ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines
for Thursday, November 25, 2010
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New imaging technique accurately finds cancer cells, fast (November 25, 2010) -- The long, anxious wait for biopsy results could soon be over, thanks to a new tissue-imaging technique. Researchers have demonstrated the novel microscopy technique, called nonlinear interferometric vibrational imaging, on rat breast-cancer cells and tissues. It produced easy-to-read, color-coded images of tissue, outlining clear tumor boundaries, with more than 99 percent confidence -- in less than five minutes. ... > full story
How some melanoma tumors evade drug treatment: Critical gene involved in melanoma growth (November 25, 2010) -- Researchers have unearthed one of the key players behind drug resistance in melanoma. The findings point to a new potential drug target, and also lay the foundation for a generalized approach to identify the molecular underpinnings of drug resistance in many forms of cancer. ... > full story
Can cacti 'escape' underground in high temperatures? How a certain species will potentially handle global warming (November 25, 2010) -- In the scorching summer heat of the Chihuahuan Desert in southwest Texas, air temperatures can hover around 97°F (36°C) while at the surface of the soil temperatures can exceed 158°F (70°C). Encountering these extreme temperatures, plants must utilize creative methods to not only survive but thrive under these difficult and potentially lethal conditions. New research sheds light on how one desert resident, the cactus Ariocarpus fissuratus, copes with the effects of high temperatures. ... > full story
Combining aerobic and resistance training appears helpful for patients with diabetes (November 25, 2010) -- Performing a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training was associated with improved glycemic levels among patients with type 2 diabetes, compared to patients who did not exercise, according to a new study. The level of improvement was not seen among patients who performed either aerobic exercise or resistance training alone. ... > full story
Optimizing large wind farms (November 25, 2010) -- Researchers have developed a model to calculate the optimal spacing of wind turbines for the very large wind farms of the future. ... > full story
People who donate to religions are more likely to punish selfish behaviour, new study finds (November 25, 2010) -- When subconsciously exposed to religious ideas and concepts, religious people are far more likely to actively punish those they believe are acting selfishly and unfairly, a new study has revealed. ... > full story
Stem cells from amniotic fluid: Reprogrammed amniotic fluid cells can generate all types of body cells (November 25, 2010) -- High hopes rest on stem cells: one day, they may be used to treat many diseases. To date, embryos are the main source of these cells, but this raises ethical problems. Scientists have now managed to convert amniotic fluid cells into pluripotent stem cells. These amniotic fluid-derived iPS cells are hardly distinguishable from embryonic stem cells. However, they "remember" where they came from. ... > full story
A cancer cell's beginning reconstructed in a test tube (November 25, 2010) -- Scientists recreate the very first step by which a normal cell transforms itself into a cancer cell. They have identified factors in the very first step of the process and reconstituted this first step in the test tube. ... > full story
Spice of life: Variety is also good for hares (November 25, 2010) -- Since 1871, when Charles Darwin wrote The Descent of Man, it has been widely accepted that "Variability is the necessary basis for the action of selection." Variability is associated with the ability to adapt, which is clearly beneficial at a species level. But there is increasing evidence that genetic variability may also give rise to advantages at the level of the individual. ... > full story
Cellular mechanisms leading to immune response in airway epithelium (November 25, 2010) -- Researchers have demonstrated that commensal species of the genus Neisseriae are low inducers of human airway epithelial cell responses as compared to the pathogenic species. ... > full story
Scientists crack materials mystery in vanadium dioxide (November 25, 2010) -- A systematic study of phase changes in vanadium dioxide has solved a mystery that has puzzled scientists for decades. ... > full story
City of Vancouver sets transportation records during 2010 Winter Games (November 25, 2010) -- Vancouver residents and visitors set records for sustainable travel during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, more than doubling the number of trips typically taken by public transit, biking or walking, according to a new study completed for the City of Vancouver. ... > full story
Polar bears unlikely to survive in warmer world, biologists say (November 24, 2010) -- Polar bears are not likely to survive in a warmer world, biologists report. As polar bears lose habitat due to global warming, these biologists say, they will be forced southward in search of alternative sources of food, where they will increasingly come into competition with grizzly bears. ... > full story
Drug resistance mechanisms identified in most common form of melanoma (November 24, 2010) -- Researchers have found that melanoma patients whose cancers are caused by mutation of the BRAF gene become resistant to a promising targeted treatment through another genetic mutation or the overexpression of a cell surface protein, both driving survival of the cancer and accounting for relapse. The study could result in the development of new targeted therapies to fight resistance once the patient stops responding and the cancer begins to grow again. ... > full story
Self-assembly of nano-rotors (November 24, 2010) -- Scientists have managed to direct the self-assembly of rod-shaped molecules into rotors only few nanometers in size. The tiny systems serve the study of forces that act on molecules on surfaces and in cage-like structures. ... > full story
Late-preterm babies at greater risk for problems later in childhood, study finds (November 24, 2010) -- Late-preterm babies -- those born between 34 and 36 weeks -- are at an increased risk for cognitive and emotional problems, regardless of maternal IQ or demographics, according to new research. ... > full story
How pathogens hijack host plants (November 24, 2010) -- Infestation by bacteria and other pathogens result in global crop losses of over 0 billion annually. A research team has developed a novel trick for identifying how pathogens hijack plant nutrients to take over the organism. They discovered a novel family of pores that transport sugar out of the plant. Bacteria and fungi hijack the pores to access the plant sugar for food. ... > full story
Gene linked to ADHD allows memory task to be interrupted by brain regions tied to daydreaming (November 24, 2010) -- Neuroscientists say brain scans show that a gene nominally linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder leads to increased interference by brain regions associated with mind wandering during mental tasks. ... > full story
Physicists create new source of light: Bose-Einstein condensate 'super-photons' (November 24, 2010) -- Physicists in Germany have developed a completely new source of light, a so-called Bose-Einstein condensate consisting of photons. Until recently, expert had thought this impossible. This method may potentially be suitable for designing novel light sources resembling lasers that work in the X-ray range. Among other applications, they might allow building more powerful computer chips. The scientists are reporting on their discovery in the upcoming issue of the journal Nature. ... > full story
An answer to a longstanding question: How HIV infection kills T cells (November 24, 2010) -- Researchers appear to have an explanation for a longstanding question in HIV biology: how it is that the virus kills so many CD4 T cells, despite the fact that most of them appear to be "bystander" cells that are themselves not productively infected? That loss of CD4 T cells marks the progression from HIV infection to full-blown AIDS, explain the researchers who report their findings in studies of human tonsils and spleens. ... > full story
Sensory detection and discrimination: Neural basis of rapid brain adaptation revealed (November 24, 2010) -- Researchers have determined the biological basis of your brain's ability to quickly switch from detecting an object moving in your direction to determining what the object is: neurons located at the beginning of the brain's sensory information pathway changing their level of simultaneous firing. ... > full story
Less invasive method for determining stage of lung cancer shows benefits (November 24, 2010) -- A comparison of two strategies to determine the stage of suspected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) finds that the less invasive method is more effective at identifying a type of lung cancer that has spread, and may result in a reduction of unnecessary surgical procedures and associated adverse effects for certain patients. ... > full story
Software allows interactive tabletop displays on web (November 24, 2010) -- Researchers have developed a new type of software that enables people to use large visual displays and touch screens interactively over the Internet for business and homeland security applications. ... > full story
Retirement reduces tiredness and depression, study finds (November 24, 2010) -- Retirement leads to a substantial reduction in mental and physical fatigue and depressive symptoms, finds a new study. However, the research also concludes that retirement does not change the risk of major chronic illnesses such as respiratory disease, diabetes and heart disease. ... > full story
'Russian doll' galaxy reveals black holes' true power (November 24, 2010) -- Following a study of what is in effect a miniature galaxy buried inside a normal-sized one -- like a Russian doll -- astronomers have concluded that massive black holes are more powerful than we thought. ... > full story
Chronic high cholesterol diet produces brain damage (November 24, 2010) -- A chronic high fat cholesterol diet in rats is linked to pathologies similar to Alzheimer's disease. ... > full story
Coffee and a sweet treat to think better? Caffeine and glucose combined improves the efficiency of brain activity (November 24, 2010) -- The combination of caffeine and glucose can improve the efficiency of brain activity, according to a recent study in which functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to identify the neural substrate for the combined effects of these two substances. ... > full story
Binge drinking may lead to higher risk of heart disease (November 24, 2010) -- Belfast's binge drinking culture could be behind the country's high rates of heart disease, according to a new study. ... > full story
Jellyfish-inspired pumps: Researchers investigate next-generation medical and robotic devices (November 24, 2010) -- To some researchers, the undulations of the simple invertebrate jellyfish hold secrets that may make possible a new generation of tiny pumps for medical applications and soft robotics. ... > full story
Getting lost in buildings: Architecture can bias your cognitive map (November 24, 2010) -- Some people are better than others at navigating their worlds. Differences among people that include spatial skills, experience, and preferred strategies for wayfinding are part of what determines whether people get lost in buildings -- and psychological scientists could help architects understand where and why people might get lost in their buildings, according to the authors of a new article. ... > full story
Secrets of sharks' success: Flexible scales enable fast turning (November 24, 2010) -- New research suggests that one of the evolutionary secrets of the shark hides in one of its tiniest traits -- flexible scales on their bodies that allow them to change directions while moving at full speed. ... > full story
Heating nanoparticles to kill tumor cells (November 24, 2010) -- Magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) is a promising new cancer treatment that essentially "fries" cells inside tumors. Nanoparticles are heated, cancer cells die with no adverse effects to the surrounding healthy tissue. ... > full story
For your teeth, Thanksgiving dinner is a real food fight (November 24, 2010) -- If you're lucky, it will all be kisses and hugs around the Thanksgiving dinner table, with friends and family gathered about, and puppies at your feet waiting for table scraps. But peace won't reign within the confines of the oral cavity; your meal will enable Streptococcus mutans to launch one of its biggest assaults of the year on your tooth enamel. But dinner also offers some leads on new ways to stop cavities. ... > full story
Muscle cells point the finger at each other (November 24, 2010) -- A new study reveals that muscle cells fuse together during development by poking "fingers" into each other to help break down the membranes separating them. ... > full story
Age estimation from blood has immediate forensic application (November 24, 2010) -- Scientists have devised a method that would allow them to estimate the age of crime suspects or missing persons from blood collected at the scene of a crime. In principle, the new profiling method could be put to immediate practical use by law enforcement, according to researchers. They have already begun the required validation of the test, which is designed to assure that quality standards are met. ... > full story
Why do people behave badly? Maybe it's just too easy (November 24, 2010) -- Many people say they wouldn't cheat on a test, lie on a job application or refuse to help a person in need. But what if the test answers fell into your lap and cheating didn't require any work on your part? If you didn't have to face the person who needed your help and refuse them? Would that change your behavior? ... > full story
Battle of the sexes: Researchers change 'femaleness' or 'maleness' of fruit flies (November 24, 2010) -- Researchers found that they could change the "femaleness" or "maleness" of fruit flies, providing windows on the sensory and behavioral cues underlying aggressive behavior in these animals. ... > full story
Environmental toxin may play important role in multiple sclerosis: Hypertension drug possible treatment (November 24, 2010) -- Researchers have found evidence that an environmental pollutant may play an important role in causing multiple sclerosis and that a hypertension drug might be used to treat the disease. ... > full story
Salmonella test makes food safer, reduce recalls (November 24, 2010) -- Earlier this year, an outbreak of salmonella caused by infected eggs resulted in thousands of illnesses before a costly recall could be implemented. Now researchers have created a new test for salmonella in poultry and eggs that will produce faster and more accurate results than most currently available tests. The new test could have prevented the contaminated eggs from being shipped to stores. ... > full story
Genomic 'markers' may head off thousands of thyroid surgeries (November 24, 2010) -- Doctors are beginning to use a genomic approach to evaluating suspicious thyroid nodules. The test could eliminate the need for tens of thousands of unnecessary thyroid surgeries every year. ... > full story
Plant-derived scavengers prowl the body for nerve toxins (November 24, 2010) -- A biochemist has shown that human butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), a so-called bioscavenging molecule, can be produced synthetically -- from plants. Further, researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of plant-derived BChE in protecting against both pesticide and nerve agent organophosphate poisoning. ... > full story
Perceptual training improves vision of the elderly, research finds (November 24, 2010) -- Elderly adults can improve their vision with perceptual training, according to a new study that has implications for the health and mobility of senior citizens. ... > full story
Making stars: How cosmic dust and gas shape galaxy evolution (November 24, 2010) -- Galaxy formation is one of the biggest remaining questions in astrophysics, one that's closer to being answered thanks to a combination of new observations and supercomputer simulations. ... > full story
Cancer: Thermotherapy as a chemotherapy alternative? (November 24, 2010) -- Using hyperthermia, engineering researchers unveiled a new method to target and destroy cancerous cells. The treatment uses hyperthermia to elevate the temperature of tumor cells, while keeping the surrounding healthy tissue at a lower degree of body heat. The investigators used both in vitro and in vivo experiments to confirm their findings. ... > full story
World first to provide building blocks for new nano devices (November 24, 2010) -- Scientists have made a major breakthrough that could help shape the future of nanotechnology, by demonstrating for the first time that 3-D molecular structures can be built on a surface. ... > full story
Too much of a good thing: Important mechanism in hormone-sensitive breast cancer uncovered (November 24, 2010) -- In two out of three breast tumors, extraordinarily high levels of the estrogen receptor ERalpha are found. Scientists have now uncovered a mechanism which causes this overproduction. This result might contribute to developing new strategies for fighting the most frequent type of cancer affecting women. ... > full story
Novel fuel cell catalyst lowers need for precious metal (November 24, 2010) -- A test performed in Copenhagen proves that a new catalyst might show the way to cheap and easy fuel cells. ... > full story
Dealt a bad hand: Pathological gamblers are also at risk for mental health disorders (November 24, 2010) -- Pathological gamblers are risking more than their money, they are also three times more likely to commit suicide than non-betters. A new study has shown these gamblers are also plagued by personality disorders. ... > full story
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