ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Friday, April 15, 2011

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Friday, April 15, 2011

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Search for dark matter moves one step closer to detecting elusive particle (April 15, 2011) -- Dark matter, the mysterious substance that may account for nearly 25 percent of the universe, has so far evaded direct observation. But researchers participating in the international XENON collaboration say they are now closer than ever before. ... > full story

Enzyme crucial to DNA replication may provide potent anti-cancer drug target (April 15, 2011) -- An enzyme essential for DNA replication and repair in humans works in a way that might be exploited as anti-cancer therapy, say researchers. ... > full story

Sensor determines if packaged meat has spoiled (April 15, 2011) -- When it comes to packaged fish or meat, it is nearly impossible to distinguish between fresh goods and their inedible counterparts. Researchers have now developed a sensor film that can be integrated into the package itself, where it takes over the role of quality control. And if the food has spoiled, it changes color to announce the fact. ... > full story

Pig stem cell transplants: The key to future research into retina treatment (April 15, 2011) -- Scientists studying the role of stem cells in repairing damaged retina tissue have found that pigs represent an effective proxy species to research treatments for humans. The study demonstrates how stem cells can be isolated and transplanted between pigs, overcoming a key barrier to the research. ... > full story

NASA's next generation space telescope marks key milestone (April 15, 2011) -- The first six of 18 segments that will form NASA's James Webb Space Telescope's primary mirror for space observations will begin final round-the-clock cryogenic testing this week. These tests will confirm the mirrors will respond as expected to the extreme temperatures of space prior to integration into the telescope's permanent housing structure. ... > full story

Human factors/ergonomics research leads to improved bunk bed safety standards (April 15, 2011) -- Ryan was just four years old when he went to sleep on his bunk bed one night and never woke up. His mother found him strangled to death the next morning with his neck caught between the vertical post of his side ladder and mattress. ... > full story

Lights and flat-panel displays: Researchers 'brighten' the future of organic light-emitting diode technology (April 15, 2011) -- A one-atom thick sheet of the element chlorine is set to revolutionize the next generation of flat-panel displays and lighting technology. Scientists have found a simple method of using chlorine to drastically reduce traditional organic light-emitting diode (OLED) device complexity and dramatically improve its efficiency all at the same time. ... > full story

Study links inflammation in brain to some memory decline (April 15, 2011) -- High levels of a protein associated with chronic, low-grade inflammation in the brain correlate with aspects of memory decline in otherwise cognitively normal older adults, according to a new study. ... > full story

Changes in 'good' fatty acid concentration of inner organs might be largely independent of diet (April 15, 2011) -- We are all encouraged to eat polyunsaturated fatty acids, as these are "good for us". The (relative) levels of particular classes of polyunsaturated fatty acids have been associated with a plethora of human illnesses. New research suggests that changes in fatty acid concentration of inner organs might be largely independent from diet composition. ... > full story

Aggressive glycemic control in diabetic CABG patients does not improve survival, study suggests (April 15, 2011) -- Surgeons have found that in diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery, aggressive glycemic control does not result in any significant improvement of clinical outcomes as compared with moderate control. The findings also found the incidence of hypoglycemic events increased with aggressive glycemic control. ... > full story

NASA announces new homes for shuttle orbiters after retirement (April 15, 2011) -- After 30 years of spaceflight, more than 130 missions, and numerous science and technology firsts, NASA's space shuttle fleet will retire and be on display at institutions across the country to inspire the next generation of explorers and engineers. ... > full story

People who overuse credit believe products have unrealistic properties (April 15, 2011) -- Researchers say people who overuse credit have very different beliefs about products than people who spend within their means. Following a new study, researchers said that many people buy products thinking that the items will make them happier and transform their lives. ... > full story

DNA nanoforms: Miniature architectural forms -- some no larger than viruses -- constructed through DNA origami (April 14, 2011) -- Miniature architectural forms -- some no larger than viruses -- have been constructed through a revolutionary technique known as DNA origami. Now, scientists have expanded the capability of this method to construct arbitrary, two and three-dimensional shapes, mimicking those commonly found in nature. ... > full story

Treating high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes may lower risk of Alzheimer's disease (April 14, 2011) -- Treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and other vascular risk factors may help lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease in people who already show signs of declining thinking skills or memory problems. ... > full story

Recent census in war-torn DR Congo finds gorillas have survived, even increased (April 14, 2011) -- A census team has announced some encouraging news from a region plagued by warfare and insecurity: a small population of Grauer's gorillas has not only survived, but also increased since the last census. ... > full story

New clues about how to prevent aortic aneurysm in patients with Marfan syndrome (April 14, 2011) -- Scientists whose laboratory studies first suggested that an FDA-approved drug, losartan, might prevent the potentially deadly enlargement of the aorta caused by Marfan syndrome now have an even clearer picture of the cellular signals that contribute to the disease. While a clinical trial testing losartan's ability to slow progression of aneurysm in people with Marfan syndrome continues, ongoing research is generating data that will help guide treatment decisions and inform efforts to develop alternate therapies. ... > full story

Europe's wildlife under threat from nitrogen, study warns (April 14, 2011) -- A new international study warns that nitrogen pollution, resulting from industry and agriculture, is putting wildlife in Europe’s at risk. More than 60 per cent of the EU’s most important wildlife sites receive aerial nitrogen pollution inputs above sustainable levels. ... > full story

Wikipedia deemed a reliable source for political information, according to study (April 14, 2011) -- Not so long ago Wikipedia was considered a playground for Capitol Hill staffers to game the system and make "the boss look better and the opponent look ridiculous." Now a new study of articles related to candidates for governor across the US found very few inaccuracies. ... > full story

Weak evidence for word-order universals: Language not as 'innate' as thought? (April 14, 2011) -- About 6,000 languages are spoken today worldwide. How this wealth of expression developed, however, largely remains a mystery. A group of researchers in the Netherlands has now found that word-orders in languages from different language families evolve differently. This contradicts the common understanding that word-order develops in accordance with a set of universal rules, applicable to all languages. Researchers have concluded that languages do not primarily follow innate rules of language processing in the brain. Rather, sentence structure is determined by the historical context in which a language develops. ... > full story

Predicting Alzheimer's: Thinning of key cortical areas predicts dementia up to a decade in advance (April 14, 2011) -- Subtle differences in brain anatomy among older individuals with normal cognitive skills may be able to predict both the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in the following decade and how quickly symptoms of dementia would develop. ... > full story

First 3-D topographic map of early Maya city 'Head of Stone' delineates ancient buildings (April 14, 2011) -- Archaeologists have made the first three-dimensional topographic map of the early Maya city "Head of Stone" in Guatemala's Central Lakes region, adding new perspective to the site and its ancient buildings and architectural patterns. Called Holtun in Maya, the never-before-excavated city includes a triadic pyramid, astronomical observatory, ritual ball court, plazas and residential mounds for elites and commoners, say archaeologists. ... > full story

Lung perfusion system allows high-risk lungs to be safely transplanted, study suggests (April 14, 2011) -- For the first time, scientists have shown in a clinical trial that the Toronto XVIVO System can safely and effectively treat, re-assess and improve the function of high-risk donor lungs so that they can be successfully transplanted into patients. The use of this technique could significantly expand the donor organ pool and improve outcomes after transplantation. ... > full story

Climate change from black carbon depends on altitude (April 14, 2011) -- Scientists have known for decades that black carbon aerosols add to global warming. These airborne particles made of sooty carbon are believed to be among the largest human-made contributors to global warming because they absorb solar radiation and heat the atmosphere. New research quantifies how black carbon's impact on climate depends on its altitude in the atmosphere. ... > full story

Too much information? Risk-benefit data does not always lead to informed decision-making (April 14, 2011) -- Giving patients data about the risks and benefits of a medical intervention is not always helpful and may even lead them to irrational decisions, according to a new article. That finding calls into question whether it is essential to disclose quantitative data to patients to help them make informed decisions. An accompanying commentary calls for experimental evidence to determine the best way to provide information to patients. ... > full story

Solar power without solar cells: A hidden magnetic effect of light could make it possible (April 14, 2011) -- A dramatic and surprising magnetic effect of light discovered by researchers could lead to solar power without traditional semiconductor-based solar cells. The researchers found a way to make an "optical battery." In the process, they overturned a century-old tenet of physics. ... > full story

Possible cause of salt-induced hypertension identified (April 14, 2011) -- New research shows that salt intake raises blood pressure because it makes it harder for the cardiovascular system to simultaneously juggle the regulation of blood pressure and body temperature. ... > full story

Polluted air leads to disease by promoting widespread inflammation (April 14, 2011) -- Chronic inhalation of polluted air appears to activate a protein that triggers the release of white blood cells, setting off events that lead to widespread inflammation, according to new research in an animal model. This finding narrows the gap in researchers' understanding of how prolonged exposure to pollution can increase the risk for cardiovascular problems and other diseases. ... > full story

Challenges in stemming the spread of resistant bacteria in intensive care (April 14, 2011) -- Expanded use of active surveillance for bacteria and of barrier precautions -- specifically, gloves and gowns -- did not reduce the transmission of two important antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospital-based settings, according to a clinical trial conducted in 18 intensive care units in the United States. Incomplete compliance by health care providers with recommended hand hygiene procedures and the use of gloves and gowns, along with time lags in confirming the presence of bacteria in patients, may have contributed to the findings. ... > full story

Algae could replace 17 percent of US oil imports, study finds (April 14, 2011) -- A new study shows that 17 percent of the United States' imported oil for transportation could be replaced by biofuel made from algae. Researchers also determined that the water needed to grow that algae could be substantially reduced by cultivating it in the nation's sunniest and most humid regions. ... > full story

Most substance–dependent individuals report poor oral health (April 14, 2011) -- Researchers have found that the majority of individuals with substance dependence problems report having poor oral health. They also found that opioid users, in particular, showed a decline in oral health over the period of one year. ... > full story

Crystal 'eyes' let simple mollusks called chitons see predators (April 14, 2011) -- Using eyes made of a calcium carbonate crystal, a simple mollusk may have evolved enough vision to spot potential predators, scientists say. ... > full story

Anti-aging hormone Klotho inhibits renal fibrosis, cancer growth (April 14, 2011) -- A natural hormone known to inhibit aging can also protect kidneys against renal fibrosis researchers have demonstrated. ... > full story

Chance discovery may revolutionize hydrogen production (April 14, 2011) -- Producing hydrogen in a sustainable way is a challenge and production cost has so far proven to be too high. Now researchers have discovered that a molybdenum based catalyst is produced at room temperature, inexpensive and efficient. ... > full story

Drug potency: What happens in space? (April 14, 2011) -- Some of the pharmaceuticals intended for the treatment of minor illnesses of astronauts in space may require special packaging and reformulation to remain stable for long periods in the space environment. That's according to a new study that suggests that some of the pharmaceuticals stored on space flights may have shorter shelf-life than they do on Earth. ... > full story

Filtering out pesticides with genetically modified bacteria (April 14, 2011) -- Genetically modified bacteria could be used in air filters to extract pesticide vapors from polluted air, new research shows. ... > full story

Are your values right or left? The answer is more literal than you think (April 14, 2011) -- Up equals good, happy, optimistic; down the opposite. Right is honest and trustworthy. Left, not so much. That's what language and culture tell us. "We use mental metaphors to structure our thinking about abstract things," says a psychologist, "One of those metaphors is space." ... > full story

Brain nerve stimulation could speed up learning, study suggests (April 14, 2011) -- In a breakthrough that may aid treatment of learning impairments, strokes, tinnitus and chronic pain, researchers have found that brain nerve stimulation accelerates learning in laboratory tests. Another major finding of the study involves the positive changes detected after stimulation and learning were complete. Researchers monitoring brain activity in rats found that brain responses eventually returned to their pre-stimulation state, but the animals could still perform the learned task. ... > full story

New drug may reduce seizures in epilepsy (April 14, 2011) -- A new drug called perampanel appears to significantly reduce seizures in people with hard-to-control epilepsy, according to results of the first clinical trial to test the higher 12 mg dose of the drug. ... > full story

Injectable gel could spell relief for arthritis sufferers (April 14, 2011) -- Some 25 million people in the United States alone suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or its cousin osteoarthritis, diseases characterized by often debilitating pain in the joints. Now researchers report an injectable gel that could spell the future for treating these diseases and others. ... > full story

Needle-free test for premature babies (April 14, 2011) -- Scientists have pioneered a new needle-free test to take the sting out of medicine testing in premature babies. The research will not only lead to greater accuracy in prescribing, but will also significantly reduce the trauma of such tests for newborn infants and their families. ... > full story

Keeping beer fresh longer (April 14, 2011) -- Researchers are reporting discovery of a scientific basis for extending the shelf life of beer so that it stays fresh and tastes good longer. For the first time, they identified the main substances that cause the bitter, harsh aftertaste of aged beer and suggest that preventing the formation of these substances could help extend its freshness. ... > full story

Your flaws are my pain: Experience of vicarious embarrassment is linked to empathy (April 14, 2011) -- Today, there is increasing exposure of individuals to a public audience. Television shows and the Internet provide platforms for this and, at times, allow observing others' flaws and norm transgressions. Regardless of whether the person observed realizes their flaw or not, observers in the audience experience vicarious embarrassment. For the first time, such vicarious embarrassment experiences as well as their neural basis have been investigated. ... > full story

Physicists create clouds of impenetrable gases that bounce off each other (April 14, 2011) -- When one cloud of gas meets another, they normally pass right through each other. But now, physicists have created clouds of ultracold gases that bounce off each other like bowling balls, even though they are a million times thinner than air -- the first time that such impenetrable gases have been observed. While this experiment involved clouds of lithium atoms, cooled to near absolute zero, the findings could also help explain the behavior of similar systems such as neutron stars, high-temperature superconductors, and quark-gluon plasma, the hot soup of elementary particles that formed immediately after the Big Bang. ... > full story

Experimental Alzheimer's disease drugs might help patients with nerve injuries (April 14, 2011) -- Drugs already in development to treat Alzheimer's disease may eventually be tapped for a different purpose altogether: re-growing the ends of injured nerves to relieve pain and paralysis. According to a new study, experimental compounds originally designed to combat a protein that builds up in Alzheimer's-addled brains appear to make crushed or cut nerve endings grow back significantly faster, a potential boon for those who suffer from neuropathies or traumatic injuries. ... > full story

Normal breast cells help kill cancer cells, researchers find (April 14, 2011) -- Researchers have shown that normal breast cells help defend against cancer by producing the protein interleukin 25 to actively and specifically kill breast cancer cells. This important new finding points the way to a new therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment. ... > full story

New evidence that chronic ulcerative stomatitis is an autoimmune disease (April 14, 2011) -- In a study investigating the cause of a little-understood condition called chronic ulcerative stomatitis (CUS), researchers have provided evidence that an autoimmune response contributes to the painful oral disease, supporting the classification of CUS as an autoimmune disease. ... > full story

Espresso makers: Coffee in capsules contains more furan than the rest (April 14, 2011) -- Coffee made in espresso makers, above all that made from capsules, contains more furan -- a toxic, carcinogenic compound -- than that made in traditional drip coffee makers, although the levels are still within safe health limits. ... > full story

Gangs don't protect against crime, study suggests (April 14, 2011) -- Gang members are twice as likely to be crime victims than non-gang members and are more frequently subject to simple assault, aggravated assault and drive by shootings, according to a recently study. ... > full story

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