Science News
Multiple copies of the Standard Model could solve the hierarchy problem
Phys.org - 4 Jan 2017 16:30
(Phys.org)--One of the unanswered questions in particle physics is the hierarchy problem, which has implications for understanding why some of the fundamental forces are so much stronger than others. The strengths of the...
A cure for ageing is near but you probably can't afford it
New Scientist - 4 Jan 2017 20:00
The race is on to develop anti-ageing treatments, but will they really work? And if they do, will only the rich be to defy the ravages of time?
Scientists discover a molecular motor has a 'gear' for directional switching
Phys.org - 4 Jan 2017 16:39
A study published today offers a new understanding of the complex cellular machinery that animal and fungi cells use to ensure normal cell division, and scientists say it could one day lead to new treatment approaches fo...
New technique uses immune cells to deliver anti-cancer drugs
Science Daily - 4 Jan 2017 22:44
Some researchers are working to discover new, safer ways to deliver cancer-fighting drugs to tumors without damaging healthy cells. Others are finding ways to boost the body's own immune system to attack cancer cells. Re...
Liquid nicotine for electronic cigarettes is toxic for kids
Science Daily - 4 Jan 2017 22:43
A 6-year-old child who accidentally swallowed liquid nicotine intended for her parents' electronic cigarettes required immediate emergency medical treatment that included intubation and an overnight stay in a pediatric i...
Cardiovascular benefits continue 5 years after weight loss program
Science Daily - 4 Jan 2017 22:43
Participants in the Why WAIT (Weight Achievement and Intensive Management) program lost substantial amounts of weight, and even those who maintained relatively little loss of weight after five years demonstrated reduced ...
New mechanism for Type IV pili retraction in Vibrio cholerae
Science Daily - 4 Jan 2017 22:43
Although pathogenic bacteria often rely on a specialized molecular motor to retract their pili, a new study reveals that a minor pilin protein elicits pilus retraction in the cholera bacterium, Vibrio cholerae.
Feature issue on nonlinear optics provides insight into field's latest ideas
Phys.org - 4 Jan 2017 22:00
A large number of researchers are working in the area of nonlinear optics, which is the study of all effects that can be described as multi-photon interactions in various materials systems, including cases where the freq...
Metal asteroid and Trojans selected for next NASA missions
New Scientist - 4 Jan 2017 21:51
The US space agency will send probes to metallic asteroid Psyche and the mysterious Trojans that flank Jupiter in the 2020s
Researchers use light to launch drugs from red blood cells
Science Daily - 4 Jan 2017 21:36
Scientists have developed a breakthrough technique that uses light to activate a drug stored in circulating red blood cells so that it is released exactly when and where it is needed.
Unpublished research calls into question efficacy of common morning sickness drug
Science Daily - 4 Jan 2017 21:35
Previously unpublished research calls into question the efficacy of the most commonly prescribed medication for nausea in pregnancy.
Study sheds light on esophageal cancer, offers insight into increasingly common disease
Science Daily - 4 Jan 2017 20:36
A comprehensive analysis of 559 esophageal and gastric cancer samples, collected from patients around the world, suggests the two main types of esophageal cancer differ markedly in their molecular characteristics and sho...
First snapshot of Inuit gut microbiome shows similarities to Western microbiome
Science Daily - 4 Jan 2017 20:36
Researchers have characterized the gut microbiome of the Canadian Arctic Inuit for the first time. The researchers found that the Inuit harbor a composition and diversity of gut microbes remarkably similar to their urban...
Most younger adults with high LDL-C levels do not take a statin
Science Daily - 4 Jan 2017 20:35
Despite recommendations, less than 45 percent of adults younger than 40 years with an elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level of 190 mg/dL or greater receive a prescription for a statin, according to a...
Cosmic radio bursts tracked to home galaxy for first time
New Scientist - 4 Jan 2017 20:00
One repeating example of a fast radio burst has finally been pinned down to a tiny and distant dwarf galaxy, narrowing down its precise origin
Why big hurricanes weaken before they hit America's coast
The Economist - 4 Jan 2017 20:00
IN 2015, a bit over two years after Hurricane Sandy hit his city, Bill de Blasio, New York's mayor, announced the creation of a $3 billion restoration fund. Part of the money is intended to pay for sea walls that will he...
Your walk could be a password that connects devices on your body
New Scientist - 4 Jan 2017 20:00
Sensors on different parts of the body can pick up your "gait fingerprint", letting wearable devices securely connect with each other
Drones inspired by insects could keep flying even when damaged
New Scientist - 4 Jan 2017 20:00
Fruit flies keep flying even after losing a wing. Drone designers can use their secrets to keep flying robots airborne in tough conditions
Tiny nanoelectrodes record brain's activity without damaging it
New Scientist - 4 Jan 2017 20:00
Electrodes help treat epilepsy and Parkinson's disease, but can damage the brain and slowly stop working. Nanotube electrodes are safer and should last longer
Computer uses facial cues to spot if people have autism
New Scientist - 4 Jan 2017 20:00
Learning how people's responses to stories vary has enabled a program to tell whether people have autism or ADHD
Simple blood test can detect genetic diseases early in pregnancy
New Scientist - 4 Jan 2017 20:00
Together, single-gene disorders are more common than Down's syndrome. Now there's a safe prenatal test that can help prospective parents decide what to do
Racing robot cars will help AI learn to adapt to the real world
New Scientist - 4 Jan 2017 20:00
Robotic games arena challenges AIs to competitions using remote-controlled cars and drones. To win, they'll need to adapt to the unknown