Nearly 10 Million Adults Found to Be Severely Nearsighted in the United States

About 9.6 million U.S. adults are severely nearsighted, a new study shows. Researchers also found that 41,000 suffer a rare complication that can cause blindness, with the prevalence rate among women double that of men.

Ultra-thin slices of diamonds reveal geological processes

By using ultra-thin slices of diamonds, researchers have found the first direct evidence for the formation of diamonds by a process known as redox freezing. In this process, carbonate melts crystallize to form diamond.

Moral dilemma with driverless cars: Who gets protected, the driver or pedestrians?

A new study shows that the public is conflicted over safety scenarios concerning driverless cars, taking a notably inconsistent approach to the safety of autonomous vehicles, should they become a reality on the roads.

New electron microscope method detects atomic-scale magnetism

Scientists can now detect magnetic behavior at the atomic level with a new electron microscopy technique. The researchers took a counter intuitive approach by taking advantage of optical distortions that they typically try to eliminate.

Brain markers of numeric, verbal and spatial reasoning abilities

A new study begins to clarify how brain structure and chemistry give rise to specific aspects of 'fluid intelligence,' the ability to adapt to new situations and solve problems one has never encountered before.

The healing powers of music: Mozart and Strauss for treating hypertension

The music of Mozart and Strauss is able to lower blood lipid concentrations and the heart rate. This is the result of a study of the effect of different musical genres on the cardiovascular system.

94 million-year-old climate change event holds clues for future

A major climate event millions of years ago that caused substantial change to the ocean’s ecological systems may hold clues as to how the Earth will respond to future climate change, a researcher said.

Massive vertebrae sheds new light on Alamosaurus sanjuanensis

The discovery nearly two decades ago of nine beautifully articulated vertebrae at Big Bend National Park sheds new light on a 66 million-year-old sauropod dinosaur native to Texas and the North American southwest called Alamosaurus sanjuanensis.

Mycobacterium in olive oil for cancer treatment

Researchers announced one year ago that the cells of the Mycobacterium brumae offer an improved alternative to current bladder cancer treatments such as BCG (an immunotherapy based on the Mycobacterium bovis), which can cause infections. 

New study reveals how HIV enters cell nucleus

Scientists have solved a mystery that has long baffled HIV researchers: How does HIV manage to enter the nucleus of immune system cells? The discovery could lead to effective new drugs to treat HIV/AIDS.

Researchers offer new theory on how climate affects violence

Researchers have long struggled to explain why some violent crime rates are higher near the equator than other parts of the world. Now, a team of researchers has developed a model that could help explain why.

Australia 20 years after gun reform: No mass shootings, declining firearm deaths

Since gun law reform and the Firearms Buyback program 20 years ago, Australia has seen an accelerating decline in intentional firearm deaths and an absence of fatal mass shootings, a new report shows after a landmark study.

How molecules can do statistics

Researchers have shown how noise filters can be realized using biochemical reactions. This could help improve the reliability of synthetic biological circuits and play an important role in the development of new medical therapies, they say.

Mother mongooses may risk death to protect unborn children

Mothers will do anything to protect their children, but mongooses go a step further. Mongooses risk their own survival to protect their unborn children through a remarkable ability to adapt their own bodies, says new research.

Scientists use CRISPR to discover Zika, dengue weaknesses

Scientists have performed the first CRISPR/Cas9 screen to discover human proteins that Zika virus needs for replication. This work reveals new leads that may be useful for halting Zika, dengue and other emerging viral infections.

Harsh parenting, food insecurity predicts obesity for young women

The adolescent years can be full of changes. A new study now suggests that when these years include prolonged periods of food insecurity coupled with harsh parenting practices, females are prone to obesity in early adulthood.

Some plant-based therapies associated with modest improvement in menopausal symptoms

An analysis of more than 60 studies suggests that some plant-based therapies are associated with modest reductions in the frequency of hot flashes and vaginal dryness but no significant reduction in night sweats, according to a study.

Unexpected findings reveal insight into how cancer spreads in the body

Cancer cells appear to depend on an unusual survival mechanism to spread around the body, according to an early study. The discovery could help with future development of novel treatments to prevent metastasis and secondary tumors.

Treatment of humans, pigs may reduce endemic tapeworm infection

The transmission of Taenia solium, a pork tapeworm species that infects humans and causes late-onset seizures and epilepsy, can be stopped on a population-wide level with mass treatments of both pigs and humans, researchers have shown.

One-third of hospitals in developing world lack running water

A study of 430 hospitals in the developing world found that more than one-third lacked running water, a deficiency that can lead to unsanitary conditions for patients in general and dangerous conditions for those who need surgery.

3-dimensional prostate model created

A team of researchers are developing a three-dimensional model for prostate cancer research based on cryogels. The model will be used to reproduce natural processes and above all to examine the development and the progression of tumors.

Plant kingdom provides two new candidates for the war on antibiotic resistance

New research has discovered peptides from two crop species that have antimicrobial effects on bacteria implicated in food spoilage and food poisoning. They are similar in structure to a human peptide used to guard against beer-spoiling bacteria.

Contagious cancers are spreading among several species of shellfish

Direct transmission of cancer among marine animals may be much more common than once thought, new research suggests. The cancer, known as disseminated neoplasia, is a leukemia-like disease that affects bivalves in many parts of the world.

Coexistence of superconductivity and charge density waves observed

Physicists have studied an artificial structure composed of alternating layers of ferromagnetic and superconducting materials. Charge density waves induced by the interfaces were found to extend deeply into the superconducting regions, indicating new ways to manipulate superconductivity.

The silencer: Study reveals how a cancer gene promotes tumor growth

A new study describes how a known cancer gene, EGFR, silences genes that typically suppress tumors. The finding may lead to the development of more effective, individualized treatment for patients with lung cancer and other cancer types.

Next-generation fluorescent, LED lighting thanks to new phosphor?

Researchers have discovered a new phosphor that could make next-generation fluorescent and LED lighting even cheaper and more efficient. The team used highly luminescent clusters of silver atoms and the porous framework of minerals known as zeolites.

Four new risk genes associated with multiple sclerosis discovered

Scientists have identified four new risk genes that are altered in patients with multiple sclerosis. The results point to a possible involvement of cellular mechanisms in the development of the disease, through which environmental influences affect gene regulation.

Teachers optimistic about Common Core writing standards, but not tests

Teachers believe the Common Core standards in their states can improve how they teach writing, but they also find plenty of shortcomings with the standards -- and with the associated state writing tests in particular, new research shows.

Marketing study shows lenient return policy may increase sales

A meta-analysis of retail return policies may lead businesses to modify their policies to increase sales and reduce returns. The study found that return policies that offer consumers more monetary rewards are likely to increase their consumer purchases.

Manta rays are local commuters, not long-distance travelers, study finds

Oceanic manta rays -- often thought to take epic migrations -- might actually be homebodies, according to a new study. A research team studied satellite-tracked manta rays to shed light on the lives of these mysterious ocean giants.

Droppings activate the immune system in nestlings

Until now, it was believed that birds removed droppings from their nests to avoid the appearance of parasites. A recent investigation contradicts this hypothesis, concluding that feces activate the immune system of blackbird chicks and only attract insects.

Experts take strong stance on testosterone deficiency, treatment

In an effort to address widespread concerns related to testosterone deficiency (TD) and its treatment with testosterone therapy, a group of international experts has developed a set of resolutions and conclusions to provide clarity for physicians and patients.

GraphExeter illuminates bright new future for flexible lighting devices

Researchers have pioneered an innovative new technique to make flexible screens more effective and efficient. GraphExeter -- a material adapted from the 'wonder material' graphene -- can substantially improve the effectiveness of large, flat, flexible lighting, say investigators.

Landmark study gives clearest picture of genetic causes of bowel cancer

A landmark study has given the most detailed picture yet of the genetics of bowel cancer. The study examined all the genes from more than 1,000 people with bowel cancer and is the largest of its type ever conducted.

Philippine fishing and its links to Japan’s 'sea women'

A researcher is studying the ancient Japanese culture of “ama” – women who traditionally free-dive in the sea in search of seaweed, lobsters, snail “turbo” shells and, in the distant past, pearls – and its potential connections to Philippine maritime cultures.

X-ray echoes of a shredded star provide close-up of 'killer' black hole

Billions of years ago in the heart of a distant galaxy, a monster black hole shredded a passing star and emitted X-rays. Now astronomers are using X-ray echoes to study a newly awakened black hole for the first time.

Has incidence of Parkinson's disease increased over past 30 years?

A study of patients in a Minnesota county suggests the incidence (new cases) of parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease may have increased over the past 30 years but that trend may not be genuine and must be confirmed in other populations.

New findings challenge current view on origins of Parkinson's disease

'Mutant flies' have provided insight into the origins of Parkinson's disease, report scientists. The work found that the death of neurons associated with the disease was prevented when chemicals that block the effects of endoplasmic reticulum stress were used.

New research details how big game follow spring green-up

While biologists long have thought that animals essentially 'surf the green wave' of new plant growth from low-elevation winter range to high-elevation summer range, the new research has measured how precisely the animal movements are aligned with the green-up.

Dengue virus exposure may amplify Zika infection

Previous exposure to the dengue virus may increase the potency of Zika infection, according to research. The early-stage laboratory findings suggest the recent explosive outbreak of Zika may have been driven in part by previous exposure to the dengue virus.

Astrophysicists release new study of one of the first stars

A research team has used the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph on the Hubble Space Telescope to study key regions of the ultraviolet spectrum of a star thought to have been enriched by elements from one of the first generation of stars.

Major differences between women and men who commit deadly violence

Women who commit deadly violence are different in many ways from male perpetrators, both in terms of the most common victims, the way in which the murder is committed, the place where it is carried out and the perpetrator's background.

Long-term opioids may not be best pain management option for all sickle cell patients

In a small study looking at pain assessments in adults with sickle cell disease, researchers say overall, those treated long-term with opioids often fared worse in measures of pain, fatigue and curtailed daily activities than those not on long-term opioids.

Simple reward-based learning suits adolescents best

Adolescents focus on rewards and are less able to learn to avoid punishment or consider the consequences of alternative actions, finds a new study. The study compared how adolescents and adults learn to make choices based on the available information.

New model predicts complication risks in surgery for spinal cord compression

A simple model consisting of four risk factors can help surgeons to predict the risk of complications after surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy -- a common condition causing compression of the spinal cord in the neck, reports a new study.

Researchers explore epigenetic influences of chronic pain

New research shows how the DNA-binding protein MeCP2 can regulate the expression of a large number of genes that modulate pain. This study is a first step in identifying new, non-opioid drugs for treating the condition, say the scientists involved.

Tracking aluminum used to purify tap water

Scientists have developed a new analysis method that uses magnetic fields to quickly and accurately measure the concentration of aluminum used to purify tap water. These findings can potentially be used in developing efficient and environmentally-conscious coagulants for water treatment.

Scientists reveal single-neuron gene landscape of the human brain

A team of scientists has completed the first large-scale assessment of single neuronal 'transcriptomes.' Their research reveals a surprising diversity in the molecules that human brain cells use in transcribing genetic information from DNA to RNA and producing proteins.

New cancer immunotherapy drugs linked to arthritis in some patients

Case reports on 13 cancer patients suggest that a small number of cancer patients taking the immunotherapy drugs ipilimumab and nivolumab may be at some higher-than-normal risk of developing autoimmune joint and tissue diseases, including inflammatory arthritis, according to a preliminary study.

Eyewitnesses who collaborate make fewer mistakes in police interview

Witnesses correct each other's errors. Two recently published research studies show that witnesses make fewer errors when they are interviewed together than when they are interviewed separately. This stands in sharp contrast with current police guidelines to always interview witnesses separately.

Circuit technology that resolves issues with high-frequency piezoelectric resonators

Scientists have developed a new algorithm and circuit technology allowing high-frequency piezoelectric resonators to be used for phase locked loops (PLL). It was confirmed that these operate with low noise and have an excellent Figure of Merit compared to conventional PLLs.

Sacubitril/valsartan in heart failure: Differing added benefit

Due to a subgroup effect, reviewers have found that there is an indication of a minor added benefit for patients with diabetes, and an indication of a considerable added benefit for patients without diabetes, when using Sacubitril/valsartan in heart failure.

Breast cancer cells use newfound pathway to survive low oxygen levels in tumors

Oxygen is important for the proper function of all human cells, but cancer cells thrive even when deprived of it. Now, researchers have identified a new signaling pathway that helps cancer cells cope with the lack of oxygen found inside tumors.

Cross-cultural marriage means higher incomes

If you are a male immigrant and marry a woman from a country other than your own, you increase your chances of a good job and a high income. This applies whether the woman you marry is a native or not.

An effective but painful treatment

Photodynamic therapy is an effective treatment for early-stage skin cancer. However, this therapy can cause patients severe pain. The reason for this was previous a mystery to researchers. Physiologists have now discovered that it is due to two specific ion channels.

Evolutionary biologists show that sexual selection increases the number of species and impacts global diversity

When you're a firefly, finding "the one" can change the world. Literally. A new study demonstrates that for fireflies, octopuses and other animals that choose mates via bioluminescent courtship, sexual selection increases the number of species -- thereby impacting global diversity.

Cosmopolitan snow algae accelerate the melting of Arctic glaciers

The role of red pigmented snow algae in melting Arctic glaciers has been strongly underestimated, suggests a study. The new work shows a 13 percent reduction of the albedo over the course of one melting season caused by red-pigmented snow algal blooms.

Where do rubber trees get their rubber?

Researchers have succeeded in decoding the genome sequence for Hevea brasiliensis, the natural rubber tree native to Brazil. The study reports a draft genome sequence that covers more than 93 percent of expressed genes, and pinpoints regions specific to the biosynthesis of rubber.

Early behavior problems impact long-term educational attainment more for boys than girls

Behavioral problems in early childhood have a larger negative effect on high school and college completion rates for boys than girls, which partially explains the substantial gender gap in educational attainment that currently exists in the United States, suggests a new report.

Analyzing how ISIS recruits through social media

Researchers have developed a model to identify behavioral patterns among serious online groups of ISIS supporters that could provide cyber police and other anti-terror watchdogs a roadmap to their activity and indicators when conditions are ripe for the onset of real-world attacks.

Has breast MRI been performed upside down?

A new phase 1 clinical trial evaluated the differences between pre-operative prone and supine MRI exams in 12 women undergoing lumpectomy for breast cancer. Researchers demonstrated that considerable deformity of the breast and tumor position occurs when patients are imaged in the prone position.

Low attention control in early adolescence is a genetic risk factor for anxiety disorders

Low attention control in early adolescence is related to a genetic risk factor for four different anxiety disorders, researchers have found. Young teens who suffer from anxiety are also more vulnerable to additional problems like depression, drug dependence, suicidal behavior and educational underachievement.

Mystery of powerful lightning at sea not solved completely

The mystery of why most of the most powerful lightning on Earth happens over the oceans isn't solved, but a few of the usual suspects are no longer in custody. It's possible the increased presence of salt in the atmosphere plays a role.

Particle zoo in a quantum computer

Physicists in Innsbruck have realized the first quantum simulation of lattice gauge theories, building a bridge between high-energy theory and atomic physics. Research teams describe how they simulated the creation of elementary particle pairs out of the vacuum by using a quantum computer.

Highly efficient agent against Wilson disease

Scientists describe a small peptide that very efficiently binds excess copper from liver cells. This molecule comes from a bacterium's bag of tricks and could be suitable for treating Wilson disease. In an experimental model it has already proven superior to conventional medicines.

Hubble confirms new dark spot on Neptune

New images confirm the presence of a dark vortex on Neptune. Though similar features were seen during the Voyager 2 flyby of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope in 1989 and by Hubble in 1994, this vortex is the first one observed on Neptune in the 21st century.

Regenerative medicine offering new treatment for bronchopleural fistulas

For the first time in human application, researchers successfully closed an open wound on the upper chest caused by postoperative complications of lung removal. The protocol and approach were based on an ongoing trial investigating this method to treat anal fistulas in Crohn's disease.

Students make your plant spin, and they have other Internet of Things innovations, too

Internet of things, IoT, is a fast expanding network of consumer and industrial devices, i.e., “things”. One lab has a growing good reputation for letting the computer science students develop smart IoT devices and services; a new article outlines some of these tricks.

New clues to COPD linked to proteostasis imbalance caused by cigarette smoke

Free radicals can reach the endoplasmic reticulum, a cellular organelle that is critical in manufacturing and transporting fats, steroids, hormones and various proteins, and alter its function by oxidizing and damaging its most abundant and crucial to protein folding chaperone, Protein Disulfide Isomerase (PDI).

Possible solution to 'faint young Sun paradox'

In the first billion years of Earth's history, the planet was bombarded by primordial asteroids, while a faint Sun provided much less heat. Scientists now posit that this tumultuous beginning may have ultimately fostered life on Earth, particularly in terms of sustaining liquid water.

Researchers find more uses for immune system's 'Swiss army knife'

MAIT cells are little know but have been shown to be generally active against bacteria, unlike other T-cells which respond to specific pathogens. Now, researchers have found that they can respond to chemical messengers in the immune system to respond to viruses as well.

Loss of essential protein in the choroid plexus epithelium linked to hydrocephalus

A team led by researchers reports that mice lacking the protein Alix develop hydrocephalus or 'water on the brain.' Alix ensures that epithelial cells of the choroid plexus are oriented correctly with respect to one another to prevent compromise of the epithelial barrier.

What did Earth's ancient magnetic field look like?

Earth's ancient magnetic field was significantly different than the present day field, originating from several poles rather than the familiar two, new research suggests. Then, shortly after our planet's core solidified, this work predicts that Earth's magnetic field transitioned to a 'strong,' two-pole one.

Titan shines light on high-temperature superconductor pathway

Scientists have used the Titan supercomputer at ORNL to simulate cuprates on the path to superconductivity. The team focused on a pivotal juncture on the cuprates’ path called the pseudogap phase, an in-between phase before superconductivity in which cuprates exhibit both insulating and conducting properties.

Tele-psychiatry reaches rural kids in need

Experts estimate that as many as 1 in 5 children in the United States have behavioral health issues. However, of these children, only 20 percent receive mental health services. Now, a study shows that video-based mental health services are bridging the gap by providing care to underserved areas.

New knowledge about DNA repair can be turned into cancer inhibitors

A molecular mechanism that reads so-called epigenetic information and boosts repair of lesions in our DNA has been discovered by scientists. This knowledge can be used to develop new targeted cancer treatment in which 'inhibitor molecules' can prevent cancer cells from repairing themselves, they report.

Improvement seen in US diet

In nationally representative surveys conducted between 1999 and 2012 in the United States, several improvements in self-reported dietary habits were identified, such as increased consumption of whole grains, with additional findings suggesting persistent or worsening disparities based on race/ethnicity and education and income level, report researchers.

Light combined with time-based data sees more deeply inside the body

Scientists provide an overview of recent developments in light-based technologies that enable a deeper noninvasive look into the human body. The technologies hold promise to enable compact, wearable devices for point-of-care diagnostics and powerful new systems that provide even more information from under the skin.

Psychiatric diagnostic tools may not be valid for African Americans

African Americans perceive depression as a weakness inconsistent with notions of strength in the community, rather than as a health condition, new research shows. The study results have significant implications for the clinical assessment of depression and for the measurement of depression in community surveys.

Empowering addiction treatment patients to engage in care may improve overall health

In the first trial of an intervention focused on increasing alcohol and drug treatment patients' engagement in their own health care, researchers found that patients who received six intervention sessions had greater involvement in managing their health and health care than those receiving fewer sessions.

Early arrival gives bluebirds an edge in keeping nest sites

Finders, keepers: Mountain Bluebirds are more likely to defend nest cavities against competition from other birds such as swallows if they get there first, but climate change may disrupt the migratory timing that lets them beat their rivals to the punch, according to new research.

Hidden values of open ocean

A team of scientists has for the first time attached a dollar value to several of the leading 'ecosystem services' -- or natural benefits -- provided by the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean, an immense region stretching west from the west coasts of North and South America.

Computer sketches set to make online shopping much easier

A computer program that recognizes sketches could help consumers shop more efficiently. Fine-grained sketch-based image retrieval (SBIR) overcomes problems with using words to describe visual objects in words, especially when dealing with precise details, and with using photos, which can restrict the search far too narrowly.

Scientists discover on/off switch for obesity-associated cancer

Having established that excessive fat tissue can fuel the growth of certain cancers, researchers have turned their attention to the molecular mechanisms involved in the process in the hopes of developing new cancer treatments. Now new research sheds light on the link between obesity and cancer.

E-cigarette use can alter hundreds of genes involved in airway immune defense

Smoking cigarettes alters dozens of genes important for immune defense in epithelial cells in the respiratory tract. These changes likely increase the risk of bacterial infections, viruses, and inflammation. Now, scientists report that e-cigarette use alters hundreds of genes, including the same ones that smoking suppress.

Caribbean Sea acts like a whistle and can be 'heard' from space

A study of the Caribbean Sea has revealed that, in the midst of all the noise of the ocean, this region behaves like a whistle, which blows so loudly that it can be 'heard' from space in the form of oscillations of the Earth's gravity field.

Pterosaur flies safely home after 95 million years

With the help of University of Alberta scientists, a newly described pterosaur has finally flown home. This spectacular fossil material was discovered in a private Lebanese limestone quarry more than a decade ago and has led to what UAlberta paleontologist Michael Caldwell calls “priceless scientific findings.”

How the mouse outlived 'the giant'

By scanning the fossil remains of mammal-like reptiles from the Karoo of South Africa, scientists have found that these reptiles, called therapsids, may have evolved hair, and the use of whiskers as a sensory tool in order to operate at night well before the Mesozoic age.

Turning sewage sludge into concrete

Dried sewage sludge could be recycled by adding it to cement to make concrete, report researchers in Malaysia. Disposing sludge left over from treating sewage water is a major challenge for wastewater plants in Malaysia, and as the population climbs, the problem is only expected to worsen.

First harvest of ancient southern wheat exceeds expectations

Last month, a scientist harvested about 145 pounds of Purple Straw seed, which was grown from less than half a pound. Purple Straw is the only heirloom wheat to have been cultivated continually in the South from the Colonial Period into the last quarter of the 20th century.

How China can ramp up wind power

China has an opportunity to massively increase its use of wind power -- if it properly integrates wind into its existing power system, according to a new study. The research forecasts that wind power could provide 26 percent of China's projected electricity demand by 2030, up from 3 percent in 2015.

Marine debris on the shores of an isolated tropical atoll in the Indian Ocean

The huge volumes of litter we leave in the oceans is one of the greatest environmental problems of our time. Scientists have studied how the beaches on a remote atoll in the Indian Ocean have been covered with litter, even though the atoll has no permanent residents.

Taking notes boosts memory of jurors, new study finds

Jurors who are allowed to take and review notes during court trials are less likely to forget critical evidence, a new study has found. This finding has important implications for justice, as jurors who forget critical trial evidence often reach different verdicts to those who remember it.

Measure greenhouse gases from space

Space agencies examine the extent of greenhouse gases in the air via prisms and gratings in satellites. New technology now makes it possible to connect both components with each other so that they are suitable for space thus achieving a new level of quality for spectral resolution.

Courts of old Istanbul yield insights on modern poverty

Few might seek insights on Middle Eastern conflict or modern poverty in records of the Ottoman empire. Yet when an economist combed through centuries-old court documents, he made a surprising discovery with implications for modern times: The courts' actions had unintended consequences that inadvertently undercut people's finances.

Analysis of media reporting reveals new information about snakebites and how and when they occur

A new study analyzed media reports of snakebites in the United States. Investigators found that media coverage detailed victim circumstances better than current quantitative data, and that the majority of snakebites may actually be 'legitimate,' meaning they occur by surprise, without intentional contact, in a natural setting.

Primary care visits result in more colon cancer screening, better followups

People who visit their primary care physicians are more likely to get potentially life-saving colon cancer screenings and follow up on abnormal stool blood test results -- even in health systems that heavily promote mail-in home stool blood tests that don't require a doctor visit, a study shows.

Astronomers find the first 'wind nebula' around a magnetar

Astronomers have discovered a vast cloud of high-energy particles called a wind nebula around a rare ultra-magnetic neutron star, or magnetar, for the first time. The find offers a unique window into the properties, environment and outburst history of magnetars, which are the strongest magnets in the universe.

Itchy inflammation of mosquito bites helps viruses replicate

University of Leeds study has found that inflammation where a mosquito has bitten not only helps a virus such as Zika or dengue establish an infection in the body more quickly, but that it also helps it to spread around the body, increasing the likelihood of severe illness.

Substance user’s social connections: Family, friends, and the foresaken

It’s no secret that social environments can play a role in the development as well as recovery from substance-abuse problems. A new study, designed to uncover how individual relationships respond to substance use and social influences, has found that the links between substance use and social connections are bidirectional and strong.

Insects were already using camouflage 100 million years ago

Those who go to a masked ball consciously slip into a different role, in order to avoid being recognized. Insects were already doing something very similar in the Cretaceous: They cloaked themselves in pieces of plants, grains of sand, or the remains of their prey, in order, for example, to be invisible to predators. Scientists hav now investigated such 'invisibility cloaks' encased in amber.

Understanding Risk Factors Involved in Initiation of Adolescent Alcohol Use

Underage drinking is a major public health and social problem in the U.S. The ability to identify at-risk children before they initiate heavy alcohol use has immense clinical and public health implications. A new study has found that demographic factors, cognitive functioning, and brain features during the early-adolescence ages of 12 to 14 years can predict which youth eventually initiate alcohol use during later adolescence around the age of 18.

New link found between diabetes, Alzheimer's disease

Drugs used to treat diabetes could also be used to treat Alzheimer's disease, and vice versa, according to new research. This is also the first study of its kind to show that Alzheimer's disease can lead to diabetes, as opposed to diabetes occurring first as was previously thought.

New research important to atmospheric photochemistry

A photochemical sciences research team has shown that a new and unusual reaction path in chemistry occurs not only in the gas phase, but also in solution. According to the researchers, the finding also establishes the direct link between chemical reactivity in the gas phase and in solution.

'Amazing protein diversity' is discovered in the maize plant

New research establishes the amazing diversity of maize -- specifically the variety of proteins that the plant's genes can generate. The finding has great import for agriculture, as maize is one of the world's top-three staple foods, along with rice and wheat accounting for two-thirds of world food consumption.

Small brain, astounding performance: How elephantnose fish switch between electrical, visual sense

The elephantnose fish explores objects in its surroundings by using its eyes or its electrical sense -- sometimes both together. Zoologists have now found out how complex the processing of these sensory impressions is. With its tiny brain, the fish achieves performance comparable to that of humans or mammals.

Versatile method yields synthetic biology building blocks

In synthetic biology, scientists routinely create micro-compartments, so called vesicles, such as liposomes and polymersomes. Scientists have developed a high-throughput method -- based on microfluidics -- for creating stable liposomes and polymersomes of controlled size without having to change the design of the device or the combination of liquids.

Which animals will cope with climate change droughts?

Scientists believe the current rate of climate change is unprecedented in Earth's history and will lead to more and worse droughts in many areas. Now a research team may have found a way to predict which mammals will best cope with drought -- and which won't do so well.

Insulin-sensitive fat leads to obesity

SORLA is a protein that influences the balance of metabolic processes in adipose tissue, a particular form of fat. Too much of it makes fat cells overly sensitive to insulin, which leads them to break down less fat. SORLA was previously known for its protective role in Alzheimer's disease.

New heart failure therapy could prevent substantial number of deaths, study finds

A study estimates that almost 28,500 deaths could be prevented each year in the US through use of a new FDA-approved class of cardiovascular medication that helps reduce mortality in patients diagnosed with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction, the percentage of blood pumped from the heart with each contraction.

Service robot Floka’s big debut

What must an intelligent apartment provide in order to make everyday life safe, healthy, and comfortable? Robotics experts have developed the service robot Floka. Floka is fitted with a new "social" robotic head that was also developed at CITEC whose facial expressions can signal happiness, worry, interest, or anger.

'Flower Power': Photovoltaic cells replicate rose petals

With a surface resembling that of plants, solar cells improve light-harvesting and thus generate more power. Scientists reproduced the epidermal cells of rose petals that have particularly good antireflection properties and integrated the transparent replicas into an organic solar cell. This resulted in a relative efficiency gain of twelve percent.

Parents, especially fathers, play key role in young adults' health

Parents, and especially fathers, play a vital role in developing healthy behaviors in young adults and helping to prevent obesity in their children. When it came to predicting whether a young male will become overweight or obese, the mother-son relationship mattered far less than the relationship between father and son.

Gender gap found in cardiac arrest care, outcomes

Women treated at a hospital after cardiac arrest may be less likely than men to receive potentially life-saving procedures. The number of cardiac arrest patients treated at hospitals increased and in-hospital death rates have fallen for both sexes, however women were less likely to survive, according to a new study.

Fix for 3-billion-year-old genetic error could dramatically improve genetic sequencing

Researchers found a fix for a 3-billion-year-old glitch in one of the major carriers of information needed for life, RNA, which until now produced errors when making copies of genetic information. The discovery will increase precision in genetic research and could dramatically improve medicine based on a person's genetic makeup.

Self-learning arm controlled by thought

Scientists are developing a robotic arm prototype and its control algorithm using myoelectric signals. The mechanical limb will independently recognize the motions of its owner and be able to perform all the same motions like a healthy arm. The scientists estimate the final cost of the device of 600 - 1,000 USD.

How squash agriculture spread bees in pre-Columbian North America

Using genetic markers, researchers have for the first time shown how cultivating a specific crop led to the expansion of a pollinator species. In this case, the researchers found that the spread of a bee species in pre-Columbian Central and North America was tied to the spread of squash agriculture.

Researchers discover new chemical sensing technique

Researchers have reported a new technique to determine the chemical composition of materials using near-infrared light. The work could have a number of potential applications, including improving downhole drilling analysis in the oil and gas industry and broadening the spectrum of solar light that can be harvested and converted to electricity.

Migratory bears down in the dumps

Biologists working in Turkey discovered two surprising facts about a group of 16 brown bears: First, six of the bears seasonally migrated between feeding and breeding sites, the first known brown bears to do so. Second, and more sobering, the other 10 bears stayed in one spot all year long: the city dump.

Could wearable biosensors become part of drug rehab programs?

There is merit in looking at the use of wearable biosensors to detect whether opioid users stay focused on their rehabilitation programs. This follows a preliminary study. Scientists tested the use of wristband sensors worn by a group of patients in an emergency room who were receiving opioids for severe pain relief.

More reasons to eat your broccoli

Broccoli and related vegetables in the Brassica family are loaded with health-promoting compounds known as phenolics. Researchers have identified a large number of candidate genes controlling phenolic compound accumulation in broccoli. These genes will be used in future breeding programs to pack even more phenolic compounds into broccoli and other Brassica vegetables.

Lizard tail adaptations may reflect predators' color vision capabilities

Juveniles of numerous lizard species have a vividly blue-colored tail that likely serves to deflect predator attacks toward the detachable tail rather than the lizard's body. Now researchers have found that certain differences in blue and UV light reflectance in lizard tails are likely adaptations to predators with different color vision capabilities.

Estuaries like Chesapeake Bay could contribute more to global warming than once thought

Estuaries and coastal systems are thought to be a relatively small source of atmospheric methane, as little as 3 percent. However, a new study has found that the methane building up in the Chesapeake Bay alone, if released, would be equal to the current estimates for all the estuaries in the world combined.

New tool to measure polarization of light

Researchers have developed a new tool for detecting and measuring the polarization of light based on a single spatial sampling of the light, rather than the multiple samples required by previous technologies. The new device makes use of the unique properties of organic polymers, rather than traditional silicon, for polarization detection and measurement.

For nature, gravel-bed rivers most important feature in mountainous western North America

Gravel-bed river floodplains are some of the most ecologically important habitats in North America, according to a new study by scientists from the US and Canada. Their research shows how broad valleys coming out of glaciated mountains provide highly productive and important habitat for a large diversity of aquatic, avian and terrestrial species.

Compound shown to reduce brain damage caused by anesthesia in early study

An experimental drug prevented learning deficits in young mice exposed repeatedly to anesthesia, researchers report. The study results may have implications for children who must have several surgeries, and so are exposed repeatedly to general anesthesia. Past studies have linked such exposure to a higher incidence of learning disabilities, attention deficits and hyperactivity.

Broccoli sprout extract may protect against oral cancer recurrence

Potent doses of broccoli sprout extract activate a 'detoxification' gene and may help prevent cancer recurrence in survivors of head and neck cancer, according to a 'green chemoprevention' trial. It is the first study demonstrating that the extract protects against oral cancer, with the results of human, animal and laboratory tests reported today.

'Coral zombies' may spell doom for coral reefs around world

Scientists have known for a while that coral reefs around the world are dying, and in a worst-case scenario they were counting on large, healthy-looking corals to repopulate. But a new study shows that these seemingly healthy colonies are 'Coral Zombies' with no reproductive ability, which makes them useless in a recovery effort.

Faster detection of pathogens in the lungs

What used to take several weeks is now possible in two days: thanks to new molecular-based methods, mycobacterial pathogens that cause pulmonary infections or tuberculosis can now be detected much more quickly. Time-consuming bacteria cultures no longer need to be taken from the patient samples, meaning that a suitable therapy can be started quickly.

Beneficial bacteria may protect breasts from cancer

Bacteria that have the potential to abet breast cancer are present in the breasts of cancer patients, while beneficial bacteria are more abundant in healthy breasts, where they may actually be protecting women from cancer, according a study. These findings may lead ultimately to the use of probiotics to protect women against breast cancer.

DNA testing challenges traditional species classification

Experts have made a surprising discovery that could subvert the significance of traditional criteria used for species classification. Employing novel techniques to retrieve DNA sequences from thousands of genomic locations, the researchers were able to uncover an unusual case of cryptic speciation in the Streak-eared Bulbul [Pycnonotus blanfordi], a bird widespread throughout South-east Asian countries.

In mice, daughters of overweight dads have altered breast tissue, higher cancer risk

Obese male mice and normal weight female mice produce female pups that are overweight at birth through childhood, and have delayed development of their breast tissue as well as increased rates of breast cancer. The findings come from one of the first animal studies to examine the impact of paternal obesity on future generations' cancer risk.

Childhood antibiotic treatments reduce diversity, stability of intestinal microbiota

A project followed the development of 39 Finnish infants from birth to the age of three. Half of the children received 9-15 antibiotic treatments during the research period, and the other half did not receive any such treatments. Stool samples were collected from the children monthly between the ages of 2 and 36 months, for a total of 1069 samples.

Memory loss caused by West Nile virus explained

Thousands of West Nile virus survivors live with neurological problems such as memory loss that last for years. New research shows that these long-term problems may be due to the patient's own immune system destroying parts of their neurons, which suggests that intervening in the immune response may help prevent brain damage or help patients recover.

Smell tells intruder mice how to behave

Male mice appear to be precisely wired to know when they are intruders in another male's territory, according to a new study. The smell gives it away. But this study found that a genetically specific cluster of hypothalamic cells is wired to the olfactory system and responds only when a male mouse enters another male's cage.

Cross talk between hormone receptors has unexpected effects

Although the estrogen receptor is considered dominant in breast cancer, the progesterone receptor assumes control when both receptors are present and exposed to estrogens and progestins. Then, the progesterone receptor drives estrogen receptor activity. Treating tumor-bearing mice with an estrogen antagonist and a progestin antagonist caused rapid tumor regression, report scientists at the conclusion of their study.

Doubled sensitivity could allow gravitational wave detectors to reach deeper into space

Researchers report on improvements to what is called a squeezed vacuum source. Although not part of the original Advanced LIGO design, injecting the new squeezed vacuum source into the LIGO detector could help double its sensitivity. This would allow detection of gravitational waves that are far weaker or that originate from farther away than is possible now.

State opioid laws appear to have no impact on prescribing for one vulnerable population

States are aggressively enacting laws aimed at curbing prescription opioid abuse and overdose. The laws appear to have no impact on hazardous prescribing for disabled workers, a large population with high opioid use. People in this group, presumably a population the laws aim to protect, are 10 times more likely than average to die of prescription opioid overdose.

New treatment approaches to improve peritoneal dialysis

One of the main functions of the kidneys is to filter metabolic products out of the blood. If the kidneys are no longer able to do this, the blood has to be artificially purified and drained of excess fluid. This is the purpose of dialysis. Now researchers are seeking new, better therapeutic approaches for those patients on dialysis.

New research uncovers why an increase in probability feels riskier than a decrease

New research uncovers why an increase in probability feels riskier than a decrease. The research falls under the realm of subjective probability, also known as likelihood or risk. While past research has looked at how people interpret single estimates of the probability for a future event, the focus of this research was on how estimates change over time.

Neonicotinoid pesticides cause harm to honeybees

One possible cause of the alarming bee mortality we are witnessing is the use of the very active systemic insecticides called neonicotinoids. A previously unknown and harmful effect of neonicotinoids has been identified by researchers. They discovered that neonicotinoids in low and field-relevant concentrations reduce the concentration of acetylcholine in the royal jelly/larval food secreted by nurse bees.

Female blue tits sing in the face of danger

Birdsong has long been associated with courtship or competitive behavior. And males were considered to be more active. Now a research team shows that female singing is much more common. They demonstrated for the first time a connection between the song of female blue tits and the presence of a predator. This singing appears to be about their own defense.

Arsenic accumulates in the nuclei of plants' cells

Toxic arsenic initially accumulates in the nuclei of plants' cells. This has been revealed by an X-ray examination of the aquatic plant rigid hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) using DESY's X-ray source PETRA III. Even at comparatively low concentrations, the arsenic also floods the vacuole, a liquid-filled cavity which takes up most of the cell. The scientists report their findings in the Journal of Experimental Botany.

Analysis of genetic repeats suggests role for DNA instability in schizophrenia

An international research team has revealed extensive genetic variation in patients with schizophrenia. Significantly more copy number variations (CNVs) of genomic DNA were detected in patients than in controls. Patients also showed different disease severity, which appears associated with the CNVs' number and variable expressivity. These findings enabled the researchers to propose a genetic model of schizophrenia in which genomic instability underlies disease development.

Molecular scissors help evolutionary investigation

Scientists have detected an important mechanism in the evolution of plant genomes: using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model organism, they studied the formation of tandem repeat DNA sequences and found out that these sequences form if both DNA strands are broken at a significant distance from each other. For their experiments, the scientists used CRISPR/Cas system, working like a 'pair of molecular scissors.'

Chaining up to move a hefty meal

Researchers have documented the first known instance of insects moving prey by forming chains. In 2010, ant researchers spotted chains of bluish ants dragging a huge millipede in Phnom Kulen National Park, Cambodia. Each ant bit on a constriction on the abdomen of the ant ahead of it, while the first ant bit tight on the millipede's antenna. Walking backwards, the ants heaved the millipede away.

People with low birthweight due to genetic factors are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes

A genetically lowered birthweight increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, new research shows. Since low birthweight represents restricted intrauterine growth (fetal growth), it cannot be ruled out that it is in fact the risk factors for this restricted growth that are causing the low birthweight and in turn causing the type 2 diabetes to develop. Risk factors for restricted intrauterine growth include malnutrition, anemia, infections and placental insufficiency.

Scientists discover unsuspected bacterial link to bile duct cancer

Findings of a new study could open up possibilities for more targeted therapies for bile duct cancer. A research team discovered that bile duct tissue harboured a community of diverse bacteria species. Stenotrophomonas species -- previously implicated in bile duct infections -- were found to be preferentially dwelling in tumor tissue (compared to normal tissue) of non-fluke-infected Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) patients, highlighting their potential role in development of CCA.

New doubts on Zika as cause of microcephaly

Brazil's microcephaly epidemic continues to pose a mystery -- if Zika is the culprit, why are there no similar epidemics in other countries also hit hard by the virus? In Brazil, the microcephaly rate soared with more than 1,500 confirmed cases. But in Colombia, a recent study of nearly 12,000 pregnant women infected with Zika found zero microcephaly cases. If Zika is to blame for microcephaly, where are the missing cases?

Giant Blobs of Rock, Deep Inside the Earth, Hold Important Clues About Our Planet

Two massive blob-like structures lie deep within the Earth, roughly on opposite sides of the planet. The two structures, each the size of a continent and 100 times taller than Mount Everest, sit on the core, 1,800 miles deep, and about halfway to the center of the Earth. Researchers suggest these blobs are made of something different from the rest of Earth's mantle, and are determined to figure out what that is.

Hairs, feathers and scales have a lot in common

The potential evolutionary link between hairs in mammals, feathers in birds and scales in reptiles has been debated for decades. Today, researchers demonstrate that all these skin appendages are homologous. On the basis of analyses of embryonic development, the biologists evidenced molecular and micro-anatomical signatures that are identical between hairs, feathers and scales at their early developmental stages. These observations indicate that the three structures evolved from their common reptilian ancestor.

Aggressiveness of acute myeloid leukemia elucidated

Scientists have discovered why acute leukemias with the same genetic abnormality vary in their aggressiveness based on their cellular origin. They found that the cancer inducing alteration is particularly devastating if it occurs in early hematopoietic stem cells expressing certain genes involved in cell migration and tissue invasion. These findings should now make it possible to classify patients into more clearly defined groups, to adapt treatment, and hopefully also to develop personalized therapeutic strategies for the future.

Sparrows with unfaithful 'wives' care less for their young

Sparrows form pair bonds that are normally monogamous, but many females are unfaithful to their partner and have offspring with other males. Biologists believe that the male birds are unfaithful to ensure they father as many chicks as they can, while females are unfaithful with males of better 'genetic quality' -- ones that are fitter and could produce stronger offspring. But new research shows that cheating comes with a cost -- the cheating female's partner will provide less food for their nest of young.

Some older adults live well, despite advancing years and the burdens of chronic diseases

Researchers in a new study report that 'adapter' older adults who were more vigorous than expected, based on their disease burden, lived longer lives when compared to those who were more frail than expected based on their disease burden. These 'adapters' could have unique characteristics, perhaps some undefined coping mechanism, that should be studied further, suggested the researchers.

Sea star death triggers ecological domino effect

A new study by marine ecologists has discovered that a mass mortality of sea stars resulted in a domino effect on the B.C. West Coast's Howe Sound marine ecology. In the summer of 2013, millions of sea stars along the West Coast contracted a wasting disease and died in one of the largest wildlife mass mortality events ever recorded.

Precise control of brain circuit alters mood

By combining super-fine electrodes and tiny amounts of a very specific drug, researchers have singled out a circuit in mouse brains and taken control of it to dial an animal's mood up and down. Stress-susceptible animals that behaved as if they were depressed or anxious were restored to relatively normal behavior by tweaking the system, according to a study.

Novel study in Nairobi infants may accelerate path to HIV vaccine

The first and only study to look at isolate HIV-neutralizing antibodies from infants has found that novel antibodies that could protect against many variants of HIV can be produced relatively quickly after infection compared to adults. This suggests that various aspects of HIV-vaccine development, from design to administration, could be improved by mimicking infection and immune response in infants.

To tool or not to tool? Clever cockatoos make economic decisions about tool use

Cognitive biologists studied tool-related decisionmaking in an Indonesian cockatoo. They found that the animals seemed to carefully ponder about their choices: while doing so the animals scrutinized details such as differences in quality between the two food rewards, but also the functionality of the available tool as means to obtain the out-of reach food in the situation at hand.

Engineers develop new, low-cost way to capture carbon

A research team reports an unconventional reversible chemical reaction in a confined nanoenvironment. The discovery, a milestone in clarifying the scientific underpinnings of moisture-swing chemical reaction, is critical to understanding how to scrub carbon dioxide from Earth's atmosphere; the researchers have already used it to capture carbon dioxide more efficiently and at a much lower cost than other methods.

Eating air, making fuel

Is it possible to "reprogram" an organism that is found higher in the food chain, which consumes sugar and releases carbon dioxide, so that it will consume carbon dioxide from the environment and produce the sugars it needs to build its body mass? Scientists now report that they have engineered bacteria to create sugar from the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.

Not only trauma but also the reversal of trauma is inherited

Behaviors caused by traumatic experiences in early life are reversible. Researchers could demonstrate that environmental enrichment allows trauma-related symptoms in mice to be reversed. This is the first evidence that positive environmental factors can correct behavioral alterations which would otherwise be transmitted to the offspring. The symptoms and their reversal are associated with epigenetic regulation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene.

New technique settles old debate on highest peaks in US Arctic

Finding out which is the highest mountain in the US Arctic may be the last thing on your mind, unless you are an explorer who skis from the tallest peaks around the globe. A ski mountaineer and a glaciologist aimed to settle a debate of more than 50 years, while testing a new, affordable mapping technique in a steep mountainous region.

Discovery of an epigenetic regulator of tumorigenesis suggests new strategies against lethal forms of breast cancer

Scientists have identified a previously unknown mechanism by which a protein called CBX8 promotes tumor growth in the most lethal forms of breast cancer. The study underscores the need for cancer researchers to pay more attention to 'epigenetic' factors, meaning chemical and biological processes that control gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence of the cells that are running amok.

Scientists streamline synthesis of potential cancer drug

A team of scientists has simplified the design and manufacture of a potent anti-tumor antibiotic known as uncialamycin. Uncialamycin is an enediyne, compounds defined by the presence of nine- and 10-member atomic rings in their structures. Two other enediynes, neocarzinostatin and calicheamicin, are or have been used as chemotherapy agents to treat leukemia and cancers of the liver and the brain.

A better way to predict diabetes

An international team of researchers has discovered a simple, accurate new way to predict which women with gestational diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes after delivery. The discovery would allow health care providers to identify women at greatest risk and help motivate women to make early lifestyle changes and follow other strategies that could prevent them from developing the disease later in life.

Scientists find two ways to limit the number of heat-related deaths from climate change

By the 2080s, as many as 3,331 people could die every year from exposure to heat during the summer months in New York City. The high estimate is based on a new model -- the first to account for variability in future population size, greenhouse gas trajectories, and the extent to which residents adapt to heat through interventions like air conditioning and public cooling centers.

New study provides unprecedented insight into the fine details of neuronal communication

For communication between neurons to occur, an electrical impulse, called an action potential, must travel down an axon to its synaptic terminal. A major technical challenge impeding the direct examination of this process, axonal excitability, is the small diameter of a typical axon -- less than 500 nanometers. Researchers have now optimized optical and electrophysiological recordings from single neurons to study axonal excitability with unprecedented detail.

Running releases protein associated with improved memory in mice

The reason why treadmill training can boost memory recall remains an active area of investigation. A couple of proteins have been shown to fuel exercise-induced neuron growth, but a new study presents a new candidate, cathepsin B -- one that can be directly traced from the muscles to the brain in mice. Also, after a run, protein levels increased in blood in mice, monkeys, and humans.

Volcanoes get quiet before they erupt

Until now, there has not been a way to forecast eruptions of restless volcanoes because of the constant seismic activity and gas and steam emissions. Volcanologists have shown that periods of seismic quiet occur immediately before eruptions and can be used to forecast an eruption. The duration of the silence can indicate the level of energy that will be released. Longer quiet periods mean a bigger bang.

Aging monkeys become more selective regarding their social circle

As people get older, they become choosier about how they spend their time and with whom they spend it. Now, researchers reporting in the Cell Press journal Current Biology on June 23 find, based on a series of experimental and behavioral studies, that similar changes take place in Barbary macaques. The findings offer an evolutionary perspective on why aging humans behave as they do, according to the researchers.

3D Brain-on-a-chip

To study brain cell’s operation and test the effect of medication on individual cells, the conventional Petri dish with flat electrodes is not sufficient. For truly realistic studies, cells have to flourish within three-dimensional surroundings. Researchers have developed a sieve with 900 openings, each of which has the shape of an inverted pyramid. On top of this array of pyramids, a micro-reactor takes care of cell growth.

Warning from the past: Future global warming could be even warmer

Future global warming will not only depend on the amount of emissions from human-made greenhouse gasses, but will also depend on the sensitivity of the climate system and response to feedback mechanisms. By reconstructing past global warming and the carbon cycle on Earth 56 million years ago researchers have used computer modelling to estimate the potential perspective for future global warming, which could be even warmer than previously thought.

Do you know what you're smoking? Research suggests that you don't

There is little awareness of the chemical components of cigarette smoke amongst US adults, even though many of them report having looked for relevant information. In a new study, researchers suggest that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expand its messaging activities so that information about these constituents reaches all segments of the US population, especially those most vulnerable to tobacco product use and its associated health risks.

Successful first observations of galactic center with GRAVITY

A European team of astronomers have used the new GRAVITY instrument at ESO's Very Large Telescope to obtain exciting observations of the center of the Milky Way by combining light from all four of the 8.2-meter Unit Telescopes for the first time. These results provide a taste of the groundbreaking science that GRAVITY will produce as it probes the extremely strong gravitational fields close to the central supermassive black hole and tests Einstein's general relativity.

New discoveries on evolution can save endangered species

Traditionally, the evolutionary development of an insect species has been explained by the notion that the female insect chooses her male partner based on size and other factors, so-called assortative mating. These mating patterns have also been believed to partially explain how the isolation between different species is maintained. However, new research shows just the opposite: assortative mating breaks down the sexual barrier between species rather than preserves it, which could lead to species becoming extinct.

World map of resistance to artemesinin anti-malarial medicines

Practically all currently available treatments for malaria are based in some form or other on a derivative of artemisinin, a plant substance that is found in the leaves and flowers of annual mugwort (Artemisia annua). However, more and more malaria parasites are becoming resistant to artemesinin – especially in South-East Asia. In order to provide an accurate view of the spread of resistance throughout the world, an international research group from more than 50 countries has drawn up a map of artemesinin resistance.

Maternal social status, sibling rivalry shape milk transfer in spotted hyenas

Females of low social status often have limited access to food resources. As a result, their offspring are nursed infrequently and may experience long fasting periods that can seriously compromise their growth and survival. In particular when they have to share their milk intake with a littermate, milk shortage can be very detrimental. Yet researchers found that low-ranking spotted hyenas were able to compensate to some extent for their low nursing frequency. They do this by transferring more milk of superior nutritional quality to their offspring than high-ranking mothers during nursing bouts. The results also reveal that the socially dominant offspring in twin litters efficiently uses aggression against its subordinate littermate to skew milk transfer in its favor.

Neutralizing acidic forest soils boosts tree growth, causes spike in nitrogen export

A legacy of acid rain has acidified forest soils throughout the northeastern US, lowering the growth rate of trees. In an attempt to mitigate this trend, in 1999 scientists added calcium to an experimental forest in New Hampshire. Tree growth recovered, but a decade later there was a major increase in the nitrogen content of stream water draining the site.

Diabetes raises risk of heart attack death by 50 percent

Having diabetes increases the risk of dying from the effects of a heart attack by around 50 percent, according to a widespread study. The study's participants with diabetes were 39 per cent more likely to have died if they had a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) heart attack -- in which the artery is partially blocked -- than those without diabetes.

Eliminating blood test may increase availability of donor hearts

A blood test that results in donor hearts being rejected may be unnecessary in predicting the success or failure of heart transplants. If transplant centers placed less emphasis on the test, more hearts would be available to treat patients with end-stage heart failure. Currently, only one in three donor hearts are accepted for transplant, say authors of a new report.

Impulsive children raised in caring families drink less during adolescence

Years of research have shown that impulsivity in childhood is among the individual vulnerabilities leading to substance abuse, delinquency, as well as aggressive and antisocial behavior in adolescence and adulthood. However, a new study shows that impulsive children who were raised in less coercive families at the age of 6 actually drank less alcohol than their less impulsive peers at the age of 15.

Scorpions have similar tastes in burrow architecture

New research on the burrows of scorpions in diverse environments finds that these predatory arachnids build strikingly similar architectural features in their homes. The study was conducted using molten aluminum casts and 3-D scanning, and suggests that common features of scorpion burrows are part of their 'extended physiology' and are vital to the arachnids' survival in some of the world's most inhospitable places.

Understanding how chemical changes in the brain affect Alzheimer's disease

A new study is helping to explain why the long-term use of common anticholinergic drugs used to treat conditions like allergies and overactive bladder lead to an increased risk of developing dementia later in life. The study used mouse models to show that long-term suppression of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine -- a target for anticholinergic drugs -- results in dementia-like changes in the brain.

Fish out of water are more common than thought

Fish have evolved the ability to live on land many times, challenging the perception that this extreme lifestyle shift was likely to have been a rare occurrence in ancient times. New research shows 33 different families of fish have at least one species that demonstrates some terrestrial activity and, in many cases, these behaviors are likely to have evolved independently in the different families.

Is 'when we eat' as important as 'what we eat'?

In a review of research on the effect of meal patterns on health, the few studies available suggest that eating irregularly is linked to a higher risk of metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and obesity). The limited evidence highlights the need for larger scale studies to better understand the impact of chrono-nutrition on public health, argue the authors of two new papers.

Hip implants: Metal wear impairs bone-forming cells' function

In metal-on-metal pairings, both the shell and head of an implant consist of a cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy, report researchers looking into the safety of hip implants. The release of metal ions into the body has been reported as a result of implant wear. Bone loss (osteolysis) was observed in many cases. Researchers have been able to show now that cobalt and chromium release contributes to bone loss.

Plastic debris and policy

Captain Charles Moore introduced the world to the 'Great Pacific Garbage Patch' in the mid-1990s. Since then, there has been increasing interest from scientists, the public and policy makers regarding plastic debris in the environment. A new article now outlines the current research, identifies research gaps on plastic debris and reviews some of the weight of evidence regarding contamination, fate and effects of the material.

The universe: Learning about the future from the distant past

Our universe came to life nearly 14 billion years ago in the Big Bang -- a tremendously energetic fireball from which the cosmos has been expanding ever since. Today, space is filled with hundreds of billions of galaxies, including our solar system's own galactic home, the Milky Way. But how exactly did the infant universe develop into its current state, and what does it tell us about our future?

Rare moth in severe decline at its last English site

Numbers of a rare species of moth -- found only in York in England -- have tumbled in recent years, a team of scientists has discovered. The Dark Bordered Beauty (Epione vespertaria) is found on Strensall Common, an area of protected lowland heath near York. This is the last known English site for the moth, although there is a handful of populations in Scotland, where the moth is also rare.

Hey! You stole my food!: Abnormal eating behaviors in frontotemporal dementia

Frontotemporal dementia is associated with a wide variety of abnormal eating behaviors such as hyperphagia, fixations on one kind of food, even ingestion of inanimate objects, making an already difficult situation even worse. A new review gathers together the state of the art of what is known in this field, paying particular attention to the brain mechanisms involved. The information may be used for understanding eating disorders in healthy people.

How huanglongbing affects oranges' detachment force, fruit properties

Researchers evaluated the effects of huanglongbing (HLB) symptom severity on fruit detachment force and fruit mechanical properties in sweet oranges as indicators of potential HLB-influenced preharvest fruit drop and postharvest damage and breakdown. Analyses showed that fruits from severely HLB-symptomatic sweet orange trees are more likely to have problems with preharvest fruit drop and postharvest pressure damage and breakdown, but may have less puncture damage in harvesting, transportation, packing, and juice processing.

Absence of a single protein spurs muscle aging in mice

The loss of the protein Mitofusin 2 in the muscles of young mice speeds up aging and causes early sarcopenia, thus leading to the muscle quality of aged mice, report researchers. Sarcopenia, which is muscle wastage and the accompanied loss of strength, is one of the most weakening conditions of old age and it has no treatment. The scientists propose that stimulating Mitofusin 2 activity would provide a good strategy through which to ameliorate sarcopenia.

New targeted drug effectively dissolves blood clots, has fewer side effects

The main objective of emergency assistance in critical conditions associated with the blockage of blood vessels is to quickly dissolve the clot. To this end, scientists have developed a magnetically controlled drug that can be condensed on a blood clot by means of a magnetic field and can dissolve clots up to 4,000 times more efficiently than ordinary enzyme-based drugs. The new study will also help reduce drug dosage, thus avoiding numerous side effects.

Barrier screens reduce damage from brown marmorated stink bug

Barrier screens with different mesh sizes were evaluated for their ability to exclude the brown marmorated stink bug, provide entry to beneficial species, and produce high marketable yield in organically grown bell peppers. Fine-mesh plots were determined to effectively exclude insects and reduce stink bug injury on peppers. For areas with smaller stink bug populations, lighter colored, and/or wider meshes were recommended, while finer meshes were found appropriate for areas with higher stink bug pressure.

Bioplastic, biofabric tested for cucumber production

Trials in field and high tunnel cucumber cropping systems compared performance and decomposition (after use) among two bioplastic films and four experimental spunbond, nonwoven biofabrics. Results suggested that biofabrics would be most useful to growers when soil warming is not necessary (e.g., in warm climates), but when moisture conservation and weed control are critical. Permeable biofabrics may also be useful to growers who are dependent on sprinkler irrigation or rainfall to meet crop water demands.

Acoustics researcher finds explanation for auroral sounds

In 2012, a research group proved that the source of sounds associated with the Northern Lights is located close to the ground at an altitude of approximately 70 meters. Now, by combining his measurements with the temperature profiles measured by the Finnish Meteorological Institute, a researcher has found an explanation for the mechanism that creates the sound.  According to the new inversion layer hypothesis, the popping and crackling sounds associated with the Northern Lights are born when the related geomagnetic storm activates the charges that have accumulated in the atmosphere's inversion layer causing them to discharge. 

Opportunists with a home advantage

Preferred food, territories or mating opportunities - reasons for conflicts between neighboring groups are manifold in social living animals. Confrontations with conspecifics of neighboring groups are often hostile and members of the same group defend their territory cooperatively. However, common defense presents also a collective action problem: Not all group members participate in each conflict, but still enjoy the benefits of a joint territory. In order to examine which factors influence participation and outcome of intergroup encounters, behavioral scientists observed Verreaux’s sifakas in Madagascar. They showed that these primates seem to decide whether to join a given encounter opportunistically, based on individual incentives and the actual circumstances.

How huanglongbing affects oranges' detachment force, fruit properties

Researchers evaluated the effects of huanglongbing (HLB) symptom severity on fruit detachment force and fruit mechanical properties in sweet oranges as indicators of potential HLB-influenced preharvest fruit drop and postharvest damage and breakdown. Analyses showed that fruits from severely HLB-symptomatic sweet orange trees are more likely to have problems with preharvest fruit drop and postharvest pressure damage and breakdown, but may have less puncture damage in harvesting, transportation, packing, and juice processing.

Soft decoupling of organic molecules on metal

An international team has discovered an elegant way to decouple organic nanosheets grown on metal surfaces. After iodine intercalation, measurements at the synchrotron source BESSY II of Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin showed that a network of organic molecules behaved almost as it was free-standing. The strong influence of the metal on the network was reduced. This opens up new ways to transfer organic nanostructures from metal surfaces onto more suitable substrates for molecular electronics.

New targeted drug effectively dissolves blood clots, has fewer side effects

The main objective of emergency assistance in critical conditions associated with the blockage of blood vessels is to quickly dissolve the clot. To this end, scientists have developed a magnetically controlled drug that can be condensed on a blood clot by means of a magnetic field and can dissolve clots up to 4,000 times more efficiently than ordinary enzyme-based drugs. The new study will also help reduce drug dosage, thus avoiding numerous side effects.

Bioplastic, biofabric tested for cucumber production

Trials in field and high tunnel cucumber cropping systems compared performance and decomposition (after use) among two bioplastic films and four experimental spunbond, nonwoven biofabrics. Results suggested that biofabrics would be most useful to growers when soil warming is not necessary (e.g., in warm climates), but when moisture conservation and weed control are critical. Permeable biofabrics may also be useful to growers who are dependent on sprinkler irrigation or rainfall to meet crop water demands.

Absence of a single protein spurs muscle aging in mice

The loss of the protein Mitofusin 2 in the muscles of young mice speeds up aging and causes early sarcopenia, thus leading to the muscle quality of aged mice, report researchers. Sarcopenia, which is muscle wastage and the accompanied loss of strength, is one of the most weakening conditions of old age and it has no treatment. The scientists propose that stimulating Mitofusin 2 activity would provide a good strategy through which to ameliorate sarcopenia.

New view of brain development: Striking differences between adult and newborn mouse brain

Spikes in neuronal activity in young mice do not spur corresponding boosts in blood flow -- a discovery that stands in stark contrast to the adult mouse brain. This new study raises questions about how the growing human brain meets its energy needs, as well as how best to track brain development with fMRI, which relies on blood-flow changes to map neuronal activity. The research could also provide critical insights for improving care for infants.

Barrier screens reduce damage from brown marmorated stink bug

Barrier screens with different mesh sizes were evaluated for their ability to exclude the brown marmorated stink bug, provide entry to beneficial species, and produce high marketable yield in organically grown bell peppers. Fine-mesh plots were determined to effectively exclude insects and reduce stink bug injury on peppers. For areas with smaller stink bug populations, lighter colored, and/or wider meshes were recommended, while finer meshes were found appropriate for areas with higher stink bug pressure.

Acoustics researcher finds explanation for auroral sounds

In 2012, a research group proved that the source of sounds associated with the Northern Lights is located close to the ground at an altitude of approximately 70 meters. Now, by combining his measurements with the temperature profiles measured by the Finnish Meteorological Institute, a researcher has found an explanation for the mechanism that creates the sound.  According to the new inversion layer hypothesis, the popping and crackling sounds associated with the Northern Lights are born when the related geomagnetic storm activates the charges that have accumulated in the atmosphere's inversion layer causing them to discharge. 

Opportunists with a home advantage

Preferred food, territories or mating opportunities - reasons for conflicts between neighboring groups are manifold in social living animals. Confrontations with conspecifics of neighboring groups are often hostile and members of the same group defend their territory cooperatively. However, common defense presents also a collective action problem: Not all group members participate in each conflict, but still enjoy the benefits of a joint territory. In order to examine which factors influence participation and outcome of intergroup encounters, behavioral scientists observed Verreaux’s sifakas in Madagascar. They showed that these primates seem to decide whether to join a given encounter opportunistically, based on individual incentives and the actual circumstances.

Opportunists with a home advantage

Preferred food, territories or mating opportunities - reasons for conflicts between neighboring groups are manifold in social living animals. Confrontations with conspecifics of neighboring groups are often hostile and members of the same group defend their territory cooperatively. However, common defense presents also a collective action problem: Not all group members participate in each conflict, but still enjoy the benefits of a joint territory. In order to examine which factors influence participation and outcome of intergroup encounters, behavioral scientists observed Verreaux’s sifakas in Madagascar. They showed that these primates seem to decide whether to join a given encounter opportunistically, based on individual incentives and the actual circumstances.

Barrier screens reduce damage from brown marmorated stink bug

Barrier screens with different mesh sizes were evaluated for their ability to exclude the brown marmorated stink bug, provide entry to beneficial species, and produce high marketable yield in organically grown bell peppers. Fine-mesh plots were determined to effectively exclude insects and reduce stink bug injury on peppers. For areas with smaller stink bug populations, lighter colored, and/or wider meshes were recommended, while finer meshes were found appropriate for areas with higher stink bug pressure.

Compiler for analog computers enhances biological modeling

A new compiler for analog computers has been developed, a program that translates between high-level instructions written in a language intelligible to humans and the low-level specifications of circuit connections in an analog computer. The work could help pave the way to highly efficient, highly accurate analog simulations of entire organs.

Estuaries like Chesapeake Bay could contribute more to global warming than once thought

Estuaries and coastal systems are thought to be a relatively small source of atmospheric methane, as little as 3 percent. However, a new study has found that the methane building up in the Chesapeake Bay alone, if released, would be equal to the current estimates for all the estuaries in the world combined.

Overweight, obese type 2 patients show improvements with structured nutrition therapy

The results of a new study may change how nutrition therapy is delivered to overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes. The "Nutrition Pathway Study" compared three models of nutrition therapy and found that a highly structured nutrition plan provides the most significant impact on A1C, body weight and lipid profiles.

'Coral zombies' may spell doom for coral reefs around world

Scientists have known for a while that coral reefs around the world are dying, and in a worst-case scenario they were counting on large, healthy-looking corals to repopulate. But a new study shows that these seemingly healthy colonies are 'Coral Zombies' with no reproductive ability, which makes them useless in a recovery effort.

Better material insights with gentle e-beams

There are several ways to change a molecule, chemically or physically. A lesser known method relies on electron collision, or e-beam technology. In a review outlining new research avenues based on electron scattering, researchers explain the subtle intricacies of the extremely brief electron-molecule encounter, in particular with gentle, i.e., very low energy electrons.

Medicaid expansion brought across-the-board relief for Michigan hospitals

It happened fast. It happened in nearly every hospital in the state. And it didn't come with dreaded side effects. The proportion of hospitalized patients who lacked insurance dropped by nearly four percentage points, and the proportion covered by Medicaid rose more than six points, in the state of Michigan within three months of the expansion of Medicaid.

Odors can be measured by analytical chemistry

For the first time scientists have developed a convincing model able to measure odors from pig farms by means of precise measurements of the content of odorants in the atmosphere. The model is based on measurements of odorants by means of the analytical technique PTR-MS and can be carried directly on the pig farm.

Eliminating blood test may increase availability of donor hearts

A blood test that results in donor hearts being rejected may be unnecessary in predicting the success or failure of heart transplants. If transplant centers placed less emphasis on the test, more hearts would be available to treat patients with end-stage heart failure. Currently, only one in three donor hearts are accepted for transplant, say authors of a new report.

New view of brain development: Striking differences between adult and newborn mouse brain

Spikes in neuronal activity in young mice do not spur corresponding boosts in blood flow -- a discovery that stands in stark contrast to the adult mouse brain. This new study raises questions about how the growing human brain meets its energy needs, as well as how best to track brain development with fMRI, which relies on blood-flow changes to map neuronal activity. The research could also provide critical insights for improving care for infants.

Patients with inflammation more likely to develop diabetes after transplant

Up to 30 percent of people who receive organ transplants will develop diabetes, but researchers are unsure why. A new study in kidney transplant recipients suggests that patients with more inflammation prior to surgery are more likely to develop diabetes than those with less overall inflammation, and that a patient's fat stores also play a role.

Intrusive parents may lead children to be overly self-critical

Parents may have high expectations of their children’s academic performance and some may demonstrate this by urging the child to achieve good grades, while others may over-react when the child makes mistakes. However, parents should be mindful of their behavior and not push their children too far, as their actions may lead to unintended consequences.

The sound of music: How the songbird learns its melody

In zebra finches, only males learn and sing songs, as this is the way they attract a mate. Therefore, learning a complex song to attract the lady zebra finches is crucial for reproduction. The juvenile zebra finches do this by listening to the father's song and memorizing it. The neurons associated with the memory of the father bird's song have now been pinpointed.

Primary care physicians primed to help patients be more active

Exercise plays a crucial role in being healthy and preventing disease. Because of their close relationship to patients, primary care physicians (PCPs) can act as a catalyst to help people be more active through physical activity counseling; however, doctors often encounter barriers to being able to properly address inactivity. A new paper offers PCPs implementable strategies to break down those barriers and help their patients get more exercise.

Medicare ACOs have achieved savings in providing care to patients with multiple conditions

There are now over 700 Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) in place across the country, making them one of the largest health care payment and delivery reforms underway in the United States. Until recently, little has been known about the effect of Medicare ACOs on overall spending. A new study found that Medicare ACOs are making modest, yet increasing, gains in these areas, particularly when it comes to treating patients with multiple conditions.

Sweden's 100 percent carbon-free emissions challenge

The Swedish power supply is largely free of carbon emissions. Indeed, it is mainly based on a combination of hydroelectric and nuclear power combined with power exchange with neighboring Scandinavian countries. A new study investigates the possibility of replacing nuclear power with wind power, which is by nature intermittent. According to the study, this would finally lead to a reduction in the use of hydroelectricity if the annual consumption remained constant.

Measuring Planck's constant, NIST's watt balance brings world closer to new kilogram

A high-tech version of a balance scale has just brought scientists a critical step closer toward a new and improved definition of the kilogram. The scale, called the NIST-4 watt balance, has conducted its first measurement of a fundamental physical quantity called Planck's constant to within 34 parts per billion -- demonstrating the scale is accurate enough to assist the international scientific community with the redefinition of the kilogram, an event slated for 2018.

Significant humus loss in forests of the Bavarian Alps

Alpine forests will be at great risk should weather phenomena such as droughts and torrential rain become more frequent. As a new study shows, the mountain forests of the Bavarian Alps have seen a significant reduction in topsoil organic matter over the past three decades. The authors recommendation is therefore to preserve, or increase soil humus regardless of climate change by implementing humus-promoting forest management to safeguard the mountain forests protective function.

Mice fed more fiber have less severe food allergies

The development of food allergies in mice can be linked to what their gut bacteria are being fed, reports a new study. Rodents that received a diet with average calories, sugar, and fiber content had more severe peanut allergies than those that received a high-fiber diet. The researchers show that gut bacteria release a specific fatty acid in response to fiber intake, which eventually impacts allergic responses via changes to the immune system.

CAR T cell therapy can now target solid tumors: Mouse study

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, which edits a cancer patient's T cells to recognize their tumors, has successfully helped patients with blood cancers but has yet to show the ability to treat solid tumors. To overcome this hurdle, researchers genetically engineered human T cells to produce a CAR protein that recognizes a glycopeptide found on cancer cells but not normal cells, and then demonstrated its effectiveness in mice with leukemia and pancreatic cancer.

Immense species richness of bacterial-eating microorganisms discovered in soil

Millions of microorganisms play a major role in the decomposition of soil matter. A group of researchers has just shown that there is an enormous diversity among a group of bacteria-eating microorganisms known as Cercozoa. The research suggests that a drier climate in the years ahead due to climate change will contribute to a shift in the number of soil microorganisms, and thus, a shift in the decomposition of soil matter, with as of yet to be known consequences.

Airplanes make clouds brighter

Contrails from airplanes make clouds brighter, shows new research. The researchers used a combination of flight tracking data and satellites equipped with sensitive lasers for detecting small changes in cloud optical thickness, i.e. the degree to which a cloud prevents light passing through it. When they looked at flight tracks from Honolulu to LA and Seattle to San Francisco, they found a significant increase in the optical thickness of the clouds close to the flight tracks compared to those further away.

Certain leisure activities may reduce post-surgical delirium among older adults

Older adults who engage in leisure activities more than 20 times a week are far less likely to experience delirium following certain types of surgery than those who engage in fewer weekly leisure activities, new research suggests. Each additional day of participation in a leisure activity reduced post-operative delirium by 8 percent, researchers found at the end of a new study. According to the researchers, maintaining leisure activities later in life could be an important way to lessen the chances of developing delirium following surgery.

Carbon dioxide hits record highs in Southern hemisphere

Last month, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) as measured at Amsterdam Island, in the southern Indian Ocean, for the first time exceeded the symbolic value of 400 ppm, or 0.04%. The CO2 concentrations recorded at the Amsterdam Island research station are the lowest in the world (excluding seasonal cycles), due to the island's remoteness from anthropogenic sources. The 400 ppm threshold was already crossed in the Northern hemisphere during the 2012/2013 winter. In addition, the increase of CO2 in the atmosphere is speeding up, growing by more than 2 ppm annually over the past four years.

An ocean lies a few kilometers beneath Saturn's moon Enceladus's icy surface

With eruptions of ice and water vapor, and an ocean covered by an ice shell, Saturn's moon Enceladus is one of the most fascinating in the Solar System, especially as interpretations of data provided by the Cassini spacecraft have been contradictory until now. Astronomers recently proposed a new model that reconciles different data sets and shows that the ice shell at Enceladus's south pole may be only a few kilometers thick. This suggests that there is a strong heat source in the interior of Enceladus, an additional factor supporting the possible emergence of life in its ocean.

NASA's K2 finds newborn exoplanet around young star

Astronomers have discovered the youngest fully formed exoplanet ever detected. The newfound planet, K2-33b, is a bit larger than Neptune and whips tightly around its star every five days. It is only 5 to 10 million years old, making it one of a very few newborn planets found to date.

'Aspirin-Guide' app for clinicians helps personalize decisions about aspirin use

To help clinicians and patients make informed decisions about aspirin use, researchers have developed a new, free, mobile app, 'Aspirin-Guide' that calculates both the CVD risk score and the bleeding risk score for the individual patient, and helps clinicians decide which patients are appropriate candidates for the use of low-dose aspirin.

Coral reefs facing a hot time and increased bleaching, especially along US coasts

A new NOAA outlook shows that many coral reefs across around the world will likely be exposed to higher-than-normal sea temperatures for an unprecedented third year in a row, leading to increased bleaching - and with no signs of stopping. While the bleaching event is global, it will hit the US hard.

A novel therapy for genital herpes engages immune cells to provide significant patient benefits

A phase II clinical trial demonstrated that a new type of treatment for genital herpes, an immunotherapy called GEN-003, may reduce the activity of the virus and the number of days with recurrent herpes. This effect of treatment, given by a series of three injections, appears to last for up to at least one year.

Researchers find Highland East Asian origin for prehistoric Himalayan populations

Researchers have conducted the first ancient DNA investigation of the Himalayan arc, generating genomic data for eight individuals ranging in time from the earliest known human settlements to the establishment of the Tibetan Empire. The findings demonstrate that the genetic make-up of high-altitude Himalayan populations has remained remarkably stable despite cultural transitions and exposure to outside populations through trade.

Tailored DNA shifts electrons into the 'fast lane'

DNA molecules don't just code our genetic instructions. They also have the unique ability to conduct electricity and self-assemble into well-defined shapes, making them potential candidates for building low-cost nanoelectronic devices. A study now shows how DNA sequences can be manipulated to turn these ribbon-shaped molecules into electron 'highways,' allowing electricity to flow more easily through the strand.

Tiny alpaca-derived antibodies point to targets preventing viral infection

Using tiny, alpaca-derived, single-domain antibody fragments, scientists have developed a method to perturb cellular processes in mammalian cells, allowing them to tease apart the roles that individual proteins play in these pathways. With improved knowledge of protein activity, scientists can better understand not only basic biology but also how disease corrupts cellular function and identify potential therapeutics to rectify these aberrations.

10,000 windows onto biomolecular information processing

A new 'brute force' technique has been developed to test thousands of biochemical reactions at once and quickly home in on the range of conditions where they work best. Until now, optimizing such biomolecular systems, which can be applied for example to diagnostics, would have required months or years of trial and error experiments, but with this new technique that could be shortened to days.

People allergic to insect venom need precision medical diagnosis, treatment

Three to 5 percent of the European population is allergic to insect venom, and many of them are at risk of anaphylaxis if they are stung. Some patients do not respond properly to immunotherapy and in some cases the treatment has reduced or no effect at all -- which can be fatal. Researchers are now developing artificial allergens and human antibodies in order to enable individualized immunotherapeutic treatment.

How early mammals evolved night vision to avoid predators

Early mammals evolved in a burst during the Jurassic period, adapting a nocturnal lifestyle when dinosaurs were the dominant daytime predator. How these early mammals evolved night vision to find food and survive has been a mystery, but a new study suggests that rods in the mammalian eye, extremely sensitive to light, developed from color-detecting cone cells during this time to give mammals an edge in low-light conditions.

Apparel causes additional barriers for people living with disabilities

The US clothing industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, but for the millions of Americans with disabilities and their families, a lack of options in the apparel industry presents daily challenges. One researcher has found that the lack of adequate, accessible apparel created barriers for people with disabilities from engaging in their communities. She identified the need for innovation in design, production, distribution and sale of adaptive clothing.

Threats to habitat connectivity as sea waters inundate coastal areas

By the year 2100, sea levels might rise as much as 2.5 meters above their current levels, which would seriously threaten coastal cities and other low-lying areas. In turn, this would force animals to migrate farther inland in search of higher ground. But accelerated urbanization, such as the rapidly expanding Piedmont area that stretches from Atlanta to eastern North Carolina, could cut off their escape routes and create climate-induced extinctions.

Scientists engineer tunable DNA for electronics applications

A team has been able to understand and manipulate DNA to more finely tune the flow of electricity through it. The key findings, which can make DNA behave in different ways -- cajoling electrons to smoothly flow like electricity through a metal wire, or hopping electrons about like the semiconductors materials that power our computers and cell phones, paves the way for an exciting new avenue of research advancements.

New brain map could enable novel therapies for autism,Huntington's disease

Scientists have mapped an uncharted portion of the mouse brain to explain which circuit disruptions might occur in disorders such as Huntington's disease and autism. They looked at the connections of a part of the brain responsible for motor learning, the dorsal striatum. Researchers said they are the first to create the most comprehensive map of connections between the dorsal striatum and the cerebral cortex that is available for any mammal.

Understanding the resistance to treatments against breast cancer

Estrogens are responsible for the survival and proliferation of tumor cells in 70 percent of breast cancer cases. Nearly a third of the patients develop a resistance to anti-estrogen treatments such as tamoxifen after a few years. Biologists now reveal how tumor cells become refractory to the drug. They succeeded in identifying eight factors involved in the process of resistance to the treatment. The researchers also suggest various approaches for developing new therapies.

Breathing space for the Gulf Stream

The salinity of the waters around Greenland plays an important role in driving the Gulf Stream. There are concerns that a freshening by the increasing ice losses from the Greenland ice sheet could weaken the current system. New model calculations conducted by an international research team suggest, however, that a large fraction of this meltwater is removed from the most sensitive areas by boundary currents, delaying the influence on the Gulf Stream.

Molecular map provides clues to zinc-related diseases

Mapping the molecular structure where medicine goes to work is a crucial step toward drug discovery against deadly diseases. Researchers have taken that critical first step by providing a crystal structure of the extracellular domain, or ECD, of ZIP4 -- the exclusive protein responsible for the uptake of zinc from food. The ZIP family consists of thousands of zinc/iron transporter proteins, and this work represents the first-ever structural information of the ZIP family at the atomic level.

'Space tsunami' causes the third Van Allen Belt

Earth's magnetosphere, the region of space dominated by Earth's magnetic field, protects our planet from the harsh battering of the solar wind. Like a protective shield, the magnetosphere absorbs and deflects plasma from the solar wind which originates from the Sun. Extreme space weather storms can create intense radiation in the Van Allen belts and drive electrical currents which can damage terrestrial electrical power grids. Earth could then be at risk for up to trillions of dollars of damage.

Newborn giant planet grazes its star

For the past 20 years, exoplanets known as 'hot Jupiters' have puzzled astronomers. These giant planets orbit 100 times closer to their host stars than Jupiter does to the Sun, which increases their surface temperatures. But how and when in their history did they migrate so close to their star? Now, an international team of astronomers has announced the discovery of a very young hot Jupiter orbiting in the immediate vicinity of a star that is barely two million years old -- the stellar equivalent of a week-old infant. This first-ever evidence that hot Jupiters can appear at such an early stage represents a major step forward in our understanding of how planetary systems form and evolve.

Urban bird species risk dying prematurely due to stress

Birds of the species Parus Major (great tit) living in an urban environment are at greater risk of dying young than great tits living outside cities. Research results in Sweden show that urban great tits have shorter telomeres than others of their own species living in rural areas. According to the researchers, the induced stress that the urban great tits are experiencing is what results in shorter telomeres and thereby increases their risk of dying young.

Molecular map provides clues to zinc-related diseases

Mapping the molecular structure where medicine goes to work is a crucial step toward drug discovery against deadly diseases. Researchers have taken that critical first step by providing a crystal structure of the extracellular domain, or ECD, of ZIP4 -- the exclusive protein responsible for the uptake of zinc from food. The ZIP family consists of thousands of zinc/iron transporter proteins, and this work represents the first-ever structural information of the ZIP family at the atomic level.

'Space tsunami' causes the third Van Allen Belt

Earth's magnetosphere, the region of space dominated by Earth's magnetic field, protects our planet from the harsh battering of the solar wind. Like a protective shield, the magnetosphere absorbs and deflects plasma from the solar wind which originates from the Sun. Extreme space weather storms can create intense radiation in the Van Allen belts and drive electrical currents which can damage terrestrial electrical power grids. Earth could then be at risk for up to trillions of dollars of damage.

Newborn giant planet grazes its star

For the past 20 years, exoplanets known as 'hot Jupiters' have puzzled astronomers. These giant planets orbit 100 times closer to their host stars than Jupiter does to the Sun, which increases their surface temperatures. But how and when in their history did they migrate so close to their star? Now, an international team of astronomers has announced the discovery of a very young hot Jupiter orbiting in the immediate vicinity of a star that is barely two million years old -- the stellar equivalent of a week-old infant. This first-ever evidence that hot Jupiters can appear at such an early stage represents a major step forward in our understanding of how planetary systems form and evolve.

Improving poor soil with burned up biomass

Torrefied biomass can improve the quality of poor soil found in arid regions, new research shows. The study indicates that adding torrefied biomass to poor soil from Botswana increased water retention in the soil as well as the amount of plant growth.

Tiny droplets… lead to exotic properties

Molecules in liquid crystals form exotic phases in which arrays of defects are organized into striking patterns. Confining these defect structures within droplets offers fine control that points to strategies -- not possible in bulk phases -- for assembly of responsive, adaptable materials.

Transgender rights critical for the health of 25 million transgender people worldwide

2015 was an unprecedented year in the recognition of transgender rights in some high-income countries. However, as a new series of articles reveals, public recognition has yet to translate to a concerted effort to support and improve the health of transgender people across the world.

New trick for controlling emission direction in microlasers

Researchers have found a way to give photons, or light packets, their marching orders. The researchers have capitalized on the largesse of an energy state in an optical field to make photons in their lasing system travel in a consistent mode, either clockwise or counterclockwise.

Bone artifacts suggest early adoption of poison-tipped arrow technology in Eastern Africa

Researchers studying bone artifacts have discovered in the Kuumbi Cave, Zanzibar, have found evidence to suggest that bone tools were used for hunting, and even as poison arrow tips. The findings suggest that bone technology was a central element to the Kuumbi Cave's inhabitants over 13,000 years ago.

Paris attacks: A novel research program on traumatic memories

How will the traumatic events of the terrorist attacks of 13 November 2015 evolve in people’s memories, whether collective or individual? How does individual memory feed on collective memory and vice versa? Is it possible, by studying cerebral markers, to predict which victims will develop post-traumatic stress disorder and which will recover more quickly?

Blueberries' health benefits better than many perceive

Consumers know some of the benefits blueberries provide, but they’re less aware of the advantages of reverting aging, improving vision and memory, a new study shows. Researchers surveyed more than 2,000 people in 31 states – mostly on the East Coast and in the Midwest – to see what they know about the health benefits of blueberries.

Electric fields weaker in slow-healing diabetic wounds

People with diabetes often suffer from wounds that are slow to heal and can lead to ulcers, gangrene and amputation. New research from an international group shows that, in mouse models of diabetes, slow healing is associated with weaker electrical currents in wounds. The results could ultimately open up new approaches for managing diabetic patients.

NASA's Juno spacecraft to risk Jupiter's fireworks for science

On July 4, NASA will fly a solar-powered spacecraft the size of a basketball court within 2,900 miles (4,667 kilometers) of the cloud tops of our solar system's largest planet. During the flybys, Juno will probe beneath the obscuring cloud cover of Jupiter and study its auroras to learn more about the planet's origins, structure, atmosphere and magnetosphere.

New imaging method reveals nanoscale details about DNA

A new enhanced DNA imaging technique has been developed that can probe the structure of individual DNA strands at the nanoscale. Since DNA is at the root of many disease processes, the technique could help scientists gain important insights into what goes wrong when DNA becomes damaged or when other cellular processes affect gene expression.

New mechanism activates the immune system against tumor cells

It is currently one challenge in cancer research to activate the body's natural defenses to eliminate tumor cells. A research team has now discovered with her team a surprising new function for the signalling molecule STAT1 in immune cells. This previously unknown feature could pave the way to a new therapeutic approach to immunological cancer therapy.

Marrying superconductors, lasers, and Bose-Einstein condensates

As superconductors, lasers, and Bose-Einstein condensates all share a common feature, it has been expected that it should be able to see these features at the same time. A recent experiment in a global collaborative effort with teams from Japan, the United States, and Germany have observed for the first time experimental indication that this expectation is true.

Unexpected Excess of Giant Planets in Star Cluster Messier 67

Astronomers have found that there are far more planets of the hot Jupiter type than expected in a cluster of stars called Messier 67. This surprising result was obtained using a number of telescopes and instruments. The denser environment in a cluster will cause more frequent interactions between planets and nearby stars, which may explain the excess of hot Jupiters.

Your weight as a teenager is linked to your risk of heart failure in early middle age

Research that followed more than 1.6 million Swedish men from adolescence onwards between 1968 and 2005 has shown that those who were overweight as teenagers were more likely to develop heart failure in early middle age. Surprisingly, the increased risk of heart failure was found in men who were within the normal body weight range (a body mass index of 18.5 to 25) in adolescence.

Exercise may have therapeutic potential for expediting muscle repair in older populations

Here's another reason why you should hit the gym regularly as you grow older: a new report shows that regular exercise plays a critical role in helping muscles repair themselves as quickly as possible after injury. After only eight weeks of exercise, old mice experienced faster muscle repair and regained more muscle mass than those of the same age that had not exercised.

New lizard found in Dominican Republic

Biologists have reported the discovery of a new lizard in the Dominican Republic, strengthening a long-held theory that communities of lizards can evolve almost identically on separate islands. The chameleon-like lizard -- a Greater Antillean anole dubbed Anolis landestoyi for the naturalist who first spotted and photographed it -- is one of the first new anole species found in the Dominican Republic in decades.

Potential drug target identified for Zika, similar viruses

A single gene pathway that is vital for Zika and other flaviviruses to spread infection between cells has now been identified by researchers. Further, they showed that shutting down a single gene in this pathway -- in both human and insect cells -- does not negatively affect the cells themselves and renders flaviviruses unable to leave the infected cell, curbing the spread of infection.

New surface makes oil contamination remove itself

Researchers have developed surfaces where oil transports itself to desired directions. Researchers' oleophobic surfaces are microtextured with radial arrays of undercut stripes. When oil drops fall on surfaces, drops move away from the landing point to the direction set by asymmetric geometrical patterning of the surface. The surfaces open up new avenues for power-free liquid transportation and oil contamination self-removal applications in analytical and fluidic devices.

Scientists discover mechanism of thalidomide

In the 1950s, thalidomide (Contergan) was prescribed as a sedative drug to pregnant women, resulting in a great number of infants with serious malformations. Up to now, the reasons for these disastrous birth defects have remained unclear. Researchers have now at last identified the molecular mechanism of thalidomide. Their findings are highly relevant to current cancer therapies, as related substances are essential components of modern cancer treatment regimens.

California county health programs yield high returns

Return on investment by California's county public health departments, which focus on prevention, exceeds return on investment in many other areas of medical care, according to a new study. The study estimated that each dollar counties spent on public health programs returned $67-88 dollars of value in improved health outcomes. It is the first to place a value on overall health outcomes from such programs and to compare costs.

Mothers with diabetes more likely to also have anti-fetal brain autoantibodies

Mothers of children with autism and were diagnosed with metabolic conditions during pregnancy, particularly gestational and type 2 diabetes, were more likely to have anti-fetal brain autoantibodies in their blood compared to healthy women of children with autism. The presence of these anti-fetal brain autoantibodies has been previously found to be specific to some mothers of children with autism and rare among mothers of children without autism, researchers have found.

Researchers open hairy new chapter in 3-D printing

Researchers have found a way to bypass a major design step in 3-D printing, to quickly and efficiently model and print thousands of hair-like structures. Instead of using conventional computer-aided design (CAD) software to draw thousands of individual hairs on a computer the team built a new software platform, called 'Cilllia,' that lets users define the angle, thickness, density, and height of thousands of hairs, in just a few minutes.