ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines
for Monday, October 18, 2010
Welcome to another edition of ScienceDaily's email newsletter. You can change your subscription options or unsubscribe at any time.
Genetic trigger of depression identified: Potential target for novel class of therapeutic agents (October 18, 2010) -- Researchers have found a gene that seems to be a key contributor to the onset of depression and is a promising target for a new class of antidepressants. ... > full story
Protein behind development of immune system sentinels identified (October 18, 2010) -- A protein called PU.1 is essential for the development of dendritic cells, the sentinels of the immune system, researchers in Australia have shown. ... > full story
MRI zooms in on microscopic flow (October 18, 2010) -- Through a combination of remote instrumentation, JPEG-style image compression and other key enhancements, researchers have been able to apply Magnetic Resonance Imaging to materials flowing through microfluidic "lab-on-a-chip" devices with unprecedented spatial and time resolutions. ... > full story
Erlotinib improves progression-free survival as first-line therapy in advanced lung cancer, study finds (October 18, 2010) -- For patients with advanced lung cancer whose tumors carry EGFR activating mutations, first-line treatment with erlotinib nearly tripled progression-free survival compared to a standard chemotherapy combination, show results from the first prospective Phase III study to report findings in this setting. ... > full story
Model unfolds proteins gently (October 18, 2010) -- Protein molecules inside cells are constantly reorganizing themselves, driven by very tiny forces exerted by all the other molecules in their crowded environment. Most experimental techniques and theoretical/computational models are necessarily built around much greater driving forces. A new theoretical model investigates the unfolding of fibronectin under gentler conditions. ... > full story
Astrocytes affect brain's information signaling, research finds (October 18, 2010) -- Astrocytes are the most common type of cell in the brain and play an important role in the function of neurons -- nerve cells. New research from Sweden shows that they are also directly involved in the regulation of signaling between neurons. ... > full story
Climate change may alter natural climate cycles of Pacific (October 18, 2010) -- While it's still hotly debated among scientists whether climate change causes a shift from the traditional form of El Nino to one known as El Nino Modoki, scientists now say that El Nino Modoki affects long-term changes in currents in the North Pacific Ocean. ... > full story
Potent new hepatitis C drug: First clinical trials successfully completed (October 18, 2010) -- The first clinical trials on a new investigational drug being developed to treat infections caused by hepatitis C virus have been successfully completed. Completion of the initial phase (phase 1a) of trials of INX-189 means the chances of it becoming an approved medicine have significantly improved. ... > full story
Got fish? Nutrition studies explore health benefits (October 18, 2010) -- Some of America's most popular fish -- salmon and albacore tuna, for example -- are rich in healthful natural compounds known as omega-3 fatty acids. Ongoing studies by researchers are helping uncover new details about how these fish-oil components help protect us from chronic diseases. ... > full story
High response rates seen in phase-III trial of chemotherapy, new drug and stem cells in myeloma (October 18, 2010) -- The first study of its kind comparing two different approaches to treating newly diagnosed multiple myeloma has found that both treatments achieved a positive response, researchers say. ... > full story
Building a smaller, lighter future: Understanding polymer behaviors below one nanometer (October 18, 2010) -- Knowing how to build nanosized assemblies of polymers (long molecular chains) holds the key to improving a broad range of industrial processes -- from the production of nanofibers, filters, and new materials to the manufacture of low-energy, nanoscale circuits and devices. A recent paper sheds light on key behaviors of polymers in specially engineered confined spaces, opening the door to a level of control that has previously been impossible. ... > full story
Creating a preliminary neurobehavioral profile of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (October 18, 2010) -- A new study has created a preliminary neurobehavioral profile of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Researchers selected 22 of 547 neuropsychological variables for analysis based on their ability to distinguish children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) from unexposed children. Results suggest that executive functioning and spatial processing are especially sensitive in children with suspected or known PAE. ... > full story
Physicists pave the way for graphene-based spin computer; First to achieve 'tunneling spin injection' (October 17, 2010) -- Physicists have taken an important step forward in developing a "spin computer" by successfully achieving "tunneling spin injection" into graphene. In their experiments they found a dramatic increase in the efficiency of how spins were being injected by quantum tunneling across an insulator and into graphene. The first to demonstrate tunneling spin injection into graphene, the researchers now have world record values for spin injection efficiency into graphene. ... > full story
New treatment may protect against pneumonia (October 17, 2010) -- Intranasal administration of the protein flagellin may activate innate immunity and protect against acute pneumonia, say researchers from France. ... > full story
How humidity makes gecko feet stickier: Softens setae to tighten gecko's grip (October 17, 2010) -- Geckos have amazingly sticky feet. Their stickability comes from billions of dry microscopic hairs that coat the soles of their feet. However, when humidity increases, gecko feet stick even tighter to smooth surfaces, so how do they do it? Biologists have found that increased humidity softens the keratin that makes up the sticky foot-hairs, allowing them to deform and stick tighter to surfaces than hairs in dry conditions. ... > full story
Push and pull get eyes to work together (October 17, 2010) -- Researchers appear to have found a better way to correct sensory eye dominance, a condition in which an imbalance between the eyes compromises fine depth perception. The key is a push-pull training method in which the weak eye is made to work while vision in the strong eye is actively suppressed, according to a new study. ... > full story
New method for detecting Clostridium botulinum spores (October 17, 2010) -- A new method for detecting spores of non-proteolytic Clostridium botulinum has been developed. This bacterium is the major health hazard associated with refrigerated convenience foods, and these developments give the food industry and regulators more quantitative information on which to base the procedures that ensure food safety. ... > full story
Preventive medication, behavior management skills help combat frequent migraines (October 17, 2010) -- The combination of preventive medication and behavioral changes offered significant relief for 77 percent of the individuals enrolled in a study aimed at combating frequent, disabling migraine headaches, according to new research. ... > full story
Measurement scientists set a new standard in 3-D ears (October 17, 2010) -- Scientists have developed a means of representing a 3-D model ear, to help redefine the standard for a pinna simulator (the pinna is the outer part of the ear) -- used to measure sound in the way we perceive it. ... > full story
Of worms and women: Common causes for reproductive decline with age (October 17, 2010) -- In worms as in women, fertility declines at a rate that far exceeds the onset of other aging signs. And now a new report suggests that worms' and humans' biological clocks may wind down over time for similar underlying reasons. ... > full story
Mini-sensor traces faint magnetic signature of human heartbeat (October 17, 2010) -- Researchers have used a miniature atom-based magnetic sensor to successfully track a human heartbeat, confirming the device's potential for biomedical applications. ... > full story
Diabetes hospitalizations rise dramatically for young women (October 17, 2010) -- The burden of diabetes hospitalizations is shifting toward young adults, particularly women. Researchers reveal in a new study that the rate of hospitalizations due to diabetes has doubled in the past decade among adults ages 30-39. Women were hospitalized more often than men in that age group. The shift echoes rising obesity rates, researchers say. ... > full story
Complex quantum dot-dopamine interactions unraveled (October 17, 2010) -- Scientists recently reported a detailed study of the interactions of water soluble semi-conductor quantum dots with the electro-active neuro-transmitter dopamine. ... > full story
Biodiversity goals fall short: What can be done to avert the tragedy of the commons? (October 17, 2010) -- While not an outright failure, a 2010 goal set by the Convention on Biological Diversity for staunching the loss of the world's species fell far short of expectations. In the journal Science, some of the world's foremost biodiversity experts from DIVERSITAS, offer a strategic approach to the 2020 goals currently being considered. There are lots of reasons, reasonable ones, for people making private decisions that lead to biodiversity loss, but they cost us all collectively, authors say. ... > full story
Planet hunters no longer blinded by the light: New way to see faint planets previously hidden in their star's glare (October 17, 2010) -- Astronomers have developed a way to see faint planets in faraway solar systems previously invisible to Earthly eyes. The technique promises to open new doors in planet discovery. ... > full story
Discovery has potential to boost anti-breast cancer drug tamoxifen's effectiveness (October 17, 2010) -- Scientists in the UK have found a potential new way of boosting the effectiveness of the anti-breast cancer drug, tamoxifen. The work could open the door to new treatments for those who have developed a resistance to tamoxifen, and has been described as an important new discovery. ... > full story
New genus of tree discovered; Related to sandalwoods (October 17, 2010) -- Researchers have described a new genus of tree of the Aptandraceae family, a group that is related to the sandalwoods (order Sanatalales). The genus, which has been given the name Hondurodendron, is endemic to Honduras and means "tree of Honduras." ... > full story
Right food effectively protects against risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline, study finds (October 17, 2010) -- For the first time, researchers in Sweden have found out what effect multiple, rather than just single, foods with anti-inflammatory effects have on healthy individuals. The results of a diet study show that bad cholesterol was reduced by 33 per cent, blood lipids by 14 per cent, blood pressure by 8 per cent and a risk marker for blood clots by 26 per cent. A marker of inflammation in the body was also greatly reduced, while memory and cognitive function were improved. ... > full story
New class of highly electronegative chemical species discovered (October 17, 2010) -- Researchers have discovered a new class of highly electronegative chemical species called hyperhalogens, which use superhalogens as building blocks around a metal atom. The new chemical species may have application in many industries. ... > full story
How to weigh a star using a moon (October 16, 2010) -- How do astronomers weigh a star that's trillions of miles away and way too big to fit on a bathroom scale? In most cases they can't, although they can get a best estimate using computer models of stellar structure. An astrophysicist says that in special cases, we can weigh a star directly. ... > full story
Diagnosing autism with MRI is one step closer (October 16, 2010) -- Medical researchers have made an important step in diagnosing autism through using MRI, an advance that eventually could help health care providers identify the problem much earlier in children and lead to improved treatment and outcomes for those with the disorder. ... > full story
New data on effects of alcohol during pregnancy (October 16, 2010) -- Scientific data continue to indicate that higher intake of alcohol during pregnancy adversely affects the fetus, and could lead to very severe developmental or other problems in the child. However, most recent publications show little or no effects of occasional or light drinking by the mother during pregnancy. ... > full story
Low-cost weight loss program beats obesity, researchers find (October 16, 2010) -- In the battle against obesity, new research has found that it may not be necessary to spend a lot on a weight loss program when cheaper, nonprofit alternatives may work just as well. ... > full story
Studies of radiative forcing components: Reducing uncertainty about climate change (October 16, 2010) -- Much is known about factors that have a warming effect on Earth's climate -- but only a limited amount is understood about factors that have a cooling effect. Researchers in Norway are working to fill the knowledge gap by studying as many radiative forcing components as possible simultaneously. ... > full story
Happier to give than receive? (October 16, 2010) -- Is there a correlation between a nation's contributions to international aid programs and the happiness of its citizens? According to a study of nine European donor countries, there is a direct relationship between the level of foreign aid and level of happiness in the UK and France but for other European countries there seems to be no link. " ... > full story
Scientists discover new species in one of world’s deepest ocean trenches (October 16, 2010) -- Scientists investigating in one of the world's deepest ocean trenches -- previously thought to be void of fish -- have discovered an entirely new species. ... > full story
Flexing their muscles helps kidney disease patients live longer, study finds (October 16, 2010) -- Kidney disease patients are healthier and live longer if they've beefed up their muscles, according to a new study. The results suggest that patients may benefit from pumping iron or taking medications to boost their lean body mass. ... > full story
Cells able to switch genetic profile: Implications for cancer drug testing (October 16, 2010) -- Scientists have made a breakthrough in the way anti-cancer drugs are tested. A tumor cannot grow to a large size or spread until it has developed its own blood supply and leading research has looked for a way of halting capillary formation to stop tumors taking hold. But new findings have shown that scientists testing such treatments may not have been studying exactly what they thought they were. The research shows that cells are able to switch their genetic profile -- turning off genes expressed by blood vessel cells and turning on genes specific to lymphatic cells. ... > full story
Insight gained into age-related hearing loss (October 16, 2010) -- Researchers have gained insight into how different types of age-related hearing loss may occur in humans. The discovery could eventually help physicians develop drugs to combat progressive hearing loss. ... > full story
Unsung hero: Researchers produce high-res model of Ndc80 in action (October 16, 2010) -- Scientists have used cryo-electron microscopy and three-dimensional image reconstruction to create a subnanometer resolution image of Ndc80, a protein complex that helps prevent chromosomal distribution mistakes during mitosis that can lead to birth defects, cancer and other disorders. ... > full story
Improving sonography: Spatial ability is key to becoming a successful sonographer, study finds (October 16, 2010) -- Diagnostic ultrasounds are the most widely used medical tests in the world. Though the technology is more than 50 years old, scientists continue to discover new uses for it, ranging from more targeted cancer treatments to liposuction. As the technology becomes more complex, a sonographer's skill level is even more important. Now, researchers may have found one of the keys to becoming a successful sonographer: spatial ability. ... > full story
What did Tyrannosaurus rex eat? Each other (October 15, 2010) -- It turns out that the undisputed king of the dinosaurs, Tyrannosaurus rex, didn't just eat other dinosaurs but also each other. Paleontologists from the United States and Canada have found bite marks on the giants' bones that were made by other T. rex, according to a new study. ... > full story
Small BMI change in overweight children could have big blood pressure impact (October 15, 2010) -- Small changes in weight can make bigger differences in the blood pressure for overweight children, compared to those at normal weight, according to a new study. ... > full story
New look at multitalented protein sheds light on mysteries of HIV (October 15, 2010) -- New insights into the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection process, which leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), may now be possible through a research method that allows scientists to glimpse an important protein molecule's behavior with unprecedented clarity. ... > full story
Gynecologist disputes findings from global study of ovarian cancer (October 15, 2010) -- A gynecologic oncologist is warning that the results from a long-awaited global study of ovarian cancer should be viewed cautiously. ... > full story
Cancer screening made simple, thanks to micro-fluidic technology (October 15, 2010) -- Current cervical cancer screening is time consuming and expensive, but now new breakthrough technology developed by European researchers should allow large-range screening by non-medical personnel with almost immediate results and at a much lower cost. ... > full story
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder the world over (October 15, 2010) -- Western culture is increasingly obsessed with physical appearance and beauty, but vanity is nothing new, nor is it limited to just one culture. Moreover, differences in our perception of physical beauty have an enormous impact on the fashion, cosmetics, and weight control industries, and more recently on aesthetic surgery trends. Understanding how culture and region alter the perception of beauty is therefore not only of anthropological and social interest but underpins multibillion dollar industries across the globe. ... > full story
Squid studies provide valuable insights into hearing mechanisms (October 15, 2010) -- The ordinary squid, Loligo pealii -- best known until now as a kind of floating buffet for just about any fish in the sea -- may be on the verge of becoming a scientific superstar, providing clues about the origin and evolution of the sense of hearing. ... > full story
Copyright 1995-2010 © ScienceDaily LLC. All rights reserved. Terms of use.
|
 To update/change your profile click here  |
