Tuesday, October 21, 2008

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Cosmic Lens Reveals Distant Galactic Violence

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 10:00 AM CDT

Nature provides a magnifying glass that scientists cleverly decipher to gain a rare look at the violent processes at work in a young galaxy in the early universe.

Do Cell Phones Increase Brain Cancer Risk?

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 10:00 AM CDT

Major research initiatives are needed immediately to assess the possibility that using cellular phones may lead to an increased risk of brain tumors, according to an editorial the journal Surgical Neurology.

Diatom Genome Helps Explain Success In Trapping Excess Carbon In Oceans

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 10:00 AM CDT

Diatoms have profound influence on climate, producing 20 percent of the oxygen we breathe by capturing atmospheric carbon and countering the greenhouse effect. These photosynthetic wonders have come to acquire advantageous genes from bacterial, animal and plant ancestors enabling them to thrive in today's oceans.

Innovations Improve Accuracy Of MRI As Internal 'Thermometer'; Technique Can Enhance Cancer Therapy

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 10:00 AM CDT

Chemists say they have developed a new way to measure temperature changes inside the body with unprecedented precision by correcting a subtle error in the original theory underlying magnetic resonance imaging.

Producing New U.S. Energy Crops By The Barrel

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 10:00 AM CDT

Scientists have produced oils of camelina, canola, Cuphea, lesquerella, milkweed and pennycress by the barrelful in a commercial-scale pilot plant.

Voters In Battleground States More Ambivalent About Presidential Candidates

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 10:00 AM CDT

Heavy advertising by both Democratic and Republican presidential candidates may actually make voters in battleground states more confused about which candidate to vote for, a new study suggests. A nationwide study found that voters in heavily contested states like Florida and Ohio become more ambivalent when they are exposed to a lot of opposing messages from the two candidates.

Earth In Midst Of Sixth Mass Extinction: 50% Of All Species Disappearing

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 07:00 AM CDT

The Earth is in the midst of the sixth mass extinction of both plants and animals, with nearly 50 percent of all species disappearing, scientists say. Which plants should be a top priority to conserve? Researchers say the most genetically unique species are the ones that have the greatest importance in an ecosystem.

Ripening Bananas Glow An Intense Blue Under Black Light

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 07:00 AM CDT

Under UV light, ripening bananas appear in a bright blue color, which is is connected to the degradation of chlorophyll.

New Study Claims Acne Is Not Associated With Yet-Uncultured Bacteria

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 07:00 AM CDT

In a new study researchers from Aarhus University, Denmark found bacteria in the follicles of acne patients and healthy individuals to be those of previously known species, disputing the theory that acne is caused by some yet-to-be-identified bacteria.

Searching For Rare Ladybugs, With Unusual Spots

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 07:00 AM CDT

Agricultural Research Service scientists and cooperators are seeking the public's help in surveying for once-common ladybug species that are now hard to find.

Designing Wildlife Corridors: Wildlife Need More Complex Travel Plans

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 07:00 AM CDT

A new study says that people trying to help nature by designing corridors for wildlife need to think more naturally. "Human beings tend to think in terms of regular, symmetrical structures, but nature can be much more irregular," said the lead researcher.

'Filament' Of Dark Matter Supports 'Bubbly' Universe Theory

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 04:00 AM CDT

Despite thousands of years of research, astronomers know next to nothing about how the universe is structured. One strong and accepted theory is that large galaxies are clustered together on structures similar to giant soap bubbles, with tinier galaxies sprinkled on the surface of this "soapy" layer. Astronomers have uncovered what they believe are visible traces of a "filament" of dark matter -- an entity on which galaxies meet, cluster and form. A filament can originate at the junction of two "soap bubbles," where the thin membrane is thicker.

Revealing The Evolutionary History Of Threatened Sea Turtles

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 04:00 AM CDT

New genetic research carried out at the American Museum of Natural History clarifies our understanding of the evolutionary relationships among all seven sea turtle species and shows that specialized diets arose independently. The refined phylogeny has important implications for conservation of these threatened, highly migratory animals.

Best Treatment Determined For Childhood Eye Problem, Study Suggests

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 04:00 AM CDT

A nine-site study has helped determine the best of three currently-used treatments for convergence insufficiency in children. Convergence refers to the natural ability of the eyes to focus and align while viewing objects up close.

New Tools That Model 3D Structure Of Amorphous Materials To Transform Technology Driven R&D

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 04:00 AM CDT

Researchers have accurately identified tools that model the atomic and void structures of a network-forming elemental material. These tools may revolutionize the process of creating new solar panels, flat-panel displays, optical storage media and myriad other technological devices.

Hypertension Disparity Linked To Environment

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 04:00 AM CDT

Social environment may play a greater role in the disparity between the numbers of African-Americans living with hypertension compared to non-Hispanic whites with the disease. A new study found that the disparity was substantially reduced when comparing groups of African Americans and non-Hispanic whites living in similar social environments.

Scientists Create 'World's Most Relaxing Room'

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 01:00 AM CDT

Psychologists have designed and constructed a large-scale multi-media space that aims to calm even the most stressed out of minds.

New Hope For A Better Treatment For Childhood Cancer

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 01:00 AM CDT

Children who are diagnosed with cancer could benefit from better diagnosis and treatment in the future, thanks to a new research project.

Toxoplasma Parasite's Family Tree Traced

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 01:00 AM CDT

Scientists are tracing the family tree of Toxoplasma gondii, one of the most widespread parasites of warm-blooded vertebrates. Understanding how T. gondii has evolved and disseminated will help parasitologists and public health officials improve methods for controlling the parasite in humans and animals.

Integrating Antiretroviral Therapy With TB Treatment For Co-infections Reduces Mortality By 55%

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 01:00 AM CDT

A South African treatment study shows that mortality among TB-HIV co-infected patients can be reduced by a remarkable 55 percent, if antiretroviral therapy is provided with TB treatment at the same time.

Herbicide-resistant Grape Could Revitalize Midwest Wine Industry

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 01:00 AM CDT

An herbicide that is effective at killing broadleaf weeds in corn, but also annihilated most of the grapes in Illinois and other Midwestern states, may finally have a worthy contender. Researchers have developed a new grape called Improved Chancellor which is resistant to the popular herbicide 2, 4-D.

New Framework Could Consign Slavery To The Past

Posted: 21 Oct 2008 01:00 AM CDT

A panel of international experts is expected to join forces to create a new framework that would help major organizations around the world make meaningful reparations for the transatlantic slave trade.

Less Ice In Arctic Ocean 6000-7000 Years Ago

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 10:00 PM CDT

Recent mapping of a number of raised beach ridges on the north coast of Greenland suggests that the ice cover in the Arctic Ocean was greatly reduced some 6000-7000 years ago. The Arctic Ocean may have been periodically ice free.

City Trash Plus Farm Leftovers May Yield Clean Energy

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 10:00 PM CDT

Tomorrow's household garbage might be blended with after-harvest leftovers from fields, orchards, and vineyards to make ethanol and other kinds of bioenergy. Scientists are investigating this straightforward, eco-friendly strategy in their laboratories.

Blood Flow Reversal System Used During Carotid Stenting Is Both Safe And Effective, Study Shows

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 10:00 PM CDT

Results of a study on an embolic protection system during carotid stenting that uses a novel blood flow reversal system were reported during the 20th annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics scientific symposium.

Protected 'Swimways' Urged For Endangered Leatherback Sea Turtle

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 10:00 PM CDT

A new resolution urges nations to protect the leatherback sea turtle and sharks from the world's industrial fisheries by identifying and creating marine protected areas along the Pacific leatherback's migratory routes. The routes were based on recent satellite tracking data. 8,000 scientists from 250 nations support the resolution.

Forest Peoples' Rights Key To Reducing Emissions From Deforestation

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 10:00 PM CDT

Unless based on respect for the rights of indigenous peoples and forest communities, efforts by rich countries to combat climate change by funding reductions in deforestation in developing countries will fail, and could even unleash a devastating wave of forest loss, cultural destruction and civil conflict, warned a leading group of forestry and development experts meeting in Oslo this week.

Engineers Build First-ever Multi-input 'Plug-and-play' Synthetic RNA Device

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 07:00 PM CDT

Engineers have created a "plug-and-play" synthetic RNA device -- a sort of eminently customizable biological computer -- that is capable of taking in and responding to more than one biological or environmental signal at a time. Such devices could have a multitude of potential medical applications, including being used as sensors to sniff out tumor cells or determine when to turn modified genes on or off during cancer therapy.

'Junk' DNA May Have Important Role In Gene Regulation

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 07:00 PM CDT

For about 15 years, scientists have known that certain "junk" DNA -- repetitive DNA segments previously thought to have no function -- could evolve into exons, which are the building blocks for protein-coding genes in higher organisms like animals and plants. Now, there is evidence that a significant number of exons created from junk DNA seem to play a role in gene regulation. The findings increase understanding of how humans differ from other animals.

Spinning Natural Proteins Into Fabrics For New Wound-repair Products

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 07:00 PM CDT

Scientists in Israel are reporting the first successful spinning of a key natural protein into strong nano-sized fibers about 1/50,000th the width of a human hair. The advance could lead to a new generation of stronger, longer-lasting biocompatible sutures and bandages to treat wounds.

Enlarged Prostates: Choice Of Treatment Needs Careful Consideration

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 07:00 PM CDT

In the last few years, the treatment options for prostate problems have expanded. The German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care has assessed new treatments and warns that some new surgical techniques are being heavily promoted without first having been adequately evaluated.

Researchers Write Protein Nanoarrays Using A Fountain Pen And Electric Fields

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 07:00 PM CDT

Most tools capable of patterning on the nanoscale were developed for the silicon microelectronics industry and cannot be used for soft and relatively sensitive biomaterials such as DNA and proteins. Now researchers have demonstrated the ability to rapidly write nanoscale protein arrays using a tool they call the nanofountain probe. The probe works much like a fountain pen, only on a much smaller scale, and the "ink" is the protein solution.

Catching Smugglers With Technology To Detect Guilt

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 07:00 PM CDT

Researchers are looking to increase security at border controls by developing a computer system that can detect guilt.

Dinosaur Dance Floor: Numerous Tracks at Jurassic Oasis on Arizona-Utah Border

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 04:00 PM CDT

Geologists identified an amazing concentration of dinosaur footprints and tail-drag marks that they call "a dinosaur dance floor," located in a wilderness on the Arizona-Utah border where there was a sandy desert oasis 190 million years ago.

LEDs May Help Reduce Skin Wrinkles

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 04:00 PM CDT

Researchers in Germany are describing a potential alternative to Botox and cosmetic surgery for easing facial wrinkles. Their study reports that high intensity visible light from light emitting diodes (LEDs) applied daily for several weeks resulted in "rejuvenated skin, reduced wrinkle levels, juvenile complexion and lasting resilience." LEDs are the miniature lights used in an array of products, from TV remote controls to traffic lights.

Potential Treatment To Prevent Diabetes And Obesity Using Interleukin-6

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 04:00 PM CDT

A molecule called interleukin-6 has opened new doors for the creation of new drugs against obesity and diabetes.

Ship Strike Reduction Rule Aims To Protect North Atlantic Right Whales

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 04:00 PM CDT

NOAA officials have issued a regulation that will implement new measures to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales. The regulation will, for the first time, require large ships to reduce speeds to ten knots in areas where the whales feed and reproduce, as well as along migratory routes in between. The goal of the regulation is to reduce the risk of ship collisions with the whales.

Kidney Donation Web Sites Raise Ethical Concerns

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 04:00 PM CDT

Some patients do not have access living donors who are both willing and medically eligible to give them a kidney. As a result, some are now turning to websites that attempt to match people in need of transplantation with those who want to donate a kidney, so-called "Good Samaritan" donors.

New Method May Rapidly And Effectively Detect Significant Food-Borne Pathogen

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 01:00 PM CDT

Researchers from Sweden and Finland have developed a rapid and specific method that may detect the bacterium Yersinia enterocolitica, a common cause of gastric illness, in food.

Real Pilots And 'Virtual Flyers' Go Head-to-head

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 01:00 PM CDT

Stunt pilots have raced against computer-generated opponents for the first time -- in a contest that combines the real and the "virtual" at 250 miles per hour.

Varying Combinations Of Antiviral Drugs May Effectively Treat Chronic Hepatitis Virus Infection In Woodchucks

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 01:00 PM CDT

Oral administration of various combined and independent antiviral drug therapies may effectively treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in woodchucks, a well-characterized mammalian model for research with human implications, and provide an alternative strategy for managing drug resistance.

New Natural Products Act Against Antibiotic-resistant Bacteria

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 01:00 PM CDT

A group of antibiotic natural products points to a new mode of action against pathogenic bacteria. Isolated from myxobacteria, the substances prevent an enzyme of the pathogens from being able to translate their genetic material.

See What I See: Machines With Mental Muscle

Posted: 20 Oct 2008 01:00 PM CDT

The way we use and interact with machines is undergoing a profound change as computers are programmed to learn from experience and see more how we see. European research into machine learning is pushing back the boundaries of computer capabilities.

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