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ScienceDaily: Latest Science News Hip replacement patients can skip hip precautions, study suggests Desert plants provided by homeowners offer habitat for desert bird species Neuroscientists find brain pathway supporting an intersection of taste and pain Gene that keeps PTSD-like behavior at bay in female mice Small babies, big data Potential impacts of future heat waves on humans and wildlife Climate change limits forest recovery after wildfires Your body is your internet -- and now it can't be hacked Speedy 'slingshot' cell movement observed for the first time Role of a deep brain structure in concussion Web tool aims to better inform and refine need for treatment in early prostate cancer Mapping the effects of guns, snares and bulldozers on biodiversity Cancer imaging technology can help reveal life-threatening pregnancy disorder Asteroid Bennu, target of NASA's sample return mission, is rotating faster over time Machine-learning model provides detailed insight on proteins First evidence for necessary role of human hippocampus in planning Starving leukemia cells by targeting amino acids Experiences of nature boost children's learning Scientists warn about the dangerous interaction of plant protection products From Stone Age chips to microchips: How tiny tools may have made us human Hydrogel contact lens to treat serious eye disease Opioid crisis: Only a US phenomenon? Rsearchers explore stroke's effects on microbiome Novel potent antimicrobial from thermophilic bacterium Can artificial intelligence solve the mysteries of quantum physics? Little owls on the move Excessive hygiene promotes resistance to antibiotics Discovery upturns understanding of how some viruses multiply Scientists go to extremes to reveal make-up of Earth's core Fear center in the brain protects against illusions Climate Change: Heat-induced heart attack risk on the rise New contributor to age-related hearing loss identified Novel protein degradation pathway Genetically encoded sensor isolates hidden leukemic stem cells The ups and downs of sit-stand desks DNA and RNA Copying made easy What scientists found after sifting through dust in the solar system Tied in knots: New insights into plasma behavior focus on twists and turns Probability of catastrophic geomagnetic storm lower than estimated The nearer the friends, the stronger the regional identity Eating mushrooms may reduce the risk of cognitive decline First double-blind controlled trial of TNS shows reduced symptoms in some children with ADHD Dementia looks different in brains of Hispanics How intelligent is artificial intelligence? Big data takes aim at a big human problem New understanding of sophistication of microbial warfare Meet India's starry dwarf frog, lone member of newly discovered ancient lineage Lower costs associated with late-preterm steroid therapy Autonomous vehicles could be an environmental boon or disaster, depending on public policy Adolescents are more likely than adults to use fruit- and candy-flavored e-cigarettes, study finds Groundbreaking test for PTSD developed Impacts of marine and freshwater predators on ecosystems and society Elucidation of structural property in Li-ion batteries that deliver ultra-fast charging Air pollution causes 8.8 million extra early deaths a year UK wild newt species free from flesh-eating fungus for now... How a membrane protein can move both lipids and ions Gene behind long-recognized mitochondrial disease has highly varied effects Some children can 'recover' from autism, but problems often remain, study finds Coal power stations disrupt rainfall: Global study Grasses are better than fertilizer for growing healthy blueberries Hip replacement patients can skip hip precautions, study suggests Posted: 12 Mar 2019 02:08 PM PDT Low-risk patients undergoing a total hip replacement with a posterior approach can skip the standard hip precautions currently recommended for post-surgical recovery, according to a new study. Desert plants provided by homeowners offer habitat for desert bird species Posted: 12 Mar 2019 02:08 PM PDT A persistent question among urban ecology researchers has been the long-term impact of urbanization on bird species biodiversity. Specifically, they wonder whether the portions of cities with higher diversity are simply exhibiting an 'extinction debt' -- populations doomed to extinction but not yet disappeared -- or if other factors such as range shifts or local environmental changes play a role in changes in diversity. Neuroscientists find brain pathway supporting an intersection of taste and pain Posted: 12 Mar 2019 02:08 PM PDT Neuroscientists have found a pathway in the brain where taste and pain intersect in a new study that originally was designed to look at the intersection of taste and food temperature. This study was the first time researchers have shown that taste and pain signals come together in the brain and use the same circuitry. Gene that keeps PTSD-like behavior at bay in female mice Posted: 12 Mar 2019 02:08 PM PDT More than 30 years ago, scientists discovered that mad cow and Creutzfeldt-Jakob diseases are caused by prions. But in recent years, Nobel laureate Eric Kandel, M.D., demonstrated in mice that some prions are beneficial and serve important functions in the brain and body. And today, new research from Dr. Kandel describes how one such prion-like protein helps the brain keep fearful memories in check. Without it, female mice exhibit the tell-tale signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Small babies, big data Posted: 12 Mar 2019 02:08 PM PDT The first week of a newborn's life is a time of rapid biological change as the baby adapts to living outside the womb, suddenly exposed to new bacteria and viruses. Yet surprisingly little is known about these early changes. An international research study has pioneered a technique to get huge amounts of data from a tiny amount of newborn blood, creating the most detailed accounting to date. Potential impacts of future heat waves on humans and wildlife Posted: 12 Mar 2019 02:07 PM PDT Climate change is often talked about in terms of averages, like the goal set by the Paris Agreement to limit the Earth's temperature increase to 2 degrees Celsius. What such numbers fail to convey is that climate change will not only increase the world's average temperature, it will also intensify extreme heat waves that even now are causing harm. A recent review paper describes the potential impacts of these worsening events on people and wildlife. Climate change limits forest recovery after wildfires Posted: 12 Mar 2019 12:12 PM PDT New research suggests climate change makes it increasingly difficult for tree seedlings to regenerate following wildfires in low-elevation forests, which could contribute to abrupt forest loss. Your body is your internet -- and now it can't be hacked Posted: 12 Mar 2019 12:12 PM PDT Engineers have tightened security on the 'internet of body.' Now, the network you didn't know you had is only accessible by you and your devices, thanks to technology that keeps communication signals within the body itself. Speedy 'slingshot' cell movement observed for the first time Posted: 12 Mar 2019 12:12 PM PDT By slingshotting themselves forward, human cells can travel more than five times faster than previously documented. Role of a deep brain structure in concussion Posted: 12 Mar 2019 12:12 PM PDT Through a combination of biometric tracking, simulated modeling and medical imaging, researchers detail how hits to the side of the head cause concussion. Web tool aims to better inform and refine need for treatment in early prostate cancer Posted: 12 Mar 2019 11:32 AM PDT A new tool to predict an individual's prognosis following a prostate cancer diagnosis could help prevent unnecessary treatment and related side effects, say researchers. Mapping the effects of guns, snares and bulldozers on biodiversity Posted: 12 Mar 2019 11:32 AM PDT New research reveals that human threats -- like hunting and land clearing -- are extensive across thousands of species' habitats, severely limiting the area they can survive in. Cancer imaging technology can help reveal life-threatening pregnancy disorder Posted: 12 Mar 2019 11:32 AM PDT An imaging technique used to detect some forms of cancer can also help detect preeclampsia in pregnancy before it becomes a life-threatening condition, a new study says. Asteroid Bennu, target of NASA's sample return mission, is rotating faster over time Posted: 12 Mar 2019 11:32 AM PDT OSIRIS-REx finds Bennu's rotation period is speeding up by about 1 second every 100 years, according to a new study. Machine-learning model provides detailed insight on proteins Posted: 12 Mar 2019 10:19 AM PDT A novel machine-learning 'toolbox' that can read and analyze the sequences of proteins has been described today. First evidence for necessary role of human hippocampus in planning Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:38 AM PDT A team of scientists reports finding the first evidence that the human hippocampus is necessary for future planning. The findings link its long-established role in memory with our ability to use our knowledge to map out the future effects of our actions. Starving leukemia cells by targeting amino acids Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:38 AM PDT Eliminating ASCT2 selectively stops the growth of leukemia cells, while having limited effects on healthy blood cells and hematopoetic (blood-forming) stem cells. Experiences of nature boost children's learning Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:37 AM PDT Spending time in nature boosts children's academic achievement and healthy development, concludes a new analysis examining hundreds of studies. Scientists warn about the dangerous interaction of plant protection products Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:37 AM PDT A recent study found that the toxins used in agriculture to combat insect pests and fungi can be more dangerous than expected. From Stone Age chips to microchips: How tiny tools may have made us human Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:37 AM PDT Anthropologists have long made the case that tool-making is one of the key behaviors that separated our human ancestors from other primates. A new article, however, argues that it was not tool-making that set hominins apart -- it was the miniaturization of tools. Hydrogel contact lens to treat serious eye disease Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:37 AM PDT Researchers have created a hydrogel that could one day be made into a contact lens to more effectively treat corneal melting, a condition that is a significant cause for blindness world-wide. Opioid crisis: Only a US phenomenon? Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:37 AM PDT Addiction to prescription opioids has reached a crisis level in the United States. Now the drug is causing concern across the Atlantic. Researchers from Denmark, Norway and Sweden urge caution after discovering that prescriptions for the pain medication oxycodone have significantly increased during the last decade. Rsearchers explore stroke's effects on microbiome Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:37 AM PDT Researchers are investigating how having a stroke can disrupt the community of bacteria that lives in the gut. These bacteria -- known collectively as the microbiome -- can interact with the central nervous system and may influence stroke patients' recovery. Novel potent antimicrobial from thermophilic bacterium Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:37 AM PDT Microbiologists have discovered a new glycocin, a small antimicrobial peptide with a sugar group attached, which is produced by a thermophilic bacterium and is stable at relatively high temperatures. They also succeeded in transferring the genes required to produce this glycocin to an E. coli bacterium. This makes it easier to produce and investigate this compound, which could potentially be used in biofuel production. Can artificial intelligence solve the mysteries of quantum physics? Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:37 AM PDT A new study has demonstrated mathematically that algorithms based on deep neural networks can be applied to better understand the world of quantum physics, as well. Little owls on the move Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:37 AM PDT New study on an owl's re-colonization of northern Switzerland. Excessive hygiene promotes resistance to antibiotics Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:37 AM PDT Researchers present initial approaches to how the spread of antibiotic resistances can be prevented in hospitals. Discovery upturns understanding of how some viruses multiply Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:36 AM PDT Scientists have shown that different segments of a virus genome can exist in distinct cells but work together to cause an infection. Scientists go to extremes to reveal make-up of Earth's core Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:36 AM PDT Experiments conducted at extreme conditions are giving scientists new insights into the chemical make-up of the Earth's core. Fear center in the brain protects against illusions Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:36 AM PDT If functionality of the brain's amygdala is impaired, illusory perceptions arise much faster and more pronounced. This was discovered by a team of researchers, who studied identical twins in whom both amygdalae are damaged. Further experiments with volunteers showed that this brain structure, which is widely known for its eminent role in fear processing, apparently provides effective protection against body perception disorders. Climate Change: Heat-induced heart attack risk on the rise Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:36 AM PDT Heart attack, or myocardial infarction, is the number one cause of death worldwide. A new study shows that the risk of suffering a heat-induced heart attack has increased significantly in recent years. During the same period of time, no comparable changes in cold weather heart attack risks have been recorded. New contributor to age-related hearing loss identified Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:36 AM PDT Researchers have discovered a new potential contributor to age-related hearing loss, a finding that could help doctors identify people at risk and better treat the condition. Novel protein degradation pathway Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:36 AM PDT A research team how a type of protein that is embedded in the inner nuclear membrane clears out of the system once it has served its purpose. Genetically encoded sensor isolates hidden leukemic stem cells Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:36 AM PDT Researchers have devised a novel biosensor that can isolate and target leukemic stem cells. It can provide a prototype for precision oncology efforts to target patient-specific cells to fight the deadly disease. The ups and downs of sit-stand desks Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:36 AM PDT With researchers suggesting that 'sitting is the new smoking,' sit-stand desks (SSD) have become a common tool to quell sedentary behavior in an office environment. As this furniture becomes ubiquitous, conflicting opinions have arisen on its effectiveness. Researchers gathered data from 53 studies and published a scoping review article detailing current information on the benefits of SSDs. DNA and RNA Copying made easy Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:36 AM PDT Whether revealing a perpetrator with DNA evidence, diagnosing a pathogen, classifying a paleontological discovery, or determining paternity, the duplication of nucleic acids (amplification) is indispensable. Scientists have now introduced a new, very simple, yet highly sensitive and reliable method that avoids the usual heating and cooling steps, as well as complicated instruments. The reagents can be freeze-dried, allowing this universal method to be used outside of the laboratory. What scientists found after sifting through dust in the solar system Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:36 AM PDT Two recent studies report discoveries of dust rings in the inner solar system: a dust ring at Mercury's orbit, and a group of never-before-detected asteroids co-orbiting with Venus, supplying the dust in Venus' orbit. Tied in knots: New insights into plasma behavior focus on twists and turns Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:33 AM PDT Findings from an international team of scientists show that twisted magnetic fields can evolve in only so many ways, with the plasma inside them following a general rule. Probability of catastrophic geomagnetic storm lower than estimated Posted: 12 Mar 2019 07:37 AM PDT According to a group of mathematics researchers, the probability in the following decade of the sun causing a storm strong enough to affect electrical and communication infrastructures around the globe 'only' reaches 1.9 percent maximum. Nevertheless, the event would produce severe consequences and governments should be prepared, researchers warn. The nearer the friends, the stronger the regional identity Posted: 12 Mar 2019 07:37 AM PDT Satisfaction of young people increases when they can identify with the region in which they live. The proximity of people who are emotionally important to them, however, is essential for creating a feeling of commitment. Eating mushrooms may reduce the risk of cognitive decline Posted: 12 Mar 2019 07:37 AM PDT Researchers found that seniors who consume more than two standard portions of mushrooms weekly may have 50 percent reduced odds of having mild cognitive impairment. First double-blind controlled trial of TNS shows reduced symptoms in some children with ADHD Posted: 12 Mar 2019 07:36 AM PDT Currently approved in Canada and Europe for adults with medication-resistant depression and seizures, trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) has been found to be an effective and safe means of treatment for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), reports a new study. Dementia looks different in brains of Hispanics Posted: 12 Mar 2019 07:36 AM PDT A major new study has uncovered dramatic differences in the brains of Hispanics with a dementia diagnosis compared with those of non-Hispanic whites and of African Americans. How intelligent is artificial intelligence? Posted: 12 Mar 2019 07:36 AM PDT Scientists are putting AI systems to a test. Researchers have developed a method to provided a glimpse into the diverse 'intelligence' spectrum observed in current AI systems, specifically analyzing these AI systems with a novel technology that allows automatized analysis and quantification. Big data takes aim at a big human problem Posted: 12 Mar 2019 07:36 AM PDT A scientist is part of an international team that's used new 'big data' analysis to achieve a major advance in understanding neurological disorders such as Epilepsy, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. New understanding of sophistication of microbial warfare Posted: 12 Mar 2019 06:25 AM PDT Researchers explain how viruses make a molecular decoy that is used to subvert the CRISPR-Cas bacterial immune system. Meet India's starry dwarf frog, lone member of newly discovered ancient lineage Posted: 12 Mar 2019 06:25 AM PDT The starry dwarf frog is an expert hider. Plunging into leaf litter at the slightest disturbance, it has successfully evaded attention for millions of years -- until now. The thumbnail-sized species, now named Astrobatrachus kurichiyana, was discovered in India's Western Ghats. It's the sole member of an ancient lineage, a long branch on the frog tree of life that researchers have classified as a new subfamily, Astrobatrachinae. Lower costs associated with late-preterm steroid therapy Posted: 12 Mar 2019 06:25 AM PDT An analysis of a previous study has found more evidence to support giving the steroid betamethasone to pregnant women at risk of late-preterm delivery (between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation), according to new research. Hospital stays for infants whose mothers received the drug cost less on average, compared to stays for infants whose mothers did not take the drug. Autonomous vehicles could be an environmental boon or disaster, depending on public policy Posted: 12 Mar 2019 06:25 AM PDT Widespread use of autonomous vehicles (AVs) could either massively increase or drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions depending, in large part, on public policy, according to new research. Adolescents are more likely than adults to use fruit- and candy-flavored e-cigarettes, study finds Posted: 12 Mar 2019 06:25 AM PDT As the FDA looks for more information on e-cigarettes and e-juice flavors, a new study shows that adolescents and young adults cite appealing flavors as a main reason for using e-cigarettes, that they are more likely to turn to fruit- and candy-flavored cigarettes than adult smokers trying to quit who more commonly prefer tobacco flavors, and that the younger population are likely to use multiple e-cigarette flavors at the same time. Groundbreaking test for PTSD developed Posted: 12 Mar 2019 06:25 AM PDT Researchers have developed a groundbreaking blood test that could help more accurately diagnose those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Impacts of marine and freshwater predators on ecosystems and society Posted: 12 Mar 2019 06:25 AM PDT A new study reports on the diverse ways that aquatic predators, such as sharks and alligators, can impact ecosystems and also benefit human society. The study shows how these important ecological processes and ecosystem services to society can break down or recover from population losses and recoveries of aquatic predators. Elucidation of structural property in Li-ion batteries that deliver ultra-fast charging Posted: 12 Mar 2019 04:59 AM PDT Scientists have found a way of greatly improving the performance of LiCoO2 cathodes in Li-ion batteries by decorating them with BaTiO3 nanodots. Most importantly, they elucidated the mechanism behind the measured results, concluding that the BaTiO3 nanodots create a special interface through which Li ions can circulate easily, even at very high charge/discharge rates. Air pollution causes 8.8 million extra early deaths a year Posted: 12 Mar 2019 04:59 AM PDT Air pollution could be causing double the number of extra deaths a year in Europe than has been estimated previously, according to a new study. UK wild newt species free from flesh-eating fungus for now... Posted: 12 Mar 2019 04:59 AM PDT The UK's wild newt populations seem to be free from a flesh-eating lethal fungus known to be prevalent in privately-owned amphibians across Western Europe, a nationwide investigation has found. How a membrane protein can move both lipids and ions Posted: 12 Mar 2019 04:59 AM PDT The TMEM16 family of membrane proteins was hailed as representing the elusive calcium-activated chloride channels. However, the majority of the family members turned out to be scramblases, proteins that shuffle lipids between both sides of a lipid membrane, some also with non-selective ion conductance. A new study on proteins of the TMEM16 family shows what the structures of these proteins reveal about their function. Gene behind long-recognized mitochondrial disease has highly varied effects Posted: 12 Mar 2019 04:59 AM PDT Mutations in the mitochondrial gene mt-ATP6, which encodes an essential part of the mitochondrial motor known as ATP synthase that generates cellular energy, are much more variable than previously thought. This prompts the need to develop more precise clinical tests that can better determine the course of treatment for patients affected by mitochondrial disorder. Some children can 'recover' from autism, but problems often remain, study finds Posted: 12 Mar 2019 04:59 AM PDT Research in the past several years has shown that children can outgrow a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), once considered a lifelong condition. In a new study, researchers have found that the vast majority of such children still have difficulties that require therapeutic and educational support. Coal power stations disrupt rainfall: Global study Posted: 12 Mar 2019 04:59 AM PDT Modern coal-fired power stations produce more ultrafine dust particles than road traffic and can even modify and redistribute rainfall patterns, a new 15-year international study shows. The study indicates filtration systems on modern coal-fired power stations are the biggest source of ultrafine particles and can have considerable impacts on climate in several ways. Grasses are better than fertilizer for growing healthy blueberries Posted: 12 Mar 2019 04:59 AM PDT A new study shows that growing grasses alongside blueberry plants corrects signs of iron deficiency, with associated improvements in berry quantity and quality. The effects are comparable to those seen following standard chemical treatment -- providing a simpler, safer, cheaper and more sustainable strategy for blueberry farming on sub-optimal soils.