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Hermit crabs socialize to evict their neighbors
Posted by on October 26, 2012
A new study of terrestrial hermit crabs in Costa Rica suggests that they socialize – unlike solitary marine hermit crabs – in order to steal shells from one another. Land crabs remodel and expand their shells, but to move up as they get larger, they must gather around other crabs to find someone to evict. Typically, crabs line up so that, once one crab is wrenched from its home, everyone can simultaneously… (read more)
Drug used to treat glaucoma actually grows human hair
Posted by on October 26, 2012
If you're balding and want your hair to grow back, then here is some good news. A new research shows how the FDA-approved glaucoma drug, bimatoprost, causes human hair to regrow. It's been commercially available as a way to lengthen eyelashes, but these data are the first to show that it can actually grow human hair from the scalp. (read more)
Bean used in Chinese food could protect against sepsis
Posted by on October 26, 2012
Researchers have discovered that a bean commonly used in Chinese cuisine protects against the life-threatening condition sepsis. (read more)
Autism early intervention found to normalize brain activity in children as young as 18 months
Posted by on October 26, 2012
An intensive early intervention therapy that is effective for improving cognition and language skills among very young children with autism also normalizes their brain activity, decreases their autism symptoms and improves their social skills, a nationwide study has found. The researchers said the study is the first to demonstrate that an autism early intervention program can normalize brain activity. (read more)
Streetcar tracks blamed in one-third of Toronto bike accidents
Posted by on October 26, 2012
Researchers have confirmed what many cyclists in Toronto have long believed – that streetcar tracks are involved in nearly one-third of bicycle accidents. (read more)
Magnetic brain stimulation treats depression independent of sleep effect
Posted by on October 26, 2012
While powerful magnetic stimulation of the frontal lobe of the brain can alleviate symptoms of depression, those receiving the treatment did not report effects on sleep or arousal commonly seen with antidepressant medications, researchers say. (read more)
Minimizing mining damage with manure
Posted by on October 26, 2012
New research confirms that the time-tested practice of amending crop soils with manure also can help restore soils on damaged post-mining landscapes. (read more)
Technology helping to crack oldest undeciphered writing system
Posted by on October 26, 2012
New technology has allowed researchers to come closer than ever to cracking the world's oldest undeciphered writing system. Researchers in the UK have developed a Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) System for Ancient Documentary Artefacts to capture images of some of the world's most important historical documents. Recently this system was used on objects held in the vaults of the Louvre Museum… (read more)
Laser spotlight reveals machine 'climbing' DNA
Posted by on October 26, 2012
New imaging technology has revealed how the molecular machines that remodel genetic material inside cells 'grab onto' DNA like a rock climber looking for a handhold. (read more)
Sickle cell anemia: Maps and newborn estimates released
Posted by on October 26, 2012
In 2010 around 300,000 babies were born with sickle cell anemia, a serious blood disorder which can be fatal if untreated, and 5.5 million newborns inherited the sickle cell gene, a new study suggests. (read more)
NASA radar penetrates thick, thin of Gulf oil spill
Posted by on October 26, 2012
Researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena have developed a method to use a specialized NASA 3-D imaging radar to characterize the oil in oil spills, such as the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The research can be used to improve response operations during future marine oil spills. (read more)
Assessing drop-off to Mars rover's observation tray
Posted by on October 26, 2012
NASA's Mars rover Curiosity used its Mast Camera (Mastcam) during the mission's 78th sol (Oct. 24, 2012) to view soil material on the rover's observation tray. The observations will help assess movement of the sample on the tray in response to vibrations from sample-delivery and sample-processing activities of mechanisms on the rover's arm. (read more)
Elevated formaldehyde levels found in day care centers
Posted by on October 26, 2012
A study of 40 child-care facilities in California found that most had levels of formaldehyde and a few other contaminants that exceeded exposure guidelines. The study is the first to provide a detailed analysis of environmental contaminants and exposures for children in day care centers. (read more)
Measuring molecules with the naked eye: Chemists' innovation may be a better model for disease diagnostic kits
Posted by on October 26, 2012
A new "lab on a chip" reveals the presence of ultra-low concentrations of a target molecule to the naked eye. This model for diagnostic testing could mean point-of-care results displayed visually for diseases that involve very subtle shifts in the bloodstream. (read more)
Footwear forensics: CSI needs to tread carefully
Posted by on October 26, 2012
A new computer algorithm can analyze the footwear marks left at a crime scene according to clusters of footwear types, makes and tread patterns even if the imprint recorded by crime scene investigators is distorted or only a partial print. (read more)
Diabetes raises levels of proteins linked to Alzheimer's features, study finds
Posted by on October 26, 2012
Growing evidence suggests that there may be a link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, but the physiological mechanisms by which diabetes impacts brain function and cognition are not fully understood. In a new study published in Aging Cell, researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies show, for the first time, that diabetes enhances the development of aging features that may underlie… (read more)
New tools developed to better treat ADHD patients in early stages
Posted by on October 26, 2012
Researchers have developed a method to get better input from parents and teachers of children who are being diagnosed with ADHD for the first time -- allowing for more effective treatment upon the first consultation. Researchers also showed how a tool can help clinicians better diagnose and treat children who have both ADHD and oppositional defiance disorder. (read more)
High-risk carotid artery plaque formation is increased in older COPD patients
Posted by on October 26, 2012
Older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are at increased risk for carotid artery plaque formation and for the presence of vulnerable plaques with a lipid core, according to a new study. (read more)
Efforts to mitigate climate change must target energy efficiency, experts say
Posted by on October 26, 2012
More must be done to develop energy efficient cars, buildings and domestic appliances to address climate change – according to new research. Twice as much effort is spent developing energy supply technologies, such as new power stations, as is spent improving the efficiency with which energy is used. Efficient end-use technologies have the potential to contribute large emission reductions and provide… (read more)
How the negative trumps the positive in politics
Posted by on October 26, 2012
Negatively framed political attitudes ("I don't like Romney") are stronger than positively framed attitudes ("I like Romney"), and this effect is strengthened when people think more deeply about the issues involved. (read more)
Most ancient pottery prehistoric figurine of the Iberian Peninsula found in Begues
Posted by on October 26, 2012
In the course of the excavation process in Can Sadurní cave (Begues), archeologists found the torso, with one complete arm and the initial part of the other, of a human figurine made of pottery. It is the most ancient human figurine that has been found in Catalonia and is approximately 6500 years old. (read more)
Fully automated soccer game analysis
Posted by on October 26, 2012
Using entirely new electronic solutions, soccer coaches can provide their players with video analysis as early as half-time or immediately following a match.  (read more)
Stimulating brain cells with light
Posted by on October 26, 2012
Introducing a light-sensitive protein in transgenic nerve cells ... transplanting nerve cells into the brains of laboratory animals ... inserting an optic fibre in the brain and using it to light up the nerve cells and stimulate them into releasing more dopamine to combat Parkinson's disease. These things may sound like science fiction, but they are soon to become a reality in a research laboratory… (read more)
Designing for the sense of touch: A new frontier for design
Posted by on October 26, 2012
Researchers explore how interaction designers can leverage and embrace the sense of touch to develop interfaces and experiences that go beyond traditional visual and form-based aesthetics. (read more)
Penis worms show the evolution of the digestive system
Posted by on October 26, 2012
Scientists have revealed that the enigmatic marine penis worms (priapulids) develop their intestine as humans, fish or starfish do. This surprising finding shows that very different animals share a common way of forming a gut. (read more)
How does social media help young adults become politically active?
Posted by on October 26, 2012
Young adults speaking out about their political beliefs on websites, such as Facebook or blogs, are more likely to participate in public affairs, according to a new study. (read more)
Smoking takes 10 years off life expectancy in Japan, not 4 as previously thought, experts warn
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Smoking reduces life expectancy by ten years in Japan, but much of the risk can be avoided by giving up smoking, a new paper shows. (read more)
'Adoption activity days' can help children find new families
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Children's parties or activity days, where prospective adopters meet children awaiting adoption, could be part of the solution to the current adoption crisis, according to new research. (read more)
Clearer picture of how assassin bugs evolved: Entomologists reconstruct the evolutionary history
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Assassin bugs, which lie in ambush for prey they attack with speed and agility, are found all over the world. But scientists' understanding of their evolutionary history is made difficult by access to incomplete data and only a limited number of young fossils. Entomologists have now produced a clearer snapshot of the entire evolutionary history of assassin bugs by integrating molecular, paleontological,… (read more)
New study brings a doubted exoplanet 'back from the dead'
Posted by on October 25, 2012
A second look at data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope is reanimating the claim that the nearby star Fomalhaut hosts a massive exoplanet. The study suggests that the planet, named Fomalhaut b, is a rare and possibly unique object that is completely shrouded by dust. (read more)
Sharing space: Proximity breeds collaboration
Posted by on October 25, 2012
A new study shows that when researchers share a building, and especially a floor, the likelihood of forming new collaborations and obtaining funding increases dramatically. The findings have wide relevance to corporations, as well. (read more)
C’est difficile: Researchers develop cocktail of bacteria that eradicates Clostridium difficile infection in mice
Posted by on October 25, 2012
In a new study, researchers used mice to identify a combination six naturally occurring bacteria that eradicate a highly contagious form of Clostridium difficile, an infectious bacterium associated with many hospital deaths. Three of the six bacteria have not been described before. This work may have significant implications for future control and treatment approaches. (read more)
Scientists step up hunt for bacterial genes tied to lyme disease
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Lyme disease is a bacterial illness that affects tens of thousands. It can lead to abnormalities in the nervous system, heart and joints. New research into the bacterium’s genetic makeup could advance the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of the disease. (read more)
Scientists deepen genetic understanding of multiple sclerosis
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Scientists have discovered that 30 percent of our likelihood of developing multiple sclerosis can be explained by 475,806 genetic variants in our genome. Genome-wide Association Studies commonly screen these variants, looking for genetic links to diseases. (read more)
New genes for adult BMI levels: Versatile gene discovery chip used to detect gene variants involved in biology of obesity
Posted by on October 25, 2012
A large international study has identified three new gene variants associated with body mass index levels in adults. The researchers used the CardioChip, a gene array designed to probe for gene variants relevant to cardiovascular and metabolic functions. Scientists say the research findings may provide fundamental insights into the biology of adult obesity. (read more)
Exercise boosts satisfaction with life, researchers find
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Had a bad day? Extending your normal exercise routine by a few minutes may be the solution, according to researchers, who found that people's satisfaction with life was higher on days when they exercised more than usual. (read more)
Individual gene differences can be tested in zebrafish
Posted by on October 25, 2012
The zebrafish is a potential tool for testing one class of unique individual genetic differences found in humans, and may yield information helpful for the emerging field of personalized medicine, according to a team of scientists. The differences, or mutations, in question create minor changes in amino acids -- the building blocks of DNA -- from person to person. Zebrafish can be used as a model… (read more)
Warmer future oceans could cause phytoplankton to thrive near poles, shrink in tropics
Posted by on October 25, 2012
In the future, warmer waters could significantly change ocean distribution of populations of phytoplankton, tiny organisms that could have a major effect on climate change. In a new study, researchers show that by the end of the 21st century, warmer oceans will cause populations of these marine microorganisms to thrive near the poles and shrink in equatorial waters. (read more)
Academia should fulfill social contract by supporting bioscience startups, case study says
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Universities not only provide the ideal petri dish for cultivating bioscience with commercial potential, but have a moral obligation to do so, given the opportunity to translate public funding into health and jobs, according to a new case study. (read more)
Stroke survivors who smoke raise risk of more strokes, heart attack, death
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Stroke survivors who smoke put themselves at a greater risk of additional strokes, heart attack or death than those who never smoked, according to new research. (read more)
Robots in the home: Will older adults roll out the welcome mat?
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Robots have the potential to help older adults with daily activities that can become more challenging with age. But are people willing to use and accept the new technology? A new study indicates the answer is yes, unless the tasks involve personal care or social activities. (read more)
Bioimaging: Aim for the stars
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Glucose–amine rings turn star-shaped fluorescent dyes into powerful probes for imaging cancer cells in three dimensions. (read more)
Nanomaterials: Bringing crystals into line
Posted by on October 25, 2012
The temperature-controlled alignment of tiny crystals could help harness their collective properties for nanotechnology applications. (read more)
A 'nanoscale landscape' controls flow of surface electrons on a topological insulator: Stripe-like contours on a surface modulate electrons that behave like light
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Physicists report new insights into the behavior of electrons on the surface of a topological insulator, a class of material with unique properties that challenge some of the oldest laws of physics. (read more)
New drug delivery system for bladder cancer using nanoparticles
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Scientists have shown in experimental mouse models that a new drug delivery system allows for administration of three times the maximum tolerated dose of a standard drug therapy for advanced bladder cancer, leading to more effective cancer control without increasing toxicity. (read more)
New genomics study shows ancestry could help solve disease riddles
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Explosive advancement in human genome sequencing opens new possibilities for identifying the genetic roots of certain diseases and finding cures. However, so many variations among individual genomes exist that identifying mutations responsible for a specific disease has in many cases proven an insurmountable challenge. But now a new study reveals that by comparing the genomes of diseased patients… (read more)
Stem cell therapies for multiple sclerosis, other myelin disorders expected soon
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Researchers are now on the threshold of human application of stem cell therapies for a class of neurological diseases known as myelin disorders -- a long list of diseases that include conditions such as multiple sclerosis, white matter stroke, cerebral palsy, certain dementias, and rare but fatal childhood disorders called pediatric leukodystrophies, experts say. (read more)
Fishing for answers off Fukushima
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Japan's "triple disaster," as it has become known, began on March 11, 2011, and remains unprecedented in its scope and complexity. To understand the lingering effects and potential public health implications of that chain of events, scientists are turning to a diverse and widespread sentinel in the world's ocean: fish. (read more)
Fossils of first feathered dinosaurs from North America discovered: Clues on early wing uses
Posted by on October 25, 2012
The first ornithomimid specimens preserved with feathers, recovered from 75 million-year-old rocks in the badlands of Alberta, Canada has been described. (read more)
Lucy and Selam's species climbed trees: Australopithecus afarensis shoulder blades show partially arboreal lifestyle
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Australopithecus afarensis was an upright walking species, but the question of whether it also spent much of its time in trees has been the subject of much debate. For the first time, scientists have thoroughly examined the two complete shoulder blades of the fossil "Selam." Analyses of these rare bones showed them to be quite apelike, suggesting that this species was adapted to climbing trees in… (read more)
Not-so-permanent permafrost: 850 billion tons of carbon stored in frozen Arctic ground could be released
Posted by on October 25, 2012
As much as 44 billion tons of nitrogen and 850 billion tons of carbon stored in Arctic permafrost, or frozen ground, could be released into the environment as the region begins to thaw over the next century as a result of a warmer planet, according to a new study led by the U.S. Geological Survey. This nitrogen and carbon are likely to impact ecosystems, the atmosphere, and water resources including… (read more)
Isolation of Puerto Rico's manatees affects survival odds
Posted by on October 25, 2012
New evidence shows there is no cross-breeding between endangered manatees in Puerto Rico and those in Florida, resulting in less genetic diversity in Puerto Rico's small manatee population and impacting its odds of survival. (read more)
Malaria transmission peaks at much cooler temperatures than previously predicted
Posted by on October 25, 2012
The most deadly type of malaria in humans and the one most prevalent in Africa is one that is very sensitive to climate. Previously published scientific studies put the optimal temperature for malaria transmission from mosquitos to humans at 31 degrees C (88 degrees F), but according to a new mathematical model, the temperature for peak transmission of the parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is much,… (read more)
Traditional fisheries management approach jeopardizes marine ecosystems worldwide, expert argues
Posted by on October 25, 2012
A new article urges cautions against continuing traditional fisheries management. (read more)
Data storage: Going with the grain
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Reducing information stored in magnetic thin films to the physical size of single grains could improve computer hard drives. (read more)
Study reveals impact of public DNS services; Researchers develop tool to help
Posted by on October 25, 2012
A new study has revealed that public DNS services could actually slow down users' web-surfing experience. As a result, researchers have developed a solution to help avoid such an impact: a tool called namehelp that could speed web performance by 40 percent. (read more)
Triclosan -- harmful to ecological status of rivers -- needs to be monitored, researchers say
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Researchers from Germany and Slovakia have pointed out that the chemical triclosan is one of those substances that are particularly harmful to the ecological status of rivers that are still not sufficiently monitored. (read more)
Gene mutation linked to old age hearing loss identified
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation linked to age-related hearing loss, a discovery that can lead to better prevention measures. (read more)
NASA sees power in Hurricane Sandy moving toward Bahamas
Posted by on October 25, 2012
NASA's Aqua satellite passed over Hurricane Sandy as it was moving over eastern Cuba early on Oct. 25. The AIRS instrument captured an infrared image of Sandy that showed a large area of very high, cold cloud tops indicating the power within the storm. Sandy is now headed toward the Bahamas and warnings and watches have already been posted for the mainland US. (read more)
Black widow's tango mortale in gamma-ray light: Scientists discover record-breaking millisecond pulsar with new analysis method
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Pulsars are the compact remnants from explosions of massive stars. Some of them spin around their own axis hundreds of times per second, emitting beams of radiation into space. Until now, they could only be found through their pulsed radio emissions. Now, scientists have discovered a millisecond pulsar solely via its pulsed gamma radiation. (read more)
Bushmeat pushes African species to the brink
Posted by on October 25, 2012
A recent report says illegal hunting of wildlife in South African Development Community (SADC) states can lead to the eradication of many species across extensive areas and even complete ecological collapse. (read more)
Size does matter in sexual selection, at least among beetles
Posted by on October 25, 2012
The size of genital spines has a measurable effect on sexual success in beetles, according to a recent article. (read more)
Far from random, evolution follows a predictable genetic pattern
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Research suggests that knowledge of a species' genes -- and how certain external conditions affect the proteins encoded by those genes -- could be used to determine a predictable evolutionary pattern driven by outside factors. Scientists could then pinpoint how the diversity of adaptations seen in the natural world developed even in distantly related animals. (read more)
Galactic snack time: Stream of stars slowly being ingested by the Milky Way
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Yale astronomers have caught the Milky Way having a snack. Using the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, they have discovered a band, or stream, of stars believed to be the remnant of an ancient star cluster slowly being ingested by the Milky Way, Earth's home galaxy. (read more)
Impact of adversity on early life development demonstrated
Posted by on October 25, 2012
It's time to end the nature versus nurture debate and embrace growing evidence that it's the interaction between biology and environment that influences human development. One study by evolutionary biologists using fruit flies showed that food deprivation and lack of adequate nutrition in early life had significant impact on adult behavior and quality of life. (read more)
New technique to study how myeloids become white blood cells
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Researchers have created a new technique to study how myeloids, a type of blood stem cell, become the white blood cells important for immune system defense against infections and tissue damage. This approach offers new insights into the molecular mechanisms at work during myeloid differentiation, and may improve our ability to treat myeloid diseases like leukemia, the researchers report. (read more)
Safety glass cut to any shape
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Shock-resistance is the great benefit of safety glass. However, the cut of the glass pane can make this difficult: With conventional processes, only straight cuts are possible. Yet a newly-developed method makes it possible to apply any cutting technique. (read more)
Monster galaxy may have been stirred up by black-hole mischief
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have obtained a remarkable new view of a whopper of an elliptical galaxy that may have been puffed up by the actions of one or more black holes in its core. (read more)
Why astronauts experience low blood pressure after returning to Earth from space
Posted by on October 25, 2012
When astronauts return to Earth, their altitude isn't the only thing that drops -- their blood pressure does too. This condition, known as orthostatic hypotension, occurs in up to half of those astronauts on short-term missions (two weeks or less) and in nearly all astronauts after long-term missions (four to six months). A new research report solves the biological mystery of how this happens by showing… (read more)
Using planarian flatworms to understand organ regeneration
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Researchers report that they have identified genes that control growth and regeneration of the intestine in the freshwater planarian Schmidtea mediterranea. How animals repair their internal organs after injury is not well understood. Planarian flatworms are useful models for studying this question. After injury, they are able to re-grow missing body parts, as well as all as organs that are damaged… (read more)
Omega-3 intake heightens working memory in healthy young adults
Posted by on October 25, 2012
In the first study of its kind, researchers have determined that healthy young adults ages 18-25 can improve their working memory even further by increasing their Omega-3 fatty acid intake. (read more)
Workouts in extreme weight-loss TV fuel negative attitudes about exercise, study finds
Posted by on October 25, 2012
The Biggest Loser might be a TV ratings winner, but its extreme depiction of exercise is more likely to turn people off than get them off the couch, according to new research. (read more)
Resveratrol falls short in health benefits, study shows
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Resveratrol, an ingredient in red wine thought to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce risk of heart disease and increase longevity, does not appear to have those benefits in healthy women, according to new research. (read more)
Animal model of typhoid fever could lead to better vaccines
Posted by on October 25, 2012
The first mouse model of the common bacterial disease typhoid fever is reported in a new study. Because the animals show human-like symptoms and respond positively to immunization, they could be used to develop more effective vaccines against the deadly pathogen. (read more)
Efficient, protein-based method for creating iPS cells developed
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Researchers have devised an efficient and safer way to make induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, by using just the proteins that the genes encode. (read more)
Anesthesia drugs really do put us to sleep
Posted by on October 25, 2012
When patients are put under anesthesia, they are often told they will be "put to sleep," and now it appears that in some ways that's exactly what the drugs do to the brain. New evidence in mice shows that the drugs don't just turn wakefulness "off," they also force important sleep circuits in the brain "on." (read more)
Genetic causes of a male infertility disorder revealed
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Severe spermatogenic failure is a genetic condition that causes low sperm count and infertility. Researchers have gained new insights into the genetic alterations that cause this disorder and their prevalence in populations of men around the world. The findings reveal which alterations are the greatest risk factors for the disease, and they could be immediately applicable in genetic counseling for… (read more)
Sensory neurons identified as critical to sense of touch
Posted by on October 25, 2012
While studying the sense of touch, scientists have pinpointed specific neurons that appear to regulate perception. The sensory neurons are characterized by thin spikes, and based on their volume, these protrusions determine the cells' sensitivity to force. (read more)
Major flaw in standard approach to global gene expression analysis identified
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Researchers report that common assumptions employed in the generation and interpretation of data from global gene expression analyses can lead to seriously flawed conclusions about gene activity and cell behavior in a wide range of current biological research. (read more)
Study reveals rate at which key genetic deletions contribute to male infertility
Posted by on October 25, 2012
A large-scale analysis of Y chromosomes from more than 20,000 men finds that two spontaneously recurring deletions along a complex region of the Y chromosome are responsible for approximately 8 percent of cases of failed sperm production, according to researchers. (read more)
Scientists create first mouse model of typhoid fever
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Researchers have created the first true mouse model of typhoid infection. The development promises to advance the study of typhoid and the creation of new vaccines against the infection, which remains a major health threat in developing countries. (read more)
PFO closure may be superior to medical therapy in preventing stroke
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Results of a large-scale, randomized clinical trial called RESPECT revealed that patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is superior to medical therapy in preventing recurrent stroke, according to a presentation of findings today at the TCT conference. (read more)
Dream come true: Fantasy football grabs attention of fans and franchises, creates jobs
Posted by on October 25, 2012
A fantasy of millions of individuals may be positively affecting job growth. Fantasy football is growing -- nearly 34 million individuals play fantasy sports and 75 percent of them play fantasy football -- and this growth has led to job creation, increased advertisement revenue and more football fans, according to one expert. (read more)
Antibiotics that only partly block protein machinery allow germs to poison themselves
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Powerful antibiotics that scientists and physicians thought stop the growth of harmful bacteria by completely blocking their ability to make proteins actually allow the germs to continue producing certain proteins -- which may help do them in. (read more)
Structure discovered for promising tuberculosis drug target
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Researchers have figured out the three-dimensional shape of the protein responsible for creating unique bonds within the cell wall of the bacteria that cause tuberculosis. The bonds make the bacteria resistant to currently available drug therapies, contributing to the alarming rise of these super-bacteria throughout the world. (read more)
Genetic tradeoff: Harmful genes are widespread in yeast but hold hidden benefits
Posted by on October 25, 2012
The genes responsible for inherited diseases are clearly bad for us, so why hasn't evolution, over time, weeded them out and eliminated them from the human genome altogether? Part of the reason seems to be that genes that can harm us at one stage of our lives are necessary and beneficial to us at other points in our development. (read more)
Now the mobile phone goes emotional
Posted by on October 25, 2012
ForcePhone is a mobile synchronous haptic communication system. During phone calls, users can squeeze the side of the device and the pressure level is mapped to vibrations on the recipient's device. Computer scientists indicate that an additional haptic channel of communication can be integrated into mobile phone calls using a pressure to vibrotactile mapping with local and remote feedback. (read more)
New anti-tumor cell therapy strategies are more effective
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Targeted T-cells can seek out and destroy tumor cells that carry specific antigen markers. Two novel anti-tumor therapies that take advantage of this T-cell response are described in two new studies. (read more)
First human heart cell model of an inherited heart muscle disorder developed
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Researchers in Singapore have successfully created a human heart cell model of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, an inherited heart muscle disorder which puts one at high risk of developing life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. (read more)
Unmasking the deadly secrets of pancreatic cancer
Posted by on October 25, 2012
A large-scale study that defines the complexity of underlying mutations responsible for pancreatic cancers in more than 100 patients has just been published. (read more)
Lonely older adults face more health risks
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Research has shown that lonely older adults are at greater risk of developing health problems, but a new study offers hope. In a forthcoming article, the author shows that older adults who approach life with a positive outlook can reverse the negative health issues associated with a lonely life. (read more)
DNA's double stranded stretch: Models simulate what happens to DNA strands when stretched to the breaking point
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Theoretical physicists like to play with very unconventional toys. Researchers have adopted a seemingly playful approach to examining what happens to a double stranded molecule of DNA when it is stretched to the breaking point, in a new study. (read more)
Unique sea snake found in museum
Posted by on October 25, 2012
The pristine jungle and the deep seas are full of undiscovered biological species -- but they can be found in museums as well. In a formalin-filled jar in Copenhagen Natural History Museum, a new snake species has recently been discovered. (read more)
Gatekeeper protein identified: New details on cell's power source discovered
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Researchers have discovered an essential mechanism that regulates the flow of calcium into mitochondria. (read more)
NASA spacecraft sees huge burp at Saturn after large storm
Posted by on October 25, 2012
NASA's Cassini spacecraft has tracked the aftermath of a rare massive storm on Saturn. Data reveal record-setting disturbances in the planet's upper atmosphere long after the visible signs of the storm abated, in addition to an indication the storm was more forceful than scientists previously thought. (read more)
New evidence from the Baltic Sea: Seafloor biodiversity affects sediment nutrient cycling
Posted by on October 25, 2012
The global decline of biodiversity highlights the urgent need to understand how biodiversity contributes to ecosystem functionality. In the Baltic Sea, eutrophication-induced oxygen deficiency or hypoxia is the major problem for animals living on the seafloor. Hypoxia has resulted in dead or impoverished seafloor communities over vast areas. (read more)
Study suggests caution and further studies on drugs used to treat macular degeneration
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Millions of people with "wet" macular degeneration are prescribed a class of medication known as anti-VEGF drugs. But now scientists have found that a drastic reduction of VEGF activity may do more harm than good. (read more)
Sleep apnea can reduce severity of cardiac injury during a heart attack
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Patients with sleep apnea have less severe cardiac injury during an acute non-fatal Myocardial Infarction (MI) compared to patients without sleep apnea, according to a new study. (read more)
Restricting high-risk individuals from owning guns saves lives, report finds
Posted by on October 25, 2012
A new report examines policies and initiatives for reducing gun violence in the U.S. by reforming current gun policies. The report includes the following key findings: easy access to firearms with large-capacity magazines facilitates higher casualties in mass shootings; "right-to-carry" gun laws do not reduce violent crime; prohibiting high-risk groups from having guns-criminals, perpetrators of domestic… (read more)
Conscience legislation ignores medical providers committed to giving patients all necessary care
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Advances in medicine allow doctors to keep patients alive longer, tackle fertility problems and extend the viability of premature babies. They also lead to a growing number of moral questions for both the medical provider and patient. (read more)
Steroid injection linked to increased risk of bone fractures
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Patients treated with an epidural steroid injection for back pain relief are at increased risk of bone fractures in the spine, according to a new study. Researchers say the risk of fracture increased 29 percent with each steroid injection, a finding they believe raises patient safety concerns. (read more)
Protein regulation linked to intellectual disability
Posted by on October 25, 2012
Genetics researchers have solved a 40-year mystery for a family beset by a rare intellectual disability -- and they've discovered something new about the causes of intellectual disability in the process. (read more)
Electronic nose could be used to detect sleep apnea
Posted by on October 24, 2012
An electronic nose, used to detect the presence of molecules in the breath of a patient, could be used to diagnose obstructive sleep apnea. (read more)
Reclaiming rare earths: Improving process to recycle rare-earth materials
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Recycling keeps paper, plastics, and even jeans out of landfills. Could recycling rare-earth magnets do the same? Perhaps, if the recycling process can be improved. Scientists are working to more effectively remove the neodymium, a rare earth element, from the mix of other materials in a magnet. Initial results show recycled materials maintain the properties that make rare-earth magnets useful. (read more)
Heart attack victims in rich, white neighborhoods twice as likely to get CPR than people who collapse in poor, black neighborhoods
Posted by on October 24, 2012
In the first study of its kind, researchers have found that those who suffer cardiac arrests in upper income, white neighborhoods are nearly twice as likely to get cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) than people who collapse in low-income, black neighborhoods. (read more)
Feeling hot, hot, hot: Climate shapes distribution and movement of humans as it does other animals
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Research shows importance of population movement and growth in shaping climate change over the past century in the United States (read more)
Gene mutation identifies colorectal cancer patients who live longer with aspirin therapy
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Aspirin therapy can extend the life of colorectal cancer patients whose tumors carry a mutation in a key gene, but has no effect on patients who lack the mutation, researchers report. (read more)
Satellite images tell tales of changing biodiversity
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Analysis of texture differences in satellite images may be an effective way to monitor changes in vegetation, soil and water patterns over time, with potential implications for measuring biodiversity as well, according to new research. (read more)
Older people guess weights less accurately than younger people
Posted by on October 24, 2012
As we grow older, we are less capable of correctly estimating differences in the weights of objects we lift, according to a new study. (read more)
Archer fish hunt insects with water jet six times stronger than their muscular power
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Archer fish knock their insect prey out of overhanging vegetation with a jet of water several times more powerful than the fish's muscles. New research now shows that the fish generate this power externally using water dynamics rather than with any specialized internal organs. The research provides the first explanation for how archer fish can generate such powerful jets to capture their prey. (read more)
Gaps in border controls are related to alien insect invasions in Europe
Posted by on October 24, 2012
European countries with gaps in border security surrounding agricultural imports have been invaded by the largest number of exotic insect pests, according to new research. (read more)
Advanced cancer patients overoptimistic about chemotherapy's ability to cure, study finds
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Researchers report that findings from a nationwide study suggest that advanced lung or colorectal cancer patients are frequently mistaken in their beliefs that chemotherapy can cure their disease. Their expectations run counter to the fact that although chemotherapy can alleviate pain and extend life in such patients by weeks or months, it is not curative except in the rarest of circumstances. (read more)
The diet-proof holiday meal: Seven ways to stay on track this season
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Holiday dinners are filled with heaping dishes of comfort foods, fattening favorites and savory treats. It is no wonder these meals often leave us feeling stuffed with guilt and holiday remorse. (read more)
Area of the brain that processes empathy identified
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Study provides the first evidence suggesting that the empathy deficits in patients with brain damage to the anterior insular cortex are surprisingly similar to the empathy deficits found in several psychiatric diseases, including autism spectrum disorders, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, and conduct disorders, suggesting potentially common neural deficits in those psychiatric populations. (read more)
Let it snow! Solar panels can take it
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Even if the weather outside is frightful, solar cells can still generate a delightful amount of electricity. (read more)
Nearly 80 million Americans won't need vitamin D supplements under new guidelines
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Nearly 80 million Americans would no longer need to take vitamin D supplements under new Institute of Medicine guidelines, according to a new study. (read more)
New target for cancer research uncovered
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Scientists have detailed a new target for anti-cancer drug development that is sitting at the ends of our DNA. Researchers found a patch of amino acids that, if blocked by a drug docked onto the chromosome end at this location, may prevent cancerous cells from reproducing. The amino acids at this site are called the "TEL patch" and once modified, the end of the chromosome is unable to recruit the… (read more)
Wall Street gets it wrong on presidential politics, experts say
Posted by on October 24, 2012
A new study debunks the conventional wisdom of how political elections impact the stock market: Presidential affiliation has little impact; gridlock is bad for the market; Fed policy is more important than politics. (read more)
Timing is everything: Hormone use may reduce or increase Alzheimer's disease risk in women
Posted by on October 24, 2012
A new study suggests that women who begin taking hormone therapy within five years of menopause may reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. (read more)
Moderate drinking decreases number of new brain cells
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Moderate to binge drinking significantly reduces the structural integrity of the adult brain. The new research indicates that daily drinking decreases nerve cell development in the hippocampus part of the brain -- necessary for some type of learning and memory -- by 40 percent. (read more)
Video game with biofeedback teaches children to curb their anger
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Children with serious anger problems can be helped by a video game that hones their ability to regulate their emotions, finds a new study. Noticing that children with anger control problems are often uninterested in psychotherapy, but eager to play video games, researchers developed "RAGE Control" to motivate children to practice emotional control skills. (read more)
Plants provide accurate low-cost alternative for diagnosis of West Nile Virus
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Biologists have developed a new method of testing for West Nile, using plants to produce biological reagents for detection and diagnosis. (read more)
2012 Antarctic ozone hole second smallest in 20 years
Posted by on October 24, 2012
The average area covered by the Antarctic ozone hole this year was the second smallest in the last 20 years. Scientists attribute the change to warmer temperatures in the Antarctic lower stratosphere. (read more)
Pigs may look healthy but can test positive for flu at fairs
Posted by on October 24, 2012
More than 80 percent of pigs that tested positive for influenza A virus at Ohio county fairs between 2009 and 2011 showed no signs of illness in a new study. A second study showed a 99+ percent genetic similarity among human and pig flu viruses from 2012, indicating interspecies transmission. (read more)
Important flu recommendations for high-risk populations
Posted by on October 24, 2012
While it is important to get vaccinated against the flu virus as early as possible, it is never too late to reap the benefits of this vaccine. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the peak months for the spread of the flu virus are January and February and the season can last into mid-May. Those at highest risk of complications from the flu are young children; people 65 and… (read more)
How to stop winter from weathering your skin: Top ten tips for preventing 'winter itch'
Posted by on October 24, 2012
All winter flakes are not made of snow. Cold weather, with its low relative humidity, wreaks havoc on our skin, making it dry and flaky. Skin dries out if it's deprived of moisture and this dryness often aggravates itchiness, resulting in a condition commonly referred to as "winter itch." (read more)
For presidential candidates, image may trump debate issues, experts say
Posted by on October 24, 2012
The wide swings in debate performances by this year’s presidential candidates reflect the fact that in modern campaigns, a candidate’s image is the message, according to linguistic anthropologists who have studied presidential campaigns. Candidates send important messages to voters through even their smallest gestures, the researchers say. (read more)
Revealing a mini-supermassive black hole
Posted by on October 24, 2012
One of the lowest mass supermassive black holes ever observed in the middle of a galaxy has now been identified. The host galaxy is of a type not expected to harbor supermassive black holes, suggesting that this black hole, while related to its supermassive cousins, may have a different origin. (read more)
Americans use more efficient and renewable energy technologies
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Americans used less energy in 2011 than in the previous year due mainly to a shift to higher-efficiency energy technologies in the transportation and residential sectors. Meanwhile, less coal was used but more natural gas was consumed according to the most recent energy flow charts. (read more)
Living power cables discovered: Multicellular bacteria transmit electrons across relatively great distances
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Scientists have discovered filamentous bacteria that function as living power cables in order to transmit electrons thousands of cell lengths away. (read more)
Self-affirmation enhances performance, makes us receptive to our mistakes
Posted by on October 24, 2012
From the mistakes we make at work or school to our blunders in romantic relationships, we are constantly reminded of how we could be better. By focusing on the important qualities that make us who we are -- a process called self-affirmation -- we preserve our self-worth in the face of our shortcomings. New research explores the neurophysiological reactions that could explain how self-affirmation helps… (read more)
Challenging Parkinson's dogma: Dopamine may not be the only key player in this tragic neurodegenerative disease
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Scientists may have discovered why the standard treatment for Parkinson's disease is often effective for only a limited period of time. Their research could lead to a better understanding of many brain disorders, from drug addiction to depression, that share certain signaling molecules involved in modulating brain activity. (read more)
Measuring table-top accelerators' state-of-the-art beams: Slicing through the electron beam
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Accurate tests of the beam quality of laser plasma accelerators (LPAs) assume new importance with the approaching advent of the one-meter-long, 10-billion-electron-volt, bringing the promise of "table-top accelerators" closer to realization. Accelerator scientists have now devised novel techniques for characterizing extraordinarily short beam pulses in the complex environment of LPAs, including the… (read more)
Prasugrel may reduce cardiovascular events among patients managed medically after an angiogram for acute coronary syndrome
Posted by on October 24, 2012
A study has found that the anti-clotting medication prasugrel reduced cardiovascular events among patients who present with an acute coronary syndrome and are managed medically after an angiogram is performed to determine coronary anatomy. Results of the TRILOGY ACS trial, Angiographic Cohort were presented today at the 24th annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) scientific symposium.… (read more)
Is obesity irreversible? Timing is key in weight loss
Posted by on October 24, 2012
It's one of the most frustrating mysteries of weight loss -- why the weight inevitably comes back. (read more)
Ghost busting: Study examines influence of media messages on perceptions of paranormal investigators' credibility
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Media messages describing paranormal investigators as "scientific" makes people more likely to "believe." (read more)
Knee replacement not an 'easy solution' for obese patients
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Obese patients have a greater risk of complications following total knee replacement surgery. (read more)
Research findings breathe new life into lung disease
Posted by on October 24, 2012
New research shows that while muscle cells are responsible for constricting or dilating the blood vessels, they are not responsible for sensing the amount of oxygen that gets to the lungs. (read more)
Why 'singing' sand dunes hum certain notes
Posted by on October 24, 2012
What does Elvis Presley have in common with a sand dune? No, it's not that people sometimes spot both in the vicinity of Las Vegas. Instead, some sand dunes, like The King, can sing. And new research looking for clues to how streams of sand can sing may explain why some dunes croon in more than one pitch at the same time. (read more)
Scientists target bacterial transfer of resistance genes
Posted by on October 24, 2012
The bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae -- which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia and sepsis -- likes to share its antibiotic-defeating weaponry with its neighbors. Individual cells can pass resistance genes to one another through a process called horizontal gene transfer, or by "transformation," the uptake of DNA from the environment. Now researchers report that they can interrupt the cascade… (read more)
A sense of control, even if illusory, eliminates emotion-driven distortions of time
Posted by on October 24, 2012
We humans have a fairly erratic sense of time. We tend to misjudge the duration of events, particularly when they are emotional in nature. Disturbingly negative experiences, for example, seem to last much longer than they actually do. And highly positive experiences seem to pass more quickly than negative ones. Now researchers say they have found a way to lessen these emotion-driven time distortions. (read more)
Large-scale production of biofuels made from algae poses sustainability concerns
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Scaling up the production of biofuels made from algae to meet at least five percent -- approximately 39 billion liters -- of US transportation fuel needs would place unsustainable demands on energy, water, and nutrients. (read more)
Brain waves reveal video game aptitude
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Scientists report that they can predict who will improve most on an unfamiliar video game by looking at their brain waves. (read more)
Gene linked to inflammation in the aorta may contribute to abdominal aortic aneurysm
Posted by on October 24, 2012
A gene known to be involved in cancer and cardiovascular development may be the cause of inflammation in the most common form of aortic aneurysm and may be a key to treatment, according to new research. The study is the first to show that Notch 1 signaling is activated in abdominal aortic aneurysmal tissue in mice and humans. (read more)
Survival of U.S. Affordable Care Act assessed in new commentaries
Posted by on October 24, 2012
As the presidential candidates clash over the fate of the U.S. Affordable Care Act, a set of seven essays by leading legal experts, economists, and scholars examines the implications of the Supreme Court's decision on the ACA and makes it clear that there is no consensus about what is economically or morally just when it comes to health care coverage in this country. (read more)
Parkinson's breakthough could slow disease progression
Posted by on October 24, 2012
In an early-stage breakthrough, scientists have developed a new family of compounds that could slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and there is no treatment to slow the advance of the disease. The compounds are a new class of potential therapeutics. (read more)
Astronomers report that dark matter 'halos' may contain stars, disprove other theories
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Do dark matter "halos" that make up most of the matter in the universe contain a small number of stars? Astronomers now make a case for that. (read more)
Bacterial wires explain enigmatic electric currents in the seabed
Posted by on October 24, 2012
The enigma of electric currents in the seabed is solved. Scientists have discovered bacteria that function as living electrical cables. Each of the centimeter-long 'cable bacteria' contains a bundle of insulated wires leading an electric current from one end to the other. (read more)
New gene therapy method tested in human cells ... and it works, researchers report
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Development of a new gene therapy method to prevent certain mitochondrial gene based diseases has reached a significant milestone. Researchers have successfully demonstrated their procedure in human cells. It's believed that this research, along with other efforts, will pave the way for future clinical trials in human subjects. (read more)
Genome analysis of pancreas tumors reveals new pathway
Posted by on October 24, 2012
The latest genomic analysis of pancreatic tumors identified two new pathways involved in the disease, information that could be capitalized on to develop new and earlier diagnostic tests for the disease. (read more)
'Grassroots' neurons wire and fire together for dominance in the brain
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Inside the brain, an unpredictable race -- like a political campaign -- is being run. Multiple candidates, each with a network of supporters, have organized themselves into various left- and right-wing clusters -- like grassroots political teams working feverishly to reinforce a vision that bands them together. While scientists know that neurons in the brain anatomically organize themselves into these… (read more)
100-million-year-old coelacanth fish discovered in Texas is new species from Cretaceous
Posted by on October 24, 2012
A fossil discovered in Texas is a new species of coelacanth fish. Paleontologists identified the skull as a 100 million-year-old coelacanth, making it the youngest discovered in Texas. The new species, Reidus hilli, brings to 81 the world's coelacanth species, including two alive today. Coelacanth fish have eluded extinction for 400 million years. Reidus hilli belongs to Dipluridae, a new family that… (read more)
Flycatchers' genomes explain how one species became two
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Just how new species are established is still one of the most central questions in biology. Biologists now describe how they mapped the genomes of the European pied flycatcher and the collared flycatcher and found that it is disparate chromosome structures rather than separate adaptations in individual genes that underlies the separation of the species. (read more)
When negative political ads work
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Televised political advertising takes up a large portion of campaigns budgets. Much of it is spent on negative political ads. A new study shows that a negative political ad is most effective when it's shown in moderation. The findings reveal that massive exposure to a negative ad has a backlash effect on the evaluation of the sponsor candidate. (read more)
Chewing betel quid exposes half a billion people to direct carcinogens
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Chewing betel quid -- the fourth most popular psychoactive substance in the world after tobacco, alcohol and caffeine -- exposes its 600 million users to substances that act as direct carcinogens in the mouth, scientists are reporting in a new study. (read more)
Two-drug synergy may treat drug-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Researchers have dissected a case of synergy in drug-resistant chronic myeloid leukemia to understand the mechanism by which two drugs, danusertib and bosutinib, work together to overcome resistance in the BCR-ABL gatekeeper mutation-specific disease. (read more)
Speed limits on cargo ships could reduce their pollutants by more than half
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Putting a speed limit on cargo ships as they sail near ports and coastlines could cut their emission of air pollutants by up to 70 percent, reducing the impact of marine shipping on Earth's climate and human health, scientists have found. (read more)
Buffalo milk mozzarella or buffaloed consumers? New test can provide the answer
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Those tiny balls of boutique mozzarella cheese with the sticker-shock price tag beckoning from the dairy case -- are they the real deal, mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP, crafted from the milk of water buffaloes? Or are they really cheap fakes made from cow's milk? A new method promises to provide the answer for mozzarella and other dairy products. (read more)
Simple prevention strategy found for reducing MRSA infections
Posted by on October 24, 2012
High compliance with hand hygiene and focusing on other simple infection control measures on medical, surgical and neuroscience intensive care units resulted in reduced rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection by 95 percent in a nine-year study, according to new research. (read more)
Risk factors in hospital readmissions among general surgery patients identified in study
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Identifying risk factors in hospital re-admissions could help improve patient care and hospital bottom lines, according to a new study. (read more)
Potatoes created with higher levels of carotenoids
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Potatoes with higher levels of beneficial carotenoids are the result of new studies to improve one of America's most popular vegetables. Scientists bred yellow potatoes with carotenoid levels that are two to three times higher than those of the popular Yukon Gold yellow-fleshed potato variety. (read more)
Hot flashes can come back after SSRI
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Hot flashes and night sweats can return after women stop using escitalopram -- an antidepressant -- to treat these menopause symptoms, according to a new study. This is typical of stopping hormone therapy as well. (read more)
Brainwave training boosts network for cognitive control and affects mind-wandering
Posted by on October 24, 2012
A breakthrough study has found that training of the well-known brainwave in humans, the alpha rhythm, enhances a brain network responsible for cognitive-control. The training technique, termed neurofeedback, is being considered as a promising new method for restoring brain function in mental disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, depression and post-traumatic stress… (read more)
Forestry's waste wood offers habitat for small forest-floor animals
Posted by on October 24, 2012
The wood that remains after a tree harvesting operation is often burned to reduce the hazard of fire or is removed for bioenergy production. But another option should be considered—leaving the wood for forest wildlife whose habitat has been disturbed during clear-cut forestry operations. Woody debris on the floor of the forest is essential for maintaining biodiversity and long-term ecosystem productivity. (read more)
Hypnosis helps hot flashes, study suggests
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Hypnosis can help cut hot flashes by as much as 74 percent, shows a new study. This is the first controlled, randomized study of the technique to manage hot flashes, which affect as much as 80 percent of women who go through menopause. (read more)
Pica: Unearthing a hidden dietary behavior
Posted by on October 24, 2012
A new study is showing that pica – and particularly geophagy, or the eating of soil or clay – is far more prevalent in Madagascar, one of the few areas of the world where it had gone unreported, than researchers previously thought. The research also suggests that the behavior may be more prevalent worldwide, particularly among men, than initially believed. (read more)
Wood completely broken down into its component parts
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Crude oil is getting scarce. This is why researchers are seeking to substitute petroleum-based products – like plastics – with sustainable raw materials. Waste wood, divided into lignin and cellulose, could serve as a raw material. A pilot plant has been set up to handle this division on a larger scale. (read more)
Did bacteria spark evolution of multicellular life?
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Choanoflagellates are single-celled plankton and the closest living relatives of animals, including humans. Molecular biologists have found that these organisms form colonies only when triggered by previously unknown bacteria. The discovery suggests that early single-celled organisms may originally have come together in the presence of bacteria, perhaps to make more efficient feeding machines that… (read more)
New insights into membrane-assisted self-assembly
Posted by on October 24, 2012
How proteins and virus capsids – complex protein structures that encase the genetic material of viruses – form structures near to a fluctuating membrane is simulated by physicists with advanced computational techniques. The results are relevant to the understanding of biophysical processes. (read more)
Herbal and dietary supplements can adversely affect prescribed drugs, says extensive review
Posted by on October 24, 2012
A number of herbs and dietary supplements (HDS) can cause potentially harmful drug interactions, particularly among people receiving medication for problems with their central nervous or cardiovascular systems. Researchers examined 54 review articles and 31 original studies. They found that the greatest problems were caused by interactions between prescribed drugs and HDS that included ingredients… (read more)
Mouse model exposes a new type of T cell to target melanoma
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Cancers arise in the body all the time. Most are nipped in the bud by the immune response, not least by its T cells, which detect telltale molecular markers -- or antigens -- on cancer cells and destroy them before they grow into tumors. Cancer cells, for their part, evolve constantly to evade such assassination. Those that succeed become full-blown malignancies. Yet, given the right sort of help,… (read more)
Earth's magnetosphere behaves like a sieve
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Our protective magnetic bubble lets the solar wind in under a wider range of conditions than previously believed. Earth’s magnetic field is our planet’s first line of defense against the bombardment of the solar wind. This stream of plasma is launched by the Sun and travels across the Solar System, carrying its own magnetic field with it. Depending on how the solar wind’s interplanetary magnetic… (read more)
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth: Majority of vendettas originate within a group
Posted by on October 24, 2012
It all began with a harmless game of soccer among young men in northwestern Albania. After one of the players had been injured in a subsequent dispute, his team members shot a relative of the suspected attacker. Now the male members of the families involved in the blood feud do not dare leave their homes. Such vendettas and blood feuds occur in many societies, sometimes lasting for decades. The harm… (read more)
Multi-talented enzyme produced on large-scale
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Enzymes remove spots from our laundry, whiten paper and help with brewing beer. To wit: They facilitate many industrial processes. In many cases, enzymes are obtained from fruits. However, if the harvest is poor, this might lead to shortfalls. Researchers therefore designed a process to produce enzymes microbiologically. A new multifunctional facility should help with adapting these new processes… (read more)
Lactation protein suppresses tumors and metastasis in breast cancer
Posted by on October 24, 2012
A protein that is necessary for lactation in mammals inhibits the critical cellular transition that is an early indicator of breast cancer and metastasis, according to new research. (read more)
Parents look on the bright side of kids' worries
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Parents consistently overestimate their children's optimism and downplay their worries, according to new research. (read more)
High-pressure science gets super-sized
Posted by on October 24, 2012
The study of materials at extreme conditions took a giant leap forward with the discovery of a way to generate super high pressures without using shock waves whose accompanying heat turns solids to liquid. This discovery will allow scientists for the first time to reach static pressure levels exceeding four million atmospheres, a high-pressure environment where new unique compounds could be formed,… (read more)
New insight on managing fungal meningitis
Posted by on October 24, 2012
As the number of fungal meningitis cases in the United States continues to rise, physicians across the country are faced with how best to provide the early treatment that can save lives. An infectious disease expert has now detailed how the outbreak evolved and the complexities of providing anti-fungal treatments. (read more)
84 million stars and counting: VISTA creates largest ever catalogue of center of Milky Way galaxy
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Astronomers have created a catalog of more than 84 million stars in the central parts of the Milky Way. This gigantic dataset contains more than ten times more stars than previous studies and is a major step forward for the understanding of our home galaxy. The image is so large that, if printed with the resolution of a typical book, it would be 9 meters long and 7 meters tall. (read more)
Voice prostheses can help patients regain their lost voice
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Help is on the way for people who suffer from vocal cord dysfunction. Researchers are developing methods that will contribute to manufacturing voice prostheses with improved affective features. For example, for little girls who have lost their voices, the improved artificial voice devices can produce age-appropriate voices, instead of the usual voice of an adult male. (read more)
Majority of roadkill amongst vertebrates in Catalonia, Spain, are in protected areas
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Amphibians are the vertebrate group that is more likely to become roadkill in Catalonia, even more so than reptiles, mammals and birds. This is the case according to an international team of scientists who have concluded that highly protected areas are home to more cases of animal death on the roads. (read more)
Native American ancestors' diet part of study and challenge
Posted by on October 24, 2012
A diverse group of volunteers has committed one year to eating foods indigenous to the Great Lakes region in an effort to replicate the Native American diet prior to colonization. (read more)
California leads United States in exonerations of wrongfully convicted
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Two hundred or more wrongful convictions have been thrown out since 1989 in California, costing those convicted more than 1,300 years of freedom and taxpayers $129 million. (read more)
Flame retardant 'Firemaster 550' is an endocrine disruptor, study finds
Posted by on October 24, 2012
The flame-retardant mixture known as "Firemaster 550" is an endocrine disruptor that causes extreme weight gain, early onset of puberty and cardiovascular health effects in lab animals, according to a new study. (read more)
Two commonly used anesthetics produce different metabolic patterns in children's unconscious brains
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Two commonly used anesthetics produce different metabolic patterns in the brains of unconscious children, according to a new study. (read more)
Obstinate electrons 'ignore' assumptions and follow another path
Posted by on October 24, 2012
The nanowires, which have a cross-sectional area of no more than one square nanometer (a nanometer is one millionth of a millimeter), are attached to a substrate made of the semiconductor germanium. The virtually defect-free nanowires are spaced at intervals of just 1.6 nanometers. This forces electrons to adopt one-dimensional behavior. (read more)
A new take on the Midas touch: Changing the color of gold
Posted by on October 24, 2012
Red gold, green gold - a ground-breaking initiative has found a way of changing the colour of the world’s most iconic precious metal. Scientists have discovered that by embossing tiny raised or indented patterns onto the metal’s surface, they can change the way it absorbs and reflects light – ensuring our eyes don’t see it as ‘golden’ in colour at all. (read more)
Twitter principles of social networking increase family success in nesting birds
Posted by on October 23, 2012
New research reveals for the first time the importance of social networking in producing a successful family. The study found that, regardless of how big and healthy individual chicks are, what really matters to their chances of surviving and breeding is how siblings in the nest interact with each other, with cooperative families faring best. (read more)
Fossil study helps pinpoint extinction risks for ocean animals: When it comes to ocean extinctions, range size matters most
Posted by on October 23, 2012
What makes some ocean animals more prone to extinction? An analysis of roughly 500 million years of fossil data for marine invertebrates reveals that ocean animals with small ranges have been consistently hard hit, whereas population size has little effect. This means that reductions in range size -- such as when a species' habitat is destroyed or degraded -- could mean a big increase in long-term… (read more)
Release of data from Nobel Prize-winning laboratory for public use
Posted by on October 23, 2012
LabArchives, a provider of online lab notebook software, and BioMed Central’s open access journal BMC Research Notes has published Mutagenetix, an online open access repository of ENU-generated data. The data is linked permanently to a ‘Data Note’, describing results from the ENU mutagenesis program, operated by the Beutler laboratory at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA  and which… (read more)
Formula unlocks secrets of cauliflower's geometry
Posted by on October 23, 2012
The laws that govern how intricate surface patterns, such as those found in the cauliflower, develop over time have been described, for the first time. Researchers have now provided a mathematical formula to describe the processes that dictate how cauliflower-like patterns – a type of fractal pattern – form and develop. (read more)
Acupuncture relieves symptoms of a dry mouth caused by radiotherapy for head and neck cancers, study suggests
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Patients who have received radiotherapy for head and neck cancer often suffer from the unpleasant and distressing side-effect of a dry mouth, caused by damage to their salivary glands from the radiation. (read more)
Hanging in there: Koalas have low genetic diversity
Posted by on October 23, 2012
A species relies on genetic diversity to survive and low diversity usually indicates that there has been inbreeding due to a decrease in population size.  By looking at historic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from museum samples, new research has found that koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) have had low genetic diversity for over 120 years. (read more)
Gene polymorphisms identified that are responsible for breast density and cancer risk
Posted by on October 23, 2012
It has long been known that breast density, or mammographic density, is a strong risk factor for breast cancer, and that estrogen and progestin hormone therapy increases dense breast tissue. Now, a study has identified several gene variants in hormone metabolism and growth factor pathways that may be associated with breast density and, hence, breast cancer risk. (read more)
Grandmas made humans live longer: Chimp lifespan evolves into human longevity, computer simulation shows
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Computer simulations provide new mathematical support for the "grandmother hypothesis" -- a famous theory that humans evolved longer adult lifespans than apes because grandmothers helped feed their grandchildren. (read more)
Opposite behaviors? Arctic sea ice shrinks, Antarctic grows
Posted by on October 23, 2012
The steady and dramatic decline in the sea ice cover of the Arctic Ocean over the last three decades has become a focus of media and public attention. At the opposite end of Earth, however, something more complex is happening. (read more)
Study to identify levels of sucralose in Erie beach waters
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Researchers continue to investigate the presence of potentially harmful chemicals in the beach waters of Presque Isle State Park and have added a new one to their list: sucralose. (read more)
New paper examines shifting gears in the circadian clock of the heart
Posted by on October 23, 2012
A new study focuses on the circadian clock of the heart, and used cultured heart tissue. The results of the new study have implications for cardiovascular health, including daily changes in responses to stress and the effect of long-term rotational shift work. (read more)
Neuroscientists propose revolutionary DNA-based approach to map wiring of whole brain
Posted by on October 23, 2012
A team of neuroscientists has proposed a new and potentially revolutionary way of obtaining a neuronal connectivity map (the "connectome") of the whole brain of the mouse. (read more)
Limitations to the 'revolutionary' findings of online studies
Posted by on October 23, 2012
'Direct to consumer' research, using data obtained through increasingly popular online communities, has methodological limitations that are known to epidemiological studies, including selection bias, information bias, and confounding. These limitations mean that the results and conclusions of research using these methods need to be interpreted with caution, according to a new study. (read more)
Genetic marker for placebo response identified in IBS patients
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Researchers have identified the first genetic differences to explain why placebos help some patients -- and not others. (read more)
Product regulatory systems in low-and middle-income countries must be strengthened, experts argue
Posted by on October 23, 2012
When regulatory systems for medical products in low-and middle-income countries work, people live but when such systems fail, people die, according to experts. (read more)
Lives could be saved by removing age restrictions on rotavirus vaccination, study suggests
Posted by on October 23, 2012
A new study, which suggests that the additional children's lives saved by removing the age restrictions for rotavirus vaccination in low- and middle-income countries would be much greater than any extra deaths from vaccine-associated complications (namely, intussusception-a form of bowel obstruction), has informed policy regarding the age restrictions for this vaccine. (read more)
Precisely targeted electrical brain stimulation alters perception of faces, study finds
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Scientists have shown that mild electrical stimulation of two nerve clusters spaced a half-inch apart in a brain structure called the fusiform gyrus caused the subject's perception of faces to instantly become distorted while leaving his perception of other body parts and inanimate objects unchanged. (read more)
New vitamin-based treatment that could reduce muscle degeneration in muscular dystrophy
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Boosting the activity of a vitamin-sensitive cell adhesion pathway has the potential to counteract the muscle degeneration and reduced mobility caused by muscular dystrophies, according to a research team. (read more)
Personalized feedback makes healthcare workers twice as likely to clean their hands
Posted by on October 23, 2012
A major three-year trial has shown that giving one-to-one feedback to healthcare workers makes them twice as likely to clean their hands or use soap. (read more)
Local wildlife is important in human diets in central Africa, experts say
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Animals like antelope, frogs and rodents may be tricky to catch, but they provide protein in places where traditional livestock are scarce. According to the authors of a new paper, meat from wild animals is increasingly important in central Africa. (read more)
Helping North America's marine protected areas adapt to a changing climate
Posted by on October 23, 2012
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation has published Scientific Guidelines for Designing Resilient Marine Protected Area Networks in a Changing Climate in collaboration with the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea and based on the work of thirty-three of North America's top experts. (read more)
Leaner Navy looking at future technology, fleet size and sequestration
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Adm. Mark Ferguson, vice chief of naval operations, headlined the opening of the ONR (Office of Naval Research) Naval S&T (science and technology) Partnership Conference and ASNE Expo Oct. 22, 2012, and highlighted the importance of innovative S&T programs being developed by the Navy. He also offered a revealing look at the potential future for the Navy if sequestration, or automatic defense cuts,… (read more)
Medical recommendations should go beyond race, scholar says
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Medical organizations that make race-based recommendations are misleading some patients about health risks while reinforcing harmful notions about race, a professor argues in a new paper. (read more)
Math professor calls Detroit Tigers a favorite to win World Series
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Since the Major League Baseball Division Series and League Championship Series have determined which teams will compete in the World Series, mathematics professor Bruce Bukiet has again analyzed the probability of each team taking the title. (read more)
Long Island man beats fungal meningitis; Cancer specialist solves a diagnostic puzzle that appeared to be brain cancer
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Thinking he had only months to live, Frank Tarantino, 67, of Amityville, N.Y., a retired electrician, father of four and grandfather of seven, was getting his affairs in order in the winter of 2011. Doctors believed he had a lethal brain tumor. Tarantino, a prostate cancer survivor, had just finished treatment for breast cancer in late 2010. One consulting physician, Shenhong Wu, MD, PhD, Associate… (read more)
Researchers map strategy for 'choosing wisely' on low-value health care services
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Cutting the expenses associated with "low-value" medical tests and treatments -- such as unnecessary imaging tests and antibiotics for viral infections that won't benefit from them -- will require a multi-pronged plan targeting insurance companies, patients, and physicians, according to a new article. These efforts transcend economic impact, however, and may also be essential for improving health… (read more)
Mechanical ventilation at lower level among patients without lung injury linked with better outcomes
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Among patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome, protective mechanical ventilation with use of lower tidal volumes (the volume of air inhaled and exhaled during each breath) was associated with better outcomes including less lung injury, lower mortality, fewer pulmonary infections and a shorter hospital length of stay. (read more)
Most large treatment effects of medical interventions come from small studies, report finds
Posted by on October 23, 2012
In an examination of the characteristics of studies that yield large treatment effects from medical interventions, these studies were more likely to be smaller in size, often with limited evidence, and when additional trials were performed. (read more)
Men with certain cardiovascular risk factors may be at increased risk of peripheral artery disease
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Among nearly 45,000 men who were followed up for more than two decades, those with the risk factors of smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes had an associated greater risk of developing PAD. (read more)
Droplet response to electric voltage in solids exposed
Posted by on October 23, 2012
For the first time, scientists have observed how droplets within solids deform and burst under high electric voltages. The finding is important because it explains a major reason why such materials as insulation for electrical power lines eventually fail and cause blackouts. This observation not only helps scientists develop better insulation materials, but could also lead to such positive developments… (read more)
New finding could pave way to faster, smaller electronics
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Researchers for the first time have looked inside gallium manganese arsenide, a type of material known as a "dilute magnetic semiconductor" that could open up an entirely new class of faster, smaller devices based on an emerging field known as "spintronics." (read more)
Amish children are twice as physically active as non-Amish children are, study finds
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Old Order Amish children are much more physically active and three times less likely to be overweight than non-Amish children, which may provide them with some long-term protection against developing Type 2 diabetes, researchers report. (read more)
Increased use of colonoscopy screening could explain decrease in colorectal cancer rates
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Use of colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening could explain a significant decrease in the cancer's incidence over the past decade, according to a new study. (read more)
Automakers can monitor social media to identify quality issues
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Researchers are evaluating a new process and decision support system to identify and prioritize automotive defects using social media. (read more)
Analysis of dinosaur bone cells confirms ancient protein preservation
Posted by on October 23, 2012
A team of researchers has found more evidence for the preservation of ancient dinosaur proteins, including reactivity to antibodies that target specific proteins normally found in bone cells of vertebrates. These results further rule out sample contamination, and help solidify the case for preservation of cells -- and possibly DNA -- in ancient remains. (read more)
NASA's NuSTAR spots flare from Milky Way's black hole
Posted by on October 23, 2012
NASA's newest set of X-ray eyes in the sky, the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), has caught its first look at the giant black hole parked at the center of our galaxy. The observations show the typically mild-mannered black hole during the middle of a flare-up. (read more)
Genetic patterns of deep-sea coral provide insights into evolution of marine life
Posted by on October 23, 2012
The ability of deep-sea corals to harbor a broad array of marine life, including commercially important fish species, make these habitat-forming organisms of immediate interest to conservationists, managers, and scientists. Understanding and protecting corals requires knowledge of the historical processes that have shaped their biodiversity and biogeography. (read more)
Blood chromosome differences are linked to pancreatic cancer
Posted by on October 23, 2012
A new study shows that a blood marker is linked to pancreatic cancer. Researchers say the new study is the first time pancreatic cancer risk has been linked to differences in telomeres' length in blood cells. (read more)
Summer babies less likely to be CEOs
Posted by on October 23, 2012
A person's date of birth can affect their climb up the corporate ladder, new research suggests. (read more)
Influence in times of crisis: How do men and women evaluate precarious leadership positions?
Posted by on October 23, 2012
We've all heard of the "glass ceiling" but the recent economic crisis has illuminated another workplace phenomenon: the "glass cliff." Women seem to be overrepresented in precarious leadership positions at organizations going through crisis. But is it that women are passively selected into these jobs or do they actively seek them out? New research suggests it's not the precarious positions per se… (read more)
Don't be so fast to judge a cat by its color, new study warns
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Just like humans, domestic cats are often judged by their color, and the media and folklore help perpetuate these stereotypes. Take the snobbish, aloof, white kitty who promotes "Fancy Feast," and spooky images of black cats, which can be associated with bad luck and witches, especially around Halloween. A new study warns that typecasting cats according to their color can negatively impact adoption… (read more)
Oxygen's ups and downs in early atmosphere and ocean
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Geochemists challenge the simple notion of an up-only trend for early oxygen on Earth, and provides the first compelling direct evidence for a major drop in oxygen after the gas's first rise. This drop, they say, may have ushered in more than a billion years that were marked by a return to low-oxygen concentrations at Earth's surface, including the likelihood of an oxygen-free deep ocean. (read more)
Connection between Hawaii's dueling volcanoes explained
Posted by on October 23, 2012
A new study finds that a deep connection about 50 miles underground can explain the enigmatic behavior of two of Earth's most notable volcanoes, Hawaii's Mauna Loa and Kilauea. (read more)
Protein levels could predict if bowel cancer patients will benefit from Avastin
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Comparing levels of specific proteins that the drug Avastin targets could identify patients with advanced bowel cancer who will benefit from the treatment, according to new research. (read more)
Promising new biomarker for aggressiveness of prostate cancer
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Researchers have found increased levels of serum glutamate in both primary and metastatic prostate tumors, corresponding to increasing Gleason score. (read more)
Biology-friendly robot programming language: Training your robot the PaR-PaR way
Posted by on October 23, 2012
PaR-PaR, a simple high-level, biology-friendly, robot-programming language uses an object-oriented approach to make it easier to integrate robotic equipment into biological laboratories. Effective robots can increase research productivity, lower costs and provide more reliable and reproducible experimental data. (read more)
Is declining medical imaging use driving up hospital stays and medical costs?
Posted by on October 23, 2012
A new report shows that the length of the average hospital stay in the United States has increased at the same time as use of medical imaging scans has declined. It is unclear if the trends are related, but potentially important, as hospital admissions are among the largest, and fastest growing, health care costs. (read more)
Quasar may be embedded in unusually dusty galaxy
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Hubble astronomers have looked at one of the most distant and brightest quasars in the universe and are surprised by what they did not see: the underlying host galaxy of stars feeding the quasar. The best explanation is that the galaxy is shrouded in so much dust that the stars are completely hidden everywhere. Astronomers believe that the James Webb Space Telescope will reveal the galaxy. (read more)
NASA sees active region on the sun emit another flare
Posted by on October 23, 2012
The sun emitted a significant solar flare on Oct. 22, 2012, peaking at 11:17 pm EDT. The flare came from an active region on the left side of the sun that has been numbered AR 1598, which has already been the source of a number of weaker flares. This flare was classified as an X1.8-class flare. (read more)
Are schizophrenia and autism close relations?
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Medical researchers studied extensive genetic databases to discover that autism and schizophrenia had a genetic link, representing a heightened risk within families. People who have a schizophrenic sibling were 12 times more likely to have autism than those with no schizophrenia in the family. (read more)
Tiny pores in graphene could give rise to membranes
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Pristine graphene -- a microscopic sheet of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb pattern -- is among the most impermeable materials ever discovered, making the substance ideal as a barrier film. But the material may not be as impenetrable as scientists have thought. Researchers have found that the material bears intrinsic defects, or holes in its atom-sized armor. The results point to the possibility… (read more)
Low adoption by large hospital ICUs of catheter-associated urinary tract infection precautions
Posted by on October 23, 2012
A new study found that large hospitals -- those with more than 500 beds -- had a 1.5 higher average rate of CAUTI than hospitals with 500 beds or less. Since larger hospitals, particularly teaching hospitals treat patients who are often sicker, the finding that their ICUs have higher incidences of CAUTI, while still a cause of concern, was not unanticipated. (read more)
Lifting weights protects against metabolic syndrome, study suggests
Posted by on October 23, 2012
People who lift weights are less likely to have metabolic syndrome -- a cluster of risk factors linked to heart disease and diabetes, reports a new study. (read more)
New technique to grow black truffles
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Researchers have found beneficial effects of the Pseudomonas fluorescens bacterium for the colonization of the black truffles on the pine roots. These results can be promising to enhance the cultivation of truffles. (read more)
Making transport a driver for development in Africa
Posted by on October 23, 2012
A new report highlights policies to improve air quality road safety and congestion, supporting African development. (read more)
Perfect pitch: Knowing the note may be in your genes
Posted by on October 23, 2012
People with perfect pitch seem to possess their own inner pitch pipe, allowing them to sing a specific note without first hearing a reference tone. This skill has long been associated with early and extensive musical training, but new research suggests that perfect pitch may have as much to do with genetics as it does with learning an instrument or studying voice. (read more)
Self-powered sensors to monitor nuclear fuel rod status
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Japan's Fukushima Dai'ichi nuclear disaster that occurred in 2011 -- a result of the strongest earthquake on record in the country and the powerful tsunami waves it triggered -- underscored the need for a method to monitor the status of nuclear fuel rods that doesn't rely on electrical power. (read more)
Zeroing in on the 'science of sound propagation' in burning buildings
Posted by on October 23, 2012
An acoustic navigation system being developed by a team of researchers studying the science of sound propagation inside burning buildings may one day become a life-saving addition to firefighters’ arsenal of tools. (read more)
Whale racket: Sounding out how loud the oceans were from whale vocalizing prior to industrial whaling
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Concern is growing that human-generated noise in the ocean disrupts marine animals that rely on sound for communication and navigation. In the modern ocean, the background noise can be ten times louder than it was just 50 years ago. But new modeling based on recently published data suggests that 200 years ago -- prior to the industrial whaling era -- the ocean was even louder than today due to the… (read more)
Nineteen species of fern named for Lady Gaga; Researcher says the inspiration was literally written in the DNA sequences
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Pop music megastar Lady Gaga is being honored with the name of a new genus of ferns found in Central and South America, Mexico, Arizona and Texas. A genus is a group of closely related species; in this case, 19 species of ferns will carry the name Gaga. (read more)
TIM and TAM: Two paths used by the Dengue virus to penetrate cells
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Scientists have identified two families of receptors that play an important part in the penetration of the Dengue virus into cells. (read more)
Quantum computing with recycled particles
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Scientists have brought the reality of a quantum computer one step closer by experimentally demonstrating a technique for significantly reducing the physical resources required for quantum factoring. (read more)
Turbulent flows in 2-d can be calculated in new model
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Turbulent flows have challenged researchers for centuries. It is impossible to predict chaotic weather more than a week in advance. Wind resistance on a plane cannot be calculated precisely, since it is determined by atmospheric turbulence. Now, however, researchers have succeeded in developing a statistical model that can replicate the chaotic flows and thereby provide a better understanding of the… (read more)
Nanofibrillar cellulose film to ease performing medical tests
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Researchers have succeeded in developing a durable and affordable nanofibrillar cellulose film platform to support medical testing. New environmentally friendly, reliable nanofibrillar cellulose (NFC) platforms are more diverse than plastic films. New film can be made, for instance, hydrophobic, hydrophilic and the electric charge can be changed. This will enhance the possibility of conducting thousands… (read more)
Lubricants from vegetable oil
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Oil-independence is the dream of many countries that lack raw materials. Nevertheless, black gold still retains its dominant role as a power source, and also serves as a basic material for the chemical industry. In order to change this, researchers started the "Integrated BioProduction" project. At the Fraunhofer Center for Chemical-Biotechnological Processes CBP in Leuna, the pilot plant-scale production… (read more)
How patterns and timing of sunlight exposure contribute to skin cancers
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Researchers have studied the patterns and timing of sunlight exposure and how each is related to two nonmelanoma skin cancers – basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. (read more)
Neutron experiments give unprecedented look at quantum oscillations
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Researchers have found that nitrogen atoms in the compound uranium nitride exhibit unexpected, distinct vibrations that form a nearly ideal realization of a physics textbook model known as the isotropic quantum harmonic oscillator. (read more)
Blue Origin completes pad escape test
Posted by on October 23, 2012
NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP) partner Blue Origin conducted a successful pad escape test Oct. 19 at the company's West Texas launch site in Van Horn, firing its pusher-escape motor and launching a full-scale suborbital crew capsule from a simulated propulsion module. (read more)
Ootent growth factor for blood stem cells identified
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Researchers studying the interaction of blood stem cells and the niche where they reside have identified a protein that may be a long-sought growth factor for blood stem cells. (read more)
Gender discrimination a reason why females choose careers outside the hard sciences, study finds
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Both male and female scientists view gender discrimination as a major reason women choose to pursue careers in biology rather than physics, according to new research. (read more)
Biologists record increasing amounts of plastic litter in the Arctic deep sea
Posted by on October 23, 2012
The sea bed in the Arctic deep sea is increasingly strewn with litter and plastic waste, according to researchers. (read more)
Brain chemicals: Using carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFM) in neurochemical measurements
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Scientists have examined the use of carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFM) in neurochemical measurements, with an emphasis on the most recent findings and technological advances. (read more)
Effective treatment helps Danes with personality disorders
Posted by on October 23, 2012
A new study shows that modern psychoanalytic therapy has a good effect on patients with severe personality disorders. The treatment enables a number of patients to start working or start an education. (read more)
New Jersey's decal for young drivers reduced crashes, study suggests
Posted by on October 23, 2012
A new study shows that NJ's law requiring novice drivers to display a red decal on their license plates has prevented more than 1,600 crashes and helped police officers enforce regulations unique to new drivers. Nearly every state has a GDL law on the books, but "Kyleigh's Law," named for a teen driver killed in a 2006 NJ crash, is the first to require drivers under age 21 to display their probationary… (read more)
Noninvasive assay monitored treatment response in patients with metastatic prostate cancer
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Deciding the ideal treatment for patients with metastatic prostate cancer that stops responding to initial therapy could be guided by certain analyses of cancer cells isolated from the patients' blood, according to new research. (read more)
The fabric for weaving memory: To establish long-term memory, neurons have to synthesize new proteins
Posted by on October 23, 2012
The details of memory formation are still largely unknown. It has, however, been established that the two kinds of memory -- long term and short term -- use different mechanisms. When short-term memory is formed, certain proteins in the nerve cells (neurons) of the brain are transiently modified. To establish long-term memory, the cells have to synthesize new protein molecules. This has been shown… (read more)
Researchers to shake a building to study its performance during earthquakes
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Engineers are assessing how buildings made with reinforced concrete frames and masonry infill walls hold up during an earthquake. Such buildings are vulnerable to serious damage. (read more)
Puppies don't pick up on yawns: Dogs, like humans, show a gradual development of susceptibility to contagious yawning
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Do you get tired when others yawn? Does your dog get tired when you yawn? New research from Sweden establishes that dogs catch yawns from humans. But not if the dogs are too young. The study found that, like humans, dogs show a developmental trend in susceptibility to contagious yawning. While dogs above seven months of age catch human yawns, younger dogs are immune to yawn contagion. (read more)
Assembly of nano-machines mimics human muscle
Posted by on October 23, 2012
For the first time, an assembly of thousands of nano-machines capable of producing a coordinated contraction movement extending up to around ten micrometers, like the movements of muscular fibers, has been synthesized by researchers in France. (read more)
Diabetes drug could be effective in treating addiction, researchers find
Posted by on October 23, 2012
Researchers are reporting that a drug currently used to treat type 2 diabetes could be just as effective in treating addiction to drugs, including cocaine. The findings could have far-reaching implications for patients worldwide who suffer from addiction. (read more)
Not all juvenile arthritis is the same
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) is currently classified as a subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis but with the addition of systemic inflammation often resulting in fever, rash and serositis. New research shows that the arthritic and systemic components of SJIA are related, but that the inflammatory pathways involved in SJIA are different from those in the more common polyarticular… (read more)
Antibodies to immune cells protect eyes in Pseudomonas infection
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Contact lenses, particularly the extended wear variety, render wearers vulnerable to eye infections from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These infections can cause severe damage, including blindness. Treating the eye with antibodies to the inflammatory immune compound interleukin-17 (IL-17) reduced eye damage and the number of bacteria in a mouse model. (read more)
Specific bacterial species may initiate, maintain Crohn’s
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Patients newly diagnosed with pediatric Crohn's disease had significantly different levels of certain types of bacteria in their intestinal tracts than age-matched controls, according to new research. The work may ultimately lead to treatment involving manipulation of the intestinal bacteria. (read more)
Antiviral therapy may halve risk of liver cancer after chronic hepatitis C infection, analysis indicates
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Treating chronic hepatitis C infection with antiviral drugs could halve the risk of developing the most common form of liver cancer, in some cases, a new analysis indicates. (read more)
Industry now using smartphone apps, which kids can easily download, to promote tobacco, researchers warn
Posted by on October 22, 2012
The tobacco industry is now using smarphone apps -- a medium that has global reach, including to children -- to promote its products, warn researchers. (read more)
North Dakota clay could play role in oilpatch, initial results of study show
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Initial results of clay samples from western North Dakota show varying percentages of alumina content, a finding of interest to the North Dakota Geological Survey that commissioned the study. Scientists are completing analysis of the clay, often referred to as kaolin, which could eventually play a role in proppants used for hydraulic fracturing in North Dakota oil exploration. (read more)
Health care history through humor
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Featuring more than 200 examples of the century's best political art, a new history of health care reform provides an entertaining review of 100 years of partisan wrangling over medical insurance. (read more)
Curiosity rover collects fourth scoop of Martian soil
Posted by on October 22, 2012
NASA's Mars rover Curiosity shook a scoopful of dusty sand inside its sample-handling mechanism on Sol 75 (Oct. 21, 2012) as the third scrubbing of interior surfaces of the mechanism. The rover team is instructing the rover to deliver a sieved sample from this scoopful -- the mission's fourth -- onto Curiosity's observation tray on Oct. 22 and plans to analyze another sample from the same scoopful… (read more)
Breakthrough technique images breast tumors in 3-D with great clarity, reduced radiation
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Scientists are able to use a new technique to produce three-dimensional images of breast tissue that are two-to-three times sharper than current hospital CT scanners, and with a lower dose of X-ray radiation than from a mammogram. With higher quality images, breast tumors may be detected earlier and with much greater accuracy for the nearly one in eight women diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime… (read more)
How highway bridges sing -- or groan -- in the rain to reveal their health: Just a drop of water can indicate the stability of a bridge
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Engineers have found that by listening to how a highway bridge sings in the rain they can determine serious flaws in the structure. Employing a method called impact-echo testing, experts can diagnose the health of a bridge's deck based on the acoustic footprint produced by a little bit of water. Specifically, the sound created when a droplet makes impact can reveal hidden dangers in the bridge. (read more)
Parenting and temperament in childhood predict later political ideology
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Political mindsets are the product of an individual's upbringing, life experiences, and environment. But are there specific experiences that lead a person to choose one political ideology over another? New research suggests that parenting practices and childhood temperament may play an influential role in shaping political ideology later in life. (read more)
Crusty foods may worsen heart problems associated with diabetes
Posted by on October 22, 2012
A new study suggests avoiding cooking methods that produce the kind of crusty bits you'd find on a grilled hamburger, especially if you have diabetes and know you're at increased risk for cardiovascular disease because of your diagnosis. (read more)
Additive restores antibiotic effectiveness against MRSA
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Researchers have increased the potency of a compound that reactivates antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, an antibiotic-resistant form of Staphylococcus that is notoriously difficult to treat. Their improved compound removes the bacteria's antibiotic resistance and allows the antibiotic to once again become effective at normal dosage levels. (read more)
Climate variability and conflict risk in East Africa measured by researchers
Posted by on October 22, 2012
While a new study shows the risk of human conflict in East Africa increases somewhat with hotter temperatures and drops a bit with higher precipitation, it concludes that socioeconomic, political and geographic factors play a much more substantial role than climate change. (read more)
Exercise the body to keep the brain healthy, study suggests
Posted by on October 22, 2012
People who exercise later in life may better protect their brain from age-related changes than those who do not, a study suggests. (read more)
Technology brings new life to the study of diseases in old bones
Posted by on October 22, 2012
A new study has demonstrated that new technology that can analyze millions of gene sequences in a matter of seconds is an effective way to quickly and accurately identify diseases in skeletons. (read more)
Complete mitochondrial genome sequences of ancient New Zealanders
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Scientists have sequenced complete mitochondrial genomes for members of what was likely to be one of the first groups of Polynesians to settle New Zealand and have revealed a surprising degree of genetic variation among these pioneering voyagers. (read more)
Discoveries hold promise for treatment of Hepatitis B virus
Posted by on October 22, 2012
A research team has discovered two prime targets of the Hepatitis B virus in liver cells, findings that could lead to treatment of liver disease in some of the 400 million people worldwide currently infected with the virus. (read more)
Study of patients ages 90 and older links poor physical performance, increased odds of dementia
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Poor physical performance on activities including walking was associated with increased odds of dementia in a study of individuals 90 years and older. (read more)
Eating more legumes may improve glycemic control, lower estimated heart disease risk
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Eating more legumes (such as beans, chickpeas or lentils) as part of a low-glycemic index diet appears to improve glycemic control and reduce estimated coronary heart disease risk in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. (read more)
Older breast cancer patients see more complications with brachytherapy
Posted by on October 22, 2012
The breast cancer treatment brachytherapy -- heralded for its low complication rates -- actually results in more complications than whole-breast radiation one year after treatment, researchers report. (read more)
Nearly half of U.S. adults with high blood pressure have it under control
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Nearly half of US adults with high blood pressure reported theirs was under control by 2010. The increase in blood pressure control may be due to more use of multiple drug combinations. Older people, blacks and people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease have higher rates of high blood pressure and Mexican-Americans are least likely to take blood pressure medications. (read more)
Aggressive brain tumors can originate from a range of nervous system cells
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Scientists have long believed that glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive type of primary brain tumor, begins in glial cells that make up supportive tissue in the brain or in neural stem cells. However, researchers have now found that the tumors can originate from other types of differentiated cells in the nervous system, including cortical neurons. (read more)
Probiotics are secret weapon for fighting symptoms of the common cold in college students, study suggests
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Probiotic supplementation can reduce the severity and duration of colds and upper-respiratory infections in college students, researchers have found. (read more)
Increased risk of suicidal thoughts among adolescents appears related to recent victimization
Posted by on October 22, 2012
An increased risk of suicidal ideation -- thoughts of harming or killing oneself -- in adolescents appears to be associated with recent victimization, such as by peers, sexual assault, and maltreatment, according to new research. (read more)
Exercise may trump mental activity in protecting against brain shrinkage
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Exercising regularly in old age may better protect against brain shrinkage than engaging in mental or social activities, according to a new study. Research suggests that brain shrinkage may lead to problems with memory and thinking. (read more)
New self-healing coating for aluminum developed to replace cancer-causing product
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Engineers have developed a new environmentally-friendly coating for aluminum to replace the carcinogenic chromate coatings used in aerospace applications. The chromate conversion coatings have been used for more than 50 years to protect aluminum from corrosion. (read more)
Milky Way's black hole getting ready for snack
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Get ready for a fascinating eating experience in the center of our galaxy. The event involves a black hole that may devour much of an approaching cloud of dust and gas known as G2. A supercomputer simulation prepared by physicists suggests that some of G2 will survive, although its surviving mass will be torn apart, leaving it with a different shape and questionable fate. (read more)
Fuller picture of human expansion from Africa
Posted by on October 22, 2012
A comprehensive analysis of the anthropological and genetic history of humans' expansion out of Africa could lead to medical advances. (read more)
Exercise and complete decongestive therapy best ways to manage lymphedema, expert says
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Many breast cancer survivors suffer from lymphedema, a chronic condition that causes body limbs to swell from fluid buildup, as a result of lymph node removal and radiation therapy. A cure for lymphedema does not exist, so individuals with the condition must find ways to manage the symptoms throughout their lifetimes. Now, a lymphedema expert has found that full-body exercise and complete decongestive… (read more)
TV, devices in kids' bedrooms linked to poor sleep, obesity
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Electronic devices in kids' bedrooms at night can lead to sleeplessness and can raise their risk of obesity, according to new research. (read more)
Can your body sense future events without any external clue?
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Wouldn't it be amazing if our bodies prepared us for future events that could be very important to us, even if there's no clue about what those events will be? "Presentiment," as in "sensing the future," without any external clues may exist, according to new research that analyzes the results of 26 studies published between 1978 and 2010. (read more)
Evolution of new genes captured
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Like job-seekers searching for a new position, living things sometimes have to pick up a new skill if they are going to succeed. Researchers have shown for the first time how living organisms do this. (read more)
State-of-the-art beams from table-top accelerators
Posted by on October 22, 2012
"Table-top accelerators" – laser plasma accelerators (LPAs) that propel electron pulses to high energies within a few centimeters – promise far less expensive future accelerators with far less environmental impact than today's conventional machines. Scientists have devised novel methods to test the quality of uniquely challenging LPA beams. (read more)
Scattered X-rays reveal diseased tissue
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Severe lung diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide. To date they have been difficult to diagnose at an early stage. Scientists have now developed an X-ray technology to do just that. Now they are working on bringing the procedure into medical practice. (read more)
American Academy of Pediatrics weighs in for first time on organic foods for children
Posted by on October 22, 2012
To offer guidance to parents -- and the pediatricians caring for their children's health -- the American Academy of Pediatrics has conducted an extensive analysis of scientific evidence surrounding organic produce, dairy products and meat. (read more)
Rewards programs: When do consumers compare experience over value?
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Consumers are often less satisfied when they buy or receive products that are easily counted because this makes them focus on value instead of experience, according to a new study. (read more)
Rapid changes in the Earth's core: The magnetic field and gravity from a satellite perspective
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Annual to decadal changes in Earth's magnetic field in a region that stretches from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean have a close relationship with variations of gravity in this area. From this it can be concluded that outer core processes are reflected in gravity data. (read more)
Optometrist warns about wearing tinted contact lenses on Halloween
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Decorative tinted contact lenses will be popular accessories this Halloween, but an optometrist is warning that improper use without a prescription could cause severe eye damage. (read more)
Changes in sleep architecture increase hunger, eating
Posted by on October 22, 2012
A new study offers possible explanation for the association between sleep problems and obesity. (read more)
Clue to cause of Alzheimer's dementia found in brain samples
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Researchers have found a key difference in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease and those who are cognitively normal but still have brain plaques that characterize this type of dementia. (read more)
New study suggests using sedentary behavior counseling in primary care
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Although primary care physicians take care of many aspects of health and disease, little is known about how they can change sedentary behavior through counseling, according to researchers. Results from a new study suggest encouraging patients to decrease the time they spend sitting each day may be feasible in the primary care setting. (read more)
Better way to shed water: Lubricated, nanotextured surfaces boost performance of condensers in power and desalination plants
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Condensers are a crucial part of today's power generation systems: About 80 percent of all the world's powerplants use them to turn steam back to water after it comes out of the turbines that turn generators. They are also a key element in desalination plants, a fast-growing contributor to the world's supply of fresh water. Now, a new surface architecture holds the promise of significantly boosting… (read more)
The sense of 'antisense' RNA: Non-coding antisense RNA can be used to stimulate protein production
Posted by on October 22, 2012
While studying Parkinson's disease, an international research group led by scientists in Italy made a discovery which can improve industrial protein synthesis for therapeutic use. They managed to understand the use of RNA when it is not involved in the protein-coding process: the protein synthesis activity of coding genes can be enhanced, for example, by the activity of the non-coding one called "antisense". (read more)
Split-personality elliptical galaxy holds a hidden spiral
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Most big galaxies fit into one of two camps: pinwheel-shaped spiral galaxies and blobby elliptical galaxies. Spirals like the Milky Way are hip and happening places, with plenty of gas and dust to birth new stars. Ellipticals are like cosmic retirement villages, full of aging residents in the form of red giant stars. Now, astronomers have discovered that one well-known elliptical has a split personality.… (read more)
Beetles use dung balls to stay cool
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Dung beetles roll their feasts of dung away to avoid the hoards of other hungry competitors at the dung pile. But now a team of researchers from South Africa and Sweden have discovered that they also use their balls in another, rather clever way. The moist balls keep the beetles cool even as they push a weight up to 50 times heavier than their own bodies across the hot sand. (read more)
For African beetles, dung balls double as 'air conditioning units'
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Some African dung beetles roll their feasts of dung away to avoid the hordes of other hungry bugs at the pile. But now researchers have discovered that the beetles also use the balls in another, rather clever way: The moist balls keep the bugs cool even as they push a weight up to 50 times heavier than their own bodies across the scorching sand. (read more)
A whale with a distinctly human-like voice
Posted by on October 22, 2012
For the first time, researchers have been able to show by acoustic analysis that whales -- or at least one very special white whale -- can imitate the voices of humans. That's a surprise, because whales typically produce sounds in a manner that is wholly different from humans. (read more)
Healthy behaviors in midlife significantly increase odds of successful aging
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Engaging in a combination of healthy behaviors, such as not smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, exercise, and eating fruits and vegetables daily makes it significantly more likely people will stay healthy as they age. (read more)
Mortality rates significantly higher if both mother and newborn admitted to ICU
Posted by on October 22, 2012
When mothers and newborns are both admitted to intensive care units they are significantly more likely to die than when neither is admitted to an ICU, new research has found. (read more)
High quality or poor value: When do consumers make different conclusions about the same product?
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Depending on which naive theory consumers use, a low price can indicate either good value or low quality, whereas a high price may imply either poor value or high quality, according to a new study. (read more)
In the blink of an eye: Distracted consumers are most likely to remember ads with subtle variations
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Consumers are more likely to remember an ad they’ve seen repeatedly if one element in the ad changes location from one exposure to the next, according to a new study. (read more)
Would you buy a product endorsed by Lance Armstrong?
Posted by on October 22, 2012
It’s much easier for consumers to justify continued support of a celebrity or politician disgraced by scandal when they separate moral judgments about a public figure from assessments of their professional performance, according to a new study. (read more)
Friendship 2.0: Teens' technology use promotes sense of belonging, identity
Posted by on October 22, 2012
A new study shows that digital media helps teens reach developmental milestones, such as fostering a sense of belonging and sharing personal problems. But the study also raised questions about whether digital connectedness might hinder the development of an autonomous sense of self. (read more)
Greater parental stress linked to children's obesity, fast food use, reduced activity
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Parents with a higher number of stressors in their lives are more likely to have obese children, according to a new study. Children also ate fast food more often if their parents perceived themselves as stressed. (read more)
Breast cancer cells enticed to spread by 'tumorous environment' as well as genetic changes
Posted by on October 22, 2012
A new study suggests that the lethal spread of breast cancer is as dependent on a tumor’s protein-rich environment as on genetic changes inside tumor cells. (read more)
Fewer patient deaths after surgery in hospitals known for good nursing care
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Patients treated in magnet hospitals (specially designated for their nursing excellence) had 14 percent lower odds of death than patients in non-magnet hospitals, according to a new study with nearly 100,000 U.S. nurses. (read more)
Hallowen safety tips for families
Posted by on October 22, 2012
While Halloween is a time for fun and treats, certain dangers abound. The key to keeping kids safe this year, and every year, is close parental supervision and a few trick-or-treat precautions. (read more)
New glow for electron microscopy: Protein-labeling technique allows high-resolution visualization of molecules inside cells
Posted by on October 22, 2012
The glowing green molecule known as green fluorescent protein (GFP) has revolutionized molecular biology. When GFP is attached to a particular protein inside a cell, scientists can easily identify and locate it using fluorescence microscopy. However, GFP can't be used with electron microscopy, which offers much higher resolution than fluorescence microscopy. Chemists have now designed a GFP equivalent… (read more)
Protein discovery may lead to new treatment to prevent smoking relapse
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Scientists have identified a potential new approach to preventing smoking relapse, which occurs frequently in smokers who attempt to quit, despite current treatments. (read more)
Kittens: Their microbiomes are what they eat
Posted by on October 22, 2012
For animals as well as people, diet affects what grows in the gut. The gut microbial colonies, also known as the gut microbiome, begin to form at birth. Their composition affects how the immune system develops and is linked to the later onset of metabolic diseases such as obesity. Common wisdom is that cats, by nature carnivorous, are healthiest when fed high-protein diets. Researchers wanted to find… (read more)
Immune cells make flexible choices
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Scientists reveal how, out of quadrillions of possible T lymphocyte receptors, the genetic balance is tilted toward those for common pathogens. (read more)
Statins may reduce risk of esophageal cancer
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Statins, a cholesterol lowering drug may lower the risk of esophageal cancer, especially in patients with Barrett’s esophagus, researchers report. (read more)
Improving the safety of angioplasty in patients with coronary bypass graft disease
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Researchers have shown that combining distal protection devices with the prophylactic use of the drug nicardipine is more effective at preventing life-threatening complications following a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (angioplasty, stenting) on patients who have undergone previous bypass surgery than distal protection devices alone. (read more)
Changing epidemiology of clostridium difficile
Posted by on October 22, 2012
A stay in the hospital may not be the only way to acquire Clostridium difficile diarrhea – but the potentially life-threatening infection may be associated with a number of health complications in hospitalized children, according to the findings from two new studies. In a separate case report, fecal microbiota transplantation in a 20-month old with recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI)… (read more)
Racial disparities in IBDsymptoms and therapy
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Three separate studies help to advance understanding of the differences between African American and Caucasian patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and provide clinicians with new insight on how racial disparities involving disease characteristics, infliximab use, and fistulizing Crohn’s disease may impact their patients—and their decisions on how best to manage the disease. (read more)
New technologies and endoscopic techniques emerge to address gastrointestinal disorders
Posted by on October 22, 2012
There are new advances in endoscopic technologies and techniques. (read more)
Marijuana use may cause severe cyclic nausea, vomiting, a little-known, but costly effect
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Marijuana use —- both natural and synthetic —- may cause cannabinoid hyperemesis (CH) a little-known but costly effect that researchers suggest is a serious burden to the health care system as it often leads to expensive diagnostic tests and ineffective treatments in an effort to find the cause of a patient’s symptoms and provide relief, according to two separate case reports. Cannabinoid hyperemesis… (read more)
Possible overlap of IBS symptoms and inflammatory bowel disease
Posted by on October 22, 2012
New research suggests a possible overlap of symptoms of two prevalent GI disorders: irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and further suggests a possible link between subtle GI tract inflammation and IBS symptoms. (read more)
Chronic electrical stimulation at acupressure points may relieve stomach woes for diabetics
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Diabetic patients who suffer from a common complication of diabetes called gastroparesis may find that chronic electrical stimulation (ES) at specific acupuncture points could relieve gastroparesis symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, early satiety, abdominal fullness, upper abdominal pain and bloating, according to new study. (read more)
Type 2 diabetes may increase the risk of Barrett's esophagus
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Patients with Type 2 Diabetes may face an increased risk for Barrett’s Esophagus (BE), regardless of other risk factors including smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), according to new research. (read more)
Increased colorectal cancer risk for extended family members
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Women under age 50 who have been diagnosed with endometrial cancer, and first, second and third degree relatives of patients with colorectal cancer may have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC), according to two separate studies. (read more)
Chronic constipation linked to increased risk of colorectal cancer
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Patients with chronic constipation may be at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer and benign neoplasms, according to new study. (read more)
Selenium deficiency may cause cardiomyopathy post-gastric bypass
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Non-compliance with vitamin and mineral supplementation protocols after bariatric surgery could lead to nutritional deficiencies and related health complications, such as heart damage, according to two separate case reports. (read more)
Electrical stimulation of the esophagus promising treatment for unresolved reflux symptoms
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Clinical evidence of the safety and effectiveness of electrical stimulation of a muscular valve in the esophagus demonstrates promising results in resolving symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). (read more)
Death from GI bleeding decreased in United States in past two decades
Posted by on October 22, 2012
The number of patients dying from upper gastrointestinal bleeding has decreased over the past two decades, a result researchers attribute to the advances in medical and endoscopic therapies introduced over the past 20 years (read more)
C. diff infections becoming more common, severe in children and elderly
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Clostridium difficile infections are becoming more common and more severe in hospitalized children and the elderly, in large part due to greater use of antibiotics, researchers report. (read more)
How fear can skew spatial perception
Posted by on October 22, 2012
That snake heading towards you may be further away than it appears. Fear can skew our perception of approaching objects, causing us to underestimate the distance of a threatening one, a new study finds. (read more)
Unique feature of HIV helps create antibodies, researchers discover
Posted by on October 22, 2012
A new AIDS study describes how a unique change in the outer covering of the virus found in two HIV infected South African women enabled them to make potent antibodies which are able to kill up to 88% of HIV types from around the world. The ground-breaking discovery suggests an important new approach that could be useful in making an AIDS vaccine. (read more)
Troubled teens could benefit from online access to health records, say researchers
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Online health records could be surprisingly useful for at-risk teenagers who cycle through the juvenile justice system. A new study found that these young people have high rates of Internet use and an unexpectedly favorable attitude toward accessing their health records online. (read more)
Children with mental health disorders more often identified as bullies
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Children diagnosed with mental health disorders were three times more likely to be identified as bullies, according to new research. (read more)
High schools with athletic trainers have more diagnosed concussions, fewer overall injuries
Posted by on October 22, 2012
High schools with athletic trainers have lower overall injury rates, according to a new study. In addition, athletes at schools with athletic trainers are more likely to be diagnosed with a concussion. (read more)
Most dealers willing to discuss selling an adult-sized ATV for child use, despite danger
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Despite a new federal law in the U.S. that prohibits the sale of adult-sized all-terrain vehicles for use by children under age 16, most ATV sellers are willing to discuss doing so, according to new research. (read more)
Many high school football players not concerned about concussions
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Despite an increase in media attention, as well as national and local efforts to educate athletes on the potential dangers of traumatic brain injuries, a new study found that many high school football players are not concerned about the long-term effects of concussions and don't report their own concussion symptoms because they fear exclusion from play. (read more)
Standardized child booster seat laws would save lives, study suggests
Posted by on October 22, 2012
State laws that mandate car booster seat use for children at least until age eight are associated with fewer motor vehicle-related fatalities and severe injuries, and should be standardized throughout the US to optimally protect children, according to new research. (read more)
Injuries, manufacturer warnings do not deter ATV use by children under age 16
Posted by on October 22, 2012
All-terrain vehicle (ATV) manufacturer warning labels aimed at children under age 16 are largely ineffective, and formal dealer-sponsored training is infrequently offered and deemed unnecessary by most young ATV users, according to new research. (read more)
Metabolic factors may increase men's risk of dying from prostate cancer
Posted by on October 22, 2012
High blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids, and body mass index-characteristics that are often lumped together as the metabolic syndrome-are jointly linked with an increased risk of dying from prostate cancer, according to a new study. The study's results suggest that public health recommendations regarding diet and lifestyle to prevent heart disease and diabetes may also decrease a man's likelihood… (read more)
Outpatient urological surgery costs significantly less when performed in physician offices and ambulatory care centers
Posted by on October 22, 2012
More and more outpatient surgical procedures are being done at nonhospital-based facilities such as freestanding ambulatory surgical centers and physician offices, instead of at hospital-based outpatient departments. A new study comparing the cost to Medicare of 22 urological surgical procedures performed in each setting has found that ambulatory surgery centers and physician offices are less costly… (read more)
Astronomers study 2-million-light-year 'extragalactic afterburner'
Posted by on October 22, 2012
Blasting over two million lights years from the centre of a distant galaxy is a supersonic jet of material that looks strikingly similar to the afterburner flow of a fighter jet, except in this case the jet engine is a supermassive black hole and the jet material is moving at nearly the speed of light. (read more)
Rice agriculture accelerates global warming: More greenhouse gas per grain of rice
Posted by on October 21, 2012
More carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and rising temperatures cause rice agriculture to release more of the potent greenhouse gas methane (CH4) for each kilogram of rice it produces, new research reveals. (read more)
Energy-sensing switch discovery could have broad implications
Posted by on October 21, 2012
Biochemists have discovered a genetic sequence that can alter its host gene's activity in response to cellular energy levels. The scientists have found this particular energy-sensing switch in bacterial genes, which could make it a target for a powerful new class of antibiotics. If similar energy-sensing switches are also identified for human genes, they may be useful for treating metabolism-related… (read more)
Natural process activating brain's immune cells could point way to repairing damaged brain tissue
Posted by on October 21, 2012
The brain's key "breeder" cells, it turns out, do more than that. They secrete substances that boost the numbers and strength of critical brain-based immune cells believed to play a vital role in brain health. This finding adds a new dimension to our understanding of how resident stem cells and stem cell transplants may improve brain function. (read more)
Offsetting global warming: Targeting solar geoengineering to minimize risk and inequality
Posted by on October 21, 2012
By tailoring geoengineering efforts by region and by need, a new model promises to maximize the effectiveness of solar radiation management while mitigating its potential side effects and risks. (read more)
Turbo switch of calcium pump in biological cells discovered
Posted by on October 21, 2012
Scientists have discovered a turbo switch in the vital calcium pump in our body's cells. Researchers discovered that the on-off switch of the pump has a previously unknown third position, which switches the pump into a turbo gear. (read more)
Mississippi river diversion helped build Louisiana wetlands, geologists find
Posted by on October 21, 2012
Geologists used the occasion of the Mississippi River flood of the spring of 2011 to observe how floodwaters deposited sediment in the Mississippi Delta. Their findings offer insight into how new diversions in the Mississippi River's levees may help restore Louisiana's wetlands. (read more)
How a fish broke a law of physics
Posted by on October 21, 2012
Silvery fish such as herring, sardine and sprat are breaking a basic law of physics, according to new research. (read more)
Lack of sleep tied to teen sports injuries
Posted by on October 21, 2012
Adolescent athletes who slept eight or more hours each night were 68 percent less likely to be injured than athletes who regularly slept less, according to new research. (read more)
Fewer orthopedic surgeons accepting pediatric Medicaid patients
Posted by on October 21, 2012
Compared to six years ago, the number of orthopedic surgeons willing to see a child with a broken arm who is covered by Medicaid has dropped 39 percent, and even children with private insurance may face obstacles in getting a timely appointment, according to new research. (read more)
Off-label medications prescribed to nearly all pediatric intensive care patients
Posted by on October 21, 2012
"Off label" drugs are medications that have not been tested for safety or efficacy for a specific patient age or condition. New research found that off-label treatments were ordered for 96 percent of all pediatric patients, and 100 percent of patients ages 13-17, in the intensive care unit of an urban children's hospital. (read more)
More pediatric hospitalists using text messaging to communicate
Posted by on October 21, 2012
More pediatric hospital physicians are communicating through cell phone text messaging, rather than the traditional pager method, according to new research. (read more)
Many grandparent caregivers unaware of newer safety guidelines
Posted by on October 21, 2012
The number of grandparent caregivers continues to grow, and while these older adults may be experienced in caring for young children, many are unaware of more recent safety and other recommendations -- including those related to appropriate child sleep position, crib safety, car seat and walker use, according to new research. (read more)
Dental school, foster care agency partnership improves child health, aids student training
Posted by on October 21, 2012
A partnership between a New York City dental school and a local foster care agency has provided consistent dental care to more than 650 children, and may serve as a model for other dental school program curriculums. (read more)
Parents often need after-hours child sleep advice
Posted by on October 21, 2012
Many parents have questions about their child's sleep problems, primarily after 6 p.m. when professional assistance is not readily available, according to new research. (read more)
Academic websites offer the most reliable pediatric orthopedic information online
Posted by on October 21, 2012
A new study finds that websites provided by academic institutions offer the most reliable pediatric health information, and commercial-sponsored websites, the least. (read more)
Strong connection found between death of child and mortality of mother
Posted by on October 20, 2012
A new study uncovers the strong connection between the death of a child and the mortality of the mother, regardless of cause of death, gender of the child, marital status, family size, income or education level of the mother. (read more)
Boy in U.S. experiencing early onset of puberty
Posted by on October 20, 2012
Boys in the US are experiencing the onset of puberty six months to two years earlier than reported in previous research. (read more)
Cyberbullying only rarely the sole factor identified in teen suicides
Posted by on October 20, 2012
Cyberbullying – the use of the Internet, phones or other technologies to repeatedly harass or mistreat peers – is often linked with teen suicide in media reports. However, new research shows that the reality is more complex. Most teen suicide victims are bullied both online and in school, and many suicide victims also suffer from depression. (read more)
In vitro fertilization linked to increase risk for birth defects
Posted by on October 20, 2012
In vitro fertilization may significantly increase the risk of birth defects, particularly those of the eye, heart, reproductive organs and urinary systems, according to new research. (read more)
Coronary angioplasty improves cardiac arrest survival
Posted by on October 20, 2012
Coronary angioplasty improves survival in all patients with out of hospital cardiac arrest, according to new research. (read more)
Calling an ambulance improves heart attack survival
Posted by on October 20, 2012
Patients with chest pain symptoms who call an ambulance have quicker, more appropriate treatment and better survival according to new research. A study from Denmark shows that calling emergency services allows pre-hospital triage and transport to the most appropriate hospital, while a Turkish study reveals that only 29% of patients with chest pain went to hospital by ambulance. (read more)
Women more likely to die from myocardial infarction than men
Posted by on October 20, 2012
Women are more likely to die from a myocardial infarction than men, according to new research. The gender gap in mortality was independent of patient characteristics, revascularization delays and revascularization modalities. Women also had longer treatment delays, less aggressive treatment, more complications and longer hospital stays. (read more)
Optimal treatment duration for MRSA-related pneumonia re-evaluated
Posted by on October 20, 2012
The U.S. national practice guideline for treating MRSA-related pneumonia is seven to 21 days. A new study found that effective treatment can be done in half the time. Researchers found that 40 percent of patients were treated for eight to 13 days on a therapy of the antibiotics vancomycin or linezolid, and had the highest survival rate. (read more)
Donated human stool safely and effectively treats c. difficile infections, study suggests
Posted by on October 20, 2012
A novel therapy that uses donated human stool to treat the deadly and contagious C.diff infection is safe and highly effective, according to a new study. The healthy stool, when mixed with warm tap water and administered, helps to re-establish the normal intestinal flora in the patient’s gastrointestinal tract, researchers say. Researchers found that 43 of 49 patients recovered swiftly after treatment… (read more)
Cholera discovery could revolutionize antibiotic delivery
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Scientists have made a discovery that could help revolutionize antibiotic treatment of deadly bacteria. They have explained how Vibrio cholerae became a deadly pathogen thousands of years ago. Two genes within V. cholerae's genome make it toxic and deadly. The bacterium acquired these genes when a bacterial virus or bacteriophage called CTX-phi infected it. (read more)
Researchers explore how the brain perceives direction and location
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Neurobiologists have studied the activity of special brain cells that make possible spatial navigation -- the process by which you establish where "here" is and how you get from here to "there." (read more)
Science reveals the power of a handshake
Posted by on October 19, 2012
New neuroscience research is confirming an old adage about the power of a handshake: strangers do form a better impression of those who proffer their hand in greeting. (read more)
Daily vibration may combat prediabetes in youth
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Daily sessions of whole-body vibration may combat prediabetes in adolescents. In mice that mimic over-eating adolescents headed toward diabetes, 20 minutes of daily vibration for eight weeks restored a healthy balance of key pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators and was better than prescription drugs at reducing levels of hemoglobin A1c, the most accurate indicator of average blood glucose levels,… (read more)
Take control: Exploring how self-discipline works and how we might boost it
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Self-control helps us keep our cool, get things done, and resist the things that tempt us. Numerous studies have found evidence for the idea of self-control as a limited resource, but emerging research suggests that this model may not tell the whole story. New research explores the various mechanisms -- metabolic, cognitive, motivational, affective -- thought to underlie self-control. (read more)
Breakthrough offers new route to large-scale quantum computing
Posted by on October 19, 2012
In a key step toward creating a working quantum computer, researchers have developed a method that may allow the quick and reliable transfer of quantum information throughout a computing device. (read more)
Weight loss does not lower heart disease risk from type 2 diabetes, study suggests
Posted by on October 19, 2012
An intensive diet and exercise program resulting in weight loss does not reduce cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke in people with longstanding type 2 diabetes, according to a new study. (read more)
Pediatric studies show the flu's deadly danger, the benefits of school vaccinations
Posted by on October 19, 2012
New data shows the fatal risk that influenza poses even for children without underlying health conditions and the effectiveness of school-based vaccination programs in protecting student populations. Together, these findings support the crucial public health message that families should take the flu virus seriously every year. (read more)
Plant-based foods may offer reduced risk for aggressive prostate cancer
Posted by on October 19, 2012
A new study finds that a high intake of flavonoids, a group of compounds found in plants, may lower the risk for highly aggressive prostate cancer. (read more)
Key player in Parkinson's disease neuron loss pinpointed
Posted by on October 19, 2012
By reprogramming skin cells from Parkinson's disease patients with a known genetic mutation, researchers have identified damage to neural stem cells as a powerful player in the disease. The findings may lead to new ways to diagnose and treat the disease. (read more)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is both under and over diagnosed, study suggests
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Scientists have completed one of the largest studies on ADHD in the United States. The study shows that ADHD is both under and over diagnosed, a finding with important implications for both prevalence and treatment needs. (read more)
Astronomers uncover a surprising trend in galaxy evolution
Posted by on October 19, 2012
A comprehensive study of hundreds of galaxies observed by the Keck telescopes in Hawaii and NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has revealed an unexpected pattern of change that extends back 8 billion years, or more than half the age of the universe. (read more)
Recession drives down U.S. national park visitation
Posted by on October 19, 2012
A national recession doesn't just affect Americans' wallets. It also impacts their travel to national parks, a new study has found. Recent visitation statistics released by the US Department of Interior already noted the significant decrease in national park visitation -- dropping nearly 10 million since 1998 to 278 million visitors -- but this is the first study to link the drop to a bad economy. (read more)
Beneficial mold packaged in bioplastic
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Aflatoxins are highly toxic carcinogens produced by several species of Aspergillus fungi. But not all Aspergillus produce aflatoxin. Some, in fact, are considered beneficial. One such strain, dubbed K49, is now being recruited to battle these harmful Aspergillus relatives, preventing them from contaminating host crops like corn with the carcinogen. Scientists have now devised a new method of applying… (read more)
The art of sustainable development
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Einstein said that we can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking used when we created them. Wise words, except few people heed them when it comes to sustainable solutions for our ailing planet. Despite decades of scientific research into everything from air pollution to species extinction, individuals are slow to act because their passions are not being ignited. (read more)
Studies target high rates of HIV medication errors among hospitalized patients
Posted by on October 19, 2012
New research concludes that despite advances in electronic medical records, mistakes are still commonly made in the prescription of antiretroviral medications for hospitalized HIV-positive patients. At the same time, a trio of studies suggests however, that electronic records in combination with increased clinical education can help to greatly decrease medical errors. (read more)
Cell mechanism findings could one day be used to engineer organs
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Biologists have teamed up with mechanical engineers to conduct cell research that provides information that may one day be used to engineer organs. (read more)
Bowhead whales: Ancient DNA sheds light on Arctic whale mysteries
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Scientists have published the first range-wide genetic analysis of the bowhead whale using hundreds of samples from both modern populations and archaeological sites used by indigenous Arctic hunters thousands of years ago. (read more)
World's largest earthquake drill: JPL scientists participate in Great California ShakeOut exercises
Posted by on October 19, 2012
On Thursday, Oct. 18, at 10:18 a.m. PDT, more than 9.3 million Californians, including employees at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., "dropped, covered and held on" during the 5th annual Great California ShakeOut, the world's largest earthquake drill. The purpose of the ShakeOut is to encourage people and organizations to be prepared to survive and recover when the next big earthquake… (read more)
NASA's Kennedy Space Center supporting effort to develop satellite servicing capabilities
Posted by on October 19, 2012
With satellites playing increasingly important roles in everyday life, NASA is developing the technology to build Earth-orbiting, roving "service stations" capable of extending the life of these spacecraft. Engineers at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida are assisting the space agency's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., in developing the concept for bringing a high-technology gas pump,… (read more)
NASA C-20A completes radar study of Pacific Rim volcanoes
Posted by on October 19, 2012
NASA's Airborne Science C-20A aircraft, carrying a specialized synthetic aperture radar, recently completed a mission to study active volcanoes in Alaska, Aleutian Islands and Japan in early October. The aircraft, a modified version of the Gulfstream III business jet, made 10 flights totaling more than 50 hours during the eight-day campaign. The Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar… (read more)
Hubble sees galaxy in a spin
Posted by on October 19, 2012
NGC 3344 is a glorious spiral galaxy around half the size of the Milky Way, which lies 25 million light-years distant. We are fortunate enough to see NGC 3344 face-on, allowing us to study its structure in detail. (read more)
Mars soil sample delivered for analysis inside rover
Posted by on October 19, 2012
NASA's Mars rover Curiosity has ingested its first solid sample into an analytical instrument inside the rover, a capability at the core of the two-year mission. (read more)
How to prove a sexual addiction: Criteria for diagnosing 'hypersexual disorder' tested
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Experts have tested a proposed set of criteria to define "Hypersexual Disorder" (HD), as a new mental health condition, and found the proposed criteria to be reliable and valid. The results will influence whether HD should be included in the forthcoming revised fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders considered the "bible" of psychiatry. (read more)
Goodness, gracious, great balls of lightning!
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Australian scientists have unveiled a new theory which explains the mysterious phenomenon known as ball lightning. (read more)
Young people who go out drinking start earlier and consume more and more alcohol
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Teenagers and university students are unaware of the negative consequences of alcohol consumption or the chances of developing an addiction as a result. In addition, they start at a younger and younger age and drink more and stronger alcohol according to a new study. (read more)
Obama has better leadership skills, survey shows
Posted by on October 19, 2012
A new survey that evaluated the leadership skills of President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney has found that Obama scored significantly better than Romney in most leadership categories and in overall leadership skill. (read more)
Foster kids do equally well when adopted by gay, lesbian or heterosexual parents, study suggests
Posted by on October 19, 2012
High-risk children adopted from foster care do equally well when placed with gay, lesbian and heterosexual parents, psychologists report. (read more)
Solar power used to study elephants in Africa
Posted by on October 19, 2012
A team of elephant researchers has transformed a remote corner of southern Africa into a high-tech field camp run entirely on sunlight. The seasonal solar-powered research camp gives scientists a rare opportunity to quietly observe, videotape and photograph wild elephants at Mushara waterhole, an isolated oasis in Etosha National Park in Namibia. (read more)
Forest fires linked to high temperatures two years before
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Researchers analyzed the impact of interannual and seasonal climate variability on the fires occurred in Catalonia, Spain, last summer. The study concludes that summer fires, related to summer climate conditions, are correlated with antecedent climate conditions, especially winter and spring ones with a lag time of two years. The results suggest that precipitation and temperature conditions regulate… (read more)
Measuring women's risk of osteoporosis
Posted by on October 19, 2012
For women of mixed racial or ethnic backgrounds, a new method for measuring bone health may improve the odds of correctly diagnosing their risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. (read more)
Debate reactions measured in real time
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Researchers are measuring audience reactions to the debates live, second-by-second, using state-of-the-art technology. For the final debate, they will have people from the community participate. The research center will have 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats, a mix of men and women, watch and rate the debate performance in real time. (read more)
How the brain forms categories
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Neurobiologists have investigated how the brain is able to group external stimuli into stable categories. They found the answer in the discrete dynamics of neuronal circuits. (read more)
Presidential debates offer body language tips for job interviews
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Considering President Barack Obama and GOP nominee Mitt Romney are seeking the nation’s top job, watching Monday’s Presidential debate could be just the prep needed to ace your next job interview. While pointing fingers, interrupting and smirking are never recommended in a professional setting, job seekers can learn a lot from the candidates’ speech and body language. (read more)
Sharp rise in children admitted to hospital with throat infections since 1999
Posted by on October 19, 2012
The number of children admitted to hospital in England for acute throat infections increased by 76 per cent between 1999 and 2010, according to new research. (read more)
Deciphering the first epigenomes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Researchers have deciphered the first epigenomes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. (read more)
First micro-structure atlas of human brain completed
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Scientists have built the first atlas of white-matter microstructure in the human brain. The project’s final results have the potential to change the face of neuroscience and medicine over the coming decade. (read more)
No survival advantage with peripheral blood stem cells versus bone marrow, study suggests
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Medical researchers conducted a two-year clinical trial comparing two-year survival probabilities for patients transplanted with peripheral blood stem cells or bone marrow stem cells from unrelated donors. (read more)
Common risky behaviors of children struck by motor vehicles outlined
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Pediatricians have outlined the risky behavior of child pedestrians who are struck by cars -- including darting into the street, crossing in the middle of the block, and crossing while using an electronic device. (read more)
Few teens undergo pregnancy testing in emergency department
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Few adolescent females undergo pregnancy testing in the hospital emergency department, even when they complain of lower abdominal pain, or before they are exposed to radiation for tests or examinations, according to a new study. (read more)
Collective violence and poverty on the Mexican-US border affects child mental health
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Collective violence attributed to organized crime and poverty are adversely affecting the mental health of children living near the Texas-Mexico border, according to new research. (read more)
Fast image processing developed for industry
Posted by on October 19, 2012
The mining and steel industries, as well as the aggregates industry that produces rock and stone for construction and industry needs, were the focus end-users for new fast image analysis capabilities for measurement feedback in industry processes. Researchers have developed LTU-CUDA, a software for fast image processing based on high performance graphics cards commonly found in today’s personal… (read more)
A sharper look into the past for archaeology and climate research
Posted by on October 19, 2012
By using a new series of measurements of radiocarbon dates on seasonally laminated sediments from Lake Suigetsu in Japan, a more precise calibration of radiocarbon dating will be possible. In combination with an accurate count of the seasonal layered deposits in the lake, the study resulted in an unprecedented precision of the known 14C method with which it is now possible to date older objects of… (read more)
Evolution: New understandings of how populations change over time
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Since 1859, when Darwin’s classic work “On the Origin of Species” was published, we have known that populations change over the course of time.  The ability to adapt to changing surroundings is the basis for evolution and is crucial for animals and plants to come to terms with new environmental conditions, for example as a consequence of climate change.  Despite the obvious importance of the… (read more)
Pristine Maksimjärvensalo wilderness area remains in Republic of Karelia
Posted by on October 19, 2012
Maksimjärvensalo, situated south of the Kostamus Strict Nature Reserve, is a wilderness area unaffected by loggings, thus being an important part of the Green Belt of Fennoscandia. A proposal has been made to protect it as part of the GAP analysis development project of the protected area network in Northwest Russia. Many observations of polypores, lichens and bryophytes threatened in Finland have… (read more)
What we know and don't know about fungal meningitis outbreak
Posted by on October 18, 2012
In a new perspective piece, a physician recalls lessons learned from treating patients affected by the 2002 outbreak of Exophiala (Wangiella) dermatitidis meningitis or arthritis related to contaminated, injectable coticosteroids prepared from a compounding pharmacy. (read more)
Poetry in motion: Gemini Observatory releases image of rare polar ring galaxy
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Polar-ring galaxies are peculiar objects. Astronomers have found only a handful of them, so not much is known about their origins. Most have an early-type spiral system, called a lenticular galaxy, as the central showpiece. But NGC 660, which lies about 40 million light-years distant toward the direction of Pisces the Fishes, is the only polar-ring galaxy known with what is called a late-type lenticular… (read more)
NASA pursues atom optics to detect the imperceptible
Posted by on October 18, 2012
A pioneering technology capable of atomic-level precision is now being developed to detect what so far has remained imperceptible: gravitational waves or ripples in space-time caused by cataclysmic events including even the Big Bang itself. (read more)
The hidden burden of bovine Tuberculosis
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Up to 21 percent of herds clearing restrictions for bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) in Great Britain may be harbouring infection, according to a new study. (read more)
Low calcium diet linked to higher risk of hormone condition in women
Posted by on October 18, 2012
A low calcium diet is associated with a higher risk of developing a common hormone condition in women, known as primary hyperparathyroidism, a new study suggests. (read more)
Tissue-engineered kidneys: Researchers make important strides
Posted by on October 18, 2012
With a worldwide shortage of kidneys for patients who need kidney transplants, researchers are diligently working to find ways to engineer new kidney tissue from a patient's own cells or another source. They've come a step closer to realizing that goal with a breakthrough described in a new study. The advance could lead to more options for individuals with kidney failure, as well as better tools for… (read more)
Damage to blood vessel lining may account for kidney failure patients' heart risks
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Individuals with kidney failure often develop heart problems, but it's not clear why. A new study provides evidence that their kidneys' inability to excrete waste products in the urine, which leads to build-up of these products in the blood, may damage the sugary lining of blood vessels and lead to heart troubles. (read more)
New way to save blood from ravages of chemo treatment
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Chemotherapy kills blood cells as well as cancer cells, often with fatal results. Now stem cell researchers have identified a method they hope one day will help cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy maintain a healthy blood supply, they report. (read more)
Solar power is contagious
Posted by on October 18, 2012
People are more likely to install a solar panel on their home if their neighbors have one, according to a new study. The researchers studied clusters of solar installations throughout California from January 2001 to December 2011 and found that residents of a particular zip code are more likely to install solar panels if they already exist in that zip code and on their street. (read more)
First-of-its-kind self-assembled nanoparticle for targeted and triggered thermo-chemotherapy
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Researchers describe the design and effectiveness of a first-of-its-kind, self assembled, multi-functional, NIR responsive gold nanorods that delivers a chemotherapy drug specifically targeted to cancer cells and selectively release the drug in response to an external beam of light while creating heat for synergistic thermo-chemo mediated anti-tumor efficacy. (read more)
Bicycle infrastructure can reduce risk of cycling injuries by half, Canadian study finds
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Certain types of routes carry much lower risk of injury for cyclists, according to a new study. The study analyzed the cause of 690 cycling injuries in Vancouver and Toronto from 2008 to 2009 and various route types and infrastructure. (read more)
Living in ethnically homogenous area boosts health of minority seniors, study finds
Posted by on October 18, 2012
An African-American or Mexican-American senior living in a community where many neighbors share their background is less likely to have cancer or heart disease than their counterpart in a more mixed neighborhood, according to a new study. (read more)
Child's home address helps predict risk of readmission to hospital
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Simply knowing a child's home address and some socioeconomic data can serve as a vital sign -- helping hospitals predict which children admitted for asthma treatment are at greater risk for re-hospitalization or additional emergency room visits, according to new research. (read more)
Study succeeds in cutting inappropriate antibiotic prescribing by pediatricians
Posted by on October 18, 2012
A study involving one of the nation's largest networks of pediatric practices was able to nearly halve the inappropriate use of antibiotics through quarterly monitoring and feedback of the physicians' prescribing patterns. The research is one of the first to look at an antimicrobial stewardship intervention in the outpatient setting. (read more)
Hospital uses ‘lean’ manufacturing techniques to speed stroke care
Posted by on October 18, 2012
A hospital stroke team used auto industry “lean” manufacturing principles to accelerate treatment times, according to new research. (read more)
Stroke patients benefit from carmaker’s efficiency
Posted by on October 18, 2012
A process developed to increase efficiency and productivity in Japanese car factories has helped improve stroke treatment at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. (read more)
Possibilities, challenges, and applications of next-generation sequencing
Posted by on October 18, 2012
A report provides a detailed and compelling overview of the landscape of next generation sequencing (NGS) technology and its clinical relevance and impact on improving patient care. (read more)
Salt power: Watt's next in rechargeable batteries?
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Sodium could be an effective, inexpensive and virtually inexhaustible substitute for lithium, but it has a drawback that researchers hope to address. (read more)
Mechanisms of action for green tea extract in breast cancer prevention identified
Posted by on October 18, 2012
An oral green tea extract, Polyphenon E, appears to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor, both of which promote tumor cell growth, migration and invasion. (read more)
Blood hormone levels predicted long-term breast cancer risk for postmenopausal women
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Blood hormone tests predicted a woman's risk for developing postmenopausal breast cancer for up to 20 years, according to new research. (read more)
Team support for cessation in the workplace helped motivate cigarette smokers to quit
Posted by on October 18, 2012
When smoking co-workers in the same team are placed on a cessation program, providing financial incentives to the team collectively in return for success of the smokers in the cessation program helped the smokers to quit smoking and remain abstinent for 12 months, according to new research. (read more)
High levels of estradiol, progesterone during pregnancy associated with increased risk for HR-negative breast cancer
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Increased concentrations of the pregnancy hormones estradiol and progesterone were associated with an increased risk for hormone receptor-negative breast cancer diagnosed before age 50, according to the results of a nested case-control study. (read more)
Depression, shortened telomeres increase mortality in bladder cancer patients
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Low depressive symptoms and a longer telomere length are compelling factors that contribute to a prolonged life for bladder cancer patients, according to researchers. (read more)
Modeling feat sheds light on protein channel's function
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Chemists have managed, for the first time, to simulate the biological function of a channel called the Sec translocon, which allows specific proteins to pass through membranes. The feat required bridging timescales from the realm of nanoseconds all the way up to full minutes, exceeding the scope of earlier simulation efforts by more than six orders of magnitude. The result is a detailed molecular… (read more)
Elevated risk of blood clots in women taking birth control containing drospirenone, study shows
Posted by on October 18, 2012
New research has found an increased risk of arterial thrombotic events and venous thromboembolic events -- commonly referred to as blockage of arteries and blood clots, respectively -- associated with drospirenone-containing birth control pills compared to four low-dose estrogen combined hormonal contraceptives. (read more)
Tropical collapse in Early Triassic caused by lethal heat: Extreme temperatures blamed for 'Dead Zone'
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Scientists have discovered why the 'broken world' following the worst extinction of all time lasted so long -- it was simply too hot to survive. The end-Permian mass extinction, which occurred around 250 million years ago in the pre-dinosaur era, wiped out nearly all the world's species. Typically, a mass extinction is followed by a 'dead zone' during which new species are not seen for tens of thousands… (read more)
New technique for nanostructure assembly pioneered
Posted by on October 18, 2012
A team of researchers has developed a new technique for growing new materials from nanorods. Materials with enhanced properties engineered from nanostructures have the potential to revolutionize the marketplace in everything from data processing to human medicine. However, attempts to assemble nanoscale objects into sophisticated structures have been largely unsuccessful. This latest study represents… (read more)
Optical vortices on a chip: Integrated arrays of emitters of 'optical vortex beams' on a silicon chip
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Researchers have demonstrated integrated arrays of emitters of 'optical vortex beams' on a silicon chip. Contradicting traditional conception, light in such beams does not propagate in straight rays. Instead, its energy travels in a spiral fashion in a hollow conical beam shape. The beams therefore look very much like a vortex or cyclone, with its light rays 'twisted' either left-handed or right-handed.… (read more)
Researchers unveil 3-D structure of 'molecular machine' that initiates DNA transcription
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Scientists have determined the three-dimensional structure of the transcription initiation complex, the key intermediate in the process by which cells read out genetic information in DNA. The "molecular machine" responsible for transcription initiation -- a protein complex that consists of the enzyme RNA polymerase and the initiation factor sigma -- recognizes a specific site on DNA preceding a gene,… (read more)
'Time-capsule' Japanese lake sediment advances radiocarbon dating for older objects
Posted by on October 18, 2012
A series of radiocarbon measurements from Japan's Lake Suigetsu will give scientists a more accurate benchmark for dating materials, especially for older objects. Researchers extracted cores containing organic material from the bottom of the Japanese lake where it had lain undisturbed for tens of thousands of years. They provide a more precise way to examine radiocarbon ages of organic material for… (read more)
No antibodies, no problem: Researchers identify how mosquito immune system attacks specific infections
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Researchers have determined a new mechanism by which the mosquitoes’ immune system can respond with specificity to infections with various pathogens, including the parasite that causes malaria in humans, using one single gene. Unlike humans and other animals, insects do not make antibodies to target specific infections. (read more)
Rejection bolsters creativity: Independent individuals can benefit from exclusion
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Social rejects can be tomorrow’s innovators because being an outcast can lead to heightened creativity and even commercial success, according to researchers. (read more)
Election 2012: Will voters follow their 'gut feelings' at polls?
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Americans going to the polls generally pull the lever based on one thing: their gut feelings, says a presidential politics expert. (read more)
Technology has improved voting procedures
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Thanks to better voting technology over the last decade, the country's election process has seen much improvement, according to a new report. However, the report notes, despite this progress, some problems remain. (read more)
Germs in space: Preventing infection on long flights
Posted by on October 18, 2012
On a long spaceflight unique conditions including microgravity could give microbes the upper hand, but not if astronauts and their spacecrafts are properly prepared. Infectious disease experts have come up with specific recommendations for keeping astronauts safe in deeper space. (read more)
Norovirus outbreaks in nursing homes associated with increase in hospitalizations, risk of death
Posted by on October 18, 2012
In a study that included more than 300 Medicare-certified nursing homes, rates of hospitalization and death were substantially increased during outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis vs. non-outbreak periods. (read more)
Ultraviolet light effective in hospital infection control, study suggests
Posted by on October 18, 2012
A specific spectrum of ultraviolet light killed certain drug-resistant bacteria on the door handles, bedside tables and other surfaces of hospital rooms, suggesting a possible future weapon in the battle to reduce hospital-associated infections. (read more)
Prehistoric human populations prospered before the agricultural boom, research suggests
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Researchers have found major prehistoric human population expansions may have begun before the Neolithic period, which probably led to the introduction of agriculture. (read more)
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement observatory completes first dry run
Posted by on October 18, 2012
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory satellite went through its first complete comprehensive performance test (CPT), beginning on Oct. 4, 2012 at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. The testing ran twenty-four hours, seven days a week and lasted ten days as the entire spacecraft was put through its paces. (read more)
Reprogrammed amniotic fluid cells could treat vascular diseases
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Scientists have discovered a way to utilize diagnostic prenatal amniocentesis cells, reprogramming them into abundant and stable endothelial cells capable of regenerating damaged blood vessels and repairing injured organs. (read more)
Developed a technology that predicts metastasis in breast cancer
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Researchers have developed a diagnostic tool that identifies the metastatic ability of breast cancer cells. The analysis is based on the characterization of the lipid component of the cells, which is indicative of malignancy. (read more)
Mutation that causes skin hyperproliferation identified
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Scientists have identified a mutation in a gene that causes patches of very thick skin to appear on the palms and soles of affected people. This skin disorder is related, albeit in a much milder form, to that of the Indonesian "Tree Man", Dede Koswara. (read more)
Ozone affects forest watersheds
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Scientists have found that rising levels of ozone, a greenhouse gas, may amplify the impacts of higher temperatures and reduce streamflow from forests to rivers, streams, and other water bodies. Such effects could potentially reduce water supplies available to support forest ecosystems and people in the southeastern United States. (read more)
Cancer diagnosis does not make young people religious, research suggests
Posted by on October 18, 2012
A sociologist of religion has interviewed 21 young patients diagnosed with a life-threatening cancer about their religious beliefs. She concludes that a cancer diagnosis will not make young people, who are not religious already, turn to religion. But it can confirm already existing beliefs. (read more)
College students and credit card debt: Parents have a powerful influence on their children's financial behaviors
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Parents need to be good role models to help their children make sensible financial decisions, according to researchers whose work highlights that parents who argue about finances contribute to increasing credit card debt among their children during their student years. (read more)
Female Pulitzer Prize winners require higher qualifications, study finds
Posted by on October 18, 2012
A researcher has found that female Pulitzer Prize winners are more likely to have greater qualifications their male counterparts in order to win the coveted award. (read more)
Genes and immune system shaped by childhood poverty, stress
Posted by on October 18, 2012
New research has revealed that childhood poverty, stress as an adult, and demographics such as age, sex and ethnicity, all leave an imprint on a person's genes. And, that this imprint could play a role in our immune response. (read more)
Scientists harness immune system to prevent lymphoma relapse
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Scientists hope that lymphoma patients could benefit from a new drug that triggers the cancer-fighting properties of the body's own immune system, after highly promising early laboratory results. (read more)
Researchers elucidate transport pathway of immune system substances
Posted by on October 18, 2012
To transport substances from the site of their production to their destination, the body needs a sophisticated transport and sorting system. Various receptors in and on the cells recognize certain molecules, pack them and ensure that they are transported to the right place. One of these receptors is Sortilin. It is present in the cells of the nervous system, the liver, and the immune system. Studies… (read more)
Rethinking toxic proteins on the cellular level: Lipid droplets play an unexpected role in embryo development
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Histones are proteins needed to assemble DNA molecules into chromosomes. They have long represented a classic balancing act in biology; too few histone molecules result in DNA damage, while too many histones are toxic to the cell. New research is causing a fundamental shift in the concept of histone balance and the mechanism behind it. (read more)
Treating vascular disorders with a cell-based strategy
Posted by on October 18, 2012
A new approach for generating large numbers of circulatory system cells, known as vascular endothelial cells (VECs), from human amniotic-fluid-derived cells is reported in a new study. The strategy, which shows promise in mice, opens the door to establishing a vast inventory of VECs for promoting organ regeneration and treating diverse vascular disorders. (read more)
From the twitching whiskers of babes: Naptime behavior shapes the brain
Posted by on October 18, 2012
The whiskers of newborn rats twitch as they sleep, in a whisker equivalent of rapid-eye-movements, and that could open the door to new understandings about the intimate connections between brain and body. The discovery reinforces the notion that such involuntary movements are a vital contributor to the development of sensorimotor systems, say researchers. (read more)
Super rats are immune to conventional poisons, UK experts find
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Scientists in the United Kingdom have noticed a mounting problem of destructive "super rats" immune to conventional poison. (read more)
Value of combined approach to quitting smoking confirmed
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Smokers who try to quit would be more successful if they combined medication or nicotine-replacement therapy with behavioral counseling, finds a new review. (read more)
Breast-feeding reduced risk for ER/PR-negative breast cancer, results find
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Breast-feeding reduced the risk for estrogen receptor-negative and progesterone receptor-negative breast cancer, according to new results. (read more)
Green tea reduced inflammation, may inhibit prostate cancer tumor growth, research finds
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Men with prostate cancer who consumed green tea prior to undergoing prostatectomy had reductions in markers of inflammation, according to new data (read more)
Compound's dual action inhibited oral cancer, rat study finds
Posted by on October 18, 2012
The compound licofelone inhibited oral cancer growth by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase pathways, with no observable side effects, according to a recent rat study. (read more)
Hay fever, asthma combination linked to lower risk for death from colorectal cancer, study finds
Posted by on October 18, 2012
People with both hay fever and asthma -- but not people with only one of these two conditions -- experienced an approximately 17 percent lower risk for dying from colorectal cancer, according to new research. (read more)
Could a hurricane ever strike Southern California?
Posted by on October 18, 2012
There's an old adage (with several variations) that California has four seasons: earthquake, fire, flood and drought. While Californians happily cede the title of Hurricane Capital of America to U.S. East and Gulf coasters, every once in a while, Mother Nature sends a reminder to Southern Californians that they are not completely immune to the whims of tropical cyclones. Typically, this takes the… (read more)
Supersonic model points to fast future
Posted by on October 18, 2012
If human beings are ever to fly faster than the speed of sound from one side of the country to another, we first have to figure out how to reduce the level of sonic boom generated by supersonic flight. Earlier this fall, a subscale model of a potential future low-boom supersonic aircraft designed by The Boeing Company was installed for testing in the supersonic wind tunnel at NASA's Glenn Research… (read more)
Space Launch System providing engine 'brains' with an upgrade
Posted by on October 18, 2012
America's next heavy-lift rocket needs a strong and reliable engine to launch humans beyond low Earth orbit. That's why engineers with NASA's Space Launch System program, managed at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., will use the proven RS-25, the space shuttle's main engine during its 30-year history, to power the massive rocket's core stage. The RS-25, which was designed and developed… (read more)
Aggressive nature of meningitis cases calls for heightened awareness among clinicians
Posted by on October 18, 2012
More than 200 patients have been diagnosed with fungal meningitis following spinal epidural injections with contaminated methylprednisolone from a compounding pharmacy. In a new article, researchers provide details about the clinical care, deterioration, and ultimately the death of one of the index cases in this outbreak. (read more)
Self-confidence the secret to workplace advancement
Posted by on October 18, 2012
The old saying "fake it until you make it" might actually be sound professional advice, with new research finding self-confidence is a key determinant of workplace success. (read more)
Viruses act like 'self-packing suitcases'
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Researchers have identified a crucial stage in the lifecycle of simple viruses like polio and the common cold that could open a new front in the war on viral disease. (read more)
Criminal punishment and politics: Elected judges take tougher stance prior to elections
Posted by on October 18, 2012
The last few months leading up to an election can be a critical, political game changer. One right or one wrong move can quickly change a candidate's standing at the polls. New research suggests that judges who are elected, rather than appointed, respond to this political pressure by handing down more severe criminal sentences -- as much as 10 percent longer -- in the last three months before an election… (read more)
Ongoing disparities in breastfeeding highlighted at fourth annual summit on breastfeeding
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Despite efforts to reduce disparities in breastfeeding, only 44% of African-American women report that they breastfeed compared with 66 and 68% of Hispanic and white women, respectively. According to UNICEF, there is a 14-fold difference in survival rates in the first 6 months, in developing countries, between children who have been breastfed exclusively and non-breastfed children. These disparities… (read more)
Manufacturing complex 3-D metallic structures at nanoscale made possible
Posted by on October 18, 2012
The fabrication of many objects, machines, and devices around us rely on the controlled deformation of metals by industrial processes such as bending, shearing, and stamping. Is this technology transferrable to nanoscale? Can we build similarly complex devices and machines with very small dimensions? Scientists in Finland and the U.S. have just demonstrated this to be possible. By combining ion processing… (read more)
Avoiding future stock market crashes: 'Diversification effect' that protects portfolio of shares disappears during general slump
Posted by on October 18, 2012
A 72-year study of the Dow Jones could help avoid the kind of stock market crash that struck the world economy in 2008. New research reveals that the 'diversification effect' that protects a portfolio of shares through the vagaries of the stock market disappears when there is a general slump in the market. (read more)
World's largest subwoofer: Earthquakes 'pump' ground to produce infrasound
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Earthquakes sway buildings, buckle terrain, and rumble -- both audibly and in infrasound, frequencies below the threshold of human hearing. New computer modeling by a team of researchers indicates that most of the low-frequency infrasound comes from an unexpected source: the actual "pumping" of Earth's surface. The researchers confirmed their models by studying data from an actual earthquake. (read more)
Taking the bite out of baseball bats
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Miss hitting the "sweet spot" on a baseball bat and the resulting vibrations can zing your hands. Bat companies have tried for decades to reduce these painful shocks with limited success. But acoustics researcher Daniel Russell has figured out that bat vibrations between 600 and 700 hertz (Hz) cause the most pain and that specifically tuned vibration absorbers are the best at combating the sting. (read more)
Short booms still annoying: How mid-level noise bursts affect concentration of arithmetic-solving test subjects
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Noise can be distracting, especially to a person trying to concentrate on a difficult task. Studying annoying noises helps architects design better building environments and policy makers choose effective noise regulations. To better understand how short noise bursts affect humans' mental state, researchers played quarter-second-long white noise clips to test subjects as they worked on arithmetic… (read more)
Dinosaur-era acoustics: Global warming may give oceans the 'sound' of the Cretaceous
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Global temperatures directly affect the acidity of the ocean, which in turn changes the acoustical properties of sea water. New research suggests that global warming may give Earth’s oceans the same hi-fi sound qualities they had more than 100 million years ago, during the Age of the Dinosaurs. (read more)
Helmet-to-helmet collisions: Scientists model how vibrations from football hits wobble the brain
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Hard collisions can lead to player concussions, but the physics of how the impact of a helmet hit transfers to the brain are not well understood. A research team has created a simplified experimental model of the brain and skull inside a helmet during a helmet-to-helmet collision. (read more)
Decreased gene activity is likely involved in childhood risk for anxiety and depression
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Decreased activity of a group of genes may explain why in young children the "fear center" of the anxious brain can't learn to distinguish real threats from the imaginary, according to a new study. (read more)
New drug to target and destroy tumor cells developed: Minnelide gives new hope for treating pancreatic cancer
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Researchers have developed new drug to target tumor cells in pancreatic cancer. The study is based on successful outcomes in a mouse model -- results researchers expect to carry over to human patients when the drug potentially begins human trials in 2013. The drug, Minnelide, is a type of injectable chemotherapy designed to target tumor cells. The drug works by inhibiting a heat shock protein, HSP… (read more)
Non-infected babies born to HIV mothers have reduced immunity to measles
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Non-infected babies born to HIV positive mothers should be vaccinated early against measles, to avoid them acquiring the virus or passing it on to others, according to researchers. A new study finds that even if babies are born without HIV, their maternally derived protection against measles may be impaired by their mother's positive HIV status. (read more)
Research targets Native American organ donation
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Americans have a 1 in 10 chance of suffering from kidney disease, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For Native Americans, the risk doubles. More than 112,000 people are on the organ transplant list, and a disproportionate number of those are Native Americans. With a grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Disparities, researchers hope to… (read more)
Device to help stutterers: Interdisciplinary team developing prosthetic as part of a complete treatment program
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Researchers have created a patent-pending device that could change the lives of people who stutter. (read more)
New target for treating diabetic kidney disease, the leading cause of kidney failure
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Researchers have discovered a new therapeutic target for diabetic nephropathy, the leading cause of kidney failure. The findings could help protect the kidney health of individuals with diabetes. (read more)
Fishery collapse near Venezuela linked to climate change
Posted by on October 18, 2012
Even small increases in temperature from global warming are causing climatology shifts harmful to ocean life, a new study shows. Modest changes in temperature have significantly altered trade wind intensity in the southern Caribbean, undercutting the supply of key phytoplankton food sources and causing the collapse of some fisheries there. (read more)
Men, women have different stress reactions to relationship conflict
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Men and women who are expectant parents have different stress reactions to relationship conflict, according to researchers, who studied couples expecting their first child. In addition, recovery from the initial reaction to conflict also can be different for men and women, depending on individual difficulties, such as anxiety, or relationship difficulties, such as chronic relationship conflict. (read more)
For collegians with disabilities, success linked to mentoring, self-advocacy
Posted by on October 17, 2012
A new study of recent New Jersey college and university graduates with disabilities has found that students attributed their academic success to a combination of possessing such strong personality traits as self-advocacy and perseverance, and their relationship with a faculty or staff mentor. (read more)
Male politicians have 'bigger heads' in more gender-equal cultures
Posted by on October 17, 2012
When it comes to analyzing gender stereotypes in the media, studies have shown that photographs of men focus on male faces while photographs of women are more focused on women's bodies. A recent study finds that this type of "face-ism" is even more extreme in cultures with less educational, professional, and political gender discrimination. (read more)
Mayfly with springtail hitchhiker: Amber specimen -- 16 million years old -- reveals unknown animal behaviors
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Stunning images from a CT scan of amber have revealed the first evidence of any creature using an adult mayfly for transport. Researchers say this 16-million-year-old hitchhiker most likely demonstrates activity that is taking place today but has never previously been recorded. (read more)
Association between rare neuromuscular disorder and loss of smell identified
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Changes in the ability to smell and taste can be caused by a simple cold or upper respiratory tract infection, but they may also be among the first signs of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. New research has revealed an association between an impaired sense of smell and myasthenia gravis, a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease. (read more)
Crows don't digest prions, may transport them to other locations
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Crows fed on prion-infected brains from mice can transmit these infectious agents in their feces and may play a role in the geographic spread of diseases caused by prions, such as chronic wasting disease or scrapie. (read more)
Children with autism can identify misbehavior but have trouble putting it in words, study finds
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Children with autism have difficulty identifying inappropriate social behavior, and even when successful, they are often unable to justify why the behavior seemed inappropriate. New brain imaging studies show that children with autism may recognize socially inappropriate behavior, but have difficulty using spoken language to explain why the behavior is considered inappropriate, according to new research. (read more)
Impact of autism may be different in men and women
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Men and women with autism spectrum conditions may show subtle but significant differences in the cognitive functions impacted by the condition, according to new research. (read more)
Dolphins can remain alert for up to 15 days at a time with no sign of fatigue
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Dolphins sleep with only one half of their brains at a time, and according to new research, this trait allows them to stay constantly alert for at least 15 days in a row. (read more)
Physical activity shown to help young and elderly alike with lower-leg coordination
Posted by on October 17, 2012
A new study that examined the effect of age and physical activity on lower leg muscle reflexes and coordination concluded that participation in physical activity was beneficial for lower leg muscle coordination across both sides of the body in both young and older study participants. Lower limb muscle communication is essential for everyday tasks, such as walking, balancing, and climbing stairs. (read more)
Steps in the right direction for conservation
Posted by on October 17, 2012
As the climate changes, conservationists are divided over the most effective way to preserve animal and plant diversity because they cannot simply preserve the status quo. Ensuring species can shift to track the climate to which they are suited is a complex problem, especially when there are competing demands on land use. A simple prediction is that more habitat would help species to shift, but it… (read more)
Potential new drug therapy for Crohn's disease
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Ustekinumab, an antibody proven to treat the skin condition psoriasis, has now shown positive results in decreasing the debilitating effects of Crohn’s Disease, according to new research. (read more)
Leading bone marrow transplant expert recommends significant change to current practice
Posted by on October 17, 2012
One of the world’s leading bone marrow transplant experts is recommending a significant change to current transplant practice for patients who need marrow or adult stem cells from an unrelated donor to treat hematologic malignancies. (read more)
It’s about time: Research tracks how campaign information plays, stays in voters' minds
Posted by on October 17, 2012
The findings suggest that in a tightly controlled information environment, issue-related information about a candidate was supplanted quickly from voters’ minds by new data. (read more)
Elevated indoor carbon dioxide impairs decision-making performance
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Overturning decades of conventional wisdom, researchers have found that moderately high indoor concentrations of carbon dioxide can significantly impair people's decision-making performance. The results were unexpected and may have particular implications for schools and other spaces with high occupant density. (read more)
Study confirms magnetic properties of silicon nano-ribbons
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Nano-ribbons of silicon configured so the atoms resemble chicken wire could hold the key to ultrahigh density data storage and information processing systems of the future, according to new research. (read more)
Antidepressants linked to increased risk of stroke, but risk is low, study finds
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Research shows that use of popular antidepressants is linked to an increased risk of some strokes caused by bleeding in the brain, but that the risk is low, according to a multi-study analysis. (read more)
Giant impact scenario may explain the unusual moons of Saturn
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Among the oddities of the outer solar system are the middle-sized moons of Saturn, a half-dozen icy bodies dwarfed by Saturn's massive moon Titan. According to a new model for the origin of the Saturn system, these middle-sized moons were spawned during giant impacts in which several major satellites merged to form Titan. (read more)
Nearly four out of ten lesbians not routinely screened for cervical cancer, U.S. study finds
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Nearly 38% of lesbians polled in a national U.S. survey were not routinely screened for cervical cancer, putting them at risk of developing a highly preventable cancer, according to a new study. Cervical cancer is caused by a sexually transmitted virus, the human papillomavirus, and can be detected through regular Pap smears. (read more)
Bloodstream infections cut by 44 percent in sickest hospital patients, study concludes
Posted by on October 17, 2012
A sweeping study on the issue of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals shows that using antimicrobial soap and ointment on all intensive-care patients significantly decreases bloodstream infection. (read more)
Keck observations bring weather of Uranus into sharp focus
Posted by on October 17, 2012
In 1986, when Voyager swept past Uranus, the probe’s portraits of the planet were “notoriously bland,” disappointing scientists, yielding few new details of the planet and its atmosphere, and giving it a reputation as a bore of the solar system. (read more)
New class of power inverter could mean cheaper, faster hybrid vehicles
Posted by on October 17, 2012
The discovery of a new class of power inverter could mean cheaper, faster hybrid vehicles and other green products. Scientists have invented a power inverter that employs just a single switching transistor and generates infinite-level voltages. (read more)
Overeating impairs brain insulin function, a mechanism that can lead to diabetes and obesity
Posted by on October 17, 2012
New research sheds light on how overeating can cause a malfunction in brain insulin signaling, and lead to obesity and diabetes. Researchers found that overeating impairs the ability of brain insulin to suppress the breakdown of fat in adipose tissue. (read more)
Adhering to lifestyle guidelines reduced mortality in elderly female cancer survivors
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight, staying physically active and maintaining a healthy diet improved survival after cancer diagnosis in an elderly female cancer survivor population, according to new data. (read more)
Two components of red meat combined with alteration in DNA repair increase risk for bladder cancer
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Two components of red meat -- dietary protein and dietary iron -- may combine to form powerful carcinogens, N-nitroso compounds, which increase risk for bladder cancer. Moreover, individuals with reduced ability to reverse the effects of N-nitroso compounds because of a genetic variation in their RAD52 gene could be at particularly high risk. (read more)
Depression and shortened telomeres increased bladder cancer mortality
Posted by on October 17, 2012
The combination of shortened telomeres, a biological marker of aging associated with cancer development, and elevated depression significantly impacted bladder cancer mortality, according to new data. (read more)
Keck observations reveal complex face of Uranus
Posted by on October 17, 2012
The planet Uranus, known since Voyager's 1986 flyby as a bland, featureless blue-green orb, is beginning to show its face. By using a new technique with the telescopes of the Keck Observatory, astronomers have created the most richly detailed, highest-resolution images ever taken of the giant ice planet in the near infrared, revealing an incredible array of atmospheric detail and more complex weather. (read more)
Jupiter: Turmoil from below, battering from above
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Jupiter, the mythical god of sky and thunder, would certainly be pleased at all the changes afoot at his namesake planet. As the planet gets peppered continually with small space rocks, wide belts of the atmosphere are changing color, hotspots are vanishing and reappearing, and clouds are gathering over one part of Jupiter, while dissipating over another. (read more)
European-wide network for systematic GMO impact assessment
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Researchers have proposed a framework for a European-wide network for systematic GMO impact assessment. The network aims at improving the regulatory system by enhancing and harmonizing the environmental risk assessment process and post-market environmental monitoring of GM crops in the EU. (read more)
New fruit fly model of epilepsy reveals mechanisms behind fever-induced seizures
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Researchers have created a new fruit fly model of inherited epilepsy that's providing insights into the mechanisms underlying temperature-dependent seizures while establishing a platform from which to develop therapies for these disorders. (read more)
Why are U.S. Eastern seaboard salt marshes falling apart?
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Salt marshes have been disintegrating and dying over the past two decades along the U.S. Eastern seaboard and other highly developed coastlines, without anyone fully understanding why. Scientists now report that nutrients -- such as nitrogen and phosphorus from septic and sewer systems and lawn fertilizers -- can cause salt-marsh loss. (read more)
Mathematics and the ocean: Movement, mixing and climate modeling
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Mathematicians have described mathematical ideas from dynamical systems along with numerical modeling and experimental observations to analyze mixing in the ocean. (read more)
Leaves of carob tree, source of chocolate substitute, fight food-poisoning bacteria
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Leaves of the plant that yields carob -- the substitute for chocolate that some consider healthier than chocolate -- are a rich source of antibacterial substances ideal for fighting the microbe responsible for listeriosis, a serious form of food poisoning, according to a new report. (read more)
New malaria drug requires just one dose and appears twice as effective as existing regimen
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Scientists are reporting development of a new malaria drug that, in laboratory tests, has been twice as effective as the best current medicine against this global scourge and may fight off the disease with one dose, instead of the multiple doses that people often fail to take. (read more)
Epigenetic analysis of stomach cancer finds new disease subtypes
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Researchers have identified numerous new subtypes of gastric cancer that are triggered by environmental factors. (read more)
New model reconciles the Moon's Earth-like composition with the giant impact theory of formation
Posted by on October 17, 2012
The giant impact believed to have formed the Earth-Moon system has long been accepted as canon. However, a major challenge to the theory has been that the Earth and Moon have identical oxygen isotope compositions, even though earlier impact models indicated they should differ substantially. A new model accounts for this similarity in composition while also yielding an appropriate mass for Earth and… (read more)
Do lefties, righties benefit differently from power nap? At 'rest,' brain's right hemisphere 'talks' more than left hemisphere does
Posted by on October 17, 2012
This study supports the benefits of a power nap. At rest, the right hemisphere talks more to itself and to the left hemisphere than the left hemisphere communicates -- whether the subject is right or left handed. Researchers explain that the brain could be doing housecleaning, classifying data, or consolidating memories, which could explain the power of napping. But could a power nap benefit righties… (read more)
Student engineers design, build, fly 'printed' airplane
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Two mechanical engineering students have built and flown a plastic airplane using 3-D printing technology. (read more)
Developing the next generation of microsensors: Microscale optical accelerometer created
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Setting the stage for a new class of motional sensors, researchers have developed a new ultrasensitive, microchip-scale accelerometer that uses laser light to measure displacement. Beyond consumer electronics, such sensors could help with oil and gas exploration deep within Earth, could improve the stabilization systems of fighter jets, and could even be used in some biomedical applications where… (read more)
New advance could help soldiers, athletes, others rebound from traumatic brain injuries
Posted by on October 17, 2012
A potential treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI), which affects thousands of soldiers, auto accident victims, athletes and others each year, has shown promise in laboratory research, scientists are reporting. TBI can occur in individuals who experience a violent blow to the head, a gunshot injury or exposure to an explosion. TBI currently cannot be treated and may result in permanent brain damage… (read more)
Infertility: How can ovulation function be restored?
Posted by on October 17, 2012
It is well known that breast feeding increases the secretion of the prolactin hormone and inhibits ovulation in women. This prevents the onset of a new pregnancy too soon, and so breast feeding was used in the past as a method of contraception. In addition to this physiological condition, there are many other pathological conditions in which the production of prolactin is increased. Thanks to new… (read more)
Cosmic rays could assist in healing Fukushima's nuclear scar
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Researchers from Los Alamos National Laboratory have devised a method to use cosmic rays to gather detailed information from inside the damaged cores of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactors, which were heavily damaged in March 2011 by a tsunami that followed a great earthquake. (read more)
Pathology of Huntington's disease identified
Posted by on October 17, 2012
A new study provides novel insight into the impact that Huntington's disease has on the brain. (read more)
Does true love wait? Age of first sexual experience predicts romantic outcomes in adulthood
Posted by on October 17, 2012
It's a common lament among parents: Kids are growing up too fast these days. Parents worry about their kids getting involved in all kinds of risky behavior, but they worry especially about their kids' forays into sexual relationships. A new study examines whether timing of sexual initiation in adolescence predicts romantic outcomes -- such as whether people get married or live with their partners,… (read more)
Calcium reveals connections between neurons
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Neuroscientists have developed a way to monitor how brain cells coordinate with each other to control specific behaviors, such as initiating movement or detecting an odor. (read more)
Barley genome could hold key to better beer
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Scientists have published a high resolution draft of the barley genome. The research will help to produce new and better barley varieties that are vital for the beer and whisky industries. (read more)
Massive planetary collision may have zapped key elements from moon
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Fresh examinations of lunar rocks gathered by Apollo astronauts have yielded new insights about the moon's chemical makeup as well as clues about the giant impacts that may have shaped the early beginnings of Earth and the moon. James Day of Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego and colleagues used advanced instrumentation to reveal new findings about elements known as volatiles, which… (read more)
Negative impact of nutrients on coastal ecosystems: Environment begins 'falling apart' in less than 7 years
Posted by on October 17, 2012
The impact of nutrient enrichment on salt marsh ecosystems is marsh loss and that such loss is seen much faster than previously thought, new research shows. (read more)
Evolutionary origins of our pretty smile
Posted by on October 17, 2012
It takes both teeth and jaws to make a pretty smile, but the evolutionary origins of these parts of our anatomy have only just been discovered, thanks to a particle accelerator and a long dead fish. (read more)
Bus service for qubits: Spin-orbit qubits are right at home in electrical circuits
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Superconducting circuit technology meets semiconductor qubit technology to afford a means of moving quantum information from one place to another in future quantum computers. (read more)
Moon was created in giant smashup; Vaporization of impactor left signature in tiny excess of heavier form of zinc
Posted by on October 17, 2012
It's a big claim, but scientists say they have discovered evidence that the Moon was born in a flaming blaze of glory when a body the size of Mars collided with the early Earth. The evidence might not seem all that impressive to a nonscientist: a tiny excess of a heavier variant of the element zinc in Moon rocks. But the enrichment probably arose because heavier zinc atoms condensed out of the roiling… (read more)
Breech births cause more problems for moms and babies when water breaks early
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Breech births increase the risk of complications for the mother and baby when the amniotic sac ruptures early. (read more)
Choosing the right mango for the right product
Posted by on October 17, 2012
With over a thousand different varieties of mangoes to choose from, selecting the right variety for mango products can be a daunting task. A new study explores the impact that processing has on the flavor and texture of mango varieties. Findings suggest that processing plays an important role in determining the flavor and texture of the final product. (read more)
Gluten and lactose-free ingredient substitute found for low-fat white sauces
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Consumers are increasingly demanding the development of ready-to-eat gluten and lactose-free food products that meet their needs and help improve their health. A recent study shows how new white sauce formulations are being created to meet these demands. (read more)
Plant-based diets can remedy chronic diseases
Posted by on October 17, 2012
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 63 percent of the deaths that occurred in 2008 were attributed to non-communicable chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, Type 2 diabetes and obesity—for which poor diets are contributing factors. Yet people that live in societies that eat healthy, plant-based diets rarely fall victim to these ailments. Research studies… (read more)
Study evaluates treating mothers with ADHD to improve outcomes in kids
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Researchers are conducting a study to determine if treating mothers with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder -- either with medication or parent training -- will help children at risk for ADHD. (read more)
Doing nothing might be best management decision for forests destroyed by wind or ice
Posted by on October 17, 2012
In newscasts after intense wind and ice storms, damaged trees stand out: snapped limbs, uprooted trunks, entire forests blown nearly flat. In a storm's wake, landowners, municipalities and state agencies are faced with important financial and environmental decisions. New research yields a surprising result: when it comes to the health of forests, native plants and wildlife, the best management decision… (read more)
New technique for sorting live cells may expedite biomedical research
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Researchers have developed a new technique that uses sound waves to rapidly separate selected collections of cells for use in biomedical research. (read more)
World science academies release report to promote research integrity
Posted by on October 17, 2012
To encourage researchers around the world to adhere to universal science values and ethical behavior, a new report on responsible science has been issued. (read more)
Beyond Bieber: Twitter improves student learning
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Twitter, best known as the 140-character social-networking site where Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga chit-chat with fans, has become a new literary format that is improving student learning, a new study argues. (read more)
New cobalt-graphene catalyst could challenge platinum for use in fuel cells
Posted by on October 17, 2012
There's a new contender in the race to find an inexpensive alternative to platinum catalysts for use in hydrogen fuel cells. Chemists have developed a new material -- a graphene sheet covered by cobalt and cobalt-oxide nanoparticles -- that can catalyze the oxygen reduction reaction nearly as well as platinum does and is substantially more durable. (read more)
Searching for a silver bullet: Measuring biodiversity to inform species conservation
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Ecologists have found that evolutionary diversity can be an effective method for identifying hotspots of mammal biodiversity. They report that evolutionary diversity can be an effective proxy for both the sheer number of species as well as their characteristics and ecological roles. Their findings could help conservation organizations better protect threatened species across the globe. (read more)
Process controlling night vision clarifled
Posted by on October 17, 2012
On the road at night or on a tennis court at dusk, the eye can be deceived. Vision is not as sharp as in the light of day, and detecting a bicyclist on the road or a careening tennis ball can be tough. New research reveals the key chemical process that corrects for potential visual errors in low-light conditions. Understanding this fundamental step could lead to new treatments for visual deficits,… (read more)
Discovery of two opposite ways humans voluntarily forget unwanted memories
Posted by on October 17, 2012
If only there were a way to forget that humiliating faux pas at last night's dinner party. It turns out there's not one, but two opposite ways in which the brain allows us to voluntarily forget unwanted memories, according to a new study. The findings may explain how individuals can cope with undesirable experiences and could lead to the development of treatments to improve disorders of memory control. (read more)
Novel chewing gum formulation helps prevent motion sickness
Posted by on October 17, 2012
A new prototype for medicated chewing gum has been developed for motion sickness that may offer many advantages over conventional oral solid dosage forms. About 33 percent of people are susceptible to motion sickness in mild circumstances and 66 percent are affected in more severe conditions. (read more)
Vegetable-derived compound effective in treating triple-negative breast cancer, research suggests
Posted by on October 17, 2012
A new compound created from a rich source in vegetables including broccoli and brussel sprouts has been developed to combat triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). TNBC is one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer; it grows faster, spreads to other parts of the body earlier, is harder to detect on a mammogram and recurs more often. (read more)
Multivitamin use among middle-aged, older men results in modest reduction in cancer, study finds
Posted by on October 17, 2012
In a randomized trial that included nearly 15,000 male physicians, long-term daily multivitamin use resulted in a modest but statistically significant reduction in cancer after more than a decade of treatment and follow-up. (read more)
Daily multivitamins reduce risk of cancer in men: Study is first to examine long-term affect of multivitamins on major chronic disease
Posted by on October 17, 2012
A daily multivitamin can help a man reduce his risk of cancer, according to new research from Brigham and Women's Hospital. The first-of-its kind study will be presented Oct. 17 at the 11th Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research and published online the same day in the Journal of the American Medical Association. (read more)
Daily multivitamin use reduced cancer occurrence in men
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Daily use of a common multivitamin reduced the risk for total cancer occurrence in a population of men followed for more than a decade, according to new data. (read more)
Are young people who join social media protests more likely to protest offline too?
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Among adults who use social media such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and blogs for political purposes, 42% are under the age of 30. A case study of the controversial Budget Repair Bill in Wisconsin explored whether young adults who use social media are more likely to engage in offline protests. (read more)
Use of anti-psychotic drugs by people with dementia 'under reported'
Posted by on October 17, 2012
The scale of the challenge to reduce the use of anti-psychotic drugs by people with dementia may be under-estimated.  There is a key public health challenge to reduce the prescribing of anti-psychotic drugs to people with dementia as they are thought to be associated with up to 1,800 deaths a year. (read more)
Increased flavonoid intake reduced risk for aggressive prostate cancer
Posted by on October 17, 2012
A high total intake of flavonoids, a group of compounds found in plants, was inversely associated with the risk for highly aggressive prostate cancer, according to new data. (read more)
Epigenetic difference in twins explains different risk of breast cancer
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Researchers have identified an epigenetic change in a twin who will develop breast cancer but not in her healthy sister. (read more)
Military safety is blowing in the wind
Posted by on October 17, 2012
A command doctrine used by the US military and NATO designed to warn personnel of Nuclear, Chemical and Biological hazards could be overly conservative and degrade war fighting effectiveness or, under certain conditions, risk lives because it is susceptible to changes in wind direction and speed. (read more)
Too late to stop global warming by cutting emissions? Scientists argue for adaption policies
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Governments and institutions should focus on developing adaption policies to address and mitigate against the negative impact of global warming, rather than putting the emphasis on carbon trading and capping greenhouse-gas emissions, argue two geoscientists in a new article. (read more)
Extreme 'housework' cuts the life span of female Komodo dragons
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Researchers have found that female Komodo dragons live half as long as males on average, seemingly due to their physically demanding "housework" such as building huge nests and guarding eggs for up to six months. (read more)
Doctors who go digital provide higher quality healthcare: Study says electronic health records help physicians provide better care
Posted by on October 17, 2012
The use of electronic health records is linked to significantly higher quality care, according to a new study. Electronic health records (EHRs) have become a priority in the US, with federal incentives for 'meaningful' use of EHRs. Meaningful use entails tracking and improving specific patient outcomes, as well as gathering and storing information. (read more)
Even professional scientists are compelled to see purpose in nature, psychologists find
Posted by on October 17, 2012
A team of psychology researchers has found that, despite years of scientific training, even professional chemists, geologists, and physicists from major universities such as Harvard, MIT, and Yale cannot escape a deep-seated belief that natural phenomena exist for a purpose. (read more)
Researchers study 'ACT TIL' approach to treating metastatic melanoma
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Researchers have carried out a clinical trial in which patients with metastatic melanoma were given chemotherapy and an immunotherapy of adoptive cell transfer (ACT) with tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). Tumor tissues were surgically removed from patients, minced and grown in culture. The treatment combined chemotherapy, then ACT with TIL, followed by interleukin-2 (IL-2). The combination therapy… (read more)
Overcoming memories that trigger cocaine relapse
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Researchers have identified mechanisms in the brain responsible for regulating cocaine-seeking behavior, providing an avenue for drug development that could greatly reduce the high relapse rate in cocaine addiction. (read more)
New insights into how genetic differences influence breast cancer risk from low-dose radiation
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Scientists have identified tissue mechanisms that may influence a woman's susceptibility or resistance to breast cancer after exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation, such as the levels used in full-body CT scans and radiotherapy. (read more)
Children with ADHD find medication frees them to choose between right and wrong, study suggests
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Children living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder tend to feel that they benefit from medication to treat the condition and do not feel that the medication turns them into "robots", according to a new report. In fact, they report feeling that medication helps them to control their behavior and make better decisions. The study, which gives a voice to the children themselves, provides valuable… (read more)
Efforts to establish exercise as a vital sign prove valid, experts say
Posted by on October 17, 2012
A new electronic Exercise Vital Sign initiative to systematically record patients' physical activity in their electronic health records has been developed. The new feature is successfully compiling accurate and valuable information that can help clinicians better treat and counsel patients about their lifestyles, according to a new study. (read more)
Study questions feasibility of entire genome sequencing in minutes
Posted by on October 17, 2012
The claim that nanopore technology is on the verge of making DNA analysis so fast and cheap that a person's entire genome could be sequenced in just minutes and at a fraction of the cost of available commercial methods, has resulted in overwhelming academic, industrial, and global interest. But a new review on nanopore sequencing, questions whether the remaining technical hurdles can be overcome to… (read more)
One million UK jobs depend on physics: Report
Posted by on October 17, 2012
A new report from the Institute of Physics (IOP) shows that four percent of employees in the United Kingdom work in companies that would not exist without the physics base, or without employees that have an advanced understanding of physics. (read more)
'Internet of Things' will transform our everyday life, experts say
Posted by on October 17, 2012
The next ICT revolution will have a profound impact on our lives and the economy. Ubiquitous computing and the Internet of Things are experiencing remarkable growth. The effects are becoming more and more apparent wherever you look: in housing, transport, health care, and retail, as well as the security and energy industries. (read more)
Active surveillance provides a viable alternative to surgery for small kidney masses, study suggests
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Active surveillance of small kidney masses is a safe and effective alternative to immediate surgery, with similar overall and cancer specific survival rates, according to a new study. (read more)
This is your brain on food: Studies reveal how diet affects brain functions
Posted by on October 17, 2012
New studies explore the neurological component of dietary disorders, uncovering evidence that the brain's biological mechanisms may contribute to significant public health challenges -- obesity, diabetes, binge eating, and the allure of the high-calorie meal. (read more)
Overpasses to provide safe passage for thousands of deer and antelope
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Scientists have announced the successful use of newly constructed overpasses that provide safe passage for thousands of migrating pronghorn over U.S. Highway 191 in Trapper’s Point, Wyoming, and surrounding areas. The event marks a new era of reduced risk of wildlife/vehicular collisions in the area, and the culmination of years of cooperation among conservationists, government officials, land and… (read more)
Scientists to research robots of the future
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Inspired by squishy, flexible creatures like the common caterpillar, researchers will develop soft-bodied robots that will be continuously deformable and capable of crumpling into small volumes. They will have capabilities that are not currently available in conventional robots. (read more)
Religious affiliation and residence in Muslim-majority nations influence sexual behavior, study finds
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Hindus and Muslims are less likely than Christians and Jews to have premarital sex, and Muslims are the least likely among people of these religious groups to have extramarital sex, according to a new study that analyzed data on premarital and extramarital sexual behaviors in over 30 developing countries around the world. (read more)
Shark social networking: Shark migrations studied with underwater robot along Delmarva Peninsula
Posted by on October 17, 2012
Researchers are using an underwater robot to find and follow sand tiger sharks that they previously tagged with transmitters. The innovative project aims to better understand the behavior and migration patterns of the sharks in real time. (read more)
Don’t get tricked into over-indulging in holiday treats: Weight loss expert says managing Halloween festivities sets the tone for the holiday season
Posted by on October 17, 2012
'Tis the season for ghouls and ghosts, witches and skeletons, and the bane that arrives around fall to haunt our scales and waist lines: the holiday creep. "How you manage this holiday really sets the tone for how you will handle the rest of the season," researchers say. (read more)
Multiple sclerosis: Using the eye as a 'window into the brain'
Posted by on October 17, 2012
An inexpensive, five-minute eye scan can accurately assess the amount of brain damage in people with the debilitating autoimmune disorder multiple sclerosis (MS), and offer clues about how quickly the disease is progressing, according to new results. (read more)
New study aims to predict risk of cancer
Posted by on October 16, 2012
New research in the United Kingdom aims to develop a way of predicting who is more at risk of getting cancer. (read more)
Clinical trials: Around half of new treatments perform better than existing treatments, review finds
Posted by on October 16, 2012
On average, new treatments perform better in clinical trials only slightly more often than existing treatments, according to a new systematic review published in the Cochrane Library. The fact that experimental treatments are not more effective may seem disappointing, but the authors of the review say their findings satisfy an important ethical requirement for clinical trials. (read more)
Cranberry juice now unlikely to prevent cystitis, review finds
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Cranberry juice is unlikely to prevent bladder and kidney infections, according to an updated systematic review published in the Cochrane Library. The authors analysed the most up-to-date evidence and concluded that any benefit, if present at all, is likely to be small and only for women with recurrent UTI. (read more)
No benefit from routine health checks, review finds
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Carrying out general health checks does not reduce deaths overall or from serious diseases like cancer and heart disease, according to Cochrane researchers. The researchers, who carried out a systematic review on the subject for the Cochrane Library, warn against offering general health checks as part of a public health program. (read more)
Extinction from global warming: Changing interactions between species may be more dangerous than high temperatures alone
Posted by on October 16, 2012
A new study reviewed 136 case studies to determine the underlying causes of why many populations have gone extinct due to changing climate. According to the authors, extinctions of plant and animal populations from human-related climate change are already widespread, but the causes of these extinctions are very poorly understood. Contrary to expectations given global warming, the results of the study… (read more)
Drugs used to immobilize patients during surgery raise risk of respiratory complications, study finds
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Researchers have found that medications currently used to immobilize patients during surgery can increase the risk of postoperative respiratory complications. Their study also found that the agent most commonly used to reverse the action of the immobilizing drug does not prevent and may possibly increase the risk that patients will need to receive postoperative respiratory support. (read more)
Space Launch System umbilical arm ready for testing
Posted by on October 16, 2012
System installation and integration of a test umbilical arm recently was completed at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Components of this arm eventually will be mounted on the new mobile launcher tower to support vital functions on the space agency's Space Launch System, or SLS, an advanced heavy-lift rocket that will provide the capability for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit. (read more)
What's baking on Saturn's moon Titan?
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Radar images from NASA's Cassini spacecraft reveal some new curiosities on the surface of Saturn's mysterious moon Titan, including a nearly circular feature that resembles a giant hot cross bun and shorelines of ancient seas. (read more)
Space station investigation to test fresh food experience
Posted by on October 16, 2012
With all the prepackaged gardening kits on the market, an exceptionally green thumb isn't necessary to grow your own tasty fresh vegetables here on Earth. The same may hold true for U.S. astronauts living and working aboard the International Space Station when they receive a newly developed Vegetable Production System, called VEGGIE for short, set to launch aboard SpaceX's Dragon capsule on NASA's… (read more)
Planet found in nearest star system to Earth: HARPS instrument finds Earth-mass exoplanet orbiting Alpha Centauri B
Posted by on October 16, 2012
European astronomers have discovered a planet with about the mass of Earth orbiting a star in the Alpha Centauri system -- the nearest to Earth. It is also the lightest exoplanet ever discovered around a star like the Sun. The planet was detected using the HARPS instrument on the 3.6-metre telescope at the European Southern Observatory's La Silla Observatory in Chile. (read more)
One by land and one by sea: NASA's Operation IceBridge Antarctic campaign off to a productive start
Posted by on October 16, 2012
NASA's Operation IceBridge got the 2012 Antarctic campaign off to a productive start with a land ice survey of Thwaites Glacier and a sea ice flight over parts of the Bellingshausen Sea. (read more)
Viral alliances overcoming plant defenses
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Researchers have found that viruses will join forces to overcome a plant's defenses and cause more severe infections. (read more)
New findings illuminate basis in brain for social decisions, reactions
Posted by on October 16, 2012
New insights into the wiring and firing of the "social brain" in humans and primates reveals the brain areas important in altruistic motives and behavior, and the brain regions that respond to the pain of discrimination. (read more)
Ice sheet retreat controlled by the landscape
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Ice-sheet retreat can halt temporarily during long phases of climate warming, according to scientists. (read more)
Fruit fly's 'sweet tooth' short-lived, research finds
Posted by on October 16, 2012
While flies initially prefer food with a sweet flavor, they quickly learn to opt for less sweet food sources that offer more calories and nutritional value, according to new research by zoologists. The findings are the first to measure the shift in food preference over time, and the first to find that flies opt for nutritious food more quickly when they're hungry. (read more)
Shape of urine can indicate prostate issues: Characteristic shape of a man's urine can help diagnose urinary problems
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Scientists have discovered a simple test which uses the biomechanics of the shape of urine to help diagnose urinary problems. (read more)
Mother's touch could change effects of prenatal stress
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Scientists have found that mothers who stroke their baby's body in the first few weeks after birth may change the effects that stress during pregnancy can have on an infant's early-life development. (read more)
New blood-vessel-generating cell with therapeutic potential discovered
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Researchers in Finland believe they have discovered stem cells that play a decisive role in new blood vessel growth. These stem cells found in blood vessel walls may offer new opportunities in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and many other diseases. (read more)
Tree of life branches out online
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Exploring the evolutionary tree of life is now as easy as navigating an online map, thanks to a new interactive website called OneZoom. (read more)
Long-term observations in the tropics linked to global climate change
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Reports of declining ice coverage and drowning polar bears in the Arctic illustrate dramatic ecosystem responses to global climate change in Earth's polar regions. But in a first-ever account of a long-term project in the southern Caribbean, researchers report that tropical ecosystems are also affected by global climatic trends -- and with accompanying economic impacts. (read more)
Jelly-like atmospheric particles resist chemical aging
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Atmospheric chemists have found that when it comes to secondary organic material in the atmosphere, there are two distinct breeds: liquids and jellies. (read more)
Immune response may link social rejection to later health outcomes
Posted by on October 16, 2012
No matter how you look at it, rejection hurts. Experiencing rejection from a boss, a friend, or a partner is difficult for many adults to handle. But adolescents, who are dealing with the one-two punch of biological and social change, may be most vulnerable to its negative effects. A new study examines the immune response as a potential link between social stressors like rejection and later mental… (read more)
New paper reveals fundamental chemistry of plasma/liquid interactions
Posted by on October 16, 2012
New research has revealed a critical interaction that is occurring at this plasma-liquid interface in that the electrons in plasma actually serve to separate water, producing hydrogen gas. (read more)
Common birth control device may be cost-effective treatment for early endometrial cancer
Posted by on October 16, 2012
An intrauterine device is effective in treating early-stage endometrial cancer in morbidly obese and high-risk surgery patients, according to researchers, and could lead to a cost-effective treatment for all women with this cancer type. (read more)
Many options available to help smokers kick the habit
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Smokers who have tried to quit and failed may be tempted to just give up, particularly if they hear statistics like the fact that most quit attempts will be unsuccessful. But smokers today have many options to help them quit, and those who think they have "tried it all" usually have not, according to a new article. (read more)
Pluto's moons and possible rings may be hazards: New Horizons and the gauntlet it may encounter in 2015
Posted by on October 16, 2012
NASA's New Horizons spacecraft is now almost seven years into its 9.5-year journey across the solar system to explore Pluto and its system of moons. Just over two years from now, in January 2015, New Horizons will begin encounter operations, which will culminate in a close approach to Pluto on July 14, 2015, and the first-ever exploration of a planet in the Kuiper Belt. (read more)
No benefit from high-dose multivitamins seen for HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy
Posted by on October 16, 2012
A new study suggests that for HIV patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to treat HIV, there is no benefit from high- vs. standard-dose micronutrient supplementation -- and that, in fact, high-dose supplements may cause harm. The study is the first large randomized trial to look at how high-dose multivitamin supplementation affects clinical outcomes among people on HAART. (read more)
Family history of alcoholism may add to damaging effects of prenatal alcohol exposure
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Prenatal exposure to alcohol (PAE) can lead to serious deficiencies, including deficits in spatial working memory. This is the first study to examine the role of family history of alcoholism (FHP) in the neurocognitive effects of PAE. Results suggest that some of the PAE neural effects are related to factors such as FHP. (read more)
Alcohol dependence seems to shorten life more than smoking, especially among women
Posted by on October 16, 2012
While researchers and clinicians know that the mortality rates among alcohol dependent (AD) individuals are high, most of that knowledge is based on clinical populations. A new study examines excess mortality and its predictors among AD individuals in the general population throughout a 14-year span, finding that annualized death rates were 4.6-fold higher for AD females and 1.9-fold higher for AD… (read more)
Recovery of brain volumes with abstinence may vary for different brain regions
Posted by on October 16, 2012
A new study examined what brain volume recovery may take place during the first 14 days of abstinence from alcohol. Findings indicate that recovery of cerebral gray matter volume can begin for alcoholic patients after only a few days of detoxification. Recovery may vary among brain regions. (read more)
Abnormal involuntary eye movements in 'lazy eye' disease amblyopia linked to changes in subcortical regions of the brain
Posted by on October 16, 2012
The neural mechanism underlying amblyopia, also called "lazy eye" is still not completely clear. A new study now reports abnormal eye movements of the lazy eye, which suggests that disturbed functioning of eye movement coordination between both eyes and not primarily the dysfunction of the visual cortex may be a cause of amblyopia. (read more)
Cognitive training helps adults with HIV
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Cognitive training exercises can help improve mental processing speed and ability to complete daily tasks in middle-age and older adults with HIV, a population that is experiencing cognitive impairments at a higher rate than those without the disease. (read more)
When leaving your wealth to your sister's sons makes sense
Posted by on October 16, 2012
In some human societies, men transfer their wealth to their sister's sons, a practice that puzzles evolutionary biologists. A new study has produced insights into "matrilineal inheritance." (read more)
Common medical screen predicts liver cancer risk in general population
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Enzyme levels in the blood routinely monitored by physicians as liver function indicators are also the best predictor of liver cancer risk for the general population, a team of scientists report. (read more)
Cold viruses point the way to new cancer therapies
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Cold viruses generally get a bad rap -- which they've certainly earned -- but new findings by a team of scientists suggest that these viruses might also be a valuable ally in the fight against cancer. (read more)
Cholesterol levels improving among U.S. adults
Posted by on October 16, 2012
An analysis of nationally-representative data indicates that between 1988 and 2010 there has been a trend of declining average levels of total cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol for U.S. adults overall. (read more)
Study identifies strategy for improved screening for type of hereditary colorectal cancer
Posted by on October 16, 2012
In a comparison of strategies to identify individuals with Lynch syndrome, the most common form of hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC), caused by mutations in certain genes (DNA mismatch repair [MMR] genes), universal tumor MMR testing among certain CRC patients had a greater sensitivity for the identification of Lynch syndrome compared with multiple alternative strategies, although the diagnostic… (read more)
Lower use of chloride in intravenous fluids for critically ill patients associated with decreased risk of kidney injury
Posted by on October 16, 2012
In a pilot study assessing the effect of different levels of chloride in intravenous fluids administered to critically ill patients in an intensive care unit, restricting the amount of chloride administration was associated with a significant decrease in the incidence of acute kidney injury and the use of renal replacement therapy. (read more)
Scientists to EPA: Include women in reproductive health research
Posted by on October 16, 2012
EPA research on reproductive health is not being uniformly investigated in both sexes and across the lifespan due to out-of-date guidelines. Many toxicity studies are only conducted in males, but the effects may be different in women. Scientists will meet with EPA administrators in Washington to press for important changes in the guidelines for reproductive health research. (read more)
Novel intravaginal ring shows promise in HIV prevention
Posted by on October 16, 2012
A new 90-day intravaginal ring has been developed that, for the first time, enables the long-lasting vaginal delivery of tenofovir (TFV), the only topical prophylactic shown to be effective at reducing the sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) when formulated in a short-lasting gel. (read more)
Targeting cancers' 'addiction' to cell-cycle proteins shuts down tumors in mice
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Scientists have safely shut down breast cancer and a form of leukemia in mice by targeting abnormal proteins that control cells' growth cycles, and to which the cancers are "addicted." (read more)
NASA must reinvest in nanotechnology research, according to new paper
Posted by on October 16, 2012
The United States may lose its leadership role in space to other countries unless it makes research and development funding and processes a renewed and urgent priority, according to a new paper. (read more)
Attack! Silent watchmen charge to defend the nervous system
Posted by on October 16, 2012
In many pathologies of the nervous system, there is a common event -- cells called microglia are activated from surveillant watchmen into fighters. Now new research provides the first evidence that mechanisms regulated by the Runx1 gene control the balance between the surveillant versus activated microglia states. (read more)
New diabetes screening guidelines released; Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care issues updated guidelines
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Routine screening for Type 2 diabetes in adults at low and moderate risk is not recommended, although it is recommended for people at high and very high risk of the disease, state new diabetes screening guidelines. The guidelines suggest using a risk calculator and then screening based on the predicted risk of diabetes. (read more)
Scientists identify likely origins of vertebrate air breathing
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Scientists have identified what they think is the ancestral trait that allowed for the evolution of air breathing in vertebrates. (read more)
Non-disclosure of geographic earnings can be a marker of tax avoidance
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Policy makers, lobby groups and citizens should take note -- those who understand corporate tax avoidance behavior will be in a better position to deter it. A recent study indicates that non-disclosure of geographic earnings can be a marker of tax avoidance. (read more)
Patient-reported outcomes essential to comparative effectiveness research
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Patient-reported outcomes should be a standard part of evaluating the comparative effectiveness of cancer treatments, according to recommendations put forward by a multi-institution research group. (read more)
Reprogramming cell identity in the pituitary gland: Discovery could lead to new treatments for Cushing's disease
Posted by on October 16, 2012
A team of researchers reprogrammed the identity of cells in the pituitary gland and identified critical mechanisms of epigenetic cell programming. The discovery could eventually lead to new pharmacological targets for the treatment of Cushing's disease. (read more)
Findings reveal brain mechanisms at work during sleep
Posted by on October 16, 2012
New findings report the important role sleep plays, and the brain mechanisms at work as sleep shapes memory, learning, and behavior. (read more)
Studies report early childhood trauma takes visible toll on brain
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Trauma in infancy and childhood shapes the brain, learning, and behavior, and fuels changes that can last a lifetime, according to new human and animal research. The studies delve into the effects of early physical abuse, socioeconomic status, and maternal treatment. (read more)
Engineers to design affordable CO2 thickener to augment oil extraction
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Crude oil extraction could be improved significantly and accessible domestic oil reserves could be expanded with an economical CO2 thickener being developed by engineers. (read more)
Exercise may lead to better school performance for kids with ADHD
Posted by on October 16, 2012
A few minutes of exercise can help children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder perform better academically, according to a new study. (read more)
New type of cosmic ray discovered after 100 years
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Using the European X-ray astronomy satellite XMM-Newton, researchers have discovered a new source of cosmic rays. In the vicinity of the remarkable Arches cluster, near the center of the Milky Way, these particles are accelerated in the shock wave generated by tens of thousands of young stars moving at a speed of around 700,000 km/h. These cosmic rays produce a characteristic X-ray emission by interacting… (read more)
Sickle cell disease: Physics explains how sickling cells make people sick
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Researchers have identified the physical forces in red blood cells and blood vessels underlying the painful symptoms of sickle cell disease. Their experiment, the first to answer a scientific question about sickle cell disease using microfluidics engineering methods, may help future researchers better determine who is at greatest risk of harm from the disease. (read more)
New noninvasive test for colorectal cancer shows promise
Posted by on October 16, 2012
A new noninvasive test for colorectal cancer screening demonstrated high sensitivity for detecting colorectal cancer, in particular precancers that are most likely to develop into cancer, according to new data. (read more)
Study finds rise in maternal sepsis-related mortality
Posted by on October 16, 2012
A new study reports that severity and death rates are increasing in pregnant and postpartum women with sepsis. More than 30 percent of mothers who develop sepsis will experience some type of organ dysfunction. (read more)
Is immediate and long-term pain after a motor vehicle collision hereditary?
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Two studies have found that hereditary genes were responsible for the amount and type of pain experienced after a motor vehicle collision (MVC). Many drivers experience symptoms after an MVC, including musculoskeletal pain in the back, neck and other areas. It has been unknown why some drivers feel pain immediately after a collision or develop persistent pain after a collision, while others do not. (read more)
Presidential debates say as much about U.S. culture as candidates
Posted by on October 16, 2012
American presidential campaigns provide a unique window into our society, according to an anthropologist. (read more)
Pollenizer research should help seedless watermelon farmers
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Research on flower production and disease resistance in watermelon varieties should help bolster seedless watermelon harvests for farmers. (read more)
Novel discovery links anti-cancer drugs to muscle repair
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Research shows that the IAP-targeting drugs that promote the death of cancer cells also induce the growth and repair of muscle. (read more)
Scale of volcanic eruptions appears to hinge on first 10 seconds of bubble growth in magma
Posted by on October 16, 2012
New research suggests the difference between a small or large volcanic eruption depends on the first 10 seconds of bubble growth in molten rocks. The findings point to a need to develop volcanic monitoring systems that can measure rapid changes in gas flux and composition during those brief, crucial moments. (read more)
Boreal forest bends to development, but there is a breaking point
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Northern Alberta's boreal forest shows a surprising resiliency to human intrusion, but University of Alberta researchers warn the landscape has a definite breaking point. (read more)
Prion protein hints at role in aiding learning and memory
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Scientists have found that the protein called prion helps our brains to absorb zinc, which is believed to be crucial to our ability to learn and the well-being of our memory. (read more)
New dissolvable oral strip provides instant pain relief for burns
Posted by on October 16, 2012
A dissolvable oral strip has been developed to immediately relieve pain from burns caused by ingestion of hot foods and liquids, such as coffee, pizza, and soup. (read more)
New radiation treatment significantly increases survival rate, researchers find
Posted by on October 16, 2012
A novel drug that mimics a naturally occurring molecule found in coffee and blueberries has been developed to treat radiation exposure. Researchers show that application of this drug, starting 24 hours after radiation exposure, increases survival in animal models by three-fold compared to placebo. (read more)
Study sheds new light on the progression and invasiveness of ductal breast cancer
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is considered a precursor lesion for invasive breast cancer if untreated, and is found in approximately 45% of patients with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Patients with DCIS only (not accompanied by invasive disease) have a 5-year-survival of nearly 100%, compared to 89% for all stages of invasive breast cancer (24% for patients with distant metastasis). A new study… (read more)
Foot, knee and hip pain a problem in obese children
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Pain in the lower extremities -- feet, ankles, knees and hips -- contributes to both poor physical function and a reduced quality of life in obese children, according to a new study. The research shows that obese children with lower extremity pain have worse physical function and poorer psychological health than obese children without lower extremity pain. (read more)
Marriage, education can help improve well-being of adults abused as children
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Researchers investigating the long-term consequences of child abuse report that being identified some protective factors that can improve the health of victims during their adulthood. Men and women in their 30s who had been abused or neglected as children reported worse mental and physical health than their non-abused peers. But being married or having graduated from high school buffered the severity… (read more)
Nursing workloads multiply likelihood of death among black patients over white patients
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Older black patients are three times more likely than older white patients to suffer poorer outcomes after surgery, including death, when cared for by nurses with higher workloads, according to new research. The large-scale study showed higher nurse workloads negatively affected older surgical patients generally and that the rate was more significant in older black individuals. (read more)
Obese teen boys have up to 50 percent less testosterone than lean boys
Posted by on October 16, 2012
A new study shows for the first time that obese males ages 14 to 20 have up to 50 percent less total testosterone than do normal males of the same age, significantly increasing their potential to be impotent and infertile as adults. (read more)
Green leaf volatiles increase plant fitness via biocontrol
Posted by on October 16, 2012
To secure food resources, sustainability of agriculture must be increased. Such efforts also depend on insights from plant ecology. Based on field studies on tobacco plants, researchers demonstrated that the release of volatiles which attract enemies of herbivores not only controls insect pests, but also increases the reproduction of infested plants. Transferred to the goals of biocontrol, this means… (read more)
Two-gene test predicts which patients with heart failure respond best to beta-blocker drug
Posted by on October 16, 2012
A landmark paper identifying genetic signatures that predict which patients respond to a life-saving drug for congestive heart failure has just been published. Medical researchers discovered and characterized the two genetic variations that determine how patients are likely to respond to the beta-blocker bucindolol. (read more)
Less-invasive method of brain stimulation helps patients with Parkinson's disease
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Electrical stimulation using extradural electrodes—placed underneath the skull but not implanted in the brain—is a safe approach with meaningful benefits for patients with Parkinson's disease, according to new research. (read more)
Starvation hormone markedly extends mouse life span, without need for calorie restriction
Posted by on October 16, 2012
A starvation hormone markedly extends life span in mice without the need for calorie restriction. (read more)
Young people driving epidemic of prescription drug abuse, study finds; Abuse of nonmedical analgesics up 40 percent
Posted by on October 16, 2012
A new study reveals that today's adolescents are abusing prescription drugs at a rate 40 percent higher than previous generations. That makes it the second most common form of illegal drug use in the U.S. after marijuana. (read more)
How 'cleaving' protein drives tumor growth in prostate, other cancers
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Researchers have determined how a protein known as Trop2 drives the growth of tumor cells in prostate and other epithelial cancers. This discovery is important because it may prove essential for creating new therapies that stop the growth of cancer, the researchers said. (read more)
Dark matter filament studied in 3-D for the first time
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Astronomers using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have studied a giant filament of dark matter in 3D for the first time. Extending 60 million light-years from one of the most massive galaxy clusters known, the filament is part of the cosmic web that constitutes the large-scale structure of the Universe, and is a leftover of the very first moments after the Big Bang. If the high mass measured for… (read more)
'Physical Internet': Shared transportation system would increase profits, reduce carbon emissions
Posted by on October 16, 2012
The Physical Internet – a concept in which goods are handled, stored and transported in a shared network of manufacturers, retailers and the transportation industry – would benefit the U.S. economy and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new study. (read more)
Stat5 predicts outcomes for prostate cancer patients after radical prostatectomy
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Men who had high levels of the activated Stat5 protein in their prostate cancer after a radical prostatectomy were more likely to have a recurrence or die from the disease compared to men who had little to no presence of the growth protein, according to a recent study. (read more)
Eating lots of carbs, sugar may raise risk of cognitive impairment
Posted by on October 16, 2012
People 70 and older who eat food high in carbohydrates have nearly four times the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment, and the danger also rises with a diet heavy in sugar, researchers have found. Those who consume a lot of protein and fat relative to carbohydrates are less likely to become cognitively impaired, the study found. (read more)
Physicists crack another piece of the glass puzzle
Posted by on October 16, 2012
When it comes to physics, glass lacks transparency. No one has been able to see what's happening at the molecular level as a super-cooled liquid approaches the glass state -- until now. Physicists have made a movie of particle motion during this mysterious transition. Their findings show how the rotation of the particles becomes decoupled from their movement through space. (read more)
Fathers matter when it comes to their teenager's sexual behavior
Posted by on October 16, 2012
A new study suggests that fathers' parenting behavior influences the sexual behavior of their adolescent children, but most parent-based research has neglected to examine the specific role of fathers. (read more)
Proteins in DNA damage response network targeted for new therapies, researchers say
Posted by on October 16, 2012
An intricate system to repair DNA damage called the "DNA damage response" (DDR) contains previously unknown components, including proteins that could be targeted as sensitizers for chemotherapy. Some of these targets may already have drugs available that have unrecognized uses in cancer therapy, said the researchers. (read more)
Genomic hitchhikers in birds shed light on evolution of viruses
Posted by on October 16, 2012
The genomes of birds are riddled with DNA sequences from viruses, according to a new study. Analysis of these viral sequences, known as endogenous retroviruses, can provide insights into how both hosts and viruses have evolved over the eons. (read more)
Great apes, small numbers: Genetic study reveals recent decline in endangered orangutan population, but offers hope for the future
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Sumatran orangutans have undergone a substantial recent population decline, according to a new genetic study, but the same research revealed the existence of critical corridors for dispersal migrations that, if protected, can help maintain genetic diversity and aid in the species' conservation. (read more)
Physicists explain how nonlinear dust acoustic waves arise in dusty plasmas
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Dusty plasmas can be found in many places both in space and in the laboratory. Due to their special properties, dust acoustic waves can propagate inside these plasmas like sound waves in air, and can be studied with the naked eye or with standard video cameras. Physicists have published a model with which they describe how large amplitude dust acoustic waves in dusty plasmas behave. (read more)
Genetic protection against arsenic
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Evolution has not only controlled human development over millions of years, it also has an impact on modern humans. This is one of the conclusions of a study of Argentinian villagers in the Andes, where the water contains high levels of arsenic. A gene variant that produces efficient and less toxic metabolism of arsenic in the body was much more common among the villagers than among other indigenous… (read more)
Destruction of the rainforest is not the only problem: A change of strategy is needed to save the Sumatran orangutans
Posted by on October 16, 2012
The orangutans in Sumatra are in danger of becoming extinct. Anthropologists now prove that only recently this ape species saw a drastic decrease in population. For the first time, they studied the genetic make-up and migratory behavior of these animals. Their discoveries: The population is divided into several sub-populations which do not stem from the destruction of the rainforest, but are of a… (read more)
Non-coding antisense RNA can be used to stimulate protein production
Posted by on October 16, 2012
While studying Parkinson's disease, an international research group made a discovery which can improve industrial protein synthesis for therapeutic use. They managed to understand a novel function of non-protein coding RNA: the protein synthesis activity of coding genes can be enhanced by the activity of the non-coding one called "antisense." (read more)
Menopause does not cause weight gain, but increases belly fat, major review finds
Posted by on October 16, 2012
A comprehensive review by the International Menopause Society has found that going through the menopause does not cause a woman to gain weight. However, the hormonal changes at the menopause are associated with a change in the the way that fat is distributed, leading to more belly (abdominal) fat. (read more)
Ice age polarity reversal was global event: Extremely brief reversal of geomagnetic field, climate variability, and super volcano
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Some 41,000 years ago, a complete and rapid reversal of the geomagnetic field occured. Magnetic studies on sediment cores from the Black Sea show that during this period, during the last ice age, a compass at the Black Sea would have pointed to the south instead of north. Moreover, data obtained by the research team, together with additional data from other studies in the North Atlantic, the South… (read more)
Link between creativity and mental illness confirmed in large-scale Swedish study
Posted by on October 16, 2012
People in creative professions are treated more often for mental illness than the general population, there being a particularly salient connection between writing and schizophrenia, according to researchers whose large-scale Swedish registry study is the most comprehensive ever in its field. (read more)
Giant harvestman yet to be named: Arachnologist discovers another giant of the animal world in Laos
Posted by on October 16, 2012
A scientist has discovered a harvestman with a leg span of more than 33 centimetres. The creature found during a research trip to Laos is one of the largest representatives of the entire order worldwide. Experts have so far failed to properly identify it to species level. (read more)
New ways of eating fruit
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Fruit must be an essential part of our diet. Experts recommend eating at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day. However, the reality is quite different, since we are witnessing a gradual decline in consumption, especially among children. This is one of the reasons that made a team of Valencian researchers develop new products that could promote fruit consumption. (read more)
Nearly one-third of kidney transplant patients readmitted to hospital within 30 days
Posted by on October 16, 2012
Three in 10 patients receiving a kidney transplant require readmission to the hospital within 30 days of discharge following surgery, according to an analysis of six years of national U.S. data. (read more)
Blue Origin tests rocket engine thrust chamber
Posted by on October 15, 2012
NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP) partner Blue Origin has successfully fired the thrust chamber assembly for its new 100,000 pound thrust BE-3 liquid oxygen, liquid hydrogen rocket engine. As part of Blue's Reusable Booster System (RBS), the engines are designed eventually to launch the biconic-shaped Space Vehicle the company is developing. (read more)
Curiosity rover's second scoop discarded, third scoop of Martian soil commanded
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Commands will be sent to Curiosity today instructing the rover to collect a third scoop of soil from the "Rocknest" site of windblown Martian sand and dust. Pending evaluation of this Sol 69 (Oct. 15, 2012) scooping, a sample from the scoopful is planned as the first sample for delivery -- later this week -- to one of the rover's internal analytical instruments, the Chemistry and Mineralogy (CheMin)… (read more)
A long and winding road: Cassini celebrates 15 years
Posted by on October 15, 2012
NASA's Cassini spacecraft celebrates 15 years of uninterrupted drive time, earning it a place among the ultimate interplanetary road warriors. (read more)
Sick doctors returning to work struggle with feelings of shame and failure, researchers find
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Doctors who have been on long term sick leave find it hard to return to work because they are overwhelmed with feelings of shame and failure, and fear the disapproval of colleagues, new research finds. (read more)
Smoking in cars produces harmful pollutants at levels above WHO indoor air quality standards
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Smoking during car journeys pumps harmful particulate matter into the indoor air space at levels that far exceed World Health Organization guidance -- even when the windows are open or air conditioning is switched on -- finds the largest study of its kind. (read more)
World Food Day 2012: Food scientists working to find sustainable solutions to world hunger
Posted by on October 15, 2012
In honor of World Food Day on October 16, 2012, the Institute of Food Technologists is highlighting the role of food science in environmental sustainability—a key component to solving the world's hunger problem. (read more)
Research highlights necessity of simulation training for improved operative performance and increased patient safety
Posted by on October 15, 2012
A new study shows surgical proficiency levels are achieved at variable rates and suggests current protocols insufficiently evaluate residents’ skills. (read more)
Patients tell how magnetic therapy lifted their depression
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Three patients who have suffered periodic major depression tell how their lives have been transformed by a new magnetic therapy. (read more)
Researchers set sights on new era in neuroprotection
Posted by on October 15, 2012
A research team has identified a set of experimental drugs called LRRK2 inhibitors that may go beyond symptom relief to directly counter the inflammation and nerve cell death at the root of Parkinson's disease. At least, these effects have been suggested in mouse and cell culture studies meant to approximate human disease. (read more)
Evidence does not support three-strikes law as crime deterrent, California study finds
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Contrary to what police, politicians and the public believe, research by a University of California, Riverside criminologist has found that the state's three-strikes law has done nothing to reduce the crime rate. (read more)
Personalized genomic medicine: How much can it really empower patients?
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Personalized genomic medicine is hailed as a revolution that will empower patients to take control of their own health care, but it could end up taking control away from patients and limiting their treatment choices, concludes a new article. (read more)
New rapid and point of care hepatitis C tests could be global game changers
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Timely screening and diagnosis is critical to the success of new treatments and ultimately to the survival of hepatitis C patients. A new study is the first to show that hepatitis C rapid and point of care tests with a quick turnaround time are highly accurate and reliable as conventional first-line laboratory tests. (read more)
New light shed on cancer risks associated with night work
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Night work can increase cancer risk in men, according to a new study. The study is one of the first in the world to provide evidence among men of a possible association between night work and the risk of prostate, colon, lung, bladder, rectal, and pancreatic cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. (read more)
Realizing the potential of stem cell therapy: Studies report progress in developing treatments for diseases and injuries
Posted by on October 15, 2012
New animal studies provide additional support for investigating stem cell treatments for Parkinson's disease, head trauma, and dangerous heart problems that accompany spinal cord injury, according to research findings. (read more)
New findings could help speed recovery, alleviate pain associated with spinal cord injury
Posted by on October 15, 2012
New research demonstrates how new scientific knowledge is driving innovative treatments for spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord damage is debilitating and life-altering, limiting or preventing movement and feeling for millions worldwide, and leading to chronic health conditions and pain. (read more)
Can vaccines be delivered via the lungs instead of by injection?
Posted by on October 15, 2012
In addition to the obvious benefit of eliminating the need for an injection, new vaccine delivery methods via the lungs offer particular advantages for protecting against infectious agents that enter the body through the respiratory track. (read more)
Even your fat cells need sleep, according to new research
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Challenging the old notion that the function of sleep is to rest the brain, researchers show that not getting enough sleep can harm fat cells, reducing by 30 percent their ability to respond to insulin, a hormone that regulates energy. This is the first description of a molecular mechanism directly connecting sleep loss to the disruption of energy regulation. (read more)
NASA's WISE colors in unknowns on Jupiter asteroids
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Scientists using data from NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, have uncovered new clues in the ongoing mystery of the Jovian Trojans -- asteroids that orbit the sun on the same path as Jupiter. Like racehorses, the asteroids travel in packs, with one group leading the way in front of the gas giant, and a second group trailing behind. The observations are the first to get a detailed… (read more)
Calling Miss Congeniality: Do attractive people have attractive traits and values?
Posted by on October 15, 2012
It's difficult to resist the temptation of assuming that a person's outward appearance reflects something meaningful about his or her inner personality. Research shows that people tend to perceive attractive adults as more social, successful, and well-adjusted than less attractive adults, a phenomenon that's been termed the "what is beautiful is good" stereotype. But is this really true? A new article… (read more)
People with severe psoriasis nearly twice at risk for diabetes
Posted by on October 15, 2012
An analysis of 27 studies linking psoriasis in 314,000 individuals with diabetes has found strong correlation between the scaly skin rash and the blood sugar disorder that predisposes patients to heart disease. (read more)
Compounds that could thwart post-traumatic stress disorder identified
Posted by on October 15, 2012
A brain pathway that is stimulated by traumatic or fearful experiences can be disrupted by two compounds that show promise for preventing post-traumatic stress disorder, researchers have reported. (read more)
Weight loss surgery may be associated with increased substance use following surgery
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Patients who undergo bariatric weight loss surgery may be at increased risk for substance use (drug use, alcohol use and cigarette smoking) following surgery, particularly among patients who undergo laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery who appear to be at increased risk for alcohol use following surgery. (read more)
Men diagnosed with ADHD as children had worse outcomes as adults, study suggests
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Men who were diagnosed as children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) appeared to have significantly worse educational, occupational, economic and social outcomes in a 33-year, follow-up study that compared them with men without childhood ADHD. (read more)
Study identifies characteristics of sunbed users, motivation for tanning
Posted by on October 15, 2012
A telephone survey of 4,851 individuals in Germany suggests the overall prevalence of sunbed use was nearly 40 percent for participants who had ever used one and 14.6 percent had used a tanning bed within the last 12 months. (read more)
Does motherhood dampen cocaine’s effects?
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Mother rats respond much differently to cocaine than female rats that have never given birth, according to new research that looks at both behavior and brain chemistry. The findings may help lay the groundwork for more tailored human addiction treatment. (read more)
Wide discrepancy in surveillance and control of infections in ICUs
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Screening practices for multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in intensive care units (ICUs) vary widely from hospital to hospital, according to a new study. (read more)
A better way to prevent deadly blood clots?
Posted by on October 15, 2012
A computerized checklist system designed to help physicians identify and use the best methods of preventing potentially deadly blood clots in hospitalized trauma patients dramatically reduced the number of these dangerous venous thromboembolisms (VTEs), new research suggests. (read more)
Plaque build-up in your brain may be more harmful than having Alzheimer's gene
Posted by on October 15, 2012
A new study shows that having a high amount of beta amyloid or "plaques" in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease may cause steeper memory decline in mentally healthy older people than does having the APOE [4 allele, also associated with the disease. (read more)
Do re mi fa ... How do you know what comes next?
Posted by on October 15, 2012
How do you remember a song -- and why is it that a beginning pianist who forgets the middle of a melody needs to start over again to recall the tune? The answer, say researchers, is that two different areas of the brain are used -- one to learn a sequence and another to recall it -- and that higher motor areas participate in both. (read more)
Freezing electrons in flight: Physicists catch electrons getting knocked out of atoms
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Using the world's fastest laser pulses, which can freeze the ultrafast motion of electrons and atoms, physicists have caught the action of molecules breaking apart and electrons getting knocked out of atoms. Their research helps us better understand molecular processes and ultimately be able to control them in many possible applications. (read more)
Substandard, non-approved drugs put patients at risk: Physicians urged to think twice before they prescribe compounded drugs
Posted by on October 15, 2012
The recent outbreak of meningitis in the US -- and the subsequent deaths of 15 individuals -- has renewed scrutiny on the contemporary practice of pharmacy compounding. The risks to patients, and associated liability risk to prescribing physicians, largely outweigh the benefits when the practice goes beyond the traditional, extemporaneous role, according to experts. (read more)
Gold nanoparticle prostate cancer treatment found safe in dogs, study shows
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Scientists have demonstrated that a new form of prostate cancer treatment that uses radioactive gold nanoparticles is safe to use in dogs. (read more)
Stem cell model for hereditary disease developed
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Scientists have reprogrammed stem cells to develop into cells that are genetically similar to and react to drugs in a similar way as cells from patients with Gaucher disease. The stem cells will allow the scientists to test potential new therapies in a dish, accelerating the process toward drug discovery, according to a new article. (read more)
Ebola antibody treatment, produced in plants, protects monkeys from lethal disease
Posted by on October 15, 2012
A new Ebola virus study has shown promising preliminary results, preventing disease in infected nonhuman primates using monoclonal antibodies. When treatment was administered one hour after infection, all animals survived. Two-thirds of the animals were protected even when the treatment, known as MB-003, was administered 48 hours after infection. (read more)
Language structure arises from balance of clear and effective communication, study finds
Posted by on October 15, 2012
When learning a new language, we automatically organize words into sentences that will be both clearly understood and efficient (quick) to communicate. That's the finding of a new study that challenges opposing theories on why and how languages come to be organized the way they are. (read more)
Intermittent binge drinking could cause significant brain impairment within months, study suggests
Posted by on October 15, 2012
A study of binge-drinking rodents suggests that knocking back a few drinks every few days may swiftly reduce one's capacity to control alcohol intake. Scientists found signs of cognitive impairment in rats similar to that seen in established alcoholism after the animals had only a few months of intermittent access to alcohol. Remarkably, these impairments did not appear at all in rats with 24/7 access… (read more)
Genetic 'remix' key to evolution of bee behavior, researchers find
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Worker bees have become a highly skilled work force because the genes that determine their behavior are shuffled frequently, helping natural selection to build a better bee, research suggests. A new study sheds light on how worker bees -- who are sterile -- evolved charismatic and cooperative behaviors. Researchers discovered that the genes associated with worker behavior were found in areas of the… (read more)
Evolution mostly driven by brawn, not brains, analysis finds
Posted by on October 15, 2012
The most common measure of intelligence in animals, brain size relative to body size, may not be as dependent on evolutionary selection on the brain as previously thought, according to a new analysis by scientists. (read more)
Tropical cyclones are occurring more frequently than before, study shows
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Are there more tropical cyclones now than in the past -- or is it just something we believe because we now hear more about them through media coverage and are better able detect them with satellites? New research shows that there is an increasing tendency for cyclones when the climate is warmer, as it has been in recent years. (read more)
New research moves scientists closer to lung cancer blood test
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Early signs of lung cancer could be diagnosed using a simple blood test following a new discovery. (read more)
Halloween candy: How much is too much?
Posted by on October 15, 2012
As we enter the sweet season, parents are worried kids might indulge their way to obesity by gobbling up too many Halloween candy. But having a little fun with candy once a year will not lead to childhood obesity, says a pediatrics expert. (read more)
Researcher pieces together AML prognosis puzzle
Posted by on October 15, 2012
When patients suffering from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) express high levels of the gene, MN1, an already aggressive leukemia is accelerated and shortens survival time. While that’s a known fact, the mechanisms involved aren’t well understood -- which is why a researcher decided to take a closer look. (read more)
Neuroscientists find the molecular 'when' and 'where' of memory formation
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Neuroscientists have isolated the “when” and “where” of molecular activity that occurs in the formation of short-, intermediate-, and long-term memories. Their findings offer new insights into the molecular architecture of memory formation and, with it, a better road map for developing therapeutic interventions for related afflictions. (read more)
Circumbinary planet in quadruple star system discovered by astronomers aided by volunteer 'Planet Hunters'
Posted by on October 15, 2012
A joint effort of citizen scientists and professional astronomers has led to the first reported case of a planet orbiting twin suns that in turn is orbited by a second distant pair of stars. Only six planets are known to orbit two stars, according to researchers, and none of these are orbited by distant stellar companions. (read more)
Prebiotic may help patients with intestinal failure grow new and better gut
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Adding the right prebiotic to the diets of pediatric patients with intestinal failure could replace intravenous feeding, according to a new study. (read more)
'Biggest Loser' study finds modest diet and exercise can sustain weight loss
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Exercise and healthy eating reduce body fat and preserve muscle in adults better than diet alone, according to a new study. (read more)
Additive effect of small gene variations can increase risk of autism spectrum disorders
Posted by on October 15, 2012
An increased risk of autism spectrum disorders could result from an accumulation of many small, common gene genetic variations rather than large-effect, rare changes in the genetic code, according to a multi-center team. Their findings provide new insights into the genetic factors that underlie the neurodevelopmental condition. (read more)
NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center opens
Posted by on October 15, 2012
The NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center, which houses one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers dedicated to the geosciences, officially opens today. Scientists at NCAR and universities across the country are launching a series of initial scientific projects on the center’s flagship, a 1.5-petaflop IBM supercomputer known as Yellowstone. (read more)
Research team develops single-crystal pump for miniaturized DNA forensics
Posted by on October 15, 2012
A research team has developed a new type of micro pump that can be used in forensic DNA profiling. The pump represents a giant leap in miniaturization. (read more)
Companies should use caution when using unpopular puzzle interviews
Posted by on October 15, 2012
In today's tough job market, more job-seekers could be facing interview questions like this: Why are manholes round? Or how many barbershops are there in San Francisco? Puzzle questions are especially popular in the tech and financial industries. New research finds that people generally see the questions as unfair and unrelated to job skills and performance, compared to traditional interview questions… (read more)
Medication beliefs strongly affect individuals' management of chronic diseases, expert says
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Aging adults' poor adherence to prescribed medication regimens is connected to their beliefs about the necessity of prescriptions and concerns about long-term effects and dependency, a researcher finds. Failure to use medications as directed increases patients' risk for side effects, hospitalizations, reduced quality of life and shortened lifespans. Researcher recommends that health practitioners… (read more)
New way to mimic the color and texture of butterfly wings
Posted by on October 15, 2012
The colors of a butterfly's wings are unusually bright and beautiful and are the result of an unusual trait; the way they reflect light is fundamentally different from how color works most of the time. A team of researchers has found a way to generate this kind of “structural color” that has the added benefit of another trait of butterfly wings: super-hydrophobicity, or the ability to strongly… (read more)
Strengthening a billion-dollar gene in soybeans
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Soybean cyst nematode does hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of damage each year. Crop sciences researchers think they may have found a way to strengthen plant resistance. (read more)
Researchers find new way to prevent cracking in nanoparticle films
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Making uniform coatings is a common engineering challenge, and, when working at the nanoscale, even the tiniest cracks or defects can be a big problem. New research has shown a new way of avoiding such cracks when depositing thin films of nanoparticles. (read more)
No fear: Why teens are likelier to take gambles
Posted by on October 15, 2012
A new study finds that adolescents commonly take more risks than younger children and adults because they are more willing to accept risks when consequences are unknown, rather than because they are attracted to danger, as often assumed. (read more)
Missing link between mental health disorders and chronic diseases in Iraq war refugees
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Researchers may have discovered why people exposed to war are at increased risk to develop chronic problems like heart disease years later. And the culprit that links the two is surprising. (read more)
Native plant fares well in pilot green roof research study
Posted by on October 15, 2012
In a University of Cincinnati pilot study of plants best suited for the region's green roofs, the North American native, nodding wild onion, and a sedum commonly known as goldmoss sedum were the most likely to survive both heat and little rainfall, conditions common to Southwest Ohio's summer months. (read more)
Fearful flyers willing to pay more and alter flight plans, according to travel study
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Fearful flyers seek flight attributes that may be primarily reassuring, such as schedule, aircraft size and carrier origin, but have little effect on the low, actual risk, according to a new study. (read more)
Scientists provide window on space radiation hazards
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Astrophysicists have created the first online system for predicting and forecasting the radiation environment in near-Earth, lunar, and Martian space environments. The near real-time tool will provide critical information as preparations are made for potential future manned missions to the moon and Mars. (read more)
Gene suppression can reduce cold-induced sweetening in potatoes
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Preventing activity of a key enzyme in potatoes could help boost potato quality by putting an end to cold-induced sweetening, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists. (read more)
Mystery of nematode pest-resistant soybeans cracked: Gene also correlates with human diseases
Posted by on October 15, 2012
The secrets of nematode resistant soybean plants are finally coming to light. Surprisingly, one of the genes related to nematode resistance in soybeans also has been associated with human diseases including lymphocytic leukemia, spina bifida and cardiovascular disease, according to a team of researchers. (read more)
Higher-dose use of certain statins often best for cholesterol issues
Posted by on October 15, 2012
A comprehensive new review on how to treat high cholesterol and other blood lipid problems suggests that intensive treatment with high doses of statin drugs is usually the best approach. But some statins work much better for this than others, the review concluded, and additional lipid-lowering medications added to a statin have far less value. (read more)
Archaeologists to mount new expedition to troy
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Troy, the palatial city of prehistory, sacked by the Greeks through trickery and a fabled wooden horse, will be excavated anew beginning in 2013 by a cross-disciplinary team of archaeologists and other scientists, it was announced today (Monday, Oct. 15). (read more)
'Large and dirty' companies adopting greener strategies to earn more green
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Large industrial firms aren't typically known for embracing eco-friendly policies. But lately they've recognized that going green at the factory is one way of adding green to the bottom line. (read more)
Research reveals decline in illicit drug abuse; Prescription drug abuse on the rise
Posted by on October 15, 2012
New research shows that while there has been an encouraging decline in illicit drug abuse across most major metropolitan areas in recent years, prescription drug abuse is climbing. (read more)
Early exposure to cigarette smoke leads to greater risk for respiratory disease
Posted by on October 15, 2012
New research reveals cigarette smoke adversely affects the developing human airway, especially in prematurity. Fetuses and premature babies exposed to cigarette smoke are at greater risk for developing childhood respiratory diseases, such as asthma. (read more)
Social contact can ease pain related to nerve damage, animal study suggests
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Companionship has the potential to reduce pain linked to nerve damage, according to a new study. This animal research suggests that the social contact had both behavioral and physiological influences. (read more)
Computer interventions on college drinking don't last, researchers find
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Colleges have increased use of computer-delivered interventions to provide alcohol counseling because they can reach more students while using fewer resources. But in a new systematic review, researchers found that the impact of CDIs on students was weaker and more short-lived than the effect of face-to-face counseling. (read more)
Suicide attempts by poisoning found to be less likely around major holidays
Posted by on October 15, 2012
A new study has found that major holidays are associated with a lower number of suicide attempts by poisoning. The study found holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving may actually be protective against attempts, possibly due to the increased family or support structures present. In contrast, New Year's Day had significantly higher numbers of suicide attempts by overdose. (read more)
Study to test pneumococcal vaccine in older adult
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Researchers plan to see if a higher dose of a pneumococcal vaccine will create a stronger immune response in older adults who received an earlier generation vaccine against pneumonia and other pneumococcal diseases. (read more)
Another advance on the road to spintronics: Researchers unlock ferromagnetic secrets of promising materials
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Using a new technique called HARPES, for Hard x-ray Angle-Resolved PhotoEmission Spectroscopy, researchers have unlocked the ferromagnetic secrets of dilute magnetic semiconductors, materials of great interest for spintronic technology. (read more)
Protecting and restoring the Great Lakes
Posted by on October 15, 2012
U.S. and Canadian universities are joining forces to propose a set of long-term research and policy priorities to help protect and restore the Great Lakes and to train the next generation of scientists, attorneys, planners and policy specialists who will study them. (read more)
Study sheds light on role of exercise and androgens such as testosterone on nerve damage repair
Posted by on October 15, 2012
A new study has found that the beneficial effects daily exercise can have on the regeneration of nerves also require androgens such as testosterone in both males and females. It is the first report of both androgen-dependence of exercise on nerve regeneration and of an androgenic effect of exercise in females. (read more)
'Mother's kiss' safe and effective for removing foreign objects from children's noses
Posted by on October 15, 2012
A technique called the "mother's kiss" for removing foreign objects from the nasal passages of young children appears to be a safe and effective approach, a new study finds. (read more)
Bicycle helmets prevent fatal head injuries, study finds
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Cyclists who died of a head injury were three times as likely to not be wearing a helmet compared with those who died of other injuries, according to a new study. (read more)
Climate change: Circulation of Atlantic Ocean was faster during last Ice Age than today
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Heat transport in the Atlantic Ocean during the last Ice Age was not weaker, as long assumed, but in fact stronger than it is today. Scientists used ultra-precise measurements of natural radionuclides in ocean sediments to study the ocean's strength of circulation and uncovered new information about the past of the "Atlantic heat pump." (read more)
Researchers eliminate infectious bacteria from medical textiles
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Researchers in Spain have improved the antimicrobial properties of medical textiles using an enzymatic pre-treatment combined with simultaneous deposition of nanoparticles and biopolymers under ultrasonic irradiation. (read more)
Drug-eluting angioplasty treatment for peripheral artery disease shows promise
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Use of balloon angioplasty and placement of stents to widen clogged arteries have become standard medical procedure. Further advancing this treatment, drug-eluting devices are now delivering medication directly to the site where it can be most effective. While this technique has met with success in coronary arteries, its use in peripheral arteries is still under study. (read more)
Bacterial protein in house dust spurs asthma, study finds
Posted by on October 15, 2012
A bacterial protein in common house dust may worsen allergic responses to indoor allergens, according to new research. The finding is the first to document the presence of the protein flagellin in house dust, bolstering the link between allergic asthma and the environment. (read more)
Immunosuppressive drug could delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Rapamycin, a drug used to prevent rejection in transplants, could delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, according to a new study. (read more)
Protein could be key for drugs that promote bone growth
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Researchers have developed a mouse that errs on the side of making bone rather than fat, which could eventually lead to better drugs to treat inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. (read more)
Aggregation of proteins in cells may result in diseases
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Changes in the structure of proteins can lead to various diseases, such as Alzheimer's, type 2 diabetes and corneal dystrophy. A research team from Denmark has now discovered how a particular protein can damage cells. These results may lead to the development of drugs to treat corneal dystrophy in the future. (read more)
New techniques stretch carbon nanotubes, make stronger composites
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Researchers have developed new techniques for stretching carbon nanotubes and using them to create carbon composites that can be used as stronger, lighter materials in everything from airplanes to bicycles. (read more)
Football (soccer) scores a health hat trick for hypertensive men
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Playing football (soccer) could be the best way for people with high blood pressure (hypertension) to improve their fitness and normalize their blood pressure, according to new research. (read more)
Urgent need for tuberculosis vaccines; Experts report progress, obstacles in growing drug resistance
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Drawing on recent findings of a significant rise in cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis in the UK and globally, top TB researchers are calling for greater focus on the quest for new vaccines -- a crucial long-term, cost-effective method for addressing the growing threat. (read more)
Dire drought ahead, may lead to massive tree death
Posted by on October 15, 2012
New evidence suggests recent droughts could be the new normal. This is especially bad news for America's forests. (read more)
Primates in peril: Conservationists reveal the world's 25 most endangered primates
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Humankind's closest living relatives -- the world's apes, monkeys, lemurs and other primates -- are on the brink of extinction and in need of urgent conservation measures, according to a report released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The report, announced by some of the world's leading primate experts every two years, reveals those species most in danger of becoming… (read more)
New treatment method for children with brain tumours
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Children who undergo brain radiation therapy run a significant risk of suffering from permanent neurocognitive adverse effects. These adverse effects are due to the fact that the radiation often encounters healthy tissue. This reduces the formation of new cells, particularly in the hippocampus – the part of the brain involved in memory and learning. Researchers in Sweden have used a model study… (read more)
Fall spawning by Atlantic sturgeon in Virginia river
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Scientists studying the Atlantic sturgeon, one of the oldest species of fish in the world, have found evidence that the James River population in Virginia spawns in the fall. (read more)
Space station and space flight gravity influence immune system development
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Immune system development is affected by gravity changes, according to new research. Astronauts are exposed to stresses, during launch and landing, which disrupts their body’s natural defenses against infection. Changes to the immune system need to be investigated before astronauts undergo longer space missions, experts say.  (read more)
DNA method can provide more effective treatment of childhood cancer
Posted by on October 15, 2012
After leukemia and brain tumors, neuroblastoma is the most common form of cancer to affect children. Researchers have now studied a DNA method which is now used for all cases of neuroblastoma in Sweden, and which has led to more effective treatment at individual level. (read more)
Antibiotic contamination a threat to humans and the environment
Posted by on October 15, 2012
More than 10,000 tons of antibiotics are consumed in Europe each year, and 30-60% pass through animals and humans completely unchanged. The different substances then reach the ocean via hospitals, municipal sewage, fish farms and run-off from agriculture and landfills. (read more)
Breakthrough could help sufferers of fatal lung disease
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Pioneering research is paving the way for new treatments which could benefit patients suffering from the fatal lung disease pulmonary arterial hypertension. (read more)
Research shows legume trees can fertilize and stabilize maize fields, generate higher yields
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Inserting rows of "fertilizer trees" into maize fields, known as agroforestry, can help farmers across sub-Saharan Africa cope with the impacts of drought and degraded soils, according to a 12-year-long study. (read more)
Sitting for protracted periods increases risk of diabetes, heart disease and death
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Sitting around compromises health of people -- even if they meet typical physical activity guidelines. (read more)
Adding up autism risks
Posted by on October 15, 2012
The causes of autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are complex, and contain elements of both nature (genes) and the environment. New research shows that common genetic polymorphisms (genetic variation) can add up to an increased risk of ASD. (read more)
Researcher aims to understand one of nature's strangest secrets: Magnetotactic bacteria
Posted by on October 15, 2012
New research aims to unlock one of the most intriguing processes in nature by looking into the process of magnetotactic bacteria.  These organisms develop membrane-encapsulated nano-particles known as magnetosomes which allow bacteria to orient themselves along Earth's magnetic field lines in order to migrate to more favorable environments. (read more)
European Space Agency deploys first orbital debris test radar in Spain
Posted by on October 15, 2012
A new radar designed to test methods for finding orbital debris that can be hazardous to space navigation has been installed in Spain. The radar will be used to develop future debris warning services, helping boost safety for European satellite operators. (read more)
Replicating risk genes in bipolar disorder
Posted by on October 15, 2012
One of the biggest challenges in psychiatric genetics has been to replicate findings across large studies. Scientists have now performed one of the largest ever genetic replication studies of bipolar affective disorder, with 28,000 subjects recruited from 36 different research centers. Their findings provide compelling evidence that the chromosome 3p21.1 locus contains a common genetic risk for bipolar… (read more)
Exposure to fuel from Prestige tanker oil spill causes short-term damage to rat DNA, Spanish study finds
Posted by on October 15, 2012
An experiment carried out on rodents exposed to fuel similar to that of the Prestige tanker oil spill -- which took place nearly a decade ago and caused one of Spain's largest ecological disasters -- shows that inhalation of the fuel causes damage to genetic material. According to the study, the results could be used in relation to people who carry out the industrial cleaning of coasts. (read more)
Grave thought to contain remains of King Richard III came within inches of being destroyed by Victorian builders
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Archaeologists from the University of Leicester who uncovered a grave thought to contain the skeleton of King Richard III have revealed that the remains came within inches of being destroyed by Victorian builders. (read more)
Identification of stem cells that contribute to prostate development
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Researchers have identified multipotent and unipotent stem cells (SCs) that contribute to prostate postnatal development. (read more)
Cell growth protein forms a 'pair' on the cell membrane
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Biophysicists have for the first time measured the orientation of the Ras protein bound to the cell membrane. The team combined the use of three biophysical methods -- infrared spectroscopy, computer simulations and fluorescence measurements -- and came to the surprising conclusion that two Ras molecules form a pair to take an upright position on the membrane. It was previously assumed, based on computer… (read more)
Development of lymphoma depends on platelet derived growth factor receptor B, mouse model shows
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is even less attractive in real life than it is on paper. It is a highly aggressive type of lymphoma that generally occurs in children and young adults and that has to date proven extremely difficult to treat. It has long been known that ALCL patients frequently show a genetic alteration (a translocation) that causes expression of nucleophosmin-anaplastic lymphoma… (read more)
Developing brain is source of stability and instabilty in adolescence
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Scientists are presenting new research on how the brain develops during the dynamic and vulnerable transition period from childhood to adulthood. The findings underscore the uniqueness of adolescence, revealing factors that may influence depression, decision-making, learning, and social relationships. (read more)
Scientists reveal brain circuitry involved in post-traumatic stress and related disorders
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Researchers report new insights into how the brain responds to extreme stress, whether from combat, natural disasters, or repeated violent competition. The insights offer hope for detecting and treating several widespread and debilitating neuropsychiatric disorders. (read more)
New research reveals more about how the brain processes facial expressions and emotions
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Research is helping reveal how human and primate brains process and interpret facial expressions, and the role of facial mimicry in everything from deciphering an unclear smile to establishing relationships of power and status. (read more)
Traumatic injury research working to improve the lives of citizens and soldiers
Posted by on October 15, 2012
New studies offer vivid examples of how advances in basic brain research help reduce the trauma and suffering of innocent landmine victims, amateur and professional athletes, and members of the military. (read more)
Obesity promotes tumor growth regardless of diet
Posted by on October 15, 2012
Researchers may have discovered a new explanation as to why obese patients with cancer often have a poorer prognosis compared with those who are lean. (read more)
Evolving microbes help engineers turn bio-oil into advanced biofuels
Posted by on October 15, 2012
A research team is working to develop hungry, robust microbes that can ferment biofuels from the bio-oil produced by rapidly heating biomass such as corn stalks and sawdust. (read more)
Nobel Prize in Economics 2012: Stable allocations -- from theory to pratice
Posted by on October 15, 2012
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel for 2012 to Alvin E. Roth, of Harvard University and Harvard Business School, and Lloyd S. Shapley, of the University of California, Los Angeles, "for the theory of stable allocations and the practice of market design." (read more)
Felix Baumgartner successfully lands after highest freefall from edge of space
Posted by on October 14, 2012
After flying to an altitude of 39 kilometers (24 miles) in a helium-filled balloon, Felix Baumgartner completed a record breaking jump for the ages from the edge of space, exactly 65 years after Chuck Yeager first broke the sound barrier flying in an experimental rocket-powered airplane. The 43-year-old Austrian skydiving expert also broke two other world records (highest freefall, highest manned… (read more)
Too much helpful algae can be bad for corals
Posted by on October 14, 2012
Having too many algal symbionts makes corals bleach more severely in response to global warming, a new study shows. (read more)
Applied physics as art: Spray-paint ultrathin coatings change color with only a few atoms' difference in thickness
Posted by on October 14, 2012
Researchers have demonstrated a new way to customize the color of metal surfaces by exploiting a completely overlooked optical phenomenon. For centuries it was thought that thin-film interference effects, such as those that cause oily pavements to reflect a rainbow of swirling colors, could not occur in opaque materials. However, even very "lossy" thin films, if atomically thin, can be tailored to… (read more)
Making a layer cake with atomic precision
Posted by on October 14, 2012
Graphene and associated one-atom-thick crystals offer the possibility of a vast range of new materials and devices by stacking individual atomic layers on top of each other, new research shows. (read more)
Rare cells regulate immune responses; May offer novel treatment for autoimmune diseases
Posted by on October 14, 2012
Reproducing a rare type of B cell in the laboratory and infusing it back into the body may provide an effective treatment for severe autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis, according to researchers. (read more)
Early-Earth cells modeled to show how first life forms might have packaged RNA
Posted by on October 14, 2012
A chemical model that mimics a possible step in the formation of cellular life on Earth four-billion years ago has been developed. Chemists created primitive cell-like structures that they infused with RNA -- the genetic coding material that is thought to precede the appearance of DNA on Earth -- and demonstrated how the molecules would react chemically under conditions that might have been present… (read more)
What you hear could depend on what your hands are doing
Posted by on October 14, 2012
New research demonstrates that the two hemispheres specialize in different kinds of sounds (left: rapidly changing sounds, such as consonants; right: slowly changing sounds, such as syllables or intonation). The research also shows the interaction between motor systems and perception. "Imagine you're waving an American flag while listening to a presidential candidate. The speech will sound slightly… (read more)
Solar wind particles likely source of water locked inside lunar soils
Posted by on October 14, 2012
The most likely source of the water locked inside soils on the moon's surface is the constant stream of charged particles from the sun known as the solar wind, new research suggests. (read more)
Relapse or recovery? Neuroimaging predicts course of substance addiction treatment
Posted by on October 14, 2012
A new study has provided preliminary evidence that by measuring brain activity through the use of neuroimaging, researchers can predict who is likely to have an easier time getting off drugs and alcohol, and who will need extra help. (read more)
Poor parents not encouraging high school completion
Posted by on October 14, 2012
Parents from poorer backgrounds are less likely to encourage their kids to finish high school, according to a new analysis. (read more)
Chronic stress during pregnancy prevents brain benefits of motherhood
Posted by on October 14, 2012
A new study in animals shows that chronic stress during pregnancy prevents brain benefits of motherhood, a finding that researchers suggest could increase understanding of postpartum depression. (read more)
Complex logic circuit made from bacterial genes
Posted by on October 13, 2012
An engineer has assembled the most complex logic circuit yet assembled in a single bacterium. The logic circuit, in which genes and the molecules that turn the genes on or off function as logic gates, the simple devices that form the basis for electronic circuits, is one step in an effort to make programmable bacteria that make biofuels, degrade pollutants, or attack cancer or infections. (read more)
Scientists identify mammal model of bladder regeneration
Posted by on October 13, 2012
While it is well known that starfish, zebrafish and salamanders can re-grow damaged limbs, scientists understand very little about the regenerative capabilities of mammals. Now, researchers report on the regenerative process that enables rats to re-grow their bladders within eight weeks. (read more)
Condom use drops when young women use hormonal contraceptives
Posted by on October 13, 2012
Young women who start using hormonal contraceptives for birth control often stop using condoms, but a new study finds that if they later discontinue using hormonal contraceptives, they tend not to resume using condoms, increasing their risk of both unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. (read more)
Smoking may lead to cataracts in aging population
Posted by on October 13, 2012
Cigarette smoking is a well-known risk factor for a wide-range of diseases. Now, scientists have evidence that smoking may also increase the risk of age-related cataract, the leading cause of blindness and vision loss in the world. (read more)
Botox injections reduce chronic neck and cervical muscle pain
Posted by on October 13, 2012
A study revealed Botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX) injections significantly improve pain and quality of life in people with chronic bilateral posterior neck and shoulder myofascial pain syndrome. (read more)
'Ancient dream' of pain-free labor for Chinese women becoming closer to reality
Posted by on October 13, 2012
A new study revealed sometimes dramatic findings from a 10-year initiative called the “No Pain Labor N’ Delivery China Mission.” (read more)
Meteorite hunters: How to hunt a space rock
Posted by on October 12, 2012
A team of scientists from JPL needed some space. When a large fireball turned night into day over Battle Mountain, Nev. they knew they had their chance. (read more)
Mars rover Curiosity preparing for second scoop
Posted by on October 12, 2012
On Sol 65 (Oct. 11, 2012) of the Mars Science Laboratory mission, NASA's Mars rover Curiosity completed several activities in preparation for collecting its second scoop of soil. Like the first scoop, the next will come from a ripple of sand and dust at "Rocknest," and will be used for cleaning interior surfaces of the sample-handling chambers on the arm. (read more)
NASA signs agreement to develop nasal spray for motion sickness
Posted by on October 12, 2012
NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston and Epiomed Therapeutics Inc. of Irvine, Calif., have signed an agreement to develop and commercialize a NASA-crafted, fast-acting nasal spray to fight motion sickness. Under the Space Act Agreement, Epiomed will formulate the drug, called intranasal scopolamine, or INSCOP. Astronauts often experience motion sickness in space. As a result, NASA has conducted… (read more)
The science of breaking up via space station re-entry investigation
Posted by on October 12, 2012
When an aerospace engineer says breaking up is hard to do, they are not referring to matters of the heart. Instead, they are looking at best practices for the breakup of large items returning from space to Earth. Understanding what happens during this process is the goal of the ReEntry Breakup Recorder, or REBR. This device hitched a ride on the European Space Agency's Automated Transfer Vehicle-3,… (read more)
NASA'S Operation Icebridge resumes flights over Antarctica
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Scientists and flight crew members with Operation IceBridge, NASA's airborne mission to study Earth's changing polar ice, are beginning another campaign over Antarctica. Now in its fourth year, IceBridge's return to the Antarctic comes almost a year after the discovery of a large rift in the continent's Pine Island Glacier. (read more)
Spotting a trend in the genes: Three genes that cause cancer and disease in humans also 'paint' spots on butts of fruit flies
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Spots on the butts of fruit flies are really, really small. But what a researcher and his graduate student are discovering about them could be gigantic. Researchers have discovered that three genes that cause cancer and disease in humans also "paint" the spots on the fly's body. This discovery could enable researchers to study how those genes work in fruit flies and apply that knowledge to treating… (read more)
X-ray satellites monitor the clashing winds of a colossal binary
Posted by on October 12, 2012
The hottest and most massive stars don't live long enough to disperse throughout the galaxy. Instead, they can be found near the clouds of gas and dust where they formed -- and where they will explode as supernovae after a few million years. They huddle in tight clusters with other young stars or in looser groupings called OB associations, a name reflecting their impressive populations of rare O-… (read more)
NASA's Ironman-like exoskeleton could give astronauts, paraplegics improved mobility and strength
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Marvel Comic's fictional superhero, Ironman, uses a powered armor suit that allows him superhuman strength. While NASA's X1 robotic exoskeleton can't do what you see in the movies, the latest robotic, space technology, spinoff derived from NASA's Robonaut 2 project may someday help astronauts stay healthier in space with the added benefit of assisting paraplegics in walking here on Earth. (read more)
Blood cells may offer telltale clues in cancer diagnosis
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Researchers are probing the potential use of blood cell variation as a diagnostic, predictive, and research tool in cancer biology. (read more)
Research manuscript submissions: Initial rejection may lead to higher impact, study shows
Posted by on October 12, 2012
A large-scale survey of the process for submitting research papers to scientific journals has revealed a surprising pattern: manuscripts that were turned down by one journal and published in another received significantly more citations than those that were published by the first journal to receive them. (read more)
Veterans are at higher risk of alcohol abuse relapse due to smoking
Posted by on October 12, 2012
In a new study published in Frontiers, Dr. Timothy Durazzo and colleagues from the San Francisco VA Medical Center and University of California, San Francisco, expand upon their decade of research showing that smoking while kicking the alcohol habit impairs memory, learning and other cognitive skills--ultimately making it more difficult to weather the long storm of sobriety. (read more)
miRNA tackles insulin-blocking protein
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Research is yielding new insights into how a tiny snippet of genetic material can promote healthy insulin production in mice. (read more)
Molecular basis of infection of tick-transmitted disease uncovered
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Researchers have identified the "keys" and "doors" of a bacterium responsible for a series of tick-transmitted diseases. These findings may point researchers toward the development of a single vaccine that protects against members of an entire family of bacteria that cause disease in humans, domestic animals and livestock. (read more)
Scientists uncover diversion of Gulf Stream path in late 2011; Warmer waters flowed to shelfbreak south of New England
Posted by on October 12, 2012
The Gulf Stream made an unusual move well north of its normal path in late October and early November 2011, causing warmer-than-usual ocean temperatures along the New England continental shelf, according to physical oceanographers. (read more)
'Invisibility' could be a key to better electronics: Visual 'cloaking' technology enables more efficient transfer of electrons
Posted by on October 12, 2012
A new approach that allows objects to become "invisible" has now been applied to an entirely different area: letting particles "hide" from passing electrons, which could lead to more efficient thermoelectric devices and new kinds of electronics. (read more)
Neural-like stem cells from muscle tissue may hold key to cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Scientists have taken the first steps to create neural-like stem cells from muscle tissue in animals. (read more)
The worst noises in the world: Why we recoil at unpleasant sounds
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Heightened activity between the emotional and auditory parts of the brain explains why the sound of chalk on a blackboard or a knife on a bottle is so unpleasant. (read more)
Body's own recycling system: Researchers discover 'molecular emergency brake' in charge of regulating self-digestion
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Times of distress literally eat away at the core of starving cells: They start to digest their own parts and recycle them for metabolic purposes. Researchers have discovered that a "molecular brake" is in charge of regulating autophagy to keep it from getting out of control. (read more)
Development of two tests for rapid diagnosis of resistance to antibiotics
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Two new tests capable of rapidly diagnosing resistance to wide-spectrum antibiotics have just been developed. Thanks to these tests, it now takes only two hours to identify certain bacteria that are resistant to the most used and the most important antibiotics in hospitals. The main targeted bacteria are enterobacteriacae (such as E. Coli), that are responsible for infections. (read more)
Kidney grafts function longer in Europe than in the United States
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Kidney transplants performed in Europe are considerably more successful in the long run than those performed in the United States. Researchers have described the large discrepancy for the first time, after systematically comparing data from the world's most comprehensive study on transplant results. (read more)
Cells control energy metabolism via hedgehog signalling pathway
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Cancer, diabetes, and excess body weight have one thing in common: they alter cellular metabolism. Scientists have resolved a new molecular circuit controlling cellular metabolism. The previously unknown signalling pathway, acting downstream of the hedgehog protein enables muscle cells and brown fat cells to absorb sugars without relying on insulin. Substances that selectively activate the signalling… (read more)
X-raying stellar winds in a high-speed collision
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Two massive stars racing in orbit around each other have had their colliding stellar winds X-rayed for the first time, thanks to the combined efforts of the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton and NASA's Swift space telescopes. (read more)
Prostate cancer: Curcumin curbs metastases, study shows
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Powdered turmeric has been used for centuries to treat osteoarthritis and other illnesses. Its active ingredient, curcumin, inhibits inflammatory reactions. A new study now shows that it can also inhibit formation of metastases. (read more)
Documented decrease in frequency of Hawaii's northeast trade winds
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Scientists have observed a decrease in the frequency of northeast trade winds and an increase in eastern trade winds over the past nearly four decades, according to a recent study. (read more)
New gene test flags risk of serious complications in sarcoidosis
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Researchers have identified a genetic signature that distinguishes patients with complicated sarcoidosis, an inflammatory lung disease that can be fatal, from patients with a more benign form of the disease. (read more)
Tying our fate to molecular markings
Posted by on October 12, 2012
A physicist has helped discover that understanding how a chemical mark on our DNA affects gene expression could be as useful to scientists as fingerprints are to police at a crime scene. In a new study, researchers show that variable methylation is predictive of age, gender, stress, cancer and early-life socioeconomic status within a population. (read more)
Fly genomes show natural selection and return to Africa
Posted by on October 12, 2012
New studies of the genomes of almost 200 strains of Drosophila flies show natural selection and a "return to Africa" of the tiny flies, which likely migrated with ancestral humans tens of thousands of years ago. (read more)
Illegal hunting and trade of wildlife in savanna Africa may cause conservation crisis
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Widespread illegal hunting and the bushmeat trade occur more frequently and with greater impact on wildlife populations in the Southern and Eastern savannas of Africa than previously thought, and if unaddressed could potentially cause a 'conservation crisis,' new research shows. The report challenges previously held beliefs of the impact of illegal bushmeat hunting and trade in Africa with new data… (read more)
Transplantation of embryonic neurons raises hope for treating brain diseases
Posted by on October 12, 2012
The unexpected survival of embryonic neurons transplanted into the brains of newborn mice in a series of experiments raises hope for the possibility of using neuronal transplantation to treat diseases like Alzheimer's, epilepsy, Huntington's, Parkinson's and schizophrenia. (read more)
Shape matters in DNA nanoparticle therapy
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Researchers have discovered how to control the shape of nanoparticles that move DNA through the body and have shown that the shapes of these carriers may make a big difference in how well they work in treating cancer and other diseases. (read more)
Quantum oscillator responds to pressure
Posted by on October 12, 2012
In the future, superconducting quantum bits might serve as components of high-performance computers. Today, superconducting quantum bits are already helping scientists better understand the structure of solids, researchers report. (read more)
When galaxies eat galaxies: Gravity lenses suggest big collisions make galaxies denser
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Using gravitational "lenses" in space, astronomers have discovered that the centers of the biggest galaxies are growing denser -- evidence of repeated collisions and mergers by massive galaxies with 100 billion stars. (read more)
Shape matters in DNA nanoparticle therapy: Particles could become a safer, more effective delivery vehicle for gene therapy
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Researchers have discovered how to control the shape of nanoparticles that move DNA through the body and have shown that the shapes of these carriers may make a big difference in how well they work in treating cancer and other diseases. This study is also noteworthy because this gene therapy technique does not use a virus to carry DNA into cells. (read more)
Scientists identify trigger for explosive volcanic eruptions
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Scientists have identified a repeating trigger for the largest explosive volcanic eruptions on Earth. The Las Cañadas volcanic caldera on Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, has generated at least eight major eruptions during the last 700,000 years. These catastrophic events have resulted in eruption columns of over 25km high and expelled widespread pyroclastic material over 130km. By comparison, even… (read more)
Old adage 'sleep on it' is true -- but only if it's a really difficult problem, study shows
Posted by on October 12, 2012
A new study has found that sleeping on a problem really can help people to find a solution. The study tested whether sleep or time spent awake worked best in helping people find the solutions to a range of problem solving tasks. (read more)
New weapons detail reveals true depth of Cuban Missile Crisis
Posted by on October 12, 2012
The Cuban Missile Crisis took place 50 years ago this October, when US and Soviet leaders pulled back from the very brink of nuclear war. This was the closest the world has come to nuclear war, but exactly how close has been a matter of some speculation. The conflict, itself, has been analyzed and interpreted, but the number and types of nuclear weapons that were operational have not. According to… (read more)
Seaweed: An alternative protein source
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Researchers are looking to seaweed for proteins with health benefits for use as functional foods. Historically, edible seaweeds were consumed by coastal communities across the world and today seaweed is a habitual diet in many countries, particularly in Asia. Indeed, whole seaweeds have been successfully added to foods in recent times, ranging from sausages and cheese to pizza bases and frozen-meat… (read more)
What do cyclists need to see to avoid single-bicycle crashes?
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Crashes are an unfortunate fact of life for many traveling on roads and bicycle paths, but how and why they happen is not always well understood. New research shows that in crashes where a single cyclist collided with a bollard, narrowed road or other obstacle, or rode off the road altogether, poor visibility and especially poor visual contrast played a significant part. (read more)
Reason discovered for the toxicity of indoor mould
Posted by on October 12, 2012
A team of researchers from Finland has discovered how indoor mold makes people sick. The only remedy is to heal the living environment, they say. (read more)
Simple quiz, already used in elderly, could determine death risk for kidney dialysis patients of all ages
Posted by on October 12, 2012
A simple six-question quiz, typically used to assess disabilities in the elderly, could help doctors determine which kidney dialysis patients of any age are at the greatest risk of death, new research suggests. (read more)
Exposure to traffic air pollution in infancy impairs lung function in children
Posted by on October 12, 2012
Exposure to ambient air pollution from traffic during infancy is associated with lung function deficits in children up to eight years of age, particularly among children sensitized to common allergens, according to a new study. (read more)
Mars rock touched by NASA Curiosity has surprises
Posted by on October 11, 2012
The first Martian rock NASA's Curiosity rover has reached out to touch presents a more varied composition than expected from previous missions. The rock also resembles some unusual rocks from Earth's interior. The rover team used two instruments on Curiosity to study the chemical makeup of the football-size rock called "Jake Matijevic." The results support some surprising recent measurements and provide… (read more)
Expectant parents have different stress reactions to relationship conflict
Posted by on October 11, 2012
A new study on the physiological effects of stress has found that expectant parents respond differently to arguments depending on the presence of ongoing individual or relationship difficulties such as anxiety or chronic relationship conflict. (read more)
One CVD death in China every 10 seconds
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Every year three million Chinese people die from cardiovascular disease and every 10 seconds there is one death from CVD in China, according to experts. (read more)
Nurture trumps nature in study of oral bacteria in human twins, study finds
Posted by on October 11, 2012
A new long-term study of human twins indicates the makeup of the population of bacteria bathing in their saliva is driven more by environmental factors than heritability. (read more)
Single gene variant in donors may affect survival of transplanted kidneys
Posted by on October 11, 2012
A single genetic variant in kidney donors' cells may help determine whether their transplanted organs will survive long term, according to a new study. The findings provide new information that might be used to improve transplant longevity by revealing that the genetic make-up of kidney transplant donors affects the survival of transplanted organs. (read more)
Safety results of intra-arterial stem cell clinical trial for stroke presented
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Early results of a Phase II intra-arterial stem cell trial for ischemic stroke showed no adverse events associated with the first 10 patients, allowing investigators to expand the study to a targeted total of 100 patients. (read more)
New studies could result in better treatments for epilepsy, behavioral disorders
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Three studies could result in new types of treatment for the disease and, as a bonus, for behavioral disorders as well. (read more)
Enzyme triggers cell death in heart attack
Posted by on October 11, 2012
A new study shows that CaM kinase II enzyme activity triggers heart cell death by making the cells' energy-producing mitochondria leaky. Inhibiting the enzyme in mitochondria protected mice from heart cell death during heart attack and other forms of heart stress. The findings could lead to better therapies for common forms of heart disease. (read more)
Animals' microbial communities linked to their behavior
Posted by on October 11, 2012
New research is revealing surprising connections between animal microbiomes -- the communities of microbes that live inside animals' bodies -- and animal behavior. A new article reviews recent developments in this emerging research area and offers questions for future investigation. (read more)
Anti-cancer drug fights immune reaction in some infants with Pompe disease
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Adding a third anti-cancer agent to a current drug cocktail appears to have contributed to dramatic improvement in three infants with the most severe form of Pompe disease -- a rare, often-fatal genetic disorder characterized by low or no production of an enzyme crucial to survival. (read more)
More than just 'zoning out': Exploring the cognitive processes behind mind wandering
Posted by on October 11, 2012
It happens innocently enough: One minute you're working on a report and the next minute you're thinking about how you need to do laundry. Mind wandering is frequent and common. And while it can be counterproductive, research suggests that mind wandering isn't necessarily a bad thing. New research explores mind wandering in various contexts, examining how it relates to cognitive processes involved… (read more)
Fusion energy: Mug handles could help hot plasma give lower-cost, controllable fusion energy
Posted by on October 11, 2012
New hardware lets engineers maintain the plasma used in fusion reactors in an energy-efficient, stable manner, making the system potentially attractive for use in fusion power plants. (read more)
Making Sudoku puzzles less puzzling
Posted by on October 11, 2012
For anyone who has ever struggled while attempting to solve a Sudoku puzzle, mathematicians are coming to the rescue. They can not only explain why some Sudoku puzzles are harder than others, they have also developed a mathematical algorithm that solves Sudoku puzzles very quickly, without any guessing or backtracking. (read more)
Uncovering information about hadrosaur teeth
Posted by on October 11, 2012
An unusual collaboration between researchers in two disparate fields resulted in a new discovery about the teeth of 65-million-year-old dinosaurs. (read more)
Engineered flies spill secret of seizures
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Scientists have observed the neurological mechanism behind temperature-dependent -- febrile -- seizures by genetically engineering fruit flies to harbor a mutation analogous to one that causes epileptic seizures in people. In addition to contributing the insight on epilepsy, their new study also highlights the first use of genetic engineering to swap a human genetic disease mutation into a directly… (read more)
Antibiotic resistance a growing concern with urinary tract infection
Posted by on October 11, 2012
As a result of concerns about antibiotic resistance, doctors in the United States are increasingly prescribing newer, more costly and more powerful antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections, one of the most common illnesses in women. Often they are not necessary. (read more)
Earth sunblock only needed if planet warms easily
Posted by on October 11, 2012
A new computer analysis of future climate change that considers emissions reductions together with sunlight reduction shows that such drastic steps to cool Earth would only be necessary if the planet heats up easily with added greenhouse gases. (read more)
Hubble sees a planetary nebula in the making
Posted by on October 11, 2012
The Universe is filled with mysterious objects. Many of them are as strange as they are beautiful. Among these, planetary nebulae are probably one of the most fascinating objects to behold in the night sky. No other type of object has such a large variety of shapes and structures. The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has provided a striking image of Hen 3-1475, a planetary nebula in the making. (read more)
Bounce, skid, wobble: How Huygens landed on Titan
Posted by on October 11, 2012
The European Space Agency's Huygens probe, ferried to Saturn's moon Titan by NASA's Cassini spacecraft, bounced, slid and wobbled its way to rest in the 10 seconds after touching down on Titan in January 2005, a new analysis reveals. The moon's surface is more complex than previously thought. (read more)
Terrorism risk greatest for subway/rail commuters
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Despite homeland security improvements since 9/11, subway and rail commuters face higher risks of terror than frequent flyers or those engaged in virtually any other activity. While successful terrorist acts against aviation fell sharply, those against subways and commuter trains surged. (read more)
Developmental biologist proposes new theory of early animal evolution that challenges basic assumption of evolution
Posted by on October 11, 2012
A developmental biologist whose life's work has supported the theory of evolution has developed a concept that dramatically alters one of its basic assumptions -- that survival is based on a change's functional advantage if it is to persist. (read more)
Surprising solution to fly eye mystery
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Fly eyes have the fastest visual responses in the animal kingdom, but how they achieve this has long been an enigma. A new study shows that their rapid vision may be a result of their photoreceptors -- specialized cells found in the retina -- physically contracting in response to light. (read more)
Meteorite delivers Martian secrets
Posted by on October 11, 2012
A meteorite that landed in the Moroccan desert 14 months ago is providing more information about Mars, the planet where it originated. (read more)
Researchers ID unique geological 'sombrero' uplift in South America
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Scientists have identified a geological oddity in the central Andes region, home to the largest active magma body in Earth's continental crust. They found that magma is forming a big blob in the middle of the crust, pushing up Earth's surface across an area 100 kilometers wide, while the surrounding area sinks, leading to a unique geological phenomenon the researchers have described as the "sombrero… (read more)
How bacteria communicate using quorum sensing: Could bacteria be manipulated to control infections?
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Researchers have examined the relatively new field in microbiology known as quorum sensing, a type of bacterial communication. Scientists say this fundamental research takes them steps closer to a different antibiotic-independent way of managing infections, and could one day lead to the ability to manipulate bacterial conditions in order to cause cell populations of dangerous pathogens to collapse. (read more)
Using cell phone data to curb the spread of malaria
Posted by on October 11, 2012
New research that combines cell phone data from 15 million people in Kenya with detailed information on the regional incidence of malaria has revealed how human travel patterns contribute to the disease's spread. (read more)
New web-based model for sharing research datasets could have huge benefits
Posted by on October 11, 2012
A group of researchers have proposed creating a new web-based data network to help researchers and policymakers worldwide turn existing knowledge into real-world applications and technologies and improve science and innovation policy. (read more)
Anesthetic combination provides a more rapid recovery after oral surgery
Posted by on October 11, 2012
The ideal sedative for oral surgery should make the patient comfortable during the surgery and should wear off quickly enough that the patient can leave the dental chair soon after the procedure. Finding the best plan of anesthetic treatment is essential to the success of dental procedures such as the extraction of wisdom teeth. (read more)
Quantum effects observed in cold chemistry
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Physicists have combined two low-temperature supersonic beams to produce chemical reactions in quantum conditions, near absolute zero. The method, a first, confirms longstanding theories. (read more)
Unusual genetic structure confers major disease resistance trait in soybean
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Scientists have identified three neighboring genes that make soybeans resistant to the most damaging disease of soybean. The genes exist side-by-side on a stretch of chromosome, but only give resistance when that stretch is duplicated several times in the plant. (read more)
Natural playgrounds more beneficial to children, inspire more play, study finds
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Children who play on playgrounds that incorporate natural elements like logs and flowers tend to be more active than those who play on traditional playgrounds with metal and brightly colored equipment, according to a recent study. (read more)
Clues to cancer metastasis: Discovery points to potential therapies for bone metastasis
Posted by on October 11, 2012
New research explains how mesenchymal stem cells help cancer cells to spread beyond primary tumor. (read more)
Alzheimer's sufferers may function better with less visual clutter
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Psychologists have shown that an individual's inability to recognize once-familiar faces and objects may have as much to do with difficulty perceiving their distinct features as it does with the capacity to recall from memory. A new study suggests that memory impairments for people diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's disease may in part be due to problems with determining the differences between… (read more)
Scientists use new method to help reduce piglet mortality
Posted by on October 11, 2012
To help increase the survival of newborn piglets, scientists have developed a new method that predicts animals' mortality and nursing ability. (read more)
Focus on space debris: Envisat
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Space debris came into focus last week at the International Astronautical Congress in Naples, Italy. Envisat, the European Space Agency's largest Earth observation satellite, ended its mission last spring and was a subject of major interest in the Space Debris and Legal session. (read more)
Organic solar cells with high electric potential for portable electronics
Posted by on October 11, 2012
A new breakthrough in solar technology means portable electronic devices such as e-book readers could soon be re-charged on the move in low light levels and partial shading. Scientists have created an organic solar cell that generates a sufficiently high voltage to recharge a lithium-ion battery directly, without the need to connect multiple individual cells in series. Modules of these high voltage… (read more)
Parental bonding makes for happy, stable child
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Infants who have a close, intimate relationship with at least one parent are less likely to experience emotional or behavioral problems in childhood, according to a new study. The researchers found that a child can be close to either the mother or the father to reap the emotional dividend, and that closeness with both parents conferred no additional advantage. (read more)
England World Cup wins and losses linked to 30 percent rise in domestic violence, study finds
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Domestic violence rates rose by an average of 30 percent each time England won or lost their games during the 2010 World Cup, but draws had little impact on the statistics, according to a new study. (read more)
Arctic and Southern Oceans appear to determine the composition of microbial populations
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Differing contributions of freshwater from glaciers and streams to the Arctic and Southern oceans appear to be responsible for the fact that the majority of microbial communities that thrive near the surface at the Poles share few common members, according to an international team of researchers. (read more)
How nerve signals are sent around the body at varying speeds as electrical impulses
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Scientists have proved a 60-year-old theory about how nerve signals are sent around the body at varying speeds as electrical impulses. Researchers tested how these signals are transmitted through nerve fibers, which enables us to move and recognize sensations such as touch and smell. (read more)
India's public school students on par with private students, study finds
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Contrary to past research, private school students in India do not outperform their counterparts in public schools, finds a new study. (read more)
Airborne superbugs elude hospital cleaning regimes
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Hospital superbugs can float on air currents and contaminate surfaces far from infected patients' beds, according to researchers. (read more)
Eco-friendly optics: Spider silk's talents harnessed for use in biosensors, lasers, microchips
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Spiders use their silk to catch lunch. Now physicists are using it to catch light. New research shows that natural silk could be an eco-friendly alternative to more traditional ways of manipulating light, such as through glass or plastic fiber optic cables. (read more)
Researchers create 'nanoflowers' for energy storage, solar cells
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Researchers have created flower-like structures out of germanium sulfide (GeS) -- a semiconductor material -- that have extremely thin petals with an enormous surface area. The GeS flower holds promise for next-generation energy storage devices and solar cells. (read more)
New insight into celiac disease
Posted by on October 11, 2012
For the first time, scientists have visualized an interaction between gluten and T-cells of the immune system, providing insight into how celiac disease, which affects approximately one in 133 people, is triggered. (read more)
Feeding the Schwanns: New technique could bring cell therapy for nerve damage a step closer
Posted by on October 11, 2012
A new way to grow cells vital for nerve repair could be a vital step for use in patients with severe nerve damage, including spinal injury. (read more)
Stopping the itch: New clues into how to treat eczema
Posted by on October 11, 2012
More than 15 percent of children suffer with eczema, or atopic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin disease that in some cases can be debilitating and disfiguring. Researchers have discovered a potential new target for the condition, demonstrating that by blocking it, they can lessen the disease in mice. (read more)
Diverse intestinal viruses may play a role in AIDS progression
Posted by on October 11, 2012
In monkeys and humans with AIDS, damage to the gastrointestinal tract is common. How this gastric damage occurs has remained a mystery, but now researchers provide new clues, implicating the presence of potentially pathogenic virus species other than the main virus that causes AIDS. The findings could provide an opportunity to explain and eventually intervene in the processes that lead to AIDS progression. (read more)
Twenty-one genes tied to cholesterol levels identified
Posted by on October 11, 2012
In the largest-ever genetic study of cholesterol and other blood lipids, scientists have identified 21 new gene variants associated with risks of heart disease and metabolic disorders. The findings expand the list of potential targets for drugs and other treatments for lipid-related cardiovascular disease. (read more)
New model explains role of dopamine in immune regulation
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is associated with emotions, movement, and the brain's pleasure and reward system. Investigators now provide a broad overview of the direct and indirect role of dopamine in modulating the immune system and discuss how recent research has opened up new possibilities for treating diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis… (read more)
Preemies from low-income families at high risk for dangerous brain bleeds
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Babies born prematurely to low-income parents have a disproportionately high risk for developing dangerous brain bleeds that require multiple surgeries and extensive follow-up, according to a small study. (read more)
HIV and breast cancer may share a common enemy: Nelfinavir
Posted by on October 11, 2012
After screening more than 2,300 drugs for their ability to halt the growth of breast cancer cells, researchers have discovered that the anti-HIV drug nelfinavir slows the progress of HER2-positive tumor cells, even if they are resistant to other breast cancer drugs. (read more)
Fisheries benefit from 400-year-old tradition
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Coral reefs in Aceh, Indonesia are benefiting from a decidedly low-tech, traditional management system that dates back to the 17th century, new research shows. (read more)
New tool determines leukemia cells' 'readiness to die,' may guide clinical care
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Researchers have developed a method for determining how ready acute myeloid leukemia cells are to die, a finding that may enable oncologists to choose more effective treatments for their patients. (read more)
Target for obesity drugs comes into focus
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Researchers have determined how the hormone leptin, an important regulator of metabolism and body weight, interacts with a key receptor in the brain. (read more)
Bouncing on Saturn's moon Titan
Posted by on October 11, 2012
ESA’s Huygens probe bounced, slid and wobbled its way to rest in the 10 seconds after touching down on Saturn’s moon, Titan, in January 2005, a new analysis reveals. The findings provide novel insight into the nature of the moon’s surface. (read more)
Plasma screens enhanced as disorder strikes: Study looks at ways to improve the quality of matter akin to that found in plasma screens
Posted by on October 11, 2012
A new study improves our understanding of plasma sources, a state of matter similar to gas in which a certain portion of the particles are ionised and which are used for example in plasma display panels. (read more)
Novel mechanisms underlying major childhood neuromuscular disease identified
Posted by on October 11, 2012
A study suggests that spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic neuromuscular disease in infants and children, results primarily from motor circuit dysfunction, not motor neuron or muscle cell dysfunction, as is commonly thought. In a second study, the researchers identified the molecular pathway in SMA that leads to problems with motor function. Findings from the studies, conducted in fruit fly, zebrafish… (read more)
Women use emoticons more than men in text messaging :-)
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Women are twice as likely as men to use emoticons in text messages, according to a new study. (read more)
Brain scans predict children's reading ability
Posted by on October 11, 2012
New research can identify the neural structures associated with poor reading skills in young children, and could lead to an early warning system for struggling students. (read more)
Yellowstone wolf study reveals how to raise successful offspring
Posted by on October 11, 2012
What are the key ingredients to raising successful, self-sufficient offspring? A new life sciences study using 14 years of data of wolves in Yellowstone indicates cooperative group behavior is key. (read more)
Soft-shelled turtles urinate through mouth
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Turtles spend most of their lives in water, but why do these air breathing animals immerse their heads in puddles for hours at a time when their watery homes dry up? Researchers have discovered that the animals have to rinse their mouths with water in order to excrete urea: the animals are effectively urinating through their mouths. (read more)
Choreography of submerged whale lunges revealed
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Submerged for tens of minutes at a time, no one knew exactly how foraging whales execute foraging lunges through shoals of krill until a band of pioneers began attaching tags to whales. Now, researchers report how humpback whales throw their jaws wide and continue gliding as they lunge, before filtering away the water and swallowing their prey in one mighty gulp. (read more)
The marshmallow study revisited: Delaying gratification depends as much on nurture as on nature
Posted by on October 11, 2012
For the past four decades, the "marshmallow test" has served as a classic experimental measure of children's self-control: will a preschooler eat one of the fluffy white confections now or hold out for two later? Now a new study demonstrates that being able to delay gratification is influenced as much by the environment as by innate ability. (read more)
Prospective Alzheimer's drug builds new brain cell connections, improves cognitive function of rats
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Researchers have developed a new drug candidate that dramatically improves the cognitive function of rats with Alzheimer's-like mental impairment. Their compound, which is intended to repair brain damage that has already occurred, is a significant departure from current Alzheimer's treatments, which either slow the process of cell death or inhibit cholinesterase, an enzyme believed to break down a… (read more)
How food marketers can help consumers eat better while improving their bottom line
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Food marketers are masters at getting people to crave and consume the foods they promote. Researchers now challenge the popular assumptions linking food marketing and obesity. New research suggests that consumption of healthy and unhealthy food responds to the same marketing tactics, presenting food marketers with a "win-win" situation in which they can turn the tables, compel consumers to eat healthier… (read more)
New cave-dwelling reef coral discovered in the Indo-Pacific
Posted by on October 11, 2012
A new species of reef coral is discovered, which lives on the ceilings of dark caves. Its closest relatives are larger, have symbiotic algae in their soft tissue and need sunlight to grow. The new species lacks such algae and its tissue is colorless. When other reef coral species lose their algae, they may die, a recurring disease known as coral bleaching. (read more)
Nearby super-Earth likely a diamond planet
Posted by on October 11, 2012
New research suggests that a rocky planet twice Earth's size orbiting a nearby star is a diamond planet. The planet -- called 55 Cancri e -- has a radius twice Earth's, and a mass eight times greater, making it a "super-Earth." It is one of five planets orbiting a sun-like star, 55 Cancri, that is located 40 light years from Earth yet visible to the naked eye in the constellation of Cancer. The planet… (read more)
Gene implicated in schizophrenia risk is also associated with risk for cannabis dependence
Posted by on October 11, 2012
New research implicates a new gene in the risk for cannabis dependence. This gene, NRG1, codes for the ErbB4 receptor, a protein implicated in synaptic development and function. (read more)
DNA confirms genetically distinct lion population for Ethiopia
Posted by on October 11, 2012
A team of international researchers has provided the first comprehensive DNA evidence that the Addis Ababa lion in Ethiopia is genetically unique and is urging immediate conservation action to preserve this vulnerable lion population. (read more)
Studying stars on Earth: Physicists simulate gigantic magnetic fields that occur on neutron stars
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Scientists have developed a method to simulate gigantic magnetic fields that normally occur on neutron stars only. The physicists show that when small particles in complex plasmas are set into rotation, they behave as if they were exposed to a huge magnetic field. (read more)
New environmentally friendly MOF production method developed
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Chemists have devised a novel, environmentally friendly technique, which allows the rapid production of Metal-Organic Frameworks porous materials (MOFs). (read more)
Biofuels benefit billionaires
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Biofuels will serve the interests of large industrial groups rather than helping to cut carbon emissions and ward off climate change, according to new research. (read more)
Generation of functional thyroid tissue from stem cells
Posted by on October 11, 2012
The generation of functional thyroid tissue from stem cells could allow the treatment of patients, which suffer from thyroid hormone deficiency due to defective function, or abnormal development of the thyroid gland. Researchers recently developed a protocol that allowed for the first time the efficient generation of functional thyroid tissue from stem cells in mice. (read more)
All healthcare professionals need training to deal with the sexual needs of patients, study finds
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Providing healthcare staff with a one-day training course on dealing with the sexual needs of people with an acquired physical disability gave them greater understanding of the issues patients faced and enabled them to address intimate questions more comfortably and proactively. (read more)
Wild monkeys watch fights to exploit losers for grooming
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Wild macaques who are bystanders to fights within their group exploit the losers for grooming favors, new research has shown. The findings reveal previously unknown details about the important function observing others' aggressive behavior serves in primate society, and may even help to explain why humans often hold a fascination with watching fights. (read more)
New observations give a glimpse of the future of the Sun
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Astronomers have discovered a totally unexpected spiral structure in space. The strange shape, discovered in gas and dust surrounding the red giant star R Sculptoris, was probably created by a hidden companion star orbiting the star. The research gives new insight on how stars like the Sun return material to space when they become old. (read more)
Cold wind makes Norwegian Sea warmer
Posted by on October 11, 2012
The Gulf Stream and the warm waters it brings are one reason the climate is milder along the Norwegian coastline than other places so far north. Researchers now know that the Gulf Stream is not only driven from the south, but also drawn northward by Arctic winds. Norwegian researchers have discovered a previously unknown climate relationship in the seas off Norway: cold wind from the north makes warm… (read more)
The impact and implications of early voting: What the experts have to say
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Although Election Day 2012 is still weeks away, many Americans are already casting their votes. The number of people choosing to vote before Election Day is increasing dramatically, and the potential impact and implications of early voting are the subject of several recent articles. (read more)
Graphene: A patterned template for molecular packing
Posted by on October 11, 2012
Simulations of atomic-scale processes show how to trap and pack molecules in patterned graphene sheets that may have molecular storage applications. (read more)
Glaciers cracking in the presence of carbon dioxide
Posted by on October 10, 2012
The well-documented presence of excessive levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere is causing global temperatures to rise and glaciers and ice caps to melt. New research has shown that CO2 molecules may be also having a more direct impact on the ice that covers our planet. (read more)
Testosterone increases honesty, study suggests
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Testosterone is considered the most important male hormone, associated with aggression and posturing. Researchers have now been able to demonstrate that this sex hormone surprisingly also fosters social behavior. In play situations, subjects who had received testosterone clearly lied less frequently than individuals who had only received a placebo. (read more)
Filming bacterial life in multicolor as a new diagnostic and antibiotic discovery tool
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Scientists have discovered a revolutionary new method for coloring the cell wall of bacterial cells to determine how they grow, in turn providing a new, much-needed tool for the development of new antibiotics. (read more)
Suomi NPP satellite sees auroras over North America
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Overnight on October 4-5, 2012, a mass of energetic particles from the atmosphere of the Sun were flung out into space, a phenomenon known as a coronal mass ejection. Three days later, the storm from the Sun stirred up the magnetic field around Earth and produced gorgeous displays of northern lights. NASA satellites track such storms from their origin to their crossing of interplanetary space to their… (read more)
Analysis finds likely U.S. voters rank health care second most important issue in presidential choice
Posted by on October 10, 2012
A new analysis of 37 national opinion polls conducted by 17 survey organizations finds that health care is the second most important issue for likely voters in deciding their 2012 presidential vote. This is the highest that health care has been ranked as a presidential election issue since 1992. (read more)
First whole genome sequencing of multiple pancreatic cancer patients has been outlined
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Whole genome sequencing -- spelling all 3 billion letters in the human genome -- "is an obvious and powerful method for advancing our understanding of pancreatic cancer," according to a new study. (read more)
Parent-clinician communication about children's drug reactions needs improvement, study finds
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Many parents are dissatisfied with communication regarding adverse drug reactions experienced by their child, and the implications of such reactions for the child's future use of medicines, according to a new study. (read more)
Negative news stories affect women's stress levels but not men's
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Bad news articles in the media increase women's sensitivity to stressful situations, but do not have a similar effect on men, according to a new study. (read more)
Close call: Bad weather drives up phone calls to our nearest and dearest
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Who we call and how long we speak to them changes with the weather, according to new research by experts in the UK. Analysing the call patterns of 1.3 million mobile phone users, the team found that in 'uncomfortable' weather -- such as very hot, humid, wet or cold weather -- call length increased but the number of people we made contact with went down. (read more)
Singing mice show signs of learning
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Guys who imitate Luciano Pavarotti or Justin Bieber to get the girls aren't alone. Male mice may do a similar trick, matching the pitch of other males' ultrasonic serenades. The mice also have certain brain features, somewhat similar to humans and song-learning birds, which they may use to change their sounds, according to a new study. (read more)
Like songbirds and people, mice can learn new tunes
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Ultrasonic vocalizations in mice can be learned based on sounds they hear. Scientists have found the first evidence that the ability to learn vocalizations, a capacity so far believed to be restricted to a handful of bird and mammal species like humans and dolphins, is shared by another species: mice. (read more)
Skin hair skims heat off elephants
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Hair on skin surface may serve to dissipate body heat rather than keep elephants warm. (read more)
Single spider dads caring for eggs suffer no disadvantages despite parenting costs
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Exclusive paternal care associated with mating benefits and lower mortality risk in harvestman spiders. (read more)
New fossils suggest ancient origins of modern-day deep-sea animals
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Fossils discovered in North Atlantic Ocean reveal ancestry of sea urchins and related species. (read more)
Nerve and muscle activity vary across menstrual cycle
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Nerve fibers, and the muscles they control, behave differently at different points along the menstrual cycle, potentially making women more vulnerable to knee injuries. (read more)
Making crowdsourcing more reliable
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Researchers in the UK are designing incentives for collection and verification of information to make crowdsourcing more reliable. (read more)
High Levels of Blood-Based Protein Specific to Mesothelioma
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Researchers have discovered the protein product of a little-known gene may one day prove useful in identifying and monitoring the development of mesothelioma in early stages, when aggressive treatment can have an impact on the progression of disease and patient prognosis. (read more)
Older adults tend not to stick with their meds following heart attacks
Posted by on October 10, 2012
A new study of Medicare patients after heart attacks revealed an overall low exposure to the four medication classes. (read more)
Hospital readmission rates misleading, study finds
Posted by on October 10, 2012
A high hospital readmission rate now can result in reduced Medicare reimbursements. But a study of spine surgery patients found that the standard method used to calculate readmission rates is a misleading indicator of hospital quality. (read more)
Method to study the atomic structure of complex surfaces developed
Posted by on October 10, 2012
With a novel idea, a lot of work and some of the world’s most sophisticated equipment, researchers have developed a new way to study the structures of complex surfaces, opening the door to future discoveries in materials, energy and technology. (read more)
Exercise helps ease premature cardiovascular aging caused by type 2 diabetes
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Exercise helps attenuate the premature cardiovascular aging that type 2 diabetes can cause. (read more)
Eliminating sagebrush may hurt rather than help wildlife
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Efforts to enhance wildlife habitat by controlling vegetation could actually cause more harm than good. Wyoming big sagebrush is often manipulated to decrease its density and encourage the growth of herbaceous plants. However, this may bring about declines in the population of birds, elk, and other animals. (read more)
Exercise could fortify immune system against future cancers
Posted by on October 10, 2012
A small pilot study suggests that T cells become more responsive in exercising cancer survivors weeks after chemo ends. (read more)
Minutes of hard exercise can lead to all-day calorie burn
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Time spent in the drudgery of strenuous exercise is a well-documented turn-off for many people who want to get in better shape. In a new study, researchers show that exercisers can burn as many as 200 extra calories in as little as 2.5 minutes of concentrated effort a day -- as long as they intersperse longer periods of easy recovery in a practice known as sprint interval training. (read more)
Stroke becoming more common in young people
Posted by on October 10, 2012
New research reveals that stroke may be affecting people at a younger age. (read more)
NASA's Mars rover Curiosity: Work resumes with first scooped sample
Posted by on October 10, 2012
The team operating Curiosity decided on Oct. 9, 2012, to proceed with using the rover's first scoop of Martian material. Plans for Sol 64 (Oct. 10) call for shifting the scoopful of sand and dust into the mechanism for sieving and portioning samples, and vibrating it vigorously to clean internal surfaces of the mechanism. This first scooped sample, and the second one, will be discarded after use,… (read more)
Saturn's ever-changing F ring
Posted by on October 10, 2012
The Cassini spacecraft captures Saturn's ever-changing F ring, showing its bright core, another strand of ring material, and a breakaway clump of material close to the core. (read more)
Study challenges assumptions on wartime sexual violence
Posted by on October 10, 2012
A new study finds that there is no compelling evidence to support a host of widely held beliefs regarding wartime sexual violence. (read more)
Scientists pinpoint gene variations linked to higher risk of bipolar disorder
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Scientists have identified small variations in a number of genes that are closely linked to an increased risk of bipolar disorder, a mental illness that affects nearly six million Americans. (read more)
Neuroimaging technique captures cocaine's devastating effect on brain blood flow
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Researchers have developed a high-resolution, 3D optical Doppler imaging tomography technique that captures the effects of cocaine restricting the blood supply in vessels of the brain. (read more)
Gene signature predicts prostate cancer survival
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Researchers have identified a six-gene signature that can be used in a test to predict survival in men with aggressive prostate cancer. (read more)
Nanoparticles: Making gold economical for sensing
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Newly developed gold nanocluster arrays are well suited for commercial applications of a high-performance sensing technique. (read more)
Light might prompt graphene devices on demand
Posted by on October 10, 2012
A breakthrough in plasmonics could allow the creation of on-demand electronic devices on graphene by hitting the material with light of a particular wavelength or at a certain angle. (read more)
Sweeping X-ray imaging survey of dying stars is 'uncharted territory'
Posted by on October 10, 2012
The death throes of dying stars are the focus of a sweeping new survey using NASA's Chandra X-ray satellite observatory. More than two dozen astronomers have aligned their research goals to use Chandra to image a set of dying stars in the neighborhood of the Sun. The resulting X-ray images of these dying stars -- called planetary nebulae -- are shedding light on the violent "end game" of a Sun-like… (read more)
Improving nanometer-scale manufacturing with infrared spectroscopy
Posted by on October 10, 2012
While there have been significant breakthroughs in nano-manufacturing, there has been much less progress on measurement technologies that can provide information about nanostructures made from multiple integrated materials. Researchers now report new diagnostic tools that can support cutting-edge nano-manufacturing. Using atomic force microscope based infrared spectroscopy to characterize polymer… (read more)
Fly like an eagle: New launch and recovery system takes unmanned aerial vehicles into the future
Posted by on October 10, 2012
A shipboard-capable system designed to support both the launch and recovery of the Scan Eagle unmanned aerial vehicle, successfully completed final demonstration flight testing Sept. 27 at a testing range in eastern Oregon. (read more)
Mine your business: Text mining insights from social media
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Thanks to blogs, online forums, and product review sites, companies and marketers now have access to a seemingly endless array of data on consumers' opinions and experiences. In principle, businesses should be able to use this information to gain a better understanding of the general market and of their own and their competitors' customers. (read more)
Human neural stem cells study offers new hope for children with fatal brain diseases
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Physician-scientists have demonstrated for the first time that banked human neural stem cells can survive and make functional myelin in mice with severe symptoms of myelin loss. Myelin is the critical fatty insulation, or sheath, surrounding new nerve fibers and is essential for normal brain function. (read more)
Cold cases heat up through new approach to identifying remains
Posted by on October 10, 2012
In an effort to identify the thousands of John/Jane Doe cold cases in the United States, scientists have found a multidisciplinary approach to identifying the remains of missing persons. Using "bomb pulse" radiocarbon analysis, combined with recently developed anthropological analysis and forensic DNA techniques, the researchers were able to identify the remains of a missing child 41 years after the… (read more)
The good, the bad, and the guilty: Anticipating feelings of guilt predicts ethical behavior
Posted by on October 10, 2012
From politics to finance, government to education, ethics-related scandals seem to crop up with considerable regularity. As whistleblowers and investigative journalists bring scandals to light, one can't help but wonder: Are there specific character traits that predispose people to unethical behavior? Converging evidence suggests the answer could be guilt proneness. Psychological scientists have examined… (read more)
Melanoma: The wolf in sheep’s clothing
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Melanoma is so dangerous because it tends to metastasize early on. New treatment approaches utilize, among other things, the ability of the immune defense to search out and destroy malignant cells. Yet this strategy is often only temporarily effective. A research team has discovered why this is the case: In the inflammatory reaction caused by the treatment, the tumor cells temporarily alter their… (read more)
SpaceX cargo mission: Return science sample capability as important as space station resupply
Posted by on October 10, 2012
While the first NASA Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) flight to the International Space Station is historic, the delivery and more importantly the return of science samples is pivotal. Since the retirement of the shuttles, the only return capability available from the space station was via the Russian Soyuz vehicle, with cold stowage even more limited -- but not anymore. Space Exploration Technologies… (read more)
Best of both catalytic worlds: New technique for heterogenizing homogenous nano catalysts
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Researchers have combined the best properties of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts by encapsulating metallic nanoclusters within the branched molecular arms of dendrimers. The results are heterogenized homogeneous nanocatalysts that are sustainable and feature high reactivity and selectivity. (read more)
RNA-based therapy brings new hope for an incurable blood cancer
Posted by on October 10, 2012
A new class of drugs that interfere with the aggressive over-production of a protein related to Mantle Cell Lymphoma is being developed. The drugs have the ability to kill off the mutated protein and stop the over-proliferation of cells. (read more)
Photonic gels are colorful sensors: Thin-film polymer metamaterial with potential for many uses created
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Tunable photonic gels show promise for sensors, security devices, computer components and display systems. (read more)
More about spatial memory problems associated with Alzheimer's revealed
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Researchers have created a mouse model that reproduces some of the chemical changes in the brain that occur with Alzheimer's, shedding new light on this devastating disease. (read more)
Small fish can play a big role in coastal carbon cycle
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Research shows that small forage fish like anchovies can transport carbon into the deep sea through their fecal pellets -- where it contributes nothing to current global warming. (read more)
Criteria used to diagnose sports head injuries found to be inconsistent
Posted by on October 10, 2012
A study of sports programs at three major universities finds that the way the injury commonly called concussion is usually diagnosed – largely based on athletes' subjective symptoms – varies greatly and may not be the best way to determine who is at risk for future problems. (read more)
Squeezing ovarian cancer cells to predict metastatic potential: Cell stiffness as possible biomarker
Posted by on October 10, 2012
New research shows that cell stiffness could be a valuable clue for doctors as they search for and treat cancerous cells before they're able to spread. The findings found that highly metastatic ovarian cancer cells are several times softer than less metastatic ovarian cancer cells. (read more)
Applying information theory to linguistics
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Researchers believe that information theory -- the discipline that gave us digital communication -- can explain differences between human languages. (read more)
How the body uses vitamin B to recognize bacterial infection
Posted by on October 10, 2012
An Australian research team has discovered how specialized immune cells recognize products of vitamin B synthesis that are unique to bacteria and yeast, triggering the body to fight infection. (read more)
NIH–sponsored workshop calls for more detailed reporting in animal studies
Posted by on October 10, 2012
A workshop sponsored by NIH's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has produced a set of consensus recommendations to improve the design and reporting of animal studies. By making animal studies easier to replicate and interpret, the workshop recommendations are expected to help funnel promising therapies to patients. (read more)
The graphene-paved roadmap: 'Wonder material' has potential to revolutionize our lives
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Wonder material graphene could not only dominate the electronic market in the near future, it could also lead to a huge range of new markets and novel applications, a new paper claims. An international team of scientists has produced a 'Graphene Roadmap' which for the first time sets out what the world's thinnest, strongest and most conductive material can truly achieve. (read more)
Detailed view of brain protein structure; Results may help improve drugs for neurological disorders
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Researchers have published the first highly detailed description of how neurotensin, a neuropeptide hormone which modulates nerve cell activity in the brain, interacts with its receptor. Their results suggest that neuropeptide hormones use a novel binding mechanism to activate a class of receptors called G-protein coupled receptors. (read more)
Cambrian fossil pushes back evolution of complex brains
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Complex brains evolved much earlier than previously thought, as evidenced by a 520-million-year-old fossilized arthropod with remarkably well-preserved brain structures. Representing the earliest specimen to show a brain, the fossil provides a "missing link" that sheds light on the evolutionary history of arthropods, the taxonomic group that comprises crustaceans, arachnids and insects. (read more)
Surprising spiral structure spotted by astronomers
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Astronomers have discovered a surprising spiral structure in the gas around the red giant star R Sculptoris. This means that there is probably a previously unseen companion star orbiting the star. The astronomers were also surprised to find that far more material than expected had been ejected by the red giant. (read more)
Living near livestock may increase risk of acquiring MRSA
Posted by on October 10, 2012
New study finds regional density of livestock is an important risk factor for nasal carriage of livestock-associated MRSA for persons with and without direct contact with livestock. (read more)
Zinc fingers: A new tool in the fight against Huntington's disease
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited genetic disorder caused by the multiple repetition of a DNA sequence (the nucleotides CAG) in the gene encoding a protein called "Huntingtin". People who do not suffer from the disease have this sequence repeated 10 to 29 times. But in an affected person, the triplet is present more than 35 times. New research provides positive results reducing the chromosomal… (read more)
Saving money while making your vote count
Posted by on October 10, 2012
A management professor studies how communities can more easily and inexpensively transport voting machines on Election Day, while reducing the possibility of voter fraud. (read more)
3-D model for lung cancer mimics the real thing
Posted by on October 10, 2012
A new technique that allows scientists to grow lung cancer cells in three dimensions could accelerate discoveries for a type of cancer that has benefited little from scientific research over the last several decades. The model uses biological matter to form miniature lungs. (read more)
From lectures to explosives detection: Laser pointer identifies dangerous chemicals in real-time
Posted by on October 10, 2012
By using an ordinary green laser pointer, the kind commonly found in lecture halls, an Israeli research team has developed a new and highly portable Raman spectrometer that can detect extremely minute traces of hazardous chemicals in real time. The new sensor's compact design makes it an excellent candidate for rapid field deployment to disaster zones and areas with security concerns. (read more)
New mechanism for molecular interactions: 'Molecular sled' carries viral enzyme along DNA to find and interact with targets
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Scientists have discovered a new mechanism that may alter principle understandings of molecular interactions within a cell's nucleus. Scientists describe the details of how particular proteins use a "molecular sled" to slide along DNA -- much like a train running along its tracks -- to find and interact with other proteins. The findings suggest this mechanism may be universal. (read more)
Are liberal arts colleges disappearing?
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Liberal arts colleges continue redefining their historical missions or flat-out disappearing -- a trend that threatens to diminish America's renowned higher education system, scholars argue in a new study. (read more)
Parenting more important than schools to academic achievement, study finds
Posted by on October 10, 2012
New research finds that parental involvement is a more significant factor in a child's academic performance than the qualities of the school itself. (read more)
Sitting on top of the world: Mountain marvels of French Polynesia
Posted by on October 10, 2012
In two papers, an American entomologist has described 14 new species of predatory beetle, seven each from two isolated mountains in Moorea and Tahiti, Society Islands. Each of the species is restricted to a single mountain, demonstrating the importance of focusing conservation efforts on individual mountains for the preservation of tropical island biodiversity. (read more)
Older age marker may be more appropriate in predicting papillary thyroid cancer prognosis
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Researchers have shown that age 45 is no longer a useful predictor of negative outcomes in the staging of papillary thyroid cancer patients. (read more)
Electronics: Visible progress
Posted by on October 10, 2012
A thin film made of graphene and a charge-inducing polymer shows promise as a replacement for transparent electrical conductors in displays. (read more)
NOAA satellites -- helping save lives for 30 years; October 1982 marks first U.S. life saved by satellite assist
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Thirty years ago, about 300 miles off the coast of New England, a barrage of towering, 25-foot waves battered a catamaran sailboat, causing it to begin sinking. A satellite, orbiting in space, detected the signal from an emergency beacon onboard the boat. A short while later, a U.S. Coast Guard cutter pulled the three passengers to safety. (read more)
SpaceX's Dragon carrying NASA cargo resupplies space station
Posted by on October 10, 2012
The Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Dragon spacecraft was berthed to the International Space Station at 8:03 a.m. CDT Wednesday (Oct. 10, 2012), a key milestone in a new era of commercial spaceflight. The delivery flight is the first contracted resupply mission by the company under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services contract. (read more)
Object likely benign plastic from Curiosity rover
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Curiosity's main activity in the 62nd sol of the mission (Oct. 8, 2012) was to image a small, bright object on the ground using the Remote Micro-Imager of the Chemistry and Camera (ChemCam) instrument. The rover team's assessment is that the bright object is something from the rover, not Martian material. It appears to be a shred of plastic material, likely benign, but it has not been definitively… (read more)
New species: Looks like turtle weed, but it's not
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Newly described species points to richer marine biodiversity in Guam waters than previously understood. (read more)
Halving food losses would feed an additional billion people, Finnish study finds
Posted by on October 10, 2012
More efficient use of the food production chain and a decrease in the amount of food losses will dramatically help maintaining the planet's natural resources and improve people's lives. Researchers in Finland have proved a valid estimation, for the first time, for how many people could be fed with reducing food losses. An additional one billion people can be fed, if the food losses could be halved. (read more)
Eyes don't necessarily give away sleepiness in people with disabilities, study suggests
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Visual examination of the pupils of the eyes is a standard test for alertness but to use pupil response in assessing sleepiness or exhaustion in people with physical disabilities requires a more sophisticated system, according to new research. (read more)
Spanish researchers find the exact spot where Julius Caesar was stabbed
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Several ancient Roman texts describe the assassination of Julius Caesar in Rome, at the Curia of Pompey in 44 BC, which was the result of a plot among a group of senators to eliminate the General. This fact led to the formation of the second triumvirate and to the final outbreak of civil wars. Now, 2,056 years later, a team of researchers from the Spanish National Research Council has found the exact… (read more)
Does immune dysfunction contribute to schizophrenia? Genetic findings from new study
Posted by on October 10, 2012
A new study reinforces the finding that a region of the genome involved in immune system function, called the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), is involved in the genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia. (read more)
Loss of protective heart failure protein linked to critical limb ischemia
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Restoring diminished levels of a protein shown to prevent and reverse heart failure damage could also have therapeutic applications for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI), suggests a new preclinical study. (read more)
Catalysis: Putting cyanide to work
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Industrial-scale chemistry could benefit from a robust new catalyst that selectively generates amino acid precursors from cyanide at room temperature. (read more)
A problem shared is a problem halved
Posted by on October 10, 2012
The experience of being bullied is particularly detrimental to the psychological health of school girls who don't have social support from either adults or peers, according to a new study. In contrast, social support from adults or peers (or both) appears to lessen the negative consequences of bullying in this group, namely anxiety and depression. (read more)
Satiation hormone could increase risk of diabetes, heart attack and breast cancer in women
Posted by on October 10, 2012
One of the body's satiation hormones, neurotensin, could raise women's risk of suffering one of three common and serious conditions: diabetes, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer. There is also a connection between the hormone and premature death in women, especially from cardiovascular disease. (read more)
Extending Einstein's theory beyond light speed
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Applied mathematicians have extended Einstein’s theory of special relativity to work beyond the speed of light. (read more)
Making physics interactive: New iPad application helps students understand how conditions affect blackbody radiation
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Understanding the phenomenon of blackbody radiation -- electromagnetic emissions that play a role in a broad range of physical systems -- is an important part of physics instruction at both the high school and college levels. Thanks to a new iPad app created by a group of researchers, explaining this to students just became a little easier. (read more)
New insight into cognitive changes in multiple sclerosis
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Researchers in Ireland have recently reported new insights into cognitive changes in multiple sclerosis, using newly developed signal processing methods. (read more)
Tactile glove provides subtle guidance to objects in vicinity
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Researchers have shown how computer-vision based hand-tracking and vibration feedback on the user's hand can be used to steer the user's hand toward an object of interest. A study shows an almost three-fold advantage in finding objects from complex visual scenes, such as library or supermarket shelves. With the new glove the user and feels their hand being gently 'pulled' toward the target. (read more)
Diabetic foot ulcers linked with higher risk of death, heart attack and stroke
Posted by on October 10, 2012
People with diabetes who develop foot ulcers are at more risk of dying prematurely than those without the complication, finds a new large-scale study. The researchers say the findings highlight the potential need for improved detection and management of those with diabetes and foot ulcers. (read more)
HPV vaccination does not lead to an increase in sex, study suggests
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Contrary to recent discussions, the HPV vaccination does not increase sexual activity in adolescent girls, new research shows. There have been claims recently that the HPV (Human papillomavirus) vaccination increases sexual activity in adolescent girls as it effectively gives them a 'green light' to have sex because of a perceived protection against sexually transmitted infections. (read more)
Astrocytes as a novel target in Alzheimer’s disease
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Alzheimer’s disease is a severe neurodegenerative disease that affects 45% of people over 85 years of age. Medical researchers have now identified astrocytes as a novel target for the development of future treatment strategies. (read more)
Climate change to lengthen growing season
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Across much of Norway, the agricultural growing season could become up to two months longer due to climate change. A research project has been studying the potential and challenges inherent in such a scenario. (read more)
Drought, climate change impact salamander survival rates
Posted by on October 10, 2012
On the heels of one the worst U.S. droughts in more than half a century, a new study raises questions about the future of one of the most integral members of stream ecosystems throughout the Southeast – the salamander. Research from Wake Forest University shows how salamanders react to drought, shedding light on the impact of climate change and increased urbanization. (read more)
Secret to making cheap, high-density data storage discovered
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Imagine being able to store thousands of songs and high-resolution images on data devices no bigger than a fingernail. Researchers have discovered that an ultra-smooth surface is the key factor for “self-assembly.” (read more)
Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2012: Smart receptors on cell surfaces
Posted by on October 10, 2012
Your body is a fine-tuned system of interactions between billions of cells. Each cell has tiny receptors that enable it to sense its environment, so it can adapt to new situtations. Robert Lefkowitz and Brian Kobilka have been awarded the 2012 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for groundbreaking discoveries that reveal the inner workings of an important family of such receptors: G-protein-coupled receptors. (read more)
Is delaying premature delivery safe?
Posted by on October 9, 2012
In a new editorial, a UK expert argues that although premature children tend to have lower cognitive ability than their peers and 14.9 million are born prematurely each year worldwide, is it really possible to stop spontaneous preterm labour? (read more)
HRT taken for 10 years significantly reduces risk of heart failure and heart attack, study suggests
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Women who take HRT for 10 years following menopause have a significantly reduced risk of mortality, heart failure and heart attack without any increased risk of cancer, DVT or stroke, a new study suggests. (read more)
Female genital mutilation significantly reduces sexual quality of life, study finds
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Women who have undergone female genital mutilation have a significantly lower sexual quality of life, a new study finds. (read more)
Men's views of abortion depend more on social class and circumstances than on fixed beliefs, interviews reveal
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Interviews of unmarried men living with female partners revealed that their opinions on whether to terminate an unwanted pregnancy were more dependent on financial and personal circumstances than on moral views about abortion. (read more)
Prototype of lunar water-prospecting robot to search for water ice at moon's northern pole
Posted by on October 9, 2012
A robotics technology company has completed assembly of a full-size prototype of Polaris, a solar-powered robot that will search for potentially rich deposits of water ice at the moon's poles. The first of its kind, Polaris can accommodate a drill to bore one meter into the lunar surface and can operate in lunar regions characterized by dark, long shadows and a sun that hugs the horizon. (read more)
Looking out for Number One can make you happy, if you have no choice
Posted by on October 9, 2012
As young children, we're taught that "sharing means caring" and, as we mature, we learn to take others' point of view. If we make a decision that favors self-interest, we often feel guilt for prioritizing ourselves over others. In prioritizing others, however, we sometimes forego the things that we know will make us happy. This raises an intriguing question: Is there any way to pursue self-interest… (read more)
New interactive system detects touch and gestures on any surface
Posted by on October 9, 2012
People can let their fingers -- and hands -- do the talking with a new touch-activated system that projects onto walls and other surfaces and allows users to interact with their environment and each other. The system identifies the fingers of a person's hand while touching any plain surface. It also recognizes hand posture and gestures, revealing individual users by their unique traits. (read more)
Screening method aids RNA drug development research
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Scientists have developed a new method of screening more than three million combinations of interactions between RNA and small molecules to identify the best targets on RNA as well as the most promising potential drug compounds. This novel technology may lead to more efficient drug development. (read more)
Most pregnancy-related infections are caused by four treatable conditions, study finds
Posted by on October 9, 2012
In low-and-middle income countries, pregnancy-related infections are a major cause of maternal death, can also be fatal to unborn and newborn babies, and are mostly caused by four types of conditions that are treatable and preventable, according to a review by U.S. researchers. (read more)
Pioneer anomaly solved? Interstellar travelers of the future may be helped by physicist's calculations
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Interstellar travel will depend upon extremely precise measurements of every factor involved in the mission. The knowledge of those factors may be improved by a researcher's solution, found to a puzzle that has stumped astrophysicists for decades. (read more)
Hospitals that cooperate on infection control fare better than hospitals acting alone
Posted by on October 9, 2012
An individual hospital's infection control efforts have a ripple effect on the prevalence of a deadly and highly infectious bacterium in hospitals throughout its surrounding region, a multi-center research group demonstrated in a computer simulation-based study. (read more)
Medicare beneficiaries overspend by hundreds, experts say
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Medicare beneficiaries are overpaying by hundreds of dollars annually because of difficulties selecting the ideal prescription drug plan for their medical needs, an investigation reveals. (read more)
Heart attack patients in states with public reporting less likely to receive angioplasty
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Patients entering hospitals with heart attacks in states with mandatory public reporting are less likely to receive angioplasties to fix heart blockages than patients in states without public reporting, according to a new study. (read more)
Hormone level linked with increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, death
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Plasma levels of proneurotensin are associated with the development of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular and total mortality, and breast cancer in women during long-term follow-up. (read more)
Vigorous physical activity may increase risk of bleeding for children with hemophilia
Posted by on October 9, 2012
In children and adolescents with hemophilia, vigorous physical activity was associated with an elevated risk of bleeding, although it appears the absolute increase in risk may be small. (read more)
Synthetic liver enzyme could result in more effective drugs with fewer side effects
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Medicines could be made to have fewer side effects and work in smaller doses with the help of a synthetic enzyme developed at Princeton University that makes drug molecules more resistant to breakdown by the human liver. (read more)
Vitamin C prevents bone loss in animal models
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Researchers have shown for the first time in an animal model that vitamin C actively protects against osteoporosis, a disease affecting large numbers of elderly women and men in which bones become brittle and can fracture. (read more)
Potential debt problems more common among the educated, study suggests
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Before the financial crash of 2008, it was highly educated Americans who were most likely to pile on unmanageable levels of debt, a new study suggests. Overall, the percentage of Americans who were paying more than 40 percent of their income for debts like mortgages and credit card bills increased from about 17 percent in 1992 to 27 percent in 2008. (read more)
For most patients, surgery is best treatment for spinal stenosis, study finds
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Nearly all groups of patients with spinal stenosis -- but not smokers -- do better with surgery than with nonsurgical treatment, reports a new study. (read more)
Your child shows up for middle school, but what about his classmates?
Posted by on October 9, 2012
How often do your child’s classmates go to school? Whether fellow students show up for class matters more than you think, especially if your son or daughter is in middle school, according to experts. (read more)
Rearing technique may bolster biocontrol wasp's commercial prospects
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Two to three millimeters long, the parasitoid wasp Habrobracon hebetor is a top candidate for use in programs to biologically control Indianmeal moths and other stored-product pests. But despite the prospects for reduced insecticide use and product losses, the approach has yet to gain traction commercially, in part because of the lack of an efficient method of stockpiling the wasp. But a team of scientists… (read more)
New link between high-fat 'Western' diet and atherosclerosis identified
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Researchers have found that a diet high in saturated fat raises levels of endothelial lipase, an enzyme associated with the development of atherosclerosis, and, conversely, that a diet high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fat lowers levels of this enzyme. The findings establish a "new" link between diet and athersoclerosis and suggest a novel way to prevent cardiovascular heart disease. In addition, the… (read more)
Animal models can revolutionize the study of cancer
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Animal models have served to validate the effectiveness of a new drug against ovarian cancer resistant to cisplatin. (read more)
Online attitudes predict individuals' compulsive and excessive Internet use and poor well-being
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Researchers are exploring how specific online communication attitudes -- such as individuals' tendency for online self-disclosure, online social connection, and online anxiety -- predicted their compulsive and excessive Internet use and, in turn, low sense of well-being. (read more)
Most complex synthetic biology circuit yet: New sensor could be used to program cells to precisely monitor their environments
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Using genes as interchangeable parts, synthetic biologists design cellular circuits that can perform new functions, such as sensing environmental conditions. However, the complexity that can be achieved in such circuits has been limited by a critical bottleneck: the difficulty in assembling genetic components that don't interfere with each other. Unlike electronic circuits on a silicon chip, biological… (read more)
How cancer cells break free from tumors: Study identifies adhesion molecules key to cancer’s spread through the body
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Although tumor metastasis causes about 90 percent of cancer deaths, the exact mechanism that allows cancer cells to spread from one part of the body to another is not well understood. One key question is how tumor cells detach from the structural elements that normally hold tissues in place, then reattach themselves in a new site. A new study reveals some of the cellular adhesion molecules that are… (read more)
Child-free women feel intense pressure to have kids, but rarely stress over it
Posted by on October 9, 2012
A national survey of nearly 1,200 American women of reproductive age with no children sought to determine if the reason a woman had no children contributed to different types and levels of stress. (read more)
Caffeine may block inflammation linked to mild cognitive impairment
Posted by on October 9, 2012
A new study has discovered a novel signal that activates the brain-based inflammation associated with neurodegenerative diseases, and caffeine appears to block its activity. This discovery may eventually lead to drugs that could reverse or inhibit mild cognitive impairment. (read more)
2010 Korea bomb 'tests' probably false alarms, says study
Posted by on October 9, 2012
This spring, a Swedish scientist sparked international concern with a journal article saying that radioactive particles detected in 2010 showed North Korea had set off at least two small nuclear blasts -- possibly in experiments designed to boost yields of much larger bombs. Separate claims surfaced that intelligence agencies suspected the detonations were done in cooperation with Iran. Now, a new… (read more)
Academic achievement improved among students active in structured after-school programs
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Participating in structured after-school care programs such as Boys and Girls Clubs positively affects academic achievement, says a new study. The study looked at data on 719 students in second through eighth grades who participated in after-school activities at local Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas during the 2009-2010 academic year. Students' participation in club activities was correlated… (read more)
Chronic kidney disease alters intestinal microbial flora
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Chronic kidney disease changes the composition of intestinal bacterial microbes that normally play a crucial role in staving off disease-causing pathogens and maintaining micronutrient balance, according to new research. (read more)
Drawing a line, with carbon nanotubes: New low-cost, durable carbon nanotube sensors can be etched with mechanical pencils
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Researchers have designed a new type of pencil lead in which graphite is replaced with a compressed powder of carbon nanotubes. The lead, which can be used with a regular mechanical pencil, can inscribe sensors on any paper surface. (read more)
Topological superconductors: Seeking a robust home for qubits
Posted by on October 9, 2012
A new study, taking into account realistic conditions for the first time, shows that Majorana qubits are possible. (read more)
Glowing DNA invention points towards high speed disease detection
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Many diseases, including cancers, leave genetic clues in the body just as criminals leave DNA at a crime scene. But tools to detect the DNA-like sickness clues known as miRNAs, tend to be slow and expensive. Now researchers have invented a DNA sensor, coupling genetic material to a luminous molecule which goes dark only in the presence of a specific target. (read more)
RMND1 mutation: Scientists discover gene behind rare disorders
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Scientists have uncovered the genetic defect underlying a group of rare genetic disorders. Using a new technique that has revolutionized genetic studies, the teams determined that mutations in the RMND1 gene were responsible for severe neurodegenerative disorders, in two infants, ultimately leading to their early death. Although the teams' investigations dealt with an infant, their discovery also… (read more)
IspH -- a protein free to choose its partners
Posted by on October 9, 2012
The iron-sulfur protein IspH plays a central role in the terpene metabolism of several pathogens. The mechanism of the reaction provides an approach for developing new antibiotics, particularly against malaria and tuberculosis. While researching this enzyme, biochemists discovered a previously unknown reaction: IspH accepts two completely different classes of molecules as partners. This surprising… (read more)
Intervention reduces sexual risk behavior and unintended preganancies in teen girls, study finds
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Adolescent girls participating in a sexual risk reduction intervention were more likely to practice abstinence and, if sexually active, showed substantial decreases in unprotected sex, number of partners and unintended pregnancies, a new study reports. (read more)
Dead stars could be the future of spacecraft navigation
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Scientists are investigating the feasibility of using dead stars to navigate spacecraft in deep space. If feasible, this technique may in future revolutionize the way spacecraft navigate in the outer Solar System and beyond. (read more)
Secondary osteoporosis: More than what meets the eye!
Posted by on October 9, 2012
A new study has revealed that considering all osteoporotic patients as having simple osteoporosis and treating all of them alike by putting them on potent long term medication without finding out the cause of their osteoporosis may be ineffective and in most cases downright harmful. (read more)
Chaperone protein subverts removal of glaucoma-causing protein
Posted by on October 9, 2012
The chaperone protein Grp94 can interfere with the clearance of another protein known to cause the glaucoma when mutated, a new study has found. The researchers also demonstrated that a new specific inhibitor of Grp94 facilitates clearance of the genetically-defective protein, called myocilin, from cells. (read more)
Greenhouse gas emissions mapped to building, street level for U.S. cities
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Researchers have developed a new software system capable of estimating greenhouse gas emissions across entire urban landscapes, all the way down to roads and individual buildings. Until now, scientists quantified carbon dioxide emissions at a much broader level. "Hestia" combines extensive public database "data-mining" with traffic simulation and building-by-building energy-consumption modeling. (read more)
Bioenergy: The broken promise
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Biofuels are going to save us from climate threats and the oil crisis, while at the same time providing an opportunity to the smallholder farmers of the world. Hopes are high, but completely unrealistic. It is like trying to push a square peg into a round hole, according to new research. (read more)
Doubling up on advanced prostate cancer with PARP inhibitors
Posted by on October 9, 2012
A newly discovered function of PARP-1 could be the key to more effective therapeutics to treat advanced prostate cancer patients, a recent preclinical study suggests. (read more)
Antioxidant may prevent, even cure, cataracts and other degenerative eye disorders
Posted by on October 9, 2012
A research group is working with an antioxidant that could prevent or cure cataracts, macular degeneration and other degenerative eye disorders. The researchers are studying eye drops prepared with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA) as a treatment for these eye conditions. (read more)
MRSA researchers identify new class of drug effective against superbug
Posted by on October 9, 2012
In two separate published studies, researchers have discovered a new class of treatment against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus as well as evidence of a growing need to quickly genotype individual strains of the organism most commonly referred to as the "superbug." (read more)
Graphene membranes may lead to enhanced natural gas production, less CO2 pollution
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Engineering researchers have produced the first experimental results showing that atomically thin graphene membranes with tiny pores can effectively and efficiently separate gas molecules through size-selective sieving. (read more)
Computational model identifies potential pathways to improve plant oil production
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Using a computational model they designed to incorporate detailed information about plants' interconnected metabolic processes, scientists have identified key pathways that appear to "favor" the production of either oils or proteins. The research may point the way to new strategies to tip the balance and increase plant oil production. (read more)
New tool for making genetic engineering of microbial circuits reliably predictable
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Researchers have developed an adapator that makes the genetic engineering of microbial components substantially easier and more predictable. (read more)
Fast walking and jogging halve development of heart disease and stroke risk factors, research indicates
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Daily activities, such as fast walking and jogging, can curb the development of risk factors for heart disease and stroke by as much as 50 percent, whereas an hour's daily walk makes little difference, indicates new research. (read more)
Cannabis extract eases muscle stiffness typical of multiple sclerosis, study suggests
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Cannabis seems to ease the painful muscle stiffness typical of multiple sclerosis, indicate phase III trial results. (read more)
App protects Facebook users from hackers
Posted by on October 9, 2012
A new app to detect spam and malware posts on Facebook users' walls was found to be highly accurate, fast and efficient, new study suggests. (read more)
Building a better drug to treat type 2 diabetes
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Scientists have discovered a new biological pathway in blood vessel cells, which may contribute to the blood pressure-lowering effects of TZD drugs used to treat Type 2 diabetes. This finding may help to develop new therapies that retain the beneficial effect of TZDs but eliminate the adverse side effects. (read more)
Curb kids' screen time to stave off major health and developmental problems
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Curbs on children's daily screen time and delaying the age at which they start "the world's favorite pastime" are urgently needed to stave off the risk of serious health and developmental problems, argues a leading psychologist and child health expert. (read more)
Putting a block on neuropathic pain before it starts: Tiny spheres filled with anesthetic from a shellfish toxin
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Using tiny spheres filled with anesthetic from a shellfish toxin, researchers have developed a way to delay the rise of neuropathic pain, chronic pain from flawed signals transmitted by damaged nerves. The method may allow doctors to stop the cascade of events by which tissue or nerve injuries evolve into neuropathic pain, which affects 3.75 million children and adults in the US alone. (read more)
What might have caused recent increase of coral diseases in the Caribbean?
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Marine diseases are killing coral populations all over the world, threatening the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on reefs for food and protection from storms. Are these diseases new and unprecedented infections, or do they erupt from the stresses of environmental change? (read more)
Biochemists open path to molecular 'chaperone' therapy for metabolic disease
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Experts in revealing molecular structure by X-ray crystallography have identified two new small "chaperone" molecules that may be useful in treating the inherited metabolic disorder known as Schindler/Kanzaki disease. This offers hope for developing the first ever drug treatment for this very rare disease. (read more)
Moving forward with controversial H5N1 research
Posted by on October 9, 2012
With biosafety concerns raised over the possible release of new strains of H5N1 influenza that could easily pass between mammals viruses, researchers agreed on a six-month moratorium on H5N1 research -- classified as "dual-use research of concern." To advance the discussion, global experts in virology and public health assess the probability of an accidental release and discuss concerns over laboratory… (read more)
Flirting can pay off for women, study finds
Posted by on October 9, 2012
When Madeleine Albright became the first female U.S. Secretary of State, she led high-level negotiations between mostly male foreign government leaders. In 2009, comedian Bill Maher asked Albright if she ever flirted on the job and she replied, "I did, I did." Flirtatiousness, female friendliness, or the more diplomatic description "feminine charm" is an effective way for women to gain negotiating… (read more)
Wearing a knee brace following anterior cruciate ligament surgery has no effect on recovery
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Wearing a knee brace following anterior cruciate ligament surgery has no effect on a person's recovery. (read more)
An operating system in the cloud: TransOS could displace conventional desktop operating systems
Posted by on October 9, 2012
A new cloud-based operating system for all kinds of computer is being developed. (read more)
New evaluation method for assessing toothpastes
Posted by on October 9, 2012
There are various types of toothpaste available on the market. They come as pastes and gels, there are some that guard against tooth decay or protect teeth from acid attack, others that are designed for sensitive teeth. But which toothpastes clean well? Which preserve the tooth enamel? A new evaluation method sheds light on the subject. (read more)
Gamblers in a spin over frustrating losses: Study explores the physiological and behavioral responses to gambling
Posted by on October 9, 2012
A new study provides evidence that gamblers interpret near-misses as frustrating losses rather than near-wins. This frustration stimulates the reward systems in the brain to promote continued gambling, according to researchers. This, in turn, may contribute to addictive gambling behavior. (read more)
Large water reservoirs at the dawn of stellar birth
Posted by on October 9, 2012
The European Space Agency's Herschel space observatory has discovered enough water vapor to fill Earth's oceans more than 2000 times over, in a gas and dust cloud that is on the verge of collapsing into a new Sun-like star. Stars form within cold, dark clouds of gas and dust -- 'pre-stellar cores' -- that contain all the ingredients to make solar systems like our own. (read more)
Solar cells made from black silicon
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Solar cells convert three-quarters of the energy contained in the Sun's spectrum into electricity -- yet the infrared spectrum is entirely lost in standard solar cells. In contrast, black silicon solar cells are specifically designed to absorb this part of the Sun's spectrum -- and researchers have recently succeeded in doubling their overall efficiency. (read more)
With a little exercise, your fat cells may coax liver to produce 'good' cholesterol
Posted by on October 9, 2012
With a little exercise and dieting, overweight people with type 2 diabetes can still train their fat cells to produce a hormone believed to spur HDL cholesterol production, report medical researchers. (read more)
Making computer data storage cheaper and easier: Technology on track for terabyte discs
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Researchers have developed technology aimed at making an optical disc that holds 1 to 2 terabytes of data -- the equivalent of 1,000 to 2,000 copies of Encyclopedia Britannica. The entire print collection of the Library of Congress could fit on five to 10 discs. The discs would provide small- and medium-sized businesses an alternative to storing data on energy-wasting magnetic disks or cumbersome… (read more)
Small signs lead to big frustrations: Analysis of consumer survey data on signage
Posted by on October 9, 2012
An analysis of national consumer survey data on signage as marketing communication finds that signs that are too small or unclear to consumers seem to be a growing issue. (read more)
New way to determine amount of charge remaining in battery
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Researchers have developed a new technique that allows users to better determine the amount of charge remaining in a battery in real time. That's good news for electric vehicle drivers, since it gives them a better idea of when their car may run out of juice. (read more)
River Thames invaded with foreign species
Posted by on October 9, 2012
The second longest river in the UK, the River Thames, contains 96 non-native species, making it one of the most highly invaded freshwater systems in the world. (read more)
Computational intelligence opens up new avenues in Alzheimer's research
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Researchers have used machine learning and data mining techniques to compare gene expresssion levels in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients in two key regions of the hippocampus: the dentate gyrus, where the disease appears to have little or no effect, and the entorhinal cortex, where Alzheimer's disease produces major neuronal damage. The results corroborate previous findings by other studies and set… (read more)
Robots using tools: Researchers aim to create 'MacGyver' robot
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Robots are increasingly being used in place of humans to explore hazardous and difficult-to-access environments, but they aren't yet able to interact with their environments as well as humans. If today's most sophisticated robot was trapped in a burning room by a jammed door, it would probably not know how to locate and use objects in the room to climb over any debris, pry open the door, and escape… (read more)
Swimming with hormones: Researchers unravel ancient urges that drive the social decisions of fish
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Researchers have discovered that a form of oxytocin—the hormone responsible for making humans fall in love—has a similar effect on fish, suggesting it is a key regulator of social behaviour that has evolved and endured since ancient times. (read more)
Combining chemotherapy drugs and immunotherapy cancer vaccines results in an enhanced anti-tumor effect: Study
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Researchers have discovered that combining chemotherapy drugs and immunotherapy cancer vaccines results in an enhanced anti-tumor effect. The results, achieved by testing cancer cells in a laboratory, are surprising because chemotherapy generally reduces immunity and could cancel out the benefits of immunotherapy when given together. (read more)
Go west, young lion: New study shows mountain lions dispersing from Nevada to California
Posted by on October 9, 2012
A new study has identified two genetically distinct populations of mountain lions in California and Nevada and discovered -- to the surprise of scientists -- that portions of Nevada's Great Basin Desert are serving as a "source" for animals moving west to the Sierra Nevada mountains shared with California. (read more)
Sperm's swimming skills: Discovery shed light on male infertility, yields clues to development of male contraceptive pill
Posted by on October 9, 2012
New insights into the swimming skills of sperm shed light on male infertility, which affects one in 20 men, and could provide a new avenue to the development of a male contraceptive pill. (read more)
Bariatric surgery not silver bullet for sleep apnoea, study finds
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Although bariatric surgery results in greater weight loss than conventional measures, new research shows this does not translate into significantly greater improvement in obstructive sleep apnoea. (read more)
'Barcode' blood test for aggressive prostate cancer developed
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Scientists have designed a blood test that reads genetic changes like a barcode -- and can pick out aggressive prostate cancers by their particular pattern of gene activity. A research team found reading the pattern of genes switched on and off in blood cells could accurately detect which advanced prostate cancers had the worst survival. (read more)
Research on enhanced transmissibility in H5N1 influenza: Should the moratorium end?
Posted by on October 9, 2012
In a series of commentaries, prominent microbiologists and physicians argue the cases both for and against lifting a voluntary moratorium on experiments to enhance the ability of the H5N1 virus to move from mammal to mammal, so-called "gain-of-function" research, and discuss the level of biosecurity that would be appropriate for moving that research forward. (read more)
Healthy mom with lots of help key to thriving brood, wolf study shows
Posted by on October 9, 2012
What does it take to raise successful, self-sufficient offspring? A healthy mom with lots of in-house help. While this advice may benefit humans, a recent study actually focuses on another group of large, social mammals -- namely, wolves. (read more)
Beauty of the accused unfairly affects perceptions of their culpability, Spanish study finds
Posted by on October 9, 2012
A study from Spain based on police surveys indicates that in domestic violence crimes in which the woman kills her abuser, if she is more attractive she is perceived as guiltier. (read more)
Intrauterine surgery can improve the prognosis for the fetus
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Fetuses with congenital malformations can be helped by surgical intervention while still in the womb. The potential of intrauterine surgery to improve their chances of survival is described in a new article. (read more)
Marine worms reveal the deepest evolutionary patterns
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Scientists have revealed new findings on the evolutionary relationships and structure of priapulids -- a group of carnivorous mud-dwelling worms living in shallow marine waters. (read more)
Coffee speeds up return of bowel function after colon surgery, study finds
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Patients who drank coffee, rather than water, after bowel surgery to remove a part of their colon experienced a quicker return to bowel movements and tolerance of solid food, according to a new study. (read more)
Aspirin may decrease risk of aggressive form of ovarian cancer, study suggests
Posted by on October 9, 2012
New research shows that women who regularly use pain relief medications, particularly aspirin, have a decreased risk of serous ovarian cancer—an aggressive carcinoma affecting the surface of the ovary. The study reports that non-aspirin non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol (acetaminophen), or other analgesics did not decrease ovarian cancer risk. (read more)
Regenerated lizard tails are different from originals, researchers discover
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Just because a lizard can grow back its tail, doesn't mean it will be exactly the same. Researchers examined the anatomical and microscopic make-up of regenerated lizard tails and discovered that the new tails are quite different from the original ones. (read more)
Researchers stop neuromyelitis optica attacks with new therapy
Posted by on October 9, 2012
Researchers have identified a new therapy for patients with neuromyelitis optica that appears to stop inflammation of the eye nerves and spinal cord. NMO is a debilitating central nervous system disorder that is often misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis (MS). In the study, patients with severe symptoms of the disease, also known as NMO, were given eculizumab, a drug typically used to treat blood disorders. (read more)
Nobel Prize in Physics 2012: Particle control in a quantum world
Posted by on October 9, 2012
The Nobel Prize in Physics for 2012 has been awarded to Serge Haroche and David J. Wineland "for ground-breaking experimental methods that enable measuring and manipulation of individual quantum systems." Haroche and Wineland have independently invented and developed methods for measuring and manipulating individual particles while preserving their quantum-mechanical nature, in ways that were previously… (read more)
NASA to upgrade vital communications link
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Technicians and engineers are completing final system checks and spacecraft inspections on the first of NASA's third-generation Tracking and Data Relay Satellites (TDRS). Boeing Space Systems will ship TDRS-K from its satellite assembly facility in El Segundo, Calif., to Cape Canaveral, Fla., in November. The December launch of TDRS-K will be aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. (read more)
NASA's HS3 mission thoroughly investigates long-lived Hurricane Nadine
Posted by on October 8, 2012
NASA's Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel or HS3 scientists had a fascinating tropical cyclone to study in long-lived Hurricane Nadine. NASA's Global Hawk aircraft has investigated Nadine five times during the storm's lifetime. (read more)
DNA findings hold potential for cancer treatment
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Six years ago, Boise State University biology professor Greg Hampikian and computer science colleague Tim Andersen announced that they had identified tiny DNA and protein sequences that were absent in nature. The researchers proposed that these sequences could have properties that were incompatible with life, and might serve as drugs to kill pathogens and even cancer. New research findings suggest… (read more)
Adaptable button mushroom serves up genes critical to managing the planet's carbon stores
Posted by on October 8, 2012
The button mushroom occupies a prominent place in our diet; in nature, Agaricus bisporus decays leaf matter on the forest floor. An international collaboration has determined the full repertoire of A. bisporus genes. Their report shows the metabolic strategies of Agaricus might not be present in white-rot and brown-rot fungi and suggests implications for forest carbon management. (read more)
Low-level mercury exposure in pregnant women connected to ADHD risk in children
Posted by on October 8, 2012
A new study links low-level prenatal mercury exposure with a greater risk of ADHD-related behaviors. The study also finds that maternal fish consumption during pregnancy can help reduce the risk of ADHD-related behaviors in children. This duality is possible because many types of fish have low levels of mercury, so it is possible for a pregnant woman to eat nutritionally beneficial fish without being… (read more)
Prenatal mercury exposure may be linked to risk of ADHD-related behaviors; Fish consumption may be linked to lower risk
Posted by on October 8, 2012
A study of children in the New Bedford, Mass., area suggests that low-level prenatal mercury exposure may be associated with a greater risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related behaviors and that fish consumption during pregnancy may be associated with a lower risk of these behaviors. (read more)
Decline in HIV deaths for most men, women by race/ethnicity, education, U.S. study finds
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Overall death rates due to human immunodeficiency virus infection declined over time between 1993 and 2007 for most men and women by race/ethnicity and educational levels, with the largest absolute decreases for nonwhites, but rates remain high among blacks, according to a new U.S. study. (read more)
Health Canada's fast-tracked drug approvals can put public at risk, experts say
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Drugs streamed into Health Canada's 180-day priority review process are more likely to be withdrawn from the market or earn a serious safety warning than those that undergo the 300-day standard review, new research shows. After accounting for other variables which may have caused this variation, the study concludes that the difference is likely due to the faster review time missing serious safety… (read more)
Genetic mutation linked to psychiatric disease and obesity
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Researchers have identified a small region in the genome that conclusively plays a role in the development of psychiatric disease and obesity. The key lies in the genomic deletion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, a nervous system growth factor that plays a critical role in brain development. (read more)
Scientists discover gene 'bursting' plays key role in protein production
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Scientists have mapped the precise frequency by which genes get turned on across the human genome, providing new insight into the most fundamental of cellular processes -- and revealing new clues as to what happens when this process goes awry. (read more)
Maternal depression affects language development in babies
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Maternal depression and a common class of antidepressants can alter a crucial period of language development in babies, according to a new study. (read more)
New field of developmental neuroscience changes our understanding of early years of human life
Posted by on October 8, 2012
By the time our children reach kindergarten their learning and developmental patterns are already taking shape, as is a trajectory for their future health. Now, for the first time, scientists have amassed a large collection of research that looks "under the skin", to examine how and why experiences interact with biology starting before birth to affect a life course. The implications of the research… (read more)
Wireless data at top speed
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Whether it’s a wedding, birthday party or other celebration, these days the chances are you’ll have your camcorder with you to record the great occasion. But we often forget to bring the data cable along with us, so despite promising the hosts to transfer the images to their computer the morning after, we hardly ever do. (read more)
Deep cleaning with carbon dioxide
Posted by on October 8, 2012
In server components, hard disks, or clock mechanisms, the smallest impurities lead to malfunctions and short circuits; in optical components such as lenses, they impair quality because they scatter light; in threaded holes, they cause mechanical failure. The phenomena of progressive miniaturization and ever more complex components are presenting the manufacturers of cleaning technologies and tools… (read more)
Unexamined costs of rape revealed
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Evolutionary psychology researchers found significant negative consequences of rape and attempted sexual assault in 13 domains of psychological and social functioning, including self-esteem, social reputation, sexual desire and self-perceived mate value. (read more)
Can eating tomatoes lower the risk of stroke?
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Eating tomatoes and tomato-based foods is associated with a lower risk of stroke, according to new research. Tomatoes are high in the antioxidant lycopene. (read more)
Poorer lung health leads to age-related changes in brain function
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Keeping the lungs healthy could be an important way to retain thinking functions that relate to problem-solving and processing speed in one’s later years, new research suggests. (read more)
Study identifies women at risk for urinary tract infections after pelvic-floor surgery
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Women who have a positive urine culture test on the day of surgery for a pelvic-floor disorder are more likely to have a urinary tract infection (UTI) in the first six weeks after the procedure, according to new findings. (read more)
Unique ancient spider attack preserved in amber
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Researchers have found what they say is the only fossil ever discovered of a spider attack on prey caught in its web -- a 100 million-year-old snapshot of an engagement frozen in time. (read more)
Biological mechanism that plays key role in early-onset dementia identified
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Using animal models, scientists have discovered how a protein deficiency may be linked to both brain injury and to frontotemporal dementia -- which is a form of early-onset dementia that is similar to Alzheimer's disease. These results lay the foundation for therapies that may one day benefit those who suffer from these debilitating and potentially deadly conditions. (read more)
Why wine and tea pair so well with a meal: It's all in the mouthfeel
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Of course a nice glass of wine goes well with a hearty steak, and now researchers who study the way food feels in our mouths think they may understand why that is: The astringent wine and fatty meat are like the yin and yang of the food world, sitting on opposite ends of a sensory spectrum. The findings offer a whole new definition of the balanced meal. They also offer a new way of thinking about… (read more)
Nearly 50% of retail firewood infested with insects, study finds
Posted by on October 8, 2012
A new study reports that live insects were found in 47% of firewood bundles purchased from big box stores, gas stations and grocery stores in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. (read more)
New scanning technology aims to achieve quicker diagnosis of Alzheimer's, other diseases
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Groundbreaking research could lead to Alzheimer's disease being diagnosed in minutes using a simple brain scan. Scientists are working on new technology that could revolutionize the way in which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are used to view the molecular events behind diseases like Alzheimer's, without invasive procedure, by increasing the sensitivity of an average hospital scanner by 200,000… (read more)
Bitter taste receptors regulate upper respiratory defense system
Posted by on October 8, 2012
A person’s ability to taste certain bitter flavors is directly related to their ability to fight off upper respiratory tract infections, specifically chronic sinus infections. (read more)
Alpha waves close your mind for distraction, but not continuously, research suggests
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Alpha waves were long ignored, but gained interest of brain researchers recently. Electrical activity of groups of brain cells results in brain waves with different amplitudes. The so-called alpha wave, a slow brain wave with a cycle of 100 milliseconds, seems to play a key role in suppressing irrelevant brain activity. Researchers recently discovered that when distracting information can be anticipated… (read more)
Halloween spending hikes reveal our fascination with the macabre
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Wake Forest University professor and author, Eric Wilson, explores the reasons adults have made Halloween an $8 billion dollar holiday. (read more)
When it comes to treating breast cancer, 'doing less does more' for patients, research suggests
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Oncologists and researchers are discovering that when it comes to treating breast cancer, "doing less does more" for patients. This approach kills the cancer while improving cure rates and decreasing the chance of the cancer returning. It also spares patients the damaging side effects of treatment caused by toxic chemotherapy, less-precise radiation therapy, unnecessary diagnostic radiology and surgery. (read more)
Study tests potential new drug to reduce pain and symptoms of endometriosis
Posted by on October 8, 2012
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), endometriosis, a gynecological disorder in which cells from the uterus lining grow in other areas of the body, is the number one reason for a hysterectomy in women ages 18-35. Current treatment options for endometriosis are severely limited by side effects of existing medications and surgical options have more risks. A nationwide clinical trial is… (read more)
Recovering 'bodyguard' cells in pancreas may restore insulin production in diabetics
Posted by on October 8, 2012
T regulatory cells in the pancreatic lymph nodes play important role in diabetes onset and recovery of the insulin production in diabetic patients, say researchers. (read more)
New rehabilitation research demonstrates functional improvements in patients with spinal cord injuries
Posted by on October 8, 2012
A series of rehabilitation studies demonstrate that innovative treatments for individuals with spinal cord injuries can lead to functional improvements. (read more)
Negative effects of computerized surveillance at home: Cause of annoyance, concern, anxiety, and even anger
Posted by on October 8, 2012
To understand the effects of continuous computerized surveillance on individuals, a Finnish research group instrumented ten Finnish households with video cameras, microphones, and logging software for personal computers, wireless networks, smartphones, TVs, and DVDs. The results expose a range of negative changes in experience and behavior. To all except one participant, the surveillance system proved… (read more)
Demographic miracle in the deserts: Some plants in arid regions benefit from climate change
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Dryland ecosystems cover 41% of the Earth’s land surface. These ecosystems are highly vulnerable to global environmental change and desertification. But climate change seems to have a positive impact on some plants. (read more)
Fresh blood not better for transfusions for premature infants, clinical trial shows
Posted by on October 8, 2012
In a finding that runs counter to commonly held beliefs about fresh being better, a clinical trial shows that acutely ill premature babies who received fresher blood did not fare better than those who received the current standard of care. There was no difference between the two approaches with respect to major organ injury, mortality and infection. (read more)
How pulsars slow down with age
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Researchers have developed a model which explains how the spin of a pulsar slows down as the star gets older. A pulsar is a highly magnetized rotating neutron star which was formed from the remains of a supernova - an explosion which happens after a massive star runs out of nuclear fuel. A pulsar emits a rotating beam of electromagnetic radiation, rather like that of a lighthouse. This beam can be… (read more)
Liquorice offers clue to cleaner medical implants
Posted by on October 8, 2012
A new coating utilizing nanotechnology will allow surgeons to sterilize medical devices that contain biological components. A nanotech material containing an extract from liquorice can be used to sterilize and protect medical devices and implants which include biological components, and protects these functional bio-components during the sterilization process. (read more)
Every third child incorrectly restrained in cars, study suggests
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Car accidents are the main cause of serious injury and death among children in Norway. A new study shows that 37 per cent of all children under 16 years are incorrectly restrained in the car. 23 per cent of children are so poorly restrained that a collision would have very serious consequences. (read more)
New website on implementing criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management in Europe
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Criteria and indicators have emerged as a powerful tool in promoting sustainable forest management. Since Rio 1992, several international processes and initiatives have developed criteria and indicators as a policy instrument to evaluate and report progress towards sustainable forest management. (read more)
Paving the way for commercial fusion power plants
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Latest results from the Joint European Torus (JET) fusion device are giving researchers increasing confidence in prospects for the next-generation ITER project, the international experiment that is expected to pave the way for commercial fusion power plants. Operation with a new lining inside JET has demonstrated the suitability of materials for the much larger and more powerful ITER device. (read more)
New surveys peer through dust to reveal giant supermassive black holes
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Scientists have used cutting-edge infrared surveys of the sky to discover a new population of enormous, rapidly growing supermassive black holes in the early Universe. The black holes were previously undetected because they sit cocooned within thick layers of dust. The new study has shown however that they are emitting vast amounts of radiation through violent interactions with their host galaxies. (read more)
First successful clinical trial to protect the brain from damage caused by stroke
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Scientists and clinicians have demonstrated that a neuroprotectant drug protects the human brain against the damaging effects of stroke. In patients who had ruptured brain aneurysm, which comprise a population of patients at very high risk of neurological damage, those treated with Tat-NR2B9c all had good neurological outcomes, whereas only 68% of those treated with placebo had good outcomes. (read more)
Nurses' assessment of hospital quality often on the button
Posted by on October 8, 2012
If you want to know about hospital quality, ask a nurse. (read more)
Gene variant linked with reduced lung cancer risk
Posted by on October 8, 2012
A variant in a gene involved with inflammation and the immune response is linked with a decreased risk of lung cancer. The results add to the growing body of literature implicating these processes in the development of lung cancer. (read more)
Whether mitochondrial diseases will be inherited is largely decided when the future mother herself is still an embryo
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Malfunctioning of the mitochondria can lead to metabolic disorders in the person affected. Furthermore, mutations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are causing muscle weakness, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiac disorders as well as diabetes, and are linked to the aging process. But how and when is the proportion of pathogenic mtDNA mutations that will be inherited determined? Researchers now shed… (read more)
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2012 awarded for discovery that mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent
Posted by on October 8, 2012
The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2012 has been awarded jointly to John B. Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka for the discovery that mature cells can be reprogrammed to become pluripotent. The two scientists discovered that mature, specialized cells can be reprogrammed to become immature cells capable of developing into all tissues of the body. Their findings have revolutionized our understanding… (read more)
Vitamin variants could combat cancer as scientists unravel B12 secrets
Posted by on October 8, 2012
In a development that may lead to new drugs to treat cancer, scientists have discovered the process by which a key vitamin (B12) is made in cells.  (read more)
Battling harmful water toxins
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Scientists are developing a new ‘clean’ technology to destroy water toxins caused by harmful algal blooms. (read more)
Language learning makes the brain grow, Swedish study suggests
Posted by on October 8, 2012
At the Swedish Armed Forces Interpreter Academy, young recruits learn a new language at a very fast pace. By measuring their brains before and after the language training, a group of researchers has had an almost unique opportunity to observe what happens to the brain when we learn a new language in a short period of time. (read more)
Catalytic converters like it hot
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Researchers have clarified what it is the required operating temperatures of catalytic converters in cars depend on. (read more)
Novel one-step system for restoring voice in throat cancer patients
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Patients who have lost their voice box through disease such as throat cancer may be able to speak immediately after a procedure to create a small opening at the throat. A novel system cuts down a two-week duration before patients can speak, to about 10 minutes after the initial procedure. (read more)
Nearly half of children with autism wander or 'bolt' from safe places
Posted by on October 8, 2012
Children with autism are four times more likely to wander than their unaffected siblings. (read more)
Patient navigation leads to faster diagnosis for breast cancer
Posted by on October 8, 2012
A new study shows that breast cancer patients can reduce potentially dangerous delays in the identification of breast cancer with the assistance of patient navigation services. Patient navigation —- a service that helps patients overcome barriers to getting health care, including setting up appointments, dealing with health insurance, and helping with fears about cancer —- led to a nearly four-fold… (read more)
First contracted SpaceX resupply mission launches with NASA cargo to space station
Posted by on October 8, 2012
A Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) Falcon 9 rocket carrying its Dragon spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida at 8:35 p.m. EDT Sunday, beginning NASA's first contracted cargo delivery flight, designated SpaceX CRS-1, to the International Space Station. Under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services contract, SpaceX will fly at least 12 cargo missions to the… (read more)
U.S. nationwide meningitis outbreak update
Posted by on October 7, 2012
In response to a nationwide outbreak of meningitis and stroke associated with a widely distributed medication, CDC is providing updated guidance to clinicians and patients about contaminated medication products received from the New England Compounding Center located in Framingham, Mass. Patients have suffered a variety of symptoms, including those associated with a rare form of fungal meningitis… (read more)
May the force be with them: Deep sea acorn worms named after Yoda
Posted by on October 7, 2012
They may not be green but they do live in an ocean far, far away, and now they share the same moniker as the diminutive Jedi master in the Star Wars blockbusters. Yoda purpurata -- to be exact -- is the name now given to one of three new species of deep sea acorn worms or Enteropneusts discovered 2,500m or around 1.5 miles below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean. (read more)
Oil palm plantations are clearing carbon-rich tropical forests in Borneo, researchers show
Posted by on October 7, 2012
Demand for palm oil is driving deforestation in Borneo, as trees are cleared to make way for the planting of oil farm plantations, which will send carbon dioxide, a global-warming gas, into the atmosphere, new research shows. (read more)
Discovery of gatekeeper nerve cells explains the effect of nicotine on learning and memory
Posted by on October 7, 2012
Researchers in Sweden and Brazil have discovered a new group of nerve cells that regulate processes of learning and memory. These cells act as gatekeepers and carry a receptor for nicotine, which can explain our ability to remember and sort information. (read more)
Genome-wide study identifies eight new susceptibility loci for atopic dermatitis
Posted by on October 7, 2012
Researchers have identified eight new loci associated with susceptibility to atopic dermatitis in the Japanese population. The findings advance our understanding of the genetic basis of the skin disorder, which affects millions of children and adults around the world. (read more)
A novel oncogenic network specific to liver cancer initiation
Posted by on October 7, 2012
Researchers in Europe and Asia led by Erwin Wagner from the CNIO identify a connection between an oncogene, an epigenetic modulator and an anti-apoptotic regulator relevant to liver cancer initiation (read more)
Sleeping brain behaves as if it's remembering something
Posted by on October 7, 2012
Researchers have for the first time measured the activity of a brain region known to be involved in learning, memory and Alzheimer’s disease during sleep. They discovered that this part of the brain behaves as if it’s remembering something, even under anesthesia. (read more)
Breathe in, breathe out: New way of imaging lungs could improve COPD diagnosis and treatment
Posted by on October 7, 2012
A new approach to lung scanning could improve the diagnosis and treatment of a lung disease that affects approximately 24 million Americans and is the country’s third-highest cause of death. The technique for analyzing CT scans distinguishes between early damage to the lungs, and more severe damage known as emphysema. (read more)
Smallest and fastest-known RNA switches provide new drug targets
Posted by on October 7, 2012
Researchers have discovered the smallest and fastest-known molecular switches made of RNA, the chemical cousin of DNA. The researchers say these rare, fleeting structures are prime targets for the development of new antiviral and antibiotic drugs. (read more)
Genetic variants' role in increasing Parkinson's disease risk investigated
Posted by on October 6, 2012
Scientists have completed the first genome-wide evaluation of genetic variants associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). The study points to the involvement of specific genes and alterations in their expression as influencing the risk for developing PD. (read more)
Whether we like someone affects how our brain processes movement
Posted by on October 6, 2012
Whether you like someone can affect how your brain processes their movement, according to new research. (read more)
Superheroes needed to tackle timebomb of public health challenges
Posted by on October 6, 2012
Public health "superheroes" are needed to help tackle the growing challenges posed by obesity, alcohol, smoking and other public health threats, according to new research. (read more)
Mars Express to relay first science data from Mars Curiosity
Posted by on October 6, 2012
For 15 minutes, the NASA rover will transmit scientific data up to MEX, which will store it on board for a time. Then, two hours later, MEX will line up again, this time pointing its High Gain antenna toward Earth to downlink the precious information to the European Space Operations Centre (similar in role and function to NASA/JPL), Darmstadt, Germany. (read more)
Materials scientists prevent wear in production facilities in the electronics industry
Posted by on October 5, 2012
Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are core components in every mobile phone, television and computer. One of the most important methods of fabricating large PCBs involves the precision electroplating of copper onto the PCB panel immersed in an acidic electrolyte bath. However, some of the titanium parts used in the electroplating process suffer substantial wear within a short space of time. A materials… (read more)
NASA's Swift satellite discovers a new black hole in Milky Way galaxy
Posted by on October 5, 2012
NASA's Swift satellite recently detected a rising tide of high-energy X-rays from a source toward the center of our Milky Way galaxy. The outburst, produced by a rare X-ray nova, announced the presence of a previously unknown stellar-mass black hole. (read more)
HIV drug shows efficacy in treating mouse models of HER2+ breast cancer, study suggests
Posted by on October 5, 2012
The HIV protease inhibitor, Nelfinavir, can be used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer in the same capacity and dosage regimen that it is used to treat HIV, according to a new study. (read more)
HIV helps explain rise of anal cancer in US males
Posted by on October 5, 2012
The increase in anal cancer incidence in the U.S. between 1980 and 2005 was greatly influenced by HIV infections in males, but not females, according to a new study. (read more)
Online test estimates 'Face-Name Memory IQ': Simple, 10-minute test scores ability to remember names, faces
Posted by on October 5, 2012
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis are inviting the world to take part in an online experiment that will allow participants to see how their individual scores on a face-name memory test compare with those of other test takers. (read more)
Deep Impact spacecraft completes rocket burn
Posted by on October 5, 2012
NASA's Deep Impact spacecraft completed a firing of its onboard rocket motors Oct. 4. The maneuver began at 1 p.m. PDT (4 p.m. EDT), lasted 71 seconds, and changed its velocity by 4.5 mph (2 meters per second). The rocket burn was performed to keep the venerable comet hunter's options open for yet another exploration of a solar system small body, this time a possible future visit to a small near-Earth… (read more)
Getting NASA's Solar Dynamic Observatory into focus
Posted by on October 5, 2012
From Sept. 6 to Sept. 29, 2012, NASA's Solar Dynamic Observatory (SDO) moved into its semi-annual eclipse season, a time when Earth blocks the telescope's view of the sun for a period of time each day. Scientists choose orbits for solar telescopes to minimize eclipses as much as possible, but they are a fact of life -- one that comes with a period of fuzzy imagery directly after the eclipse. (read more)
Mechanism of opiate addiction is completely different from other drugs
Posted by on October 5, 2012
Chronic morphine exposure has the opposite effect on the brain compared to cocaine in mice, providing new insight into the basis of opiate addiction, according to researchers. They found that a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which is increased in cocaine addiction, is inhibited in opioid addiction. (read more)
Education: Get with the computer program
Posted by on October 5, 2012
From email to Twitter, blogs to word processors, computer programs provide countless communications opportunities. While social applications have dominated the development of the participatory web for users and programmers alike, this era of Web 2.0 is applicable to more than just networking opportunities: it impacts education. (read more)
Facebook and Twitter are rewriting the world we’ve always lived in
Posted by on October 5, 2012
This week, the social media world reached two milestones: Facebook announced it reached 1 billion active users, and pop icon Lady Gaga became the first to amass 30 million followers on Twitter. A professor of communication and of computer and information science, sees good news in the rise of both. (read more)
Tau drug heads into phase 3 trials in frontotemporal dementia, Alzheimer's
Posted by on October 5, 2012
A small company with roots in Singapore and Scotland plans to test a relatively unknown compound in clinical trials for a type of dementia that strongly affects behavior. (read more)
Mice with Lou Gehrig's disease not quite what the doctors ordered
Posted by on October 5, 2012
You’ve heard the tale before: Scientists can treat diseases like Alzheimer’s and Lou Gehrig’s in mice, but when those same drugs get to human trials, they fail. Can researchers come up with mice that better mimic the patient? In the case of Lou Gehrig’s, some of the latest mice have a problem: they die not because of their spinal nerve disease, but due to blockage of their gut. (read more)
Know your risk factors to help prevent dementia
Posted by on October 5, 2012
Research shows that managing and treating vascular disease risk factors are not only beneficial to preventing heart disease and stroke, but also common forms of dementia. (read more)
Hubble sees cosmic riches
Posted by on October 5, 2012
A dazzling new image shows the globular cluster Messier 69, or M 69 for short, as viewed through the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. Globular clusters are dense collections of old stars. In this picture, foreground stars look big and golden when set against the backdrop of the thousands of white, silvery stars that make up M 69. (read more)
A new chapter for Chinese medicine
Posted by on October 5, 2012
When comes to minor complaints, chronic conditions and even fatal illnesses, people sometimes turn to ginseng and other herbal remedies. Scientists have now been working on a new approach to drug development involving chemistry, biotechnology, mathematics, computer power and 5000-year ancient practices in Chinese medicine. (read more)
Training computers to understand the human brain
Posted by on October 5, 2012
Researchers use fMRI datasets to train a computer to predict the semantic category of an image originally viewed by five different people. (read more)
Weather-making high-pressure systems predicted to intensify
Posted by on October 5, 2012
High-pressure systems over oceans, which largely determine the tracks of tropical cyclones and hydrological extremes in much of the northern hemisphere, are likely to intensify this century, according to a new study. (read more)
Testing can be useful for students and teachers
Posted by on October 5, 2012
While testing can be useful as an assessment tool, researchers suggests that the actual process of taking a test can also help us to learn and retain new information over the long term and apply it across different contexts. New research explores the nuanced interactions between testing, memory, and learning and suggests possible applications for testing in educational settings. (read more)
Scratching the surface: Engineers examine UV effects on skin mechanics
Posted by on October 5, 2012
Using mechanical stress testing methods common in materials science, researchers found that UV rays also change the way the outermost skin cells hold together and respond to strain. (read more)
'Disgusted' rats teaching scientists about nausea, work may lead to new cancer treatments
Posted by on October 5, 2012
Nausea is a common and distressing side effect of many drugs and treatments. Unlike vomiting, nausea is not well understood, but new research may soon change that. Researchers believe they've found the mechanism in the brain that is responsible for the sensation of nausea -- with the help of some "disgusted" rats. (read more)
What number is halfway between 1 and 9? Is it 5 -- or 3?
Posted by on October 5, 2012
A new information-theoretical model of human sensory perception and memory sheds light on some peculiarities of the nervous system. (read more)
How will smart cars affect the future of driving?
Posted by on October 5, 2012
California, Nevada, and Florida have already made driverless cars street-legal, and continuing advances in the technology have led many to predict that the commercialization of automated vehicles is a real possibility in the not-so-distant future. As driverless vehicles become more commonplace, it is important to understand how humans interact with this new technology. (read more)
Tree nut research may unexpectedly lead to medical advances
Posted by on October 5, 2012
Prescription drugs that today help patients fight severe fungal infections might tomorrow be even more effective, thanks to unexpected findings from agriculture-based, food-safety-focused studies. (read more)
Genotyping helps identify source of clinic infection outbreak
Posted by on October 5, 2012
Researchers have used a new technique of genotyping to identify the source of a hematology clinic outbreak of Mycobacterium mucogenicum, a gram-positive, acid-fast bacteria found in tap water. This is the first outbreak of M. mucogenicum in an ambulatory care setting; five other outbreaks have been reported in hospital settings since 1995. (read more)
Mice with black fur that turns white help illuminate skin pigmentation
Posted by on October 5, 2012
Mice with black fur that turns white? Specialist cancer researchers have taken steps to better understand the development of skin cells responsible for pigmentation (known as melanocytes). By genetically manipulating mice with black fur, the researchers identified two key players: B-Raf and C-Raf proteins. (read more)
Miniaturization of data storage devices? Origin of ultra-fast manipulation of domain walls discovered
Posted by on October 5, 2012
Researchers have found a surprising effect that leads in ferromagnetic materials to a spatially varying magnetization manipulation on an ultrafast timescale. This effect could be the key to further miniaturization and performance increase of magnetic data storage devices. (read more)
Using less gas and oil to get where you’re going
Posted by on October 5, 2012
A quick pit-stop at the gas station is enough to put a good dent in your wallet. New technology is set to lower the high cost of filling up your car, by enabling combustion engines to consume two to three percent less gas and signifi cantly less oil, while eliminating a step in engine production. (read more)
Could lightning strikes be used to break down rubble into useful components of cement and aggregate?
Posted by on October 5, 2012
Every year several millions of tons of building rubble are produced. An efficient way of recycling concrete – the building material of the 20th and 21st century – does not yet exist. Researchers are working on new recycling methods, and with the aid of lightning bolts, they can break down the mixture of cement and aggregate into its components. (read more)
Trauma switch identified: Mechanism protects our brains from turning stress and trauma into post-traumatic stress disorder
Posted by on October 5, 2012
Researchers have for the first time identified the mechanism that protects us from developing uncontrollable fear. (read more)
Methadone reduces the risk of HIV transmission, study suggests
Posted by on October 5, 2012
Methadone reduces the risk of HIV transmission in people who inject drugs. (read more)
Mosquito genetics may offer clues to control malaria, researchers say
Posted by on October 5, 2012
An African mosquito species with a deadly capacity to transmit malaria has a perplexing evolutionary history. (read more)
New etching method to produce 3-D microstructures in silicon for processing of light signals in telecommunications
Posted by on October 5, 2012
In modern telecommunications, light carries digital information over kilometers within seconds. Adapted optical materials control the light signals. Researchers now have a new method to produce photonic crystals. Their optical properties are adjusted by structures of micrometer size. The method is rapid, cheap, and simple and partly uses the self-organization principle. (read more)
Non-native plants show a greater response than native wildflowers to climate change
Posted by on October 5, 2012
Warming temperatures in Ohio are a key driver behind changes in the state’s landscape, and non-native plant species appear to be responding more strongly than native wildflowers to the changing climate, new research suggests. (read more)
Urban coyotes could be setting the stage for larger carnivores -- wolves, bears and mountain lions -- to move into cities
Posted by on October 5, 2012
Coyotes are the largest of the mammalian carnivores to have made their way to, and thrived in, urban settings. A researcher estimates that about 2,000 coyotes live in the Chicago metro area. The coyote is "the test case for other animals," he says, such as wolves, bears and mountain lions. (read more)
How order arises from the random motion of particles in the cosmos
Posted by on October 5, 2012
One of the unsolved mysteries of contemporary science is how highly organized structures can emerge from the random motion of particles. This applies to many situations ranging from astrophysical objects that extend over millions of light years to the birth of life on Earth. (read more)
Diabetes discovery: Two genes increase risk of developing diabetes-associated kidney disease
Posted by on October 5, 2012
An international group of researchers has discovered two genes that increase the risk of developing diabetes-associated kidney disease.  (read more)
Freezing water droplets form sharp ice peaks
Posted by on October 5, 2012
Photos reveal how water droplets placed on a cold surface freeze to a sharp point that sprouts a “forest” of tree-like ice crystals. (read more)
Potato storage: Essential oils as antigerminants
Posted by on October 5, 2012
One of the critical moments in the final quality of the potato occurs during its storage, as there exists the risk of sprouting or rotting due to pathogenic agents such as bacteria and fungi. (read more)
More efficient all-organic catalysts in fuel cells
Posted by on October 5, 2012
Organic catalysts are a breakthrough in the quest for inexpensive and efficient materials for environmentally friendly production of energy in fuel cells. A new study provides better knowledge about key processes in producing these catalysts. (read more)
Pacemaker could help more heart failure patients
Posted by on October 5, 2012
A new study demonstrates that a change in the ECG wave called the QRS prolongation is associated with a higher rate of heart-failure mortality. According to the team that carried out the study the discovery suggests that more heart-failure cases than the most serious could be helped by pacemakers. (read more)
Mass of dark matter revealed by precise measurements of the galaxy
Posted by on October 5, 2012
Astronomers have succeeded in precisely determining the astronomical yardstick for the Galaxy based upon precise distance measurements from advanced radio telescopes. The new findings are that the distance from the sun to the Galactic center is 26,100 light-years, and that the Galactic rotation velocity in the solar system is 240km/s. (read more)
Experts challenge super food claims: Healthy-giving properties of broccoli, blueberries, may not make it past the gut
Posted by on October 5, 2012
They have been the mainstay of the health industry for the best part of a decade, but now researchers are using an approach that allows them to delve deeper into the effectiveness of health-promoting 'super foods' and their elixir-giving ilk. While there's no doubt foods such as broccoli, blueberries and whole grains contain polyphenols - compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties… (read more)
Climate change: Aging of organic aerosols is caused by OH radicals
Posted by on October 5, 2012
Atmospheric aerosol particles have a significant effect on climate. Researchers have now discovered that a chemical process in the atmosphere called aging determines to a major extent the concentration and the characteristics of aerosol particles. To date, this aspect has not been accounted for in regional and global climate models. (read more)
Dragon readies for operational delivery flight
Posted by on October 5, 2012
SpaceX is set to launch the first of a dozen operational missions for NASA to deliver more than 1,000 pounds of supplies to the International Space Station on Oct. 7. Launch time is 8:35 p.m. from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, just a few miles south of the space shuttle launch pads. The spacecraft will be joined to the station three days later. (read more)
There's no place like home -- For dialysis
Posted by on October 4, 2012
Home hemodialysis could allow patients to enjoy increased freedom, quality of life, greater ability to travel, and tangible health improvements. Increased physician and patient education can eliminate barriers to home hemodialysis and increase its use. Approximately 2 million patients in the world receive some sort of dialysis treatment. (read more)
Asteroid fragments could hint at the origin of the solar system
Posted by on October 4, 2012
Scientists are analyzing minute asteroid fragments which could shed light on the origin and evolution of the solar system. (read more)
Dating between modern humans and Neandertals
Posted by on October 4, 2012
To discover why Neandertals are most closely related to people outside Africa, scientists have estimated the date when Neandertals and modern Europeans last shared ancestors. The research provides a historical context for the interbreeding. It suggests that it occurred when modern humans carrying Upper Paleolithic technologies encountered Neandertals as they expanded out of Africa. (read more)
Abortion rates plummet with free birth control
Posted by on October 4, 2012
Providing birth control to women at no cost substantially reduced unplanned pregnancies and cut abortion rates by 62 percent to 78 percent over the national rate, a new study shows. (read more)
BPA's real threat may be after it has metabolized: Chemical found in many plastics linked to multiple health threats
Posted by on October 4, 2012
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical widely used in the making of plastic products ranging from bottles and food can linings to toys and water supply lines. When these plastics degrade, BPA is released into the environment and routinely ingested. New research suggests it’s the metabolic changes that take place once BPA is broken down inside the body that pose the greater health threat. (read more)
Mathematics sheds light on what delays in getting pregnant mean for prospects of having a baby
Posted by on October 4, 2012
A new mathematical method can help to predict a couple’s chances of becoming pregnant, according to how long they have been trying. (read more)
Climate sceptics more prominent in UK and US media
Posted by on October 4, 2012
Climate sceptics are being given a more prominent, and sometimes uncontested, voice in UK and US newspapers in contrast to other countries around the world, new research suggests. (read more)
Way, way beyond wrist radios
Posted by on October 4, 2012
To believe that technologies once dreamed of in science fiction novels, television shows, and comic strips may one day be a reality, or that real-world technologies might make the fantastic devices of fiction obsolete, you'd need to be either an optimist ... or a futurist in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate. (read more)
Sandia Labs benchmark helps wind industry measure success
Posted by on October 4, 2012
Sandia National Laboratories published the second annual 2012 Wind Plant Reliability Benchmark on Oct. 1, 2012, and the results should help the nation's growing wind industry benchmark its performance, understand vulnerabilities and enhance productivity. (read more)
How solvent mixtures affect organic solar cell structure
Posted by on October 4, 2012
Controlling "mixing" between acceptor and donor layers, or domains, in polymer-based solar cells could increase their efficiency, according to a team of researchers. (read more)
Neurofeedback offers effective treatment for bedwetting
Posted by on October 4, 2012
For children, nighttime bedwetting is a common problem, often requiring intervention. The use of medicine and other treatments has met with limited success. Targeting neuronal activities of the brain through neurofeedback, however, has shown promising results. (read more)
Marathon runners may be at risk for incontinence
Posted by on October 4, 2012
While many marathon runners may be preoccupied with shin splints, chafing and blisters come race day, one thing they may not consider is their bladder health. (read more)
NASA Mars Curiosity rover prepares to study martian soil
Posted by on October 4, 2012
NASA's Curiosity rover is in a position on Mars where scientists and engineers can begin preparing the rover to take its first scoop of soil for analysis. (read more)
How to restore native grasslands in the interior Pacific Northwest, U.S.
Posted by on October 4, 2012
Weed scientists in Oregon have found that the timing of herbicide application along with reseeding of native grasses offers the best recipe for restoring native grasslands while controlling invasive weeds. Grasslands are a valuable resource for ecosystems, providing soil conservation, food and fiber production, and wildlife habitat. When threatened by invading exotic species, the quality and quantity… (read more)
Northern conifers youngest of the species
Posted by on October 4, 2012
Dramatic shifts in the planet's climate and geography over millions of years changed the course of evolutionary history for conifer trees, according to new research. (read more)
Duck-bill dinosaurs had plant-pulverizing teeth more advanced than horses
Posted by on October 4, 2012
A team of paleontologists and engineers has found that duck-billed dinosaurs had an amazing capacity to chew tough and abrasive plants with grinding teeth more complex than those of cows, horses, and other well-known modern grazers. Their study is the first to recover material properties from fossilized teeth. (read more)
Star discovered racing around black hole at center of our galaxy: Crucial to revealing fabric of space and time
Posted by on October 4, 2012
Astronomers report the discovery of a remarkable star that orbits the enormous black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy in a blistering 11-and-a-half years, the shortest known orbit of any star near this black hole. (read more)
How ketamine defeats chronic depression
Posted by on October 4, 2012
Many chronically depressed and treatment-resistant patients experience immediate relief from symptoms after taking small amounts of the drug ketamine. For a decade, scientists have been trying to explain the observation. (read more)
Insects a prime driver in plant evolution and diversity
Posted by on October 4, 2012
Take a good look around on your next nature hike. Not only are you experiencing the wonders of the outdoors -- you're probably also witnessing evolution in action. (read more)
Insects shape genetic landscape through plant defenses
Posted by on October 4, 2012
In a new study involving aphids and the broccoli-like research plant Arabidopsis thaliana, scientists offer the first measurable evidence that plant-eating insects influence the genetic variation of their host plants through the plant's natural defense mechanisms. (read more)
Ancient carbon resurfacing in lakes challenges current models of long-term carbon storage in lakes and rivers
Posted by on October 4, 2012
A new study reveals that a significant amount of carbon released into the atmosphere from lakes and rivers in Southern Québec, Canada, is very old -- approximately 1,000 to 3,000 years old -- challenging the current models of long-term carbon storage in lakes and rivers. (read more)
Medication use higher among overweight, obese kids
Posted by on October 4, 2012
Overweight children are far more likely to take prescription medications than children of a normal weight, according to new research. (read more)
Toward an artificial pancreas: Math modeling and diabetes control
Posted by on October 4, 2012
Medical researchers propose novel mathematical models for injection of insulin in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The models simulate injections of insulin in the manner of insulin pumps, which deliver periodic impulses in diabetes patients. (read more)
What makes self-directed learning effective?
Posted by on October 4, 2012
In recent years, educators have placed more emphasis on the importance of hands-on participation and student-led inquiry. While the benefits of self-directed learning are widely acknowledged, the reasons why a sense of control over the learning process might lead to better acquisition of material are poorly understood. Psychological scientists address this gap in understanding in a new article by… (read more)
Scale to measure parent-teacher communication at the K-12 level
Posted by on October 4, 2012
The Parental Academic Support Scale was developed to assess the supportive interactions between parents and teachers, including the frequency of specific behaviors associated with parental academic support, parents' perceptions of the importance of those supportive behaviors, and the modes (e-mail, face-to-face interactions, phone, etc.) of communication that parents commonly use to communicate with… (read more)
Shoulder dislocation in older patients poses different challenges in diagnosis, treatment
Posted by on October 4, 2012
Although shoulder dislocation can occur at about the same rates in both younger and older patients, injuries in older patients are more likely to be overlooked or misdiagnosed, resulting in years of persistent pain and disability. (read more)
Better battlefield triage, transport may raise severely wounded soldiers' survival rates
Posted by on October 4, 2012
Wounded soldiers who sustained chest injuries in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom had higher mortality rates than soldiers in Korea and Vietnam, but improved battlefield triage and transport may have meant that severely wounded soldiers whom would have been considered killed in action in previous conflicts are more likely to get sent to trauma centers in the United States sooner… (read more)
Fourteen new biomarkers identified for type 2 diabetes
Posted by on October 4, 2012
Researchers have identified 14 novel biomarkers for type 2 diabetes. The biomarkers can serve as basis for developing new methods of treatment and prevention. They can also be used to determine diabetes risk at a very early point in time and enable insight into the complex mechanisms of this disease, which still have not been completely elucidated. (read more)
Are inhaled medications effective and safe in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation?
Posted by on October 4, 2012
Essential medications can be delivered as inhaled drugs to critically ill patients in the ICU who require mechanical ventilation to breathe. Aerosol drug delivery is highly complex, and if not done properly the medication will not reach the lungs and therapy will be ineffective. Researchers have reviewed the efficacy and safety of aerosol delivery of drugs used in the ICU. (read more)
Climate change beliefs: Political views trump facts for some
Posted by on October 4, 2012
For some people, scientific facts help determine what they believe about an issue. But for others, political views trump scientific facts and determine what information they will accept as true. It’s a phenomenon that is particularly prevalent on the issue of climate change. (read more)
Engineers test rotor landing for capsules
Posted by on October 4, 2012
A team of researchers brought a pair of scale model space capsules to the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to try out a rotor system that could be used in place of parachutes on returning spacecraft. (read more)
The Helix Nebula: Bigger in death than life
Posted by on October 4, 2012
A dying star is refusing to go quietly into the night, as seen in a combined infrared and ultraviolet view from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX), which NASA has lent to the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. In death, the star's dusty outer layers are unraveling into space, glowing from the intense ultraviolet radiation being pumped out by the hot… (read more)
NASA's Curiosity rover checks in on Mars using Foursquare
Posted by on October 4, 2012
NASA's Curiosity Mars rover checked in on Mars Wednesday using the mobile application Foursquare. This marks the first check-in on another planet. Users on Foursquare can keep up with Curiosity as the rover checks in at key locations and posts photos and tips, all while exploring the Red Planet. (read more)
How bicultural consumers respond to marketing cues
Posted by on October 4, 2012
Consider a Japanese-American woman strolling through a mall. If she passes by a UNIQLO store, is she more likely to opt for sushi than a hamburger when she reaches the food court? Would this cue of Japanese culture draw out her Japanese side? The answer, new research suggests, depends on the degree to which she has integrated her cultural identities. (read more)
Fox squirrels show long-term investment savvy when hoarding nuts
Posted by on October 4, 2012
Researchers are gathering evidence this fall that the feisty fox squirrels scampering around campus are not just mindlessly foraging for food, b