ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines
for Thursday, December 9, 2010
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Black holes and warped space revealed by powerful new array of radio telescopes (December 9, 2010) -- A new image shows how the light from a quasar billions of light years away is bent around a foreground galaxy by the curvature of space. This light has been traveling for 9 billion years before it reached the Earth. The quasar is a galaxy powered by a super-massive black hole, leading to the ejection of jets of matter moving at almost the speed of light. ... > full story
Dynamics of chaperone protein critical in rescuing brains of Alzheimer's mice from neuron damage (December 9, 2010) -- Dynamic regulation of the chaperone protein Hsp27 was required to get rid of abnormally accumulating tau in the brains of mice genetically modified to develop the memory-choking tau tangles associated with Alzheimer's disease, a new study found. ... > full story
Eutrophication makes toxic cyanobacteria more toxic (December 9, 2010) -- Continued eutrophication of the Baltic Sea, combined with an ever thinner ozone layer, is favouing the toxic cyanobacterium Nodularia spumigena, reveals new research. ... > full story
Personalized vaccine for lymphoma patients extends disease-free survival by nearly 2 years (December 9, 2010) -- A personalized vaccine is a powerful therapy to prevent recurrence among certain follicular lymphoma patients, according to the latest results. When these patients -- whose tumors are marked by a specific protein that may be present in up to half of people with this type of cancer -- receive a vaccine made from their own tumor cells, disease-free survival is improved by nearly two years, compared with patients who receive a placebo. ... > full story
Study assesses nuclear power assumptions (December 9, 2010) -- A broad review of current research on nuclear power economics has been published. The report concludes that nuclear power will continue to be a viable power source but that the current fuel cycle is not sustainable. ... > full story
Mindfulness-based therapy helps prevent depression relapse (December 9, 2010) -- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy appears to be similar to maintenance antidepressant medication for preventing relapse or recurrence among patients successfully treated for depression, according to a new study. ... > full story
'Greener' climate prediction shows plants slow warming (December 9, 2010) -- A new NASA computer modeling effort has found that additional growth of plants and trees in a world with doubled atmospheric carbon dioxide levels would create a new negative feedback -- a cooling effect -- in the Earth's climate system that could work to reduce future global warming. ... > full story
How do neural stem cells decide what to be -- and when? (December 9, 2010) -- Researchers have uncovered a novel feedback mechanism that controls the delicate balance of brain stem cells. Zif, a newly discovered protein, controls whether brain stem cells renew themselves as stem cells or differentiate into a dedicated type of neuron (nerve cell). ... > full story
How do DNA components resist damaging UV exposure? (December 9, 2010) -- The genetic material of DNA contains shielding mechanisms to protect itself from the exposure to the UV light emitted by the sun. This is of crucial importance, since without photostability – i.e. without "programmed" defense mechanisms against UV irradiation – there would be a rapid degradation of DNA and RNA. ... > full story
Role of stem cell transplant procedures for blood cancer treatment (December 9, 2010) -- Results from four innovative studies help answer outstanding questions about stem cell transplant procedures in treating various hematologic malignancies. New research reveals that there is no increase in overall cancer risk in people who donate stem cells and that the utilization of a double cord blood stem cell transplant is associated with better overall outcomes when used early in the treatment of acute leukemias. ... > full story
Fledgling ecosystem in former open-pit coal mine in Germany lets scientists observe how soil, flora and fauna develop (December 9, 2010) -- How do ecosystems develop? A unique project could provide answers. In a former open-pit coal mining area in Brandenburg, Germany, a surface of six hectares was partitioned off and then left to its own resources. Scientists are studying the development of soil, flora, and fauna there. With this research they aim to establish the factors that have a particularly strong influence on developing ecosystems. ... > full story
Sex, race, place of residence influence high blood pressure incidence (December 9, 2010) -- High blood pressure incidence may help to explain racial and geographic differences in the number of deaths from heart disease and stroke. In a 20-year study in four cities, high blood pressure in middle age was most common in black women, followed by black men, white men and white women. High blood pressure was more common in Birmingham, than in Chicago, Minneapolis or Oakland. ... > full story
Astronomers open new window into early universe: Epoch of Reionization (December 8, 2010) -- Thirteen billion years ago, our universe was dark. Eventually that mysterious time came to an end as the first stars ignited and their radiation transformed the nearby gas atoms into ions. Astronomers have developed a small-scale radio astronomy experiment designed to detect a never-before-seen signal from the early universe during this period of time, called the Epoch of Reionization, which is intimately linked to many fundamental questions in cosmology. ... > full story
Cranberry juice not effective against urinary tract infections, study suggests (December 8, 2010) -- Drinking cranberry juice has been recommended to decrease the incidence of urinary tract infections, based on observational studies and a few small clinical trials. However, a new study suggests otherwise. ... > full story
Parents' influence on children's eating habits is limited (December 8, 2010) -- Parents are often believed to have a strong influence on children's eating behaviors. However, previous findings on parent-child resemblance in dietary intakes are mixed. ... > full story
Different origins discovered for medulloblastoma tumor subtypes (December 8, 2010) -- Investigators have demonstrated for the first time that the most common malignant childhood brain tumor, medulloblastoma, is actually several different diseases, each arising from distinct cells destined to become different structures. The breakthrough is expected to dramatically alter the diagnosis and treatment of this major childhood cancer. ... > full story
Extending the life of oil reserves: Greener, cheaper more efficient oil extraction made possible (December 8, 2010) -- Scientists have come up with a new way to treat carbon dioxide, so that it can be used in efficient and environmentally friendly methods for extracting oil. These new CO2 soluble additives can also be used to reduce the environmental damage caused by every day industrial processes such as food processing and the manufacture of electronics. ... > full story
Widening our perceptions of reading and writing difficulties (December 8, 2010) -- Learning to read and write are complex processes, which can be disrupted in various ways, leading to disorders known as dyslexia and dysgraphia. Two new studies provide evidence of this variety, suggesting that effective treatment needs to take it into account. ... > full story
'Logic gates' made to program bacteria as computers (December 8, 2010) -- Researchers have engineered E. coli with the key molecular circuitry that will enable genetic engineers to program cells to communicate and perform computations. ... > full story
Autism treatment: Researchers identify possible treatment for impaired sociability (December 8, 2010) -- Researchers have identified a potential novel treatment strategy for the social impairment of people with autism spectrum disorders, an aspect of the condition that has a profound impact on quality of life. ... > full story
Lost civilization under Persian Gulf? (December 8, 2010) -- A once fertile landmass now submerged beneath the Persian Gulf may have been home to some of the earliest human populations outside Africa, according to a new article. ... > full story
Computer model for projecting severity of flu season (December 8, 2010) -- Researchers have developed a statistical model for projecting how many people will get sick from seasonal influenza based on analyses of flu viruses circulating that season. ... > full story
So you think you can solve a cosmology puzzle? Scientists challenge other scientists with a series of galaxy puzzles (December 8, 2010) -- Cosmologists have come up with a new way to solve their problems. They are inviting scientists, including those from totally unrelated fields, to participate in a grand competition. The idea is to spur outside interest in one of cosmology's trickiest problems -- measuring the invisible dark matter and dark energy that permeate our universe. ... > full story
Pain: What Zen meditators don't think about won't hurt them (December 8, 2010) -- Zen meditation has many health benefits, including a reduced sensitivity to pain. According to new research meditators do feel pain but they simply don't dwell on it as much. These findings may have implications for chronic pain sufferers, such as those with arthritis, back pain or cancer. ... > full story
Theoretical breakthrough: Generating matter and antimatter from nothing (December 8, 2010) -- Under just the right conditions -- which involve an ultra-high-intensity laser beam and a two-mile-long particle accelerator -- it could be possible to create something out of nothing, according to researchers. ... > full story
Are depressed people too clean? (December 8, 2010) -- Researchers say there is mounting evidence that disruptions in ancient relationships with microorganisms in soil, food and the gut may contribute to increasing rates of depression. According to a review article, the modern world has become so clean, we are deprived of the bacteria our immune systems came to rely on over long ages to keep inflammation at bay. ... > full story
Soaring is better than flapping for birds big and small (December 8, 2010) -- Small migrating birds save energy as they fly. Large birds, such as storks, save energy on the flight to their wintering grounds by soaring through the air on thermal currents. Until now, however, we knew nothing about the flight patterns of small migrating songbirds, such as whether they flap their wings or soar and whether these styles of flight allow them to save energy. ... > full story
New test shows promise for accurate early diagnosis of Turner syndrome (December 8, 2010) -- A recent study has demonstrated a novel and accurate test for early diagnosis of Turner syndrome. Turner syndrome affects one in 1,500 to 2,000 female live births and early diagnosis allows for the timely management of short stature and co-morbid conditions including cardiac and renal problems. ... > full story
Pure nanotube-type growth edges toward the possible (December 8, 2010) -- New research could ultimately show scientists the way to make batches of nanotubes of a single type. Scientists unveil an elegant formula that defines the energy of a piece of graphene cut at any angle. ... > full story
Good grades in high school lead to better health, study suggests (December 8, 2010) -- The "A" grades that high schoolers earn aren't just good for making the honor roll -- they also make them healthier as adults, too, researcher suggests. ... > full story
Astronomers detect first carbon-rich exoplanet (December 8, 2010) -- Astronomers have discovered that a huge, searing-hot planet orbiting another star is loaded with an unusual amount of carbon. The planet, a gas giant named WASP-12b, is the first carbon-rich world ever observed. The discovery was made using NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, along with previously published ground-based observations. ... > full story
Accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer with ultrasound (December 8, 2010) -- Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men, but its diagnosis has up to now been inaccurate and unpleasant. Researchers have now developed an imaging technology that can accurately identify tumors. The technology is based on ultrasound, and also has the potential to assess how aggressive tumors are. This can lead to better and more appropriate treatment, and to cost savings in health care. ... > full story
Blueberries and other purple fruits to ward off Alzheimer's, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's (December 8, 2010) -- Eating purple fruits such as blueberries and drinking green tea can help ward off diseases including Alzheimer's, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's, a report claims. ... > full story
Low and high vitamin D levels in older women associated with increased likelihood of frailty (December 8, 2010) -- A recent study found that lower and higher vitamin D levels were associated with an increased likelihood of frailty in older women. Women with vitamin D levels between 20.0 and 29.9 ng/ml were at the lowest risk of frailty. ... > full story
Duelling dipoles: In search of a new theory of photosynthetic energy transfer (December 8, 2010) -- Chemists have refuted a basic postulate of Förster theory, which describes energy transfers between pigment molecules, such as those that underlie photosynthesis. A revised version of the theory could have an impact on the design of optical computers and improve the efficiency of solar cells. ... > full story
New observations of exploding stars reveal pauses, flickers and flares not reliably seen before (December 8, 2010) -- Astronomers have traced the waxing and waning light of exploding stars more closely than ever before and seen patterns that aren't yet accounted for in our current understanding of how these eruptions occur. ... > full story
New blood test could detect heart disease in people with no symptoms (December 8, 2010) -- A more sensitive version of a blood test typically used to confirm that someone is having a heart attack could indicate whether a seemingly healthy, middle-aged person has unrecognized heart disease and an increased risk of dying, researchers have found. ... > full story
Stem cell advance a step forward for treatment of brain diseases (December 8, 2010) -- Scientists have created a way to isolate neural stem cells -- cells that give rise to all the cell types of the brain -- from human brain tissue with unprecedented precision, an important step toward developing new treatments for conditions of the nervous system, like Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases and spinal cord injury. ... > full story
Second-hand smoke increases risk of invasive meningococcal disease in children (December 8, 2010) -- Children exposed to second-hand smoke are more likely to get invasive meningococcal disease than children who are not exposed. ... > full story
Chemical coarsening: How the big get bigger (December 8, 2010) -- Scientists are studying a process called coarsening, a branch of surface chemistry that examines how objects of different sizes transform into fewer objects with larger average sizes. They are using scanning tunneling microscope technology to see how coarsening happens on the surface of objects and how it can be enhanced. ... > full story
Feeling chills in response to music (December 8, 2010) -- Most people feel chills and shivers in response to music that thrills them, but some people feel these chills often and others feel them hardly at all. People who are particularly open to new experiences are most likely to have chills in response to music, according to a study. ... > full story
How flowering time of plants can be controlled (December 8, 2010) -- Researchers have discovered a previously unknown gene in sugar beets that blocks flowering. Only with the cold of winter is the gene shut off, allowing the sugar beet to blossom in its second year. The discovery of this new gene function makes it possible to control when sugar beets bloom. ... > full story
Vitamin supplements reduce deaths caused by measles and diarrhea, study finds (December 8, 2010) -- Vitamin A supplements are still an effective way to reduce childhood death and disease. A new study strongly endorses the continuation of vitamin A supplementation programs, which reduce the incidence of measles and diarrhea and ultimately save lives. ... > full story
Tiny laser light show illuminates quantum computing (December 8, 2010) -- A new laser-beam steering system that aims and focuses bursts of light onto single atoms for use in quantum computers has been developed. The new system is somewhat like the laser-light-show projectors used at rock concerts and planetariums. But it's much smaller, faster, atom-scale accurate and aimed at the future of computing, not entertainment. ... > full story
Use of low-dose aspirin associated with improved performance of test for detecting colorectal cancer (December 8, 2010) -- Use of low-dose aspirin prior to a newer type of fecal occult blood test is associated with a higher sensitivity for detecting advanced colorectal tumors, compared to no aspirin use, according to a new study. ... > full story
Nanoparticle gives antimicrobial ability to fight Listeria longer (December 8, 2010) -- Scientists have developed a nanoparticle that can hold and release an antimicrobial agent as needed for extending the shelf life of foods susceptible to Listeria monocytogenes. ... > full story
Providing incentives to cooperate can turn swords into ploughshares (December 8, 2010) -- When two individuals face off in conflict, the classic problem in evolutionary biology known as the prisoner's dilemma says that the individuals are not likely to cooperate even if it is in their best interests to do so. But a new study suggests that with incentives to cooperate, natural selection can minimize conflict, changing the game from one of pure conflict to one of partial cooperation. ... > full story
Social relationships in animals have a genetic basis, new research reveals (December 8, 2010) -- The ability to tolerate aggression is partly genetic, life scientists report in the first study to demonstrate a genetic component to a social network trait in a non-human population. ... > full story
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