ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines
for Monday, November 8, 2010
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'Super-hero' material stretched into a possible electronics revolution (November 8, 2010) -- It's the Clark Kent of oxide compounds, and -- on its own -- it is pretty boring. But slice europium titanate nanometers thin and physically stretch it, and then it takes on super hero-like properties that could revolutionize electronics, according to new research. ... > full story
MRI may help determine time of stroke onset (November 8, 2010) -- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain could expand the number of stroke patients eligible for a potentially life-saving treatment, according to a new study. ... > full story
Free as a bird? Human development affects bird flight patterns and populations (November 8, 2010) -- It may seem like birds have the freedom to fly wherever they like, but researchers have shown that what's on the ground has a great effect on where a bird flies. This information could be used by foresters and urban planners to improve bird habitats that would help maintain strong bird populations. ... > full story
Study sheds light on cancer-causing gene regulation (November 8, 2010) -- Researchers have uncovered the genes that regulate MDM2, an oncogene that, in turn, regulates the tumor suppressor protein p53. But instead of an on-off switch for MDM2, the team found what looks like a dimmer switch, suggesting a more complicated signaling pathway that is sensitive to a changing environment. ... > full story
Rice hulls a sustainable drainage option for greenhouse growers (November 8, 2010) -- Greenhouse plant growers can substitute rice hulls for perlite in their media without the need for an increase in growth regulators, according to a new study. ... > full story
'e-Learning' report shows online professional development aids teachers and students (November 8, 2010) -- Teachers who completed extensive online professional development showed improvement in their knowledge and skills, which translated into modest learning gains for their students, according to a five-year study involving more than 300 teachers and 7,000 students in 13 states. ... > full story
Earth's first great predator wasn't: Carnivorous 'shrimp' not so fierce, 3-D model shows (November 8, 2010) -- The meters-long, carnivorous "shrimp" from hell that once ruled the seas of Earth a half billion years ago may have been a real softy, it turns out. A new 3-D modeling of the mouth parts of the Anomalocaris, along with evidence that these parts were not hard like teeth, but flexible, shows that the famed predator could not have been munching on the hard shells of trilobites and other such creatures of the early seas. ... > full story
Why proper nutrition is so vital in fighting infection (November 8, 2010) -- Researchers in Canada may be able to explain why proper nutrition is so vital in fighting infection. They have discovered an amino acid, called arginine, is required to let the body know that it's being attacked by an infection. ... > full story
Obesity and diabetes: Immune cells in fat tissue explain the link (November 8, 2010) -- Inflammation-causing cells in fat tissue may explain the link between obesity and diabetes, researchers in Australia have shown. ... > full story
Estrogen not associated with lung cancer incidence and mortality among postmenopausal women, study finds (November 8, 2010) -- Use of estrogen alone did not increase lung cancer mortality in postmenopausal women, according to a new study. ... > full story
Mathematical model may result in better environment measures for the Baltic (November 8, 2010) -- Eutrophication of the Baltic Sea has clear negative effects, such as dead bottoms and massive blooms of cyanobacteria. But high plankton production can also have positive effects on acidification. Researchers in Sweden have shown that it is possible to work out the aggregate effects of various environmental measures. ... > full story
Detecting depression in caretakers of mentally ill adults (November 8, 2010) -- A diagnostic test of eight short questions can be used to detect depressive thinking patterns that lead to clinical depression in women who care for an adult family member with a serious mental illness. ... > full story
New propulsion method developed for metallic micro- and nano-objects (November 7, 2010) -- A new propulsion method for metallic micro- and nano-objects has been developed. The process is based on the novel concept of bipolar electrochemistry: under the influence of an electric field, one end of a metallic object grows while the other end dissolves. Thanks to this permanent self-regeneration, objects can move at speeds of the order of a hundred micrometers per second. This work could find applications in fields ranging from nanomedicine to micromechanics. ... > full story
New player in innate immunity? Class of biomolecules triggered in response to respiratory virus infection (November 7, 2010) -- For the first time, scientists have discovered that long, non-protein coding RNAs produced in a mammal's cells during a respiratory virus attack may influence the outcome of infection. Researchers used new techniques to read a cell's library of RNA transcripts, which reflects gene activity and changing conditions inside and outside the cell. Scientists can now catalog and compare the appearance and activity of long, non-protein coding RNAs during an infection. Distinctive activity rates are linked to fatal infection. ... > full story
Unexpectedly small effects of mutations in bacteria bring new perspectives (November 7, 2010) -- Most mutations in the genes of the Salmonella bacterium have a surprisingly small negative impact on bacterial fitness. And this is the case regardless whether they lead to changes in the bacterial proteins or not. ... > full story
Controlling bone formation to prevent osteoporosis (November 7, 2010) -- Recent data have suggested that the imbalance between bone formation and bone destruction that causes osteoporosis is a result of a decrease in formation of bone forming osteoblast cells from mesenchymal cells upon aging. New research in mice provides insight into this decrease and might provide new avenues of research for those developing approaches to treat age-related osteoporosis. ... > full story
Scientists develop device to enable improved global data transmission (November 7, 2010) -- Researchers have developed a new data transmission system that could substantially improve the transmission capacity and energy efficiency of the world's optical communication networks. ... > full story
Any athlete suspected of having concussion should be removed from play, neurologists say (November 7, 2010) -- The American Academy of Neurology is calling for any athlete who is suspected of having a concussion to be removed from play until the athlete is evaluated by a physician with training in the evaluation and management of sports concussion. ... > full story
Simple blood test may diagnose deadly Niemann-Pick type C disease (November 7, 2010) -- A fatal genetic disorder that frequently takes years to diagnose may soon be detectable with a simple blood test, researchers report. For patients with Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease, the test will make it possible to begin treatment earlier, when it is more likely to improve quality of life and to further extend lives. ... > full story
Vulnerable brain region may be central to progression of Alzheimer's disease (November 7, 2010) -- New research is helping to unravel the events that underlie the "spread" of Alzheimer's disease (AD) throughout the brain. The research follows disease progression from a vulnerable brain region that is affected early in the disease to interconnected brain regions that are affected in later stages. The findings may contribute to design of therapeutic interventions as targeting the brain region where AD originates would be simpler than targeting multiple brain areas. ... > full story
Precisely targeted radiation controls sinus cancer with fewer side effects (November 7, 2010) -- Treating paranasal sinus cancer with three-dimensional radiation that conforms to the shape of the tumor -- a technique that minimizes side effects such as severe dry mouth and vision problems -- is safe and effective, new research shows. ... > full story
Water purification: Is colloidal silver necessary for bacteria removal? (November 7, 2010) -- Scientists traveled to Guatemala twice in the past year to conduct research on ceramic pot filters that are used locally to remove bacteria from water. They found that silver may not be necessary to effectively remove bacteria from source water. ... > full story
Specialization builds trust among Web users (November 7, 2010) -- If you name it, they will use it, according to researchers who investigated how people perceive the trustworthiness of online technology. In an experiment, participants said they trusted websites, recommendation-providing software and even computers labeled to perform specific functions more than the same Internet tools with general designations. ... > full story
Looking older than your age may not be a sign of poor health (November 7, 2010) -- Even though most adults want to avoid looking older than their actual age, new research shows that looking older does not necessarily point to poor health. The study found that a person needed to look at least 10 years older than their actual age before assumptions about their health could be made. ... > full story
Protein preserves delicate balance between immune response and host (November 7, 2010) -- The immune system possesses a highly effective arsenal of cellular and chemical weapons that stand ready to defend us from harmful pathogens. However, these same mechanisms that are designed for protection can sometimes wreak havoc on our own body. Now, new research provides insight into the mechanisms that regulate natural checks and balances that optimize the immune response against potential threats while preserving host tissues. ... > full story
Heavy metals may influence moose health (November 7, 2010) -- Moose in southern Norway are in significantly worse health than those further north and in eastern Norway. An analysis of roughly 600 moose livers, combined with information such as carcass weights and ages, shows that Norway’s southernmost herds are afflicted with kidney problems and osteoporosis -- which may be due to heavy metals. ... > full story
Lasofoxifene reduces breast cancer risk in postmenopausal osteoporotic women (November 7, 2010) -- Lasofoxifene statistically reduced the overall risk of breast cancer, as well as ER positive invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal women with low bone density, according to a new study. ... > full story
On the way to CO<sub>2</sub>-free power plants (November 7, 2010) -- A new pilot power plant in Germany will capture carbon dioxide contained in flue gases. Researchers plan to utilize the plant for investigating two innovative methods for CO2 capture that require less energy and lower operating costs than earlier approaches. ... > full story
Screening test validated for depression in adolescents (November 7, 2010) -- Doctors know teen depression is common but have lacked a reliable screening test. Now report the PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 item) screens well for major depression in adolescents. ... > full story
Cosmic curiosity reveals ghostly glow of dead quasar (November 6, 2010) -- Astronomers have discovered that the strange-looking object discovered two years ago as part of the Galaxy Zoo citizen science project, called "Hanny's Voorwerp," is a large cloud of glowing gas illuminated by the light from a quasar that died out up to 70,000 years ago. ... > full story
'Nano-drug' hits brain-tumor target: Unique triggering device delivers antitumor drugs (November 6, 2010) -- Employing new drug-engineering technology that is part of an advanced science called nanomedicine, a research team has created a "nanobioconjugate" drug that may be given by intravenous injection and carried in the blood to target the brain tumor. It is engineered to specifically permeate the tumor cell wall, entering endosomes, mobile compartments within cells. ... > full story
PET scans reveal estrogen-producing hotspots in human brain (November 6, 2010) -- A new study demonstrated that a molecule "tagged" with a radioactive form of carbon can be used to image aromatase, an enzyme responsible for the production of estrogen, in the human brain. The research uncovered that the regions of the brain where aromatase is concentrated may be unique to humans. ... > full story
Math professor illuminates cellular basis of neural impulse transmission (November 6, 2010) -- A new mathematical model shows that the calcium current through an N-type channel is larger than calcium channels that are not involved in synaptic transmission, contrary to the currently accepted channel conductance hierarchy. ... > full story
'Prima donna' protein doesn't work well in pairs (November 6, 2010) -- Bioengineers have found that the workhorse proteins that move cargo inside living cells behave like prima donnas. These molecular-scale machines called kinesin are two-legged mechanical motor proteins. Using an especially sensitive set of tools, scientists measured the pulling power of kinesin both singly and in pairs. It seems that kinesins don't work well together -- in part because they are so effective on their own. ... > full story
Self awareness can help people navigate rocky seas of relationships (November 6, 2010) -- Knowing something about the way you communicate attraction says something about challenges you might have had in your past dating life, says a researcher. Hopefully, this awareness can help people avoid those mistakes and succeed in courtship. ... > full story
DNA fingerprinting traces global path of plague (November 6, 2010) -- Scientists have traced major plague pandemics such as the Black Death back to their roots using DNA fingerprinting analysis. ... > full story
Breakthrough in cancer vaccine research (November 6, 2010) -- Researchers hope to revolutionize cancer therapy after discovering one of the reasons why many previous attempts to harness the immune system to treat cancerous tumors have failed. ... > full story
Luminous cells from jellyfish could diagnose cancers deep within human body (November 6, 2010) -- Scientists have developed a process that uses the luminous cells from jellyfish to diagnose cancer tumors deep within the human body. The researchers have used an altered form of the green fluorescent protein (GFP) so that it shows up as red or blue, rather than its original green. Color is important in disease diagnosis, as most colors in the spectrum are rapidly absorbed, and tumors deep within the body become invisible. ... > full story
Illnesses, injuries greatly increase chances of older adults developing new or worsening disability (November 6, 2010) -- In a study examining the factors that play a role in an older adult's transition to disability, intervening illnesses and injuries that led to hospitalization or activity restriction were associated with worsening functional ability, especially among those who were physically frail. ... > full story
X-ray crystallography reveals structure of precursor to blood-clotting protein (November 6, 2010) -- Using state-of-the-art robotic and x-ray crystallographic equipment, researchers have revealed for the first time the molecular structure of the zymogen, or inactive, form of a blood-clotting enzyme. ... > full story
Compulsive eating and the holiday season can lead to serious weight gain (November 6, 2010) -- Dealing with extended family, increased commitments and even celebratory occasions can cause a compulsive overeater to gain too much weight during the holiday season. ... > full story
To prevent inbreeding, flowering plants have evolved multiple genes, research reveals (November 6, 2010) -- Researchers have discovered a large suite of genes in the petunia plant that acts to prevent it from breeding with itself or with its close relatives, and to promote breeding with unrelated individuals. In much the same way that human inbreeding sometimes results in genetic disease and inferior health, some inbred plants also experience decreased fitness, and therefore, have developed mechanisms to ensure that their offspring benefit from hybrid vigor -- the mix that results when genetically distinct members of the same species breed. ... > full story
Helical CT scans reduce lung cancer mortality by 20 percent compared to chest X-rays, study finds (November 6, 2010) -- A national study of more than 53,000 current and former heavy smokers has demonstrated that helical CT scanning reduced lung cancer deaths by 20 percent compared to using chest X-rays. ... > full story
X-rays offer first detailed look at hotspots for calcium-related disease (November 6, 2010) -- Using intense X-rays, researchers have determined the detailed structure of a key part of the ryanodine receptor, a protein associated with calcium-related disease. Their results pinpoint the locations of more than 50 mutations that cluster in disease "hotspots" along the receptor and offer insights into how the mutations might cause the receptor to malfunction. ... > full story
Timing is everything in combination therapy for osteoporosis (November 6, 2010) -- The adult human skeleton undergoes constant remodeling, with new bone forming at sites that have been broken down by a precise process called resorption. During remodeling, skeletal stem cells are recruited to resorption sites and directed to differentiate into bone-forming cells. ... > full story
Potential new virus in switchgrass discovered (November 6, 2010) -- Researchers have confirmed the first report of a potential new virus belonging to the genus Marafivirus in switchgrass, a biomass crop being evaluated for commercial cellulosic ethanol production. ... > full story
Public support for HPV vaccine wanes when linked to controversy, study finds; Public opinion about other vaccines remains unchanged (November 6, 2010) -- In a new paper, researchers found that attendant controversy resulted in diminished public support for legally mandating the HPV vaccine. ... > full story
New statistical model moves human evolution back three million years (November 5, 2010) -- Evolutionary divergence of humans and chimpanzees likely occurred some 8 million years ago rather than the 5 million year estimate widely accepted by scientists, a new statistical model suggests. ... > full story
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