ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Dwarf galaxies provide new insights on dark matter
• Memory loss with aging not necessarily permanent, animal study suggests
• Graphene membranes: First controllable use of scanning tunneling microscopy on freestanding graphene
• Empathy doesn't extend across the political aisle
• Sparrows change their tune to be heard in noisy cities
• Neural variability linked to short-term memory and decision making
• New light shed on catalytic reactions used by plants to split oxygen from water
• Sampling the Pacific for signs of Fukushima
• Discovery paves way for improved painkillers
• Teen alcohol and illicit drug use and abuse starts earlier than you might think
• Nearly half of preschoolers lack one parent-supervised playtime per day
• Virus protects against lupus
• Compound halts growth of malaria parasite
• Evidence that human ancestors used fire one million years ago
• How stress influences disease: Study reveals inflammation as the culprit
• New immune defense enzyme discovered
• Herbicide can induce morphological changes in vertebrate animals: Tadpoles change shape
• Partner aggression in high-risk families affects parenting beginning at birth
• Seeing double: 1 in 30 babies born in US is a twin
• Fertilizer use responsible for increase in nitrous oxide in atmosphere
• How do I love me? Let me count the ways, and also ace that interview
• Caloric moderation can reverse link between low birth weight and obesity, early study indicates
• Scientists find slow subsidence of Earth's crust beneath the Mississippi delta
• Hypnosis provides effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, study suggests
• New understanding to past global warming events: Hyperthermal events may be triggered by warming
• Ovastacin cuts off sperm binding
• New research could stop tumour cells from spreading
• Whole genome sequencing not informative for all, experts say
• Computer scientist leads the way to the next revolution in artificial intelligence
• Newly found protein helps cells build tissues
• Self-sculpting sand: Heaps of 'smart sand’ could assume any shape, form new tools or duplicatie broken parts
• Death cap mushroom poison to arrest pancreatic cancer in mice, study suggests
• Special class of natural fats stimulates immune cells to fight diseases
• Combination drug treatment can cut malaria by 30 percent
• Link between violent computer games and aggressiveness questioned
• Grey seals in Baltic Sea consume as much fish as the fishing industry catches, research finds
• Older drivers at high crash risk are 'more distractible'
• Estrogen is responsible for slow wound healing in women, study finds
• New quantum encryption method foils hackers
• Death anxiety increases atheists' unconscious belief in God
• Rare immune cells could hold key to treating immune disorders
• Growing up supermassive: A black hole's diet of stars
• New clues to development of blood and other cancers
• Cancer stem cell vaccine in development shows antitumor effect
• Measles-containing vaccines not linked with increased risk of febrile seizures in kids 4-6
• Too dog tired to avoid danger: Like humans, dogs engage in riskier behaviors when their self-control is depleted
• Ancient Egyptian cotton unveils secrets of domesticated crop evolution
• Exploring the antidepressant effects of testosterone
• Parents of children with autism more likely to get common ailments
• Genes linked to post-traumatic stress disorder
• Dramatic rise in skin cancer in young adults
• South Pole telescope homes in on dark energy, neutrinos
• How key protein protects against viral infections
• Strong oral carcinogen identified in smokeless tobacco
• Heart failure's effects in cells can be reversed with a rest
• Scientists uncover clue to preventing, and possibly reversing, rare childhood genetic disease

Dwarf galaxies provide new insights on dark matter Posted: 02 Apr 2012 03:53 PM PDT Scientists have looked for signals from dark matter by zeroing in on 10 small, faint galaxies that orbit our own. Although no signals have been detected, a novel analysis technique applied to two years of data from the observatory's Large Area Telescope has essentially eliminated these particle candidates for the first time.

Memory loss with aging not necessarily permanent, animal study suggests Posted: 02 Apr 2012 03:53 PM PDT Scientists have shown in animal models that the loss of memory that comes with aging is not necessarily a permanent thing.

Graphene membranes: First controllable use of scanning tunneling microscopy on freestanding graphene Posted: 02 Apr 2012 03:52 PM PDT Physicists have developed a technique that allows them to control the mechanical property, or strain, on freestanding graphene. By controlling the strain, they also can control other properties of this important material.

Empathy doesn't extend across the political aisle Posted: 02 Apr 2012 01:27 PM PDT When we try to put ourselves in someone else's shoes, we usually go all the way, assuming that they feel the same way we do. But a new study finds that we have limits: We don't extend this projection to people who have different political views, even under extreme circumstances.

Sparrows change their tune to be heard in noisy cities Posted: 02 Apr 2012 01:27 PM PDT Sparrows have changed their tune to soar above the increasing cacophony of car horns and engine rumbles. The study compares birdsongs from as far back as 1969 to today. The researchers also detail how San Francisco's streets have grown noisier based on studies from 1974 and 2008.

Neural variability linked to short-term memory and decision making Posted: 02 Apr 2012 01:27 PM PDT Mathematicians is using computational models to better understand how the structure of neural variability relates to such functions as short-term memory and decision making. Scientists examined how fluctuations in brain activity can impact the dynamics of cognitive tasks.

New light shed on catalytic reactions used by plants to split oxygen from water Posted: 02 Apr 2012 01:27 PM PDT Green plants produce oxygen from water using a catalytic technique powered by sunlight. Scientists have now shown the importance of a hydrogen-bonding water network to that process -- which is the major source of the Earth's oxygen.

Sampling the Pacific for signs of Fukushima Posted: 02 Apr 2012 01:27 PM PDT A recent research cruise has reported on the amount, spread, and impacts of radiation released into the ocean from the tsunami-crippled reactors in Fukushima, Japan. They studied ocean currents, and sampled water and marine organisms up to the edge of the exclusion zone around the reactors.

Discovery paves way for improved painkillers Posted: 02 Apr 2012 01:26 PM PDT Scientists have made a major discovery that could lead to more effective treatment of severe pain using morphine.

Teen alcohol and illicit drug use and abuse starts earlier than you might think Posted: 02 Apr 2012 01:26 PM PDT A survey of a nationally representative sample of US teenagers suggests that most cases of alcohol and drug abuse have their initial onset at this important period of development. The median age at onset was 14 years old for regular alcohol use or abuse with or without dependence; 14 years old for drug abuse with dependence; and 15 years old for drug abuse without dependence.

Nearly half of preschoolers lack one parent-supervised playtime per day Posted: 02 Apr 2012 01:25 PM PDT American parents reported that about half of the preschoolers in a nationally representative sample did not have at least one parent-supervised outdoor playtime per day, according to a new article.

Virus protects against lupus Posted: 02 Apr 2012 01:25 PM PDT To the surprise of investigating researchers, an animal model of Epstein Barr virus protected lupus-prone mice against development of the autoimmune disease. Earlier work had suggested that EBV might promote the development of autoimmunity.

Compound halts growth of malaria parasite Posted: 02 Apr 2012 01:25 PM PDT A drug candidate that has shown promise for neutralizing dangerous bacteria also prevents the parasite that causes malaria from growing, new research shows.

Evidence that human ancestors used fire one million years ago Posted: 02 Apr 2012 01:25 PM PDT Scientists have identified the earliest known evidence of the use of fire by human ancestors. Microscopic traces of wood ash, alongside animal bones and stone tools, were found in a layer dated to one million years ago at the Wonderwerk Cave in South Africa.

How stress influences disease: Study reveals inflammation as the culprit Posted: 02 Apr 2012 01:25 PM PDT Stress wreaks havoc on the mind and body. Until now, it has not been clear exactly how stress influences disease and health. Now researchers have found that chronic psychological stress is associated with the body losing its ability to regulate the inflammatory response. The research shows for the first time that the effects of psychological stress on the body's ability to regulate inflammation can promote the development and progression of disease.

New immune defense enzyme discovered Posted: 02 Apr 2012 01:25 PM PDT A previously unknown serine protease forms part of the antibacterial defense arsenal. This enzyme could provide a new target for the treatment of diseases that involve an overactive immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Herbicide can induce morphological changes in vertebrate animals: Tadpoles change shape Posted: 02 Apr 2012 11:49 AM PDT The world's most popular weed killer, Roundup®, can cause amphibians to change shape, according to new research.

Partner aggression in high-risk families affects parenting beginning at birth Posted: 02 Apr 2012 11:49 AM PDT Bickering spouses may need to clean up their act. New research finds that the level of aggression between partners around the time when a child is born impacts how a mom will be parenting three years later.

Seeing double: 1 in 30 babies born in US is a twin Posted: 02 Apr 2012 11:49 AM PDT Women having children at older ages and the growing availability of fertility treatments has led to a marked increase in the birth of twins: In 2009, one in every 30 babies born in the United States was a twin compared with one in every 53 in 1980.

Fertilizer use responsible for increase in nitrous oxide in atmosphere Posted: 02 Apr 2012 11:49 AM PDT Chemists have analyzed the isotopic composition of nitrous oxide – a greenhouse and ozone-destroying gas - in air samples from as far back as 1940 and found the fingerprint of nitrogen-based fertilizer. This fingerprint proves definitively that the 20 percent increase in atmospheric nitrogen since the Industrial Revolution is largely due to the Green Revolution, when use of synthetic fertilizers ramped up.

How do I love me? Let me count the ways, and also ace that interview Posted: 02 Apr 2012 11:47 AM PDT Narcissism, a trait considered obnoxious in most circumstances, actually pays off big-time in the short-term context of a job interview, according to a new study.

Caloric moderation can reverse link between low birth weight and obesity, early study indicates Posted: 02 Apr 2012 10:32 AM PDT Babies who are born small have a tendency to put on weight during childhood and adolescence if allowed free access to calories. However, a new animal model study found when small babies were placed on a diet of moderately regulated calories during infancy, the propensity of becoming obese decreased.

Scientists find slow subsidence of Earth's crust beneath the Mississippi delta Posted: 02 Apr 2012 09:44 AM PDT The Earth's crust beneath the Mississippi Delta sinks at a much slower rate than what had been assumed. The researchers arrived at their conclusions by comparing detailed sea-level reconstructions from different portions of coastal Louisiana.

Hypnosis provides effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, study suggests Posted: 02 Apr 2012 09:44 AM PDT Hypnosis can be a highly effective treatment for the bowel disorder IBS. Studies involving a total of 346 patients showed that hypnotherapy alleviated symptoms in 40 percent of those affected -- and that the improvement is long term.

New understanding to past global warming events: Hyperthermal events may be triggered by warming Posted: 02 Apr 2012 09:44 AM PDT A series of global warming events called hyperthermals that occurred more than 50 million years ago had a similar origin to a much larger hyperthermal of the period, the Pelaeocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), new research has found. The findings represent a breakthrough in understanding the major "burp" of carbon, equivalent to burning the entire reservoir of fossil fuels on Earth, that occurred during the PETM. The work confirms that the PETM was not a unique event - the result, perhaps, of a meteorite strike - but a natural part of Earth's carbon cycle.

Ovastacin cuts off sperm binding Posted: 02 Apr 2012 09:43 AM PDT A new study describes how a secreted enzyme helps egg cells avoid being fertilized by more than one sperm.

New research could stop tumour cells from spreading Posted: 02 Apr 2012 09:42 AM PDT Researchers have managed for the first time to obtain detailed information about the role of the protein metastasin in the spread of tumor cells.

Whole genome sequencing not informative for all, experts say Posted: 02 Apr 2012 09:41 AM PDT With sharp declines in the cost of whole genome sequencing, the day of accurately deciphering disease risk based on an individual's genome may seem at hand. But a study involving data of thousands of identical twins finds that genomic fortune-telling fails to provide informative guidance to most people about their risk for most common diseases, and warns against complacency born of negative genome test results.

Computer scientist leads the way to the next revolution in artificial intelligence Posted: 02 Apr 2012 08:30 AM PDT Scientists have taken Alan Turing's work to its next logical step, translating her 1993 discovery into an adaptable computational system that learns and evolves way much more like our brains do.

Newly found protein helps cells build tissues Posted: 02 Apr 2012 08:30 AM PDT Biologists have found a new molecule in fruit flies that is key to the information exchange needed to build wings properly. They have also uncovered evidence that an analogous protein may exist in people and may be associated with problems such as cleft lip, or premature ovarian failure.

Self-sculpting sand: Heaps of 'smart sand’ could assume any shape, form new tools or duplicatie broken parts Posted: 02 Apr 2012 08:30 AM PDT New algorithms could enable heaps of "smart sand" that can assume any shape, allowing spontaneous formation of new tools or duplication of broken mechanical parts.

Death cap mushroom poison to arrest pancreatic cancer in mice, study suggests Posted: 02 Apr 2012 08:29 AM PDT Scientists have coupled the fungal toxin amanitin to an antibody which recognizes a cancer-typical target molecule. Like a guided missile, the antibody carries its poisonous load to target cancer cells. The poison-loaded antibody arrested the growth of various types of cancer cells in the culture dish and even caused the complete disappearance of transplanted pancreatic tumors in experimental mice.

Special class of natural fats stimulates immune cells to fight diseases Posted: 02 Apr 2012 08:29 AM PDT A special class of fatty molecules is essential for activating a unique group of early-responding immune cells. This study sheds light on how recognition of fatty molecules by immune cells could protect from infection, allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Combination drug treatment can cut malaria by 30 percent Posted: 02 Apr 2012 08:29 AM PDT Malaria infections among infants can be cut by up to 30 percent when antimalarial drugs are given intermittently over a 12-month period, a three-year clinical trial in Papua New Guinea has shown.

Link between violent computer games and aggressiveness questioned Posted: 02 Apr 2012 08:28 AM PDT There is a long-lasting and at times intense debate about the possible link between violent computer games and aggressiveness. Researchers are now questioning the entire basis of the discussion. Researchers now present a new study showing that, more than anything, a good ability to cooperate is a prerequisite for success in the violent gaming environment.

Grey seals in Baltic Sea consume as much fish as the fishing industry catches, research finds Posted: 02 Apr 2012 08:28 AM PDT The grey seals in the Baltic Sea compete for fish with the fishing industry. The seals locally eat about the same quantities of cod, common whitefish, salmon, sea trout and eel as those taken by fishermen, according to new research.

Older drivers at high crash risk are 'more distractible' Posted: 02 Apr 2012 08:24 AM PDT Older drivers rated at high crash risk on a computerized vision test are more likely to have driving problems related to distractions in the car, reports a new study.

Estrogen is responsible for slow wound healing in women, study finds Posted: 02 Apr 2012 06:43 AM PDT Estrogen causes wounds in women to heal slower than in men -- who have lower levels of estrogen -- says a new study. Researchers provide the first evidence that mild injury response in the eye is fundamentally different in males and females because of estrogen.

New quantum encryption method foils hackers Posted: 02 Apr 2012 06:43 AM PDT Scientists have found a new quantum encryption method to foil even the most sophisticated hackers. Researchers have come up with a simple solution to the untrusted device problem. Their method is called "Measurement Device Independent QKD." The aim is to detect subtle changes that occur when quantum data is manipulated by a third party.

Death anxiety increases atheists' unconscious belief in God Posted: 02 Apr 2012 06:43 AM PDT When non-religious people think about their own death they become more consciously skeptical about religion, but unconsciously grow more receptive to religious belief, new research suggests.

Rare immune cells could hold key to treating immune disorders Posted: 02 Apr 2012 06:43 AM PDT The characterization of a rare immune cell's involvement in antibody production and ability to "remember" infectious agents could help to improve vaccination and lead to new treatments for immune disorders.

Growing up supermassive: A black hole's diet of stars Posted: 02 Apr 2012 06:43 AM PDT Astrophysicists have found a new explanation for the growth of supermassive black holes in the center of most galaxies: They repeatedly capture and swallow single stars from pairs of stars that wander too close.

New clues to development of blood and other cancers Posted: 02 Apr 2012 06:41 AM PDT Scientists have uncovered more details about how defects in components of the machinery that makes new proteins can lead to blood and other cancers.

Cancer stem cell vaccine in development shows antitumor effect Posted: 02 Apr 2012 06:41 AM PDT Stem cells had greater effect than differentiated tumor cells in eliciting antitumor immunity in vivo. Antibodies and T cells targeted cancer stem cells in laboratory models. Data could provide a rationale for a new type of immune therapy.

Measles-containing vaccines not linked with increased risk of febrile seizures in kids 4-6 Posted: 02 Apr 2012 06:41 AM PDT Vaccines for measles were not associated with an increased risk of febrile seizures among 4-6 year olds during the six weeks after vaccination, according to a new study.

Too dog tired to avoid danger: Like humans, dogs engage in riskier behaviors when their self-control is depleted Posted: 02 Apr 2012 06:39 AM PDT Like humans, dogs engage in riskier behaviors when their self-control is depleted.

Ancient Egyptian cotton unveils secrets of domesticated crop evolution Posted: 02 Apr 2012 06:39 AM PDT Scientists studying 1,600-year-old cotton from the banks of the Nile have found what they believe is the first evidence that punctuated evolution has occurred in a major crop group within the relatively short history of plant domestication.

Exploring the antidepressant effects of testosterone Posted: 02 Apr 2012 06:37 AM PDT Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, appears to have antidepressant properties, but the exact mechanisms underlying its effects have remained unclear. Scientists have now discovered that a specific pathway in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in memory formation and regulation of stress responses, plays a major role in mediating testosterone's effects.

Parents of children with autism more likely to get common ailments Posted: 02 Apr 2012 06:37 AM PDT Parents of children with autism are more likely to get common ailments such as colds, coughs and headaches as a direct result of the increased stresses linked to their caring duties, according to new research.

Genes linked to post-traumatic stress disorder Posted: 02 Apr 2012 06:35 AM PDT Scientists have linked two genes to a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. The study suggests that PTSD susceptibility is inherited and could explain why some persons succumb to the disorder while others who suffered the same ordeal do not.

Dramatic rise in skin cancer in young adults Posted: 02 Apr 2012 06:31 AM PDT Even as the rates of some cancers are falling, Mayo Clinic is seeing an alarming trend: the dramatic rise of skin cancer, especially among people under 40. According to a new study the incidence of melanoma has escalated, and young women are the hardest hit.

South Pole telescope homes in on dark energy, neutrinos Posted: 02 Apr 2012 06:31 AM PDT Analysis of data from the 10-meter South Pole Telescope is providing new support for the most widely accepted explanation of dark energy -- the source of the mysterious force that is responsible for the accelerating expansion of the universe.

How key protein protects against viral infections Posted: 02 Apr 2012 06:31 AM PDT Scientists have discovered that a mouse protein called IFITM3 contributes to defense against some types of viral infections by binding to an enzyme responsible for regulating the pH of a cell's waste disposal system.

Strong oral carcinogen identified in smokeless tobacco Posted: 02 Apr 2012 06:31 AM PDT The chemical (S)-N'-nitrosonornicotine, or (S)-NNN, which is present in smokeless tobacco products, is a strong oral carcinogen, according to new results.

Heart failure's effects in cells can be reversed with a rest Posted: 01 Apr 2012 04:57 PM PDT Structural changes in heart muscle cells after heart failure can be reversed by allowing the heart to rest, according to a new study.

Scientists uncover clue to preventing, and possibly reversing, rare childhood genetic disease Posted: 01 Apr 2012 10:53 AM PDT Scientists think they have found a way to prevent and possibly reverse the most debilitating symptoms of a rare, progressive childhood degenerative disease that leaves children with slurred speech, unable to walk, and in a wheelchair before they reach adolescence. The findings may also offer clues to treating other neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

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