ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Sorting cells with sound waves

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 05:57 PM PDT

Researchers have devised a new way to separate cells by exposing them to sound waves as they flow through a tiny channel. Their device, about the size of a dime, could be used to detect the extremely rare tumor cells that circulate in cancer patients' blood, helping doctors predict whether a tumor is going to spread.

Animals first flex their muscles: Earliest fossil evidence for animals with muscles

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 05:54 PM PDT

A new fossil discovery identifies the earliest evidence for animals with muscles. An unusual new fossil discovery of one of the earliest animals on earth may also provide the oldest evidence of muscle tissue -- the bundles of cells that make movement in animals possible. The fossil, dating from 560 million years ago, was discovered in Newfoundland, Canada.

What can 14th century Venice teach us about Ebola, other emerging threats?

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 12:28 PM PDT

The way in which the Italian city of Venice dealt with the outbreak of the plague in the 14th century holds lessons on how to even mitigate the consequences of today's emerging threats, like climate change, terrorism, and highly infectious or drug-resistant diseases, says one researcher.

Composition of Earth's mantle revisited

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 12:28 PM PDT

The makeup of Earth's lower mantle, which makes up the largest part of the Earth by volume, is significantly different than previously thought, research suggests. This should shed light on unexplained seismic phenomena.

Glucose meter of a different color provides continuous monitoring

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 12:28 PM PDT

Engineers are bringing a touch of color to glucose monitoring. The researchers developed a new continuous glucose monitoring material that changes color as glucose levels fluctuate, and the wavelength shift is so precise that doctors and patients may be able to use it for automatic insulin dosing -- something not possible using current point measurements like test strips.

Challenges ahead in improving child health by increasing access to sanitation in India

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 12:28 PM PDT

A study on large-scale rural sanitation programs in India highlights challenges in achieving sufficient access to latrines and reduction in open defecation to yield significant health benefits for young children.

Expanding age of eligibility for measles vaccination could increase childhood survival in Africa

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 11:25 AM PDT

Expanding the age of eligibility for measles vaccination from 12 to 15 months could have potentially large effects on coverage in Africa, according to a new report. If combined with improvements to the vaccination process itself, such a change could help the country inch closer to the national coverage levels required for measles eradication.

Competition for graphene: Researchers demonstrate ultrafast charge transfer in new family of 2-D semiconductors

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 11:25 AM PDT

The first experimental observation of ultrafast charge transfer in photo-excited MX2 materials, the graphene-like two-dimensional semiconductors, has been conducted. Charge transfer time clocked in at under 50 femtoseconds, comparable to the fastest times recorded for organic photovoltaics.

100 recent fetal surgeries for spina bifida performed at one American hospital

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 11:25 AM PDT

Reporting on 100 recent cases of fetal surgery for spina bifida, specialists at a premier fetal surgery program achieved results similar to those published three years previously in a landmark clinical trial that established a new standard of care for prenatal repair of this birth defect.

Surgery to repair hip fracture reduces lifetime health care costs by more than $65,000 per patient

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 11:25 AM PDT

Each year, more than 300,000 Americans, primarily adults over age 65, sustain a hip fracture, a debilitating injury that can diminish life quality and expectancy. A new study found that average lifetime societal benefits in the U.S. reduced the direct medical costs of hip fracture surgery by $65,000 to $68,000 per patient (in 2009 dollars), and that total, lifetime societal savings exceeded $16 billion for older patients.

New statin guidelines an improvement, study shows

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 11:24 AM PDT

New national guidelines can improve the way statin drugs are prescribed to patients at risk for cardiovascular disease, a study has found. The research also showed the new guidelines produce only a modest increase in the number of patients being given the drugs.

Existing power plants will spew 300 billion more tons of carbon dioxide during use

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 11:24 AM PDT

Existing power plants around the world will pump out more than 300 billion tons of carbon dioxide over their expected lifetimes, significantly adding to atmospheric levels of the climate-warming gas, according to scientists.

Ninety-four years ago, women won the right to vote; Newly discovered letters will help show how

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 11:12 AM PDT

On Aug. 26, 1920, with the formal adoption of the 19th Amendment, women won the right to vote. Now, a newly discovered collection of Susan B. Anthony letters will help show how.

Young driver's gender linked to crash type, injury severity

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 11:12 AM PDT

Gender differences do exist in young drivers when it comes to safety, a study finds. Gender is often related to what type of severe or fatal crash a young male or young female driver will be involved in. Researchers hope that the findings contribute to an improved understanding of crashes as well as help develop educational materials targeted more toward young drivers and each gender.

Study finds less domestic violence among married couples who smoke pot

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 11:11 AM PDT

New research findings from a study of 634 couples found that the more often they smoked marijuana, the less likely they were to engage in domestic violence. "These findings suggest that marijuana use is predictive of lower levels of aggression towards one's partner in the following year," authors say.

How parents can help their children succeed, stay in school

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 11:11 AM PDT

Students are back in school and now is the time for parents to develop routines to help their children succeed academically. A university professor says parental involvement, more than income or social status, is a predictor of student achievement.

Best view yet of merging galaxies in distant universe

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 11:11 AM PDT

Astronomers have obtained the best view yet of a collision between two galaxies when the Universe was only half its current age. To make this observation, the team also enlisted the help of a gravitational lens, a galaxy-size magnifying glass, to reveal otherwise invisible detail.

Brain benefits from weight loss following bariatric surgery

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 11:11 AM PDT

Weight loss surgery can curb alterations in brain activity associated with obesity and improve cognitive function involved in planning, strategizing and organizing, according to a new study. Bariatric surgery is used to help people who are dangerously obese lose weight. Bariatric surgery procedures are designed to restrict the amount of food you can eat before you feel full by reducing the stomach's size or limit the absorption of nutrients by removing part of the small intestine from the path food takes through the digestive tract.

Change in tube feeding practice improves nutrition for ICU patients, audit finds

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 09:11 AM PDT

While the importance of enteral nutrition, or feeding patients through a tube, in an intensive care unit is well understood, underfeeding is still common. A practice of a certain amount of feeding per hour can be interrupted by tests, procedures, or emergencies. Changing to a volume-based system, which calls for a certain nutrition volume per day, could reduce underfeeding.

Symphony of nanoplasmonic and optical resonators produces laser-like light emission

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 09:11 AM PDT

By combining plasmonics and optical microresonators, researchers have created a new optical amplifier (or laser) design, paving the way for power-on-a-chip applications.

How do former churchgoers build a new moral identity?

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 09:11 AM PDT

As their moral perspectives change, disillusioned churchgoers find it increasingly difficult to remain associated with their church, yet many also find it difficult to leave. According to a new study, former churchgoers experience deep identity crises as their most important relationships and beliefs are put at risk.

Are consumers more likely to purchase unintentionally green products?

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 09:11 AM PDT

A Fortune 500 company is redesigning a popular product using materials that are friendlier to the environment. How will consumers respond to the newly redesigned, 'greener' product? According to a new study, consumers are more likely to purchase a product if they think helping the environment is not the intended purpose of a product improvement.

Fact or fiction: Which do moviegoers prefer?

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 09:10 AM PDT

Do you feel sadder watching a documentary about war or a drama about a young person dying of cancer? According to a new study, consumers mistakenly believe they will have stronger emotional reactions when stories are based on true events rather than fiction.

Trash burning worldwide significantly worsens air pollution

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 09:10 AM PDT

Unregulated trash burning around the globe is pumping far more pollution into the atmosphere than shown by official records. A new study estimates that more than 40 percent of the world's garbage is burned in such fires, with emissions that can substantially affect human health and climate.

Getting things done: How does changing the way you think about deadlines help you reach your goals?

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 09:10 AM PDT

From doing yard work to finishing up the last few classes required for a college degree, consumers struggle to get things done. According to a new study, the way consumers think about deadlines can determine whether or not they start tasks and accomplish their goals.

Do we live in a 2-D hologram? Experiment will test the nature of the universe

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 09:10 AM PDT

A unique experiment called the Holometer has started collecting data that will answer some mind-bending questions about our universe -- including whether we live in a hologram.

An inconvenient truth: Does responsible consumption benefit corporations more than society?

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 08:29 AM PDT

Are environmental and social problems such as global warming and poverty the result of inadequate governmental regulations or does the burden fall on our failure as consumers to make better consumption choices? According to a new study, responsible consumption shifts the burden for solving global problems from governments to consumers and ultimately benefits corporations more than society.

Outsourcing parenthood? It takes a village AND the marketplace to raise a child

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 08:29 AM PDT

Ask any parent raising kids in today's fast-paced society and chances are they would agree that there are only so many hours in the day. Recognizing a need for help, many businesses now offer traditional caregiving services ranging from planning birthday parties to teaching children how to ride a bike. According to a new study, by outsourcing traditional parental duties, modern-day parents feel they are ultimately protecting parenthood.

Nuclear legacy of Hiroshima is a global issue, but the challenge is: How much of it is a trauma for everybody?

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 08:29 AM PDT

Speaking in Hiroshima of the bombing of the city, Yoko Ono stood up for peace declaring that 'No More Hiroshima' is a global issue. In light of the continued legacy of the event, a new study  looks at how the Hiroshima story penetrated into the realm of Japanese public memory and investigates whether the trauma became a truly national one. Crucially, the research questions if the transformation from a circumscribed experience to a society-encompassing one was a natural experience or a constructed phenomenon instead.

Lack of naturally occuring protein linked to dementia

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 08:29 AM PDT

The first evidence that the lack of a naturally occurring protein is linked to early signs of dementia has been provided by researchers. An absence of MK2/3, in spite of the brain cells (neurons) having significant structural abnormalities, did not prevent memories being formed, but did prevent these memories from being altered.

No purchase required to win? Devoted customers not so sure

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 08:26 AM PDT

Loyal customers of a company feel that they are more likely and more deserving than others to win perks from the business – even those that are randomly given out. the results should remind corporate managers that devoted customers have high expectations of special treatment, even in contexts where they shouldn't, one author said.

Fighting bureaucracy by improving it

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 08:26 AM PDT

Bureaucracy may be inevitable, but it can be tamed enough so that it serves rather than strangles those in its clutches. That's the aim of a professor, who has some suggestions for making bureaucracy work better.

Introducing the multi-tasking nanoparticle

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 08:26 AM PDT

Dynamic nanoparticles (NPs) have been developed that could provide an arsenal of applications to diagnose and treat cancer. Built on an easy-to-make polymer, these particles can be used as contrast agents to light up tumors for MRI and PET scans or deliver chemo and other therapies to destroy tumors. In addition, the particles are biocompatible and have shown no toxicity.

Earth can sustain more terrestrial plant growth than previously thought, analysis shows

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 07:08 AM PDT

A new analysis suggests the planet can produce much more land-plant biomass -- the total material in leaves, stems, roots, fruits, grains and other terrestrial plant parts -- than previously thought. The study recalculates the theoretical limit of terrestrial plant productivity, and finds that it is much higher than many current estimates allow.

Link between prenatal antidepressant exposure, autism risk called into question

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 07:08 AM PDT

Previous studies that have suggested an increased risk of autism among children of women who took antidepressants during pregnancy may actually reflect the known increased risk associated with severe maternal depression. Now researchers have called that into question with further studies -- and complex answers.

Fibre-based satiety ingredient shown to make you eat less

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 07:08 AM PDT

The effectiveness of a fibre-based dietary ingredient that makes people feel less hungry and consume less food has been demonstrated by a team of scientists. "What is notable is this product, given with breakfast, produced effects on appetite, which were apparent across the day. This is important when consumers are seeking help controlling they hunger across the day," one researcher remarked.

Education, dog-friendly neighborhoods could tackle obesity

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 07:08 AM PDT

Investing in dog owner education and facilities as a strategy to target physical inactivity and problems such as obesity in both people and their pets. It is estimated that 40% of dog owners don't take their dogs for a walk. In the UK, almost a quarter of households own a dog, but less than half of adults meet the recommended level of 150 minutes a week of physical activity.

Key to speed? Elite sprinters unlike other athletes, deliver forceful punch to ground

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 07:08 AM PDT

The world's fastest sprinters have a distinctive ability unlike other runners to attack the ground and attain faster speeds, according to new research. The new findings indicate that sprinters use a combined limb motion and foot-strike mechanism that enhances speed by elevating foot-ground impact forces. "The sprinters we tested all used the same mechanism for maximizing force application and sprinting performance," said the study's lead author.

Laser pulse turns glass into a metal: New effect could be used for ultra-fast logical switches

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 07:08 AM PDT

For tiny fractions of a second, quartz glass can take on metallic properties, when it is illuminated be a laser pulse. This has been shown by new calculations. The effect could be used to build logical switches which are much faster than today's microelectronics.

Disability, deafness often go hand-in-hand

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 07:07 AM PDT

At least forty per cent of UK people with learning disabilities are suffering from hearing loss, but new research shows they are unlikely to be diagnosed. To research hearing loss in people with learning disabilities, one expert focuses on the current issues people with learning disabilities (PWLD) are facing and why they are left undiagnosed in the long-term.

Risk of young people driving drunk increases if their parents drink

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 07:07 AM PDT

If parents consume alcohol, it is more likely that their children will drive under its influence. This is one of the conclusions of a new study analyzing the data of more than 30,000 students and their relationship with drinking and driving.

New implanted sensor could reduce heart failure admissions

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 07:06 AM PDT

Unexpected trips to the hospital are inconvenient and worrisome for anyone, but for congestive heart failure sufferers, they can be all too frequent. Cardiologists can now implant a new tiny, wireless monitoring sensor to help doctors and patients manage heart failure while eliminating the need for frequent surprise hospital visits.

Recommendations for prostate cancer active surveillance

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 07:06 AM PDT

Active surveillance offers low-risk prostate cancer patients a means to avoid the potentially harmful side effects from treatment. Pathologists help determine patient eligibility for active surveillance and today a multi-specialty team published their recommendations for making such determinations in a special on-line posting from the Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine.

Health care workers in poor nations lack gear needed to protect from hiv and other bloodborne infections like ebola

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 07:06 AM PDT

Health care workers in some of the world's poorest countries lack basic equipment to shield them from HIV and other bloodborne infections during surgical and other procedures, new research suggests. The findings underscore the lack of adequate protective supplies in nations at the center of the current Ebola outbreak.

Eye implant could lead to better glaucoma treatments

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 06:10 AM PDT

Lowering internal eye pressure is currently the only way to treat glaucoma. A tiny eye implant recently developed could pair with a smartphone to improve the way doctors measure and lower a patient's eye pressure. Daily or hourly measurements of eye pressure could help doctors tailor more effective treatment plans.

Duality principle is 'safe and sound'

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 06:10 AM PDT

Decades of experiments have verified the quirky laws of quantum theory again and again. So when scientists in Germany announced in 2012 an apparent violation of a fundamental law of quantum mechanics, physicists were determined to find an explanation.

Cancer leaves common fingerprint on DNA

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 06:10 AM PDT

Regardless of their stage or type, cancers appear to share a telltale signature of widespread changes to the so-called epigenome, according to a team of researchers. In a study, the investigators say they have found widespread and distinctive changes in a broad variety of cancers to chemical marks known as methyl groups attached to DNA, which help govern whether genes are turned 'on' or 'off.'

RNA sequence could help doctors to tailor unique prostate cancer treatment programs

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 06:10 AM PDT

Sequencing RNA, not just DNA, could help doctors predict how prostate cancer tumors will respond to treatment, according to research. Because a tumor's RNA shows the real time changes a treatment is causing, the authors think this could be a useful tool to aid diagnosis and predict which treatment will most benefit individual cancer patients.

Flu outbreak provides rare study material

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 06:10 AM PDT

Five years ago this month, one of the first U.S. outbreaks of the H1N1 virus swept through the Washington State University campus, striking some 2,000 people. A university math and biology professor has used a trove of data gathered at the time to gain insight into how only a few infected people could launch the virus's rapid spread across the university community.

Common European MRSA originated in Africa, study concludes

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 06:10 AM PDT

The predominant strain of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infecting people in Europe, the Middle East and northern Africa derived from a single sub-Saharan ancestor, a team of international researchers have reported.

U.S. has seen widespread adoption of robot-assisted cancer surgery to remove the prostate

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 06:10 AM PDT

The US has experienced widespread adoption of robot-assisted prostate removal surgery to treat prostate cancer in recent years, a new study reveals. The study also found that while such surgeries are more expensive than traditional surgeries, their costs are decreasing over time.

Wii Balance Board induces changes in brains of people with multiple sclerosis

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 06:10 AM PDT

A balance board accessory for a popular video game console can help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) reduce their risk of accidental falls, according to new research. Magnetic resonance imaging scans showed that use of the Nintendo Wii Balance Board system appears to induce favorable changes in brain connections associated with balance and movement.

Cannibalism may contribute to successful invasion by harlequin ladybirds of new habitats

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 05:59 AM PDT

The cannibalistic behavior of native and invasive populations of the Harmonia axyridis ladybird have been the focus of recent study. The researchers' findings suggest that this behavior may procure them a real survival advantage during the colonization of new habitats. 

New guidance on antithrombotic use in AF patients with ACS having PCI

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 05:58 AM PDT

New guidance on antithrombotic use in AF patients with ACS having PCI has been published today. "The document published today provides very focused, clear and comprehensive recommendations that are based on the very latest evidence on how best to manage this complex group of patients," one expert said.

Student designs soccer video game adapted to people with cerebral palsy

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 05:58 AM PDT

A soccer game adapted for people with cerebral palsy has been designed that is operated with a foot switch, a push rod head switch and a hand switch. A new tool allows any player to have equal access with different physical conditions.

New tool to probe cancer's molecular make-up

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 05:58 AM PDT

Scientists have shown how to better identify and measure vital molecules that control cell behavior – paving the way for improved tools for diagnosis, prediction and monitoring of cancer. The study's leader said: "Protein kinases regulate how cells communicate. When these molecules are deregulated it corresponds to cells "hearing voices" with a resulting change in their behavior. Doctors need a way to spot changes in kinase levels in individual tumors so they can see how they respond to treatments and match patients to the treatment that works best for them." 

Symptoms after breast cancer surgery need to be treated on an individual basis

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 05:57 AM PDT

For those affected, breast cancer is a dramatic diagnosis. Patients often have to endure chemotherapy and surgery, which, depending on the individual scenario, may mean breast conserving surgery or breast removal—mastectomy. In the aftermath, many women experience symptoms such as pain, fatigue/exhaustion, or sleep disturbances. However, the symptoms are highly individual, researchers state.

Hotels with smart bracelets

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 05:57 AM PDT

Scientists have developed smart bracelets - the Smart VIB (Very Important Bracelet) that enables clients access hotel rooms without the need for a card, make payments using the PayPal system, share experiences on social networks via the numerous tactile screen, and receive completely personalized services, while at all times guaranteeing protection of information.

Discovery explains how receptor regulates fat accumulation in obesity

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 05:57 AM PDT

The sensitivity of fat cells to signals that increase the breakdown of fat is linked to the receptor ALK7, according to a study. The discovery suggests that ALK7 might be an interesting target for future strategies to treat obesity.

Razor-sharp TV images with 4K definition

Posted: 26 Aug 2014 05:57 AM PDT

The future of movie, sports and concert broadcasting lies in 4K definition, which will bring cinema quality TV viewing into people's homes. 4K Ultra HD has four times as many pixels as today's Full HD. And thanks to the new HEVC video compression standard, broadcasters can now transmit live video in the 4K digital cinema standard.