Τετάρτη 23 Οκτωβρίου 2013

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News


New device stores electricity on silicon chips

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 05:51 PM PDT

Solar cells that produce electricity 24/7. Cell phones with built-in power cells that recharge in seconds and work for weeks between charges: These are just two of the possibilities raised by a novel supercapacitor design invented by material scientists.

Screening guidelines may miss ten percent of colon cancers

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 03:31 PM PDT

For people with a family history of adenomas (colon polyps that lead to colon cancer), up to 10 percent of colorectal cancers could be missed when current national screening guidelines are followed.

Baby's innate number sense predicts future math skill

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 02:08 PM PDT

A new study suggests that the strength of an infant's innate sense of numerical quantities can be predictive of that child's mathematical abilities three years later.

Researchers propose social network modeling to fight hospital infections

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 02:08 PM PDT

Researchers are helping to prevent costly and deadly infections acquired by hospitalized patients by using computer models that simulate interactions between patients and health care workers to determine if these interactions are a source for spreading multi-drug resistant organisms.

Researchers advance scheme to design seamless integrated circuits etched on graphene

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 02:08 PM PDT

Researchers have introduced an integrated circuit design scheme in which transistors and interconnects are monolithically patterned seamlessly on a sheet of graphene, a 2-D plane of carbon atoms.

Mutual fund managers invest similarly because of competitive pressures, might miss good investments

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 02:08 PM PDT

A researcher has found that institutional mutual fund investors tend to invest in companies that have an independent board of directors because it is perceived as a "safer" option, even though no evidence exists that demonstrates these companies perform better in the stock market.

Gene-silencing strategy opens new path to understanding Down Syndrome

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 02:07 PM PDT

Inspired by natural process that silences one copy of female mammals' two sex-determining X chromosomes during embryonic development, researchers develop way to silence extra chromosome of trisomy 21, or Down syndrome.

New artificial protein mimics part of HIV outer coat

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 02:06 PM PDT

A team of scientists has created an artificial protein coupled with a sugar molecule that mimics a key site on the outer coat of HIV where antibodies can bind to neutralize a wide variety of HIV strains.

Veterans who mismanage money four times more likely to become homeless

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 02:06 PM PDT

Military veterans who report having common financial problems, such as bouncing a check or going over their credit limit, are four times more likely to become homeless in the next year than veterans without such problems.

Intranasal application of oxytocin appears to enhance placebo response

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 02:06 PM PDT

A study has been conducted to test whether oxytocin enhances the placebo response in an experimental placebo analgesia model.

Brief risk-reduction counseling at HIV testing does not result in reduction of STIs

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 02:06 PM PDT

Brief risk-reduction counseling at the time of a rapid human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test was not effective for reducing new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during the subsequent 6 months among persons at risk for HIV, according to a study.

Flu vaccine associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 02:06 PM PDT

Receiving an influenza vaccination was associated with a lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events such as heart failure or hospitalization for heart attack, with the greatest treatment effect seen among patients with recent acute coronary syndrome.

Effective arts integration improves test scores

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 02:06 PM PDT

Effective classroom arts integration can reduce or eliminate educational achievement gaps for economically disadvantaged students, according to a report.

Theatre offers promise for youth with autism

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 11:37 AM PDT

A novel autism intervention program using theatre to teach reciprocal communication skills is improving social deficits in adolescents with the disorder that now affects an estimated one in 88 children.

4-D printing technology for composite materials developed

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 11:10 AM PDT

Researchers have successfully added a fourth dimension to their printing technology, opening up exciting possibilities for the creation and use of adaptive, composite materials in manufacturing, packaging and biomedical applications.

Heavy air pollution in Canadian area with cancer spikes

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 10:21 AM PDT

Levels of contaminants higher than in some of the world's most polluted cities have been found downwind of Canada's largest oil, gas and tar sands processing zone, in a rural area where men suffer elevated rates of cancers linked to such chemicals.

For low-income families, substandard housing takes toll on children

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 10:21 AM PDT

A study of 2,400 children living in low-income neighborhoods links poor housing quality to an increase in emotional and behavioral problems in children and poor school performance in teens, according to a team of researchers. The findings suggest linking quality and affordability when considering housing policies.

Researchers make a case for free fatty acids

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 10:21 AM PDT

In a recent study, a research group applied novel fluorescent methods to measure the rate by which fatty acids bind to and move across the fatty acid membrane to become metabolized.

'Supernatural experiences' trigger religious donations

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 10:20 AM PDT

People who have had what they believe to be supernatural experiences are more likely to be "religious givers," with their behavior based on cost-benefit principles that apply in other transactions -- whether they be through a major online store or an auto repair shop, according to a new study.

Study points to possible treatment for brain disorders

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 10:20 AM PDT

Scientists are working to determine how neurons are generated, which is vital to providing treatment for neurological disorders like Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.

Retirement expert: Financial planning important for non-retirees, too

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 10:20 AM PDT

Older workers delaying retirement or putting it off entirely should carefully consider the financial-planning options available in Social Security, Medicare and employment-based retirement plans.

Internet users more likely to engage in cancer-preventive behaviors

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 10:20 AM PDT

Older men and women who used the internet were more likely to participate in screening for colorectal cancer, participate in physical activities, eat healthily, and smoke less, compared with those who did not use the internet, according to a study.

Two opposing mechanisms regulate transport of proteins in peroxisomes

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 10:17 AM PDT

Physicians have found out which molecular mechanisms decide about the fate of the import receptor Pex18. Pex18 is responsible for the import of proteins into specific cell components, namely peroxisomes. Two opposing regulatory circuits determine whether the receptor remains active or is broken down after the transport has been completed.

Effects of liver regenerating protein discovered

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 10:17 AM PDT

The aging process in the human body is greatly influenced by the action of free radicals (byproducts of our own metabolism), but can be slowed down without the need to consume special dietary supplements if the HGF protein production, naturally found in the liver, is increased.

Camera traps reveal Andean bears hate paparazzi

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 10:16 AM PDT

A series of camera-trap images shows rare Andean bears acting like angry Hollywood celebrities – at least when it comes to having their picture taken.

Review of most successful outside interventions in reducing emergency department use

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 10:16 AM PDT

Five types of interventions to reduce emergency department (ED) use have been identified and published in a new study that aims to reduce ED usage.

Veterinary Scientists Track the Origin of a Deadly Emerging Pig Virus in the United States

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 10:16 AM PDT

An emerging swine virus, deadly to piglets, was first recognized in the United States in May. Researchers have determined the evolution of the virus, which has already spread to at least 17 states.

Shifting winds in turbine arrays

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 10:16 AM PDT

Researchers modeling how changes in air flow patterns affect wind turbines' output power have found that the wind can supply energy from an unexpected direction: below.

Hydrogel implant enables light-based communication with cells inside body

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 08:36 AM PDT

As researchers develop novel therapies based on inducing specific cells to do specific things, getting the right message to the right group of cells at the right time remains a major challenge. Now researchers have developed a way to deliver a light signal to specific cells deep within the body.

Opioids for chronic pain: How patients and their doctors talk about risks

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 08:35 AM PDT

A pilot study is believed to be the first to analyze how patients and doctors discuss potentially addictive pain medications in primary care appointments. This knowledge may ultimately lead to more effective strategies for communicating about chronic pain treatment.

'A permanent talent underclass': 'Excellence gap' among American students charted

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 08:35 AM PDT

A new report finds that high-performing American students are disproportionately white and well-off.

Copper shock: An atomic-scale stress test

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 08:35 AM PDT

Scientists used a powerful X-ray laser to create movies detailing trillionths-of-a-second changes in the arrangement of copper atoms after an extreme shock. Movies like these will help researchers create new kinds of materials and test the strength of existing ones.

Classification system proposed for green roofs

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 08:35 AM PDT

A proposed classification system aims to better identify the unique characteristics and benefits of green roofs amid a growing industry.

The mysterious scarab beetles: Two new species of the endangered ancient genus Gyronotus

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 08:35 AM PDT

Famous as the sacred beetles of ancient Egypt the scarab beetle group in fact represents much greater diversity around the globe. Scientists discover two new species of the ancient and highly important from a conservation point of view genus Gyronotus.

Model plant misled scientists about multicellular growth

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 08:35 AM PDT

Scientists have misunderstood one of the most fundamental processes in the life of plants because they have been looking at the wrong flower, according to researchers.

Climate change increased the number of deaths

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 08:34 AM PDT

The increased temperatures caused by ongoing climate change in Stockholm, Sweden between 1980 and 2009 caused 300 more premature deaths than if the temperature increase did not take place. In Sweden as a whole, it would mean about 1,500 more premature deaths.

Facing our fears: How horror helps

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 08:34 AM PDT

As scores of Americans enter the darkened realms of haunted houses, nighttime hayrides and horror film marathons, monsters, ghosts and pop-culture goblins wait to give them a scare. A popular Halloween tradition, these dramatized attractions, coupled with costumes, trick-or-treat candy and festive decorations added up to an estimated $7 billion in 2011. While it may seem odd to celebrate a night of fright with so much enthusiasm, confronting what scares us isn't a new phenomenon.

Amping up solar in the snowy north

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 08:34 AM PDT

What's the best way to capture photovoltaic energy where snowfall is measured in feet?

Developmental approach to obesity in children, adolescents

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 08:34 AM PDT

New studies of factors affecting the risk of obesity in children and adolescents — as well as promising approaches to prevention and treatment - are summarized in new literature published.

Low-priced plastic photovoltaics

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 08:34 AM PDT

Photovoltaic devices offer a green -- and potentially unlimited -- alternative to fossil fuel use. So why haven't solar technologies been more widely adopted? Quite simply, they're too expensive. Researchers have now come up with a technology that might help bring the prices down.

Death by moonlight? Not always

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 07:22 AM PDT

Is moonlight dangerous? It depends on what you are, according to a new study. "Ecologists have long viewed the darkness of a moonless night as a protective blanket for nocturnal prey species," said a wildlife biologist.

Time is ripe for fire detection satellite, say scientists

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 07:22 AM PDT

Wildfire detection today is much like it was 200 years ago, relying primarily on humans to spot smoke plumes or flames. Experts in fires, satellites and remote sensing now say that the technology is ripe for a fire-spotting satellite that could snap images of the US West every few seconds to detect fires before they spread with few false alarms. The cost would be a fraction of the country's annual fire-fighting budget.

Study of decline of malaria in the US could affect approach to malaria epidemic abroad

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 07:22 AM PDT

A study of the eradication of the mosquito-borne disease in the US has implications for the approach to malaria abroad, according to scientists.

Light as medicine? Researchers explain how

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 07:22 AM PDT

Scientists have known for years that certain wavelengths of light in certain doses can heal, but they are only now uncovering exactly how it works.

Coffee consumption reduces risk of liver cancer, analysis suggests

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 07:22 AM PDT

Coffee consumption reduces risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer, by about 40 percent, according to an up-to-date meta-analysis. Further, some data indicate that three cups of coffee per day reduce liver cancer risk by more than 50 percent.

Sequential GO, chemotherapy no benefit for older AML patients according trial

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 07:22 AM PDT

Results of a randomized, phase III, trial show that sequential combination of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) and standard chemotherapy provides no benefit for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia and is too toxic for patients 70 years of age or more. GO is an antibody-drug conjugate comprised of an anti-CD33 monoclonal antibody linked to a cytotoxic agent.

Investigational PARP inhibitor promising in BRCA-related cancers

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 07:22 AM PDT

An investigational new PARP inhibitor, BMN 673, is showing early responses in patients with heavily pretreated, advanced, BRCA-related cancers of the breast and ovary, according to phase I clinical trial results.

Rapid method to detect BRAF mutations in cancer tissue samples

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 07:22 AM PDT

A new diagnostic platform to detect BRAF mutations in melanoma and other cancer types is faster and more accurate compared with the standard method currently used in clinics, and this could help accelerate diagnosis and treatment, according to results of a new study.

Trust through food

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 07:19 AM PDT

People's trust in others increases after eating food that contains the amino acid tryptophan, found in fish, soya, eggs and spinach.

New program makes prostate cancer treatment decisions easier

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 07:19 AM PDT

When the pros and cons of prostate cancer treatment are spelled out using an online interactive program, more patients choose active surveillance over therapy.

Long-sought pattern of ancient light detected

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 07:10 AM PDT

The journey of light from the very early universe to modern telescopes is long and winding. The ancient light traveled billions of years to reach us, and along the way, its path was distorted by the pull of matter, leading to a twisted light pattern. This twisted pattern of light, called B-modes, has at last been detected. The discovery, which will lead to better maps of matter across our universe, was made using the National Science Foundation's South Pole Telescope, with help from the Herschel space observatory.

Foot and mouth disease in sub-Saharan Africa moves over short distances; wild buffalo a problem

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 06:18 AM PDT

New research shows that in sub-Saharan Africa the virus responsible for foot and mouth disease moves over relatively short distances and the African buffalo are important natural reservoirs for the infection. The study sheds light on how the type of virus called SAT 2 emerged in sub-Saharan Africa and identifies patterns of spread in countries where SAT 2 is endemic.

No evidence to support stem cell therapy for pediatric optic nerve hypoplasia

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 06:18 AM PDT

A study has found no evidence that stem cell therapy improves vision for children with optic nerve hypoplasia.

Spatial, written language skills predict math competence

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 06:18 AM PDT

New longitudinal research from Finland has found that children's early spatial skills and knowledge of written letters, rather than oral language skills, predict competence in math. The study included over 1,800 children and has implications for the STEM fields and workforces.

High school student discovers skeleton of baby dinosaur

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 06:17 AM PDT

A chance find by a high school student led to the youngest, smallest and most complete fossil skeleton yet known from the iconic tube-crested dinosaur Parasaurolophus. The discovery shows that the prehistoric plant-eater sprouted its strange headgear before it celebrated its first birthday. Three-dimensional scans of nearly the entire fossil are available online, making this the most digitally accessible dinosaur to date.

Environmental pollution: A fresh solution for the lindane problem

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 06:17 AM PDT

For many years two companies located in Bizkaia, Bilbao Chemicals (Barakaldo 1947-1987) and Nexana (Erandio 1952-1982), had been manufacturing lindane and dumping it into the environment with no control whatsoever. Today we have become aware of the need to solve the problems caused by this dumping and the difficulty in achieving this since there is no viable process that will safely destroy the lindane mixed with the soil. A new study has confirmed the hypothesis of the high reactive capacity of iron nanoparticles to degrade lindane.

New model for mining

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 06:17 AM PDT

The mining process, from the first exploration to the establishment of a mine, is both time demanding and expensive. Researchers have now developed a model that would shorten the process considerably.

New evidence for role of specific virus causing type 1 diabetes

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 06:17 AM PDT

Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by the destruction of the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It is often diagnosed in childhood and requires life-long treatment with daily insulin injections. It is associated with an increased risk for long-term complications which decrease the quality of life and average life-expectancy.

Numerical validation of quantum magnetic ordering

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 06:17 AM PDT

Numerical simulations designed to confirm the magnetic characteristics of 3D quantum materials largely match the theoretical predictions. A new study set out to use numerical simulations to validate previous theoretical predictions describing materials exhibiting so-called antiferromagneting characteristics. A recently discovered theory shows that the ordering temperature depends on two factors-namely the spin-wave velocity and the staggered magnetization.

New take on efficient delivery in regenerative medicine

Posted: 22 Oct 2013 06:16 AM PDT

An international research group has successfully tested the use of a new type of porous material for the efficient delivery of key molecules to transplanted cells derived from stem cells. These results can lead to improvements in the way stem cell-based neurodegenerative diseases are treated.

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