ScienceDaily: Most Popular News

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• Timeline of human origins revised: New synthesis of research links changing environment with Homo's evolutionary adaptability
• Doing something is better than doing nothing for most people, study shows
• First show off, then take-off: New specimen of Archaeopteryx reveals previously unknown features of the plumage
• Researchers regrow corneas, first known tissue grown from an adult human stem cell
• Who will binge-drink at age 16? Teen imaging study pinpoints predictors
• Fruit fly research may reveal what happens in female brains during courtship, mating
• Becoming an expert takes more than practice
• Reinterpreting dark matter: Could dark matter be regarded as a very cold quantum fluid?
• Orgasms and alcohol influence pillow talk
• Cancer risk: Aspirin and smoking affect aging of genes
• Mysterious features on Saturn's Titan reveal the moon's seasonal changes

Timeline of human origins revised: New synthesis of research links changing environment with Homo's evolutionary adaptability Posted: 03 Jul 2014 11:23 AM PDT Many traits unique to humans were long thought to have originated in the genus Homo between 2.4 and 1.8 million years ago in Africa. Although scientists have recognized these characteristics for decades, they are reconsidering the true evolutionary factors that drove them.

Doing something is better than doing nothing for most people, study shows Posted: 03 Jul 2014 11:21 AM PDT People are focused on the external world and don't enjoy spending much time alone thinking, according to a new study. The investigation found that most would rather be doing something -- possibly even hurting themselves -- than doing nothing or sitting alone with their thoughts.

First show off, then take-off: New specimen of Archaeopteryx reveals previously unknown features of the plumage Posted: 03 Jul 2014 06:19 AM PDT Paleontologists are currently studying a new specimen of Archaeopteryx, which reveals previously unknown features of the plumage. The initial findings shed light on the original function of feathers and their recruitment for flight.

Researchers regrow corneas, first known tissue grown from an adult human stem cell Posted: 02 Jul 2014 10:17 AM PDT Researchers have identified a way to enhance regrowth of human corneal tissue to restore vision, using a molecule known as ABCB5 that acts as a marker for hard-to-find limbal stem cells. The research is also one of the first known examples of constructing a tissue from an adult-derived human stem cell.

Who will binge-drink at age 16? Teen imaging study pinpoints predictors Posted: 02 Jul 2014 10:16 AM PDT Neuroscientists leading the largest longitudinal adolescent brain imaging study to date have learned that a number of factors -- genetics, brain function and about 40 different variables -- can help scientists predict which teens will become binge drinkers.

Fruit fly research may reveal what happens in female brains during courtship, mating Posted: 02 Jul 2014 09:24 AM PDT What are the complex processes in the brain involved with choosing a mate, and are these processes different in females versus males? It's difficult to study such questions in people, but researchers are finding clues in fruit flies that might be relevant to humans and other animals.

Becoming an expert takes more than practice Posted: 02 Jul 2014 08:10 AM PDT Deliberate practice may not have nearly as much influence in building expertise as we thought, according to research. The new study indicates that the amount of practice accumulated over time does not seem to play a huge role in accounting for individual differences in skill or performance.

Reinterpreting dark matter: Could dark matter be regarded as a very cold quantum fluid? Posted: 02 Jul 2014 06:23 AM PDT Astronomers have explored cold dark matter in depth and proposes new answers about the formation of galaxies and the structure of the Universe. These predictions are being contrasted with fresh data provided by the Hubble space telescope. It is estimated that only a minute fraction of the matter in the Universe is baryonic matter, which forms stars, planets and living organisms. The rest, comprising over 80%, is dark matter and energy.

Orgasms and alcohol influence pillow talk Posted: 01 Jul 2014 07:13 AM PDT Orgasms aren't just good for your sexual relationship; they may also promote good communication. Results of a new study reveal that in the aftermath of having experienced an orgasm, people are more likely to share important information with their partners. And, that communication is likely to be positive.

Cancer risk: Aspirin and smoking affect aging of genes Posted: 01 Jul 2014 05:53 AM PDT The risk of developing cancer increases with age. Outside factors can affect that risk, like smoking, which increases cancer risk, and regular aspirin use, which has been shown to decrease it. Now researchers have demonstrated the change in risk connected to colorectal cancer with regard to aspirin use. Numerous studies have confirmed the protective effect of the drug against different types of cancer, including reducing the risk to develop colorectal cancer by an average of 40%. However, it is unknown how exactly the drug influences the cancer risk.

Mysterious features on Saturn's Titan reveal the moon's seasonal changes Posted: 30 Jun 2014 06:48 AM PDT At first glance, Titan has little in common with Earth. The largest moon of Saturn, temperatures on Titan's surface dip nearly 300 F below zero, its seas slosh with liquid methane, and its sky is a murky shade of creamsicle. And yet, fresh analysis of mysterious features spotted on the moon indicates that it experiences one of the same global processes that is important here on Earth. Bright spots in a large lake on Titan suggest that Saturn's largest moon supports processes similar to Earth's water cycle.

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