ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines
for Thursday, September 23, 2010
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Genomic 'haircut' makes world's tiniest genome even smaller (September 23, 2010) -- The world's tiniest nuclear genome appears to have "snipped off the ends" of its chromosomes and evolved into a lean, mean, genome machine that infects human cells, according to new research. ... > full story
Acetylation may contribute to dementia and Alzheimer's disease; May lead to new treatments (September 23, 2010) -- A new study uncovers a protein modification that may contribute to the formation of neuron-damaging neurofibrillary tangles in the human brain. The research may lead to new strategies for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases that result from pathological aggregation of tau protein. ... > full story
Searching in the microbial world for efficient ways to produce biofuel (September 23, 2010) -- With the help of genetic materials from a cow's rumen, scientists are developing new ways to break down plant fibers for conversion into biofuel. ... > full story
Gum disease found to be significant public health concern (September 23, 2010) -- The prevalence of periodontal disease in the United States may be significantly higher than originally estimated. New research suggests that the prevalence of periodontal disease may have been underestimated by as much as 50 percent. The implication is that more American adults may suffer from moderate to severe gum disease than previously thought. ... > full story
Progress toward terabit-rate high-density recording (September 23, 2010) -- Next-generation high-density storage devices may keep more than 70 times the contents of the entire US Library of Congress on a single disc -- but only if that data can be written quickly enough. Researchers have now demonstrated a way to record onto ferromagnetic films thirty times faster than today's technologies. ... > full story
Losing your religion may be unhealthy, research suggests (September 23, 2010) -- People who leave strict religious groups are more likely to say their health is worse than members who remain in the group, according to new research. ... > full story
Ecologists find new clues on climate change in 150-year-old pressed plants (September 23, 2010) -- Plants picked up to 150 years ago by Victorian collectors and held by the million in herbarium collections across the world could become a powerful -- and much needed -- new source of data for studying climate change, according to new research. ... > full story
Largest genetic study of asthma points towards better treatments (September 23, 2010) -- An international study looking at DNA from over 26,000 people has identified several genetic variants that substantially increase susceptibility to asthma in the population. The findings will help scientists to focus their efforts to develop better therapies for the illness. ... > full story
New computer-tomography method visualizes nano-structure of bones (September 23, 2010) -- A novel nano-tomography method opens the door to computed tomography examinations of minute structures at nanometer resolutions. Three-dimensional detailed imaging of fragile bone structures becomes possible. ... > full story
Genetic factor in osteoporosis discovered (September 23, 2010) -- Spanish researchers have confirmed there is a genetic risk factor for osteoporosis and bone fractures. Although more studies are still needed, these findings will make it possible to take preventive measures. ... > full story
A new approach to high-performance catalysts (September 23, 2010) -- Over 80% of all products manufactured today in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries require the use of catalysts. Chemists have now demonstrated a new technique using the enantioselective hydrogenation of alkenes as a model. ... > full story
China tops world in catch and consumption of fish (September 23, 2010) -- China leads the world in tonnage of fish caught annually as well as the amount of fish consumed, according to new findings. The research ranks the top 20 nations that have the greatest impact on ocean ecosystems through catching or consuming marine wildlife. ... > full story
New drug could help stop the spread of disease from coughs, researchers believe (September 22, 2010) -- What if there was a drug that could completely eliminate airborne disease transmission that occurs when someone coughs? Researchers in Canada believe they have found a way to achieve this. ... > full story
Structure of dangerous bacteria's powerful multidrug resistance pump revealed (September 22, 2010) -- Scientists have detailed the structure of a member of the only remaining class of multidrug resistance transporters left to be described. The work has implications for combating dangerous antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria, as well as for developing hardy strains of agricultural crops. ... > full story
Experiments decipher key piece of the ‘histone code’ in cell division (September 22, 2010) -- Reproduce or perish. That's the bottom line for genes. Because nothing lives forever, reproduction is how life sustains itself, and it happens most fundamentally in the division and replication of the cell, known as mitosis. Now new research has detailed a key role in mitosis for a chemical modification to histone proteins that package lengthy strings of DNA into compact chromosomes. The experiments, recently published in Science, add to an increasingly intricate picture of the precisely timed events that separate new copies of chromosomes to opposite ends of a cell just before the cell divides, one of the most fundamental processes involved in the reproduction of life. ... > full story
Genetic patterns may predict osteoarthritis (September 22, 2010) -- Scientists have announced findings from a large clinical study to evaluate the role played by genetic factors in the worsening of osteoarthritis. ... > full story
Ultrashort laser ablation enables novel metal films (September 22, 2010) -- Laser ablation is well known in medical applications like dermatology and dentistry, and for more than a decade it has been used to vaporize materials that are difficult to evaporate for high-tech applications like the deposition of superconductors. Now researchers have studied the properties of femtosecond laser ablation plumes to better understand how to apply them to specialized films. ... > full story
Landmark report reveals massive global cost of Alzheimer's: One percent of global GDP -- and growing (September 22, 2010) -- A landmark report on the global economic impact of dementia finds that Alzheimer's disease and other dementias are exacting a massive toll on the global economy, with the problem set to accelerate in coming years. The World Alzheimer Report 2010 provides the most current and comprehensive global picture of the economic and social costs of the illness, revealing that the worldwide costs of dementia will exceed 1 percent of global GDP in 2010, at 4 billion. ... > full story
Breaking waves in the Lagoon Nebula (September 22, 2010) -- A spectacular new NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image reveals the heart of the Lagoon Nebula. Seen as a massive cloud of glowing dust and gas, bombarded by the energetic radiation of new stars, this placid name hides a dramatic reality. ... > full story
For sufferers of an early-onset dementia, career choice may determine location of disease in brain (September 22, 2010) -- In an international study of patients with a devastating type of dementia that often strikes in middle age, researchers have found intriguing evidence that career choice may influence where the disease takes root in the brain. ... > full story
New luggage inspection methods identify liquid explosives (September 22, 2010) -- Liquid explosives are easy to produce. As a result, terrorists can use the chemicals for attacks -- on aircraft, for instance. In the future, new detection systems at airport security checkpoints will help track down these dangerous substances. Researchers are currently testing equipment. ... > full story
Higher dairy calcium intake and increased serum vitamin D are related to greater diet-induced weight loss, Israeli study finds (September 22, 2010) -- A new study conducted by researchers in Israel reveals that higher dairy calcium intake and increased serum vitamin D are related to greater diet-induced weight loss. ... > full story
Working from home and online shopping can increase carbon emissions, UK report claims (September 22, 2010) -- Shopping on the Internet or working from home could be increasing carbon emissions rather than helping to reduce them, a new report claims. The research reveals that people who shop online must order more than 25 items otherwise the impact on the environment is likely to be worse than traditional shopping. ... > full story
Inner voice plays role in self control (September 22, 2010) -- Talking to yourself might not be a bad thing, especially when it comes to exercising self control. ... > full story
Human-powered ornithopter becomes first ever to achieve sustained flight (September 22, 2010) -- Aviation history was made when the University of Toronto's human-powered aircraft with flapping wings became the first of its kind to fly continuously. ... > full story
Complex brain landscape controls speech (September 22, 2010) -- Up to now, Broca's region in the brain has been thought to comprise two areas, since it was discovered in 1861, it has been regarded as one of the two regions in the cerebral cortex responsible for language. The conception of the neuroanatomical basis of our speech must be revised in its entirety, new research suggests. ... > full story
Researchers crack cuckoo egg mystery (September 22, 2010) -- Researchers have discovered that cuckoo eggs are internally incubated by the female bird for up to 24 hours before birth, solving for the first time the mystery as to how a cuckoo chick is able to hatch in advance of a host's eggs and brutally evict them. ... > full story
Inflammation causes some postsurgical neuropathies (September 22, 2010) -- A new study found that nerve inflammation may cause the pain, numbness and weakness following surgical procedures that is known as post-surgical neuropathy. ... > full story
Seagulls harbor antibiotic resistant bacteria (September 22, 2010) -- Analysis of seagull droppings has revealed that one in ten carry "superbug" bacteria, resistant to the last-resort antibiotic Vancomycin. Researchers investigated 57 migratory seagull samples recovered from an island off the coast of Portugal. ... > full story
Man’s best friend keeps children on the move (September 22, 2010) -- Children whose families own dogs are more active than those without, according to new research. ... > full story
Amazing horned dinosaurs unearthed on 'lost continent'; New discoveries include bizarre beast with 15 horns (September 22, 2010) -- Discovery of two new horned dinosaurs in southern Utah are part of an entirely new assemblage of dinosaurs found in the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument, and which confirm that dinosaurs living in the area called Laramidia were divided into at least northern and southern provinces. ... > full story
Taste genes predict tooth decay (September 22, 2010) -- Dental caries is a highly prevalent disease that is disproportionately distributed in the population. Caries occurrence and progression is known to be influenced by a complex interplay of both environmental and genetic factors, with numerous contributing factors having been identified including bacterial flora, dietary habits, fluoride exposure, oral hygiene, salivary flow, salivary composition, and tooth structure. Researchers now hypothesized that genetic variation in taste pathway genes (TAS2R38, TAS1R2, GNAT3) may be associated with dental caries risk and/or protection. ... > full story
Titanium foams replace injured bones (September 22, 2010) -- Flexible yet rigid like a human bone, and immediately capable of bearing loads: A new kind of implant, made of titanium foam, resembles the inside of a bone in terms of its structural configuration. Not only does this make it less stiff than conventional massive implants. It also promotes ingrowth into surrounding bones. ... > full story
Children born by IVF perform above average on standardized tests compared to their peers, study suggests (September 22, 2010) -- Children conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) perform at least as well as their peers on academic tests at all ages from grade 3 to 12, according to a new study. Among children born by IVF, the researchers did find a potentially concerning trend toward worse test scores for multiple births -- single babies performed better than twins, who performed better than triplets. However, this trend was not statistically significant and the triplets still did better that the average score of non-IVF children. ... > full story
Cocaine and ecstasy detected in waters of the L'Albufera in Valencia, Spain (September 22, 2010) -- The water in the canals and irrigation channels in the L'Albufera Natural Park in Valencia contain cocaine, ecstasy and a further six drugs. Researchers have issued a warning about the continued presence of these substances on wildlife and human health. ... > full story
Research sheds light on altruism (September 22, 2010) -- Using digital evolution techniques that give scientists the ability to watch evolution in action, researchers have shed new light on what it is that makes species altruistic. ... > full story
Universal, primordial magnetic fields discovered in deep space (September 22, 2010) -- Scientists have discovered evidence of "universal ubiquitous magnetic fields" permeating deep space between galaxies since the time of the Big Bang. ... > full story
Stroke gene discovered (September 22, 2010) -- Medical researchers have discovered that an enzyme is responsible for the death of nerve cells after a stroke. The enzyme NOX4 produces hydrogen peroxide, a caustic molecule also used in bleaching agents. Inhibition of NOX4 by an experimental new drug in mice with stroke dramatically reduces brain damage and preserves brain functions, even when given hours after the stroke. ... > full story
Superconception: European brown hares, while pregnant with one litter, can start a new pregnancy (September 22, 2010) -- European brown hares can develop a second pregnancy whilst the previous litter is not delivered. This superconception increases their reproductive success. ... > full story
Stress before cancer therapy could help deadly cells survive treatment, lead to disease recurrence (September 22, 2010) -- Patients who experience physical or psychological stress -- including rigorous exercise -- one or two days before a cancer treatment might be unknowingly sabotaging their therapy, new research suggests. Stress in the body -- even physical stress caused by intense exercise -- activates a stress-sensitive protein that can spark a series of events that allow cancer cells to survive such treatments as chemotherapy and radiation, according to the research. ... > full story
Putting a spin on light and atoms (September 22, 2010) -- Alkali-vapor magnetometers use light to put a spin on atoms and then measure that spin to detect magnetic fields. Scientists have achieved a remarkable technical advance with this kind of magnetometer, with potential for improving atomic clocks, quantum memory devices, and a range of other scientific gadgets that depend on measuring spinning atoms with light. ... > full story
Freshman weight gain: Women with heavy roommates gain less, study finds (September 22, 2010) -- College women with roommates who weigh more than average gain less weight during their freshman year than women with slimmer roommates: half a pound versus 2.5 pounds. ... > full story
Neanderthals more advanced than previously thought: They innovated, adapted like modern humans, research shows (September 22, 2010) -- For decades scientists believed Neanderthals developed "modern" tools and ornaments solely through contact with Homo sapiens, but new research now shows these sturdy ancients could adapt, innovate and evolve technology on their own. ... > full story
First explanation of how cells rapidly repair and maintain structure (September 22, 2010) -- Researchers have discovered that a protein, zyxin, is necessary for the maintenance and repair of the cell's cytoskeleton, or internal framework, which serves as the muscle and bone of the cell. ... > full story
Martian methane lasts less than a year (September 22, 2010) -- Methane in the atmosphere of Mars lasts less than a year, according to a study by Italian scientists. Scientists have used observations from NASA's Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft to track the evolution of the gas over three martian years. ... > full story
New fluorescence technique opens window to protein complexes in living cells (September 22, 2010) -- Fluorescent microscopy makes use of molecules, such as green fluorescent protein, or GFP, that emit colored light when illuminated with light of a specific wavelength. Molecules like GFP can be used to label proteins of interest and can reveal information about the relationships of molecules within cells. Fluorescence polarization, also known as anisotropy, is specific parameter of fluorescence that can provide additional information about the properties of individual molecules. ... > full story
Watching electrons move in real time (September 22, 2010) -- A new article describes the emerging technique of X-ray powder diffraction, which has been used to map the movement of electrons in real time and to observe a concerted electron and proton transfer that is quite different from any previously known phase transitions in the model crystal, ammonium sulfate. ... > full story
Child rearing practices of distant ancestors foster morality, compassion in kids (September 22, 2010) -- Three new studies show a relationship between child rearing practices common in foraging hunter-gathering societies (how we humans have spent about 99 percent of our history) and better mental health, greater empathy and conscience development, and higher intelligence in children. ... > full story
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