Space Season

Friday, April 8, 2011

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Friday, April 8, 2011

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Friday, April 8, 2011

Welcome to another edition of ScienceDaily's email newsletter. You can change your subscription options or unsubscribe at any time.

Cause of short gamma-ray bursts determined (April 8, 2011) -- A new supercomputer simulation shows the collision of two neutron stars can naturally produce the magnetic structures thought to power the high-speed particle jets associated with short gamma-ray bursts. The study provides the most detailed glimpse of the forces driving some of the universe's most energetic explosions. ... > full story

Clear link found between height and longevity in historical records (April 8, 2011) -- The way we live directly affects the length of our bodies -- and our lives, according to a new book. By exploring the links between nutrition and economic development in Europe and North America since the early-1700s, the researchers linked the changing size, shape and capability of the human body to economic and demographic change. ... > full story

Record ozone loss over the North Pole (April 8, 2011) -- In the past few weeks, exceptional weather conditions have led to unprecedented ozone depletion over the Arctic. Ground and satellite observations by researchers as well as French models show that ozone loss reached around 40 percent at the end of March. The phenomenon was caused by an extremely cold and persistent stratospheric winter, resulting in significant ozone destruction, which, unusually, continued into spring. ... > full story

Novel methods used to identify how cigarette smoke affects smokers (April 8, 2011) -- Smoke from cigarettes can affect nearly every organ in the body by promoting cell damage and causing inflammation, but no one has understood which smoker is or is not susceptible to disease development. Researchers demonstrate how cigarette smoke produces different "metabolites" or active biological compounds, in individual smokers, compared to non-smokers in a new study. ... > full story

Element germanium under pressure matches predictions of modern condensed matter theory (April 8, 2011) -- Although its name may make many people think of flowers, the element germanium is part of a frequently studied group of elements, called IVa, which could have applications for next-generation computer architecture as well as implications for fundamental condensed matter physics. New research reveals details of the element's transitions under pressure. Their results show extraordinary agreement with the predictions of modern condensed matter theory. ... > full story

Convenience leads to corpulence: Parents and schools unintentionally contribute to childhood obesity (April 8, 2011) -- Two of the biggest influences on children -- parents and schools -- may unintentionally contribute to childhood obesity. That's the observation a researcher who studies the problem. ... > full story

Cave fish insomniacs: Fishes that sleep less point to genetic basis for slumber, biologists find (April 8, 2011) -- Cave life is known to favor the evolution of a variety of traits, including blindness and loss of eyes, loss of pigmentation, and changes in metabolism and feeding behavior. Now researchers have added sleeplessness to that list. Cave fish sleep significantly less than their surface counterparts, a finding by biologists that reveals the genes involved in sleep patterns and disorders. Their study may shed light on how genetic makeup contributes to sleep variation and disruption in humans. ... > full story

Naproxen reduces tumors in a mouse model of colon cancer, researchers report (April 8, 2011) -- Numerous studies show that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the risk of colon cancer. However, animal studies testing the NSAID naproxen or its derivative, NO-naproxen, have focused primarily on chemically-induced tumor formation. Now, researchers find that naproxen and NO-naproxen reduce tumor formation in a strain of mutant mice that spontaneously develop colon tumors. The data also suggest that naproxen blocks a gatekeeper step that initiates tumor formation. ... > full story

Research into batteries will give electric cars the same range as gas cars, experts say (April 8, 2011) -- Li-air batteries are a promising opportunity for electric cars. The Achilles' heel of the electric car is the limited energy density of the batteries, which will only provide short drives. ... > full story

In vitro fertilizatio: Procedure used in preconception diagnosis can lead to problems with pregnancies, study finds (April 8, 2011) -- A new study demonstrates that a procedure used in preconception diagnosis to identify eggs that are free of genetic disease might not work well in all cases. The research highlights the issues associated with analyzing the amount of mutant mitochondrial DNA in supporting cells as a proxy for eggs prior to in vitro fertilization. ... > full story

iPad helps archaeologists (April 8, 2011) -- A new approach to conducting archaeological research is revolutionizing methods of recording history, a field that is steeped in tradition. ... > full story

What the world needs now? More wisdom (April 8, 2011) -- Researchers have compiled data to assess how wisdom shapes life. The result? Wisdom has an impact on how people cope in situations and whether they are more or less satisfied with life. ... > full story

Mathematical model simulating rat whiskers provides insight into sense of touch (April 7, 2011) -- Researchers have developed a mathematical model that will allow them to simulate how rats use their whiskers to sense objects around them. The model enables further research that may provide insight into the human sense of touch. ... > full story

Editing-molecule mutation causes fatal primordial dwarfism (April 7, 2011) -- Fetuses with defects in a molecular machine that edits information cells use to make proteins can develop a rare form of dwarfism called microcephalic osteodysplastic primoridal dwarfism type 1. The findings could lead to a test for people who carry a copy of the mutation, to a better understanding of RNA splicing and to whether mutations of this type that arise during an individual's lifetime contribute to cancer or other diseases. ... > full story

If plants generate magnetic fields, they're not saying (April 7, 2011) -- Physicists are using some of the world's most sensitive magnetic field detectors to determine whether plants, like animals, produce magnetic fields. Sensitive magnetometers now can monitor brain or heart activity in humans, but scientists want to know whether plants also generate small fields during rapid processes. Their failure to detect biomagnetism in the world's largest flower during its hot flashes sets an upper limit for plants. ... > full story

Blood pressure's internally driven daily rhythm unlikely to be linked to morning heart attacks (April 7, 2011) -- The internally-driven daily cycle of blood pressure changes doesn't appear to be linked to the known increase in morning heart attacks, according to a new study. Researchers sought to identify the role of the internal human body clock in the daily rise and fall in blood pressure. In the study, three groups of volunteers showed an internal daily blood pressure variation with a peak at around 9 p.m. -- independent of changes in activity and other behavioral influences that can affect blood pressure. ... > full story

New technology developed to screen and analyze genetic mutations (April 7, 2011) -- Scientists have developed a novel technique to produce all potential individual mutations and using deep sequencing technology simultaneously analyze each change's impact on the cell. ... > full story

Treatment for depression is a long-term solution, study suggests (April 7, 2011) -- Treatment of depression may have long-term benefits. New research has shown that depressed adults who use antidepressants are three times less likely to be depressed eight years later, compared to depressed adults who don't use antidepressants. ... > full story

Political views are reflected in brain structure (April 7, 2011) -- We all know that people at opposite ends of the political spectrum often really can't see eye to eye. Now, a new report reveals that those differences in political orientation are tied to differences in the very structures of our brains. ... > full story

Molecules identified that help propel cancer metastasis (April 7, 2011) -- For many types of cancer, the original tumor itself is usually not deadly. Instead, it's the spread of a tiny subpopulation of cells from the primary tumor to other parts of the body -- the process known as metastasis -- that all too often kills the patient. Now, researchers have identified two molecules that enable cancer to spread inside the body. These findings could eventually lead to therapies that prevent metastasis by inactivating the molecules. ... > full story

Climate change poses major risks for unprepared cities (April 7, 2011) -- Cities worldwide are failing to take necessary steps to protect residents from the likely impacts of climate change, even though billions of urban dwellers are vulnerable to heat waves, sea level rise and other changes associated with warming temperatures. ... > full story

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Indian public water supply (April 7, 2011) -- Disease-causing bacteria carrying the new genetic resistance to antibiotics, NDM-1, have been discovered in New Delhi's drinking water supply. ... > full story

Simple arithmetic for faster, more secure websites (April 7, 2011) -- Faster, more secure logins for multimedia sites might be possible thanks to a new approach to website and database security. Boolean logins would allow thousands if not millions of users to more quickly access the content to which they are entitled, such as music, video and images. The same approach might also reduce the risk of hackers accessing the materials illicitly. ... > full story

Male victims of 'intimate terrorism' can experience damaging psychological effects (April 7, 2011) -- Men who are abused by their female partners can suffer significant psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and suicidal thoughts, according to two new articles. ... > full story

Black hole may have ripped star apart causing unprecedented explosion (April 7, 2011) -- Astronomers are studying one of the most puzzling cosmic blasts yet observed. More than a week later, high-energy radiation continues to brighten and fade from its location. Astronomers say that the unusual blast likely arose when a star wandered too close to its galaxy's central black hole. Intense tidal forces tore the star apart, and the infalling gas continues to stream toward the hole. ... > full story

Antidepressants aid physical recovery in stroke, study suggests (April 7, 2011) -- Patients treated with a short course of antidepressants after a stroke have significantly greater improvement in physical recovery than patients treated with a placebo, according to a new study. Moreover, the study is the first to demonstrate that this physical recovery continues to improve for at least nine months after the antidepressant medication is stopped. ... > full story

Fukushima-related radioactive materials measured across entire Northern Hemisphere (April 7, 2011) -- Since the double disaster of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that affected hundreds of thousands of people and seriously damaged the Fukushima Daichi power plant in Japan on 11 March 2011, minute traces of radioactive emissions from Fukushima have spread across the entire Northern Hemisphere. A monitoring network designed to detect signs of nuclear explosions picked up these traces from the stricken power plant. To date, more than 30 radionuclide stations that are part of the International Monitoring System have provided information on the spread of radioactive particles and noble gases from the Fukushima accident. ... > full story

New approach to IVF embryo donations lets people weigh decision (April 7, 2011) -- People who use in vitro fertilization to conceive children often have leftover embryos and must decide whether to store them, dispose of them or possibly donate them for research. A new process allows these people to make this decision in the privacy of their own homes -- without any interaction with clinic personnel or scientists who might benefit from the research. ... > full story

Deep-space travel could create heart health woes for astronauts (April 7, 2011) -- Astronauts anticipate more trips to the moon and manned missions to Mars. But exposure to cosmic radiation outside the Earth's magnetic field could be detrimental to their arteries. ... > full story

Warning labels better than a fat tax, study shows (April 7, 2011) -- Warning labels on junk food would be more effective than a "fat" tax for deterring overweight people from making unhealthy purchases, a new study has found. ... > full story

Technique for letting brain talk to computers now tunes in speech (April 7, 2011) -- Researchers have used a technique, usually associated with identifying epilepsy, for the first time to show that a computer can listen to our thoughts. The scientists demonstrated that humans can control a cursor on a computer screen using words spoken out loud and in their head. ... > full story

Brain development switch could affect schizophrenia, other conditions (April 7, 2011) -- Scientists have discovered a key "switch" in the brain that allows neurons to stop dividing so that these cells can migrate toward their final destinations in the brain. ... > full story

Surveillance system to cut risk of space debris hitting satellites (April 7, 2011) -- The growing quantity of space debris is a serious threat to satellites and other spacecraft, which risk being damaged or even destroyed. A new European space surveillance system is being developed to ward off the danger of collisions in orbit. ... > full story

New fusion gene plays role in some stomach cancers (April 7, 2011) -- A newly discovered hybrid gene appears to play a direct role in some stomach cancers. The hybrid gene is a fusion of two separate genes, and is one of the first described in gastric cancer, which is the most lethal malignancy worldwide after lung cancer. ... > full story

Common nanoparticles found to be highly toxic to Arctic ecosystem (April 7, 2011) -- Researchers have discovered that nanoparticles, which are now present in everything from socks to salad dressing and suntan lotion, may have irreparably damaging effects on soil systems and the environment. ... > full story

Gene linked to severity of autism's social dysfunction identified (April 7, 2011) -- With the help of two sets of brothers with autism, scientists have identified a gene associated with autism that appears to be linked very specifically to the severity of social interaction deficits. ... > full story

Self-made eye: Formation of optic cup from embryonic stem cells (April 7, 2011) -- New research shows how mouse stem cells spontaneously form into optic cups, the precursors of eyes. The research sheds light on the embryonic development of complex tissues. ... > full story

Epileptic seizures linked to significant risk of subsequent brain tumor (April 7, 2011) -- Epileptic seizures can precede the development of a subsequent brain tumor by many years, suggests new research. ... > full story

DNA stretching: New technique to detect illnesses (April 7, 2011) -- Scientists are making DNA sequences being passed through nanochannels a thousand times thinner than a human hair to the point that they take on the form of diminutive spaghetti. DNA stretching basically consists of the analysis of a single molecule of DNA, after stretching it, measuring its length and analyzing its sequence. ... > full story

Genetic change that helps tumors move to other parts of the body identified (April 7, 2011) -- Cancer biologists have identified a genetic change that makes lung tumors more likely to spread to other parts of the body. The findings offer new insight into how lung cancers metastasize and could help identify drug targets to combat metastatic tumors, which account for 90 percent of cancer deaths. ... > full story

Personal 'geo data' as sensitive as private genetic information, experts argue (April 7, 2011) -- Precise geographical data that pinpoints your whereabouts at any given time should be legally defined as sensitive data on a par with one's genetic information, according to legal experts in Denmark. The EU is investigating what kind of data should be covered by legislation and the team argues that so-called "geo data" must be included in this assessment. ... > full story

Some people's climate beliefs shift with weather (April 7, 2011) -- In three separate studies, researchers surveyed about 1,200 people in the United States and Australia, and found that those who thought the current day was warmer than usual were more likely to believe in and feel concern about global warming than those who thought the day was unusually cold. ... > full story

Chimpanzees' contagious yawning evidence of empathy, not just sleepiness, study shows (April 7, 2011) -- Contagious yawning is not just a marker of sleepiness or boredom. For chimpanzees, it may actually be a sign of a social connection between individuals. ... > full story

Progression of smell loss offers clues to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (April 7, 2011) -- Loss of smell is a characteristic early symptom among people with Alzheimer's disease, but the relationship between olfactory dysfunction and the progression of the disease is still relatively unknown. New findings propose a pathological mechanism in the olfactory bulb, a small area of the brain above and behind the nose that transmits smell information to other areas of the brain for processing, could play a key role. ... > full story

Biodiversity improves water quality in streams through a division of labor (April 7, 2011) -- Biologically diverse streams are better at cleaning up pollutants than less rich waterways, and an ecologist says he has uncovered the long-sought mechanism that explains why this is so. ... > full story

Novel association between Parkinson's disease and prostate cancer (April 7, 2011) -- Researchers have found compelling evidence that Parkinson's disease is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer and melanoma, and that this increased cancer risk also extends to close and distant relatives of individuals with Parkinson's disease. ... > full story

New device promises safer way to deliver powerful drugs (April 7, 2011) -- A new drug delivery device promises to unlock the potential of photosensitive chemicals to kill drug-resistant infections and perhaps cancer tumors as well. ... > full story

Having trouble sharing or understanding emotions? Affection could help (April 7, 2011) -- Affectionate communication, such as hugging, could help those who have high levels of alexithymia lead more fulfilling lives. ... > full story

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ScienceDaily Technology Headlines -- for Friday, April 8, 2011

ScienceDaily Technology Headlines

for Friday, April 8, 2011

Welcome to another edition of ScienceDaily's email newsletter. You can change your subscription options or unsubscribe at any time.

Two dying stars to be reborn as one (April 7, 2011) -- White dwarfs are dead stars that pack a Sun's-worth of matter into an Earth-sized ball. Astronomers have just discovered an amazing pair of white dwarfs whirling around each other once every 39 minutes. This is the shortest-period pair of white dwarfs now known. Moreover, in a few million years they will collide and merge to create a single star. ... > full story

Micro aircraft improves avionic systems and sensors (April 7, 2011) -- Myriad sensors and systems provide modern aircraft with data for flight control. But a bird's eye perspective is also of great benefit when measuring pollutants, searching for missing persons and even in archaeological research. Postgraduate students have now developed an unmanned aerial vehicle that can be deployed for many such tasks. It has just successfully completed its maiden flight. ... > full story

Tungsten may not be the best shot for making 'green' bullets (April 7, 2011) -- With efforts underway to ban lead-based ammunition as a potential health and environmental hazard, scientists are reporting new evidence that a prime alternative material for bullets -- tungsten -- may not be a good substitute. The report found that tungsten accumulates in major structures of the immune system in animals. ... > full story

Off the hook: Who gets phished and why (April 7, 2011) -- Communication researchers have found that if you receive a lot of email, habitually respond to a good portion of it, maintain a lot of online relationships and conduct a large number of transactions online, you are more susceptible to email phishing expeditions than those who limit their online activity. ... > full story

Taming carbon nanotubes (April 7, 2011) -- Carbon nanotubes have many attractive properties, and their structure and areas of application can be compared with those of graphene, the material for whose discovery the most recent Nobel Prize was awarded. In order to be able to exploit these properties, however, it is necessary to have full control of the manufacturing process. Scientists are now closing in on the answer. ... > full story

Shopping online, privacy, data protection and third-party tracking (April 7, 2011) -- In the wake of yet another e-commerce data breach in which the names and email addresses of millions of online shoppers and credit card users have been accessed illegally, researchers in the US suggest that privacy discussions, and ultimately legislation must urgently focus on the expanding roles of third-parties handling pervasive online customer profiles. ... > full story

Nano fitness: Helping enzymes stay active and keep in shape (April 6, 2011) -- Scientists have developed a new technique for boosting the stability of enzymes, making them useful under a much broader range of conditions. They confined lysozyme and other enzymes inside carefully engineered nanoscale holes, or nanopores. Instead of denaturing, these embedded enzymes mostly retained their 3-D structure and exhibited a significant increase in activity. ... > full story

Third dimension of specific cell cultivation (April 6, 2011) -- Researchers have succeeded in cultivating cells in specific locations on 3-D structures. The fascinating thing is that the cells are offered small "holds" in the micrometer range on the scaffold, to which they can adhere. Adhesion is possible only on these holds, not on the remaining structure. For the first time, cell adhesion and, hence, cell shape are influenced precisely in three dimensions. ... > full story

Improving high-speed optical data transfer by employing ideas from TV antennas (April 6, 2011) -- Standard TV antennas receive signals carried by electromagnetic waves with frequencies in the MHz range and convert them into pulses of electric currents in the connected cables. The antenna connects two very different length scales: the carrier wavelength, ranging from centimeters to meters, and the size of the wiring, typically on the millimeter scale. Now, physicists have successfully applied this radiofrequency antenna concept to the optical wavelength range. ... > full story

NASA's Spitzer discovers time-delayed jets around young star (April 6, 2011) -- Astronomers have discovered that two symmetrical jets shooting away from opposite sides of a blossoming star are experiencing a time delay: knots of gas and dust from one jet blast off four-and-a-half years later than identical knots from the other jet. The finding, which required the infrared vision of NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope, is helping astronomers understand how jets are produced around forming stars, including those resembling our sun when it was young. ... > full story

The 'molecular octopus': A little brother of 'Schroedinger’s cat' (April 6, 2011) -- For the first time, the quantum behavior of molecules consisting of more than 400 atoms was demonstrated by scientists. The research also sheds new light on an important aspect of the famous thought experiment known as "Schroedinger's cat". ... > full story

Renewal of a life and physical sciences research program at NASA could facilitate longer, farther human space missions (April 6, 2011) -- By elevating its life and physical sciences research program, NASA could achieve the biological understanding and technical breakthroughs needed to allow humans to be sent deeper into space, according to a new report. ... > full story

Frozen comet's watery past: Discovery challenges paradigm of comets as 'dirty snowballs' frozen in time (April 6, 2011) -- Scientists have found convincing evidence for the presence of liquid water in a comet, shattering the current paradigm that comets never get warm enough to melt the ice that makes up the bulk of their material. ... > full story

Nanopolymer shows promise for helping reduce cancer side effects (April 6, 2011) -- A biochemist has demonstrated a process using nanotechnology to better assess whether cancer drugs hit their targets, which may help reduce drug side effects. ... > full story

Electron microscopy: New type of genetic tag illuminates life in never-before-seen detail (April 6, 2011) -- By modifying a protein from a plant that is much favored by science, researchers have created a new type of genetic tag visible under an electron microscope, illuminating life in never-before-seen detail. ... > full story

Scientists develop new technology for stroke rehabilitation (April 6, 2011) -- Devices which could be used to rehabilitate the arms and hands of people who have experienced a stroke have been developed by researchers in the UK. ... > full story

Toward a solution to nerve agent exposure: Chemist uses supercomputers to test reagents for new treatments (April 5, 2011) -- A chemist is harnessing the power of supercomputing systems to help develop a new drug that will regenerate a critical enzyme in the human body that "ages" after a person is exposed to deadly organophosphorus nerve agents. ... > full story

Cost-effective manure management, thanks to computer-simulated farms (April 5, 2011) -- Scientists have used computer-simulated farms with the support of field research to compare the environmental impact and economic efficacy of using alternative manure application methods in farming systems. ... > full story

Economics, physics are roadblocks for mass-scale algae biodiesel production, study finds (April 5, 2011) -- Companies looking to engineer an eco-friendly diesel fuel have more red lights in their path. According to researchers, making petroleum diesel completely green would not only bend the laws of physics, it would cost too much green. ... > full story

Invisibility cloaks and more: Force of acoustical waves tapped for metamaterials (April 5, 2011) -- A very simple bench-top technique that uses the force of acoustical waves to create a variety of 3-D structures will benefit the rapidly expanding field of metamaterials and their myriad applications -- including "invisibility cloaks." ... > full story

History of nuclear power needs to be addressed, expert says (April 5, 2011) -- The long-standing conflicts over nuclear power and the risks of radiation exposure are nothing new -- in fact, the debate over the damaged Fukushima Dai-Ichi plant in Japan are similar to arguments happening between scientists, governmental agencies and the public since 1945, according to an expert on the history of science. ... > full story

Scientists find new type of mineral in historic meteorite (April 5, 2011) -- Researchers have found a new mineral named "Wassonite" in one of the most historically significant meteorites recovered in Antarctica in December 1969. ... > full story

Nanoparticles improve solar collection efficiency (April 5, 2011) -- Using minute graphite particles 1,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair, mechanical engineers hope to boost the efficiency -- and profitability -- of solar power plants. ... > full story

Device enables computer to identify whether user is male or female (April 5, 2011) -- Researchers in Spain have developed a system that analyses a video signal in real time and calculates the gender of the faces pictured in the images. This way, a computer can determine whether the faces pictured in the images or videos belong to a man or a woman. ... > full story

Air France wreckage located nearly 2.5 miles below surface of Atlantic Ocean (April 5, 2011) -- A search team has located the wreckage of Air France Flight 447 some 3,900 meters, or nearly 2.5 miles, below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean off Brazil's northeastern coast. ... > full story

Vibrant colors in vertical silicon nanowires: Surprising phenomenon may lead to greater sensitivity in image sensor devices (April 5, 2011) -- Engineers may soon be singing, "I'm going to wash that gray right out of my nanowires," thanks to a colorful discovery by a team of researchers. In contrast to the somber gray hue of silicon wafers, the scientists demonstrated that individual, vertical silicon nanowires can shine in all colors of the spectrum. ... > full story

Self-cooling observed in graphene elctronics (April 5, 2011) -- With the first observation of thermoelectric effects at graphene contacts, researchers have found that graphene transistors have a nanoscale cooling effect that reduces their temperature. Using an AMF tip to measure temperature, they found that thermoelectric cooling effects can be stronger at graphene contacts than resistive heating, so graphene transistors are self-cooling. ... > full story

Oxygen sensor invention could benefit fisheries to breweries (April 5, 2011) -- Monitoring oxygen levels in water has applications for oil spills, fish farming, brewing beer and more -- and a researcher is poised to help supply that need. The concept of oxygen sensors isn't new. The challenge, however, has been manufacturing one that can withstand fluctuations in temperature, salinity, carbon dioxide, phosphates and biological wastes. Physicist Ruby Ghosh was able to overcome those obstacles as well as build one that provides real-time data and is relatively inexpensive. ... > full story

Mars in Spain: Subterranean springs in central pre-Pyrenees of Catalonia pose new questions for planetary geomorphology (April 5, 2011) -- A new study on the origin and evolution of peculiar morphologies created by ancient subterranean springs in the central pre-Pyrenees of Catalonia (Spain) pose new questions for planetary geomorphology research. Similar to small volcanoes, these formations until now had only been described in Australia and closely resemble gigantic forms found on Mars. The study may shed new light on the origin of these formations and the search for water on the Red Planet. ... > full story

Chemists produce first high-resolution RNA 'nano square' (April 4, 2011) -- Chemists have produced the first high resolution structure of a nano-scale square made from ribonucleic acid, or RNA. ... > full story

'In-depth' radar: Seeing what lies beneath the surface (April 4, 2011) -- Where do the water pipes and electric cables lie? Could valuable cultural artefacts be hidden here? And how high is the salt concentration on the road today? A georadar can reveal what lies below the surface, providing information that can be extremely useful to industry. A Norwegian researcher wants to evaluate how georadar could be utilized. ... > full story

The Art of Making Stars (April 4, 2011) -- It might look like an abstract painting, but this splash of colors is in fact a busy star-forming complex called Rho Ophiuchi. NASA's Wide-field Infrared Explorer, or WISE, captured the picturesque image of the region, which is one of the closest star-forming complexes to Earth. ... > full story

Formaldehyde: Poison could have set the stage for the origins of life (April 4, 2011) -- Formaldehyde, a poison and a common molecule throughout the universe, is likely the source of the solar system's organic carbon solids -- abundant in both comets and asteroids. Scientists have long speculated about the how organic, or carbon-containing, material became a part of the solar system's fabric. New research shows that these complex organic solids were likely made from formaldehyde in the primitive solar system. ... > full story

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Thursday, April 7, 2011

ScienceDaily Health Headlines -- for Thursday, April 7, 2011

ScienceDaily Health Headlines

for Thursday, April 7, 2011

Welcome to another edition of ScienceDaily's email newsletter. You can change your subscription options or unsubscribe at any time.

Breast cancer patients' persistent fatigue is real, may actually speed up aging (April 7, 2011) -- The persistent fatigue that plagues one out of every three breast cancer survivors may be caused by one part of the autonomic nervous system running in overdrive, while the other part fails to slow it down. That imbalance of a natural system in the body appears linked to the tiredness and exhaustion that can burden cancer patients as much as a decade after their successful treatment. ... > full story

New discovery explains weight problems in Huntingon’s disease (April 7, 2011) -- Huntington’s disease has long been linked to jerky movements. Now, researchers have shown that the metabolism can also be seriously affected by the hereditary disease. The new laboratory findings provide hope of entirely new treatment methods. ... > full story

Body mass index in adolescence associated with early occurrence of diabetes and heart disease (April 7, 2011) -- A study of 37,000 teenagers found that diabetes risk is mainly associated with increased body mass index close to the time of diagnosis at early adulthood, while coronary heart disease risk is associated with elevated BMI both at adolescence and adulthood. ... > full story

Memory problems may be sign of stroke risk (April 7, 2011) -- People who have memory problems or other declines in their mental abilities may be at higher risk for stroke, according to a new study. ... > full story

Common dietary fat and intestinal microbes linked to heart disease (April 6, 2011) -- A new pathway has been discovered that links a common dietary lipid and intestinal microflora with an increased risk of heart disease. The study shows that people who eat a diet containing a common nutrient found in animal products (such as eggs, liver and other meats, cheese and other dairy products, fish, shellfish) are not predisposed to cardiovascular disease solely on their genetic make-up, but rather, how the micro-organisms that live in our digestive tracts metabolize a specific lipid -- phosphatidyl choline (also called lecithin). Lecithin and its metabolite, choline, are also found in many commercial baked goods, dietary supplements, and even children's vitamins. ... > full story

New prostate cancer test gives more accurate diagnosis (April 6, 2011) -- A new PSA test to screen for prostate cancer more accurately identified men with prostate cancer -- particularly the aggressive form of the disease -- and substantially reduced false positives compared to the two currently available commercial PSA tests, according to new research. The currently available screening tests result in a high number of false positives and lead to unnecessary biopsies and possible over-detection and over-treatment of indolent cancer that never would have caused suffering or death. ... > full story

Strawberries may slow precancerous growth in the esophagus, study suggests (April 6, 2011) -- Eating strawberries may be a way to help people at risk of esophageal cancer protect themselves from the disease, according to a new study. ... > full story

Instructors can reduce cheating by being clear, researcher says (April 6, 2011) -- A new study says that the reasons students give for cheating are rational, and that stricter punishments won't solve the problem. Instead, teachers should communicate clear standards and provide consistent enforcement to reduce instances of cheating. ... > full story

Human taste cells regenerate in a dish (April 6, 2011) -- Following years of futile attempts, new research demonstrates that living human taste cells can be maintained in culture for at least seven months. The findings provide scientists with a valuable tool to learn about the human sense of taste and how it functions in health and disease. This advance ultimately will assist efforts to prevent and treat taste loss or impairment due to infection, radiation, chemotherapy and chemical exposures. ... > full story

Hotspots of genetic rearrangement: Findings in mice could aid understanding of how mammals genetically adapt (April 6, 2011) -- Researchers have zoomed in on mouse chromosomes to map hotspots of genetic recombination -- sites where DNA breaks and reforms to shuffle genes. The findings have the potential to improve the detection of genes linked to disease and to help understand the root causes of genetic abnormalities. ... > full story

Healthy welders may be at increased risk for early brain damage (April 6, 2011) -- New research suggests that workers exposed to welding fumes may be at risk for developing brain damage in an area of the brain also affected in Parkinson's disease. ... > full story

Are infants creating historical footprints with their eyes? (April 6, 2011) -- Learning how babies communicate can teach us a lot about the development of human social interactions. Psychologists studying infants' interactions have now found that babies are not simply living in the moment. Instead, infants seem to have particular interests that create historical footprints reflected in the infants' visual engagement over time. ... > full story

Coffee drinking in your genes? Genetic variants in two genes linked with caffeine intake (April 6, 2011) -- Two genes in which variation affects intake of caffeine, the most widely consumed stimulant in the world, have been discovered. Researchers examined genetic variation across the entire genome of more than 47,000 individuals. ... > full story

New drug is effective against the most common form of skin cancer, expert says (April 6, 2011) -- A new drug is effective in preventing new basal cell carcinomas in patients with an inherited predisposition to the disease. These patients with basal cell nevus syndrome develop large numbers of basal cells, which can become locally invasive or metastatic, according to an expert. ... > full story

Obesity increases the risk of fetal and infant death, and the risk of complications after hysterectomy (April 6, 2011) -- Women who are obese during early pregnancy have a significantly increased risk of their baby dying before, during or up to one year after birth, according to new research. A second article shows that obesity increases the risk of complications, such as bleeding and infections, during and after a hysterectomy operation. ... > full story

Older age memory loss tied to stress hormone receptor in brain (April 6, 2011) -- Scientists have shed new light on how older people may lose their memory with a development that could aid research into treatments for age-related memory disorders. Many believe that stress is bad for our brains especially as we get older. Now researchers have shown how two receptors in older brains react to a stress hormone called cortisol, which has been linked to increasing forgetfulness as we age. ... > full story

On-off switch for key 'factor' in heart disease and cancer discovered (April 6, 2011) -- Scientists have identified a cellular "on-off" switch that may have implications for treating cardiovascular disease and cancer. ... > full story

Progesterone reduces rate of early preterm birth in at-risk women, study suggests (April 6, 2011) -- A new study has found that progesterone, a naturally occurring hormone, reduced the rate of preterm birth before the 33rd week of pregnancy by 45 percent among one category of at-risk women. The women in the study had a short cervix, which is known to increase the risk for preterm birth. The cervix is the part of the uterus that opens and shortens during labor. ... > full story

Better a sprint than a marathon: Brief intense exercise better than endurance training for preventing cardiovascular disease (April 6, 2011) -- Exercise is important for preventing cardiovascular disease, especially in children and adolescents, but is all exercise equally beneficial? New research reveals that high intensity exercise is more beneficial than traditional endurance training. ... > full story

Device drops blood pressure in patients with difficult-to-treat hypertension (April 6, 2011) -- A device designed to treat people with resistant hypertension helped lower blood pressure by 33 points, a substantial drop that would otherwise require patients to take an additional three or four drugs, on top of this subgroup's usual regimen of up to five drugs, to control their difficult-to-treat condition. ... > full story

One step closer to a diagnostic test for schizophrenia (April 6, 2011) -- Scientists in Finland have revealed metabolic abnormalities that are associated with schizophrenia. This may be an important step towards development of a clinical test of the disease. ... > full story

Off-label marketing of medicines in the US is rife but difficult to control, study finds (April 6, 2011) -- Despite U.S. Federal Drug Administration regulation of the approval and use of pharmaceutical products, "off-label" marketing of drugs (for purposes other than those for which the drug was approved) has occurred in all aspects of the US health care system. In a new study, researchers report that the most common alleged off-label marketing practices also appear to be the most difficult to control through external regulatory approaches. ... > full story

Link between chronic depression and accelerated immune cell aging (April 6, 2011) -- Certain cases of major depression are associated with premature aging of immune cells, which may make people more susceptible to other serious illness, according to findings from a new study. ... > full story

Diabetes treatment may also provide protection against endometrial cancer (April 6, 2011) -- New research has found that metformin, a drug treatment used to treat diabetes and also in women with polycystic vary syndrome (PCOS), may potentially provide protection against endometrial cancer. ... > full story

Stronger alcohol 'buzz' predicts future binge drinking problems (April 6, 2011) -- For some people, alcohol is a social lubricant. For others, it's an unpleasant downer. New research shows that a person's response to alcohol can predict their future drinking behavior, including their frequency of binge drinking and the risk of developing an alcohol-use disorder. ... > full story

Leptin restores fertility, may improve bone health in lean women; Treatment could help athletes, women with eating disorders (April 6, 2011) -- Women with extremely low body fat, including runners and dancers, as well as women with eating disorders, are prone to develop hypothalamic amenorrhea, a condition in which their menstrual periods cease, triggering such serious problems as infertility and osteoporosis. ... > full story

Can diabetes or lipid-lowering medications treat addiction? (April 6, 2011) -- Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are commonly prescribed to treat Type 2 diabetes, while fibrates are prescribed to modulate lipid levels in patients to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. These drugs work by binding to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Another effect of TZDs and fibrates is to raise leptin levels, an effect that may reduce appetite. ... > full story

Mexican migrants to the US risk 'clinically significant' mental-health problems, study finds (April 6, 2011) -- Mexicans who migrate to the United States are far more likely to experience significant depression and anxiety than individuals who do not immigrate, a new study has found. ... > full story

Opioids now most prescribed class of medications in America (April 6, 2011) -- Two reports by addiction researchers show a drastic shift in prescribing patterns impacting the magnitude of opioid substance abuse in America. The reports recommend a comprehensive effort to reduce public health risks while improving patient care, including better training for prescribers, pain management treatment assessment, personal responsibility and public education. ... > full story

Genetic clues to major cause of kidney disease worldwide (April 6, 2011) -- For the first time, researchers have found five regions in the human genome that increase susceptibility to immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, a major cause of kidney failure worldwide -- systematically identifying those that point to a tendency for IgA nephropathy, or a protection against it. ... > full story

Hookah use widespread among college students; Study reveals mistaken perception of safety in potential gateway drug (April 6, 2011) -- Despite a growing number of cities instituting smoking bans across the country, hookah bars are cropping up everywhere -- from chic downtown cafes to locations near college campuses, where they've found a loyal customer base in young adults. A new study sheds light on the increasingly popular pastime, and the results are discouraging. ... > full story

Repulsion more important than cohesion in embryonic tissue separation (April 6, 2011) -- Until now, adherence was thought to be the principle force responsible for the separation of the ectoderm from the mesoderm in embryonic cells. But by using high resolution imaging, researchers have now discovered that, although embryonic cells of different types will temporarily adhere when they touch, they then invariably pull apart rather violently, suggesting that direct contact between two "foreign" cells triggers a "repulsive signal." ... > full story

Giving teachers bonuses for student achievement undermines student learning, study finds (April 6, 2011) -- Recent efforts to improve teacher performance by linking pay to student achievement have failed because such programs often rely on metrics that were never intended to help determine teacher pay. These systems make it easy for policymakers to obtain consistent measures of student and teacher performance, but the same testing regimes also make it easy for educators to game incentive systems by coaching students for exams rather than teaching them to master subject matter. ... > full story

Refusal skills help minority youths combat smoking, study finds (April 6, 2011) -- The ability to refuse smoking is related to non-smoking in minority youths, a new study shows. Effective strategies to combat youth smoking include teaching refusal skills and training for responding to family members' and friends' smoking. ... > full story

Chimp, bonobo study sheds light on the social brain (April 5, 2011) -- Why our two closest living primate relatives, chimpanzees and bonobos, have widely different social traits, despite belonging to the same genus, has long been a puzzle. Now, a comparative analysis of their brains shows neuroanatomical differences that may be responsible for these behaviors, from the aggression more typical of chimpanzees to the social tolerance of bonobos. ... > full story

Modern targeted drug plus old malaria pill serve a one-two punch in advanced cancer patients (April 5, 2011) -- Researchers may have found a way to turn an adaptive cellular response into a liability for cancer cells, by treating a group of patients with several different types of advanced cancers with temsirolimus, a molecularly targeted cancer drug that blocks nutrient uptake, plus hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug that inhibits autophagy. This regimen halted tumor growth in two-thirds of the patients. ... > full story

Protein found to be the link missing between HPV infection and cervical cancer development (April 5, 2011) -- Most women are infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer -- yet few develop the cancer. Now researchers believe they have found the missing link explaining why: activation of the beta-catenin oncogene. ... > full story

Vitamin A derivative can inhibit early forms of breast cancer, researchers show (April 5, 2011) -- A nutrient found in carrots and sweet potatoes may prove key to fighting breast cancer at early stages, according to a new study. ... > full story

Getting to the root of fatty liver disease (April 5, 2011) -- Researchers have identified a molecular switch that appears to be a common feature in the development of fatty liver disease. The discovery made in mice is consistent with data from human patients, suggesting that it may provide an underlying explanation for the development of fatty liver in people with obesity and metabolic syndrome. ... > full story

How materialistic advertising messages negatively shape the female body image, study finds (April 5, 2011) -- A new study is the first to examine the impact of materialistic messages and values -- the desire for financial success and an affluent lifestyle on women's feelings about their own body. ... > full story

Genomic signature in post-menopausal women may explain why pregnancy reduces breast cancer risk (April 5, 2011) -- Women who have children, particularly early in life, have a lower lifetime risk of breast cancer compared with women who do not. Now, researchers have identified a gene expression pattern in breast tissue that differs between post-menopausal women who had children and post-menopausal women who did not. The results will help scientists understand why pregnancy reduces breast cancer risk. ... > full story

Cellular feast or famine: How cells decide whether they have enough fat (April 5, 2011) -- Not all cholesterol is bad. Every cell requires it for growth -- they either have to get cholesterol somewhere or they die. In a new study, researchers found that a protein sensor known to balance cholesterol sources can also access a previously under-appreciated cellular fat storage depot. ... > full story

Students around the world report being addicted to media, study finds (April 5, 2011) -- College students around the world report that they are 'addicted' to media, describing in vivid terms their cravings, their anxieties and their depression when they have to abstain from using cell phones, social networking sites, mp3 player. ... > full story

New method delivers Alzheimer’s drug to the brain (April 5, 2011) -- Scientists have developed a new method for delivering complex drugs directly to the brain, a necessary step for treating diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Motor Neuron Disease and Muscular Dystrophy. ... > full story

Pedestrians injured by the windshield frame in car crashes (April 5, 2011) -- Pedestrian disability and fatality as a consequence of car crashes is a large global health problem. New research from Sweden now shows that upper-body collision with the car's lower windscreen is a common cause of severe injuries and deaths in adults, especially in those accidents where the head is struck. Children injured by cars are mostly hit by the hood. ... > full story

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