ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines
for Wednesday, August 25, 2010
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True causes for extinction of cave bear revealed: More human expansion than climate change (August 25, 2010) -- The cave bear started to become extinct in Europe 24,000 years ago, but until now the cause was unknown. An international team of scientists has analyzed mitochondrial DNA sequences from 17 new fossil samples, and compared these with the modern brown bear. The results show that the decline of the cave bear started 50,000 years ago, and was caused more by human expansion than by climate change. ... > full story
Exercising restores sensitivity of neurons that make one feel full (August 25, 2010) -- There is now another good reason to exercise. Besides burning calories, exercise restores the sensitivity of neurons involved in the control of satiety (feeling full), which in turn contributes to reduced food intake and consequently weight loss. This is the conclusion of a study led by Brazilian researchers. ... > full story
New evidence on how cranberry juice fights bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (August 25, 2010) -- Scientists report new evidence on the effectiveness of that old folk remedy -- cranberry juice -- for urinary tract infections. ... > full story
Minor kidney damage in people with type 1 diabetes leads to increased mortality (August 25, 2010) -- People with type 1 diabetes who have early and asymptomatic kidney damage, as indicated by small amounts of protein in the urine, are six times more likely to die compared to the general population, according to a new study. ... > full story
Cactus genes connect modern Mexico to its prehistoric past (August 25, 2010) -- In prehistoric times farmers across the world domesticated wild plants to create an agricultural revolution. As a result the ancestral plants have been lost, causing problems for anyone studying the domestication process of modern-day varieties, but that might change. ... > full story
Disasters especially tough on people with disabilities, mental disorders (August 25, 2010) -- Psychologists have analyzed decades of research and found that disaster response strategies should address the needs of the population affected, specifically those with disabilities and mental disorders. ... > full story
High-born hyena sons benefit their entire life (August 25, 2010) -- High-ranking mothers provide their sons with a privileged upbringing and this increases their son's success after leaving home. This was now demonstrated for the first time in a social mammal, the spotted hyena. ... > full story
'TIMely' intervention for asthma (August 25, 2010) -- TIM1 has been identified as a susceptibility gene for asthma. New research in mice now suggests that targeting TIM-1 protein might have therapeutic benefit in treating this increasingly prevalent condition. ... > full story
Emerging questions about the mechanisms that control muscle (August 25, 2010) -- There are major shifts underway in understanding the physiological mechanisms that control muscle contraction, a field that has been the focus of intense research for centuries. A new article presents key novel findings, unresolved questions, and clinical implications of essential muscle processes that are controlled by distinct and complex multiprotein macromolecular machines. ... > full story
Hydrophobic proteins: Potential biomarkers for colorectal cancer (August 25, 2010) -- Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Hydrophobic proteins are a class of proteins that are involved in many cellular functions in the body. A group of researchers from Malaysia analyzed differentially expressed hydrophobic proteins in colorectal cancer and normal tissues. Four hydrophobic proteins were found to be highly expressed in colorectal cancer tissues, these proteins may serve as potential biomarkers for colorectal cancer that can be used for its detection and treatment. ... > full story
New mechanism behind cellular energy conversion discovered (August 25, 2010) -- Researchers have enhanced our understanding of the mechanism by which cells achieve energy conversion, the process in which food is converted into the energy required by cells. ... > full story
Who are you calling 'hipster'? Consumers defy labels and stereotypes (August 25, 2010) -- What happens when the products you love become labeled as "trendy" or "hipster"? Consumers who identify with these products find creative ways to remain loyal and elude derision, according to a new study. ... > full story
'Spintronics' breakthrough holds promise for next-generation computers (August 24, 2010) -- Using powerful lasers, physicists have discovered a new way to recognize currents of spinning electrons within a semiconductor. Their findings could lead the way to development of superior computers and electronics. ... > full story
New cardiac imaging device pioneered (August 24, 2010) -- Researchers have for the first time developed a way to visualize coronary artery plaques vulnerable to rupture using multicolor computed tomography, an innovation that will lead to better and earlier diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. ... > full story
Salmon baby food? Babies need omega-3s and a taste for fish, scientist says (August 24, 2010) -- Has your toddler eaten fish today? A food science professor has two important reasons for including seafood in your young child's diet, reasons that have motivated her work in helping to develop a tasty, nutritious salmon baby food for toddlers. ... > full story
Study compares risk with two diabetes drugs (August 24, 2010) -- A new analysis of data on patients covered by a single insurance company reports that risks of heart disease events and death were no different between patients who took the diabetes drugs rosiglitazone or pioglitazone. In this analysis, approximately 4 percent of patients taking either drug -- sold as Avandia and Actos -- suffered a heart attack, heart failure, both or died over a 33-month period. ... > full story
LEDs promise brighter future, not necessarily greener (August 24, 2010) -- Solid-state lighting pioneers long have held that replacing the inefficient Edison light bulb with more efficient solid-state light-emitting devices (LEDs) would lower electrical usage worldwide, not only "greenly" decreasing the need for new power plants but even permitting some to be decommissioned. But, in a new paper, leading LED researchers argue for a shift in that view. ... > full story
Moderate drinking: Health benefits or not? (August 24, 2010) -- There is disagreement about the health benefits of moderate drinking. A new study has examined drinking and mortality during a 20-year period. Findings confirm an association between moderate drinking and reduced mortality among older adults. ... > full story
Fires and floods key to dinosaur island secrets (August 24, 2010) -- Fires and floods which raged across the Isle of Wight some 130 million years ago made the island the richest source of pick ’n’ mix dinosaur remains of this age anywhere in the world. A new study has revealed the Island’s once violent weather explains why thousands of tiny dinosaur teeth and bones lie buried alongside the huge bones of their gigantic relatives. ... > full story
Human umbilical cord blood cells aid lab animal brain cell survival after simulated stroke (August 24, 2010) -- When human umbilical cord blood cells were used to treat cultured rat brain cells deprived of oxygen, the cells appeared to protect astrocytes from cell death after stroke-like damage. Researchers found that cord blood cells stabilized the brain cell environment and aided astrocyte survival. ... > full story
A surfboard gets an onboard computer (August 24, 2010) -- Computers are everywhere these days -- even on surfboards. Mechanical engineering undergraduates outfitted a surfboard with a computer and accompanying sensors -- one step toward a structural engineering Ph.D. student's quest to develop the science of surfboards. ... > full story
Genetic link discovered between immune system, Parkinson's disease (August 24, 2010) -- Scientists have discovered new evidence that Parkinson's disease may have an infectious or autoimmune origin. ... > full story
RNA snippets control protein production by disabling mRNAs (August 24, 2010) -- Short pieces of RNA, called microRNAs, control protein production primarily by causing the proteins' RNA templates (known as messenger RNA or mRNA) to be disabled by the cell, according to scientists. ... > full story
No laughing matter: Laughter can play key role in group dynamics (August 24, 2010) -- Laughter can play key roles in group communication and group dynamics -- even when there's nothing funny going on. That's according to new research that examined the role of laughter in jury deliberations during a capital murder case. ... > full story
Sea level to rise even with aggressive geo-engineering and greenhouse gas control, study finds (August 24, 2010) -- Sea level will likely be 30-70 centimeters higher by 2100 than at the start of the century, even if all but the most aggressive geo-engineering schemes are undertaken to mitigate the effects of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions are stringently controlled, according to new findings by international research group of scientists from England, China and Denmark. ... > full story
Widely used herbicide, atrazine, causes prostate inflammation in male rats and delays puberty (August 24, 2010) -- A new study shows that male rats prenatally exposed to low doses of atrazine, a widely used herbicide, are more likely to develop prostate inflammation and to go through puberty later than non-exposed animals. The research adds to a growing body of literature on atrazine, an herbicide predominantly used to control weeds and grasses in crops such as corn and sugar cane. Atrazine and its byproducts are known to be relatively persistent in the environment, potentially finding their way into water supplies. ... > full story
Gene responsible for neurodegenerative disease in dogs, possibly in humans, discovered (August 24, 2010) -- Researchers have located and identified a gene responsible for a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects American Staffordshire terriers. This same gene may be responsible for a similar rare, fatal disease in humans. ... > full story
Radiologists call for national strategy to address medical imaging overuse (August 24, 2010) -- Overutilization of medical imaging services exposes patients to unnecessary radiation and adds to health care costs, according to a special report that calls on radiologists to spearhead a collaborative effort to curb imaging overutilization. ... > full story
New generation of power: Hi-tech rechargeable batteries developed for military (August 24, 2010) -- Scientists report progress in using a common virus to develop improved materials for high-performance, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that could be woven into clothing to power portable electronic devices. ... > full story
Why making our own choices is more satisfying when pleasure is the goal (August 24, 2010) -- When it comes to our own pleasure, we like having a choice, but when it comes to utilitarian goals, we're just as happy being told what to do, according to a new study. ... > full story
Solar system similar to ours? Richest planetary system discovered (August 24, 2010) -- Astronomers have discovered a planetary system containing at least five planets, orbiting the Sun-like star HD 10180. The researchers also have tantalizing evidence that two other planets may be present, one of which would have the lowest mass ever found. This would make the system similar to our Solar System in terms of the number of planets (seven as compared to the Solar System’s eight planets). Furthermore, the team also found evidence that the distances of the planets from their star follow a regular pattern, as also seen in our Solar System. ... > full story
Reshaping the gut microbiome could herald new treatments for bowel diseases (August 24, 2010) -- A healthy human body contains at least tenfold more bacteria cells than human cells. The most abundant and diverse microbial community resides in the intestine, and changes to the gut microbiota are linked with diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. In a new study, researchers have analyzed the long-term effects of gut bacterial transplantation in rats, revealing crucial insight that will aid in the development of new treatments. ... > full story
Understanding rider bahavior key to keeping amusement park rides safe and enjoyable (August 24, 2010) -- Plummeting down a steep hill on a giant roller coaster or whirling at high speeds are annual summer rituals for thrill-seeking amusement riders. While amusement ride injuries are a rare occurrence, most occur as a result of rider behavior. ... > full story
New nuclear breast imaging technologies associated with higher cancer risks, study finds (August 24, 2010) -- Some nuclear-based breast imaging exams may increase a woman's risk of developing radiation-induced cancer, according to new research. However, the radiation dose and risk from mammography are very low. ... > full story
Americans using less energy, more renewables (August 24, 2010) -- Americans are using less energy overall and making more use of renewable energy resources. The United States used significantly less coal and petroleum in 2009 than in 2008, and significantly more wind power. There also was a decline in natural gas use and increases in solar, hydro and geothermal power, according to the most recent energy flow charts. ... > full story
Sign language speakers' hands, mouths operate separately (August 24, 2010) -- When people are communicating in sign languages, they also move their mouths. But scientists have debated whether mouth movements resembling spoken language are part of the sign itself or are connected directly to English. In a new study on British Sign Language, signers made different mistakes in the sign and in the mouthing -- which means the hand and lip movements are separate in the signer's brain, not part of the same sign. ... > full story
Pulverized planet dust may lie around double stars (August 24, 2010) -- Tight double-star systems might not be the best places for life to spring up, according to a new study using data from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope. The infrared observatory spotted a surprisingly large amount of dust around three mature, close-orbiting star pairs. Where did the dust come from? Astronomers say it might be the aftermath of tremendous planetary collisions. ... > full story
Vitamin D found to influence over 200 genes, highlighting links to disease (August 24, 2010) -- The extent to which vitamin D deficiency may increase susceptibility to a wide range of diseases is dramatically highlighted in newly published research. Scientists have mapped the points at which vitamin D interacts with our DNA -- and identified over two hundred genes that it directly influences. ... > full story
Health diagnosis made simpler: Bioengineers design device to help detect diseases quickly (August 24, 2010) -- Researchers have developed and tested instrumentation they say will make disease diagnosis technically simpler, quicker and less costly. Using the shape of a drop biological fluid to focus a beam from a light-emitting diode, the device enables diagnosis of infectious diseases and unhealthy levels of protein. ... > full story
Nicotine binding to receptor linked to breast cancer cell growth (August 24, 2010) -- When nicotine binds to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAchR), it is known to promote smoking addiction and may also directly promote the development of breast cancer, according to a new study. ... > full story
Math from the heart: Simulating stent design and coating (August 24, 2010) -- Using computer models to study the strengths and weaknesses of different stent structures could help manufacturers optimize stent design and help doctors choose the right stents for their patients. ... > full story
Alcohol-based hand disinfectants improve business productivity, study finds (August 24, 2010) -- The placement of alcohol-based hand disinfectants in businesses can reduce illness and absenteeism amongst the work force. A new study has found that incidences of absenteeism in public administrations due to the common cold, fever and cough are significantly reduced when alcohol-based hand disinfectants are used by employees. ... > full story
Bug with bifocals baffles biologists (August 24, 2010) -- Researchers have discovered a bug with bifocals -- such an amazing finding that it initially had the researchers questioning whether they could believe their own eyes. ... > full story
Promising target for developing treatments against Parkinson's disease (August 24, 2010) -- Researchers have shown that using specific drugs can protect nerve cells in mice from the lethal effects of Parkinson's disease. ... > full story
Could the answer to cleaning up the Gulf Coast oil spill lie in geometry? (August 24, 2010) -- Researchers are studying how naturally occurring microbes can best be used to eat away remaining crude oil spilled in the Gulf of Mexico. Their choice of weapon: Geometry. ... > full story
Autism and mental retardation connected with APC protein (August 24, 2010) -- A clue to the causes of autism and mental retardation lies in the synapse, the tiny intercellular junction that rapidly transfers information from one neuron to the next. Neuroscientists report that a protein called APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) plays a key role in synapse maturation, and APC dysfunction prevents the synapse function required for typical learning and memory. ... > full story
Historic buildings may be better protected from climate change with new forecast method (August 24, 2010) -- Some of the nation's most historic buildings and monuments may be better protected from decay in future, following a development by engineers. Researchers have devised a method of forecasting damage caused by the weather to stone buildings -- including statues, monuments and other historic sites, as well as modern masonry buildings. ... > full story
Stress of freshman year can trigger eating disorders for some young people (August 24, 2010) -- While the start of college is a positive, momentous event for many young people, it also can be an episode that pushes some into a dangerous battle with eating disorders, says a psychologist who fought her own battle against bulimia as a college student. Hear her story. ... > full story
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