ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines
for Wednesday, November 3, 2010
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Workers hold key to power in nature's oldest societies, ant study shows (November 3, 2010) -- A new ant study analyzing how complex, highly-evolved societies are organized in nature has found that it is workers that play a pivotal role in creating well-ordered societies where conflict is minimized. ... > full story
Mouse model confirms mutated protein's role in dementia (November 3, 2010) -- A team of scientists has created a new mouse model that confirms that mutations of a protein called beta-synuclein promote neurodegeneration. The discovery creates a potential new target for developing treatments of diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. ... > full story
Mediterranean diet helps control cholesterol: Adding monounsaturated fats to a low-cholesterol diet can further improve levels (November 3, 2010) -- The addition of monounsaturated fat to a cholesterol-lowering dietary portfolio in patients with mild to moderate elevated cholesterol levels increased HDL by 12.5 percent and lowered LDL levels by 35 percent, found a new study. ... > full story
Hepatitis C study shows superior viral cure rate (November 3, 2010) -- For patients with the most common form of hepatitis C being treated for the first time, the addition of an investigational hepatitis C-specific protease inhibitor called telaprevir to the current standard therapy markedly improved their sustained viral response (SVR or viral cure) rate. ... > full story
Slight change in wind turbine speed significantly reduces bat mortality (November 3, 2010) -- Since turbine towers and non-spinning turbine blades do not kill bats, some scientists have proposed shutting off or reducing the usage of wind turbines during peak periods of migration in the late summer and early fall months when bat activity and fatalities are highest. In a study online today, researchers examined the effects of changes in wind turbine speed on bat mortality during the low-wind months of late summer and early fall. ... > full story
Shift work linked to higher risk of work injury, Canadian study finds (November 3, 2010) -- Canadians who work night and rotating shifts are almost twice as likely to be injured on the job than those working regular day shifts, according to a new study. ... > full story
How some brain cells hook up surprises researchers: The untold secret life of the humble microglia (November 3, 2010) -- Immune cells known as microglia, long thought to be activated in the brain only when fighting infection or injury, are constantly active and likely play a central role in one of the most basic, central phenomena in the brain -- the creation and elimination of synapses. The finding catapults the humble microglia cell from its well-recognized duty of protecting the brain to direct involvement in creating the cellular networks at the core of brain behavior. ... > full story
DHA 'fish oil' supplements do not seem to slow cognitive, functional decline in Alzheimer's disease (November 3, 2010) -- Patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD) who received supplementation with the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid, believed to possibly reduce the risk of AD, did not experience a reduction in the rate of cognitive and functional decline, compared to patients who received placebo, according to a new study. ... > full story
Algae for biofuels: Moving from promise to reality, but how fast? (November 3, 2010) -- The development of cost-competitive algae biofuel production will require much more long-term research, development and demonstration, researchers say. In the meantime, several non-fuel applications of algae could serve to advance the nascent industry. ... > full story
Study points to genetic link in apnea of prematurity: Life-threatening breathing disorder affects 50 percent of premature infants (November 3, 2010) -- New research suggests that heredity may play a strong role in determining an infant's susceptibility to apnea of prematurity (AOP) and could lead to the development of more effective treatments and screening methods. ... > full story
Getting rid of cattle fever ticks (November 3, 2010) -- Scientists at the US Department of Agriculture have developed two strategies to ward off cattle fever ticks that are crossing the border from Mexico into the United States. ... > full story
Global map of the sickle cell gene supports 'malaria hypothesis' (November 2, 2010) -- At a global scale, the sickle cell gene is most commonly found in areas with historically high levels of malaria, adding geographical support to the hypothesis that the gene, while potentially deadly, avoids disappearing through natural selection by providing protection against malaria. ... > full story
Liver hormone is a cause of insulin resistance (November 2, 2010) -- Researchers have identified a hormone produced and secreted by the liver as a previously unknown cause of insulin resistance. The findings suggest a new target for the treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, the researchers say. ... > full story
New long-range undersea robot goes the distance (November 2, 2010) -- Over the past decade, the undersea robots known as autonomous underwater vehicles have become increasingly important in oceanographic research. Engineers recently demonstrated a new super-efficient AUV that can travel rapidly for hundreds of kilometers, "hover" in the water for weeks at a time, and carry a wide variety of instruments. ... > full story
Antibody locks up West Nile's infection mechanism (November 2, 2010) -- Researchers have learned the structure that results when an antibody binds to the West Nile virus, neutralizing the virus by locking up its infection mechanism. The information could help scientists develop a vaccine against the mosquito-borne disease. ... > full story
Braided anyons could lead to more robust quantum computing (November 2, 2010) -- When confined to a 2-dimensional sheet, some exotic particle-like structures known as anyons appear to entwine in ways that could lead to robust quantum computing schemes, according to new research. Physicists are hopeful the anyons can be induced to follow paths that twist into braids that would be much more resistant to disturbances that corrupt data and calculations in quantum computers relying on individual particles. ... > full story
Veterans with bipolar disorder may have increased risk of suicide (November 2, 2010) -- Veterans diagnosed with any psychiatric illness appear to have an elevated risk of suicide, and men with bipolar disorder and women with substance abuse disorders may have a particularly high risk, according to a new study. ... > full story
How brain is wired for attention (November 2, 2010) -- Researchers have uncovered a wiring diagram that shows how the brain pays attention to visual, cognitive, sensory, and motor cues. The research provides a critical foundation for the study of abnormalities in attention that can be seen in many brain disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and attention deficit disorder. ... > full story
BPA levels in US foods 1,000 times less than limits, study finds (November 2, 2010) -- For the first time in the United States, researchers are reporting in a peer-reviewed scientific journal detection of Bisphenol A (BPA) in fresh and canned food as well as food wrapped in plastic packaging. The amounts, however, were almost 1,000 times lower than the "tolerable daily intake" levels set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). ... > full story
Black raspberries may prevent colon cancer, study finds (November 2, 2010) -- Black raspberries are highly effective in preventing colorectal tumors in two mouse models of the disease, according to a new study. ... > full story
Secondary infections were a major cause of death during 1918 flu pandemic, research finds (November 2, 2010) -- Secondary infections with bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, which causes pneumonia, were a major cause of death during the 1918 flu pandemic and may be important in modern pandemics as well, according to a new article. ... > full story
'Evergreen agriculture' boosts crop yields, scientists find (November 2, 2010) -- A unique acacia known as a "fertilizer tree" has typically led to a doubling or tripling of maize yields in smallholder agriculture in Zambia and Malawi, according to new evidence. The findings were central to the arguments of agroforestry experts at the conference, who urged decision makers to spread this technology more widely throughout the African nations most vulnerable to climate change and food shortages. ... > full story
Some city trees may discourage 'shady' behavior; Study explores relationship between urban trees and crime (November 2, 2010) -- Along with energy conservation and storm-water reduction, scientists may soon be adding crime-fighting to the list of benefits that urban trees provide. Researchers have published a new study that suggests that certain types of city trees may help lower property and violent crime rates. ... > full story
Every person emits two tons of carbon dioxide a year through eating, Spanish study finds (November 2, 2010) -- Every person emits the equivalent of approximately two tons of carbon dioxide a year from the time food is produced to when the human body excretes it, representing more than 20 percent of total yearly emissions. That is what a study by researchers in Spain says, confirming for the first time that human excrement contributes to water pollution, primarily with nitrogen and phosphorus. ... > full story
Genetic elements influencing risk of type 2 diabetes identified (November 2, 2010) -- Researchers have captured the most comprehensive snapshot to date of DNA regions that regulate genes in human pancreatic islet cells. The study highlights the importance of genome regulatory sequences in human health and disease, particularly type 2 diabetes. ... > full story
Daily dose of beet juice promotes brain health in older adults (November 2, 2010) -- Researchers for the first time have shown that drinking beet juice can increase blood flow to the brain in older adults -- a finding that could hold great potential for combating the progression of dementia. ... > full story
Severely injured should go directly to trauma center, new research shows (November 2, 2010) -- Severely injured patients should be transported directly from the scene of an accident to a trauma center, even if it means bypassing a closer hospital, according to new research that shows this results in a nearly 25 percent lower death rate. ... > full story
Very large protected areas preserve wilderness but ignore rare species, analysis finds (November 2, 2010) -- A new study analyzes the contribution to conservation of the 63 largest protected areas. These areas preserve wilderness and are important to the conservation of some ecoregions, but they do not overlap greatly with areas of highest conservation concern. ... > full story
Nearly all depressed adolescents recover with treatment, but half relapse, study finds (November 2, 2010) -- A study of adolescents who had a major depressive disorder found that nearly all recovered from their episode after treatment. But within five years, nearly half of them had relapsed, and females were at much higher risk of another major episode, researchers found. ... > full story
Astronomers find evidence of 'cosmic climate change' (November 2, 2010) -- A team of astronomers has found evidence that the universe may have gone through a warming trend early in its history. They measured the temperature of the gas that lies in between galaxies, and found a clear indication that it had increased steadily over the period from when the universe was one tenth to one quarter of its current age. This cosmic climate change is most likely caused by the huge amount of energy output from young, active galaxies during this epoch. ... > full story
Lactate in the brain reveals aging process (November 2, 2010) -- Researchers may be able to monitor the aging process in the brain, by using MRI technique to measure the brain lactic acid levels. Their findings suggest that the lactate levels increase in advance of other aging symptoms, and therefore could be used as an indicator of aging and age-related diseases of the central nervous system. ... > full story
Radically simple technique developed to grow conducting polymer thin films (November 2, 2010) -- Oil and water don't mix, but add in some nanofibers and all bets are off. A team of chemists and engineers has developed a new method for coating large surfaces with nanofiber thin films that are both transparent and electrically conductive. Their method involves the vigorous agitation of water, dense oil, and polymer nanofibers. After this solution is sufficiently agitated it spreads over virtually any surface, creating a thin film. ... > full story
Risk factors for the spread of breast cancer to lymph nodes identified (November 2, 2010) -- Breast cancer often extends to neighboring lymph nodes, in part, through lymphovascular invasion (LVI) -- a process in which cancer cells invade blood vessels or the lymphatic system—and can often translate into a poor prognosis for patients. Some scientists argue that evidence of LVI does not necessarily mean that the disease will recur in the lymph nodes after radiation to the breast alone, but new research now shows that the appearance of LVI in the breast tissue does in fact predict recurrence of breast in the regional lymph nodes. ... > full story
Global advance of shrimp virus follows evolutionary biology predictions (November 2, 2010) -- White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) has a devastating impact on shrimp farming throughout the world. What makes the situation even more serious is that the virus seems to become more aggressive as the epidemic spreads, contrary to other viruses, such as flu virus, that gradually die out. Scientists in the Netherlands have discovered that the fitness of the virus increases over time and the genome shrinks, in a pattern similar to theoretical predictions from evolutionary biology. ... > full story
Collecting your thoughts: You can do it in your sleep! (November 2, 2010) -- It is one thing to learn a new piece of information, such as a new phone number or a new word, but quite another to get your brain to file it away so it is available when you need it. A new study suggests that sleep may help to do both. ... > full story
Astrophysicists discover new galaxy clusters revealed by cosmic 'shadows' (November 2, 2010) -- An international team of astrophysicists has discovered 10 new massive galaxy clusters from a large, uniform survey of the southern sky. The survey was conducted using a breakthrough technique that detects "shadows" of galaxy clusters on the cosmic microwave background radiation, a relic of the "big bang" that gave birth to the universe. ... > full story
Physical fitness curbs frequency and severity of colds, study finds (November 2, 2010) -- People who are physically fit and active have fewer and milder colds, new research indicates. ... > full story
Successful mothers get help from their friends, dolphin study finds (November 2, 2010) -- Female dolphins who have help from their female friends are far more successful as mothers than those without such help, according to a landmark new study. It is the first to look at the combined effects of genetic and social factors on reproductive success in a wild animal population. ... > full story
Of 50,000 small molecules tested to fight cancer, two show promise (November 2, 2010) -- A class of compounds that interferes with cell signaling pathways may provide a novel approach to cancer treatment, according to a new study. The compounds, called PITs, limited tumor growth in mice by inducing cell death. ... > full story
UV light nearly doubles vacuum's effectiveness in reducing carpet microbes (November 2, 2010) -- New research suggests that the addition of ultraviolet light to the brushing and suction of a vacuum cleaner can almost double the removal of potentially infectious microorganisms from a carpet's surface when compared to vacuuming alone. Researchers say the findings suggest that incorporating the germicidal properties of UV light into vacuuming might have promise in reducing allergens and pathogens from carpets, as well. ... > full story
After good or bad events, people forget how they thought they'd feel (November 2, 2010) -- People aren't very accurate at predicting how good or bad they'll feel after an event -- such as watching their team lose the big game or getting a flat-screen TV. But afterward, they "misremember" what they predicted, revising their prognostications after the fact to match how they actually feel, according to new research. ... > full story
Plant's light switch could be used to control cells (November 2, 2010) -- A scientists shines a blue light on yeast and mammalian cells in her lab and the edges of them start to glow. The effect is the result of a light-activated switch from a plant that has been inserted into the cell. Researchers could use this novel "on-off switch" to control cell growth or death, grow new tissue or deliver doses of medication directly to diseased cells. ... > full story
NSAIDs cause stem cells to self-destruct, preventing colon cancer, study finds (November 2, 2010) -- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prevent colon cancer by triggering diseased stem cells to self-destruct, according to researchers. Their findings could lead to new strategies to protect people at high risk for the disease. ... > full story
Rabbit's food brings luck in decreasing estrogen levels in wastewater (November 2, 2010) -- New experiments show that rabbit's food (composed of organic vegetable matter) can decrease estrogen levels in wastewater by more than 80 percent. The research could point to inexpensive treatment technologies and materials for reducing estrogen hormones in wastewater. ... > full story
Peptide being tested to treat atherosclerosis inhibits ovarian cancer growth (November 2, 2010) -- A drug in testing to treat atherosclerosis significantly inhibited growth of ovarian cancer in both human cell lines and mouse models, the first such report of a peptide being used to fight malignancies, according to a new study. ... > full story
Voting-machine-allocation method could reduce voters' wait time by 36 percent (November 2, 2010) -- Too many voters have waited in extremely lengthy lines to cast ballots while voters at other precincts within the same county have had only minimal waits. In some instances, lengthy waits have caused people to leave without voting. A research team has created a new voting-machine allocation method, which when applied to 2008 presidential-election data from Franklin County, Ohio, reduced the average voter wait time by 36 percent in a computer simulation. ... > full story
High-calorie beverages still widely available in elementary schools (November 2, 2010) -- High-calorie beverages not allowed by national guidelines are still available in a majority of US elementary schools, according to a new study. ... > full story
Expanding croplands chipping away at world's carbon stocks (November 2, 2010) -- Nature's capacity to store carbon, the element at the heart of global climate woes, is steadily eroding as the world's farmers expand croplands at the expense of native ecosystem such as forests. A group of universities is releasing a study on the topic. ... > full story
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