ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Detecting sickness by smell

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 07:27 AM PST

Humans are able to smell sickness in someone whose immune system is highly active within just a few hours of exposure to a toxin, according to new research published.

New microscopy technique improves imaging at the atomic scale

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 07:27 AM PST

When capturing images at the atomic scale, even tiny movements of the sample can result in skewed or distorted images -- and those movements are virtually impossible to prevent. Now microscopy researchers have developed a new technique that accounts for that movement and eliminates the distortion from the finished product.

Mitochondrial ribosome revealed

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 07:27 AM PST

Researchers have deciphered the structure of part of the ribosome found in mitochondria, the power plants of the cell. The scientists were able to benefit from advancements in the field of electron microscopy and capture images of the mitochondrial ribosome at a level of resolution never achieved before.

Insulin-producing beta cells from stem cells

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 07:27 AM PST

The Wnt/²-catenin signaling pathway and microRNA 335 are instrumental in helping form differentiated progenitor cells from stem cells. These are organized in germ layers and are thus the origin of different tissue types, including the pancreas and its insulin-producing beta cells. With these findings, scientists have discovered key molecular functions of stem cell differentiation which could be used for beta cell replacement therapy in diabetes.

Near error-free wireless detection made possible

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 07:27 AM PST

A new long-range wireless tag detection system, with potential applications in health care, environmental protection and goods tracking, can pinpoint items with near 100 percent accuracy over a much wider range than current systems.

Ancient forests stabilized Earth’s CO2 and climate

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 07:24 AM PST

Researchers have identified a biological mechanism that could explain how the Earth's atmospheric carbon dioxide and climate were stabilized over the past 24 million years. When CO2 levels became too low for plants to grow properly, forests appear to have kept the climate in check by slowing down the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Why accounting firm leaders and professional staff may view ethical environment differently

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 07:23 AM PST

One of the first research studies empirically tests potential reasons why firm leaders and non-leaders -- or professional staff -- can have contrasting perspectives of the firm's ethical environment.

Tracing unique cells with mathematics

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 04:56 AM PST

Stem cells can turn into heart cells, skin cells can mutate to cancer cells; even cells of the same tissue type exhibit small heterogeneities. Scientists use single-cell analyses to investigate these heterogeneities. But the method is still laborious and considerable inaccuracies conceal smaller effects. Scientists have now found a way to simplify and improve the analysis by mathematical methods.

Carbon dioxide paves the way to unique nanomaterials

Posted: 23 Jan 2014 04:56 AM PST

In common perception, carbon dioxide is just a greenhouse gas, one of the major environmental problems of mankind. For Warsaw chemists CO2 became, however, something else: a key element of reactions allowing for creation of nanomaterials with unprecedented properties.

Detecting chemicals, measuring strain with a pencil and paper

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 05:23 PM PST

A team of students has proven that pencils and regular office paper can be used to measure strain on an object and detect hazardous gases.

Increase in hemlock forest offsetting effect of invasive hemlock woolly adelgid for now

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 05:23 PM PST

In many regions, particularly in the southern Appalachians, the loss of hemlock to hemlock woolly adelgid has been devastating. However, when Forest Service scientists used regional Forest Inventory & Analysis data to get a big picture view of the status of hemlock in the eastern US, the results surprised them.

One quarter of the world's cartilaginous fish, namely sharks and rays, face imminent extinction

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 05:23 PM PST

One quarter of the world's cartilaginous fish, namely sharks and rays, face extinction within the next few decades, according to the first study to systematically and globally assess their fate.

'Surveillance minimization' needed to restore trust

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 05:22 PM PST

Surveillance minimization -- where surveillance is the exception, not the rule -- could help rebuild public trust following revelations about the collection of personal data, according to a law academic.

Texting changes the way we walk: Walkers swerve and slow down while texting

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 05:22 PM PST

Texting on your phone while walking alters posture and balance according to a new study.

A guppy's spots formed by layers of color cells: Multiple pigment cell types create black, blue, orange spots of the guppy

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 05:22 PM PST

At least three pigment cell types from multiple layers of skin contribute to the color patterns of male guppies.

The Moth versus the Crowd: Tracking an alien invader of conker trees using people power

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 05:20 PM PST

An army of citizen scientists has helped the professionals understand how a tiny 'alien' moth is attacking the UK's conker (horse-chestnut) trees, and showed that naturally-occurring pest controlling wasps are not able to restrict the moth's impact.

Humans can use smell to detect levels of dietary fat

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 05:20 PM PST

New research reveals humans can use the sense of smell to detect dietary fat in food. As food smell almost always is detected before taste, the findings identify one of the first sensory qualities that signals whether a food contains fat. Innovative methods using odor to make low-fat foods more palatable could someday aid public health efforts to reduce dietary fat intake.

Nighttime smartphone use zaps workers' energy

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 02:06 PM PST

Using a smartphone to cram in more work at night results in less work the next day, indicates new research.

Athletes' performance declines following contract years

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 02:06 PM PST

A professor has determined that the contract year performance boost is real, but they caution team managers and coaches that it might be followed by a post-contract performance crash -- a two-year pattern they call the "contract year syndrome."

Image or reality? Leaf research needs photos, lab analysis

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 12:39 PM PST

Every picture tells a story, but the story digital photos tell about how forests respond to climate change could be incomplete, according to new research. A new study shows that the peak in forest greenness as captured by digital pictures does not necessarily correspond to direct measures of peak chlorophyll content in leaves, which is an indicator of photosynthesis. The research has significant implications for how scientists use digital photos to study forest canopies.

Scientists offer new insight into neuron changes brought about by aging

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 12:39 PM PST

A new study offers insights into how aging affects the brain's neural circuitry, in some cases significantly altering gene expression in single neurons. These discoveries could point the way toward a better understanding of how aging affects our cognitive ability and new therapeutic targets for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Cooling microprocessors with carbon nanotubes

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 12:39 PM PST

Researchers have developed a "process friendly" technique to enable the cooling of microprocessor chips through the use of carbon nanotubes.

Galaxies on FIRE: Star feedback results in less massive galaxies

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 12:39 PM PST

For decades, astrophysicists have encountered a contradiction: although many galactic-wind models -- simulations of how matter is distributed in our universe -- predict that most matter exists in stars at the center of galaxies, in actuality these stars account for less than 10 percent of the matter in the universe. New simulations offer insight into this mismatch between the models and reality: energy released by individual stars can have a substantial effect on where matter ends up.

White, green or black roofs? Report compares economic payoffs

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:44 AM PST

Looking strictly at the economic costs and benefits of three different roof types -- black, white and "green" (or vegetated) -- researchers have found in a new study that white roofs are the most cost-effective over a 50-year time span. While the high installation cost of green roofs sets them back in economic terms, their environmental and amenity benefits may at least partially mitigate their financial burden.

Live feed device monitors drugs in bloodstream in real time

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:43 AM PST

A device that can monitor the levels of specific drugs as they flow through the bloodstream may soon take the guesswork out of drug dosing and allow physicians to tailor prescriptions to their patients' specific biology. The biosensor combines engineering and biochemistry and has far-reaching potential.

No-till soybean fields give (even some rare) birds foothold in Illinois

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:43 AM PST

Researchers report in a new study that several bird species -- some of them relatively rare -- are making extensive use of soybean fields in Illinois. The team found significantly more birds and a greater diversity of bird species nesting, roosting and feeding in no-till soybean fields than in tilled fields.

New avenue to treat diabetes-related vision problems

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:43 AM PST

Dopamine-restoring drugs already used to treat Parkinson's disease may also be beneficial for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness in adults.

3-D imaging provides window into living cells, no dye required

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:43 AM PST

Living cells are ready for their close-ups, thanks to a new imaging technique that needs no dyes or other chemicals, yet renders high-resolution, three-dimensional, quantitative imagery of cells and their internal structures -- all with conventional microscopes and white light. Called white-light diffraction tomography, the imaging technique opens a window into the life of a cell without disturbing it and could allow cellular biologists unprecedented insight into cellular processes, drug effects and stem cell differentiation.

Liquid crystal turns water droplets into 'gemstones'

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:43 AM PST

Researchers have described new research into a type of liquid crystal that dissolves in water rather than avoids it as do the oily liquid crystals found in displays. This property means that these liquid crystals hold potential for biomedical applications, where their changing internal patterns could signal the presence of specific proteins or other biological macromolecules.

War on lionfish shows first promise of success

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:42 AM PST

It may take a legion of scuba divers armed with nets and spears, but a new study confirms for the first time that controlling lionfish populations in the western Atlantic Ocean can pave the way for a recovery of native fish. Scientists say there's finally a way to fight back.

'Space cops' help control traffic in space

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:42 AM PST

Scientists are using mini-satellites that work as "space cops" to help control traffic in space.

Differences in mammal responses to climate change demonstrated

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:42 AM PST

Large mammals are responding more to human-caused climate change than small mammals, according to a new assessment.

The unexpected power of baby math: Adults still think about numbers like kids

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:42 AM PST

A new study has found new evidence that educated adults retain traces of their innate sense of numbers from childhood -- and that it's more powerful than many scientists think. The findings could contribute to the development of methods to more effectively educate or treat children with learning disabilities and people with brain injuries.

Laser scientists create portable sensor for nitrous oxide, methane

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:41 AM PST

Scientists have created a highly sensitive portable sensor to test the air for the most damaging greenhouse gases.

Number of cancer stem cells might not predict outcome in HPV-related oral cancers

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:41 AM PST

New research suggests that it may be the quality of cancer stem cells rather than their quantity that leads to better survival in certain patients with oral cancer.

Humanity's most common male ancestor emerged earlier than thought: 209,000 years ago, study finds

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:41 AM PST

Our most common male ancestor emerged some 209,000 years ago -- earlier than many scientists previously thought, according to new research.

Holographic diagnostics in medicine

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:41 AM PST

'Smart' holograms, which are currently being tested to monitor diabetes, and could be used to monitor a wide range of medical and environmental conditions in future, have been developed by researchers.

Atomic-scale catalysts may produce cheap hydrogen

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:40 AM PST

Researchers have shown that a one-atom thick film of molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) may work as an effective catalyst for creating hydrogen. The work opens a new door for the production of cheap hydrogen.

New monitoring technique reveals endangered animals

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:40 AM PST

Now biologists can get much more accurate information about endangered bats, birds and insects. A new recording system has revealed many previously unknown and highly valuable details about bats.

From a carpet of nanorods to a thin film solar cell absorber within a few seconds

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:40 AM PST

Scientists have discovered a novel solid state reaction which lets kesterite grains grow within a few seconds and at relatively low temperatures. For this reaction, they exploit a transition from a metastable wurtzite compound in the form of nanorods to the more stable kesterite compound.

Bright star reveals new Neptune-size exoplanet

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:40 AM PST

A team of astronomers has discovered a new exoplanet, christened Kepler-410A b. The planet is about the size of Neptune and orbits the brightest star in a double star system 425 light years from Earth.

Just how do our brains control our arms?

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:38 AM PST

How do the neurons in the brain control planned versus unplanned arm movements? Bioengineers wanted to answer that question as part of ongoing efforts to develop and improve brain-controlled prosthetic devices.

Strontium atomic clock sets new records in both precision and stability

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:38 AM PST

Heralding a new age of terrific timekeeping, physicists have unveiled an experimental strontium atomic clock that has set new world records for both precision and stability -- key metrics for the performance of a clock.

Last-resort therapy saving lives during flu epidemic

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:36 AM PST

Physicians are employing a technology known as ECMO as a last-resort therapy for extremely severe cases of influenza. ECMO is a sort of portable heart/lung bypass machine.

Health disparities among African-American, Hispanic men cost economy more than $450 billion over four years in U.S.

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:36 AM PST

African-American men incurred $341.8 billion in excess medical costs due to health inequalities between 2006 and 2009, and Hispanic men incurred an additional $115 billion over the four-year period, according to a new study. The study looks at the direct and indirect costs associated with health inequalities and projects the potential cost savings of eliminating these disparities for minority men in the U.S.

Scientific first allows doctors to 'see' radiation treatment in body

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:34 AM PST

A scientific breakthrough may give the field of radiation oncology new tools to increase the precision and safety of radiation treatment in cancer patients by helping doctors "see" the powerful beams of a linear accelerator as they enter or exit the body.

Hearing loss linked to accelerated brain tissue loss

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:34 AM PST

Although the brain becomes smaller with age, the shrinkage seems to be fast-tracked in older adults with hearing loss, according to the results of a study. The findings add to a growing list of health consequences associated with hearing loss, including increased risk of dementia, falls, hospitalizations, and diminished physical and mental health overall.

Scientists find estrogen promotes blood-forming stem cell function

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:34 AM PST

Scientists have known for years that stem cells in male and female sexual organs are regulated differently by their respective hormones. In a surprising discovery, researchers have found that stem cells in the blood-forming system — which is similar in both sexes — also are regulated differently by hormones, with estrogen proving to be an especially prolific promoter of stem cell self-renewal.

North and Tropical Atlantic Ocean bringing climate change to Antarctica

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:34 AM PST

The gradual warming of the North and Tropical Atlantic Ocean is contributing to climate change in Antarctica, scientists has concluded. The findings, which rely on more than three decades of atmospheric data, show new ways in which distant regional conditions are contributing to Antarctic climate change.

Herschel telescope detects water on dwarf planet in asteroid belt

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 10:25 AM PST

Scientists using the Herschel space observatory have made the first definitive detection of water vapor on the largest and roundest object in the asteroid belt, Ceres. Plumes of water vapor are thought to shoot up periodically from Ceres when portions of its icy surface warm slightly. Ceres is classified as a dwarf planet, a solar system body bigger than an asteroid and smaller than a planet.

Researchers model macroscale plasmonic convection to control fluid and particle motion

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 08:27 AM PST

Researchers have developed a new theoretical model that explains macroscale fluid convection induced by plasmonic (metal) nanostructures. This work is the first to establish both theoretically and experimentally that micron/s fluid velocities can be generated using a plasmonic architecture, and provides important insight into the flows affecting particle dynamics in plasmonic optical trapping experiments.

Nothing to declare: Researchers find disclosure leads to avoiding conflicts of interest

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 08:27 AM PST

Professionals, such as doctors, lawyers and financial advisers, face conflicts of interest when they have a personal, and often financial, interest in giving biased advice. New research examines situations in which advisers have the ability to not have any conflicts of interest -- such as doctors who can decide whether to meet with and accept gifts from pharmaceutical companies.

Men forget most

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 08:26 AM PST

Your suspicions have finally been confirmed. Men forget more than women do. Nine out of 10 men have problems with remembering names and dates, according to an analysis of a large Norwegian population-based health study.

Asthma: Disease Management Program is largely consistent with guidelines

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 08:26 AM PST

Few discrepancies exist between the disease management program "Asthma" and current clinical practice guidelines. However, guidelines are in part more detailed.

Long-term follow-up shows need for new chemotherapy strategies for rectal cancer

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 08:26 AM PST

Long-term results of EORTC trial 22921 with 10.4 years median follow-up show that 5-FU-based adjuvant chemotherapy after preoperative (chemo)-radiotherapy for patients with cT3-resectable T4 M0 rectal cancer does not improve survival or disease-free survival.

Study: 39 percent of unemployed Americans seeking work for 6+ months

Posted: 22 Jan 2014 08:26 AM PST

Thirty-nine percent of unemployed Americans are experiencing long-term unemployment in the wake of the 2008 recession, which is more than double the percent unemployed more than six months but actively seeking work in 2007, according to new research about trends in long-term unemployment since the recession.