ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines
for Thursday, September 9, 2010
Welcome to another edition of ScienceDaily's email newsletter. You can change your subscription options or unsubscribe at any time.
Researchers hear puzzling new physics from graphene quartet's quantum harmonies (September 9, 2010) -- Using a one-of-a-kind instrument, researchers have discovered an unexpected and tantalizing set of energy levels in graphene, a one-atom-thick sheet of carbon with potentially revolutionary electronic properties, when the material is exposed to extremely low temperatures and extremely high magnetic fields. ... > full story
Potential new drug for neurodegenerative disease identified (September 9, 2010) -- Scientists have discovered a small molecule that helps human cells discard disfigured proteins, such as those that may be involved in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative ailments. ... > full story
Computer-based video analysis boosts data gathering in behavioral studies (September 9, 2010) -- Scientists have developed a computer-based system that can learn how to identify behaviors of interest and then analyze many hours of video. ... > full story
How insulin stimulates fat cells to take in glucose (September 9, 2010) -- Using high-resolution microscopy, researchers have shown how insulin prompts fat cells to take in glucose in a rat model. By studying the surface of healthy, live fat cells in rats, researchers were able to understand the process by which cells take in glucose. Next, they plan to observe the fat cells of people with varying degrees of insulin sensitivity, including insulin resistance-considered a precursor to type 2 diabetes. These observations may help identify the interval when someone becomes at risk for developing diabetes. ... > full story
Cloud computing method greatly increases gene analysis (September 9, 2010) -- Researchers have developed new software that greatly improves the speed at which scientists can analyze RNA sequencing data. The software, known as Myrna, uses "cloud computing," an Internet-based method of sharing computer resources. Faster, cost-effective analysis of gene expression could be a valuable tool in understanding the genetic causes of disease. ... > full story
Research on team loyalty yields new insight into 'die-hard' fandom (September 9, 2010) -- There's a reason why some sports fans are referred to as "die-hards" -- even after they move away, their loyalty to their hometown team endures, according to new research. ... > full story
Woolly mammoth, woolly rhinoceros and reindeer lived on Iberian Peninsula 150,000 years ago, findings show (September 9, 2010) -- Researchers in Spain have gathered together all findings of the woolly mammoth, the woolly rhinoceros and the reindeer in the Iberian Peninsula to show that, although in small numbers, these big mammals -- prehistoric indicators of cold climates -- already lived in this territory some 150,000 years ago. ... > full story
New class of peptides may protect against septic shock (September 9, 2010) -- A new class of peptides may neutralize the endotoxin that causes sepsis, offering a new therapeutic strategy against an often lethal systemic bacterial infection. ... > full story
Satellite data reveal seasonal pollution changes over India (September 9, 2010) -- Armed with a decade's worth of satellite data, atmospheric scientists have documented some surprising trends in aerosol pollution concentration, distribution and composition over the Indian subcontinent. ... > full story
Micro-RNA determines malignancy of lung cancer (September 9, 2010) -- A small RNA molecule determines whether or not lung cancer cells grow invasively and metastasize, according to researchers in Germany. Moreover, they found out that the following is true also for patients with non-small cell lung cancer: The less micro-RNA is produced by tumor cells, the higher the tumor's tendency to metastasize. ... > full story
Experts question claim that Alexander the Great's half-brother is buried at Vergina (September 9, 2010) -- Claims that a tomb at Vergina, Greece, the ancient burial place of the Macedonian royal family in the fourth century B.C., contains the body of King Philip III Arrhidaios, half-brother of Alexander the Great, and not Philip II, Alexander's father, are called into question by researchers in the UK. ... > full story
Reading food labels, combined with exercise, can lead to weight loss, study finds (September 9, 2010) -- Nutritional science and food marketing has become so sophisticated in recent decades that a trip to the supermarket can require a complete nutritional re-education. The average consumer needs to be on guard against preservatives, added fat, colorings, and calories, false advertising, and sophisticated but misleading labels. Although guidelines for the information of food labels have gotten a bad rap in recent years, a new study suggests that observing them may lead to weight loss, especially for women entering their middle years. ... > full story
Previously known as animal-only pigment, bilirubin now confirmed in Bird of Paradise flower (September 8, 2010) -- Researchers have identified bilirubin in the popular Bird of Paradise plant. The breakthrough study provides new insights into color production in this iconic tropical plant. ... > full story
Insulin may reduce several inflammatory factors induced by bacterial infection (September 8, 2010) -- Treating intensive care patients who develop life-threatening bacterial infections, or septicemia, with insulin potentially could reduce their chances of succumbing to the infection, if results of a new preliminary study can be replicated in a larger study. ... > full story
Structure for three intrinsically disordered proteins determined (September 8, 2010) -- A research team has determined the structure for three proteins in a class known as intrinsically disordered proteins. The findings are important because they show how these proteins fold with the regulator protein phosphatase-1, which must happen for biological instructions to be passed along. ... > full story
Novel sensing mechanism discovered in dendritic cells to increase immune response to HIV (September 8, 2010) -- Dendritic cells are the grand sentinels of the immune system, standing guard 24/7 to detect foreign invaders such as viruses and bacteria, and bring news of the invasion to other immune cells to marshal an attack. These sentinels, however, nearly always fail to respond adequately to HIV, the virus causing AIDS. Now scientists have discovered a sensor in dendritic cells that recognizes HIV, spurring a more potent immune response by the sentinels to the virus. ... > full story
Intelligent Battery project opens new ground in energy storage applications (September 8, 2010) -- Integrated electronics, interoperability between battery and charger, intuitive data interfaces and a clever new design concept are part of a recent 'intelligent battery' project undertaken by researchers in Europe. ... > full story
Does the impact of psychological trauma cross generations? (September 8, 2010) -- In groups with high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as the survivors of the Nazi Death Camps, the adjustment problems of their children, the so-called "Second Generation", have received attention by researchers. Studies suggested that some symptoms or personality traits associated with PTSD may be more common in the Second Generation than the general population. It has been assumed that these trans-generational effects reflected the impact of PTSD upon the parent-child relationship rather than a trait passed biologically from parent to child. ... > full story
New clue to how last ice age ended (September 8, 2010) -- In addition to Antarctica, New Zealand was warming at the end of the last ice age, indicating that the deep freeze up north, called the Younger Dryas for the white flower that grows near glaciers, bypassed much of the southern hemisphere, according to new research. ... > full story
New gene for memory identified in fruit fly; May shed light on human neurological disorders (September 8, 2010) -- Scientists have identified a new gene that is required for memory formation in Drosophila, the common fruit fly. The gene may have similar functions in humans, shedding light on neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease or human learning disabilities. ... > full story
Twins are intriguing research subjects for biometircs researchers (September 8, 2010) -- Researchers are examining how iris discrimination performs in twins to confirm prior claims that biometrics is capable of differentiating between twins. ... > full story
Why chromosomes never tie their shoelaces (September 8, 2010) -- Researchers shed light on a paradox that has puzzled biologists since the discovery of telomeres, the protective tips of chromosomes: while broken chromosome ends generated by DNA damage (such as radiation or cigarette smoke) are quickly joined together, telomeres are never tied to each other, thus allowing for the correct segregation of the genetic material. ... > full story
Forcing mismatched elements together could yield better solar cells (September 8, 2010) -- In what could be a step toward higher efficiency solar cells, researchers have invalidated the most commonly used model to explain the behavior of a unique class of materials called highly mismatched alloys. ... > full story
It's good to gossip -- but be nice! (September 8, 2010) -- Gossipers feel more supported and positive gossip -- praising somebody -- may lead to a short-term boost in gossipers' self-esteem, according to new research. ... > full story
Brain cells -- not lack of willpower -- determine obesity, study finds (September 8, 2010) -- An international team of scientists has discovered the reason why some people who eat a high-fat diet remain slim, yet others pile on the weight. The study found that a high-fat diet causes brain cells to become insulated from the body preventing vital signals, which tell the body to stop eating and to burn energy, from reaching the brain efficiently. ... > full story
Scientists make leap forward in early detection for Alzheimer's and cancer (September 8, 2010) -- Scientists have developed a new strategy for quicker and more precise detection of biomarkers -- proteins which indicate disease. The work could pave the way for new tools to detect early stages of Alzheimer's and cancer at the molecular level. ... > full story
Eastern North Pacific basking shark a 'species of concern' (September 8, 2010) -- NOAA's Fisheries Service has designated the eastern North Pacific basking shark, a "species of concern" because it has suffered a dramatic decline in population despite decreasing fishing pressure. The label "species of concern" may be given to a species when there are concerns regarding the population status. ... > full story
Questioning the safety of certain 'healthful' plant-based antioxidants (September 8, 2010) -- Scientists are calling for more research on the possibility that some supposedly healthful plant-based antioxidants -- including those renowned for their apparent ability to prevent cancer -- may actually aggravate or even cause cancer in some individuals. Their recommendation follows a study in which two such antioxidants -- quercetin and ferulic acid -- appeared to aggravate kidney cancer in severely diabetic laboratory rats. ... > full story
Nano-architectured aluminum has steely strength (September 8, 2010) -- Scientists have figured out a way to make an aluminum alloy, or a mixture of aluminum and other elements, just as strong as steel. ... > full story
Personality predicts cheating more than academic struggles, study shows (September 8, 2010) -- Students who cheat in high school and college are highly likely to fit the profile for subclinical psychopathy -- a personality disorder defined by erratic lifestyle, manipulation, callousness and antisocial tendencies, according to new research. These problematic students cheat because they feel entitled and disregard morality, the study found. ... > full story
Unusual feed supplement could ease gassy cows, reduce their greenhouse gas emissions (September 8, 2010) -- Cow belches, a major source of greenhouse gases, could be decreased by an unusual feed supplement developed by a dairy scientist. ... > full story
A new role for insulin in cell survival, cell metabolism and stress response (September 8, 2010) -- Researchers have discovered a novel way in which insulin affects cell metabolism and cell survival. Surprisingly the insulin signaling pathway, which is involved in aging, diabetes and stress response, is active at a deeper level of cell activity than scientists expected. ... > full story
Scientists create new process to 'program' cancer cell death (September 8, 2010) -- Researchers have engineered a fundamentally new approach to killing cancer cells. The process uses small RNA molecules that can be programmed to attack only specific cancer cells; then, by changing shape, those molecules cause the cancer cells to self-destruct. ... > full story
At least 1 in 10 athletes injured during 2010 Winter Olympics, study finds (September 8, 2010) -- At least one in 10 athletes sustained an injury and a further one in 14 fell ill during the 2010 Winter Olympics, held in Canada, new research reveals. ... > full story
Golf: Evidence of how 'loading the hips' improves golf drives (September 8, 2010) -- It’s all in the hips. New research provides concrete evidence of how loading the hips improves the power and length of a golf drive. ... > full story
Low-income neighborhoods experience far more injuries than high-income areas, study finds (September 8, 2010) -- Penetrating injury rates were more than 20 times higher for persons living in the lowest income neighborhoods compared with those living in the highest income neighborhoods, according to a new study. ... > full story
Big bang was followed by chaos, mathematical analysis shows (September 8, 2010) -- Seven years ago, a physicist conjectured that the expansion of the universe at the time of the big bang was highly chaotic. Now he and a colleague have proven it using rigorous mathematical arguments. Their study reports not only that chaos is absolute but also the mathematical tools that can be used to detect it. Applied to the most accepted model for the universe's evolution, these tools demonstrate the early universe was chaotic. ... > full story
Fetal exposure to radiation and the risk of childhood cancer: What is the likelihood of a risk? (September 8, 2010) -- A new study aims to evaluate the possibility that exposure of a fetus to computed tomography or radionuclide imaging performed during pregnancy might increase subsequent risk of childhood cancer. ... > full story
Ritalin improves brain function, task performance in cocaine abusers, study finds (September 8, 2010) -- A brain-scanning study reveals that an oral dose of methylphenidate, commonly known as Ritalin, improves impaired brain function and enhances cognitive performance in people who are addicted to cocaine. The study suggests that methylphenidate, combined with cognitive interventions, may have a role in facilitating recovery from drug addiction. ... > full story
New robotic head and neck cancer surgery preserves speech, without scarring, study shows (September 8, 2010) -- An incisionless robotic surgical procedure is offering patients a new option to remove certain head and neck cancer tumors without visible scarring, while preserving speech and the ability to eat. Unlike traditional surgical approaches to head and neck cancer, TORS patients can return to their normal lives a few days after surgery without significant pain and disfigurement. ... > full story
Designing your own workspace improves health, happiness and productivity (September 8, 2010) -- Employees who have control over the design and layout of their workspace are not only happier and healthier -- they're also up to 32 percent more productive, according to new research. ... > full story
Excessive drinking may lead to poor brain health via obesity (September 8, 2010) -- Alcohol abuse and dependence are often associated with a high body mass index (BMI). A new study shows that alcohol-related brain injury may result from a complicated fusion of hazardous drinking, chronic cigarette smoking, and even elevated BMI. ... > full story
Termites foretell climate change in Africa's savannas (September 8, 2010) -- Using sophisticated airborne imaging and structural analysis, scientists mapped more than 40,000 termite mounds over 192 square miles in the African savanna. They found that their size and distribution is linked to vegetation and landscape patterns associated with annual rainfall. The results reveal how the savanna terrain has evolved and show how termite mounds can be used to predict ecological shifts from climate change. ... > full story
Regular statin use is associated with a reduced risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (September 8, 2010) -- There is an association between taking statins (lipid lowering drugs), and reduced risk of developing the chronic inflammatory disease, rheumatoid arthritis. ... > full story
A missing link from obesity to infertility: Researchers unravel clues to infertility among obese women (September 8, 2010) -- Obese women have a well-known risk for infertility, but a new study has unraveled what investigators there believe is the mechanism that accounts for the risk. ... > full story
An important genetic cardiovascular risk factor explained (September 8, 2010) -- New findings appear to explain why people who carry specific and common versions of a single gene are more likely to have high cholesterol and to suffer a heart attack. Studies in mice show that the gene, known as sortilin, controls the release of LDL (a.k.a. "bad") cholesterol from the liver into the bloodstream. ... > full story
Fungal threat to archived film (September 8, 2010) -- Microbes could be threatening our cultural heritage by degrading historic cinematographic film and even preventing some valuable footage to be archived at all. New research shows how fungal growth on cinema film can not only lead to deterioration of the film but may also pose a risk to the archivist. ... > full story
Addressing negative thoughts most effective in fighting loneliness (September 8, 2010) -- Changing how a person perceives and thinks about others was the most effective intervention for loneliness, a sweeping analysis of previous research has determined. The findings may help physicians and psychologists develop better treatments for loneliness, a known risk factor for heart disease and other health problems. ... > full story
Copyright 1995-2010 © ScienceDaily LLC. All rights reserved. Terms of use.
|
 To update/change your profile click here  |
Geen opmerkingen:
Een reactie posten