ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Off the shelf, on the skin: Stick-on electronic patches for health monitoring
• New U.S. time standard: Atomic clock will neither gain nor lose one second in about 300 million years
• Quantum computing: Quantum photon properties revealed in another particle -- the plasmon
• Researchers probe the next generation of 2-D materials
• What bank voles can teach us about prion disease transmission and neurodegeneration
• Aging workforce requires new strategies for employee retention
• Large-scale fences can cause ecological meltdown, study shows
• Smoking may dull obese women’s ability to taste fat, sugar
• Researchers design trees that make it easier to produce paper
• Hot mantle drives elevation, volcanism along mid-ocean ridges
• Gravity measurements confirm subsurface ocean on Saturn's moon Enceladus
• Race now or later? Calculating best time to compete after altitude training
• Moonwalker flies backing up
• Monster 'El Gordo' galaxy cluster is bigger than thought
• Meet space station’s small satellite launcher suite
• NASA model provides a 3-D look at L.A.-area quake
• NASA radar watches over California's aging levees
• NASA's OCO-2 brings sharp focus on global carbon
• Computer models soybean crop with 8.5 percent more productivity, using 13 percent less water
• Energy breakthrough uses sun to create solar energy materials
• Sage grouse losing habitat to fire as endangered species decision looms
• Cave-dwelling fish examination finds possible genetic link to human disorders
• Quantum cryptography for mobile phones
• Patient stem cells help identify common problem in ALS
• Hummingbirds' 22-million-year-old history of remarkable change is far from complete
• New study casts doubt on heart regeneration in mammals
• Dog walking attitudes: Stoop to scoop the poop?
• 'Unbreakable' security codes inspired by nature
• Voluntary climate action is a function of information and education
• Indigenous societies' 'first contact' typically brings collapse, but rebounds are possible
• Tiny wireless sensing device alerts users to telltale vapors remotely
• New approach to detecting changes in GM foods
• Tumor suppressor gene TP53 mutated in 90 percent of most common childhood bone tumor
• Unraveling tangled origin of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Fermi data tantalize with new clues to dark matter: Gamma rays from center of Milky Way galaxy
• Pulmonary hypertension deaths have increased over past decade, according to report
• Attracting wild bees to farms is good insurance policy
• Tiny power generator runs on spit
• Nanoparticles cause cancer cells to self-destruct
• Radium-223 dichloride in prostate cancer: Major added benefit for certain patients
• People with higher bonuses don't give more to charity
• Do you always agree with the topics newspaper editors choose to cover?
• Drawing conclusions: Children's drawings during abuse investigations
• When managers attack: Coaches who care about pundits’ opinions worse at controlling anger
• Pocket-size ultrasonic nebulizer employing a novel nozzle improves inhalers
• Structural insights into inner workings of viral nanomachine
• Tiny biomolecular tweezers studying force effect of cells
• Brazil is site of the first regional ocean health index
• Chowing down on watermelon could lower blood pressure, study suggests
• Women entrepreneurs have limited chances to lead their new businesses
• Women do not apply to 'male-sounding' job postings
• Metabolites' role in understanding disease emphasized
• How electrodes charge and discharge: Analysis probes charge transfer in porous battery electrodes for first time
• 'Homo' is the only primate whose tooth size decreases as its brain size increases
• Ultrathin collagen matrix biomaterial tool for 3-D microtissue engineering
• Bruising detection system can distinguish between accident, real harm in child injuries
• What influences us most when choosing wine?
• Satellite view of volcanoes finds the link between ground deformation and eruption
• Economic evaluation of an osteoporosis screening campaign using FRAX
• Public exposure leads to an increase in corrections to the scientific record

Off the shelf, on the skin: Stick-on electronic patches for health monitoring Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:26 PM PDT Wearing a fitness tracker on your wrist or clipped to your belt is so 2013. Engineers have demonstrated thin, soft stick-on patches that stretch and move with the skin and incorporate off-the-shelf electronics for sophisticated wireless health monitoring. The patches stick to the skin like a temporary tattoo and incorporate a unique microfluidic construction with wires folded like origami to allow the patch to bend and flex.

New U.S. time standard: Atomic clock will neither gain nor lose one second in about 300 million years Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:26 PM PDT National Institute of Standards and Technology has officially launched a new atomic clock, called NIST-F2, to serve as a new US civilian time and frequency standard, along with the current NIST-F1 standard. NIST-F2 would neither gain nor lose one second in about 300 million years, making it about three times as accurate as NIST-F1, which has served as the standard since 1999. Both clocks use a 'fountain' of cesium atoms to determine the exact length of a second.

Quantum computing: Quantum photon properties revealed in another particle -- the plasmon Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:26 PM PDT One approach to make qubits for quantum computing relies on the creation of two single photons that interfere with one another in a device called a waveguide. Results from a recent applied science study support the idea that waveguides coupled with another quantum particle -- the surface plasmon -- could also become an important piece of the quantum computing puzzle.

Researchers probe the next generation of 2-D materials Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:25 PM PDT As the properties and applications of graphene continue to be explored in laboratories all over the world, a growing number of researchers are looking beyond the one-atom-thick layer of carbon for alternative materials that exhibit similarly captivating properties.

What bank voles can teach us about prion disease transmission and neurodegeneration Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:25 PM PDT Transmission of prions between species is inefficient, and only a small proportion of exposed recipients become sick within their lifetimes. A new study takes a close look at one exception to this rule: bank voles appear to lack a species barrier for prion transmission, and their universal susceptibility turns out to be both informative and useful for the development of strategies to prevent prion transmission.

Aging workforce requires new strategies for employee retention Posted: 03 Apr 2014 12:46 PM PDT As more baby boomers working in state governments reach retirement age, state governments face the likelihood of higher workforce turnover. Such large numbers of retirees could threaten the continuity, membership and institutional histories of the state government workforce. Researchers concluded that states may need to restructure deferred retirement incentives to encourage more employees to remain on the job longer and minimize the disruption to government operations.

Large-scale fences can cause ecological meltdown, study shows Posted: 03 Apr 2014 12:45 PM PDT Scientists have reviewed the 'pros and cons' of large scale fencing and argue that fencing should only be used as a last resort. Wildlife fences are constructed for a variety of reasons including to prevent the spread of diseases, protect wildlife from poachers, and to help manage small populations of threatened species. Human-wildlife conflict is another common reason for building fences: Wildlife can damage valuable livestock, crops, or infrastructure, some species carry diseases of agricultural concern, and a few threaten human lives. At the same time, people kill wild animals for food, trade, or to defend lives or property, and human activities degrade wildlife habitat. Separating people and wildlife by fencing can appear to be a mutually bene cial way to avoid such detrimental effects.

Smoking may dull obese women’s ability to taste fat, sugar Posted: 03 Apr 2014 12:45 PM PDT Cigarette smoking among obese women appears to interfere with their ability to taste fats and sweets, a new study shows. Despite craving high-fat, sugary foods, these women were less likely than others to perceive these tastes, which may drive them to consume more calories. "Obese people often crave high-fat foods," she said. "Our findings suggest that having this intense craving but not perceiving fat and sweetness in food may lead these women to eat more. Since smoking and obesity are risk factors for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, the additional burden of craving more fats and sugars, while not fully tasting them, could be detrimental to health."

Researchers design trees that make it easier to produce paper Posted: 03 Apr 2014 11:20 AM PDT Researchers have genetically engineered trees that will be easier to break down to produce paper and biofuel, a breakthrough that will mean using fewer chemicals, less energy and creating fewer environmental pollutants.

Hot mantle drives elevation, volcanism along mid-ocean ridges Posted: 03 Apr 2014 11:20 AM PDT Using data from seismic waves, scientists have shown that temperature deep in Earth's mantle controls the elevation and volcanic activity along mid-ocean ridges, colossal mountain ranges that line the ocean floor. The findings bolster the idea that warm mantle plumes are responsible for 'hot spot' volcanism, and shed new light on how temperature in the depths of the mantle influences the contours of the Earth's crust.

Gravity measurements confirm subsurface ocean on Saturn's moon Enceladus Posted: 03 Apr 2014 11:20 AM PDT In 2005, NASA's Cassini spacecraft sent pictures back to Earth depicting an icy Saturnian moon spewing water vapor and ice from fractures, known as "tiger stripes," in its frozen surface. It was big news that tiny Enceladus -- a mere 500 kilometers in diameter -- was such an active place. Since then, scientists have hypothesized that a large reservoir of water lies beneath that icy surface, possibly fueling the plumes. Now, using gravity measurements collected by Cassini, scientists have confirmed that Enceladus does in fact harbor a large subsurface ocean near its south pole, beneath those tiger stripes.

Race now or later? Calculating best time to compete after altitude training Posted: 03 Apr 2014 11:18 AM PDT A number of studies focus on the optimal time to begin altitude training before competition, but few address the best time to come down from altitude and how long athletes should wait to reacclimatize before competing. Researchers search for the answers in the new review article.

Moonwalker flies backing up Posted: 03 Apr 2014 11:18 AM PDT A team of researchers managed to isolate "moonwalker flies" in a high-throughput screen. Screening a large collection of fruit flies, the scientists found specimens that seemed locked in reverse gear. Researchers were able to trace these changes in walking direction back to the activity of specific neurons in the brain.

Monster 'El Gordo' galaxy cluster is bigger than thought Posted: 03 Apr 2014 11:18 AM PDT Astronomers have weighed the largest known galaxy cluster in the distant universe and found that it definitely lives up to its nickname: El Gordo (Spanish for "the fat one"). By precisely measuring how much the gravity from the cluster's mass warps images of far-more-distant background galaxies, a team of astronomers has calculated the cluster's mass to be as much as 3 million billion times the mass of our Sun. The Hubble data show that the cluster is roughly 43 percent more massive than earlier estimates based on X-ray and dynamical studies of the unusual cluster.

Meet space station’s small satellite launcher suite Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:49 AM PDT It used to be that building and launching a working satellite was an enormously expensive and complex undertaking, feasible only for governmental and military agencies. But the CubeSat revolution of the past decade has placed satellite technology within reach of private companies, universities and even unaffiliated individuals. That revolution has been boosted by the existence of the International Space Station, which provides an additional launching platform enabled through regular commercial cargo flights.

NASA model provides a 3-D look at L.A.-area quake Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:44 AM PDT On March 28, residents of Greater Los Angeles experienced the largest earthquake to strike the region since 2008. The magnitude 5.1 quake was centered near La Habra in northwestern Orange County about 21 miles (33 kilometers) east-southeast of Los Angeles, and was widely felt throughout Southern California. There have been hundreds of aftershocks, including one of magnitude 4.1.

NASA radar watches over California's aging levees Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:40 AM PDT NASA is working with California's water managers to spot tiny signs of trouble in the Sacramento River delta levees, using a research radar.

NASA's OCO-2 brings sharp focus on global carbon Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:37 AM PDT Natural processes are working hard to keep the carbon cycle in balance by absorbing about half of our carbon emissions, limiting the extent of climate change. There's a lot we don't know about these processes, including where they are occurring and how they might change as the climate warms. To understand and prepare for the carbon cycle of the future, we have an urgent need to find out. In July 2014, NASA will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) to study the fate of carbon dioxide worldwide.

Computer models soybean crop with 8.5 percent more productivity, using 13 percent less water Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:23 AM PDT Crops that produce more while using less water seem like a dream for a world with a burgeoning population and already strained resources. This dream is closer to reality for researchers who developed a new computer model to help plant scientists breed better soybean crops. The model predicts a soybean crop with 8.5 percent more productivity, but using 13 percent less water, by breeding for slightly different leaf distribution, angles and reflectivity.

Energy breakthrough uses sun to create solar energy materials Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:23 AM PDT Researchers have discovered a way to tap the sun not only as a source of power, but also to directly produce the solar energy materials that make this possible. This breakthrough could make the sun almost a 'one-stop shop' that produces both the materials for solar devices and the eternal energy to power them.

Sage grouse losing habitat to fire as endangered species decision looms Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:23 AM PDT Wildfire is the predominant cause of habitat loss in the Great Basin. Reseeding burned land to stabilize soils has not restored sagebrush habitat for the endangered greater sage grouse, according to a report. The US Fish and Wildlife Service is considering protecting the grouse under the Endangered Species act, which could affect the management of 250,000 square miles of land in the western US.

Cave-dwelling fish examination finds possible genetic link to human disorders Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:23 AM PDT Researchers have identified a genetic association with facial asymmetry in an ancient cavefish, a natural trait that may solve mysteries surrounding facial asymmetries in humans -- conditions such as cleft palate or hemifacial microsomia. "By understanding how genes are behaving differently on the right versus the left sides, we hope to discover why many craniofacial alterations are more severe or present on only one side of the face in humans," says Gross.

Quantum cryptography for mobile phones Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:23 AM PDT An ultra-high security scheme that could one day get quantum cryptography using Quantum Key Distribution into mobile devices has been developed and demonstrated. Secure mobile communications underpin our society and through mobile phones, tablets and laptops we have become online consumers. The security of mobile transactions is obscure to most people but is absolutely essential if we are to stay protected from malicious online attacks, fraud and theft.

Patient stem cells help identify common problem in ALS Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:22 AM PDT A recently approved medication for epilepsy may possibly be a meaningful treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis -- Lou Gehrig's disease, a uniformly fatal neurodegenerative disorder, new stem cell research has shown. The researchers are now designing an initial clinical trial testing the safety of the treatment in ALS patients.

Hummingbirds' 22-million-year-old history of remarkable change is far from complete Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:22 AM PDT The first comprehensive map of hummingbirds' 22-million-year-old family tree -- reconstructed based on careful analysis of 284 of the world's 338 known species -- tells a story of rapid and ongoing diversification. The decade-long study also helps to explain how today's hummingbirds came to live where they do.

New study casts doubt on heart regeneration in mammals Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:22 AM PDT The mammalian heart has generally been considered to lack the ability to repair itself after injury, but a 2011 study in newborn mice challenged this view, providing evidence for complete regeneration after resection of 10 percent of the apex, the lowest part of the heart. In a new study researchers attempted to replicate these recent findings but failed to uncover any evidence of complete heart regeneration in newborn mice that underwent apex resection.

Dog walking attitudes: Stoop to scoop the poop? Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:21 AM PDT Most dog walkers are happy and even proud to bag and bin their dog's waste, some might leave waste if they are off the beaten track or in more rural locations, while a small proportion of dog walkers are totally disengaged from the idea that picking up their dog waste is the "right thing to do". Researchers looked at what factors influence dog walker behavior and how those who do not do the right thing might be persuaded to take charge of their dog mess.

'Unbreakable' security codes inspired by nature Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:21 AM PDT A revolutionary new method of encrypting confidential information has been patented by scientists inspired by their discoveries from human biology, which model how the heart and lungs coordinate their rhythms by passing information between each other.

Voluntary climate action is a function of information and education Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:21 AM PDT What is it that prompts citizens in Germany to do something about climate change on a voluntary basis? Of major significance here is a mixture of factual knowledge, subjective assumptions and hearsay. This is the result of an online field study involving 2,000 German citizens and conducted by environmental economists at Heidelberg University. In a research project at the Alfred Weber Institute for Economics, they inquired into the factors determining the so-called "willingness to pay" in connection with individual climate action.

Indigenous societies' 'first contact' typically brings collapse, but rebounds are possible Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:19 AM PDT A new analysis paints a grim picture of the experiences of indigenous societies following contact with Western Europeans, but also offers hope to those seeking to preserve Brazil's remaining indigenous societies.

Tiny wireless sensing device alerts users to telltale vapors remotely Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:19 AM PDT Researchers have developed a small electronic sensing device that can alert users wirelessly to the presence of chemical vapors in the atmosphere. The technology, which could be manufactured using familiar aerosol-jet printing techniques, is aimed at myriad applications in military, commercial, environmental, healthcare and other areas.

New approach to detecting changes in GM foods Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:19 AM PDT Does genetic manipulation causes unintended changes in food quality and composition? Are genetically modified (GM) foods less nutritious than their non-GM counterparts, or different in unknown ways? Despite extensive cultivation and testing of GM foods, those questions still linger in the minds of many consumers. A new study demonstrates a potentially more powerful approach to answering them.

Tumor suppressor gene TP53 mutated in 90 percent of most common childhood bone tumor Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:19 AM PDT Mutations in the tumor suppressor gene TP53 have been found in 90 percent of osteosarcomas, suggesting the alteration plays a key role early in development of the bone cancer. The discovery that TP53 is altered in nearly every osteosarcoma also helps to explain a long-standing paradox in osteosarcoma treatment, which is why at standard doses radiation therapy is largely ineffective against the tumor.

Unraveling tangled origin of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Posted: 03 Apr 2014 10:17 AM PDT By studying nerve cells that originated in patients with a severe neurological disease, a researcher has pinpointed an error in protein formation that could be the root of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Also called Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS causes paralysis and death. According to the ALS Association, as many as 30,000 Americans are living with ALS.

Fermi data tantalize with new clues to dark matter: Gamma rays from center of Milky Way galaxy Posted: 03 Apr 2014 09:36 AM PDT A new study of gamma-ray light from the center of our galaxy makes the strongest case to date that some of this emission may arise from dark matter, an unknown substance making up most of the material universe. Using publicly available data from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, independent scientists at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA), the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Chicago have developed new maps showing that the galactic center produces more high-energy gamma rays than can be explained by known sources and that this excess emission is consistent with some forms of dark matter.

Pulmonary hypertension deaths have increased over past decade, according to report Posted: 03 Apr 2014 07:58 AM PDT Deaths from pulmonary hypertension have increased over the past decade, according to a study. Pulmonary hypertension is characterized by increased blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, causing the right side of the heart to work harder. Common causes of pulmonary hypertension include congestive heart failure, other heart diseases, birth defects of the heart, chronic lung disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and certain autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. The risk of pulmonary hypertension increases in older patients.

Attracting wild bees to farms is good insurance policy Posted: 03 Apr 2014 07:58 AM PDT Investing in habitat that attracts and supports wild bees in farms is not only an effective approach to helping enhance crop pollination, but it can also pay for itself in four years or less, according to research. The paper gives farmers of pollination-dependent crops tangible results to convert marginal acreage to fields of wildflowers.

Tiny power generator runs on spit Posted: 03 Apr 2014 07:58 AM PDT Saliva-powered micro-sized microbial fuel cells can produce minute amounts of energy sufficient to run on-chip applications, according to engineers. Biomedical devices using micro-sized microbial fuel cells would be portable and have their energy source available anywhere.

Nanoparticles cause cancer cells to self-destruct Posted: 03 Apr 2014 07:58 AM PDT Using magnetically controlled nanoparticles to force tumor cells to 'self-destruct' sounds like science fiction, but could be a future part of cancer treatment, according to research. "The clever thing about the technique is that we can target selected cells without harming surrounding tissue. There are many ways to kill cells, but this method is contained and remote-controlled," said one researcher.

Radium-223 dichloride in prostate cancer: Major added benefit for certain patients Posted: 03 Apr 2014 07:58 AM PDT Radium-223 dichloride has been approved since November 2013 for men with advanced prostate cancer, in whom hormone blockade is no longer effective, and symptomatic bone metastases, but without visceral metastases. In an early benefit assessment, researchers examined whether this new drug offers an added benefit over the appropriate comparator therapy. No evaluable data were available for the comparison with docetaxel in patients in whom prolongation of life was the primary treatment goal. Hence an added benefit is not proven for this comparison.

People with higher bonuses don't give more to charity Posted: 03 Apr 2014 07:57 AM PDT People who receive higher bonuses are less likely to give to charity than those on lower earnings, research from economists has demonstrated. The study shows higher earners are less inclined to give, and donate a similar share of their money compared to those on lower incomes. The researchers also found that people getting high bonuses tended to attribute their windfall to their own hard work or achievement, even if in fact it was actually just down to good fortune.

Do you always agree with the topics newspaper editors choose to cover? Posted: 03 Apr 2014 07:57 AM PDT Research suggests social media users don't always agree with newspaper editors about which topics are the most important, a new article reveals. New results show significant differences in the topics emphasized by newspaper editors and social media users. While users of social media platforms favor sharing opinion pieces, along with national, local and world news, the editors themselves emphasized sport, the economy, entertainment and celebrity stories.

Drawing conclusions: Children's drawings during abuse investigations Posted: 03 Apr 2014 07:22 AM PDT Illustrations by children can be a critical tool in forensic investigations of child abuse. A recent study compared the results when child abuse victims were offered the opportunity to draw during questioning with results when victims were not offered this opportunity. "The act of drawing was not only an empowering experience for these children," said the lead investigator. "We had no idea the gap would be so great between those who drew and those who weren't given this option."

When managers attack: Coaches who care about pundits’ opinions worse at controlling anger Posted: 03 Apr 2014 07:21 AM PDT The notoriously short fuses of some sports coaches could be explained by excessive concern with how they will be seen by others, according to new research. Coaches who were more focused on their own high standards and less interested in the opinions of others were significantly better at controlling feelings of anger than those who were very focused on others' opinions of their performance.

Pocket-size ultrasonic nebulizer employing a novel nozzle improves inhalers Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:55 AM PDT Inhalation is an increasingly important route for non-invasive drug delivery for both systemic and local applications. Control of particle size and output plays a critical role in the efficient and effective delivery of often expensive medications to the lung. Drugs designed to treat pulmonary diseases or for systemic absorption through the alveolar capillary bed require optimum particle sizes for effective delivery.

Structural insights into inner workings of viral nanomachine Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:55 AM PDT Researchers are using new nanoscale imaging approaches to shed light on the dynamic activities of rotaviruses, important pathogens that cause life-threatening diarrhea in young children. Once a rotavirus enters a host cell, it sheds its outermost protein layer, leaving behind a double-layered particle (DLP). These DLPs are the form of the virus that produces messenger RNA molecules, which are critical for launching the infection.

Tiny biomolecular tweezers studying force effect of cells Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:55 AM PDT A new type of biomolecular tweezers could help researchers study how mechanical forces affect the biochemical activity of cells and proteins. The devices -- too small to see without a microscope -- use opposing magnetic and electrophoretic forces to precisely stretch the cells and molecules, holding them in position so that the activity of receptors and other biochemical activity can be studied.

Brazil is site of the first regional ocean health index Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:54 AM PDT Brazil was the site of the first Ocean Health Index regional assessment designed to evaluate the economic, social and ecological uses and benefits that people derive from the ocean. The index assesses ocean health with respect to the benefits and services it provides to people both now and in the future. Using a scale of 0-100, the index produces scores for each of 10 categories -- Artisanal Fishing Opportunities; Biodiversity; Carbon Storage; Clean Waters; Coastal Protection; Food Provision; Livelihoods & Economies; Natural Products; Sense of Place; and Tourism & Recreation -- referred to as goals.

Chowing down on watermelon could lower blood pressure, study suggests Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:54 AM PDT Watermelon could significantly reduce blood pressure in overweight individuals both at rest and while under stress. "The pressure on the aorta and on the heart decreased after consuming watermelon extract," the small study concludes.

Women entrepreneurs have limited chances to lead their new businesses Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:54 AM PDT Women who start new businesses with men have limited opportunities to move into leadership roles, according to sociologists. The research also found that when women co-found a business with their husbands, they have even fewer chances to be in charge. The study comes on the heels of a recent debate about businesses with all-male boards of directors and adds to a growing body of knowledge that documents women's limited access to leadership roles in the business world.

Women do not apply to 'male-sounding' job postings Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:54 AM PDT Even the wording of an employment ad can be a crucial factor whether the job goes to a woman or a man -- as women tend not to apply in case of doubt. They feel less inclined to respond to ads containing frequently used words like 'determined' and 'assertive' because such words are linked with male stereotypes.

Metabolites' role in understanding disease emphasized Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:54 AM PDT Over-reliance on genetic-centered approaches in predicting, diagnosing and treating disease will lead to few future scientific breakthroughs, cautioned a researcher who co-authored an article that advocates for a greater emphasis on the body's metabolites in understanding illnesses. "To augment the value of genetic data, the scientific community needs to add additional information from things like metabolomics -- the analysis of metabolites within an organism," said the lead author.

How electrodes charge and discharge: Analysis probes charge transfer in porous battery electrodes for first time Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:54 AM PDT A new analysis probes charge transfer in porous battery electrodes for the first time. The electrochemical reactions inside the porous electrodes of batteries and fuel cells have been described by theorists, but never measured directly. Now, scientists have figured out a way to measure the fundamental charge transfer rate -- finding some significant surprises.

'Homo' is the only primate whose tooth size decreases as its brain size increases Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:54 AM PDT Scientists have discovered a curious characteristic of the members of the human lineage, classed as the genus Homo: they are the only primates where, throughout their 2.5-million year history, the size of their teeth has decreased in tandem with the increase in their brain size.

Ultrathin collagen matrix biomaterial tool for 3-D microtissue engineering Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:54 AM PDT A novel ultrathin collagen matrix assembly allows for the unprecedented maintenance of liver cell morphology and function in a microscale 'organ-on-a-chip' device that is one example of 3D microtissue engineering. This technology allows researchers to provide cells with the precise extracellular matrix cues that they require to maintain their differentiated form and liverspecific functions, including albumin and urea production.

Bruising detection system can distinguish between accident, real harm in child injuries Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:54 AM PDT A novel sensing skin adapted to a child surrogate is capable of capturing and recording potential bruising locations and impact force when used in simulated injurious events. "The presence, distribution and location of bruising on a child's body provide a roadmap documenting a child's exposure to impact; this information can be critical in a forensic analysis of a child's injuries," states the senior author.

What influences us most when choosing wine? Posted: 03 Apr 2014 06:50 AM PDT An Australian wine marketing researcher has examined what influences selection along the wine supply chain. He surveyed consumers, retailers, restaurateurs and distributors in 11 countries. The study found that for Australian liquor retailers, margin and price-point were the primary factors that influenced wine selection; however in restaurants and bars, wine selection was primarily based on the taste of the wine and how well it complemented the food.

Satellite view of volcanoes finds the link between ground deformation and eruption Posted: 03 Apr 2014 05:44 AM PDT Using satellite imagery to monitor which volcanoes are deforming provides statistical evidence of their eruption potential, according to a new study. Volcano deformation and, in particular, uplift are often considered to be caused by magma moving or pressurizing underground. Magma rising towards the surface could be a sign of an imminent eruption. On the other hand, many other factors influence volcano deformation and, even if magma is rising, it may stop short, rather than erupting.

Economic evaluation of an osteoporosis screening campaign using FRAX Posted: 03 Apr 2014 05:44 AM PDT An osteoporosis screening strategy using FRAX as a pre-screening tool is cost-effective if the follow up of the screening and medication adherence are optimized, research shows. FRAX (WHO Fracture Risk Assessment Tool) is a widely used algorithm to determine 10-year risk of fracture based on an individual's risk factors.

Public exposure leads to an increase in corrections to the scientific record Posted: 03 Apr 2014 05:44 AM PDT Individuals who wish to identify potential problems in the scientific literature can either choose to report their grievances privately (with the expectation that the issue will be appropriately handled) or they can post their accusations publicly. Clearly there are many reasons for dealing with unproven and potentially damaging allegations privately. However, a new study suggests that when this route is followed a much smaller percentage of the allegations result in a correction to the literature.

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