ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines
for Wednesday, September 1, 2010
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Lima beans domesticated twice (September 1, 2010) -- Lima beans were domesticated at least twice, according to a new genetic diversity study. Big seeded varieties known as "Big Lima" were domesticated in the Andean Mountains, while small seeded "Sieva" and "Potato" varieties originated in central-western Mexico. ... > full story
Diverse diet of veggies may decrease lung cancer risk (September 1, 2010) -- Adding a variety of vegetables to one's diet may help decrease the chance of getting lung cancer, and adding a variety of fruits and vegetables may decrease the risk of squamous cell lung cancer, especially among smokers. ... > full story
IceCube neutrino observatory nears completion (September 1, 2010) -- In December 2010, IceCube -- the world's first kilometer-scale neutrino observatory, located beneath the Antarctic ice -- will finally be completed after two decades of planning. A new article provides a comprehensive description of the observatory, its instrumentation, and its scientific mission ... > full story
Moderate coffee consumption improves aortic distensibility in hypertensive elderly individuals, study finds (September 1, 2010) -- A detailed study conducted by researchers on the Aegean island of Ikaria has demonstrated that moderate consumption of coffee by hypertensive elderly individuals can lead to improvements in aortic distensibility. ... > full story
In drought-prone Sahel, scientists roll out innovative system for producing vegetables (September 1, 2010) -- With a major famine unfolding in Niger and other countries of West Africa's dry Sahelian region, an agricultural scientist reports new progress in disseminating an innovative system for irrigated vegetable production -- a valuable option in a region that is highly dependent on subsistence rainfed cropping. ... > full story
Migration does not bring happiness, study suggests (September 1, 2010) -- The grass might not be greener on the other side of the border, a new study has found. Economic migrants traveling to different shores for greater income could be set for disappointment -- because the pursuit of wealth does not equate with happiness, according to the research. ... > full story
Silicon oxide circuits break barrier: Nanocrystal conductors could lead to massive, robust 3-D storage (September 1, 2010) -- Scientists have created the first two-terminal memory chips that use only silicon, one of the most common substances on the planet, in a way that should be easily adaptable to nanoelectronic manufacturing techniques and promises to extend the limits of miniaturization subject to Moore's Law. ... > full story
Virus related to smallpox rising sharply in Africa (September 1, 2010) -- Researchers report that 30 years after mass smallpox vaccination campaigns ceased, the rates of a related virus called human monkeypox has dramatically increased in the rural Democratic Republic of Congo, with sporadic outbreaks in other African countries and even the United States. ... > full story
A decade of studying the Earth's magnetic shield, in 3-D (September 1, 2010) -- Space scientists around the world are celebrating ten years of ground-breaking discoveries by "Cluster," a mission that is illuminating the mysteries of the magnetosphere, the northern lights and the solar wind. Cluster is a European Space Agency mission, launched in summer 2000. It consists of a unique constellation of four spacecraft flying in formation around Earth, studying the interaction between the solar wind and the magnetosphere. ... > full story
Bone hormone levels linked to risk of death for patients with heart failure (September 1, 2010) -- Patients suffering with heart failure are more likely to die if they have high levels of a bone hormone called osteoprotegerin (OPG). That is the finding of a research team from the Akershus University Hospital and the University of Oslo in Norway, in collaboration with colleagues in Italy and Denmark. ... > full story
Fuel-efficiency formula needs cars wired with better brainpower, less vroom (September 1, 2010) -- A researcher says it's possible to triple fuel economy in gasoline-powered cars by 2035, but it'll mean getting our automotive kicks from smart electronic technology and other forms of virtual performance rather than horsepower. ... > full story
Buying common medicines can push poor people further into poverty, study finds (September 1, 2010) -- A substantial proportion (up to 86 percent) of the population living in low and middle income countries would be pushed into poverty as a result of purchasing common life-saving medicines, according to a new study. ... > full story
Marine animals suggest evidence for a trans-Antarctic seaway (August 31, 2010) -- A tiny marine filter-feeder that anchors itself to the sea bed offers new clues to scientists studying the stability of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet -- a region that is thought to be vulnerable to collapse. Scientists analyzed sea-bed colonies of bryozoans from coastal and deep sea regions around the continent and from further afield. They found striking similarities in particular species of bryozoans living on the continental shelves of two seas -- the Ross and Weddell -- that are around 1,500 miles apart and separated by the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. ... > full story
Newly discovered protein gets to the roots of obesity and osteoporosis (August 31, 2010) -- Here's good news for anyone trying to lose weight or has osteoporosis: Scientists are on the trail of a weight loss drug that may revolutionize how we treat these two conditions. Researchers have discovered a new protein, called "Sprouty," responsible for regulating body fat and bone mass. ... > full story
Treatment for S. aureus skin infection works in mouse model (August 31, 2010) -- Scientists have found a promising treatment method that in laboratory mice reduces the severity of skin and soft-tissue damage caused by USA300, the leading cause of community-associated Staphylococcus aureus infections in the United States. ... > full story
Ultra-endurance running may not be good for the heart, study suggests (August 31, 2010) -- In 2009, a study was conducted in the UK to assess the effects of running in ultra-endurance races. Typically aimed at super-fit and experienced athletes, these races are held over distances exceeding 50 miles (80 kilometres). The conclusions suggest that some damage is likely to occur to the heart muscle of competitors, while 12 percent of the study group showed signs of significant cardiac damage. ... > full story
Extensive relict coral reef found in southern Pacific (August 31, 2010) -- Coral reefs are sensitive to climate change and track sea level. New observations show that an extensive coral reef existed in the southern Pacific Ocean thousands of years ago. Researchers used multi-beam sonar, coring, and dating to examine a relict reef discovered in water about 20-25 meters (65-82 feet) deep around Lord Howe Island in the southern Pacific Ocean. ... > full story
Children raised by gay couples show good progress through school, study finds (August 31, 2010) -- By mining data from the 2000 Census, a sociologist figured out the rates at which kids raised by gay and straight couples repeated a grade during elementary or middle school. He found that children of same-sex parents have essentially the same educational achievement as their peers growing up in heterosexual households. ... > full story
Human activity may have boosted shellfish size, archaeological study shows (August 31, 2010) -- In a counter-intuitive finding, new research shows that a species of shellfish widely consumed in the Pacific over the past 3,000 years has actually increased in size, despite -- and possibly because of -- increased human activity in the area. ... > full story
Major study finds no evidence that statins cause cancer (August 31, 2010) -- In the largest and most reliable study of its type, researchers in the UK and Australia have demonstrated that statin therapy is not a cause of increased cancer rates and deaths. ... > full story
Reading Arabic isn't easy, brain study suggests (August 31, 2010) -- The brain's right hemisphere is not involved in the initial processes of reading in Arabic, due to the graphic complexity of Arabic script. Therefore reading acquisition in Arabic is much harder in comparison to English, according to a recent series of studies. ... > full story
Marathon running is unlikely to cause long-term heart damage, German study shows (August 31, 2010) -- A study of 167 amateur runners at the 2006 and 2007 Berlin marathons is lowering concerns that this type of activity leads to sustained heart damage, particularly among older competitors. ... > full story
Shifting ozone hole exposed South America to more ultraviolet light in 2009 (August 31, 2010) -- The ozone layer, which protects humans, plants, and animals from potentially damaging ultraviolet (UV) light from the Sun, develops a hole above Antarctica in September that typically lasts until early December. However, in November 2009, that hole shifted its position, leaving the southern tip of South America exposed to UV light at levels much greater than normal. ... > full story
Why some Americans believe Obama is a Muslim (August 31, 2010) -- There's something beyond plain old ignorance that motivates Americans to believe President Obama is a Muslim, according to a first-of-its-kind study of smear campaigns. The research suggests people are most likely to accept such falsehoods, both consciously and unconsciously, when subtle clues remind them of ways in which Obama is different from them, whether because of race, social class or other ideological differences. ... > full story
Whale sharks may produce many litters from one mating, paternity test shows (August 31, 2010) -- Biologists analyzed genetic information from preserved whale shark embryos taken from a female caught off the coast of Taiwan 15 years ago. They found all offspring to have the same father -- an unusual reproduction characteristic for sharks. ... > full story
Multiple sclerosis activity changes with the seasons, research finds (August 31, 2010) -- New research shows that multiple sclerosis activity can increase during spring and summer months. ... > full story
Tracing the big picture of Mars' atmosphere (August 31, 2010) -- One of the instruments on a 2016 mission to orbit Mars will provide daily maps of global, pole-to-pole, vertical distributions of the temperature, dust, water vapor and ice clouds in the Martian atmosphere. ... > full story
Engineering shorter wait times in the ER (August 31, 2010) -- Emergency room waiting times could be cut by over one third and patients' length of stay by almost two-thirds, thanks to a new approach to the triage process of sorting patients for further assessment and treatment, according to new research. ... > full story
Networks -- not size -- give cities competitive advantage (August 31, 2010) -- A city's size no longer is the key factor in building vibrant local economies, according to a new study. ... > full story
Older adults experience “destination amnesia” and over-confidence with false beliefs (August 31, 2010) -- I'm sure I told you that already! Older adults are more likely to have destination memory failures -- forgetting who they've shared or not shared information with, according to a new study. ... > full story
Carnivore species shrank during global warming event (August 31, 2010) -- A new study indicates extinct carnivorous mammals shrank in size during a global warming event that occurred 55 million years ago. The study describes a new species that evolved to half the size of its ancestors during this period of global warming. ... > full story
Adult mammary stem cells in mice identified and isolated for first time (August 31, 2010) -- For the first time, researchers have identified and isolated adult mammary stem cells in mice. Long-term implications of this research may include the use of such cells to regenerate breast tissue, provide a better understanding of the role of adult stem cells in breast cancer development, and develop potential new targets for anti-cancer drugs. ... > full story
Neuronal diversity makes a difference, research finds (August 31, 2010) -- Much like snowflakes, no two neurons are exactly alike. But it's not the size or shape that sets one neuron apart from another, it's the way it responds to incoming stimuli. Researchers have discovered that this diversity is critical to overall brain function and essential in how neurons process complex stimuli and code information. ... > full story
Study points to key genetic driver of severe allergic asthma (August 31, 2010) -- Scientists have identified a genetic basis for determining the severity of allergic asthma in experimental models of the disease. The study may help in the search for future therapeutic strategies to fight a growing medical problem that currently lacks effective treatments, researchers report. ... > full story
Hybrid protein tools developed for gene cutting and editing (August 31, 2010) -- Researchers have developed a type of hybrid proteins that can make double-strand DNA breaks at specific sites in living cells, possibly leading to better gene replacement and gene editing therapies. ... > full story
Roots of gamblers' fallacies and other superstitions: Causes of seemingly irrational human decision-making (August 31, 2010) -- Gamblers who think they have a "hot hand," only to end up walking away with a loss, may nonetheless be making "rational" decisions, according to new research. ... > full story
Scientists succeed in filming organs and joints in real time using magnetic resonance imaging (August 31, 2010) -- "Please hold absolutely still": This instruction is crucial for patients being examined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is the only way to obtain clear images for diagnosis. Up to now, it was therefore almost impossible to image moving organs using MRI. Researchers in Germany have now succeeded in significantly reducing the time required for recording images -- to just one fiftieth of a second. With this breakthrough, the dynamics of organs and joints can be filmed "live" for the first time: movements of the eye and jaw as well as the bending knee and the beating heart. ... > full story
'Co-conspirator' cells could hold key to melanoma prediction, prevention (August 31, 2010) -- New research on how skin cancer begins has identified adjacent cancer cells that scientists are calling "co-conspirators" in the genesis of melanoma, in findings that could someday hold the key to predicting, preventing and stopping this hard-to-treat cancer before it spreads. ... > full story
Step toward a new sunscreen? Plant agents show promise in preventing skin cancer (August 31, 2010) -- Ongoing research finds that a blend of plant substances -- such as resveratrol and grape seed extract -- can prevent skin cancer in mice. ... > full story
Use of certain antiviral drugs during pregnancy not linked with higher risk of major birth defects, study suggests (August 31, 2010) -- An analysis of data from Denmark finds no associated increased risk of major birth defects for mothers who were exposed during the first trimester of pregnancy to the antiviral drugs acyclovir, valacyclovir and famciclovir, often used to treat herpes simplex and herpes zoster infections, according to a new study. ... > full story
Microfluidic device allows collection, analysis of hard-to-handle immune cells (August 31, 2010) -- Scientists have developed a new microfluidic tool for quickly and accurately isolating neutrophils -- the most abundant type of white blood cell -- from small blood samples, an accomplishment that could provide information essential to better understanding the immune system's response to traumatic injury. ... > full story
Survey says: Genetics affect whether we're willing to take surveys (August 31, 2010) -- Genetics play a key factor in whether someone is willing to take a survey, according to a new survey. ... > full story
Acidifying oceans spell bleak marine biological future 'by end of century', Mediterranean research finds (August 31, 2010) -- A unique 'natural laboratory' in the Mediterranean Sea is revealing the effects of rising carbon dioxide levels on life in the oceans. The results show a bleak future for marine life as ocean acidity rises, and suggest that similar lowering of ocean pH levels may have been responsible for massive extinctions in the past. ... > full story
New genomic marker for tuberculosis may help identify patients who will develop the disease (August 31, 2010) -- It may soon be possible to identify patients who will develop tuberculosis, as scientists have identified changes in the blood specific to the disease. ... > full story
Vulnerability in commercial quantum cryptography (August 31, 2010) -- Researchers have recently developed and tested a technique exploiting imperfections in quantum cryptography systems to implement an attack. ... > full story
African-Americans have higher risk for blood clots after receiving drug-coated stent, study finds (August 31, 2010) -- African-American race is a distinct risk factor for developing life-threatening blood clots after receiving a drug-coated stent, according to a new study. ... > full story
New Norwegian earplug solution to a deafening problem (August 31, 2010) -- Some 600 cases of noise-induced hearing impairment are reported by the Norwegian petroleum industry every year. A new, intelligent earplug is now set to alleviate the problem. The international energy company Statoil ASA has led efforts to further develop a combined hearing protection and communication product for use on offshore platforms. The QUIETPRO hearing protection and communication device was originally developed for military use by the Trondheim-based company Nacre AS. The company’s customers include the United States Army, which uses QUIETPRO devices in armoured vehicles. ... > full story
Social isolation worsens cardiac arrest effects on heart regulation (August 31, 2010) -- A new study in mice shows how social support can help minimize some of the worst physical damages to the brain caused by a heart attack. From cell death to depressive symptoms to regulation of the heart, mice that lived with a partner after a heart attack suffered less damage than did similar mice that were housed alone. ... > full story
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