ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Causes of death shifting in people with HIV

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 06:21 PM PDT

HIV-positive adults in high income countries face a substantially reduced risk of death from AIDS-related causes, cardiovascular disease, and liver disease compared with a decade ago, according to a large international study. Although deaths from most causes declined over the study period, there was no reduction in death rates from non-AIDS cancers which remained stable over time (1.6 deaths per 1000 years 1999-2000 to 2.1 in 2009-2011). Non-AIDS cancers are now the leading cause of non-AIDS deaths in people with HIV, accounting for 23% of all deaths.

Losing sleep over your divorce? Your blood pressure could suffer

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 03:05 PM PDT

It's normal for people to experience trouble sleeping after a divorce, but if sleep problems last too long, they can lead to potentially harmful increases in blood pressure, a new study finds. The research suggests that poor sleep quality might be one of the reasons divorce is linked to negative health effects.

Discovery may make it easier to develop life-saving stem cells

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 03:05 PM PDT

Not unlike looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack, a team of researchers has found a gene that could be key to the development of stem cells -- cells that can potentially save millions of lives by morphing into practically any cell in the body. The gene, known as ASF1A, is at least one of the genes responsible for the mechanism of cellular reprogramming, a phenomenon that can turn one cell type into another, which is key to the making of stem cells.

Alcohol-programming outreach is especially important for female Black, Latina drinkers

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 03:05 PM PDT

Ethnic minorities and non-English speakers have more difficulty accessing needed health care services, researchers report. New findings show that female Black and Latina drinkers in particular are at a disadvantage, and that alcohol-programming outreach is especially important for these populations.

Gaps in efforts to enforce alcohol laws identified by national study of colleges

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 03:05 PM PDT

A new study has examined campus police/security responses to serious, underage, and less-serious alcohol incidents on and off campus at 343 colleges across the United States. Results show that campus security or law enforcement officials were not likely to issue citations for alcohol-law violations. Students were usually referred for discipline or sanctions to other university officials rather than formal courts, and were generally not referred to a campus health center for alcohol screening or intervention.

Adding alcohol to energy drinks leads to an increased urge to drink

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 03:04 PM PDT

Public-health concerns continue to grow concerning the combining of alcohol with energy drinks (A+ED). New findings indicate that combining A+ED increased the urge to drink alcohol relative to drinking alcohol alone. Study participants who drank A+ED also had significantly higher ratings on liking the cocktail, and wanting to drink more of it, than the alcohol-only condition.

Adolescent alcohol abuse disrupts transitions into early adulthood

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 03:04 PM PDT

Adolescent alcohol abuse is known to be associated with adverse outcomes in early adulthood. It is unclear how much of this association is due to the influence of differences in familial background and shared genetics. New findings implicate a significant causal relationship between elevated drinking problems at age 18.5 and more adverse life outcomes at age 25 that cannot be fully explained by shared genetic and environmental liabilities.

Lunar pits could shelter astronauts, reveal details of how 'man in the moon' formed

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 03:04 PM PDT

While the moon's surface is battered by millions of craters, it also has over 200 holes -- steep-walled pits that in some cases might lead to caves that future astronauts could explore and use for shelter, according to new observations.

Older adults who walk out of necessity are at highest risk for outdoor falls

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 03:04 PM PDT

Older adults are at a greater danger of falling when walking for utilitarian purposes such as shopping and appointments than when walking for recreation, according to a study.

Cheap, highly efficient solar cells: A new stable and cost-cutting type of perovskite solar cell

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 12:15 PM PDT

Scientists have made a very efficient perovskite solar cell that does not require a hole-conducting layer. The novel photovoltaic achieved energy conversion efficiency of 12.8 percent and was stable for over 1000 hours under full sunlight. The innovation is expected to significantly reduce the cost of these promising solar cells.

Personalized approach enhances communication skills in children with autism

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 12:15 PM PDT

The communication skills of minimally verbal children with autism can be greatly improved through personalized interventions that are combined with the use of computer tablets, researchers report. The three-year study examined different approaches to improving communication abilities among children with autism spectrum disorder and minimal verbal skills. Approximately 30 percent of children with ASD overall remain minimally verbal even after years of intervention.

Eating lean beef daily can help lower blood pressure, study suggests

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 11:20 AM PDT

Contrary to conventional wisdom, new research suggests that eating lean beef can reduce risk factors for heart disease. The DASH eating plan -- Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension -- is currently recommended by the American Heart Association to lower blood pressure and reduce risk of heart disease. People following the DASH diet are encouraged to eat fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and protein predominantly from plant sources. Lean beef can be enjoyed as the predominant protein source in a DASH-like diet, along with fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy, to effectively help lower blood pressure in healthy individuals, new research suggests.

Atlantic salmon show capacity to adapt to warmer waters

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 11:20 AM PDT

Populations of Atlantic salmon have a surprisingly good capacity to adjust to warmer temperatures that are being seen with climate change, a group of scientists has discovered. The finding about Atlantic species adds to recent research on heat tolerance of Pacific salmon. The study addressed questions around how climate change might affect salmon species distribution and abundance.

Untangling spider's webs: Largest-ever study of spider genetics shows orb weaver spiders do not share common origins

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 11:20 AM PDT

The largest-ever phylogenetic study of spiders shows that, contrary to long-held popular opinion, the two groups of spiders that weave orb-shaped webs do not share a single origin.

Scientists experimentally re-create conditions deep inside giant planets, such as Jupiter and many exo-planets

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 11:20 AM PDT

Using the largest laser in the world, scientists for the first time have experimentally re-created the conditions that exist deep inside giant planets, such as Jupiter, Uranus and many of the planets recently discovered outside our solar system.

When is a molecule a molecule? Scientists watch fast electron jumps in exploding molecules

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 11:20 AM PDT

Using ultra-short X-ray flashes, an international team of researchers watched electrons jumping between the fragments of exploding molecules. The study reveals up to what distance charge transfer between the molecular fragments can occur, marking the limit of the molecular regime. Such mechanisms play a role in numerous chemical processes, including photosynthesis.

In development, it's all about the timing

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 11:20 AM PDT

Closely related organisms share most of their genes, but these similarities belie major differences in behavior, intelligence, and physical appearance. Scientists are beginning to appreciate that the timing of the events that happen during development plays a decisive role in defining an organism. Now, a team of scientists has identified LIN-42 as a key regulator of developmental timing, governing a broad range of events throughout maturation.

How existing cropland could feed billions more

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 11:19 AM PDT

Feeding a growing human population without increasing stresses on Earth's strained land and water resources may seem like an impossible challenge. But according to a new report focusing efforts to improve food systems on a few specific regions, crops and actions could make it possible to both meet the basic needs of 3 billion more people and decrease agriculture's environmental footprint.

Don't skimp on shades this summer

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 11:18 AM PDT

Sunscreen and sunglasses top the list of summertime must-haves for most people. But just as skin can burn on an overcast or chilly day, eyes can sustain damage anytime you're outdoors without sunglasses. Larger frames may be the style now, but they are also more effective at protecting the eye, eyelid and surrounding tissues from harmful ultraviolet, or UV, rays.

Chromosome-based draft of the wheat genome completed

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 11:18 AM PDT

Scientists have completed a chromosome-based draft sequence of the bread wheat genome as well as the first reference sequence of chromosome 3B, the largest chromosome in wheat.

Protein-building enzymes have undergone metamorphosis, evolved diverse new functions

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 11:18 AM PDT

Ancient enzymes, known for their fundamental role in translating genetic information into proteins, have evolved a myriad of other functions in humans, research shows. The surprising discovery highlights an intriguing oddity of protein evolution as well as a potentially valuable new class of therapeutic proteins and therapeutic targets.

Next step in creating HIV-1 immunotherapy using fossil virus

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 09:50 AM PDT

An antibody that can neutralize the HIV-1 fossil virus has been discovered by researchers. This may lead to finding a viable immunotherapy option for HIV-1. The research team found that the right antibody directed against an ancestral fossil virus buried within everyone's genomes might be able to target HIV-1 and neutralize it.

Orthopedic surgery generally safe for patients age 80 and older

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 09:50 AM PDT

Over the past decade, a greater number of patients, age 80 and older, are having elective orthopedic surgery. A new study has found that these surgeries are generally safe with mortality rates decreasing for total hip (THR) and total knee (TKR) replacement and spinal fusion surgeries, and complication rates decreasing for total knee replacement and spinal fusion in patients with few or no comorbidities (other conditions or diseases).

Lipoic acid helps restore, synchronize 'biological clock'

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 09:50 AM PDT

Researchers have discovered a possible explanation for the surprisingly large range of biological effects that are linked to a micronutrient called lipoic acid: It appears to reset and synchronize circadian rhythms, or the 'biological clock' found in most life forms. The ability of lipoic acid to help restore a more normal circadian rhythm to aging animals could explain its apparent value in so many important biological functions, ranging from stress resistance to cardiac function, hormonal balance, muscle performance, glucose metabolism and the aging process.

How the brain stabilizes connections in order to learn better

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 09:50 AM PDT

Throughout our lives, our brains adapt to what we learn and memorize. The brain is indeed made up of complex networks of neurons and synapses that are constantly re-configured. However, in order for learning to leave a trace, connections must be stabilized. A team researchers has now discovered a new cellular mechanism to help understand this.

Study led by indigenous people uncovers grizzly bear 'highway' in coastal British Columbia

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 09:50 AM PDT

A novel, First Nations-led research collaboration has revealed a previously undocumented grizzly bear aggregation in coastal British Columbia, one of the most southerly aggregations of salmon-feeding grizzlies in North America. Using non-invasive DNA analysis, the authors describe a grizzly bear 'highway,' identifying nearly 60 individual bears, many who travelled hundreds of miles from surrounding areas to feed on autumn-spawning salmon in the Koeye River.

Earth-like soils on Mars? Ancient fossilized soils potentially found deep inside impact crater suggest microbial life

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 09:50 AM PDT

Soil deep in a crater dating to some 3.7 billion years ago contains evidence that Mars was once much warmer and wetter, says a geologist based on images and data captured by the rover Curiosity.

Exercise, relaxation activities positively impact people with social anxiety disorders

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 09:49 AM PDT

New research has shed light on how exercise and relaxation activities like yoga can positively impact people with social anxiety disorders. The study found that exercise and relaxation activities literally change the way people perceive the world, altering their perception so that they view the environment in a less threatening, less negative way. For people with mood and anxiety disorders, this is an important breakthrough.

Gender quotas work in 'tight' cultures, says new resesarch

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 09:49 AM PDT

Quotas probably won't get more women into the boardroom in places like the US and Canada. They have a better chance however in countries such as China or Germany where people place a higher value on obeying authority and conforming to cultural norms. It all comes down to a culture's 'tightness' or 'looseness' -- the degree to which a culture maintains social norms, adheres to authority structures and tolerates deviations from them.

Crohn's disease research advances with protein identification

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 09:49 AM PDT

A protein has been identified by researchers, hiding in plain sight, that acts like a bodyguard to help protect and stabilize another key protein, that when unstable, is involved in Crohn's disease. The fundamental research points to a possible pathway for developing an effective therapy for the inflammatory bowel disease.

Scientists track gene activity when honey bees do and don't eat honey: Significant differences depending on diet

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 09:48 AM PDT

Many beekeepers feed their honey bees sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup when times are lean inside the hive. This practice has come under scrutiny, however, in response to colony collapse disorder, the massive -- and as yet not fully explained -- annual die-off of honey bees in the U.S. and Europe. Some suspect that inadequate nutrition plays a role in honey bee declines. Scientists took a broad look at changes in gene activity in response to diet in the Western honey bee, and found significant differences occur depending on what the bees eat.

First comprehensive library of master genetic switches in plants

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 09:48 AM PDT

Researchers have created the first comprehensive library of genetic switches in plants, setting the stage for scientists around the globe to better understand how plants adapt to environmental changes and to design more robust plants for future food security.

Obese women may have learning deficit specific to food

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 09:48 AM PDT

Obese women have a deficit in reward-based learning, but only when food is involved. Importantly, say researchers, those same women have no trouble at all forming accurate associations when the reward is money instead of food. The findings may lead to new, gender-appropriate ways to tackle the obesity epidemic.

Brown fat found to be at the root of cancer-related wasting syndrome

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 09:48 AM PDT

Many patients with advanced stages of cancer, AIDS, tuberculosis, and other diseases die from a condition called cachexia, which is characterized as a 'wasting' syndrome that causes extreme thinness with muscle weakness. Cachexia is the direct cause of roughly 20 percent of deaths in cancer patients. While boosting food intake doesn't help, and no effective therapies are available, new research points to a promising strategy that may stimulate weight gain and muscle strength.

Gut microbes turn carbs into colorectal cancer, study shows

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 09:48 AM PDT

Colorectal cancer has been linked to carbohydrate-rich western diets, but the underlying mechanisms have been unclear. A new study shows that gut microbes metabolize carbohydrates in the diet, causing intestinal cells to proliferate and form tumors in mice that are genetically predisposed to colorectal cancer. Treatment with antibiotics or a low-carbohydrate diet significantly reduced tumors in these mice, suggesting that these easy interventions could prevent a common type of colorectal cancer in humans.

Is the universe a bubble? Let's check: Making the multiverse hypothesis testable

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 09:48 AM PDT

Scientists are working to bring the multiverse hypothesis, which to some sounds like a fanciful tale, firmly into the realm of testable science. Never mind the Big Bang; in the beginning was the vacuum. The vacuum simmered with energy (variously called dark energy, vacuum energy, the inflation field, or the Higgs field). Like water in a pot, this high energy began to evaporate -- bubbles formed.

Forty percent of Ontario female prisoners enter correctional system with a traumatic brain injury

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 09:45 AM PDT

Almost 40 per cent of Ontario female prisoners have a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a study has shown. Unlike the men participating in the study, half of these women sustained a TBI before committing their first crime. Typically caused by a blow to the head, TBI is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. TBI is commonly caused by falls, motor vehicle collisions, physical assault or sports injuries.

Eye movements reveal difference between love and lust

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 09:45 AM PDT

A new study suggests the difference between love and lust might be in the eyes. Specifically, where your date looks at you could indicate whether love or lust is in the cards. The new study found that eye patterns concentrate on a stranger's face if the viewer sees that person as a potential partner in romantic love, but the viewer gazes more at the other person's body if he or she is feeling sexual desire.

Do urban casinos increase local crime? Not in this case study

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 08:49 AM PDT

Residents protested the opening of Philadelphia's SugarHouse Casino in 2010, but researchers found that crime rates were largely unaffected by the introduction of the gaming establishment. The study found that crime rates in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia were largely unaffected by the introduction of the gaming establishment, and that any potential significant crime increases either did not occur or were effectively controlled by a reassignment of existing local police officers.

Potential new therapy with brain-on-a-chip axonal strain injury model

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 08:49 AM PDT

The use of 'Brain-on-a-Chip' microsystem has been used to assess specific effects of traumatic axonal injury. This innovative approach was used to characterize the biochemical changes that are induced following traumatic axonal injury and highlights an apparent injury threshold that exists in axonal mitochondria.

What are the risks of post-traumatic stress disorder after an accident?

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 08:49 AM PDT

Many patients continue to suffer from symptoms (headaches, pain) several months after an accident. Now, a research team has studied the subsequent development of 1,300 people who were admitted to hospital for trauma. The researchers demonstrate that it is possible to identify people who will develop post-traumatic stress disorder, which generally occurs when the individual's life was put in danger.

Gene that plays a surprising role in combating aging identified

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 08:39 AM PDT

It is something of an eternal question: Can we slow or even reverse the aging process? Even though genetic manipulations can, in fact, alter some cellular dynamics, little is known about the mechanisms of the aging process in living organisms.

Transplanting gene into injured hearts creates biological pacemakers

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 06:59 AM PDT

Cardiologists have developed a minimally invasive gene transplant procedure that changes unspecialized heart cells into "biological pacemaker" cells that keep the heart steadily beating.

Anti-tank missile detector joins fight against malaria

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 06:51 AM PDT

State-of-the-art military hardware could soon fight malaria, one of the most deadly diseases on the planet. Researchers have used an anti-tank Javelin missile detector, more commonly used in warfare to detect the enemy, in a new test to rapidly identify malaria parasites in blood. The technique is based on Fourier Transform Infrared (FITR) spectroscopy, which provides information on how molecules vibrate.

Duck migration study reveals importance of conserving wetlands

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 06:51 AM PDT

During the 2011 and 2012 migration seasons, researchers monitored mallard ducks with new remote satellite tracking technology, marking the first time ducks have been tracked closely during the entirety of their migration from Canada to the American Midwest and back. The research revealed that mallards use public and private wetland conservation areas extensively as they travel hundreds of miles across the continent.

Research on persons with HIV/AIDS not taking medication, not engaged in care

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 06:51 AM PDT

A new study describes factors believed to contribute to the critical public health issues of persons with HIV/AIDS not complying with treatment or care. The study has a particular focus on African American and Latino/Hispanic people with HIV/AIDS, the racial/ethnic groups most affected by HIV/AIDS.

National Xenopus resource at the MBL innovates new way to study proteins

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 06:49 AM PDT

Researchers have used mRNA sequences, rather than DNA, to more efficiently create a reference database that can be used for proteomic analysis of Xenopus frogs. The researchers used their reference database to identify over 11,000 proteins from an unfertilized Xenopus egg and estimate the abundance of these proteins. The method outperformed comparison proteomic analyses based on a preliminary, unpublished Xenopus genome and other protein reference databases.

Eradicating fatal sleeping sickness by killing off the tsetse fly

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 06:49 AM PDT

A professor of biology has lent his expertise in understanding insect movement to help shape a UN-sanctioned eradication effort of the tsetse fly -- a creature that passes the fatal African sleeping sickness to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. The tsetse fly is the main vector for Human African Trypanosomiasis (aka sleeping sickness), and spreads the disease by biting humans or animals. The disease affects the central nervous system and is fatal if untreated. For some forms of the disease, victims can reach the terminal stage before symptoms even start to show.

Birdsongs automatically decoded by computer scientists

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 06:49 AM PDT

Scientists have found a successful way of identifying bird sounds from large audio collections, which could be useful for expert and amateur bird-watchers alike.

Map reveals worldwide impacts of climate change

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 06:48 AM PDT

A new map, which shows the impact climate change could have on the whole planet by the end of the century if carbon emissions continue to increase, has been developed by scientists. Temperatures on the warmest days of the year are rising by 6°C or more across Europe, parts of Asia and part of North America, it shows. Also an increase in risk of flooding across 70 per cent of Asia, and the number of days of drought increasing in parts of South America, Australia and Southern Africa are illuminated by the new map.

Women's professional self-identity impacts on childcare balance, but not men's

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 06:48 AM PDT

Research shows that a mother's self-identity impacts on the amount of time her partner spends on childcare – with strong professional identity in women creating a more equal childcare balance in a couple. A father's self-identity, however, has no bearing on a mother's time with children.

Danish DNA could be key to happiness

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 06:48 AM PDT

Genetics could be the key to explaining nation's levels of happiness, according to new research. Economists have found the closer a nation is to the genetic makeup of Denmark, the happier that country is. The research could help to solve the puzzle of why a country like Denmark so regularly tops the world happiness rankings.

The rate at which groundwater reservoirs are being depleted is increasing

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 06:48 AM PDT

In what parts of the world and to what degree have(groundwater reservoirs been depleted over the past 50 years? Scientists have been researching this using the global water model WaterGAP.

Math can make the Internet 5-10 times faster

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 06:48 AM PDT

Mathematical equations can make Internet communication via computer, mobile phone or satellite many times faster and more secure than today. A new study uses a four minute long mobile video as an example. The method used by the Danish and US researchers in the study resulted in the video being downloaded five times faster than state of the art technology. The video also streamed without interruptions. In comparison, the original video got stuck 13 times along the way.

New view of Mount Rainier's volcanic plumbing: Electrical images show upward flow of fluids to magma chamber

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 06:46 AM PDT

By measuring how fast Earth conducts electricity and seismic waves, scientists have made a detailed picture of Mount Rainier's deep volcanic plumbing and partly molten rock that will erupt again someday.

Effects of starvation can be passed to future generations, through small RNAs apparently without DNA involvement

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 06:46 AM PDT

A new study, involving roundworms, shows that starvation induces specific changes in so-called small RNAs and that these changes are inherited through at least three consecutive generations, apparently without any DNA involvement.

Measuring nurture: Study shows how 'good mothering' hardwires infant brain

Posted: 17 Jul 2014 06:45 AM PDT

By carefully watching nearly a hundred hours of video showing mother rats protecting, warming, and feeding their young pups, and then matching up what they saw to real-time electrical readings from the pups' brains, researchers have found that the mother's presence and social interactions -— her nurturing role -— directly molds the early neural activity and growth of her offsprings' brain.

Asthma drugs suppress children's growth, study suggest

Posted: 16 Jul 2014 04:46 PM PDT

Corticosteroid drugs that are given by inhalers to children with asthma may suppress their growth, evidence suggests. Two new systematic reviews focus on the effects of inhaled corticosteroid drugs on growth rates. The authors found children's growth slowed in the first year of treatment, although the effects were minimized by using lower doses.