ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines
for Friday, December 17, 2010
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Cyclone lasting more than five years is detected on Saturn (December 17, 2010) -- Researchers have been monitoring a cyclone on Saturn for more than five years. This makes it the longest-lasting cyclone detected to date on any of the giant planets of the Solar System. Images from the Cassini probe were used to carry out this study. ... > full story
Cell of origin for brain tumors may predict response to therapy (December 17, 2010) -- For patients with glioma, the most common primary brain tumor, new findings may explain why current therapies fail to eradicate the cancer. Scientists have identified for the first time that progenitor rather than neural stem cells underly a type of glioma called oligodendroglioma. ... > full story
Human umbilical cord blood cells found to enhance survival and maturation of key brain cells (December 17, 2010) -- In vitro studies examining the activity of human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCB) on experimental animal models of central nervous system aging, injury and disease, have shown that HUCBs provide a "trophic effect" that enhances survival and maturation of hippocampal neurons, benefiting aging adult hippocampal neurons by increasing their survival, growth, differentiation, maturation and arborization. ... > full story
Snail fever: Scientists pinpoint key defense against parasite infection (December 17, 2010) -- Scientists have made a significant discovery about how the body defends itself against snail fever, a parasitic worm infection common in developing countries. ... > full story
How pollinators sculpt flowers (December 17, 2010) -- For the past 10 years, researchers in Spain have used complex geometric analysis to study how insect pollinators influence the evolution of flower shape. ... > full story
Holography with electrons (December 17, 2010) -- The principle of holography was discovered in 1947 by the Hungarian scientist Dennis Gábor, in connection with attempts to improve the resolution of electron microscopes. The experimental realization of the concept of holography had to wait, however, until the mid-60s. Holograms were then made using newly-discovered laser light sources, rather than with electrons. Physicists have now returned to the use of electrons in holography. A special element in their approach is that the electrons that image the object are made from the object itself using a strong laser. ... > full story
Protein offers new clue to cause and treatment for kidney disease (December 17, 2010) -- Researchers have pinpointed a protein that compromises the kidney's filtering ability, causing nephrotic syndrome, and demonstrated that a naturally occurring precursor of an acid in the body offers potential for treating some forms of the condition. ... > full story
Thoreau's study of birds at Waldon Pond aids biologists in climate change research (December 17, 2010) -- Biology researchers completed an analysis of the changing arrival dates of migratory birds to Concord, Massachusetts that includes observations by Henry David Thoreau from the 1850's. This research builds on earlier work showing plants in Concord respond rapidly to temperature and are now flowering 10 days earlier than in the time of Thoreau. ... > full story
Faster method of engineering zinc-finger nucleases developed (December 17, 2010) -- Researchers have developed a faster way to engineer synthetic enzymes that target specific DNA sequences for inactivation, repair or alteration. The method is a highly effective but less labor-intensive way to generate powerful tools called zinc-finger nucleases. ... > full story
Imaging of Alfvén waves and fast ions in a fusion plasma (December 17, 2010) -- Fusion plasmas in the laboratory typically reach 100 million degrees. These high temperatures are required to ignite the hydrogen plasma and maintain the fusion burn by the production of high-energy alpha particles. One challenge for a fusion reactor is how to contain the alpha particles in the vessel long enough for the particles to efficiently heat the hydrogen plasma. One way that these alpha particles can escape the fusion chamber prematurely is by exciting high frequency Alfvén waves and riding these waves to the vessel walls, like a surfer rides a wave to the beach. ... > full story
Tennis star's hospitalization for altitude sickness (December 17, 2010) -- Former tennis champion Martina Navratilova was hospitalized for pulmonary edema -- fluid build-up in the lungs -- while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, drawing attention to the high risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) and high altitude pulmonary edema. ... > full story
Organ size is determined by p53 protein (December 16, 2010) -- In studies conducted on the fruit fly, researchers have revealed that organs have the molecular mechanisms to control their proportions. In this process the protein p53 plays a crucial role. ... > full story
Scientists discover potential strategy to improve cancer vaccines (December 16, 2010) -- A research team has found that the absence of the function of a protein called NLRP3 can result in a four-fold increase in a tumor's response to a therapeutic cancer vaccine. If this finding proves consistent, it may be a key to making cancer vaccines a realistic treatment option. ... > full story
Single quantum dot nanowire photodetectors (December 16, 2010) -- Moving a step closer toward quantum computing, researchers recently fabricated a photodetector based on a single nanowire, in which the active element is a single quantum dot with a volume of a mere 7,000 cubic nanometers. ... > full story
Opioid use associated with increased risk of adverse events among older adults (December 16, 2010) -- Opioids appear to be associated with more adverse events among older adults with arthritis than other commonly used analgesics, including coxibs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, according to a new report. In a second report assessing only opioid use, different types of drugs within the class were associated with different safety events among older patients with non-malignant pain. ... > full story
How foot-and-mouth disease virus begins infection in cattle (December 16, 2010) -- Scientists have identified the primary site where the virus that causes foot-and-mouth disease begins infection in cattle. ... > full story
Mothers' diets have biggest influence on children eating healthy, study suggests (December 16, 2010) -- As health professionals search for ways to combat the rise in obesity and promote healthy eating, new research reveals a mother's own eating habits -- and whether she views her child as a "picky eater" -- has a huge impact on whether her child consumes enough fruits and vegetables. ... > full story
Age doesn't matter: New genes are as essential as ancient ones (December 16, 2010) -- New genes that have evolved in species as little as one million years ago -- a virtual blink in evolutionary history -- can be just as essential for life as ancient genes, startling new research has discovered. The study challenges evolutionary biology assumptions about the importance of new genes in development. ... > full story
Staph bacteria: Blood-sucking superbug prefers taste of humans (December 16, 2010) -- Scientists have discovered that "staph" bacteria prefer to bind to human hemoglobin -- the oxygen-carrying protein that contains iron -- over hemoglobin from other animals. The findings help explain why staph preferentially infects people and suggest that genetic variations in hemoglobin may make some individuals more susceptible to staph infections. ... > full story
Physicist developing, improving designer optical materials (December 16, 2010) -- Advancements in fabrication technologies may lead to superlenses and other designer optical materials, according to physicists. ... > full story
Key information about breast cancer risk and development is found in 'junk' DNA (December 16, 2010) -- A new genetic biomarker that indicates an increased risk for developing breast cancer can be found in an individual's "junk" (non-coding) DNA, according to a new study. ... > full story
Unique orangutan reintroduction project under imminent threat (December 16, 2010) -- One of Sumatra's most biodiverse rainforests is under imminent threat from the pulp and paper industry, jeopardizing the only successful project that releases rescued Sumatran orangutans back to the wild. ... > full story
Exploring how partners perceive each other’s emotion during a relationship fight (December 16, 2010) -- Some of the most intense emotions people feel occur during a conflict in a romantic relationship. Now, psychologists show that how each person perceives the other partner's emotion during a conflict greatly influences different types of thoughts, feelings and reactions in themselves. ... > full story
Computer memory takes a spin: Physicists read data after storing them in atomic nuclei for 112 seconds (December 16, 2010) -- Physicists have stored information for 112 seconds in what may become the world's tiniest computer memory: magnetic "spins" in the centers or nuclei of atoms. Then the physicists retrieved and read the data electronically -- a big step toward using the new kind of memory for both faster conventional and superfast "quantum" computers. ... > full story
Genome code cracked for most common form of pediatric brain cancer (December 16, 2010) -- Scientists have deciphered the genetic code for medulloblastoma, the most common pediatric brain cancer and a leading killer of children with cancer. The genetic "map" is believed to be the first reported of a pediatric cancer genome. ... > full story
Newly discovered phase helps explain materials' ability to convert waste heat to electricity (December 16, 2010) -- Scientists have discovered that a class of materials known to convert heat to electricity and vice versa behaves quite unexpectedly at the nanoscale. The discovery -- a new "opposite-direction" phase transition that helps explain the strong thermoelectric response of these materials -- may help scientists identify other useful thermoelectrics, and could further their application in capturing energy lost as heat, for example, in automotive and factory exhaust. ... > full story
Alcoholics beware: Genetic variation linked to liver cirrhosis in Caucasians (December 16, 2010) -- A new study by German researchers found that a variation in the PNPLA3 (adiponutrin) gene was associated with cirrhosis of the liver and elevated transaminase (liver enzyme) levels in alcoholic Caucasians. The risk of cirrhosis in alcoholics in the genetic high risk group might be as high as 25 to 50 percent. ... > full story
Restoration activities speed seagrass recovery in the Florida Keys (December 16, 2010) -- Results of a five-year monitoring effort to repair seagrass damaged in a boat grounding incident suggest that restoration techniques such as replanting seagrass can speed recovery time. ... > full story
Teacher effort is linked to difficult students' inherited traits (December 16, 2010) -- Challenging students take up more of their teachers' time -- and the difference between a tougher student and an easier one appears to be genetic, according to a new study. The study looked at young twins in the UK and asked their teachers how much of a handful they are. ... > full story
Loss of Arctic ice may promote hybrid marine mammals (December 16, 2010) -- Scientists have expected for some time that the Arctic Ocean will be ice-free in summer by the end of this century. Researchers now say the seasonal loss of this ice sheet, a continent-sized natural barrier between species such as bears, whales and seals, could mean extinction of some rare marine mammals and the loss of many adaptive gene combinations. ... > full story
Blocking the critical structure that lets cancer cells move -- their feet (December 16, 2010) -- Scientists now know that some cancer cells spread, or metastasize, throughout the body the old-fashioned way -- by using their feet. But researchers have discovered a way to short-circuit their travels by preventing the development of these feet, called invadopodia. This discovery is even more important because preventing the development of these "feet" also eliminates the action of proteins present in the feet that burn through intact tissue and let cancer cells enter new cells. ... > full story
Garlic could protect against hip osteoarthritis (December 16, 2010) -- Researchers have discovered that women who consume a diet high in allium vegetables, such as garlic, onions and leeks, have lower levels of hip osteoarthritis. ... > full story
Powerful biomarker panel for the early detection of breast cancer discovered (December 16, 2010) -- Using a new, powerful method for rapidly screening molecules associated with disease, proteomics experts have identified a broad panel of 28 early predictors, or biomarkers, that may one day aid in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. ... > full story
Geologist develops improved seismic model for monitoring nuclear explosions in Middle East (December 16, 2010) -- Geologists have taken an important step toward helping the United States government monitor nuclear explosions by improving a 3-dimensional model to make it more accurate at detecting the location, source and depth of seismic activity. ... > full story
E-cigs less dangerous than traditional cigarettes, researcher claims (December 16, 2010) -- In a new report that bucks the concerns raised by the Food and Drug Administration, a researcher concludes that electronic cigarettes are much safer than real cigarettes and show promise in the fight against tobacco-related diseases and death. ... > full story
Hot plasma explosions inflate Saturn's magnetic field (December 16, 2010) -- A new analysis based on data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft finds a causal link between mysterious, periodic signals from Saturn's magnetic field and explosions of hot ionized gas, known as plasma, around the planet. ... > full story
New discoveries make it harder for HIV to hide from drugs (December 16, 2010) -- Microbiologists and biochemists reveal new findings that shed light on how HIV eludes treatment by mutating. His discoveries provide clues into HIV's mechanisms for resisting two main families of drugs. ... > full story
Rapid diagnostic test for common type of pneumonia developed (December 16, 2010) -- Researchers have developed a technique that can diagnose a common type of pneumonia within minutes, potentially replacing existing tests that can take several days for results. The researchers detected Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which causes atypical or "walking pneumonia," in true clinical samples with over 97 percent accuracy using a recently-developed nanotechnology-based platform. ... > full story
Earthworms absorb discarded copper nanomaterials present in soil (December 16, 2010) -- The manufacturing of nanomaterials has been steadily on the rise in the medical, industrial, and scientific fields. New research has determined that earthworms could absorb copper nanoparticles present in soil. ... > full story
The key to being attractive (and looking healthy)? A good night's sleep (December 16, 2010) -- If you want to look attractive and healthy, the best thing you can do is get a good night's sleep, finds new research. ... > full story
Ancient forest emerges mummified from the Arctic: Clues to future warming impact (December 16, 2010) -- The northernmost mummified forest ever found in Canada is revealing how plants struggled to endure a long-ago global cooling. Researchers believe the trees -- buried by a landslide and exquisitely preserved 2 to 8 million years ago -- will help them predict how today's Arctic will respond to global warming. ... > full story
Ventilation changes could double number of lungs available for transplant (December 16, 2010) -- Simple changes to how ventilators are used could almost double the number of lungs available for transplants, according to a new study. ... > full story
Atomic weights of 10 elements on periodic table about to make an historic change (December 16, 2010) -- For the first time in history, a change will be made to the atomic weights of some elements listed on the periodic table of the chemical elements posted on walls of chemistry classrooms and on the inside covers of chemistry textbooks worldwide. The new table will express atomic weights of 10 elements in a new manner that will reflect more accurately how these elements are found in nature. ... > full story
New combo lung cancer therapy improves survival over single-line treatment (December 16, 2010) -- A combination therapy for treating cancer showed improved survival rates in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to results presented from a double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial. ... > full story
Seaweed as biofuel? Metabolic engineering makes it a viable option (December 16, 2010) -- Is red seaweed a viable future biofuel? Now that a metabolic engineer has developed a strain of yeast that can make short work of fermenting galactose, the answer is an unequivocal yes. Researchers have recently identified three genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the microbe most often used to ferment the sugars, whose overexpression increased galactose fermentation by 250 percent when compared to a control strain. ... > full story
Sleep experts warn Santa Claus of health risks of flying all night (December 16, 2010) -- Every year Santa Claus and his team of elves and reindeers stay awake for days and nights so he can deliver presents to children all over the world for Christmas – but he could be putting his and their health at risk. Sleep experts discuss the pros and cons of Santa’s ‘all-nighter'. ... > full story
Meteorite just one piece of an unknown celestial body (December 16, 2010) -- Scientists from all over the world are taking a second, more expansive, look at the car-sized asteroid that exploded over Sudan's Nubian Desert in 2008, with major implications for the meteorite's origin. In the first round of research, scientists examined one fragment of the asteroid and determined that it fell into a very rare category called ureilites. Now they have expanded the scope of the work and examined 11 meteorite fragments, focusing on the presence of oxygen isotopes. ... > full story
Feast, famine and the genetics of obesity: You can't have it both ways (December 16, 2010) -- In addition to fast food, desk jobs, and inertia, there is one more thing to blame for unwanted pounds -- our genome, which has apparently not caught up with the fact that we no longer live in the Stone Age. ... > full story
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