Δευτέρα 30 Δεκεμβρίου 2013

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News


Researchers have breakthrough on how persistent bacteria avoid antibiotics

Posted: 29 Dec 2013 08:20 AM PST

The mechanism by which some bacteria are able to survive antibacterial treatment has been revealed for the first time.  Their work could pave the way for new ways to control such bacteria. 

Surgery vs. non-invasive treatment -- which is better for herniated discs?

Posted: 27 Dec 2013 01:18 PM PST

For patients with herniated discs in the lower (lumbar) spine, surgery leads to greater long-term improvement in pain, functioning, and disability compared to nonsurgical treatment, concludes an eight year follow-up study.

Researchers point to digital gains in human recognition

Posted: 26 Dec 2013 03:16 PM PST

Human beings are highly efficient at recognizing familiar faces, even from very poor quality images.

Fate of eels

Posted: 26 Dec 2013 11:31 AM PST

The European eel is one of the world's many critically endangered species. Comprehensive protection is difficult because many details of the eel's complex life cycle remain unknown. In a multidisciplinary study, biologists and oceanographers recently demonstrated the crucial influence of ocean currents on eel recruitment. They did so by using, among others, a state-of-the-art ocean model, in combination with genetic studies.

Extensive use of antibiotics in agriculture creating public health crisis, study shows

Posted: 26 Dec 2013 08:53 AM PST

Citing an overabundance in the use of antibiotics by the agriculture and aquaculture industries that poses a threat to public health, an economics professor has proposed a solution in the form of user fees on the non-human use of antibiotics.

New genetic risk factor for type 2 diabetes revealed

Posted: 26 Dec 2013 08:53 AM PST

An international team of researchers in Mexico and the United States has uncovered a new genetic clue that contributes to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly the elevated risk among Mexican and other Latin American populations.

Epigenetics enigma resolved

Posted: 26 Dec 2013 08:53 AM PST

Scientists have obtained the first detailed molecular structure of a member of the Tet family of enzymes. The finding is important for the field of epigenetics because Tet enzymes chemically modify DNA, changing signposts that tell the cell's machinery "this gene is shut off" into other signs that say "ready for a change."

New drug candidates show promise for cure for Chagas disease

Posted: 26 Dec 2013 08:53 AM PST

A team of Canadian researchers has developed a class of compounds which may help eradicate a neglected tropical disease that is currently hard to kill in its chronic form.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent slows rate of progression of neurodegenerative disease

Posted: 24 Dec 2013 03:36 PM PST

Among patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy, a lethal, genetic neurodegenerative disease, use of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent diflunisal compared with placebo for two years reduced the rate of progression in neurological impairment and preserved quality of life, according to a study.

Use of antidepressant does not improve symptoms from stomach disorder

Posted: 24 Dec 2013 03:36 PM PST

Among patients with idiopathic (of unknown cause) gastroparesis, use of the antidepressant nortriptyline compared with placebo for 15 weeks did not result in improvement in overall symptoms, according to a study.

Using maths, researchers seek to improve success in transplants

Posted: 24 Dec 2013 03:35 PM PST

Given that 10.5 % of patients who receive a transplant reject the new organ, researchers are working in the design of a tool capable of preventing this problem. The process consists in knowing the type of proteins in charge of metabolizing the drugs (enzymes) for each patient which would, helped by a mathematical model, allow to establish the exact dose needed of the immunosuppressive drugs required.

New approach to vertex connectivity could maximize networks' bandwidth

Posted: 23 Dec 2013 03:19 PM PST

Computer scientists are constantly searching for ways to squeeze ever more bandwidth from communications networks. Now a new approach to understanding a basic concept in graph theory, known as "vertex connectivity," could ultimately lead to communications protocols -- the rules that govern how digital messages are exchanged -- that coax as much bandwidth as possible from networks.

Laser demonstration reveals bright future for space communication

Posted: 23 Dec 2013 03:19 PM PST

The completion of the 30-day Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration or LLCD mission has revealed that the possibility of expanding broadband capabilities in space using laser communications is as bright as expected.

Walking the walk: What sharks, honeybees and humans have in common

Posted: 23 Dec 2013 03:19 PM PST

In the first study of human hunter-gatherer movement patterns, a team led by UA anthropologist David Raichlen has found that the tribe's movements while foraging can be described by a mathematical pattern called a Lévy walk -- a pattern that also is found in the movements of many other animals, from sharks to honey bees.

Gene that influences the ability to remember faces identified

Posted: 23 Dec 2013 03:14 PM PST

New findings suggest the oxytocin receptor, a gene known to influence mother-infant bonding and pair bonding in monogamous species, also plays a special role in the ability to remember faces. This research has important implications for disorders in which social information processing is disrupted, including autism spectrum disorder. In addition, the finding may lead to new strategies for improving social cognition in several psychiatric disorders.

Cone snails are for life, not just at Christmas

Posted: 23 Dec 2013 03:13 PM PST

Those who fly to tropical shores this Christmas in search of sea and sun may be unaware that an exotic shell picked from the beach could potentially bring relief to many thousands of people suffering life-threatening illnesses. 

Democracy pays

Posted: 23 Dec 2013 03:13 PM PST

Individuals do not always obey the rules, and often exploit the willingness of others to cooperate in the case of tax evasion. Institutions, such as the police, provide protection from misconduct, but such institutions don't just come about spontaneously -- they cost money. An interdisciplinary team of researchers has now used an experimental game to investigate the conditions under which institutions of this kind can nevertheless arise.

Attacking fungal infection, one of world's major killers

Posted: 23 Dec 2013 03:13 PM PST

Fungal infections take more than 1.3 million lives each year worldwide, nearly as many as tuberculosis, in addition to contributing to blindness, asthma and other major health problems. A researcher has made it his mission to reduce the death toll and severe disability that fungi can cause.

Role of chronic medical conditions in readmissions

Posted: 23 Dec 2013 08:48 AM PST

In new findings, researchers find that the most frequent reasons for readmission were often related, either directly or indirectly, to patients' underlying chronic medical conditions (comorbidities), providing a new opportunity for focus in reducing readmission rates.

ScienceDaily: Top Environment News

ScienceDaily: Top Environment News


Researchers have breakthrough on how persistent bacteria avoid antibiotics

Posted: 29 Dec 2013 08:20 AM PST

The mechanism by which some bacteria are able to survive antibacterial treatment has been revealed for the first time.  Their work could pave the way for new ways to control such bacteria. 

Fate of eels

Posted: 26 Dec 2013 11:31 AM PST

The European eel is one of the world's many critically endangered species. Comprehensive protection is difficult because many details of the eel's complex life cycle remain unknown. In a multidisciplinary study, biologists and oceanographers recently demonstrated the crucial influence of ocean currents on eel recruitment. They did so by using, among others, a state-of-the-art ocean model, in combination with genetic studies.

Extensive use of antibiotics in agriculture creating public health crisis, study shows

Posted: 26 Dec 2013 08:53 AM PST

Citing an overabundance in the use of antibiotics by the agriculture and aquaculture industries that poses a threat to public health, an economics professor has proposed a solution in the form of user fees on the non-human use of antibiotics.

New genetic risk factor for type 2 diabetes revealed

Posted: 26 Dec 2013 08:53 AM PST

An international team of researchers in Mexico and the United States has uncovered a new genetic clue that contributes to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly the elevated risk among Mexican and other Latin American populations.

Walking the walk: What sharks, honeybees and humans have in common

Posted: 23 Dec 2013 03:19 PM PST

In the first study of human hunter-gatherer movement patterns, a team led by UA anthropologist David Raichlen has found that the tribe's movements while foraging can be described by a mathematical pattern called a Lévy walk -- a pattern that also is found in the movements of many other animals, from sharks to honey bees.

Cone snails are for life, not just at Christmas

Posted: 23 Dec 2013 03:13 PM PST

Those who fly to tropical shores this Christmas in search of sea and sun may be unaware that an exotic shell picked from the beach could potentially bring relief to many thousands of people suffering life-threatening illnesses. 

Attacking fungal infection, one of world's major killers

Posted: 23 Dec 2013 03:13 PM PST

Fungal infections take more than 1.3 million lives each year worldwide, nearly as many as tuberculosis, in addition to contributing to blindness, asthma and other major health problems. A researcher has made it his mission to reduce the death toll and severe disability that fungi can cause.

ScienceDaily: Living Well News

ScienceDaily: Living Well News


Researchers point to digital gains in human recognition

Posted: 26 Dec 2013 03:16 PM PST

Human beings are highly efficient at recognizing familiar faces, even from very poor quality images.

Gene that influences the ability to remember faces identified

Posted: 23 Dec 2013 03:14 PM PST

New findings suggest the oxytocin receptor, a gene known to influence mother-infant bonding and pair bonding in monogamous species, also plays a special role in the ability to remember faces. This research has important implications for disorders in which social information processing is disrupted, including autism spectrum disorder. In addition, the finding may lead to new strategies for improving social cognition in several psychiatric disorders.

ScienceDaily: Top Technology News

ScienceDaily: Top Technology News


New approach to vertex connectivity could maximize networks' bandwidth

Posted: 23 Dec 2013 03:19 PM PST

Computer scientists are constantly searching for ways to squeeze ever more bandwidth from communications networks. Now a new approach to understanding a basic concept in graph theory, known as "vertex connectivity," could ultimately lead to communications protocols -- the rules that govern how digital messages are exchanged -- that coax as much bandwidth as possible from networks.

Newsletter for Monday 30 December


TODAY IN SCIENCE HISTORY
NEWSLETTER - 30 DECEMBER


Book of the Day
Global Warming: The Complete Briefing On 30 Dec 1931, Sir John Houghton was born, a Welsh meteorologist, who since the late 1960s has been drawing attention to the buildup of carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere, and its result of global warming. Today's Science Store pick is: Global Warming: The Complete Briefing, by John T. Houghton, who explores the scientific basis of global warming, its impact of climate change on human society, and the action that should be taken by governments, industry and individuals to mitigate the effects. He writes with crystalline clarity, outlining the evidence and state of knowledge that existed up to his book's publication in 1997 - much before the public's recent awareness. It is available New from $10.08. Used from $0.01. (As of time of writing.).
For picks from earlier newsletters, see the Today in Science History Science Store home page.

Quotations for Today
Thumbnail of John N.  Bahcall
We should do astronomy because it is beautiful and because it is fun. We should do it because people want to know. We want to know our place in the universe and how things happen.
- John N. Bahcall, American astrophysicist (born 30 Dec 1934). quote icon
Thumbnail of Sir John  Houghton
[O]ur long-term security is threatened by a problem at least as dangerous as chemical, nuclear or biological weapons, or indeed international terrorism: human-induced climate change. � The impacts of global warming are such that I have no hesitation in describing it as a “weapon of mass destruction.” Like terrorism, this weapon knows no boundaries. It can strike anywhere, in any form�
- Sir John Houghton, Welsh meteorologist (born 30 Dec 1931). quote icon
Thumbnail of Jan Baptista  van Helmont
For I took an Earthen Vessel, in which I put 200 pounds of Earth that had been dried in a Furnace, which I moystened with Rain-water, and I implanted therein the Trunk or Stem of a Willow Tree, weighing five pounds: and about three ounces: But I moystened the Earthen Vessel with Rain-water, or distilled water (alwayes when there was need) and it was large, and implanted into the Earth, and leaft of the Vessel, with an Iron-Plate covered with Tin, and easily passable with many holes. I computed not the weight of the leaves that fell off in the four Autumnes. At length, I again dried the Earth of the Vessel, and there were found the same 200 pounds, wanting about two ounces. Therefore 164 pounds of Wood, Barks, and Roots, arose out of water onely.
- Jan Baptista van Helmont, Belgian natural philosopher, chemist, physician and physiologist (died 30 Dec 1644). quote icon

Quiz
Before you look at today's web page, see if you can answer some of these questions about the events that happened on this day. Some of the names are very familiar. Others will likely stump you. Tickle your curiosity with these questions, then check your answers on today's web page.
Births
Asa Griggs Candler, born 30 Dec 1851, was a manufacturer of a national product in the U.S. that had been developed by druggist John “Doc” Pemberton.
question mark icon What is the name of this product?
Thumbnail of John N. Bahcall
On 30 Dec 1934, John Bahcall was born, an American astrophysicist who from the early 1960s pioneered research into the role of certain subatomic particles to understand how stars shine. These particles, that have no charge and exceedingly weak interaction with matter, are emitted by the sun and stars during the fusion energy creation process, and most are able to pass through the Earth without being stopped
question mark  icon Which particle did he study?
Deaths
Thumbnail of Robert  Boyle
An Anglo-Irish chemist and natural philosopher (1627-1691) was noted for his pioneering experiments on the properties of gases and promoting a corpuscular view of matter that was a forerunner of the modern theory of chemical elements. In 1661, he reported to the Royal Society on the relationship of the volume of gases and pressure.
question mark icon Can you name this scientist?
Thumbnail of Rita Levi-Montalcini
Rita Levi-Montalcini (1909-2011) reached the age of 102. She was a neurologist who shared the 1986 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for her discovery of NGF (nerve growth factor).
question mark  icon What was her nationality at birth, and why did she move eventually to America?
Events
Thumbnail of
On 30 Dec 1982, a second full moon of the month was visible in the U.S. Although there were 41 such occurrences in the twentieth century, this was the only one to happen with a total eclipse.
question mark  icon What is the common name for the uncommon second full moon of the month?
Thumbnail of
On 30 Dec In 1913, Dr William David Coolidge patented a method for making ductile a certain metal for the purpose of making filaments for electric lamps. This was the solution to his task of replacing the fragile carbon filaments in electric light bulbs with metal filaments. Until he discovered the method he patented, the preferred metal he used was difficult to work and draw into suitable fine filaments.
question mark icon What was the metal he made into lamp filaments?

Answers
When you have your answers ready to all the questions above, you'll find all the information to check them, and more, on the December 30 web page of Today in Science History. Or, try this link first for just the brief answers.

Fast answers for the previous newsletter for December 29: Klaus Fuchs • sulphur • pressing together two layers of cloth with rubberized surfaces created by evaporating a naptha solution of rubber • longer molecules are reformed into the shorter molecules suitable for engine fuel. • 326 days • Hong Kong.

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Copyright
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