Saturday, February 28, 2009

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Oral Microbiome: Spit Reveals A Lot About What Lives In Your Mouth

Posted: 28 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST

Your mouth is home to a thriving community of microbial life. More than 600 different species of bacteria reside in this "microbiome," yet everyone hosts a unique set of bugs, and this has important implications for health and disease. Scientists have now performed the first global survey of salivary microbes, finding that the oral microbiome of your neighbor is just as different from yours as someone across the globe.

'Wireless' Activation Of Brain Circuits

Posted: 28 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST

Traditionally, stimulating nerves or brain tissue involves cumbersome wiring and a sharp metal electrode. But a team of researchers is going "wireless." And it's a unique collaboration between chemists and neuroscientists that led to the discovery of a remarkable new way to use light to activate brain circuits with nanoparticles.

How Inflammatory Disease Causes Fatigue

Posted: 28 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST

New animal research may indicate how certain diseases make people feel so tired and listless. Although the brain is usually isolated from the immune system, the study suggests that certain behavioral changes suffered by those with chronic inflammatory diseases are caused by the infiltration of immune cells into the brain. The findings suggest possible new treatment avenues to improve patients' quality of life.

Case Report Of A Brain And Spinal Tumor Following Human Fetal Stem Cell Therapy

Posted: 28 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST

A case report, published in a medical journal, describes a rare side effect of human fetal stem cell therapy.

Assisted Colonization Key To Species' Survival In Changing Climate

Posted: 28 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST

Species are adapting slowly to climate change and "assisted colonization" can play a vital role in helping wildlife to survive in a warming world.

New IPod Listening Study Shows Surprising Behavior Of Teens

Posted: 28 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST

A new study involving iPods and teenagers indicates teenagers who receive pressure from their peers or others to turn down the volume of their iPods instead turn them up higher.

HIV Is Evolving To Evade Human Immune Responses

Posted: 28 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST

HIV is evolving rapidly to escape the human immune system, scientists have shown. The findings demonstrate the challenge involved in developing a vaccine for HIV that keeps pace with the changing nature of the virus. The study better describes HIV's ability to adapt by spelling out at least 14 different "escape mutations" that help keep the virus alive after it interacts genetically with immunity molecules that normally attack HIV.

Immune System 'Atlas' Will Speed Detection Of Kidney Transplant

Posted: 28 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST

Scientists have devised a new way to decode the immune signals that cause slow, chronic rejection of all transplanted kidneys.

Engineering Students Build And Design A Fuel-Stingy Vehicle

Posted: 28 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST

With its light body made of Kevlar, sleek aerodynamic design and three Olympic-racing wheelchair tires, it looks like something that escaped from the Batcave.

Type Of Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication May Be Associated With Increased Risk For Shingles

Posted: 28 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST

Use of certain medications known as monoclonal anti-tumor necrosis factor ± antibodies for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis appears to be associated with an increased risk for herpes zoster, the painful infection characterized by blisters, according to a new study.

Engineers Tune A Nanoscale Grating Structure To Trap And Release A Variety Of Light Waves

Posted: 28 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST

Researchers have developed a graded grating structure that can be scaled to dimensions compatible with light waves in both the terahertz and telecommunications portion of the spectrum. The achievement opens the door to the control of light waves on a chip. It has applications in spectroscopy, sensing and medical imaging, and it could hasten the arrival of all-optical telecommunication networks.

Old Toenails Show Level Of Environmental Exposure To Arsenic

Posted: 28 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST

Scientists have devised a method for identifying levels of exposure to environmental arsenic – by testing toenail clippings. Arsenic occurs naturally in the environment and people can be exposed to it in several ways, for example through contaminated water, food, dust or soil.

Desert Ants Smell Their Way Home

Posted: 28 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST

Humans lost in the desert are well known for going around in circles, prompting scientists to ask how desert creatures find their way around without landmarks for guidance. New research shows that desert ants input both local smells and visual cues into their navigation systems to guide them home.

Slowing Aging: Anti-aging Pathway Enhances Cell Stress Response

Posted: 28 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST

Scientists have discovered a new molecular relationship critical to keeping cells healthy across a long span of time: a protein called SIRT1, important for caloric restriction and lifespan and activated by resveratrol, regulates heat shock factor 1 (HSF1), keeping it active. HSF1 in turn senses the presence of damaged proteins in the cell and elevates the expression of molecular chaperons to keep a cell's proteins in a folded, functional state. "We have identified a pathway that can be manipulated to alter lifespan," said one of the researchers.

How One And The Same Nerve Cell Reacts To Two Visual Areas In Flies

Posted: 28 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST

In comparison to many other living creatures, flies tend to be small and their brains, despite their complexity, are quite manageable. Scientists have now ascertained that these insects can make up for their low number of nerve cells by means of sophisticated network interactions. The neurobiologists examined nerve cells that receive motion information in their input region from only a narrow area of the fly's field of vision. Yet, thanks to their linking with neighboring cells, the cells respond in their output regions to movements from a much wider field of vision. This results in a robust processing of information.

Some MRSA Infections In ICU Patients Have Been Decreasing In Recent Years

Posted: 28 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST

In contrast to the perception that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections associated with use of a catheter is an increasing problem in intensive care unit patients, the incidence of this type of infection decreased by nearly 50 percent from 1997 - 2007, according to a new study.

Using Software To Measure Variances In 'Honeycrisp' Apple Peels

Posted: 28 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST

Apples, long been associated with good health, contain anthocyanins, important antioxidants that give the peels their red coloring. One variety of apple called "honeycrisp" has peel pigment that takes on one of two patterns -- "striped" or "blushed." A single honeycrisp tree can produce both striped and blushed apples, a phenomenon unique to this variety. In terms of marketability, consumers in some regions prefer striped apples, while others prefer blushed, but overall redder is better.

More Compulsory Schooling -- Fewer Teenage Mothers

Posted: 28 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST

More compulsory schooling results in fewer teenage pregnancies, according to new research. More school means less time for so-called risk activities, such as getting pregnant. And -- the more schooling they have, the smarter the choices girls make.

Babies Learn Music While Sleeping

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 08:00 PM PST

Early screening and treatment for infants with hearing problems, and the ability to computer-generate musical scores, are two very different possible outcomes of some "off-the-wall" research.

Alzheimer's-associated Plaques May Have Impact Throughout The Brain

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 08:00 PM PST

The impact of the amyloid plaques that appear in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease may extend beyond the deposits' effects on neurons -- the cells that transmit electrochemical signals throughout the nervous system. Researchers now report that amyloid plaques may globally increase the activity of astrocytes, nervous system cells traditionally considered to provide a supporting role in brain function.

Tigers Get A Stimulus Plan

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 08:00 PM PST

A new effort for tiger conservation across its range has been started. There are no exact numbers for wild tiger populations, both historical and current. But two hundred years ago the total number of wild tigers was likely to have been between 100,000 to 500,000 compared to today's total of around about 5,000 tigers, including 2,300 breeding adults. Tigers are listed by IUCN as endangered.

Medicines From The Sea

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 08:00 PM PST

For the first time, Norwegian scientists have managed to produce completely new antibiotics from bacteria found in the sea.

Solar Energy Performance With Plastic Solar Cells Improved With New Method

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 08:00 PM PST

Scientists have engineered an approach that is leading to improved performance of plastic solar cells (hybrid organic solar cells).

Healthy Food Availability Could Depend On Where You Live, As Does The Quality Of Your Diet

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 08:00 PM PST

The availability of healthy food choices and your quality of diet is associated with where you live. Researchers examined healthy food availability and diet quality among Baltimore City and Baltimore County, Md., residents and found that availability of healthy foods was associated with quality of diet and 46 percent of lower-income neighborhoods had a low availability of healthy foods.

Nano-origami Used To Build Tiny Electronic Devices

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 05:00 PM PST

Researchers are developing the basic principles of nano-origami, a new technique that allows engineers to fold nanoscale materials into simple 3-D structures. The tiny folded materials could be used as motors and capacitors, potentially leading to better computer memory storage, faster microprocessors and new nanophotonic devices.

Compounds Protect Against Cerebral Palsy

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 05:00 PM PST

Two compounds developed by Northwestern University chemists have been shown to be effective in pre-clinical trials in protecting against cerebral palsy, a condition caused by neurodegeneration that affects body movement and muscle coordination. There was a remarkable difference between animals treated with a small dose of one of the compounds and those that were not. The findings suggest a preventive strategy for cerebral palsy may be feasible for humans in the future.

Critically Endangered Cheetahs In Algeria Snapped With Camera Trap

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 05:00 PM PST

A survey of the Sahara has captured the first camera-trap photographs of the critically endangered Saharan cheetah in Algeria. Overall, the survey identified four different Saharan cheetahs --- a subspecies of cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus hecki) --- using spot patterns unique to each individual.

Supplement Of Probiotics Provides A New Therapy For Ulcerative Colitis

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 05:00 PM PST

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a non-specific chronic inflammation of intestinal tract and the primary therapies are limited by the side-effects, poor compliance of patient and the high rates of relapse. The supplements of probiotics provide a new therapy for UC. A research group in China compared the effects of four strains of probiotics (E.feacalis, L.acidophilus, C.butyricum and B.adolescentis) in order to find one or two obvious effective strains.

Traces Of Blood Are Eliminated Completely By New Products Containing Active Oxygen

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 05:00 PM PST

Scientists have shown that traces of blood in various materials are eliminated completely when they are washed with detergents containing active oxygen. The conclusion of the study points out that these new products alter blood to such an extent that this cannot be detected by reagents used in forensics.

Ethanol Plants No Panacea For Local Economies, Study Finds

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 05:00 PM PST

Just over a year ago, the US ethanol industry was still in overdrive, fueling a wave of new factories to keep pace with surging demand for the corn-based gasoline additive. But the boom has since stalled amid a deep economic downturn that has stifled demand, one of many threats to the fledgling industry that were forecast in a 2007 study.

Scientists Discover Why Teeth In Mammals, But Not Sharks, Form In A Single Row

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST

A system of opposing genetic forces determines why mammals develop a single row of teeth, while sharks sport several, according to a study in the journal Science. When completely understood, the genetic program described in the study may help guide efforts to re-grow missing teeth and prevent cleft palate, one of the most common birth defects.

Antibiotic Combination Defeats Extensively Drug-resistant TB

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST

A combination of two FDA-approved drugs, already approved for fighting other bacterial infections, shows potential for treating extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis, the most deadly form of the infection.

Commercial Ships Spew Half As Much Particulate Pollution As World's Cars

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST

Commercial ships emit almost half as much particulate pollutants into the air globally as the total amount released by the world's cars, according to a new study.

Type 1 Diabetes: Compounds That Trigger Beta Cell Replication Identified

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST

Researchers have identified a set of compounds that can trigger the proliferation of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, using sophisticated high-throughput screening techniques. This is an initial step in the possible discovery of regenerative medicines for type 1 diabetes.

An 'Impossible' Alloy Now Possible: Cerium And Aluminum Form Substitutional Alloy At High Pressure

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST

What has been impossible has now been shown to be possible – an alloy between two incompatible elements.

Burnout Among Police Officers: Differences In How Male, Female Police Officers Manage Stress May Accentuate Stress On The Job

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST

The different ways in which men and women in the police force deal with stress may actually cause them more stress. Researchers studied the gender differences in stress and burnout among police officers.

Friday, February 27, 2009

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Spun-sugar Fibers Spawn Sweet Technique For Nerve Repair

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 11:00 AM PST

Researchers have developed a technique using spun-sugar filaments to create a scaffold of tiny synthetic tubes that might serve as conduits to regenerate nerves severed in accidents or blood vessels damaged by disease.

Muscular Dystrophy Mystery Solved; Scientist Moves Closer To MD Solution

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 11:00 AM PST

While scientists have identified one protein, dystrophin, as an important piece to curing muscular dystrophy, another part of the mystery has eluded scientists for the past 14 years. Now, scientists have identified the location of the genetic material responsible for a molecular compound that is vital to curing the disease.

Stalagmites Confirm 9,000-Year Lower Brazil Rainfall

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 11:00 AM PST

Climate researchers expected to see wet/dry periods in Brazil's Nordeste region similar to the rest of South America in the past 9,000 years. But the area experienced the opposite, drought when rain was expected. Using stalagmite data, researchers identify unexpected air circulation as the cause.

Indoor Air Pollution Increases Asthma Symptoms, Study Suggests

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 11:00 AM PST

A link between increasing levels of indoor particulate matter pollution and the severity of asthma symptoms among children has been found. The study, which followed a group of asthmatic children in Baltimore, Md., is among the first to examine the effects of indoor particulate matter pollution.

New Oil Deposits Can Be Identified Through Satellite Images

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 11:00 AM PST

A new map of the Earth's gravitational force based on satellite measurements makes it much less resource intensive to find new oil deposits. The map will be particularly useful as the ice melts in the oil-rich Arctic regions.

Study Links Internet Addiction To Aggression In Teens

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 11:00 AM PST

Internet-addicted teens seem more prone to aggression than other adolescents, according to new findings from Taiwanese researchers. However, Americans who study violence are not ready to make any conclusions about a possible link.

Immune Molecule That Attacks Wide Range Of Flu Viruses Discovered

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST

Researchers report the characterization of an immune system molecule that targets what appears to be an "Achilles heel" of a wide range of influenza viruses -- including the viruses responsible for past global pandemics, those causing current common infections, and strains of bird flu believed to pose future world threats.

'Dark Cells' Of Living Retina Imaged For The First Time

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST

A layer of "dark cells" in the retina that is responsible for maintaining the health of the light-sensing cells in our eyes has been imaged in a living retina for the first time. The ability to see this nearly invisible layer could help doctors identify the onset of many diseases of the eye long before a patient notices symptoms.

DNA Identification Of Czar's Children Available

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST

Mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analysis of recently unearthed remains identify the missing members of the family of Nicholas II, the last czar of Russia, murdered in 1918.

'Neurological Work-arounds' Offer Hope For Conditions Ranging From Addiction To Schizophrenia

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST

Researchers have known that the brain has a remarkable ability to "reprogram" itself to compensate for problems such as traumatic injury. Now, a research article published in the journal Genetics suggests that the brain might also compensate for problems with key neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. This may open the doors to entirely new lines of research and treatments for disorders like addiction, depression, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia.

General-purpose Method For Detecting Trace Chemicals Developed

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST

Scientists have developed a method of sensitively detecting specific chemicals in the laboratory -- a discovery that may lead to a host of new ways to monitor a variety of chemicals in nature.

Study Predicts When Invasive Species Can Travel More Readily On Airplanes

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST

Global airlines be forewarned: June 2010 could be a busy month for invasive plants, insects and animals seeking free rides to distant lands.

Humans Walked On Modern Feet 1.5 Million Years Ago, Fossil Footprints Show

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 05:00 AM PST

Ancient footprints show that some of the earliest humans walked like us and did so on anatomically modern feet 1.5 million years ago. Footprints found at Ileret and Kenya, display anatomically modern features.

Just Eat Less! Heart-healthy, Low-cal Diets Promote Weight Loss Regardless Of Fat, Protein And Carb Content

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 05:00 AM PST

Heart-healthy diets that reduce calorie intake -- regardless of differing proportions of fat, protein, or carbohydrate -- can help overweight and obese adults achieve and maintain weight loss. Researchers from the Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies study found similar weight loss after six months and two years among participants assigned to four diets that differed in their proportions of these three major nutrients.

SCAN: Delivering Bone Disorder Diagnosis, Fracture Healing

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 05:00 AM PST

In addition to affecting millions people on Earth, bone loss is health risk for astronauts in space. National Space Biomedical Research Institute scientists are developing an ultrasound system, called SCAN, that will allow for early prediction of bone disorders and accelerated fracture healing. SCAN could have many benefits on Earth -- especially in rural areas where access to health care is limited -- due to its reduced costs, mobility and advanced imaging capabilities.

Unhealthy Lifestyle More Than Doubles Stroke Risk

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 05:00 AM PST

People who lead unhealthy lifestyles are more than twice as likely to suffer a stroke than those who eat and drink sensibly, don't smoke, and take regular exercise, finds a new study.

Protecting Wine Grapes From Heat And Drought With Particle Film

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 05:00 AM PST

Under sunny, arid conditions, wine grapes can become sunburned, which can adversely affect productivity and fruit maturity. Researchers investigated a particle film, which increases light reflection and reduces leaf temperature, on several crops. The film acts as a sunscreen by reflecting the harmful ultraviolet rays off of the leaves and fruit, but still allows the right radiation for photosynthesis through to nourish the plant.

Brain Mechanism Recruited To Reduce Noise During Challenging Tasks

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 05:00 AM PST

New research reveals a sophisticated brain mechanism that is critical for filtering out irrelevant signals during demanding cognitive tasks. The study also provides some insight into how disruption of key inhibitory pathways may contribute to schizophrenia.

Carbon Dioxide Drop And Global Cooling Caused Antarctic Glacier To Form

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST

Global climate rapidly shifted from a relatively ice-free world to one with massive ice sheets on Antarctica about 34 million years ago. What happened? What changed? Scientists offer a new perspective on the nature of changing climatic conditions across this greenhouse-to-icehouse transition -- one that refutes earlier theories and has important implications for predicting future climate changes.

New Piece In Alzheimer's Puzzle

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST

Researchers have filled in a missing gap on the molecular road map of Alzheimer's disease. They report that cellular prion proteins trigger the process by which amyloid-beta peptides block brain function in Alzheimer's patients.

Locations Of Strain, Slip Identified In Major Earthquake Fault

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST

Deep-sea drilling into one of the most active earthquake zones on the planet is providing the first direct look at the geophysical fault properties underlying some of the world's largest earthquakes and tsunamis.

Diabetes: Increasing Understanding Of How To Control Islet Cell Growth

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST

The molecular mechanism of how a protein determines the fate of the cells that make and release insulin have been identified in new research.

Ad Click-through Rate Lower Than Previously Thought

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST

The rate of ad clicks from sponsored and non-sponsored links was reported in a recent study. "The result seems to show that Web searchers are smart," one of the researchers said. "They have a good idea what Web ads are and how to distinguish them from other links."

Widespread Stress Found Among Veterinarians

Posted: 27 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST

Veterinarians frequently suffer psychosocial stress and demoralization associated with heavy workloads. New research analyzes the extent of the problem and reveals a complex relationship with binge drinking, tobacco consumption and drug use.

Oldest Isolated Pulsar Ever Detected In X-rays Turns Out To Be Surprisingly Active

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 11:00 PM PST

The oldest isolated pulsar ever detected in X-rays has been found with NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. This very old and exotic object turns out to be surprisingly active.

Sophisticated Molecule Plays Role In Fertility, Blood Pressure, Digestion, Mental Health

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 11:00 PM PST

Scientists have discovered the secrets of a sophisticated molecule that plays a role in many aspects of human health from fertility to blood pressure; digestion to mental health. This has opened up the potential for discovery of new drugs to treat an enormous variety of conditions. The team shows how the IP3 receptor arranges itself into clusters to help broadcast vital chemical messages around cells in the form of calcium.

Exploring New Pathways To Language

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 11:00 PM PST

The standard of care for patients with aphasia has been intense behavioral therapy - reading and repeating words and sounds. But a new area is opening up that looks at medication to augment the success of therapy. One researcher has found that a common ADHD drug can help his patients regain language skills.

Asthma Drugs Need To Be Maintained For Continued Benefit, Study Shows

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 11:00 PM PST

Children whose asthma improved while taking steroid drugs for several years did not see those improvements continue after stopping the drugs, new results from a comprehensive childhood asthma study show.

Sweet Potato Takes A Ride On Space Shuttle Columbia

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 11:00 PM PST

Researchers are studying microgravity's effects on a sweet potato. Seeds of several crops have been grown in microgravity, but this was the first test for plants grown from cuttings. Half of this study took place on a 5-day space mission on the shuttle Columbia.

Patients Are Untapped Resource For Improving Care, Study Finds

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 11:00 PM PST

A study looking at over 21,000 patients from 11 health centers finds that patients who receive mailed reminders for scheduling colorectal cancer screenings are more likely to comply than those who don't. Forty-four percent of patients who received a reminder in the mail were screened, versus 38 percent who did not -- an effect that increased with age. However, electronic reminders targeting physicians yielded no significant increase.

Birds' Movements Reveal Climate Change In Action

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 08:00 PM PST

The northward and inland movement of North American birds, confirmed by thousands of citizen-observations, has provided new and powerful evidence that climate change is having a serious impact on natural systems, according to a new report.

Scientists Mine Drugs Database For New Diabetes Treatment

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 08:00 PM PST

Scientists have harnessed a new drug discovery tool to identify a new player in the body's insulin secretion process. This finding could spark a completely new class of drugs to treat type 2 diabetes.

Information Superhighway's Trash Yields A Super Highway Asphalt

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 08:00 PM PST

Discarded electronic hardware, including bits and pieces that built the information superhighway, can be recycled into an additive that makes super-strong asphalt paving material for real highways, researchers in China are reporting in a new study. They describe development of a new recycling process that can convert discarded electronic circuit boards into an asphalt "modifier."

Hormone Linked To High Blood Pressure And Blood Vessel Disease In African-Americans

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 08:00 PM PST

Researchers have linked higher levels of the hormone aldosterone to high blood pressure and blood vessel disease in African-Americans. Aldosterone is secreted by the adrenal glands and causes salt retention by the kidneys.

'Switch Off, Light On': Molecular Biologist Discovers New Control Mechanism In Cell Signaling

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 08:00 PM PST

Scientists have investigated a group of proteins which are important for cell division and therefore also for uncontrolled cell growth as occurring during cancerogenesis. Some experiments now lead them to an unexpected trace: they discovered an unknown regulation mechanism of the MEK enzymes, the key elements of the MAP signal transduction pathway.

Does Sex Sell? New Study Shows How To Make Women Respond To Sexy Ads

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 08:00 PM PST

A new study suggests that women's attitudes toward sexually oriented advertising would improve if ads depicted sex in a manner consistent with women's intrinsic values -- for example if the sexual behavior appeared to reflect devotion and commitment.

Mystery Of Deep-sea Fish With Tubular Eyes And Transparent Head Solved

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 05:00 PM PST

Marine biologists recently solved the half-century-old mystery of a fish with tubular eyes and a transparent head. This fish's unusual eyes can rotate within a transparent shield that covers the fish's head. This allows the barreleye to peer up at potential prey or focus forward to see what it is eating.

Million Women Study Shows Even Moderate Alcohol Consumption Associated With Increased Cancer Risk

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 05:00 PM PST

Low to moderate alcohol consumption among women is associated with a statistically significant increase in cancer risk and may account for nearly 13 percent of the cancers of the breast, liver, rectum, and upper aero-digestive tract combined, according to a new report.

What Is A Virus? Research Suggests A Broader Definition May Be Needed

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 05:00 PM PST

The strange interaction of a parasitic wasp, the caterpillar in which it lays its eggs and a virus that helps it overcome the caterpillar's immune defenses has some scientists rethinking the definition of a virus.

Tumor Suppressor May Attenuate Fibrotic Disease

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 05:00 PM PST

New research reveals a critical cellular signaling pathway that is responsible for generating excess connective tissue in multiple organs, similar to what is seen in human patients with scleroderma. The study also reveals an intriguing but unexpected regulatory role for a tumor suppressor gene in fibrotic disease.

Threats To Biodiversity Rise In World’s Mediterranean-Climate Regions

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 05:00 PM PST

In the first systematic analysis of threats to the biodiversity of the world's Mediterranean-climate regions, scientists report that these conservation hotspots are facing significant and increasing pressure. The study is part of a global conservation assessment of the rare Mediterranean biome.

If Something Is Difficult, Most People Believe It Must Be Important To Achieving Goals

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 05:00 PM PST

Try the following experiment with two young children. To one child, hold a toy out just beyond their grasp and watch them bounce all over the place trying to reach it. With the second child, just hand the toy over to them. Is the first child likely to find the toy more interesting than the other child? If we come across something very difficult, how will that affect our ability to meet our goal?

Colors Of Quasars Reveal Dusty Universe

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST

The vast expanses of intergalactic space appear to be filled with a haze of tiny, smoke-like "dust" particles that dim the light from distant objects and subtly change their colors, according to a team of astronomers. Knowledge of this dust will help astronomers understand galaxies, but could complicate future measurements of supernovae.

Gene Therapy Shows Promise As Weapon Against HIV

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST

A new study has found that gene therapy can be developed as a safe and active technique to combat HIV. Researchers involved in this first-of-its-kind study found that cell-delivered gene transfer has the potential to be a once-only treatment that reduces viral load, preserves the immune system and avoids lifelong antiretroviral therapy.

Florida Biologists Use Magnets To Keep Nuisance Crocodiles Away

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST

Magnets usually attract, but the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission want magnets to do just the opposite. The biologists are studying if magnets can keep state-endangered American crocodiles from returning to situations where they are not welcome, primarily in neighborhoods in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

Enzyme Weakens The Heart

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST

An enzyme makes the mouse heart prone to chronic cardiac insufficiency -- if it is suppressed, the heart remains strong despite increased stress. Cardiologists have now explained this key mechanism in a mouse model and thus discovered a promising approach for the systematic prevention of chronic cardiac insufficiency.

Could Online Social Networks Help Process Enormous Backlog Of U.S. Patent Applications?

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST

Experts in intellectual property and patents explain how tools such as online social networking could be used to eradicate the enormous backlog of patent applications in the US.

Trust Your Heart: Emotions May Be More Reliable When Making Choices

Posted: 26 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST

When choosing a flavor of ice cream, an item of clothing, or even a home, you might be better off letting your emotions guide you, according to a new study.