Saturday 21 April 2012

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News


Marine scientists urge government to reassess oil spill response

Posted: 20 Apr 2012 09:39 AM PDT

On the second anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon blowout, a national panel of researchers is urging the US federal government to reassess how it would respond to similar oil spills that might occur in the future.

How 'checkpoint' proteins bind chromosomes

Posted: 20 Apr 2012 09:38 AM PDT

New research has pinpointed the precise mechanism by which spindle checkpoint proteins bind chromosomes. The development of more effective cancer drugs could now be a step nearer.

Soda consumption increases overall stroke risk

Posted: 20 Apr 2012 09:38 AM PDT

Researchers have found that greater consumption of sugar-sweetened and low-calorie sodas is associated with a higher risk of stroke. Conversely, consumption of caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee was associated with a lower risk.

Early treatment improves outcomes in rare, often undiagnosed form of encephalitis

Posted: 20 Apr 2012 09:38 AM PDT

A mysterious, difficult-to-diagnose, and potentially deadly disease that was only recently discovered can be controlled most effectively if treatment is started within the first month that symptoms occur, according to a new report.

New genes contributing to autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders uncovered

Posted: 20 Apr 2012 09:38 AM PDT

Researchers have utilized new sequencing strategies to reveal chromosome abnormalities associated with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Your left side is your best side: Our left cheek shows more emotion, which observers find more aesthetically pleasing

Posted: 20 Apr 2012 09:38 AM PDT

Your best side may be your left cheek, according to a new study. Images of the left side of the face are perceived and rated as more pleasant than pictures of the right side of the face, possibly due to the fact that we present a greater intensity of emotion on the left side of our face.

Human neural stem cells with tumor targeting ability discovered

Posted: 20 Apr 2012 08:00 AM PDT

Could engineered human stem cells hold the key to cancer survival? Scientists have discovered that neural stem cells possess the innate ability to target tumor cells outside the central nervous system. This finding was demonstrated successfully on breast cancer cells.

New stem cell found in brain: Finding could be key to developing methods to heal and repair brain injury and disease

Posted: 20 Apr 2012 07:59 AM PDT

Researchers have discovered a new stem cell in the adult brain. These cells can proliferate and form several different cell types -- most importantly, they can form new brain cells. Scientists hope to take advantage of the finding to develop methods to heal and repair disease and injury in the brain.

Scientists find Achilles' heel in life-threatening malaria parasites

Posted: 20 Apr 2012 07:58 AM PDT

Scientists have identified a link between different strains of malaria parasites that cause severe disease, which could help develop vaccines or drugs against life-threatening cases of the infection.

Meat eating behind evolutionary success of humankind, global population spread, study suggests

Posted: 20 Apr 2012 07:55 AM PDT

Carnivory is behind the evolutionary success of humankind. When early humans started to eat meat and eventually hunt, their new, higher-quality diet meant that women could wean their children earlier. Women could then give birth to more children during their reproductive life, which is a possible contribution to the population gradually spreading over the world. The connection between eating meat and a faster weaning process is shown by a research group from Sweden, which compared close to 70 mammalian species and found clear patterns.

Freeing loggerhead turtles comes at a price

Posted: 20 Apr 2012 07:53 AM PDT

Scientists have studied loggerhead turtles' re-adaptation to the environment. The results show that after a lengthy recovery in rehabilitation centers these animals display changes in behavior and may not adapt well to being free.

Polar bears evolutionarily five times older and genetically more distinct: Ancestry traced back 600,000 years

Posted: 20 Apr 2012 07:53 AM PDT

Polar bears evolved as early as some 600,000 years ago, according to a new study. Scientists show the largest arctic carnivore to be five times older than previously thought. The new findings on the evolutionary history of polar bears are the result of an analysis of information from the nuclear genome of polar and brown bears, and shed new light on conservation issues regarding this endangered arctic specialist.

Body cooling cuts in-hospital cardiac arrest patient deaths nearly 12 percent

Posted: 20 Apr 2012 07:53 AM PDT

Forced body cooling known as therapeutic hypothermia has reduced in-hospital deaths among sudden cardiac arrest patients nearly 12 percent between 2001 and 2009, according to a new study.

Alzheimer's plaques disrupt brain networks

Posted: 20 Apr 2012 07:45 AM PDT

Researchers have shown that brain plaques in mice are associated with disruption of the ability of brain regions to network with each other.

Parent diet choice knowledge doesn't prevent child obesity

Posted: 20 Apr 2012 07:45 AM PDT

A study of the families of 150 preschoolers suggests that parents of healthy-weight and overweight preschoolers are generally well aware of dietary risk factors that fuel childhood obesity.

Dawn gets extra time to explore Vesta

Posted: 20 Apr 2012 06:43 AM PDT

NASA's Dawn mission has received official confirmation that 40 extra days have been added to its exploration of the giant asteroid Vesta, the second most massive object in the main asteroid belt. The mission extension allows Dawn to continue its scientific observations at Vesta until Aug. 26, while still arriving at the dwarf planet Ceres at the same originally scheduled target date in February 2015.

Cassini finds Titan lake is like a Namibia mudflat

Posted: 20 Apr 2012 06:40 AM PDT

A new study analyzing data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft suggests that the lake, known as Ontario Lacus, behaves most similarly to what we call a salt pan on Earth.

NASA image gallery highlights Earth's changing face

Posted: 20 Apr 2012 06:20 AM PDT

In celebration of this year's Earth Day on April 22, NASA's Global Climate Change website has unveiled a new version of its popular image gallery, "State of Flux." The gallery presents stunning images, mostly from space, of our ever-changing planet, chronicling changes taking place over time periods ranging from days to centuries.

Warning signs from ancient Greek tsunami

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 12:39 PM PDT

In the winter of 479 B.C., a tsunami was the savior of Potidaea, drowning hundreds of Persian invaders as they lay siege to the ancient Greek village. New geological evidence suggests that the region may still be vulnerable to tsunami events.

Online chatter affects stock returns

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 12:38 PM PDT

It turns out that all of those bad reviews of new computers, shoes, toys and other products at Amazon and other websites with consumer reviews have more impact than just helping shoppers decide if they'll buy the newest smartphone. Negative web buzz can drive down stock prices.

Accelerating climate change exerts strong pressure on Europe's mountain flora

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:31 AM PDT

Mountain plants across the continent are moving to higher altitudes. The new article is based on detailed surveys of 66 mountain summits in Europe. Scientists mapped all plant species at each European site in 2001 and 2008.

New study links air pollution and early death in the UK

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 10:26 AM PDT

Emissions from cars, trucks, planes and power plants cause 13,000 premature deaths in the United Kingdom each year, new research suggests.

New genes discovered contributing to autism, links to psychiatric disorders

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 09:15 AM PDT

A new approach to investigating hard-to-find chromosomal abnormalities has identified 33 genes associated with autism and related disorders, 22 for the first time. Several of these genes also appear to be altered in different ways in individuals with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia.

Childhood trauma linked to schizophrenia

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 07:24 AM PDT

Researchers have found that children who have experienced severe trauma are three times as likely to develop schizophrenia in later life.

Friday 20 April 2012

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News


Mini-sensor measures magnetic activity in human brain

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 01:35 PM PDT

A miniature atom-based magnetic sensor has passed an important research milestone by successfully measuring human brain activity. The lightweight sensor potentially could be used for biomedical applications such as studying mental processes and advancing the understanding of neurological diseases.

New monitoring system clarifies murky atmospheric questions

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 01:35 PM PDT

Scientists have developed a new monitoring system to analyze and compare emissions from human-made fossil fuels and trace gases in the atmosphere, a technique that likely could be used to monitor the effectiveness of measures regulating greenhouse gases.

Cancer-fighting goodness found in cholesterol, study suggests

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 01:35 PM PDT

A team of four scientists is arguing that cholesterol may slow or stop cancer cell growth. They describe how cholesterol-binding proteins called ORPs may control cell growth.

TV as thin as a sheet of paper? Printable flexible electronics just became easier with stable electrodes

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:31 AM PDT

Researchers have introduced what appears to be a universal technique to reduce the work function of a conductor. Their use in printable electronics can pave the way for lower cost and more flexible devices.

Lizard moms may prepare their babies for a stressful world

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:31 AM PDT

Stressed out lizard moms tend to give their developing embryos short shrift, but the hardship may ultimately be a good thing for the babies once they're born, according to a new study.

State of Himalayan glaciers less alarming than feared

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:31 AM PDT

Several hundreds of millions of people in Southeast Asia depend, to varying degrees, on the freshwater reservoirs of the Himalayan glaciers. Consequently, it is important to detect the potential impact of climate changes on the Himalayan glaciers at an early stage. Glaciologists now reveal that the glaciers in the Himalayas are declining less rapidly than was previously thought. However, the scientists see major hazard potential from outbursts of glacial lakes.

Strange cousins: Molecular alternatives to DNA, RNA offer new insight into life’s origins

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:31 AM PDT

Scientists have been investigating properties of so-called xenonucleic acids or XNAs. They have demonstrated for the first time that six of these unnatural nucleic acid polymers are capable of sharing information with DNA. One of these XNAs, a molecule referred to as anhydrohexitol nucleic acid or HNA, was capable of undergoing directed evolution and folding into biologically useful forms.

Atomic blockade: Technique efficiently creates single photons for quantum information processing

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:31 AM PDT

Using lasers to excite just one atom from a cloud of ultra-cold rubidium gas, physicists have developed a new way to rapidly and efficiently create single photons for potential use in optical quantum information processing -- and in the study of dynamics and disorder in certain physical systems.

Aspirin: New evidence is helping explain additional health benefits and open potential for new uses

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:29 AM PDT

Researchers have discovered that salicylate, the active ingredient in aspirin, directly increases the activity of the protein AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), a key player in regulating cell growth and metabolism. Salicylate, which is derived from willow bark, and is the active ingredient in aspirin, is believed to be one of the oldest drugs in the world with first reports of its use dating back to an Egyptian papyrus in 1543 BC.

Parabolic flight mission over Japan

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 11:28 AM PDT

The Parabolic Team of Universiti Kuala Lumpur had actuated Parabolic Flights from March 23 till 28, 2012 over the airspace of Nagoya Japan. The flights were performed using a modified jet of the Japanese Space Agency (JAXA).

19th century therapy for Parkinson's disease may help patients today

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 10:26 AM PDT

In the 19th century, Jean-Martin Charcot, the celebrated neurologist, developed a "vibration chair," to relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Charcot reported improvements in his patients, but he died shortly thereafter and a more complete evaluation of the therapy was never conducted. Now, a group of neurological researchers have replicated his work in a study to see if Charcot's observation holds true against modern scientific testing.

First atomic-scale real-time movies of platinum nanocrystal growth in liquids

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 10:26 AM PDT

Researchers have developed a technique for encapsulating liquids of nanocrystals between layers of graphene so that chemical reactions in the liquids can be imaged with an electron microscope. With this technique, movies can be made that provide unprecedented direct observations of physical, chemical and biological phenomena that take place in liquids on the nanometer scale.

Ravens remember relationships they had with others

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 10:25 AM PDT

In daily life we remember faces and voices of several known individuals. Similarly, mammals have been shown to remember calls and faces of known individuals after a number of years. Ravens have now been found to differentiate individuals based on familiarity. Additionally, scientists discovered that ravens can remember the closeness they had with others for three years.

How social interaction and teamwork led to human intelligence

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 10:25 AM PDT

Scientists have discovered proof that the evolution of intelligence and larger brain sizes can be driven by cooperation and teamwork, shedding new light on the origins of what it means to be human.

Anti-tobacco TV ads help adults stop smoking, study finds

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 10:25 AM PDT

Anti-tobacco television advertising helps reduce adult smoking, according to a new study -- but some ads may be more effective than others.

Boundary between electronics and biology is blurring: First proof of ferroelectricity in simplest amino acid

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 09:15 AM PDT

The boundary between electronics and biology is blurring with the first detection of ferroelectric properties in an amino acid called glycine.

Defending against chemical acts of terrorism

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 09:15 AM PDT

Researchers may have found a way to protect us against otherwise deadly chemical attacks, such as the subway sarin incident in Tokyo that left thirteen people dead and thousands more injured or with temporary vision problems. The method is based on a new and improved version of a detoxifying enzyme produced naturally by our livers, according to a new report

Deadly jellyfish weapons unraveled

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 09:14 AM PDT

Researchers have analyzed proteins of stinging cells in the hydra freshwater polyp. The results of their research reveal a complex mixture of toxic and structural proteins that can explain the extraordinary toxicity and biophysical properties of these unique cells. They also show how the energy for discharging the toxin can be stored in the stinging cells and released at extraordinary speed.

First gene linked to common form of psoriasis identified

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 09:14 AM PDT

Scientists have identified the first gene directly linked to the most common form of psoriasis, a chronic skin condition.

Black women leaders approved for assertiveness in the workplace, study suggests

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 08:30 AM PDT

While white men are expected to be assertive and aggressive leaders, black men and white women are often penalized for that kind of behavior in the workplace. A new study looks at another group: black women. They find that, rather than being viewed as a combination of black men and white women, black women also seem to be expected to act assertively.

Solar cell that also shines: Luminescent 'LED-type' design breaks efficiency record

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 08:30 AM PDT

To produce the maximum amount of energy, solar cells are designed to absorb as much light from the sun as possible. Now researchers have suggested -- and demonstrated -- a counter-intuitive concept: solar cells should be designed to be more like LEDs, able to emit light as well as absorb it.

New brain-machine interface moves a paralyzed hand: Technology bypasses spinal cord and delivers signals from brain directly to muscles

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 07:46 AM PDT

A new brain-machine technology delivers messages from the brain directly to the muscles -- bypassing the spinal cord -- to enable voluntary and complex movement of a paralyzed hand. The device could eventually be tested on, and perhaps aid, paralyzed patients.

Higher concentrations of heavy metals found in post-oil spill oysters from Gulf of Mexico, experts say

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 07:25 AM PDT

Scientists have detected evidence that pollutants from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico have entered the ecosystem's food chain. Preliminary results demonstrate that oysters collected post-spill contain higher concentrations of heavy metals in their shells, gills, and muscle tissue than those collected before the spill.

New coating for hip implants could prevent premature failure

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 07:25 AM PDT

Nanoscale films promote bone growth, creating a stronger seal between implants and patients' own bone.

Efficiency of multi-hop wireless networks boosted

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 07:25 AM PDT

Multi-hop wireless networks can provide data access for large and unconventional spaces, but they have long faced significant limits on the amount of data they can transmit. Now researchers have developed a more efficient data transmission approach that can boost the amount of data the networks can transmit by 20 to 80 percent.

How thinking about death can lead to a good life

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 07:25 AM PDT

Thinking about death can actually be a good thing. An awareness of mortality can improve physical health and help us re-prioritize our goals and values, according to a new analysis of recent scientific studies. Even non-conscious thinking about death -- say walking by a cemetery -- could prompt positive changes and promote helping others.

Being beside the seaside is good for you

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 07:24 AM PDT

Exercise in the open air is good for you, but if you want to reap the full benefits you should head for the coast or the countryside rather than an urban park.

World's first handmade cloned transgenic sheep born in China

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 07:24 AM PDT

Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in animal cloning. The world's first transgenic sheep produced with a simplified technique, handmade cloning, was successfully born on March 26, 2012.

Meditation makes you more creative

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 07:23 AM PDT

Certain meditation techniques can promote creative thinking. This is the outcome of a study by cognitive psychologists.

Surgeons complete rare successful forehead and scalp reattachment

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 07:20 AM PDT

Forehead and scalp of victim of workplace injury successfully reattached through rare microsurgery procedure.

Chernobyl radiation fells female birds, making chirping more frequent from lonely males

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 07:20 AM PDT

Birdsong is one of the joys of nature, but higher percentages of birds chirping near Chernobyl are a perverse indication of radiation contamination, according to a new study.

Metal oxides hold the key to cheap, green energy

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 07:20 AM PDT

Harnessing the energy of sunlight can be as simple as tuning the optical and electronic properties of metal oxides at the atomic level to make an artificial crystal or super-lattice 'sandwich,' says a scientist.

It's the network: Ever wonder why your friends have more friends than you or diamond is harder than graphite?

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 06:12 AM PDT

Networks governing processes in nature and society are becoming increasingly amenable to modeling, forecast and control. A new article establishes relationships between seemingly disparate topics such as the friendship paradox -- by which our friends have on average more friends than we do -- and why carbon can result in a hard diamond or the softer material graphite.

Distinct 'God spot' in the brain does not exist, study shows

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 06:12 AM PDT

Scientists have speculated that the human brain features a "God spot," one distinct area of the brain responsible for spirituality. Now, researchers have completed research that indicates spirituality is a complex phenomenon, and multiple areas of the brain are responsible for the many aspects of spiritual experiences.

Cells in normal tissue seem to have 'personal space' issues; Factor in maintaining healthy tissue

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 06:12 AM PDT

Cells in normal tissue seem to have "personal space" issues. They know how much space they like, and if things get too tight, some cells are forced to leave. Researchers have found that normal epithelium tissue ejects living cells to maintain a steady population and ease overcrowding, a discovery has the potential to reveal what goes awry in cancer when cells do not turnover, but instead pile up.

Life expectancy and healthy life years in the European Union, 2008-2010

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 06:10 AM PDT

Swedish men had the highest healthy life years of European men in 2010, while Maltese women had the highest values for European women. "Healthy Life Years" indicates how long people can expect to live without disability. It has been computed annually for each Member State of the European Union since 2005.

DNA origami puts a smart lid on solid-state nanopore sensors

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 06:10 AM PDT

The latest advance in solid-state nanopore sensors -- devices that are made with standard tools of the semiconductor industry yet can offer single-molecule sensitivity for label-free protein screening -- expands their bag of tricks through bionanotechnology. Researchers have enhanced the capabilities of solid-state nanopores by fitting them with cover plates made of DNA. These nanoscale cover plates, with central apertures tailored to various "gatekeeper" functions, are formed by so-called DNA origami techniques.

Gut microbiota transplantation may prevent development of diabetes and fatty liver disease

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 06:10 AM PDT

New data shows the gut microbiota's causal role in the development of diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, independent of obesity.

Evolution: Vangas beat Darwin’s finches in diversity

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 06:08 AM PDT

The diversity of the Madagascan vangas is unique. The bird family only consists of 22 species, but these cover the whole range of body size of the passerines, the bird group vangas belong to (6,000 species). Whereas smaller species use their comparatively small bill to feed by picking up insects, the largest among the vanga species may even catch amphibians with its very large bill. Thus vangas are much more diverse than Darwin's finches, known to be a model for rapid evolution. Vangidae are the only known birds which experienced two peaks of rapid diversification, new research suggests. For birds, only one such peak is common. 

Obesity and extreme slimness cause risks in pregnancy

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 06:07 AM PDT

Obese women run the risk of problems during pregnancy, labor and complications for the baby's health. A new study of more than 3000 expectant mothers confirms this, and also reveals that being underweight also has specific complications. Researchers have identified the risks in pregnancy related specifically to obesity and have compared them to underweight women to confirm that extreme slimness also carries a risk.

Possible new cancer treatment identified

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 06:07 AM PDT

New research findings show how it may be possible to render cancer tumors harmless without affecting the other cells and tissues in the body. The findings apply to cancers including breast, lung and bowel cancer. Many of the most common chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer have serious side effects because they not only affect the cells in the cancer tumor, but also the cells in the rest of the body.

96% of women in IVF preconception study faced multiple lifestyle issues and health risks

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 06:07 AM PDT

Ninety-six per cent of women who attended a preconception clinic before undergoing IVF had three or more lifestyle problems and risk factors, according to a new study.

Insomnia takes toll on tinnitus patients

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 06:05 AM PDT

Insomnia can have a negative effect on tinnitus, worsening the functional and emotional toll of chronic ringing, buzzing, hissing or clicking in the head and ears, according to a new study.

Carbon capture and storage: Tough road ahead to realize potential

Posted: 18 Apr 2012 05:49 PM PDT

Government plans to develop carbon capture and storage technologies to reduce carbon emissions received a cautious welcome today. A new report concluded that most of the uncertainties facing these technologies can -- in principle -- be resolved.

Kids get more active when given more toy choices, studies show

Posted: 18 Apr 2012 05:36 PM PDT

In an age when even preschoolers have electronic toys and devices, many parents wonder how to get their children to be more physically active. Now, two studies provide some answers.

New medication offers hope to patients with frequent, uncontrollable seizures

Posted: 18 Apr 2012 05:35 PM PDT

A new type of anti-epilepsy medication that selectively targets proteins in the brain that control excitability may significantly reduce seizure frequency in people whose recurrent seizures have been resistant to even the latest medications, new research suggests.

Daily physical activity may reduce Alzheimer’s disease risk at any age

Posted: 18 Apr 2012 05:35 PM PDT

Daily physical activity may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline, even in people over the age of 80, according to a new study.

Breaking Point: When Does Head Trauma in Sports Lead to Memory Loss?

Posted: 18 Apr 2012 05:35 PM PDT

A new study suggests there may be a starting point at which blows to the head or other head trauma suffered in combat sports start to affect memory and thinking abilities and can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, in the brain.

Speed and ecstasy associated with depression in teenagers

Posted: 18 Apr 2012 05:35 PM PDT

A five year study conducted with thousands of teenagers reveals that those who used speed (meth/ampthetamine) or ecstasy (MDMA) at fifteen or sixteen years of age were significantly more likely to suffer elevated depressive symptoms the following year.

Reminders of secular authority reduce believers' distrust of atheists

Posted: 18 Apr 2012 01:23 PM PDT

What's the group that least agrees with Americans' vision of their country? According to many sociological surveys, it's atheists. Previous research suggests that the dislike of atheists mostly comes from distrust, driven by the belief that people act better when they feel like they're being watched by God. But new research shows that reminding people of various sources of secular authority -- like government -- may have the same effect.

No proof found that gum disease causes heart disease or stroke

Posted: 18 Apr 2012 01:22 PM PDT

There is no convincing evidence that proves gum disease causes heart disease or stroke, or treating gum disease reduces the risk of those diseases, according to new research. Gum and heart disease share common risk factors, including smoking, age and diabetes, which is possibly why the diseases often occur in the same person.

Specific protein may increase risk of blood-vessel constriction linked to gum disease

Posted: 18 Apr 2012 01:22 PM PDT

A protein involved in cellular inflammation may increase the risk of plaque containing blood vessels associated with inflammatory gum disease, according to new research.