ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Origin Of Claws Seen In Fossil 390 Million Years Old Posted: 06 Feb 2009 11:00 AM PST A missing link in the evolution of the front claw of living scorpions and horseshoe crabs was identified with the discovery of a 390-million-year-old fossil.

Seeing Sounds Or Hearing Colors: Scientists Narrow Search For Genes Associated With Synesthesia Posted: 06 Feb 2009 11:00 AM PST A new study identifies specific chromosomal regions linked to auditory visual synesthesia, a neurological condition characterized by seeing colors in response to sounds. The research makes major strides towards identifying the genes that underlie synesthesia and may eventually lead to improved understanding of typical and atypical cognitive development.

Steep-Terrain Rover To Explore Other Planets, Help Back On Earth Posted: 06 Feb 2009 11:00 AM PST Engineers have designed and tested a versatile, low-mass robot that can rappel off cliffs, travel nimbly over steep and rocky terrain, and explore deep craters. This prototype rover, called Axel, might help future robotic spacecraft better explore and investigate foreign worlds such as Mars. On Earth, Axel might assist in search-and-rescue operations.

Cancer Rejection: Scientists Discover Crucial Molecule Posted: 06 Feb 2009 11:00 AM PST Researchers have discovered a molecule on the surface of immune cells which plays a critical role in cancer rejection.

Wind Power Forecasting For The US Posted: 06 Feb 2009 11:00 AM PST In an attempt to minimize the potential risks -- such as blackouts -- of USA's growing dependence on renewable energies, scientists are developing a wind power forecasting model for the country. The platform for wind power prediction will be linked to a decision support methodology for network operators that will help reduce wind power production and system operation costs.

Despite Their Diversity, Pygmies Of Western Central Africa Share Recent Common Ancestors Posted: 06 Feb 2009 11:00 AM PST Despite the great cultural, physical, and genetic diversity found amongst the numerous West Central African human populations that are collectively designated as "Pygmies," a new report finds that they diverged from a single ancestral population just about 2,800 years ago.

Astronomers Spot Cosmic Dust Fountain Posted: 06 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST Space dust annoys astronomers just as much as the household variety when it interferes with their observations of distant stars. And yet space dust also poses one of the great mysteries of astronomy.

Adult Stem Cells Convert Into Embryonic-like Stem Cells, With Single Factor Posted: 06 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST The simple recipe scientists earlier discovered for making adult stem cells behave like embryonic-like stem cells just got even simpler. A new report shows for the first time that neural stem cells taken from adult mice can take on the characteristics of embryonic stem cells with the addition of a single transcription factor. Transcription factors are genes that control the activity of other genes.

New Biomass Charcoal Heater: A 'New Era' Of Efficiency And Sustainability Posted: 06 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST Millions of homes in rural areas of far Eastern countries are heated by charcoal burned on small, hibachi-style portable grills. Scientists in Japan are now reporting development of an improved "biomass charcoal combustion heater" that they say could open a new era in sustainable and ultra-high efficiency home heating.

Dialysis Patients Residing At Higher Altitude Have Lower Rate Of Death Posted: 06 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST Compared to dialysis patients living near sea level, dialysis patients living at an altitude higher than 4,000 feet have a 12-15 percent lower rate of death, according to a new article.

Holy Guacamole: Invasive Beetle Threatens Florida's Avocados Posted: 06 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST A researcher is tracking the movement of the Redbay Ambrosia beetle, an invasive insect that, if it spreads to southeast Florida, may severely affect the production of avocados, a $15 million to $30 million industry in the state.

Zen Meditation Alleviates Pain, Study Finds Posted: 06 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST Zen meditation -- a centuries-old practice that can provide mental, physical and emotional balance -- may reduce pain. A new study in Psychosomatic Medicine reports that Zen meditators have lower pain sensitivity both in and out of a meditative state compared to non-meditators. The ultimate result? Zen meditators experienced an 18 percent reduction in pain intensity.

Key Insights Into How New Species Emerge Posted: 06 Feb 2009 05:00 AM PST Biologists are reporting the ongoing emergence of a new species of fruit fly -- and the sequential development of a new species of wasp -- in the journal Science.

Headway In Understanding Alzheimer's Disease Posted: 06 Feb 2009 05:00 AM PST Scientists have discovered that a protein called BAG2 is important for understanding Alzheimer's disease and may open up new targets for drug discovery. They are ready to move from studying these proteins in culture to finding out how they work with mice.

Human DNA Repair Process Recorded In Action Posted: 06 Feb 2009 05:00 AM PST A key phase in the repair process of damaged human DNA has been observed and visually recorded. The recordings provide new information about the role played by a protein known as Rad51, which is linked to breast cancer, in this complex and critical process.

Researchers Suspect Novel Gene Is Causing Restless Legs Syndrome In A Large Family Posted: 06 Feb 2009 05:00 AM PST In 2005, a woman who had trouble sleeping asked for help from a sleep disorders specialist and was diagnosed with restless legs syndrome. This common neurologic disorder interrupts sleep because of unpleasant sensations in the legs at rest, especially in the evening, that are temporarily relieved by movement.

Bacteria Are Models Of Efficiency Posted: 06 Feb 2009 05:00 AM PST A mathematical model has revealed how single celled organisms regulate their activities for maximum efficiency.

Nightmares Increase Risk Of Further Suicide Attempts Posted: 06 Feb 2009 05:00 AM PST People who have nightmares following a suicide attempt are five times more likely to attempt suicide again, compared with those who do not have nightmares.

Effect Of Colors: Blue Boosts Creativity, While Red Enhances Attention To Detail Posted: 06 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST A new study reconciles a debate that has long raged among marketers and psychologists: What color most improves brain performance and receptivity to advertising, red or blue? It turns out they both can, it just depends on the nature of the task or message. The study, which could have major implications for advertising and interior design, finds that red is the most effective at enhancing our attention to detail, while blue is best at boosting our ability to think creatively.

Master Gene Behind Blood Vessel Development Found Posted: 06 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST In a first of its kind discovery, researchers have identified the "master gene" behind blood vessel development.

Birds' Strategic Mobbing Fends Off Parasitic Invaders Posted: 06 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST Reed warblers use mobbing as a front line of nest defense against parasitic cuckoos, according to a new report. Cuckoos act as parasites by laying their eggs in the nests of other birds, reed warblers in particular, burdening their hosts with the trouble of raising young that don't belong to them.

Pathway And Enzyme Unique To Deadly Tularemia Organism Discovered Posted: 06 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST Researchers are closer to developing therapies to combat the deadly tularemia infection. Francisella tularensis is a highly infectious organism many fear could be used as a bio-weapon.

'SnowMan' Software Helps Keep Snow Drifts Off The Road Posted: 06 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST Snow that blows and drifts across roadways has long troubled road maintenance crews and commuters alike, creating treacherous driving conditions and requiring additional maintenance resources to mitigate the problem. Now, engineers have developed "SnowMan," a user-friendly, desktop software package that puts cost-effective solutions to the snow drift problem at the fingertips of highway designers and road maintenance personnel.

Less Child Mortality Among Taller Women In Developing Countries Posted: 06 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST Each centimeter/inch counts for women in developing countries. Data from 42 developing countries showed that babies and young children have better survival chances if their mothers are taller.

Sea-level Rise Around North America Upon Collapse Of Antarctic Ice Sheet To Be Higher Than Expected Posted: 05 Feb 2009 11:00 PM PST Geophysicists have shown that should the West Antarctic Ice Sheet collapse and melt in a warming world -- as many scientists are concerned it will -- it is the coastlines of North America and of nations in the southern Indian Ocean that will face the greatest threats from rising sea levels.

Mental Deficiency: Gene Mutations That Affect Learning, Memory In Children Identified Posted: 05 Feb 2009 11:00 PM PST Mental deficiency is the most frequently occurring, yet least understood handicap in children. Even a mild form can lead to social isolation, bullying and require assistance with simple tasks. The most common variety, non-syndromic mental deficiency (NSMD), is defined as affecting an otherwise normal looking child. With few physical clues in affected children to point researchers towards candidates to study, progress in identifying genetic causes of NSMD has been very slow. Yet that is beginning to change. Geneticists have now identified mutations in a novel gene in children with NSMD.

New Gene To Be Potentially Targeted In Diabetes Mellitus Posted: 05 Feb 2009 11:00 PM PST A cell biology professor has discovered a new signal transduction pathway that might play an important role in the promotion of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Antioxidants Help Prevent Some Forms Of Loss Of Visual Function In Mice Posted: 05 Feb 2009 11:00 PM PST In a mouse model of diseases such as macular telangiectasia and retinal angiomatous proliferation, researchers have managed to prevent photoreceptor loss caused by abnormal growth of blood vessels without correcting the blood vessel defect.

Understanding Phosphorus In Soils Is Vital To Proper Management Posted: 05 Feb 2009 11:00 PM PST Phosphorus can have a significant effect on water quality, entering these water sources in a variety of ways, particularly due to runoff from phosphorus enriched soil. A new study examined the characteristics of phosphorus in soils as a way to understand how it behaves in soils and how it is transported in runoff.

Teen Smoking Could Lead To Adult Depression, Study Says Posted: 05 Feb 2009 11:00 PM PST Teenagers who smoke could be setting themselves up for depression later in life, according to a new study.

More Extreme Weather In The Arctic Regions Posted: 05 Feb 2009 08:00 PM PST A study suggests that extreme weather events in the Arctic will become more common as the winter ice cover retreats, with potentially severe consequences for human activity.

Discovery Could Lead To A New Animal Model For Hepatitis C Posted: 05 Feb 2009 08:00 PM PST The hepatitis C virus is interested in only one thing: human liver cells. That has been one of scientists' greatest frustrations in their efforts to study the virus, and has hampered the development of useful animal models for the disease. But now, in a major leap forward, scientists have identified a protein that allows this uniquely human pathogen to enter mouse cells, a finding that could lead to a vaccine or to new treatments.

Ancient Marble Figurine Of Bearded Man, Probably Roman Boxer, Discovered Posted: 05 Feb 2009 08:00 PM PST A bust made of marble depicting a miniature image of a bearded man's head was discovered in excavations in the Walls around Jerusalem National Park. The figurine was used as a suspended weight together with a balance scale. This is probably the only find of its kind from excavations in the country.

15-year-old Theory About The Nervous System Disproved Posted: 05 Feb 2009 08:00 PM PST Researchers have uncovered clues identifying which proteins are involved in the development of the nervous system and found that the proteins previously thought to play a significant role, in fact, do not. Understanding how the nervous system develops will give researchers a better understanding of neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disorders.

Super Strong Nanometals: Ductile Copper Made Four Times Stronger Than Commercial Material Posted: 05 Feb 2009 08:00 PM PST Research shows that it is possible to produce copper about 4 times stronger than commercial material – and doing so while also having a ductile material. As the thermal and electrical conductivity are also good, the manufacturing of, for example, electrical conductors with improved mechanical properties looks promising.

Ecologists Report Quantifiable Measures Of Nature's Services To Humans Posted: 05 Feb 2009 08:00 PM PST The idea of ecosystem services is a promising conservation concept but has been rarely put into practice. Researchers have now used novel tools to report some of the first quantifiable results that place values on nature's services to humans.

Exceptionally Deep View Of Strange Galaxy Posted: 05 Feb 2009 05:00 PM PST A spectacular new image of an unusual spiral galaxy in the Coma Galaxy Cluster has been created from data taken by the Advanced Camera for Surveys on the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. It reveals fine details of the galaxy, NGC 4921, as well as an extraordinary rich background of more remote galaxies stretching back to the early Universe.

New Schizophrenia Gene Discovered Posted: 05 Feb 2009 05:00 PM PST Researchers are one gene closer to understanding schizophrenia and related disorders. Scientists describe how a variation in the neuregulin 3 gene influences delusions associated with schizophrenia.

Readers Build Vivid Mental Simulations Of Narrative Situations Posted: 05 Feb 2009 05:00 PM PST A new brain-imaging study is shedding light on what it means to "get lost" in a good book -- suggesting that readers create vivid mental simulations of the sounds, sights, tastes and movements described in a textual narrative while simultaneously activating brain regions used to process similar experiences in real life.

New Class Of Non-protein Coding Genes In Mammals With Key Functions Uncovered Posted: 05 Feb 2009 05:00 PM PST Researchers have uncovered a vast new class of previously unrecognized mammalian genes that do not encode proteins, but instead function as long RNA molecules, and seem to play critical roles in both health and disease, including cancer, immune signaling and stem cell biology.

Buying Local Isn't Always Better For The Environment Posted: 05 Feb 2009 05:00 PM PST Shopping locally may not be as good for the environment as having food delivered, according to new research. The study shows that, on average, lower carbon emissions result from delivering a vegetable box than making a trip to a local farm shop.

Brain Goes Into 'Screen Saver' Mode In Absence of Stimulus Posted: 05 Feb 2009 05:00 PM PST New research shows our brain's sense centers are continuously active. In the absence of a stimulus, however, their electrical activity remains in "screen saver" mode.

Beaming New Light On Life: From Beetles To Aircraft, Nanoparticles Aid Microscope Views Posted: 05 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST Physicists and chemists developed a new method that uses a mirror of tiny silver "nanoparticles" so microscopes can reveal the internal structure of nearly opaque biological materials like bone, tumor cells and the iridescent green scales of the so-called "photonic beetle." The method also might be used for detecting fatigue in materials used to build the latest generation of aircraft fuselages, tails and wings.

New Evidence Of Hormone Therapy Causing Breast Cancer Posted: 05 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST Post-menopausal women who take combined estrogen plus progestin menopausal hormone therapy for at least five years double their risk of breast cancer every year, according to new analyses from a major study that clearly establishes a link between hormone use and breast cancer, researchers say. The study also found that women on hormones can quickly reduce their risks of cancer simply by stopping the therapy.

Mars Rover Device Gets New Mission On Earth Posted: 05 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST Developed to sniff out extraterrestrial life on other planets, a portable device known as the Mars Organic Analyzer (MOA) is taking on a new role in detecting air pollutants on Earth. Researchers now report the development of a modified MOA able to detect polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), potentially carcinogenic molecules from cigarette smoke and wood smoke, volcanic ash, and other sources.

Resting Heart Rate Can Predict Heart Attacks In Women Posted: 05 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST A simple measurement of resting pulse predicts coronary events in women independently of physical activity and common risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, finds a new study.

Fighting Malaria By Changing The Environment Posted: 05 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST Modifying the environment by using everything from shovels and plows to plant-derived pesticides may be as important as mosquito nets and vaccinations in the fight against malaria, according to a computerized analysis.

Effects Of Brain Exercise Depend On Opponent Posted: 05 Feb 2009 02:00 PM PST Playing games against a computer activates different brain areas from those activated when playing against a human opponent. New research has shown that the belief that one is playing against a virtual opponent has significant effects on activation patterns in the brain.

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