because many kinds of explicit biases emerge in early childhood, but those types of biases often decline in later childhood. However, the racial bias in children's perceptions of others' pain appears to strengthen from early to late childhood. The scope of the study does not explain why children are exhibiting this bias; however, the collaborators have research showing that one reason adults perceive black people as feeling less pain is because they assume black people have experienced more hardship in their lives. The researchers currently are investigating whether such perceptions may explain this bias in children.

Education attenuates impact of TBI on cognition Posted: 28 Feb 2014 09:13 AM PST Higher educational attainment (a proxy of intellectual enrichment) attenuates the negative impact of traumatic brain injury on cognitive status, new research indicates. Said one researcher of the results: "Although cognitive status was worse in the TBI group, higher education attenuated the negative effect of TBI on cognitive status, such that persons with higher education were protected against TBI-related cognitive impairment."

Burmese pythons pose little risk to people in Everglades, study suggests Posted: 28 Feb 2014 09:13 AM PST The estimated tens of thousands of Burmese pythons now populating the Everglades present a low risk to people in the park, according to a new study. The human risk assessment looked at five incidents that involved humans and Burmese pythons over a 10-year period in Everglades National Park. All five incidents involved pythons striking at biologists who were conducting research in flooded wetlands.

Asthma drug aids simultaneous desensitization to several food allergies, study finds Posted: 28 Feb 2014 09:13 AM PST An asthma drug accelerates the process of desensitizing patients with food allergies to several foods at the same time, a new study shows. The findings come on the heels of a recent study by the same team showing that people with multiple food allergies can be desensitized to several foods at once. The two studies, both phase-1 safety trials, provide the first scientific evidence that a promising new method for treating people for multiple food allergies works.

Shaky Hand, Stable Spoon: Device Helps Essential Tremor Patients Posted: 28 Feb 2014 09:11 AM PST For people whose hands shake uncontrollably due to a medical condition, just eating can be a frustrating and embarrassing ordeal – enough to keep them from sharing a meal with others. But a small new study suggests that a new handheld electronic device can help such patients overcome the hand shakes caused by essential tremor.

The space double-whammy: Less gravity, more radiation Posted: 28 Feb 2014 07:49 AM PST Astronauts floating weightlessly in the International Space Station may appear carefree, but years of research have shown that microgravity causes changes to the human body. Spaceflight also means exposure to more radiation. Together, microgravity and radiation exposure add up to pose serious health risks. But research is not only making space safer for astronauts, it's helping to improve health care for the Earth-bound as well.

CubeSats and robotics on International Space Station Posted: 28 Feb 2014 07:45 AM PST The deployment of miniature satellites from the International Space Station continued Feb. 27, while the onboard Expedition 38 crew prepared for the arrival of a U.S. commercial cargo craft and the departure of three crew members. Two sets of Nanoracks CubeSats were deployed late Wednesday and early Thursday from a deployer mechanism on the Multi-Purpose Experiment Platform attached to the Kibo robotic arm, leaving just two more launches to go of the 33 CubeSats that were delivered to the station in January by Orbital Sciences' Cygnus cargo ship.

NASA-JAXA launch mission to measure global rain, snow Posted: 28 Feb 2014 07:41 AM PST The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory, a joint Earth-observing mission between NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), thundered into space at 10:37 a.m. PST Thursday, Feb. 27 (3:37 a.m. JST Friday, Feb. 28) from Japan. The four-ton spacecraft launched aboard a Japanese H-IIA rocket from Tanegashima Space Center on Tanegashima Island in southern Japan. The GPM spacecraft separated from the rocket 16 minutes after launch, at an altitude of 247 miles (398 kilometers). The solar arrays deployed 10 minutes after spacecraft separation, to power the spacecraft.

Drinking water linked to infections in many countries Posted: 28 Feb 2014 07:35 AM PST Brisbane's water supply has been found to contain disease carrying bugs which can be directly linked to infections in some patients, according to a new study. Four specific species of mycobacteria were found in Brisbane water that have been linked to human disease -- and the author notes that this is not a situation unique to Brisbane. Water supplies in many countries are at risk, the researcher warns, and lower temperature of home hot water systems can contribute to increased household exposure to these mycobacteria. The fix? The easiest way to kill water-borne mycobacteria is by boiling water, although additional water chlorination through the water treatment process may also help. To reduce aerosolised mycobacteria, bathing rather than showering is recommended.

Unusual genetic mutation found linked to adolescent liver cancer Posted: 28 Feb 2014 07:35 AM PST In the race for better treatments and possible cures, rare diseases are often left behind. Through a collaboration of researchers, an unusual mutation has been found that is strongly linked to one such disease: a rare liver cancer that affects teens and young adults. The research suggests that the mutation plays a key role in the development of the disease, called fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, and may also underlie more common cancers as well.

Indonesia's competitiveness at risk from neglected diseases of poverty Posted: 28 Feb 2014 07:34 AM PST Indonesia has seen impressive economic and development growth. Sustaining these gains, however, may not be possible without aggressively addressing neglected tropical diseases, which affect the majority of Indonesians. Neglected tropical diseases are 'one of the most potent forces' of extreme poverty and inequality in Indonesia, experts explain.

Emergency alert in the cell: newly discovered regulatory mechanisms of cellular stress Posted: 28 Feb 2014 07:34 AM PST After a natural disaster like a fire, countless helpers work together to get rid of debris or to provide food for people in need. When cells are exposed to dangerous environmental conditions such as toxic substances, a similar process is initiated: the cellular stress response (heat shock response). Scientists now report that they have uncovered a network of cellular helpers and thus identified new regulatory mechanisms of this stress response.

A molecular ballet under the X-ray laser: taking images of free molecules Posted: 28 Feb 2014 07:34 AM PST An international team of researchers has used the world's most powerful X-ray laser to take snapshots of free molecules. The research team choreographed a kind of molecular ballet in the X-ray beam. The conventional way to determine the atomic structure of molecules is to "freeze" them in a crystal and illuminate them with bright X-rays. However, many molecules are extremely difficult to crystallize. In particular, this is a problem with many biomolecules. There are existing techniques to image single molecules, but none of these is fast enough to catch the ultra-fast motion of molecules. With their new work, the researchers have cleared important hurdles on the way to X-ray images of individual molecules.

Specific types of macrophages that affect Crohn's disease severity identified Posted: 28 Feb 2014 07:34 AM PST For those coping with Crohn's disease, a new research report offers hope for the development of new and more effective drugs. Scientists have shown for the first time, precisely what type of immune cells are involved in driving the inflammation process in the disease. With this knowledge, new compounds can be identified which reduce the activity of these cells or lessen their inflammatory effects.

Food production in northeastern U.S. may need to change if climate does Posted: 28 Feb 2014 07:33 AM PST If significant climate change occurs in the United States it may be necessary to change where certain foods are produced in order to meet consumer demand. Researchers have provided an overview of current farmland use and food production in the Northeastern U.S., identifying potential vulnerabilities of the 12-state region.

NASA scientists find evidence of water in meteorite, reviving debate over life on Mars Posted: 28 Feb 2014 07:32 AM PST A team of scientists has found evidence of past water movement throughout a Martian meteorite, reviving debate in the scientific community over life on Mars. In 1996, a group of scientists reported biogenic evidence in the Allan Hills 84001(ALH84001) meteorite. In this new study, researchers focused on structures deep within a 30-pound (13.7-kilogram) Martian meteorite known as Yamato 000593 (Y000593). The team reports that newly discovered different structures and compositional features within the larger Yamato meteorite suggest biological processes might have been at work on Mars hundreds of millions of years ago.

Dangerous mistaken identity: Protein folding leads to some neurodegenerative diseases Posted: 28 Feb 2014 06:31 AM PST Tau proteins, which are responsible for Alzheimer's disease, bind to the folding protein HSP90. The molecular recognition mechanisms that play a role here have been unveiled by an international team of scientists, and may open the door for new approaches for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and further neurodegenerative diseases that are caused by protein aggregation. These scientific insights provide an important basis for better understanding these disease mechanisms.

Retention leads to discipline problems in other kids Posted: 28 Feb 2014 06:31 AM PST When a student repeats a grade, it can spell trouble for the student's classmates, according to a new study of nearly 80,000 middle-schoolers. Higher numbers of repeaters were linked with higher suspension rates in the school as a whole, and more discipline problems such as substance abuse, fighting and classroom disruption. The study showed that when there were more older and retained students present, discipline problems increased for all subgroups in the study, including black and white students and boys and girls. Two groups saw a particularly large jump in discipline problems: white students and girls of all races.

Twitter 'big data' can be used to monitor HIV, drug-related behavior Posted: 28 Feb 2014 06:31 AM PST Real-time social media like Twitter could be used to track HIV incidence and drug-related behaviors with the aim of detecting and potentially preventing outbreaks. The study suggests it may be possible to predict sexual risk and drug use behaviors by monitoring tweets, mapping where those messages come from and linking them with data on the geographical distribution of HIV cases. The use of various drugs had been associated in previous studies with HIV sexual risk behaviors and transmission of infectious disease.

Less snowpack will harm ecosystem, study shows Posted: 28 Feb 2014 06:31 AM PST A new study shows that the consequences of milder winters – a smaller snowpack leaving the ground to freeze harder and longer – can have a negative impact on trees and water quality of nearby aquatic ecosystems far into the warmer growing season. The research shows that soil freezing due to diminishing snowpack damages the roots of sugar maple trees and limits their ability to absorb essential nitrogen and other nutrients in the spring. This leads to greater run off of nitrogen into ground water and nearby streams, which could deteriorate water quality and trigger widespread harmful consequences to humans and the environment.

Competition breeds new fish species, study finds Posted: 28 Feb 2014 05:07 AM PST Size differences among fish and competition for breeding space lead to the formation of new species, according to a new study, but empirical evidence for this is scarce, despite being implicit in Charles Darwin's work and support from theoretical studies. Speciation occurs when genetic differences between groups of individuals accumulate over time. In the case of Telmatochromis fish in Africa, subject of a new study, there are no obvious obstacles to the movement and interaction of individuals. But, the non-random mating between large- and small-bodied fish sets the stage for the evolutionary play.

Coral fish biodiversity loss: Humankind could be responsible Posted: 28 Feb 2014 05:07 AM PST Literal biodiversity reservoirs, coral reefs and associated ecosystems are in grave danger from natural and human-made disturbances. The latest World Resources Institute assessment is alarming with 75% of coral reefs reported as endangered worldwide, a figure that may reach 100% by 2050. The numbers are concerning, particularly as coral reefs provide sustenance and economic benefits for many developing countries and fish biodiversity on coral reefs partly determines the biomass available for human consumption.

Advantages emerge in using nanostructured material in the forging process of mechanical components Posted: 28 Feb 2014 05:07 AM PST Scientists have studied the process to forge mechanical components using nanostructured material. Specifically, they have been able to produce matrices to forge a set of mechanical parts like cogs and gears.

Can an app help make life easier for children with ADHD? Posted: 28 Feb 2014 05:06 AM PST We have tended to associate welfare technology with support for the elderly. Now researchers are looking at whether technology such as digital calendars and smartwatches can also provide support for children with autism and ADHD. Being able to function well in the morning is a challenge for parents of children with cognitive problems. Small details such as putting their leggings on inside out, or an adult saying something 'the wrong way' can trigger a temper tantrum and ruin the entire day. Children can become unruly, and some even become aggressive when something prevents them from following their routines and habits. Technology, research shows, can help this.

A sharp eye for molecular fingerprints: Broad absorption spectra recorded on microsecond scale with two laser frequency combs Posted: 28 Feb 2014 05:06 AM PST Scientists have developed a new method of real-time identification and quantification of molecular species. How to retrieve greenhouse gas concentrations in earth atmosphere or to test fundamental laws of quantum mechanics? By measuring the spectrum of light interacting with matter, i.e. measuring the intensity of light transmitted through a medium as a function of its color, it can be done. Each molecule leaves its fingerprint: characteristic absorptions, which make it possible to unambiguously identify it and measure its concentration.

Drilling in concrete, without a sound? Posted: 28 Feb 2014 05:06 AM PST If you choose the right equipment, drilling in concrete won't bother people in neighboring rooms. Anybody who has been in a building where construction work is going on knows how the sound of hammer drills and diamond saws can get on one's nerves. Even if you are some distance from the work site, the sound and vibrations are propagated in such a way that it feels as if they are going on right above -- and sometimes even inside -- your head.

New class of magnetic materials: Physicists pave the way for more energy efficient technology Posted: 28 Feb 2014 05:06 AM PST Scientists have paved the way for a new class of magnetic materials and devices with improved performance and power efficiency. Magnetic materials are currently used to store almost all digital information. However, with information processing and storage now making up a significant fraction of the world's energy consumption, continuing improvements in energy efficiency will require new technologies and materials.

Mental health problems mistaken for physical illness in children Posted: 28 Feb 2014 05:06 AM PST Many children are admitted to general acute wards with mental health problems mistaken for physical disease. Somatic symptoms, such as abdominal pain, headaches, limb pain and tiredness, often mask underlying problems and result in the NHS spending money on investigations to eliminate wrongly diagnosed disease. A literature review examines how children's nurses can recognize such complaints and help to address them.

Diabetes, obesity more common in socioeconomically deprived regions Posted: 28 Feb 2014 05:06 AM PST Living in a socioeconomically deprived region is a risk factor for being affected by diabetes mellitus and obesity. This holds true regardless of the individual social status of the inhabitants. This is the conclusion reached by scientists who state that "regional factors, such as the population's average income, unemployment or quality of the living environment can affect the health of all inhabitants, regardless of the educational level of the individual people", explains the lead author.

New fast and furious black hole found Posted: 28 Feb 2014 05:06 AM PST Astronomers have been studying nearby galaxy M83 and have found a new superpowered small black hole, named MQ1, the first object of its kind to be studied in this much detail. Astronomers have found a few compact objects that are as powerful as MQ1, but have not been able to work out the size of the black hole contained within them until now.

Nobelist proposes unconventional view of type 2 diabetes causation Posted: 27 Feb 2014 06:34 PM PST At 85, Nobel laureate James D. Watson, the co-discoverer of the double-helix structure of DNA, continues to advance intriguing scientific ideas. His latest, a hypothesis on the causation of type 2 diabetes, suggests that diabetes, dementias, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers are linked to a failure to generate sufficient biological oxidants, called reactive oxygen species (ROS). Watson also argues the case for a better understanding of the role of exercise in helping to remedy this deficiency.

Novel therapeutic targets for Huntington's disease discovered Posted: 27 Feb 2014 04:12 PM PST The impact that genes may have on Huntington's disease have been illuminated by a new, novel study. The study identified specific small segments of RNA (called micro RNA or miRNA) encoded in DNA in the human genome that are highly expressed in Huntington's disease. Micro RNAs are important because they regulate the expression of genes. The researchers showed that these miRNAs are present in higher quantities in patients with HD and may act as a mitigating factor in the neurologic decline associated with the disease, making them a possible therapeutic target.

Why and how anti-retroviral therapy works even against HIV cell-to-cell transmission Posted: 27 Feb 2014 04:12 PM PST A new study tested a panel of anti-HIV drugs for their ability to suppress cell-to-cell transmission of the virus. The results reveal differences between different drugs, explain why and how anti-retroviral therapy does work, and have implications for the prevention of drug resistance as well as the development of new effective anti-HIV drugs.

Early atherosclerotic plaques in vessel wall regress completely when cholesterol levels are lowered Posted: 27 Feb 2014 04:11 PM PST Early but not advanced forms of atherosclerotic plaques in the vessel wall disappear when the levels of 'bad' cholesterol are lowered, according to a study in mice. The findings indicate that preventative cholesterol-lowering treatment could prevent more advanced, clinically relevant plaque to develop. Almost half of all deaths worldwide are caused by strokes and heart attacks. The main underlying cause is atherosclerosis, where fat accumulates in the blood vessel walls in the so-called plaques. Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease where advanced and unstable plaques develop over time. When these plaques burst a blood clot is created, which in turn could cause stroke or heart attack, depending on how and where the blood clot is formed.

High-calorie diet could slow progression of motor neuron disease (ALS), study finds Posted: 27 Feb 2014 04:11 PM PST A high-carbohydrate, high-calorie diet could delay the progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease or Lou Gehrig's disease, according to a phase 2 study. ALS is a rapidly progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disorder affecting the nerve cells that control muscle movement (motor neurons). Patients gradually lose the ability to control the body's muscles, including the muscles which control breathing. This leads to respiratory failure and death on average about 3 years after patients are diagnosed.

Fossilized human feces from 14th century contain antibiotic resistance genes Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:45 PM PST A team of French investigators has discovered viruses containing genes for antibiotic resistance in a fossilized fecal sample from 14th century Belgium, long before antibiotics were used in medicine.

Big step for next-generation fuel cells and electrolyzers Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:45 PM PST Researchers have discovered a highly promising new class of nanocatalysts for fuel cells and water-alkali electrolyzers that are an order of magnitude higher in activity than the target set by the US Department Of Energy for 2017.

New study reveals evolution at work: Analyses elucidate a part of the brain particular to primates Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:45 PM PST New research reveals some very unique evolutionary innovations in the primate brain. Scientists described the role of microRNAs -- so named because they contain only 22 nucleotides -- in a portion of the brain called the outer subventricular zone. These microRNAs belong to a special category of noncoding genes, which prevent the formation of proteins.

Early strokes leave many young adults with long-lasting disability Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:45 PM PST Ten years after having a stroke, nearly a third of young survivors still need assistance or are unable to live independently. About one in 10 strokes occurs in 18- to 50-year-olds. "We don't know if it's cognition, depression, problems in their families or relationships or other factors, but once we do, we can develop more effective interventions," the main author notes.

Color of passion: Orange underbellies of female lizards signal fertility Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:45 PM PST Australian lizards are attracted to females with the brightest orange patches -- but preferably not too large -- on their underbelly, according to research. Lake Eyre dragon lizards are found exclusively in salt deserts in southern Australia, where they feed on dead insects. When females become fertile they develop bright orange patches on their normally pale underbelly and change their behavior towards males: instead of "waving them away" with their forelegs or fleeing, they let the males court them with showy behavior like push-ups and head bobs. Males were most attracted to females with small, bright orange patches and tended to avoid those with larger, paler ones. It is thought that bright color is attractive as it indicates peak female fertility. Pregnant females retain their coloration until laying and very large orange spots suggest the female is swollen with eggs and no longer interested in mating.

Fat or flat: Getting galaxies into shape Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:43 PM PST Astronomers have discovered what makes some spiral galaxies fat and bulging while others are flat discs -- and it's all about how fast they spin. The researchers found that fast-rotating spiral galaxies are flat and thin while equally sized galaxies that rotate slowly are fatter. One of the researchers said the way galaxies are formed looks a bit similar to a carousel made of an elastic disc.

Bison Ready for New Pastures? Protocol Used to Demonstrate Brucellosis-Free Bison from Infected Herds Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:40 PM PST A new study demonstrates that it is possible to qualify bison coming from an infected herd as free of brucellosis using quarantine procedures. These bison can then be used to seed conservation herds in other landscapes without the threat of spreading the disease. The Bison Project Coordinator said, "This study represents an important milestone in bison conservation and these research findings enable us to practice genetic rescue from brucellosis infected bison herds. The Yellowstone animals passing through this system of testing are critical to conserving the diversity of the bison genome over the long term. We've also learned a great deal about brucellosis blood testing and how to better interpret results when screening animals for this disease. It is our hope that several satellite herds of Yellowstone bison can be assembled from the animals that graduate through this quarantine process."

Implantable magnetic 'bracelet' brings relief to GERD sufferers Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:38 PM PST An innovative laparoscopic procedure that implants a ring of magnetic beads to help prevent acid reflux in patients who suffer from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is the latest tool surgeons have to treat the disease. Using a small, flexible band of titanium beads with magnetic cores, surgeons implant the band around the patient's esophagus just above the stomach. The magnetic attraction between the beads strengthens the weakened esophageal sphincter's barrier function.

Nasty parasitic worm, common in wildlife, now infecting U.S. cats Posted: 27 Feb 2014 01:38 PM PST When veterinarians found half-foot-long worms living in their feline patients, they had discovered something new: The worms, Dracunculus insignis, had never before been seen in cats. The worms can grow to almost a foot long and must emerge from its host to lay eggs that hatch into larvae. It forms a blister-like protrusion in an extremity, such as a leg, from which it slowly emerges over the course of days to deposit its young into the water.

'Shark's eye' view: Witnessing the life of a top predator Posted: 27 Feb 2014 11:26 AM PST Instruments strapped onto and ingested by sharks are revealing novel insights into how one of the most feared and least understood ocean predators swims, eats and lives. Scientists are also piloting a project using instruments ingested by sharks and other top ocean predators, like tuna, to gain new awareness into these animals' feeding habits. The instruments, which use electrical measurements to track ingestion and digestion of prey, can help researchers understand where, when and how much sharks and other predators are eating, and what they are feasting on.

Dual role of brain glycogen revealed by researchers Posted: 27 Feb 2014 11:26 AM PST Key questions regarding the activity of glycogen in neurons are answered in two recently published articles, building on years of research and publications. The authors postulated that glycogen is a lifeguard under oxygen depletion, a condition that leads the brains to shut down and that often occurs at birth and in cerebral infarctions in adults, which leads to severe consequences, such a cerebral paralysis. Their results are the first evidence that neurons constantly store glycogen by accumulating small amounts and using it as quickly as it becomes available. The beneficial and toxic roles of brain glycogen continue to be the main focus on ongoing research.

Fragile X syndrome: Trigger for most common form of intellectual disability and autism uncovered Posted: 27 Feb 2014 11:26 AM PST The most common genetic form of mental retardation and autism occurs because of a mechanism that shuts off the gene associated with the disease, new research concludes. The findings also show that a drug that blocks this silencing mechanism can prevent fragile X syndrome -- suggesting similar therapy is possible for 20 other diseases that range from mental retardation to multisystem failure. Fragile X syndrome occurs mostly in boys, causing intellectual disability as well as telltale physical, behavioral and emotional traits.

Deadly immune 'storm' caused by emergent flu infections Posted: 27 Feb 2014 11:22 AM PST Scientists have mapped key elements of a severe immune overreaction -— a "cytokine storm" -— that can both sicken and kill patients who are infected with certain strains of flu virus. A cytokine storm is an overproduction of immune cells and their activating compounds (cytokines), which, in a flu infection, is often associated with a surge of activated immune cells into the lungs. The resulting lung inflammation and fluid buildup can lead to respiratory distress and can be contaminated by a secondary bacterial pneumonia -- often enhancing the mortality in patients.

Making treatment of rare blood disorder more affordable, effective Posted: 27 Feb 2014 11:18 AM PST A research team has defined a possible new way to fight a disease that is currently treatable only with the most expensive drug available for sale in the United States. The strategy, based on the oldest part of the human immune system –- called complement -- could turn out to be less costly and more effective for the majority of patients with the rare blood disorder called aroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

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