Science Daily: Top News

• Researchers estimate a cost for universal access to energy
• Dual-color lasers could lead to cheap and efficient LED lighting
• Ebola's secret weapon revealed
• Lava erupting on sea floor linked to deep-carbon cycle
• Link between heart, blood, and skeletal muscle
• 'Oil for the joints' offers hope for osteoarthritis sufferers
• Increases in heart disease risk factors may decrease brain function
• New dark matter detector begins its search
• New target for personalized cancer therapy
• Tick-borne lone star virus identified through new super-fast gene sequencing
• Making cancer less cancerous
• Cell biology: Active transporters are universally leaky
• Heart cells change stem cell behavior
• Increased risk of heart attack and death with progressive coronary artery calcium buildup
• Dieting youth show greater brain reward activity in response to food
• 'Dark genome' is involved in Rett Syndrome
• Robotic insects make first controlled flight
• How graphene and friends could harness the Sun's energy hitting walls
• Muscle adaptation of transition to minimalist running
• Understanding student weaknesses
• Turning human stem cells into brain cells sheds light on neural development
• Botox used to find new wrinkle in brain communication
• Stem cell discovery could aid research into new treatments
• Kids with conduct problems may have brains that under-react to painful images: May increase risk of adult psychopathy
• Genetic factor predicts success of weight-loss surgery
• Scientists revolutionize creation of genetically altered mice to model human disease
• Adult cells transformed into early-stage nerve cells, bypassing the pluripotent stem cell stage
• Gene mutations associated with nearsightedness identified
• Focus on STD, not cancer prevention, to promote HPV vaccine use
• Seat belt research aims to increase child safety on the road
• Mechanism for how grapes reduce heart failure associated with hypertension identified
• Regular, moderate exercise does not worsen pain in people with fibromyalgia
• Persistent pain after stressful events may have a neurobiological basis
• Madagascar tortoise trafficking rages out of control
• Protecting hospitals from 'new' terrorist threats
• 3-D simulation shows how form of complex organs evolves by natural selection
• Driving with the dog not a good idea for seniors
• World-first study predicts epilepsy seizures in humans
• Primate hibernation more common than previously thought
• Five 'sudden symptoms' of stroke: Recognizing these could save a life – even a young life
• Key protein for firing up central nervous system inflammation identified
• Finding Nematostella: Ancient sea creature shines new light on how animals build an appendage
• Taking cholesterol-lowering drugs may also reduce the risk of dying from prostate cancer
• Weight loss surgery safe and effective for an expanded group of patients
• An anarchic region of star formation
• Poison lips? Troubling levels of toxic metals found in cosmetics
• Bonding with your virtual self may alter your actual perceptions
• Brilliant dye to probe the brain
• Newly-discovered human fat cell opens up new opportunities for future treatment of obesity
• Bigger birth weight babies at greater risk of autism
• Exposure to everyday noise influences heart rate variability
• New imaging technique to visualize bio-metals and molecules simultaneously
• Dustless chalk may cause allergy and asthma symptoms in students with milk allergy, study finds
• 'Slippery slope' fears for legal euthanasia of very sick newborns unfounded, experts say
• Study identifies genes, pathways altered during relaxation response practice
• New brain research shows two parents may be better than one
• Diet, 'anti-aging' supplements may help reverse blood vessel abnormality
• Vitamin D: More may not be better

Researchers estimate a cost for universal access to energy Posted: 02 May 2013 07:58 PM PDT Universal access to modern energy could be achieved with an investment of between 65 and 86 billion US dollars a year up until 2030, new research has shown. The proposed investments are higher than previous estimates but equate to just 3-4 per cent of current investments in the global energy system.

Dual-color lasers could lead to cheap and efficient LED lighting Posted: 02 May 2013 07:58 PM PDT A new semiconductor device capable of emitting two distinct colors has been created by a group of researchers in the US, potentially opening up the possibility of using light emitting diodes (LEDs) universally for cheap and efficient lighting.

Ebola's secret weapon revealed Posted: 02 May 2013 04:22 PM PDT Researchers have discovered the mechanism behind one of the Ebola virus' most dangerous attributes: its ability to disarm the adaptive immune system.

Lava erupting on sea floor linked to deep-carbon cycle Posted: 02 May 2013 04:22 PM PDT Scientists have found unsuspected linkages between the oxidation state of iron in volcanic rocks and variations in the chemistry of the deep Earth. Not only do the trends run counter to predictions from recent decades of study, they belie a role for carbon circulating in the deep Earth.

Link between heart, blood, and skeletal muscle Posted: 02 May 2013 03:54 PM PDT New research has shown that by turning on just a single gene, Mesp1, different cell types including the heart, blood and muscle can be created from stem cells.

'Oil for the joints' offers hope for osteoarthritis sufferers Posted: 02 May 2013 03:54 PM PDT Researchers have developed a new polymer that promises longer relief for osteoarthritis sufferers than current treatment.

Increases in heart disease risk factors may decrease brain function Posted: 02 May 2013 03:54 PM PDT Increases in heart disease risk factors may decrease brain function. The association between the two was noted in young and middle-age adults as well as the elderly. Smoking and diabetes were especially linked with reduced brain function.

New dark matter detector begins its search Posted: 02 May 2013 03:53 PM PDT Scientists heard their first pops this week in an experiment that searches for signs of dark matter in the form of tiny bubbles. Scientists will need further analysis to discern whether dark matter caused any of the COUPP-60 experiment’s first bubbles at the SNOLAB underground science laboratory.

New target for personalized cancer therapy Posted: 02 May 2013 03:52 PM PDT A common cancer pathway causing tumor growth is now being targeted by a number of new cancer drugs and shows promising results. A team of researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have developed a novel method to disrupt this growth signaling pathway, with findings that suggest a new treatment for breast, colon, melanoma and other cancers.

Tick-borne lone star virus identified through new super-fast gene sequencing Posted: 02 May 2013 03:52 PM PDT The tick-borne Lone Star virus has been conclusively identified as part of a family of other tick-borne viruses called bunyaviruses, which often cause fever, respiratory problems and bleeding, according to new research.

Making cancer less cancerous Posted: 02 May 2013 03:52 PM PDT Researchers have identified a gene that, when repressed in tumor cells, puts a halt to cell growth and a range of processes needed for tumors to enlarge and spread to distant sites. The researchers hope that this so-called “master regulator” gene may be the key to developing a new treatment for tumors resistant to current drugs.

Cell biology: Active transporters are universally leaky Posted: 02 May 2013 11:27 AM PDT Biochemists found that as active transporters in cell membranes undergo conformational changes to allow their main substrates to pass through through, small molecules like water slip through as well.

Heart cells change stem cell behavior Posted: 02 May 2013 11:27 AM PDT Stem cells drawn from the amniotic fluid of pregnant women change their behavior when near heart cells, but do not become heart cells.

Increased risk of heart attack and death with progressive coronary artery calcium buildup Posted: 02 May 2013 11:26 AM PDT Patients with increasing buildups of coronary artery calcium face a six-fold increase in risk of heart attack or death from heart disease.

Dieting youth show greater brain reward activity in response to food Posted: 02 May 2013 11:26 AM PDT Research results imply that dieting characterized by meal skipping and fasting would be less successful than weight loss efforts characterized by intake of low energy dense healthy foods.

'Dark genome' is involved in Rett Syndrome Posted: 02 May 2013 11:26 AM PDT Researchers have described alterations in noncoding long chain RNA sequences in Rett syndrome.

Robotic insects make first controlled flight Posted: 02 May 2013 11:26 AM PDT In the very early hours of the morning, in a Harvard robotics laboratory last summer, an insect took flight. Half the size of a paperclip, weighing less than a tenth of a gram, it leaped a few inches, hovered for a moment on fragile, flapping wings, and then sped along a preset route through the air. This demonstration of the first controlled flight of an insect-sized robot is the culmination of more than a decade's work.

How graphene and friends could harness the Sun's energy hitting walls Posted: 02 May 2013 11:25 AM PDT Combining wonder material graphene with other stunning one-atom thick materials could create the next generation of solar cells and optoelectronic devices, scientists have revealed. Researchers have shown how building multi-layered heterostructures in a three-dimensional stack can produce an exciting physical phenomenon exploring new electronic devices. The breakthrough, published in Science, could lead to electric energy that runs entire buildings generated by sunlight absorbed by its exposed walls; the energy can be used at will to change the transparency and reflectivity of fixtures and windows depending on environmental conditions, such as temperature and brightness.

Muscle adaptation of transition to minimalist running Posted: 02 May 2013 11:24 AM PDT As barefoot and minimalist running become increasingly popular, a new study is looking at how muscles are affected by the transition from traditional footwear.

Understanding student weaknesses Posted: 02 May 2013 10:19 AM PDT As part of a unique study that surveyed 181 middle school physical science teachers and nearly 10,000 students, researchers showed the science teachers were most successful when they could predict their students' wrong answers on standardized tests.

Turning human stem cells into brain cells sheds light on neural development Posted: 02 May 2013 10:19 AM PDT Medical researchers have manipulated human stem cells into producing types of brain cells known to play important roles in neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy, schizophrenia and autism. The new model cell system allows neuroscientists to investigate normal brain development, as well as to identify specific disruptions in biological signals that may contribute to neuropsychiatric diseases.

Botox used to find new wrinkle in brain communication Posted: 02 May 2013 10:19 AM PDT Researchers have used the popular anti-wrinkle agent Botox to discover a new and important role for a group of molecules that nerve cells use to quickly send messages. This novel role for the molecules, called SNARES, may be a missing piece that scientists have been searching for to fully understand how brain cells communicate under normal and disease conditions.

Stem cell discovery could aid research into new treatments Posted: 02 May 2013 10:19 AM PDT Scientists have made a fundamental discovery about how the properties of embryonic stem cells are controlled. Researchers have found that a protein, which switches on genes to allow embryonic stem cells to self-renew, works better when the natural occurring level of the protein is reduced.

Kids with conduct problems may have brains that under-react to painful images: May increase risk of adult psychopathy Posted: 02 May 2013 10:18 AM PDT When children with conduct problems see images of others in pain, key parts of their brains don't react in the way they do in most people. This pattern of reduced brain activity upon witnessing pain may serve as a neurobiological risk factor for later adult psychopathy, say researchers.

Genetic factor predicts success of weight-loss surgery Posted: 02 May 2013 10:18 AM PDT A genome-wide association study reveals that the amount of weight loss after gastric bypass surgery can be predicted in part by a DNA sequence variation found on chromosome 15. The findings explain why the success of gastric bypass surgery varies so widely and could help clinicians identify those who would benefit the most from this type of surgery.

Scientists revolutionize creation of genetically altered mice to model human disease Posted: 02 May 2013 10:17 AM PDT Scientists have efficiently created mouse models with multiple gene mutations in a matter of weeks. Because the method does not require embryonic stem cells, the approach also could allow any animal to become a model organism.

Adult cells transformed into early-stage nerve cells, bypassing the pluripotent stem cell stage Posted: 02 May 2013 10:17 AM PDT Scientists have converted skin cells from people and monkeys into a cell that can form a wide variety of nervous-system cells — without passing through the do-it-all stage called the induced pluripotent stem cell, or iPSC.

Gene mutations associated with nearsightedness identified Posted: 02 May 2013 10:17 AM PDT Mutations in a gene that helps regulate copper and oxygen levels in eye tissue are associated with a severe form of nearsightedness, according to a new study.

Focus on STD, not cancer prevention, to promote HPV vaccine use Posted: 02 May 2013 09:04 AM PDT The HPV vaccine can prevent both cervical cancer and a nasty sexually transmitted disease in women. But emphasizing the STD prevention will persuade more young women to get the vaccine.

Seat belt research aims to increase child safety on the road Posted: 02 May 2013 09:03 AM PDT Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and injury among children. Researchers have found the most effective strategy to prevent injury and death among children is to use age- and size-appropriate seat belt restraints.

Mechanism for how grapes reduce heart failure associated with hypertension identified Posted: 02 May 2013 09:02 AM PDT Grapes are able to reduce heart failure associated with hypertension by increasing the activity of several genes responsible for antioxidant defense in the heart tissue, new research shows.

Regular, moderate exercise does not worsen pain in people with fibromyalgia Posted: 02 May 2013 08:55 AM PDT For many people who have fibromyalgia, even the thought of exercising is painful. Yet a new study shows that exercise does not worsen the pain associated with the disorder and may even lessen it over time.

Persistent pain after stressful events may have a neurobiological basis Posted: 02 May 2013 08:55 AM PDT A new study is the first to identify a genetic risk factor for persistent pain after traumatic events such as motor vehicle collision and sexual assault. The study also contributes further evidence that persistent pain after stressful events has a specific biological basis.

Madagascar tortoise trafficking rages out of control Posted: 02 May 2013 08:55 AM PDT Illegal trafficking of two critically endangered tortoise species from Madagascar has reached epidemic proportions.

Protecting hospitals from 'new' terrorist threats Posted: 02 May 2013 07:45 AM PDT Health care facilities play a vital role in the UK’s terrorism contingency plans, but a new study provides a timely warning to managers, regulatory bodies and government that crucial services such as hospitals are also potential targets for malevolent actions.

3-D simulation shows how form of complex organs evolves by natural selection Posted: 02 May 2013 07:45 AM PDT Researchers have developed the first three-dimensional simulation of the evolution of morphology by integrating the mechanisms of genetic regulation that take place during embryo development. The study highlights the real complexity of the genetic interactions that lead to adult organisms' phenotypes (physical forms), helps to explain how natural selection influences body form and leads towards much more realistic virtual experiments on evolution.

Driving with the dog not a good idea for seniors Posted: 02 May 2013 07:45 AM PDT Senior drivers who always take a pet in the car are at increased risk for being involved in a motor vehicle collision, said researchers. The research team said both overall and at-fault crash rates for drivers 70 years of age or older were higher for those whose pet habitually rode with them.

World-first study predicts epilepsy seizures in humans Posted: 02 May 2013 06:48 AM PDT A small device implanted in the brain has accurately predicted epilepsy seizures in humans in a world-first study.

Primate hibernation more common than previously thought Posted: 02 May 2013 06:47 AM PDT Until recently, the only primate known to hibernate as a survival strategy was a creature called the western fat-tailed dwarf lemur, a tropical tree-dweller from the African island of Madagascar. But it turns out this hibernating lemur isn't alone.

Five 'sudden symptoms' of stroke: Recognizing these could save a life – even a young life Posted: 02 May 2013 06:35 AM PDT Quickly recognizing the signs of stroke and seeking immediate medical care from stroke specialists can minimize the effects of the disease or even save a life. Stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States and the No. 1 cause of adult disability. Nearly 20 percent of strokes occur in people younger than age 55.

Key protein for firing up central nervous system inflammation identified Posted: 02 May 2013 06:35 AM PDT Researchers identify Peli1 as pivotal actor in animal model of multiple sclerosis.

Finding Nematostella: Ancient sea creature shines new light on how animals build an appendage Posted: 02 May 2013 06:35 AM PDT A study of tentacle formation in a sea anemone shows how epithelial cells form elongated structures and puts the spotlight on a new model organism.

Taking cholesterol-lowering drugs may also reduce the risk of dying from prostate cancer Posted: 02 May 2013 06:35 AM PDT Men with prostate cancer who take cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins are significantly less likely to die from their cancer than men who don’t take such medication, according to new study.

Weight loss surgery safe and effective for an expanded group of patients Posted: 02 May 2013 05:22 AM PDT The LAP-BAND® weight loss procedure is safe and effective in an expanded group of patients, not just in people who are morbidly obese. The findings indicate that the procedure may help to intervene before obesity becomes life threatening to patients.

An anarchic region of star formation Posted: 02 May 2013 05:22 AM PDT The Danish 1.54-meter telescope located at the European Southern Observatory's La Silla Observatory in Chile has captured a striking image of NGC 6559, an object that showcases the anarchy that reigns when stars form inside an interstellar cloud.

Poison lips? Troubling levels of toxic metals found in cosmetics Posted: 02 May 2013 05:22 AM PDT Researchers found lead, cadmium, chromium, aluminum and five other metals in a sample of 32 different lipsticks and lip glosses commonly found in drugstores and department stores. Some of the metals were detected at levels that could raise potential health concerns.

Bonding with your virtual self may alter your actual perceptions Posted: 02 May 2013 05:22 AM PDT When people create and modify their virtual reality avatars, the hardships faced by their alter egos can influence how they perceive virtual environments, according to researchers.

Brilliant dye to probe the brain Posted: 02 May 2013 05:17 AM PDT To obtain very-high-resolution 3D images of the cerebral vascular system, a dye is used that fluoresces in the near infrared and can pass through the skin.

Newly-discovered human fat cell opens up new opportunities for future treatment of obesity Posted: 02 May 2013 05:17 AM PDT The body's brown fat cells play a key role in the development of obesity and diabetes. Researchers have now discovered that we humans have two different kinds of brown fat cells and not one kind as previously thought. This discovery opens up new opportunities for future medicines that exploit the brown fat cells' ability to consume calories.

Bigger birth weight babies at greater risk of autism Posted: 02 May 2013 05:17 AM PDT The biggest study of fetal growth and autism to date has reported that babies whose growth is at either extreme in the womb, either very big or very small, are at greater risk of developing autism.

Exposure to everyday noise influences heart rate variability Posted: 02 May 2013 05:17 AM PDT Exposure to noise, for example from road traffic, may adversely affect the cardiovascular system. Until now, underlying mechanisms linking noise to elevated cardiovascular risk have rarely been explored in epidemiological studies. Scientists have now shown that exposure to noise during everyday life influences heart rate variability, i.e. the ability of the heart to adjust the rate at which it beats to acute events.

New imaging technique to visualize bio-metals and molecules simultaneously Posted: 02 May 2013 05:17 AM PDT Metal elements and molecules interact in the body but visualizing them together has always been a challenge. Researchers have now developed a new molecular imaging technology that enables them to visualize bio-metals and bio-molecules simultaneously in a live mouse. This new technology will enable researchers to study the complex interactions between metal elements and molecules in living organisms.

Dustless chalk may cause allergy and asthma symptoms in students with milk allergy, study finds Posted: 02 May 2013 05:01 AM PDT Many of today's schools and school teachers opt for dustless chalk to keep hands and classrooms clean. But according to a new study, this choice in chalk may cause allergy and asthma symptoms in students that have a milk allergy.

'Slippery slope' fears for legal euthanasia of very sick newborns unfounded, experts say Posted: 01 May 2013 04:32 PM PDT Fears that legalizing euthanasia for very sick newborns would prompt the start of a "slippery slope" and lead to abuse of the option have proved groundless, say experts.

Study identifies genes, pathways altered during relaxation response practice Posted: 01 May 2013 04:32 PM PDT A new study finds that elicitation of the relaxation response -- a physiologic state of deep rest induced by practices such as meditation, deep breathing and prayer -- produces immediate changes in the expression of genes involved in immune function, energy metabolism and insulin secretion.

New brain research shows two parents may be better than one Posted: 01 May 2013 04:32 PM PDT Scientists have discovered that adult brain cell production might be determined, in part, by the early parental environment. The study suggests that dual parenting may be more beneficial than single parenting.

Diet, 'anti-aging' supplements may help reverse blood vessel abnormality Posted: 01 May 2013 04:31 PM PDT A diet low in grains, beans and certain vegetables -- combined with "anti-aging" supplements -- improved blood vessel function, in a new study.

Vitamin D: More may not be better Posted: 01 May 2013 04:29 PM PDT In recent years, healthy people have been bombarded by stories in the media and on health websites warning about the dangers of too-low vitamin D levels, and urging high doses of supplements to protect against everything from hypertension to hardening of the arteries to diabetes.