ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Complications following surgery predict costly readmissions
• computers used to 'see' neurons to better understand brain function
• Earth's mantle plasticity explained
• Misplaced protein causes heart failure
• Strategies on the Internet to discredit generic drugs
• Hubble witnesses an asteroid mysteriously disintegrating
• Engineering team increases power efficiency for future computer processors
• Heart failure unknowns a roadblock to managing health
• Japanese Town: half the survivors of mega-earthquake, tsunami, have PTSD symptoms
• Classroom focus on social, emotional skills can lead to academic gains, study shows
• Addressing the rapid increase in cesarean birth rates
• Computational tool offers new insight into key biological processes
• Going nuclear, in a small way
• Collecting digital user data without invading privacy
• Robotic prosthesis turns drummer into a three-armed cyborg
• New research could help make 'roll-up' digital screens a reality for all
• Learning how to listen with neurofeedback
• Atypical development in siblings of children with autism is detectable at 12 months
• New robotic refueling technologies tested
• Maize and bacteria: A one-two punch knocks copper out of stamp sand
• Look back at US soybeans shows genetic improvement behind increased yields
• New insights into ancient Pacific settlers' diet: Diet based on foraging, not horticulture
• Pumping iron: A hydrogel actuator with mussel tone
• New structure in dogs' eye linked to blinding retinal diseases
• New dinosaur found in Portugal, largest terrestrial predator from Europe
• Human activity influences beach bacterial diversity
• Long-lasting device protects against HIV, pregnancy
• The Eurasian lynx as a key to the conservation and future viability of the endangered Iberian lynx
• Alzheimer's disease much larger cause of death than reported, study shows
• Personalized gene therapy locks out HIV, paving the way to control virus without antiretroviral drugs
• A small step toward discovering habitable Earths
• Study suggests non-uniform climate warming globally
• Inventive new way to profile immune cells in blood
• First-ever 3-D image created of the structure beneath Sierra Negra volcano
• Drug therapy could eventually reverse memory decline in seniors
• Biomarkers of cell death in Alzheimer's reverse course after symptom onset
• Chandra and XMM-Newton provide direct measurement of distant black hole's spin
• Asteroid will safely pass closer than moon on March 5
• Warm rivers play role in Arctic sea ice melt
• First step towards 'programmable materials': Sheet metal that never rattles
• New program for students with autism offers hope after high school
• Ultra sensitive detection of radio waves with lasers
• A single gene, doublesex, controls wing mimicry in butterflies
• Seeking quantum-ness: D-Wave chip passes rigorous tests
• Save money and the planet: Turn your old milk jugs into 3-D printer filament
• Are bilingual kids more open-minded? Probably not
• Bioinspired, sponge-like shrinking gel steers tooth, tissue formation
• Guidance for optimal quality, safety of HDR brachytherapy
• Key enzyme found in disease-causing bacteria responsible for heart valve disease
• Some metallic toys, low-cost jewelry present health risks for young children
• Experiential avoidance increases PTSD risk following child maltreatment
• Lung transplantation: A treatment option in end-stage lung disease
• Rough surface could keep small electronic parts from sticking together
• Hop leaves -- discarded in beer brewing -- have substances that could fight dental diseases
• A wristband for a different kind of cause ... environmental health
• When disaster strikes: Safeguarding networks
• Platform would protect smartphones from cyber criminals
• All work and no play for children: Losing their childhood and their happiness?
• Newly engineered molecules doom proteins with kiss of death
• Your face says it all? Not so fast

Complications following surgery predict costly readmissions Posted: 06 Mar 2014 08:23 AM PST The presence -- or absence -- of complications following surgery is a strong indicator of which patients are likely to be readmitted to the hospital in the 30 days following their procedure. Predicting which patients are most likely to experience complications using a simple online tool may allow healthcare professionals to flag patients at high risk of readmission in real time and alter care to reduce expensive trips back to the hospital.

computers used to 'see' neurons to better understand brain function Posted: 06 Mar 2014 08:22 AM PST A study reveals new information about the motor circuits of the brain that may one day help those developing therapies to treat conditions such as stroke, schizophrenia, spinal cord injury or Alzheimer's disease. In this study, which processed images and reconstructed neuronal motor circuitry in the brain, the researchers collected and analyzed data on minute structures over various developmental stages, linking neuroscience and computer science.

Earth's mantle plasticity explained Posted: 06 Mar 2014 08:22 AM PST The Earth's mantle is a solid layer that undergoes slow, continuous convective motion. But how do these rocks deform, thus making such motion possible, given that minerals such as olivine (the main constituent of the upper mantle) do not exhibit enough defects in their crystal lattice to explain the deformations observed in nature? Scientists have provided an unexpected answer to this question. It involves little known and hitherto neglected crystal defects, known as 'disclinations', which are located at the boundaries between the mineral grains that make up rocks.

Misplaced protein causes heart failure Posted: 06 Mar 2014 07:39 AM PST Decreasing the density of microtubules inside heart muscle cells prevents the abnormal localization of a critical protein called junctophilin 2 (JP2), and protects mice from heart failure, new research has found. Conversely, increasing microtubule density causes abnormal localization of JP2, which leads to loss of normal heart cell function and ultimately heart failure.

Strategies on the Internet to discredit generic drugs Posted: 06 Mar 2014 07:39 AM PST Although there is widespread consensus among the scientific community that the composition of generic drugs is identical to that of brand name drugs, this is not the case among the public. In a four-year study of over 3,000 opinions on Spanish web pages, researchers have identified communication strategies aimed at creating risk perceptions about generic drugs, which may influence the low usage of these drugs.

Hubble witnesses an asteroid mysteriously disintegrating Posted: 06 Mar 2014 07:08 AM PST The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has photographed the never-before-seen break-up of an asteroid, which has fragmented into as many as ten smaller pieces. Although fragile comet nuclei have been seen to fall apart as they approach the Sun, nothing like the breakup of this asteroid, P/2013 R3, has ever been observed before in the asteroid belt.

Engineering team increases power efficiency for future computer processors Posted: 06 Mar 2014 06:55 AM PST Scientists have made major improvements in computer processing using an emerging class of magnetic materials called 'multiferroics,' and these advances could make future devices far more energy-efficient than current technologies.

Heart failure unknowns a roadblock to managing health Posted: 06 Mar 2014 06:55 AM PST Patients and their families lack basic skills and knowledge to manage a heart condition successfully, new research shows. A systematic review of 49 studies, involving more than 1,600 patients and their caregivers, showed that this lack of knowledge leads to confusion, delays in seeking help, and uncertainty about the long-term outlook and how to manage their own care. Part of the problem is heart failure is not well understood by many patients or their families. Heart failure is not a heart attack, though the latter can cause the condition. Heart failure refers to an overall decline in function in which blood flow can't meet the body's demands.

Japanese Town: half the survivors of mega-earthquake, tsunami, have PTSD symptoms Posted: 06 Mar 2014 06:55 AM PST A new study shows that more than half the survivors in one Japanese town exhibited 'clinically concerning' symptoms of PTSD following the country's mega-earthquake and tsunami. Two-thirds of survivors also reported symptoms of depression. Having work to do has proven important in increasing resilience.

Classroom focus on social, emotional skills can lead to academic gains, study shows Posted: 06 Mar 2014 06:55 AM PST Classroom programs designed to improve elementary school students' social and emotional skills can also increase reading and math achievement, even if academic improvement is not a direct goal of the skills building, according to a study. The benefit holds true for students across a range of socio-economic backgrounds.

Addressing the rapid increase in cesarean birth rates Posted: 06 Mar 2014 06:55 AM PST A new, joint series called 'Obstetric Care Consensus' is being introduced by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. The first issue addresses the rapid increase in cesarean births. In 2011, one in three pregnant women in the U.S. delivered babies by cesarean delivery. While cesarean delivery may be life-saving for the mother, the baby or both, the rapid increase in cesarean birth rates since 1996 without clear indication raises concerns that this type of delivery may be overused.

Computational tool offers new insight into key biological processes Posted: 06 Mar 2014 06:54 AM PST Researchers have developed a computational tool designed to guide future research on biochemical pathways by identifying which components in a biological system are related to specific biochemical processes, including those processes responsible for gene expression, cell signaling, stress response, and metabolism.

Going nuclear, in a small way Posted: 06 Mar 2014 06:52 AM PST New research has provided a comprehensive overview of new small-scale nuclear reactors, which could be suitable candidates to cope with the world's ever growing demand for energy. According to official estimates world energy consumption in 2035 will be more than double that of 1995. A substantial challenge for engineers and scientists over the coming decades is to develop and deploy power plants with sufficient capacity and flexibility to meet this increasing need while simultaneously reducing emissions. The new article aims to show to what extent a new type of nuclear reactor, termed the 'Small Modular Reactor' (SMR), might provide a solution to fulfil these energy needs.

Collecting digital user data without invading privacy Posted: 06 Mar 2014 06:52 AM PST The statistical evaluation of digital user data is of vital importance for analyzing trends. But it can also undermine the privacy. Computer scientists have now developed a novel cryptographic method that makes it possible to collect data and protect the privacy of the user at the same time.

Robotic prosthesis turns drummer into a three-armed cyborg Posted: 06 Mar 2014 06:51 AM PST Scientists have created a robotic drumming prosthesis with motors that power two drumsticks. The first stick is controlled both physically by the musicians' arms and electronically using electromyography (EMG) muscle sensors. The other stick "listens" to the music being played and improvises.

New research could help make 'roll-up' digital screens a reality for all Posted: 06 Mar 2014 06:36 AM PST New technology could make flexible electronics such as roll-up tablet computers, widely available in the near future. So far, this area of electronic design has been hampered by unreliability and complexity of production.

Learning how to listen with neurofeedback Posted: 06 Mar 2014 06:36 AM PST When listening to music or learning a new language, auditory perceptual learning occurs: a process in which your recognition of specific sounds improves, making you more efficient in processing and interpreting them. A neuroscientist now shows that auditory perceptual learning can be facilitated using neurofeedback, helping to focus on the sound differences that really matter.

Atypical development in siblings of children with autism is detectable at 12 months Posted: 05 Mar 2014 04:17 PM PST Atypical development can be detected as early as 12 months of age among the siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder, a study has found. 28 percent of children with older siblings with ASD showed delays in other areas of development, identified in their social, communication, cognitive or motor development by 12 months. The most common deficits were in the social-communication domain, such as extreme shyness with unfamiliar people, lower levels of eye contact and delayed pointing. "Having a child in the family with autism spectrum disorder means that subsequent infants born into that family should be regularly screened for developmental and behavioral problems by their pediatricians," said the study's lead author.

New robotic refueling technologies tested Posted: 05 Mar 2014 04:17 PM PST NASA has successfully concluded a remotely controlled test of new technologies that would empower future space robots to transfer hazardous oxidizer -- a type of propellant -- into the tanks of satellites in space today.

Maize and bacteria: A one-two punch knocks copper out of stamp sand Posted: 05 Mar 2014 04:17 PM PST Scientists are working toward a simple, practical way to remediate mine waste laced with copper and other toxic elements. And they are shedding light on the inner workings of the plants and bacteria that do the cleanup.

Look back at US soybeans shows genetic improvement behind increased yields Posted: 05 Mar 2014 04:15 PM PST Soybean improvement through plant breeding has been critical over the years for the success of the crop. In a new study that traces the genetic changes in varieties over the last 80 years of soybean breeding, researchers concluded that increases in yield gains and an increased rate of gains over the years are largely due to the continual release of greater-yielding cultivars by breeders.

New insights into ancient Pacific settlers' diet: Diet based on foraging, not horticulture Posted: 05 Mar 2014 04:15 PM PST Researchers studying 3,000-year-old skeletons from the oldest known cemetery in the Pacific Islands are casting new light on the diet and lives of the enigmatic Lapita people, the likely ancestors of Polynesians. Their results—obtained from analysing stable isotope ratios of three elements in the bone collagen of 49 adults buried at the Teouma archaeological site on Vanuatu's Efate Island—suggest that its early Lapita settlers ate reef fish, marine turtles, fruit bats, free-range pigs and chickens, rather than primarily relying on growing crops for human food and animal fodder.

Pumping iron: A hydrogel actuator with mussel tone Posted: 05 Mar 2014 04:15 PM PST Using iron ions and chemistry found in the adhesive proteins of a certain mollusk, scientists have developed a hydrogel actuator that moves when its pH is raised. Hydrogels are soft networks of polymers with high water content, like jello. Because of their soft, gentle texture, they have the potential to interact safely with living tissues and have applications in a number of medical areas, including tissue engineering. The hydrogel moved on its own, bending like an inchworm where the ions had been deposited.

New structure in dogs' eye linked to blinding retinal diseases Posted: 05 Mar 2014 04:15 PM PST Vision scientists report that dogs have an area of their retina that strongly resembles the human fovea. What's more, this retinal region is susceptible to genetic blinding diseases in dogs just as it is in humans.

New dinosaur found in Portugal, largest terrestrial predator from Europe Posted: 05 Mar 2014 04:14 PM PST A new dinosaur species found in Portugal may be the largest land predator discovered in Europe, as well as one of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs from the Jurassic. T. gurneyi had blade-shaped teeth up to 10 cm long, which indicates it may have been at the top of the food chain in the Iberian Peninsula roughly 150 million years ago. The scientists estimate that the dinosaur could reach 10 meters long and weigh around 4 to 5 tons.

Human activity influences beach bacterial diversity Posted: 05 Mar 2014 04:14 PM PST Human activity influences ocean beach bacterial communities, and bacterial diversity may indicate greater ecological health and resiliency to sewage contamination. Beaches all contain bacteria, but some bacteria are usually from sewage and may contaminate the water, posing a public health risk.

Long-lasting device protects against HIV, pregnancy Posted: 05 Mar 2014 04:14 PM PST Women's reproductive health may never be the same, thanks to a biomedical engineer and his first-of-its-kind intravaginal ring that reliably delivers an antiretroviral drug and a contraceptive for months. The ring is designed to protect against HIV and herpes as well as unwanted pregnancy. It will be the first device with the potential to offer this protection to be tested in women. The ring, being manufactured now, soon will undergo its first test in women.

The Eurasian lynx as a key to the conservation and future viability of the endangered Iberian lynx Posted: 05 Mar 2014 04:13 PM PST Understanding the mechanisms which control reproduction in lynx is essential for their continued viability and effective conservation. Scientists discovered that the Corpus luteum of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) has the longest lifespan among mammals known to date. This hormone producing tissue is responsible for restricting this lynx species (and presumably the other lynx species as well) to only having one estrous cycle per year (mono-estrous) and therefore only one opportunity per year to become pregnant.

Alzheimer's disease much larger cause of death than reported, study shows Posted: 05 Mar 2014 04:12 PM PST Alzheimer's disease may contribute to close to as many deaths in the United States as heart disease or cancer, a new study suggests. Currently, Alzheimer's disease falls sixth on the list of leading causes of death in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), whereas heart disease and cancer are numbers one and two, respectively. These numbers are based on what is reported on death certificates.

Personalized gene therapy locks out HIV, paving the way to control virus without antiretroviral drugs Posted: 05 Mar 2014 04:11 PM PST The immune cells of 12 HIV positive patients have been successfully genetically engineered by researchers to resist infection, and decrease the viral loads of some patients taken off antiretroviral drug therapy (ADT) entirely -— including one patient whose levels became undetectable. The study is the first published report of any gene editing approach in humans. "This study shows that we can safely and effectively engineer an HIV patient's own T cells to mimic a naturally occurring resistance to the virus, infuse those engineered cells, have them persist in the body, and potentially keep viral loads at bay without the use of drugs," said the senior author.

A small step toward discovering habitable Earths Posted: 05 Mar 2014 01:08 PM PST For the first time, astronomers have used the same imaging technology found in a digital camera to take a picture of a planet far from our solar system with an Earth-based telescope. The accomplishment is a small step toward the technology astronomers will need in order to characterize planets suitable for harboring life.

Study suggests non-uniform climate warming globally Posted: 05 Mar 2014 01:07 PM PST A recent study of five decades of satellite data, model simulations and in situ observations suggests the impact of seasonal diurnal or daily warming varies between global regions affecting many ecosystem functions and services, such as food production, carbon sequestration and climate regulation. The effects of non-uniform climate warming on terrestrial ecosystems is a key challenge in carbon cycle research and for those making future predictions.

Inventive new way to profile immune cells in blood Posted: 05 Mar 2014 11:47 AM PST The specific proportions of immune cells in a blood sample form a profile that can indicate disease or exposure to a toxicant. A new epigenetic technique provides a reliable way to detect such profiles, even in archived blood where whole cells may no longer be intact. All the current means of counting immune cells in a blood sample require whole cells, but the new system relies on something far less ephemeral: DNA. Its use of hardy strands of genetic material allows it to handle even archived samples where cells have lost their physical integrity.

First-ever 3-D image created of the structure beneath Sierra Negra volcano Posted: 05 Mar 2014 11:47 AM PST The Galápagos Islands are home to some of the most active volcanoes in the world, with more than 50 eruptions in the last 200 years. Yet until recently, scientists knew far more about the history of finches, tortoises, and iguanas than of the volcanoes on which these unusual fauna had evolved. Now research is providing a better picture of the subterranean plumbing system that feeds the Galápagos volcanoes.

Drug therapy could eventually reverse memory decline in seniors Posted: 05 Mar 2014 11:47 AM PST It may seem normal: As we age, we misplace car keys, or can't remember a name we just learned or a meal we just ordered. But researchers say memory trouble doesn't have to be inevitable, and they've found a drug therapy that could potentially reverse this type of memory decline. The drug can't yet be used in humans, but the researchers are pursuing compounds that could someday help the population of aging adults who don't have Alzheimer's or other dementias but still have trouble remembering day-to-day items.

Biomarkers of cell death in Alzheimer's reverse course after symptom onset Posted: 05 Mar 2014 11:47 AM PST Three promising biomarkers being studied to detect Alzheimer's disease in its early stages appear to undergo a surprising shift as patients develop symptoms of dementia, researchers report. Scientists found in a recent study that the levels of markers of neuronal injury increase in the spinal fluid for a decade or more before the onset of dementia. But in a new twist, the research shows for the first time that they later reverse course, decreasing as symptoms of memory loss and mental decline appear.

Chandra and XMM-Newton provide direct measurement of distant black hole's spin Posted: 05 Mar 2014 10:54 AM PST Astronomers have used NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and the European Space Agency's (ESA's) XMM-Newton to show a supermassive black hole six billion light years from Earth is spinning extremely rapidly. This first direct measurement of the spin of such a distant black hole is an important advance for understanding how black holes grow over time.

Asteroid will safely pass closer than moon on March 5 Posted: 05 Mar 2014 10:45 AM PST As happens about 20 times a year with current detection capabilities, a known asteroid will safely pass Earth on March 5 closer than the distance from Earth to the moon.

Warm rivers play role in Arctic sea ice melt Posted: 05 Mar 2014 10:40 AM PST The heat from warm river waters draining into the Arctic Ocean is contributing to the melting of Arctic sea ice each summer, a new NASA study finds.

First step towards 'programmable materials': Sheet metal that never rattles Posted: 05 Mar 2014 10:24 AM PST Researchers have succeeded in producing a prototype of a vibration-damping material that could change the world of mechanics forever. The material of the future is not only able to damp vibrations completely. It can also specifically conduct certain frequencies further.

New program for students with autism offers hope after high school Posted: 05 Mar 2014 10:24 AM PST The Center on Secondary Education for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (CSESA) developed its approach from research in several fields. Because of the complex educational needs of many students with autism, it was important to develop a comprehensive program for high schools. CSESA focuses on understanding emotions, developing friendships, and social problem-solving -- and it draws from new research in implementation science so that schools can put the program into place quickly and effectively.

Ultra sensitive detection of radio waves with lasers Posted: 05 Mar 2014 10:23 AM PST Radio waves are used for many measurements and applications, for example, in communication with mobile phones, MRI scans, scientific experiments and cosmic observations. But 'noise' in the detector of the measuring instrument limits how sensitive and precise the measurements can be. Now researchers have developed a new method where they can avoid noise by means of laser light and can therefore achieve extreme precision of measurements.

A single gene, doublesex, controls wing mimicry in butterflies Posted: 05 Mar 2014 10:23 AM PST A single gene regulates the complex wing patterns, colors and structures required for mimicry in swallowtail butterflies, report scientists. Surprisingly, the gene described, doublesex, is already well-known for its critical role in sexual differentiation in insects.

Seeking quantum-ness: D-Wave chip passes rigorous tests Posted: 05 Mar 2014 09:53 AM PST D-Wave quantum processor passes tests indicating that it uses special laws of quantum mechanics to operate. A key task for researchers has been to determine whether D-Wave processors operate as hoped -- using the special laws of quantum mechanics to offer potentially higher-speed processing, instead of operating in a classical, traditional way.

Save money and the planet: Turn your old milk jugs into 3-D printer filament Posted: 05 Mar 2014 09:52 AM PST Making your own stuff with a 3-D printer is vastly cheaper than what you'd pay for manufactured goods, even factoring in the cost of buying the plastic filament. Yet, you can drive the cost down even more by making your own filament from old milk jugs. And, while you are patting yourself on the back for saving 99 cents on the dollar, there's a bonus: you can feel warm and fuzzy about preserving the environment. Making your own plastic 3-D printer filament from milk jugs uses less energy -- often a lot less -- than recycling milk jugs conventionally.

Are bilingual kids more open-minded? Probably not Posted: 05 Mar 2014 09:52 AM PST Like monolingual children, bilingual children prefer to interact with those who speak their mother tongue with a native accent rather than with peers with a foreign accent. "We show biases early on, so it might be necessary to educate all kids, regardless of their linguistic background, about what an accent is and how it doesn't reflect anything about people other than the fact that they are not speaking their native language," says a co-author.

Bioinspired, sponge-like shrinking gel steers tooth, tissue formation Posted: 05 Mar 2014 09:52 AM PST A new bioinspired sponge-like gel shrinks single-handedly, squeezing unspecialized cells inside it and turning them into cells that begin to form teeth. The new material was inspired by the embryo's power to shape organs, and it could enable engineering of new teeth, bone, or other tissues, scientists report.

Guidance for optimal quality, safety of HDR brachytherapy Posted: 05 Mar 2014 09:52 AM PST A new white paper has been issued that recommends specific guidance to follow in the delivery of high-dose-rate brachytherapy to improve quality and patient safety. To ensure correct actions are followed for a specific brachytherapy procedure, the white paper recommends the use of a quality management program, including checklists and forms to maintain quality and prevent errors. Also, due to the multidisciplinary nature of HDR brachytherapy treatment, the modality requires coordination among several clinicians to treat the patient accurately and safely.

Key enzyme found in disease-causing bacteria responsible for heart valve disease Posted: 05 Mar 2014 09:52 AM PST A disease-causing bacterium found in the mouth needs manganese, a trace mineral, in order to cause a serious heart infection, according to a preclinical study. Researchers have been studying the bacterium Streptococcus sanguinis to understand its role in infective endocarditis, a heart valve disease. The infection is hard to treat and can be deadly, killing more than 20 percent of the people who contract it. The findings, which may solve a longstanding mystery of why some bacteria need manganese to cause disease, provide possible new targets for antibiotics.

Some metallic toys, low-cost jewelry present health risks for young children Posted: 05 Mar 2014 09:52 AM PST We know that babies and young children often put non-food items in their mouths, a behavior that occasionally leads to swallowing of foreign objects. Metallic toys and low-cost jewelry often contain toxic substances such as lead and cadmium. Do these objects present a health risk for young children? "We observed that cadmium and lead contamination, both very toxic metals, are a major problem, especially when it comes to metallic jewelry and toys. Copper, nickel, arsenic and antimony were also present in some samples," explains the author of a new article.

Experiential avoidance increases PTSD risk following child maltreatment Posted: 05 Mar 2014 09:52 AM PST Child abuse is a reliable predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder, but not all maltreated children suffer from it, according researchers, who examined why some maltreated children develop PTSD and some do not. The research team found that adolescent girls who experienced maltreatment in the past year and were willing to talk about their painful experiences and their thoughts and emotions, were less likely to have PTSD symptoms one year later. Those who tried to avoid painful thoughts and emotions were significantly more likely to exhibit PTSD symptoms down the road.

Lung transplantation: A treatment option in end-stage lung disease Posted: 05 Mar 2014 09:51 AM PST In the past five years, the number of lung transplantations carried out has increased by about 20 percent. In the end stage of various lung diseases, transplantation is the last remaining option for treatment, and it can both prolong life and improve its quality. Researchers have studied how patients do after a lung transplant, and their review has recently been published.

Rough surface could keep small electronic parts from sticking together Posted: 05 Mar 2014 09:51 AM PST When a piece of gift-wrapping tape sticks to itself, it's frustrating, but when small parts in a microgear or micromotor stick together, an electronic device may not work well, if at all. Scientists now report that rough zinc oxide coatings can prevent tiny silicon parts from adhering to each other. The study could accelerate the development of even more advanced, high-performance electronics and small sensors.

Hop leaves -- discarded in beer brewing -- have substances that could fight dental diseases Posted: 05 Mar 2014 09:51 AM PST Beer drinkers know that hops are what gives the drink its bitterness and aroma. Recently, scientists reported that the part of hops that isn't used for making beer contains healthful antioxidants and could be used to battle cavities and gum disease. Researchers say that they've identified some of the substances that could be responsible for these healthful effects.

A wristband for a different kind of cause ... environmental health Posted: 05 Mar 2014 09:51 AM PST From 'Livestrong' to 'Purple Paws,' trendy wristbands have come to represent causes from cancer to ending cruelty to animals. Add a new wristband of a different sort: one that could close the loop on determining the potential disease risks of exposure to substances like pesticides.

When disaster strikes: Safeguarding networks Posted: 05 Mar 2014 09:51 AM PST Disasters both natural and human-caused can damage or destroy data and communications networks. New information on strategies that can mitigate the impacts of these disasters.

Platform would protect smartphones from cyber criminals Posted: 05 Mar 2014 09:51 AM PST Criminals don't have to pick your pocket to get what they want out of your mobile. But a certifiably secure operating platform is being developed by researchers so that consumers can be confident that their mobile data is safe.

All work and no play for children: Losing their childhood and their happiness? Posted: 05 Mar 2014 09:51 AM PST A UK Department for Health-commissioned survey in 2004 concluded that 1 in 10 British children aged 5-16 are diagnosed with mental disorders. Childhood stress, psychological problems and self-abuse are increasing. Gone are the hazy days when kids could run free all day and play. Through play "children develop… an emergent sense of competence … feelings of 'belonging', 'usefulness', and subsequent well-being". When deprived of play, children lack social connectivity and have less 'mental wellness'.

Newly engineered molecules doom proteins with kiss of death Posted: 05 Mar 2014 09:49 AM PST Like mobsters following strict orders, newly engineered molecules called "ubiquibodies" can mark specific proteins inside a cell for destruction -- a molecular kiss of death that is paving the way for new drug therapies and powerful research tools. For instance, in a cancer cell in which a certain protein has been identified as contributing to the disease, the ubiquibody could reduce or eliminate the protein from within by targeting that specific protein only, the authors suggest.

Your face says it all? Not so fast Posted: 05 Mar 2014 08:10 AM PST New research calls into question the very foundations of emotion science. It's a con­cept that had become uni­ver­sally under­stood: humans expe­ri­ence six basic emotions -- happiness, sad­ness, anger, fear, dis­gust, and surprise -- and use the same set of facial move­ments to express them. What's more, we can rec­og­nize emo­tions on another's face, whether that person hails from Boston or Borneo. The only problem with this con­cept, according to new research, is that it isn't true at all. Researchers have found that even basic human emotions are in fact not universally perceived.

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