ScienceDaily: Top News

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• Ancient cycads found to be pre-adapted to grow in groves
• First pre-clinical gene therapy study to reverse Rett symptoms
• How sleep helps brain learn motor task
• Infection during newborn's first week of life associated with bacterial infection in the mother
• New skylight scoops up daylight, save energy
• How untying knots promotes cancer
• Study advances iris images as a long-term form of identification
• New explanation for key step in anthrax infection proposed
• Quantum algorithm could improve stealth fighter design
• Multiple genes manage how people taste sweeteners
• Epic ocean voyages of coral larvae revealed
• 3-D graphene: Solar cells' new platinum?
• Social giving makes us happier
• Iron is at core of Alzheimer's disease, study suggests
• 'Groovy' hologram creates strange state of light
• Stabilizing aircraft during takeoff and landing using math
• New findings on how the ear hears could lead to better hearing aids
• Conditions most likely to kill encephalitis patients identified
• Gestational diabetes tied to seven-fold increase in sleep apnea risk
• Appetite hormone misfires in obese people
• Ingredient in turmeric spice when combined with anti-nausea drug kills cancer cells
• A new role for sodium in the brain
• Traffic pollution and wood smoke increases asthma in adults
• The Vikings were not the first colonizers of the Faroe Islands
• Starbirth surprisingly energetic: New insights into protostars
• An organized approach to 3-D tissue engineering: Getting closer to viable organ implants
• NEETs are prime suspects in breast cancer proliferation
• Divers willingness to pay for biodiversity could help conservation efforts
• Anthropologists study the genesis of reciprocity in food sharing
• Dams destabilize river food webs: Lessons from the Grand Canyon
• Möbius strip ties liquid crystal in knots to produce tomorrow's materials and photonic devices
• How brain microcircuits integrate information from different senses
• Neurologists report unique form of musical hallucinations
• Building better brain implants: The challenge of longevity
• Biomarkers for possible blood test to predict suicide risk identified
• Bacterial toxins cause deadly heart disease: Superantigens produced by staph bacteria are required for deadly effects of infective endocarditis and sepsis
• Unscrambling the genetics of the chicken's 'blue' egg
• Free-floating planets may be born free

Ancient cycads found to be pre-adapted to grow in groves Posted: 20 Aug 2013 03:58 PM PDT Cycads been around since before the age of the dinosaurs. Cycads living today have large, heavy seeds that suggests they rely on large fruit-eating animals to disperse their seeds. Yet there is little evidence that they are eaten and dispersed by today's larger-bodied animals, such as elephants. If these plants are adapted for dispersal by animals that have been missing from Earth's fauna for tens of thousands of years, how are they still around today?

First pre-clinical gene therapy study to reverse Rett symptoms Posted: 20 Aug 2013 03:58 PM PDT The concept behind gene therapy is simple: Deliver a healthy gene to compensate for one that is mutated. New research suggests this approach may eventually be a feasible option to treat Rett Syndrome, the most disabling of the autism spectrum disorders.

How sleep helps brain learn motor task Posted: 20 Aug 2013 03:56 PM PDT Sleep helps the brain consolidate what we've learned, but scientists have struggled to determine what goes on in the brain to make that happen for different kinds of learned tasks. In a new study, researchers pinpoint the brainwave frequencies and brain region associated with sleep-enhanced learning of a sequential finger tapping task akin to typing, or playing piano.

Infection during newborn's first week of life associated with bacterial infection in the mother Posted: 20 Aug 2013 03:56 PM PDT Early-onset neonatal infection, defined as infection in the first 7 days of life, is associated with maternal infection and colonization, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis.

New skylight scoops up daylight, save energy Posted: 20 Aug 2013 03:53 PM PDT Light scoops provide optimal levels of daylight throughout the changing seasons and daily fluctuations in weather by capturing and strategically redirecting daylight into buildings.

How untying knots promotes cancer Posted: 20 Aug 2013 01:13 PM PDT Protein elF4E can promote cancer by activating another protein, 4A, to untangle knots in mRNA allowing gene translation to proceed. The discovery resolves a 35-year old mystery.

Study advances iris images as a long-term form of identification Posted: 20 Aug 2013 01:13 PM PDT A new report by biometric researchers uses data from thousands of frequent travelers enrolled in an iris recognition program to determine that no consistent change occurs in the distinguishing texture of their irises for at least a decade. These findings inform identity program administrators on how often iris images need to be recaptured to maintain accuracy.

New explanation for key step in anthrax infection proposed Posted: 20 Aug 2013 01:12 PM PDT A new hypothesis concerning a crucial step in the anthrax infection process has been advanced.

Quantum algorithm could improve stealth fighter design Posted: 20 Aug 2013 01:12 PM PDT Researchers have devised a quantum algorithm for solving big linear systems of equations. Furthermore, they say the algorithm could be used to calculate complex measurements such as radar cross sections, an ability integral to the development of radar stealth technology, among many other applications.

Multiple genes manage how people taste sweeteners Posted: 20 Aug 2013 10:50 AM PDT Genetics may play a role in how people's taste receptors send signals, leading to a wide spectrum of taste preferences, according to food scientists. These varied, genetically influenced responses may mean that food and drink companies will need a range of artificial sweeteners to accommodate different consumer tastes.

Epic ocean voyages of coral larvae revealed Posted: 20 Aug 2013 10:50 AM PDT A computer simulation has revealed the epic, ocean-spanning journeys traveled by millimeter-sized coral larvae through the world's seas. The model is the first to recreate the oceanic paths along which corals disperse globally, and will eventually aid predictions of how coral reef distributions may shift with climate change.

3-D graphene: Solar cells' new platinum? Posted: 20 Aug 2013 10:50 AM PDT Platinum is a key material in dye-sensitized solar cells, where it is used to make counter electrodes. A new, 3-D form of graphene made from carbon monoxide and lithium oxide was used to replace the platinum with virtually no loss in electrical generating capacity.

Social giving makes us happier Posted: 20 Aug 2013 10:50 AM PDT People usually feel good when they make a charitable donation, but they feel even better if they make the donation directly to someone they know or in a way that builds social connection. New research investigates for the first time how social connection helps turn generous behavior into positive feelings on the part of the donor.

Iron is at core of Alzheimer's disease, study suggests Posted: 20 Aug 2013 10:50 AM PDT Conventional thinking holds that Alzheimer's disease is likely caused by one of two proteins, one called tau, the other beta-amyloid. Now a new study suggests a third possible cause -- an accumulation of iron that destroys cell function.

'Groovy' hologram creates strange state of light Posted: 20 Aug 2013 10:50 AM PDT A new three-in-one optical element can control light's amplitude, phase, and polarization through a wedding of old-fashioned holograms and state-of-the-art nanoscale features. An unusual state of light, a radially polarized beam, which is important for microscopy and particle manipulation, has been created by sending conventional laser light through this holographic plate.

Stabilizing aircraft during takeoff and landing using math Posted: 20 Aug 2013 10:50 AM PDT During ground take-off/landing maneouvres, aircraft landing gear can display unwanted oscillations, which are referred to as shimmy oscillations. Scientist are studying the dynamics of aircraft landing gear using nonlinear models.

New findings on how the ear hears could lead to better hearing aids Posted: 20 Aug 2013 10:50 AM PDT A healthy ear is much better at detecting and transmitting sound than even the most advanced hearing aid. But now researchers have uncovered new insights into how the ear -- in particular, the cochlea -- processes and amplifies sound. The findings could be used for the development of better devices to improve hearing.

Conditions most likely to kill encephalitis patients identified Posted: 20 Aug 2013 10:47 AM PDT People with severe encephalitis — inflammation of the brain — are much more likely to die if they develop severe swelling in the brain, intractable seizures or low blood platelet counts, regardless of the cause of their illness, according to new research.

Gestational diabetes tied to seven-fold increase in sleep apnea risk Posted: 20 Aug 2013 10:47 AM PDT Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes are nearly seven times more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea than other pregnant women, according to a recent study.

Appetite hormone misfires in obese people Posted: 20 Aug 2013 10:47 AM PDT Glucagon, a hormone involved in regulating appetite, loses its ability to help obese people feel full after a meal, but it continues to suppress hunger pangs in people with type 1 diabetes, according to a recent study.

Ingredient in turmeric spice when combined with anti-nausea drug kills cancer cells Posted: 20 Aug 2013 08:41 AM PDT In a laboratory, preclinical study researchers combined structural features from anti-nausea drug thalidomide with common kitchen spice turmeric to create hybrid molecules that effectively kill multiple myeloma cells.

A new role for sodium in the brain Posted: 20 Aug 2013 08:39 AM PDT Researchers have found that sodium – the main chemical component in table salt – is a unique "on/off" switch for a major neurotransmitter receptor in the brain. This receptor, known as the kainate receptor, is fundamental for normal brain function and is implicated in numerous diseases, such as epilepsy and neuropathic pain.

Traffic pollution and wood smoke increases asthma in adults Posted: 20 Aug 2013 07:25 AM PDT Asthma sufferers frequently exposed to heavy traffic pollution or smoke from wood fire heaters, experienced a significant worsening of symptoms, a new study has found.

The Vikings were not the first colonizers of the Faroe Islands Posted: 20 Aug 2013 07:25 AM PDT The Faroe Islands were colonized much earlier than previously believed, and it wasn't by the Vikings, according to new research.

Starbirth surprisingly energetic: New insights into protostars Posted: 20 Aug 2013 07:24 AM PDT Astronomers have obtained a vivid close-up view of material streaming away from a newborn star. By looking at the glow coming from carbon monoxide molecules in an object called Herbig-Haro 46/47, they have discovered that its jets are even more energetic than previously thought. The very detailed new images have also revealed a previously unknown jet pointing in a totally different direction.

An organized approach to 3-D tissue engineering: Getting closer to viable organ implants Posted: 20 Aug 2013 06:46 AM PDT Researchers have developed a simple method of organizing cells and their microenvironments in hydrogel fibers. Their unique technology provides a feasible template for assembling complex structures, such as liver and fat tissues.

NEETs are prime suspects in breast cancer proliferation Posted: 20 Aug 2013 06:46 AM PDT Two proteins have been identified as prime suspects in the proliferation of breast cancer in a new study. The research may offer a path to therapies that could slow or stop breast cancer tumors from developing.

Divers willingness to pay for biodiversity could help conservation efforts Posted: 20 Aug 2013 06:46 AM PDT New research shows divers were willing to pay to improve the reef's attributes and were able to differentiate and rank their preferences of biodiversity, numbers of fish and corals, coral species richness, fish species richness, coral size, coral abundance, and fish abundance. Respondents ranked biodiversity as the most desirable value, while fish abundance was the least important.

Anthropologists study the genesis of reciprocity in food sharing Posted: 20 Aug 2013 06:46 AM PDT When you share your lunch with someone less fortunate or give your friend half of your dessert, does that act of generosity flow from the milk of human kindness, or is it a subconscious strategy to assure reciprocity should you one day find yourself on the other side of the empty plate?

Dams destabilize river food webs: Lessons from the Grand Canyon Posted: 20 Aug 2013 06:46 AM PDT Managing fish in human-altered rivers is a challenge because their food webs are sensitive to environmental disturbance. So reports a new study based on an exhaustive three-year analysis of the Colorado River in Glen and Grand Canyons.

Möbius strip ties liquid crystal in knots to produce tomorrow's materials and photonic devices Posted: 20 Aug 2013 06:44 AM PDT Scientists have shown how to tie knots in liquid crystals using a miniature Möbius strip made from silica particles.

How brain microcircuits integrate information from different senses Posted: 20 Aug 2013 06:44 AM PDT Research sheds new light onto the unknown processes on how the brain integrates the inputs from the different senses in the complex circuits formed by molecularly distinct types of nerve cells.

Neurologists report unique form of musical hallucinations Posted: 20 Aug 2013 06:44 AM PDT Neurologists report a unique case of a woman who hears music, as if a radio were playing in the back of her head. The case raises "intriguing questions regarding memory, forgetting and access to lost memories."

Building better brain implants: The challenge of longevity Posted: 20 Aug 2013 06:44 AM PDT A new technique accommodates two challenges inherent in brain-implantation technology: gauging the property changes that occur during implantation and measuring them on a micro-scale.

Biomarkers for possible blood test to predict suicide risk identified Posted: 20 Aug 2013 05:37 AM PDT Researchers have found a series of RNA biomarkers in blood that may help identify who is at risk for committing suicide.

Bacterial toxins cause deadly heart disease: Superantigens produced by staph bacteria are required for deadly effects of infective endocarditis and sepsis Posted: 20 Aug 2013 05:37 AM PDT Researchers have discovered what causes the lethal effects of staphylococcal infective endocarditis -- a serious bacterial infection of heart valves that kills approximately 20,000 Americans each year.

Unscrambling the genetics of the chicken's 'blue' egg Posted: 20 Aug 2013 05:36 AM PDT Researchers have unscrambled the genetic mutation that gives the distinctive blue eggs laid by some breeds of chickens.

Free-floating planets may be born free Posted: 20 Aug 2013 05:36 AM PDT Tiny, round, cold clouds in space have all the right characteristics to form planets with no parent star. New observations show that not all free-floating planets were thrown out of existing planetary systems. They can also be born free.

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