ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Unrusted Iron Dust Found Bubbling Up From Depths Of Ocean Floor Posted: 09 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST Iron dust, the gold of the oceans and rarest nutrient for most marine life, can be washed down by rivers or blown out to sea or -- a surprising new study finds -- float up uncorroded from the sea floor.

Gut Bacteria Can Manufacture Defenses Against Cancer And Inflammatory Bowel Disease Posted: 09 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST Bacteria in the human gut could produce substances that protect against colon cancer and provide therapy for inflammatory bowel disease. In the journal Microbiology, researchers report initial studies showing that bacteria in the human gut convert linoleic acid, a naturally-occurring fat in the diet, into a form called conjugated linoleic acid which is absorbed by the gut wall.

Rot's Unique Wood Degrading Machinery To Be Harnessed For Better Biofuels Production Posted: 09 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST Scientists have translated the genetic code that explains the complex biochemical machinery making brown-rot fungi uniquely destructive to wood. The same processes that provide easier access to the energy-rich sugar molecules bound up in the plant's tenacious architecture are leading to innovations for the biofuels industry.

Losing Weight Can Cure Obstructive Sleep Apnea In Overweight Patients, Study Shows Posted: 09 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST For sufferers of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a new study shows that losing weight is perhaps the single most effective way to reduce OSA symptoms and associated disorders, according to a new study.

Natural, Alternative Insect Repellent As Effective As DEET, Study Shows Posted: 09 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST A cheap, natural compound has been found to deter biting of mosquitoes and to repel ticks as effectively as DEET.

Gut Feelings May Actually Reflect Reliable Memories Posted: 09 Feb 2009 08:00 AM PST You know the feeling. You make a decision you're certain is merely a "lucky guess." A new study offers electrophysiological evidence that such decisions may sometimes not be guesswork after all. The research points to the surprising accuracy of memories that can't be consciously accessed. During a special recognition test, guesses turned out to be as accurate or more accurate than when study participants thought they consciously remembered.

Alzheimer's Prevented And Reversed With Natural Protein In Animal Models Posted: 09 Feb 2009 05:00 AM PST Memory loss, cognitive impairment, brain cell degeneration and cell death were prevented or reversed in several animal models after treatment with a naturally occurring protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor. The study shows that BDNF treatment can potentially provide long-lasting protection by slowing, or even stopping the progression of Alzheimer's disease in animal models.

Genetic Study Shows Direct Link Between Vitamin D And MS Susceptibility 'Gene' Posted: 09 Feb 2009 05:00 AM PST Researchers have found evidence that a direct interaction between vitamin D and a common genetic variant alters the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). The research suggests that vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy and the early years may increase the risk of the offspring developing MS later in life.

New Material Derived From Graphene May Have Many Applications In Future Electronics Posted: 09 Feb 2009 05:00 AM PST Researchers have produced a ground-breaking new material, graphane, which has been derived from graphene. Graphene, which was discovered in 2004, is a one-atom-thick crystal with unusual highly conductive properties, which has quickly become one of the hottest topics in physics and materials science. It is also tipped for a number of future applications in electronics and photonics. But new research suggests its uses could be far greater. Scientists have found that graphene will react with other substances to form new compounds with different properties - opening up further opportunities for development in the field of electronics.

Statin Therapy Ineffective In Breast Cancer Prevention, Animal Study Suggests Posted: 09 Feb 2009 05:00 AM PST Laboratory work in animals showed limited activity when statins were given to prevent breast cancer.

Role Of Climate Change In Disease Spread Examined Posted: 09 Feb 2009 05:00 AM PST Concerns have long been raised about the implications of global climate change for the spread of arboviruses. However, while alterations in temperature and rainfall are important factors in making new territory hospitable to an invading arbovirus, studies of recent emergences of West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus, Rift Valley fever virus and Bluetongue virus show that many other forces also play significant parts in new patters of viral emergence.

How Electronic Medical Records Can Be Used To Test Drug Efficacy Posted: 09 Feb 2009 05:00 AM PST For years controversy has surrounded whether electronic medical records (EMR) would lead to increased patient safety, cut medical errors, and reduce healthcare costs. Now, researchers have discovered a way to get another bonus from the implementation of electronic medical records: testing the efficacy of treatments for disease. This suggestion has implications for circumventing studies too costly or unethical for clinical trial.

Three New Species Discovered On Deep-sea Voyage Posted: 09 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST Scientists have returned from a month-long deep-sea voyage to a marine reserve near Tasmania, Australia, that not only netted coral-reef samples likely to provide insight into the impact of climate change on the world's oceans, but also brought to light at least three never-before-seen species of sea life.

How 'Companion' Cells To Sperm Protect Them From Genetic Damage Posted: 09 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST In plant pollen grains, sperm cells, which carry the genetic material to be passed on to progeny, are cocooned within larger "companion" cells that provide sperm with energy and nourishment. A team of plant geneticists has now discovered that the companions also provide sperm with small RNA molecules that protect sperm DNA from damage, thus helping the next generation to inherit a stable genome.

NASA's SkyView Delivers The Multiwavelength Cosmos Posted: 09 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST Some three million times a year, researchers, educators, and amateur astronomers all over the world ask NASA's SkyView virtual observatory to serve up images of some interesting corner of the cosmos. Since 1994, this digital archive has made access to and manipulation of celestial surveys its specialty. It boasts a full spectrum of data, ranging from radio to gamma-rays.

Radiofrequency Treatment Better Than Ethanol Injection For Small Liver Tumors, Study Suggests Posted: 09 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST A new review of four randomized controlled trials that directly compared two different treatments for small inoperable liver tumors has found that radiofrequency ablation significantly improves patient survival compared to the standard therapy of percutaneous ethanol injection.

Wastewater Irrigation Effective On Bermudagrass Hay Posted: 09 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST Farmers in North and South Carolina already make every drop of water count by recycling livestock wastewater for irrigation. Now scientists have found ways to boost benefits from this practice even more.

More Than A Million Cancer Survivors Experience Declining Care Due To Cost Concerns Posted: 09 Feb 2009 02:00 AM PST More than a million cancer survivors living in the United States are foregoing what they believe is necessary medical care due to the cost, and Hispanics and African-Americans are twice as likely to go without services, according to new data.

What Makes Molten Glass Solid? Cracking A Controversial Solid State Mystery Posted: 08 Feb 2009 11:00 PM PST Scientists can easily explain the structural order that makes steel and aluminum out of molten metal. And they have discovered the molecular changes that take place as water turns to ice. But, despite the fact that glass blowers have been plying their trade since the first century BC, we have only just begun to understand what makes molten glass solid.

Possible Drug Target For Obesity Treatment A 'No-brainer' Posted: 08 Feb 2009 11:00 PM PST Scientists have discovered a gene that when mutated causes obesity by dampening the body's ability to burn energy while leaving appetite unaffected.

New Technology For Purifying Exhaust Gas From Diesel Engines Posted: 08 Feb 2009 11:00 PM PST An increasing proportion of the Danish vehicle fleet consists of diesel vehicles. In urban areas diesel vehicles are causing air pollution (from carbon particles, nitrogen oxides (NOX)) and unburned hydrocarbons). As the European legislation tightens the rules for emissions, it will become more difficult and expensive to meet the requirements for particulate filters and DeNOx technologies.

Regular Physical Activity Linked To Better Quality Of Life In Early-stage Lung Cancer Survivors Posted: 08 Feb 2009 11:00 PM PST Survivors of early-stage lung cancer who take part in regular physical activity have a better quality of life, according to a survey of lung cancer survivors. The researchers found that those participants who met the guidelines reported fewer depressive symptoms, greater vitality, and less shortness of breath when compared to their more sedentary counterparts.

Software To Cut Energy Wastage Could Save Organizations Thousands Each Month Posted: 08 Feb 2009 11:00 PM PST Software which automatically shuts down computer systems after usage, is saving large organizations up to £13,000 ($19,000 US) in electricity costs each month.

Therapy Helps Children And Teenagers In Pain Posted: 08 Feb 2009 11:00 PM PST Children and teenagers suffering from chronic pain are much more common than one might think. However a new type of therapy makes it possible to curb their pain experience and to teach them how to handle and live with their condition more effectively. The new therapy, called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), is a development of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, the patent and the therapist together define long-term goals and the consequences of letting the pain control and restrict the patient in his or her daily life. The method has now been studied for the first time on children and teenagers.

While Focusing On Heart Disease, Researchers Discover New Tactic Against Fatal Muscular Dystrophy Posted: 07 Feb 2009 09:00 PM PST Based on a striking similarity between heart disease and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, researchers have discovered that a new class of experimental drugs for heart failure may also help treat the fatal muscular disorder.

Key Factor In Controlling Breakdown Of Bone Discovered Posted: 07 Feb 2009 09:00 PM PST A new study demonstrates that a chemical mediator in the blood that influences immune cell migration also plays a key role in maintaining the balance between the build-up and breakdown of bones in the body. This mediator, which acts on cells that degrade bone, may provide a new target for scientists developing therapies and preventions for bone-degenerating diseases such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

First Crystal Structure Of An Intermediate Particle In Virus Assembly Created Posted: 07 Feb 2009 09:00 PM PST Scientists been able to produce the first crystal structure of a virus particle caught in the midst of assembling its impenetrable outer protein coat.

A New Gene Silencing Platform -- Silence Is Golden Posted: 07 Feb 2009 09:00 PM PST Researchers have developed a novel gene silencing platform with very significant improvements over existing RNAi approaches. This may enable the development and discovery of a new class of drugs to treat a wide array of diseases. Critical to the technology is the approach this team took to specifically target RNA biosynthesis.

Gene Variants Associated With Early Heart Attack Identified Posted: 07 Feb 2009 09:00 PM PST The largest study ever completed of genetic factors associated with heart attacks has identified nine genetic regions -- three not previously described -- that appear to increase the risk for early-onset myocardial infarction.

Scientists Deconstruct Cell Division Posted: 07 Feb 2009 09:00 PM PST The last step of the cell cycle is the spectacularly dynamic and complicated mitosis phase, which leads to the duplication of one mother cell into two daughter cells. In mitosis, fibrous structures called spindles form. Scientists have tried for years to unravel the process of spindle assembly. Now, researchers have found that two proteins used in other functions -- dynein and Nudel -- are essential to regulate assembly of the spindle matrix.

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