ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines
for Monday, November 1, 2010
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Human immune system assassin's tricks visualized for the first time (November 1, 2010) -- Scientists have seen the human immune system's assassin -- a protein called perforin -- in action for the first time. The researchers used powerful electron microscopes to study the mechanism that perforin uses to punch holes in rogue cells. ... > full story
Sex hormones may explain higher risk of gum disease in men (November 1, 2010) -- Sex hormones may be the biological reason why men are at greater risk than women for destructive periodontitis, an infection of the gums, according to researchers. ... > full story
Breast milk study furthers understanding of critical ingredients (November 1, 2010) -- Ask someone in the know to list the substances in breast milk that make it the ideal food for newborns and you may hear about proteins that guard against infection, fats that aid in the development of the nervous system and carbohydrates that promote the growth of healthy bacteria. But, you may not hear too much about the nitrite and nitrate in breast milk and their contributions to developing gastrointestinal, immune and cardiovascular systems. ... > full story
Five risk factors for late-stage head and neck cancer identified (November 1, 2010) -- A new study has identified five risk factors for late-stage head and neck cancer: two genes, tumor grade and vascular invasion and location of the tumor. Race, however, was not an independent predictor for late-stage disease, contrary to other research findings. ... > full story
Faster CARS, less damage: Chemical microscopy shows potential for cell diagnostics (November 1, 2010) -- Recent research may breathe new life into the use of a powerful -- but tricky -- diagnostic technique for cell biology. A new paper demonstrates that with improved hardware and better signal processing, a powerful form of molecular vibration spectroscopy can quickly deliver detailed molecular maps of the contents of cells without damaging them. ... > full story
Lifestyle intervention for overweight patients with diabetes provides long-term benefits (November 1, 2010) -- An intensive lifestyle intervention appears to help individuals with type 2 diabetes lose weight and keep it off, along with improving fitness, control of blood glucose levels and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, according to a new study. ... > full story
Scientists 'watch' formation of cells' protein factories, ribosomes, for first time (November 1, 2010) -- Scientists have revealed the first-ever pictures of the formation of cells' "protein factories." In addition to being a major technical feat on its own, the work could open new pathways for development of antibiotics and treatments for diseases tied to errors in ribosome formation. In addition, the techniques developed in the study can now be applied to other complex challenges in the understanding of cellular processes. ... > full story
Helping fish get rid of the 'Ich' (November 1, 2010) -- Copper sulfate has emerged as an effective treatment for Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, also known as "Ich," a protozoan parasite that appears as white spots on infected fish, according to a scientist. ... > full story
Shifting forms: How variations of same protein affect immune response (November 1, 2010) -- How a T cell decides to make protein X, Y or Z can have profound effects for fighting foreign invaders or staving off dire autoimmune reactions. Researchers have identified the steps that control how different forms of an immune cell protein called CD45, which is critical for activating the immune system when faced with pathogens, are controlled in the arc of a body's immune response. ... > full story
New test equipment enhances police traffic surveillance (November 1, 2010) -- Police surveillance of seatbelt compliance and speeding is getting a boost thanks to the development of new test equipment by Finnish researchers. Developed by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, the equipment also measures distance between vehicles, road surface condition and calculates traffic emissions. ... > full story
Mars volcanic deposit tells of warm and wet environment (October 31, 2010) -- Planetary scientists have found a volcanic deposit on Mars that would have been a promising wellspring for life. The silica deposit clearly shows the presence of water and heat. It was formed at a time when Mars' climate turned dry and chilly, which could mark it as one of the most recent habitable microenvironments on the red planet. ... > full story
Immune system's bare essentials used to speedily detect drug targets (October 31, 2010) -- Scientists have taken a less-is-more approach to designing effective drug treatments that are precisely tailored to disease-causing pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, and cancer cells, any of which can trigger the body's immune system defenses. ... > full story
Atlantic sea turtle population threatened by egg infection (October 31, 2010) -- Mycologists and ecologists studying Atlantic sea turtles at Cape Verde have discovered that the species is under threat from a fungal infection which targets eggs. The research reveals how the fungus Fusarium solani may have played a key role in the 30-year decline in turtle numbers. ... > full story
Obese children experience later mortality post liver transplantation, study finds (October 31, 2010) -- A new study reports that obese children are at increased mortality risk in later years following primary liver transplantation (LT). Pediatric patients who are thin or severely thin, experience an early mortality risk -- within the first year post-LT. ... > full story
Isotope near 'doubly magic' tin-100 flouts conventional wisdom (October 31, 2010) -- Tin may seem like the most unassuming of elements, but new experiments are yielding surprising properties in extremely short-lived isotopes near tin-100's "doubly magic" nucleus. Experiments performed with the exotic nucleus tin-101, which has a single neutron orbiting tin-100's closed shell of 50 protons and 50 neutrons, indicate an unexpected reversal in the ordering of lowest states in the nucleus. The finding appears to violate a standard scenario offered by the nuclear shell model that has been the cornerstone for understanding the atomic nucleus for more than half a century. ... > full story
A technique that shows colorful connections in the brain (October 31, 2010) -- The connections between neurons in a young, growing brain are more dynamic and changeable than previously thought, according to research based on a new technique that reveals the brain circuitry of a living mouse. ... > full story
Miniature human livers created in the lab (October 31, 2010) -- Researchers have reached an early, but important, milestone in the quest to grow replacement livers in the lab. They are the first to use human liver cells to successfully engineer miniature livers that function -- at least in a laboratory setting -- like human livers. The next step is to see if the livers will continue to function after transplantation in an animal model. ... > full story
H1N1 flu linked to serious bacterial infections in children (October 31, 2010) -- The H1N1 influenza pandemic has led to a sharp increase in the number of children with a serious "secondary" bacterial infection called empyema in children, suggests a new study. ... > full story
The 'Rodney Dangerfield' of Halloween Icons (October 31, 2010) -- While many people will be pursuing the latest pop culture icons as Halloween costumes this year, one of the annual icons of Halloween might be viewed as the Rodney Dangerfield of Halloween symbols. The legendary comedian based his career on the line "I get no respect," which might also apply to the misunderstood flying mammal known as bats. The animals often carry a negative connotation that doesn't reflect the respective role bats play in biological ecosystems. ... > full story
Stereotactic radiotherapy slows pancreatic cancer progression for inoperable patients (October 31, 2010) -- For pancreatic cancer patients unable to undergo surgery -- the only known cure for this form of cancer -- a highly targeted cancer radiation therapy may help slow cancer progression and lessen disease symptoms, according to researchers. Called stereotactic body radiotherapy, the study found it was able to delay pancreatic cancer progression locally, on average, by almost six months. ... > full story
World's largest, most complex marine virus is major player in ocean ecosystems (October 31, 2010) -- Researchers have identified the world's largest marine virus -- an unusually complex "mimi-like virus" that infects an ecologically important and widespread planktonic predator. ... > full story
Dracula orchids and goblin spiders (October 31, 2010) -- Observation of fruit flies pollinating Dracula orchids and discovery of over two dozen new goblin spiders: two recent publications from invertebrate zoologists provide a timely bit of natural history. ... > full story
Advance could change modern electronics (October 31, 2010) -- Researchers have solved a quest in fundamental material science that has eluded scientists since the 1960s, and could form the basis of a new approach to electronics. The discovery outlines the creation for the first time of a high-performance "metal-insulator-metal" diode. ... > full story
Breast density, no lobular involution increase breast cancer risk, study finds (October 31, 2010) -- Women with dense breasts and no lobular involution were at a higher risk for developing breast cancer than those with non-dense breasts and complete involution, according to a new study. ... > full story
'Goldilocks' of DNA self-assembly discovered (October 31, 2010) -- Researchers have found a way to optimize the development of DNA self-assembling materials, which hold promise for technologies ranging from drug delivery to molecular sensors. The key to the advance is the discovery of the "Goldilocks" length for DNA strands used in self-assembly -- not too long, not too short, but just right. ... > full story
Donor race may impact recurrent hepatitis C in liver transplant patients (October 31, 2010) -- The race of liver donors may affect recurrent hepatitis C in patients after liver transplant, according to a new study. ... > full story
Avoiding CO<sub>2</sub> capture health risks is possible, Norwegian experts say (October 31, 2010) -- Experts in Norway believe it is possible to develop efficient CO2 capture technologies without generating harmful emissions. ... > full story
Halloween candy: Frequency, not amount, raises cavity risk (October 31, 2010) -- Halloween can present a very scary time of year for any parent concerned about their child's oral health, since your kids will probably come home with that big haul of candy from trick or treating. But should you let them immediately gorge themselves on the candy and get it out of their system? One pediatric dentist thinks that might not be such a bad idea. ... > full story
New insight into gaseous and dust discs around stars (October 30, 2010) -- Researchers offer new insight into the structure of the gaseous and dust disc around a so-called 'Herbig Be' star. Herbig Be stars are surrounded by a disk with gaseous and solid particles. ... > full story
Human induced pluripotent stem cells generated to further treatments for lung disease (October 30, 2010) -- Researchers have generated 100 new lines of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from individuals with lung diseases, including cystic fibrosis and emphysema. The new stem cell lines could possibly lead to new treatments for these debilitating diseases. The findings demonstrate the first time lung disease-specific iPSC have been created in a lab. ... > full story
Tagged narwhals track warming near Greenland (October 30, 2010) -- Scientists reported the southern Baffin Bay off West Greenland has continued warming since wintertime ocean temperatures were last effectively measured there in the early 2000s. Temperatures in the study were collected by narwhals, medium-sized toothed Arctic whales. ... > full story
Jekyll-Hyde microRNA binding variant linked to improved outcome in early-stage colorectal cancer (October 30, 2010) -- A variant site linked to poor outcome in advanced colorectal cancer has now been found to predict improved prognosis in early stages of cancer, according to new research. ... > full story
New software eases analysis of insect in motion (October 30, 2010) -- Researchers are using two high-speed cameras and a computer program they developed to quickly and accurately analyze the simultaneous movement of all 26 leg joints in a walking cockroach. They have made the program free and open-source for other insect researchers to use. ... > full story
Halloween safety tips for families: Precautions you should take to keep your children safe (October 30, 2010) -- Monsters, goblins and super-heroes will soon be descending on homes everywhere and while Halloween is a time for fun and treats, certain dangers abound. ... > full story
Raising giant insects to unravel ancient oxygen (October 30, 2010) -- The giant dragonflies of ancient Earth with wingspans of up to 70 centimeters (28 inches) are generally attributed to higher oxygen atmospheric levels in the atmosphere in the past. New experiments in raising modern insects in various oxygen-enriched atmospheres have confirmed that dragonflies grow bigger with more oxygen, or hyperoxia. ... > full story
Shuttle mice to boost disease research: Experiment on last flight of Discovery will probe spaceflight-induced immune-system impairment (October 30, 2010) -- When the space shuttle Discovery lifts off on its final flight Nov. 2, its six astronauts will be joined by 16 mice -- part of a long-term NASA effort aimed at understanding why spaceflight makes humans more vulnerable to infection by viruses and bacteria. ... > full story
Low elevations hold climate surprises for mountain plants (October 30, 2010) -- Contrary to expectations, climate change has had a significant effect on mountain plants at low elevations, says a new study. ... > full story
New test measures DNA methylation levels to predict colon cancer (October 30, 2010) -- An investigational DNA methylation test could alter the screening landscape for colorectal cancer, according to new research. ... > full story
Paradise lost -- and found: Researchers unearth ancient water secrets at royal garden dig (October 30, 2010) -- Researchers in Israel have uncovered an ancient royal garden at the site of Ramat Rachel near Jerusalem, and are leading the first full-scale excavation of this type of archaeological site anywhere in the pre-Hellenistic Levant. The dig is an unparalleled look into the structure and function of ancient gardens. ... > full story
High level of practical intelligence a factor in entrepreneurial success (October 30, 2010) -- General intelligence is not enough. Practical intelligence can mean the difference between entrepreneurial success or failure. Psychologists have identified multiple kinds of intelligence, but a new study has found one -- practical intelligence -- to be an indicator of likely entrepreneurial success. ... > full story
Study links fresh Mars gullies to carbon dioxide (October 30, 2010) -- A growing bounty of images from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter reveals that the timing of new activity in one type of the enigmatic gullies on Mars implicates carbon-dioxide frost, rather than water, as the agent causing fresh flows of sand. ... > full story
Spice in curry could prevent liver damage (October 30, 2010) -- The chemical in curry could prevent or treat liver fibrosis, according to new research. ... > full story
Seagrass faring better than world's vertebrate species (October 30, 2010) -- A major new study that sounds a conservation alarm for the world's vertebrate species notes that the world's seagrass species are faring somewhat better, say researchers. ... > full story
Low birth weight may lead to poor growth rate in children with kidney disease (October 30, 2010) -- The lower the birth weight, the greater the chance of poor growth rate in children with chronic kidney disease, according to a new study appearing in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. ... > full story
Papyrus research provides insights into 'modern concerns' of ancient world (October 30, 2010) -- New research on papyri sheds light on an ancient world with surprisingly modern concerns: including hoped-for medical cures, religious confusion and the need for financial safeguards. ... > full story
Women with anorexia nervosa more likely to have unplanned pregnancies, study finds (October 30, 2010) -- A new study has found that women with anorexia nervosa are much more likely to have both unplanned pregnancies and induced abortions than women who don't have the serious eating disorder. ... > full story
Newly discovered gene enables fish to 'disappear' (October 29, 2010) -- Researchers have discovered a new member of a gene family that has powerful influences on pigmentation and the regulation of body weight. The new gene, an agouti family gene called agrp2, has been found exclusively in bony fish, including zebrafish, trout and salmon. The protein it encodes enables fish to change color dramatically to match their surroundings, the researchers report. ... > full story
Bed rest can harm, instead of help, in pregnancy complications, research suggests (October 29, 2010) -- Bed rest may not be the best option for preventing preterm labor and may even cause harm to the mother and baby, according to an integrative literature review. ... > full story
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