ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Safeguarding Belize's barrier reef with conservation drones

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 12:24 PM PDT

Seeking to gain a high-tech edge over illegal fishers, the Government of Belize will use "eyes in the sky" to enforce fishing regulations in the biodiverse Glover's Reef Marine Reserve and other reef systems in what is the first use of conservation drones to monitor marine protected areas.

Vulnerability of sharks as collateral damage in commercial fishing shown by study

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 11:27 AM PDT

A new study that examined the survival rates of 12 different shark species when captured as unintentional bycatch in commercial longline fishing operations found large differences in survival rates across the 12 species, with bigeye thresher, dusky, and scalloped hammerhead being the most vulnerable.

Extra exercise helps depressed smokers kick the habit faster

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 11:27 AM PDT

People diagnosed with depression need to step out for a cigarette twice as often as smokers who are not dealing with a mood disorder. And those who have the hardest time shaking off the habit may have more mental health issues than they are actually aware of, research suggests. While nearly one in five North American adults are regular smokers, a figure that continues to steadily decline, about 40 per cent of depressed people are in need of a regular drag.

Are state Medicaid policies sentencing people with mental illnesses to prison?

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 11:26 AM PDT

A link between Medicaid policies on antipsychotic drugs and incarceration rates for schizophrenic individuals has been uncovered by a new study. Researchers found that states requiring prior authorization for atypical antipsychotics had less serious mental illness overall but higher shares of inmates with psychotic symptoms than the national average. The study concluded that prior authorization of atypical antipsychotics was associated with a 22 percent increase in the likelihood of imprisonment, compared with the likelihood in a state without such a requirement.

Therapeutic bacteria prevent obesity in mice, study finds

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 11:25 AM PDT

A probiotic that prevents obesity could be on the horizon. Bacteria that produce a therapeutic compound in the gut inhibit weight gain, insulin resistance and other adverse effects of a high-fat diet in mice, investigators have discovered. Regulatory issues must be addressed before moving to human studies, but the findings suggest that it may be possible to manipulate the bacterial residents of the gut -- the gut microbiota -- to treat obesity and other chronic diseases.

Preschoolers can reflect on what they don't know

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 11:25 AM PDT

Contrary to previous assumptions, researchers find that preschoolers are able to gauge the strength of their memories and make decisions based on their self-assessments. The findings contribute to research on the reliability of children's eyewitness testimony in a court of law, and they carry important implications for educational practices. "Previous emphasis on the development of metacognition during middle childhood has influenced education practices," says an author. "Now we know that some of these ideas may be adapted to meet preschoolers' learning needs."

Enhanced instrument enables high-speed chemical imaging of tissues

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 11:25 AM PDT

A research team has demonstrated a dramatically improved technique for analyzing biological cells and tissues based on characteristic molecular vibrations. The new technique is an advanced form of Raman spectroscopy that is fast and accurate enough to create high-resolution images of biological specimens, with detailed spatial information on specific biomolecules, at speeds fast enough to observe changes in living cells.

Vitamin D deficiency raises risk of schizophrenia diagnosis

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 11:25 AM PDT

Vitamin D-deficient individuals are twice as likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia as people who have sufficient levels of the vitamin, according to a new study. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and is needed for bone and muscle health. The skin naturally produces this vitamin after exposure to sunlight. People also obtain smaller amounts of the vitamin through foods, such as milk fortified with vitamin D. More than 1 billion people worldwide are estimated to have deficient levels of vitamin D due to limited sunshine exposure.

High-salt diet doubles threat of cardiovascular disease in people with diabetes

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 11:25 AM PDT

People with Type 2 diabetes who eat a diet high in salt face twice the risk of developing cardiovascular disease as those who consume less sodium, according to a new study. Diabetes occurs when there is too much sugar in the bloodstream. People develop Type 2 diabetes when their bodies become resistant to the hormone insulin, which carries sugar from the blood to cells.

African elephant genome suggests they are superior smellers

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 11:25 AM PDT

Sense of smell is critical for survival in many mammals. In a new study, researchers examined the olfactory receptor repertoire encoded in 13 mammalian species and found that African elephants have the largest number of OR genes ever characterized; more than twice that found in dogs, and five times more than in humans.

3-D-printed tissues advance stem cell research

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 11:24 AM PDT

A tissue engineering and vascular biology expert recently won a Faculty Early Career Development Award for his work on 3D tissue printing, and its contribution of the advancement of stem cell research.

Ultrasonically propelled nanorods spin dizzyingly fast

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 10:07 AM PDT

Vibrate a solution of rod-shaped metal nanoparticles in water with ultrasound and they'll spin around their long axes like tiny drill bits. Why? No one yet knows exactly. But researchers have clocked their speed -- and it's fast. At up to 150,000 revolutions per minute, ten times faster than any nanorotor ever reported.

Technique simplifies creation of high-tech crystals

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 10:07 AM PDT

Highly purified crystals that split light with uncanny precision are key parts of high-powered lenses, specialized optics and, potentially, computers that manipulate light instead of electricity. But producing these crystals by current techniques, such as etching them with a precise beam of electrons, is often extremely difficult and expensive. Now, researchers have proposed a new method that could allow scientists to customize and grow these specialized materials, known as photonic crystals, with relative ease.

Quantum leap in lasers brightens future for quantum computing

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 10:07 AM PDT

Scientists have devised a breakthrough laser that uses a single artificial atom to generate and emit particles of light. The laser may play a crucial role in the development of quantum computers, which are predicted to eventually outperform today's most powerful supercomputers.

How children categorize living things

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 10:06 AM PDT

"Name everything you can think of that is alive." How would a child respond to this question? Would his or her list be full of relatives, animals from movies and books, or perhaps neighborhood pets? Would the poppies blooming on the front steps make the list or the oak tree towering over the backyard? The children's responses in a recent study revealed clear convergences among distinct communities but also illuminated differences among them.

Radio frequency ID tags on honey bees reveal hive dynamics

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 10:06 AM PDT

Scientists attached radio-frequency identification tags to hundreds of individual honey bees and tracked them for several weeks. The effort yielded two discoveries: Some foraging bees are much busier than others; and if those busy bees disappear, others will take their place.

Understanding how neuro cells turn cancerous

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 10:06 AM PDT

New research, for the first time, brings scientists nearer to understanding how some cells in the brain and nervous system become cancerous. The team studied a tumor suppressor called Merlin. Their results have identified a new mechanism whereby Merlin suppresses tumors, and that the mechanism operates within the nucleus. The research team has discovered that unsuppressed tumor cells increase via a core signalling system, the hippo pathway, and they have identified the route and method by which this signalling occurs.

Communication between nostril/skin microbiome bacteria can influence pathogen behavior

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 10:06 AM PDT

Scientists have made an important discovery about the molecular interactions that occur between generally benign species of Propionibacterium bacteria and the pathogenic bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, the cause of most 'staph' infections.

Report on viruses looks beyond disease

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 10:06 AM PDT

In contrast to their negative reputation as disease causing agents, some viruses can perform crucial biological and evolutionary functions that help to shape the world we live in today, according to a new report. "Viruses participate in essential Earth processes and influence all life forms on the planet, from contributing to biogeochemical cycles, shaping the atmospheric composition, and driving major speciation events," states one researcher.

The heart of an astronaut, five years on

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 09:56 AM PDT

The heart of an astronaut is a much-studied thing. Scientists have analyzed its blood flow, rhythms, atrophy and, through journal studies, even matters of the heart. But for the first time, researchers are looking at how oxidative stress and inflammation caused by the conditions of space flight affect those hearts for up to five years after astronauts fly on the International Space Station. Lessons learned may help improve cardiovascular health on Earth as well.

NASA's HS3 mission spotlight: The HIRAD instrument

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 09:53 AM PDT

The Hurricane Imaging Radiometer, known as HIRAD, will fly aboard one of two unmanned Global Hawk aircraft during NASA's Hurricane Severe Storm Sentinel or HS3 mission from Wallops beginning August 26 through September 29. One of the NASA Global Hawks will cover the storm environment and the other will analyze inner-storm conditions. HIRAD will fly aboard the inner-storm Global Hawk and will be positioned at the bottom, rear section of the aircraft.

NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory celebrates 15th anniversary

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 09:48 AM PDT

Fifteen years ago, NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory was launched into space aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. Since its deployment on July 23, 1999, Chandra has helped revolutionize our understanding of the universe through its unrivaled X-ray vision.

Freezing blueberries improves antioxidant availability

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 09:48 AM PDT

Blueberries pack a powerful antioxidant punch, whether eaten fresh or from the freezer, according to a researcher. Anthocyanins, a group of antioxidant compounds, are responsible for the color in blueberries, and since most of the color is in the skin, freezing the blueberries actually improves the availability of the antioxidants.

NASA's Fermi finds a 'transformer' pulsar

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 09:04 AM PDT

In late June 2013, an exceptional binary containing a rapidly spinning neutron star underwent a dramatic change in behavior never before observed. The pulsar's radio beacon vanished, while at the same time the system brightened fivefold in gamma rays, the most powerful form of light, according to measurements by NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope.

Why consumers choose high-effort products

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 08:19 AM PDT

Stuck in traffic? On hold for what seems like an eternity? Consumers often face situations that undermine their feelings of control. According to a new study, when a person's sense of control is threatened, they are more likely to seek out products that require hard work.

Fill 'er up: Prototype meter test for hydrogen refueling stations developed

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 08:19 AM PDT

To support the fair sale of gaseous hydrogen as a vehicle fuel, researchers have developed a prototype field test standard to test the accuracy of hydrogen fuel dispensers. Once the standard is field tested, it will serve as a model for constructing similar devices for state weights and measures inspectors to use.

Overdoing it: Multiple perspectives confuse consumers

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 08:19 AM PDT

When it comes to television advertising, simple may be best, says one expert, whose study reports that multiple angles and perspectives in commercials may actually prevent consumers from forming positive associations about the products. She found this to be particularly true for consumers who imagine using the products themselves in the course of evaluating them.

'Comb on a chip' powers new atomic clock design

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 08:19 AM PDT

Researchers have demonstrated a novel design for a small atomic clock that is based on a chip-scale frequency comb, or a microcomb.

Cost-effectiveness of weight-loss programs, drugs

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 08:19 AM PDT

In a cost-effectiveness analysis of commercial diet programs and pills, the Weight Watchers program and the drug Qsymia showed the best value for the money. The Jenny Craig regimen generated the greatest weight loss, but was also the most expensive option tested, according to researchers.

New water balance calculation for Dead Sea

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 08:18 AM PDT

The drinking water resources on the eastern, Jordanian side of the Dead Sea could decline more severely as a result of climate change than those on the western, Israeli and Palestinian side. This is the conclusion reached by an international team of researchers that calculated the water flows around the Dead Sea. The natural replenishment rate of groundwater will reduce dramatically in the future if precipitation lowers as predicted.

Bats use polarized light to navigate: First mammal known to use polarization patterns in the sky to navigate

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 08:18 AM PDT

The bats use the way the sun's light is scattered in the atmosphere at sunset to calibrate their internal magnetic compass, which helps them to fly in the right direction, a new study has shown.

Law of physics governs airplane 'evolution': Constructal law explains progression of passenger jets, sets guidelines for future aircraft

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 08:18 AM PDT

Scientists have found that a law of physics predicts the evolution of commercial airliners and also provides guidelines for future designs.

Dangers of desert dust: New diagnostic tool for valley fever

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 08:18 AM PDT

Valley fever has been the focus of new research that describes a promising strategy known as immunosignaturing, which can provide clinicians with an accurate identification of valley fever, a potentially serious affliction that is often misdiagnosed. Valley fever is a fungal respiratory infection. It can be acquired when microscopic spores of the soil-dwelling fungus are inhaled. Two forms of the fungus exist, Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii. They are endemic to regions of Arizona, New Mexico, California, Nevada, Utah, Texas and northern Mexico.

Asian genes in European pigs result in more piglets

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 08:17 AM PDT

Pigs that are bred commercially in Europe are found to have a highly varied mosaic of different European and Asian gene variants. The Asian genes in particular result in a large number of piglets in European pig breeds. Researchers now explain that a number of important characteristics of European pigs have Asian origins. They previously demonstrated that the genetic diversity among commercial pigs is greater than within the existing populations of wild boar.

Fly-inspired sound detector: New device based on a fly's freakishly acute hearing for futuristic hearing aids

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 08:14 AM PDT

The fly can pinpoint the location of a chirping cricket with remarkable accuracy because of its freakishly acute hearing, which relies upon a sophisticated sound processing mechanism that really sets it apart from all other known insects. Researchers have now developed a tiny prototype device that mimics the parasitic fly's hearing mechanism, which may be useful for a new generation of hypersensitive hearing aids.

A new multi-bit 'spin' for magnetic random access memory storage

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 08:14 AM PDT

Interest in magnetic random access memory (MRAM) is escalating, thanks to demand for fast, low-cost, nonvolatile, low-consumption, secure memory devices. MRAM boasts all of these advantages as an emerging technology, but so far it hasn't been able to match flash memory in terms of storage density. A research team reports an intriguing new multi-bit MRAM storage paradigm with the potential to rival flash memory.

Study reveals 'unhappiest' cities in the U.S.

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 07:39 AM PDT

New research identifies the unhappiest cities in the U.S., but finds that some young people are still willing to relocate to them for a good job opportunity or lower housing prices. The analysis suggests people may be deciding to trade happiness for other gains.

African-American homeownership increasingly less stable, more risky

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 07:24 AM PDT

African-Americans are 45 percent more likely than whites to switch from owning their homes to renting them, A new study from American sociologists finds. The study examines racial inequality in transitions out of homeownership over the last four decades. The authors used longitudinal household data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics for the period 1968 to 2009, with a study sample of 6,994 non-Hispanic whites and 3,158 black homeowners.

Meerkats' sinister side is secret to their success, study shows

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 07:23 AM PDT

The darker side of meerkats -- which sees them prevent their daughters from breeding, and kill their grandchildren -- is explained in a new study. Research into the desert creatures -- which live in groups with a dominant breeding pair and many adult helpers -- shows that the alpha female can flourish when it maintains the sole right to breed. The study shows how this way of life, also found in many animals such as ants and bees, can prove effective despite its sinister side.

Jeju Island, Korea is a live volcano

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 07:22 AM PDT

In Jeju, Korea, a place emerging as a world-famous vacation spot with natural tourism resources, a recent study revealed a volcanic eruption occurred on the island as recently as 5,000 years ago. Judging from the findings, Jeju Island is not an extinct volcano, but seems to a potentially live volcano; volcano that has erupted within 10,000 years is defined to be a live volcano on a geological basis.

Anti-cancer drug kicks HIV out of hiding

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 07:22 AM PDT

An anti-cancer drug can activate hidden HIV, a pilot study by HIV researchers has shown. The researchers found that the anti-cancer drug romidepsin increased the virus production in HIV-infected cells between 2.1 and 3.9 times above normal and that the viral load in the blood increased to measurable levels in five out of six patients with HIV infection.

Mixed genes mix up the migrations of hybrid birds

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 07:22 AM PDT

Mixed genes appear to drive hybrid birds to select more difficult routes than their parent species, according to new research. "Instead of taking well-trodden paths through fertile areas, these birds choose to scale mountains and cross deserts," says one of the researchers.

Hubble traces halo of a galaxy more accurately than ever before: An in-depth look at giant elliptical galaxy Centaurus A

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 07:22 AM PDT

Astronomers have probed the extreme outskirts of the stunning elliptical galaxy Centaurus A. The galaxy's halo of stars has been found to extend much further from the galaxy's center than expected and the stars within this halo seem to be surprisingly rich in heavy elements. This is the most remote portion of an elliptical galaxy ever to have been explored.

Creating optical cables out of thin air

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 07:22 AM PDT

Imagine being able to instantaneously run an optical cable or fiber to any point on Earth, or even into space. Researchers now report using an 'air waveguide' to enhance light signals collected from distant sources. These air waveguides could have many applications, including long-range laser communications, detecting pollution in the atmosphere, making high-resolution topographic maps and laser weapons.

Self-cooling solar cells boost power, last longer

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 07:22 AM PDT

Scientists may have overcome one of the major hurdles in developing high-efficiency, long-lasting solar cells -- keeping them cool, even in the blistering heat of the noonday sun. By adding a specially patterned layer of silica glass to the surface of ordinary solar cells, a team of researchers has found a way to let solar cells cool themselves by shepherding away unwanted thermal radiation.

Can strong parental bond protect infants down to their DNA?

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 07:19 AM PDT

Scientists are launching a groundbreaking study looking at critical periods early in a child's life when exposure to stressors matters most. The goal is to track telomeres – a cellular marker for aging and stress – to discover the biological mechanism for how early trauma gets under the skin, potentially stealing time from a child's biological clock. Can parents create a biological buffer that shields children decades later from disease and toxic stress?

Global temperature reaches record high in June following record warmth in May

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 06:56 AM PDT

According to NOAA scientists, the globally averaged temperature over land and ocean surfaces for June 2014 was the highest for June since record keeping began in 1880. It also marked the 38th consecutive June and 352nd consecutive month with a global temperature above the 20th century average. The last below-average global temperature for June was in 1976 and the last below-average global temperature for any month was February 1985.

Schizophrenia's genetic 'skyline' rising as genetic code linked to illness grows

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 06:17 AM PDT

The largest genomic dragnet of any psychiatric disorder to date has unmasked 108 chromosomal sites harboring inherited variations in the genetic code linked to schizophrenia, 83 of which had not been previously reported. By contrast, the 'skyline' of such suspect variants associated with the disorder contained only 5 significant peaks in 2011. Researchers combined data from all available schizophrenia genetic samples to boost statistical power high enough to detect subtle effects on risk.

Control of HIV pandemic will not be achieved without radical improvement in support for sex workers

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 06:17 AM PDT

Across the world, in high- and low-income countries, women, men, and transgender people who sell sex are subjected to repressive and discriminatory law, policy, and practice, which in turn fuel human rights violations against them, including violence and discrimination. All of these factors are preventing sex workers from accessing the services which they need in order to effectively prevent and treat HIV infection, according to a major new Series on HIV and sex workers.

HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis: Success of the Millennium shown in most comprehensive study to date

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 06:16 AM PDT

Accelerated progress against the global burden of HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis (TB) has been made since 2000 when governments worldwide adopted Millennium Development Goal 6 to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and TB. New estimates from a major new analysis show that worldwide, the number of people living with HIV has risen steadily to around 29 million people in 2012. The data also show that malaria is killing more people than previously estimated, although the number of deaths has fallen rapidly since 2004. Progress for TB looks promising.

Neuroprotective role of immune cell discovered

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 06:16 AM PDT

A type of immune cell widely believed to exacerbate chronic adult brain diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis, can actually protect the brain from traumatic brain injury and may slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, according to research. "Our findings suggest the innate immune system helps protect the brain after injury or during chronic disease, and this role should be further studied," the lead researcher said.

High school lacrosse players at risk for concussions, other injuries, study finds

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 06:16 AM PDT

High school players experienced 1,406 injuries over the four academic years from 2008 through 2012, a new study reports. The overall injury rate was 20 per 10,000 lacrosse competitions and practices. More than 22 percent of those injuries were concussions, making that the second most common injury diagnosis behind sprains and strains (38 percent).

Viral therapy could boost limb-saving cancer treatment

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 06:15 AM PDT

Viruses designed to target and kill cancer cells could boost the effectiveness of chemotherapy to the arms and legs and help avoid amputation, a new study reports. Researchers tested the effectiveness of a genetically engineered version of the virus used to vaccinate against smallpox. They found use of the virus alongside isolated limb perfusion chemotherapy -- given directly to blood vessels supplying the affected arm or leg as an alternative to amputation -- was more effective in rats than either treatment on its own.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus detected in air of Saudi Arabian camel barn

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 06:15 AM PDT

Saudi Arabian researchers have detected genetic fragments of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus in the air of a barn holding a camel infected with the virus. The work indicates that further studies are needed to see if the disease can be transmitted through the air. MERS, a serious viral respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus, has been identified in 699 people as of June 11, according to the World Health Organization; 209 people have died from the condition.

Low strength brain stimulation may be effective for depression

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 06:14 AM PDT

Brain stimulation treatments, like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), are often effective for the treatment of depression. Like antidepressant medications, however, they typically have a delayed onset. For example, a patient may receive several weeks of regular ECT treatments before a full response is achieved. Thus, there is an impetus to develop antidepressant treatments that act to rapidly improve mood. Low field magnetic stimulation (LFMS) is one such potential new treatment with rapid mood-elevating effects, report scientists.

Rigid connections: Molecular basis of age-related memory loss explained

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 06:14 AM PDT

From telephone numbers to foreign vocabulary, our brains hold a seemingly endless supply of information. However, as we get older, our ability to learn and remember new things declines. A team of scientists has identified the molecular mechanisms of this cognitive decline using latest high-throughput proteomics and statistical methods.

High-precision software developed for diagnosing eye sensitivity

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 06:14 AM PDT

High-precision software for diagnosing eye sensitivity has been developed by researchers. This is a new technology that allows to quantify the degree of opacity in the posterior capsule of the eye caused by the growth of cells in the intraocular lens.

Computer privacy: Share button may share your browsing history, too

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 06:14 AM PDT

One in 18 of the world's top 100,000 websites track users without their consent using a previously undetected cookie-like tracking mechanism embedded in 'share' buttons. The researchers traced 95 percent of canvas fingerprinting scripts back to a single company.

Boosting the force of empty space: Theorists propose way to amplify force of vacuum fluctuations

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 06:14 AM PDT

Vacuum fluctuations may be among the most counter-intuitive phenomena of quantum physics. Theorists have now proposed a way to amplify their force. The researchers believe that their proposed enhancement of the power of vacuum fluctuations can have profound implications for understanding Casimir and Van der Waals forces and it may even be used for applications in quantum information processing and other emerging quantum technologies.

Scientists use simple, low cost laser technique to improve properties and functions of nanomaterials

Posted: 22 Jul 2014 06:14 AM PDT

By 'drawing' micropatterns on nanomaterials using a focused laser beam, scientists could modify properties of nanomaterials for effective applications in photonic and optoelectric applications.