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'Ice That Burns' May Yield Clean, Sustainable Bridge To Global Energy Future Posted: 24 Mar 2009 11:00 AM PDT In the future, natural gas derived from chunks of ice that workers collect from beneath the ocean floor and beneath the arctic permafrost may fuel cars, heat homes, and power factories. Government researchers are reporting that these so-called "gas hydrates," a frozen form of natural gas, show increasing promise as an abundant, untapped source of clean, sustainable energy.

Human Adult Testes Cells Can Become Embryonic-like Posted: 24 Mar 2009 11:00 AM PDT Using what they say is a relatively simple method, scientists have extracted stem/progenitor cells from testes and have converted them back into pluripotent embryonic-like stem cells. Researchers say that the naïve cells are now potentially capable of morphing into any cell type that a body needs, from brain neurons to pancreatic tissue.

Synthesizing The Most Natural Of All Skin Creams Posted: 24 Mar 2009 11:00 AM PDT New research could help millions of people with skin problems. Even after nine months soaking in the womb, a newborn's skin is smooth – unlike an adult's in the bath. While occupying a watery, warm environment, the newborn manages to develop a skin fully equipped to protect it in a cold, dry and bacteria-infected world.

Biological Clue In Brain Tumor Development Posted: 24 Mar 2009 11:00 AM PDT Scientists have uncovered a vital new biological clue that could lead to more effective treatments for a children's brain tumor that currently kills more than 60 percent of young sufferers.

Slimmer, Stickier Nanorods Give Boost To 3-D Computer Chips Posted: 24 Mar 2009 11:00 AM PDT Researchers have developed a new technique for growing slimmer copper nanorods, a key step for advancing integrated 3-D chip technology. These thinner copper nanorods fuse together, or anneal, at about 300 degrees Celsius. This relatively low annealing temperature could make the nanorods ideal for use in heat-sensitive nanoelectronics, particularly for "gluing" together the stacked components of 3-D computer chips.

Suicide Bombings: Exact Location Where A Person Stands Makes A Difference Posted: 24 Mar 2009 11:00 AM PDT Researchers have determined that where a person is standing in a room or other location during a suicide terrorist attack can have a great bearing on survival and injuries.

Cancer Breakthrough: Tales Of 'Trojan Horse Drug' And 'Miracle Dogs' Posted: 24 Mar 2009 08:00 AM PDT Scientists are reporting promising results with a drug called nitrosylcobalamin (NO-Cbl) in battling cancer in dogs without any negative side effects. While it gives profound hope to dog owners, NO-Cbl also points to a powerful new cancer treatment for humans -- one that infiltrates cancer cells like a biological Trojan horse.

Heightened Level Of Amygdala Activity May Cause Social Deficits In Autism Posted: 24 Mar 2009 08:00 AM PDT An increased pattern of brain activity in the amygdalas of adults with autism that may be linked to the social deficits that typically are associated with the disorder. Previous research has shown that abnormal growth patterns in the amygdala are commonly found among young children diagnosed with autism.

Fuzzy Logic And Grey Science Posted: 24 Mar 2009 08:00 AM PDT Identifying cancer cells in a medical image and altering the trajectory of airplanes at take-off and landing to reduce noise pollution are just two of the goals of new research projects based on the use of fuzzy logic. This mathematical technique, which emerged in the 1960s and is now widely used in industrial control systems and electrical appliances, is central to the development of artificial intelligence and can also be used to quantify the vagueness of qualitative concepts.

Human Genes Required For Hepatitis C Viral Replication Identified Posted: 24 Mar 2009 08:00 AM PDT Researchers are investigating a new way to block reproduction of the hepatitis C virus -- targeting not the virus itself but the human genes the virus exploits in its life cycle. They report finding nearly 100 genes that support the replication of HCV and show that blocking several of them can suppress viral replication in cultured cells.

Motor Proteins May Be Vehicles For Drug Delivery Posted: 24 Mar 2009 08:00 AM PDT Specialized motor proteins that transport cargo within cells could be turned into nanoscale machines for drug delivery, according to bioengineers. Chemical alteration of the proteins' function could also help inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors.

Fear Or Romance Could Make You Change Your Mind, Study Finds Posted: 24 Mar 2009 08:00 AM PDT New research suggests that the effectiveness of common persuasion tactics can be dramatically altered by two primal emotions -- fear and romantic desire.

Eating Red And Processed Meat Associated With Increased Risk Of Death Posted: 24 Mar 2009 05:00 AM PDT Individuals who eat more red meat and processed meat appear to have a modestly increased risk of death from all causes and also from cancer or heart disease over a 10-year period, according to a new article. In contrast, a higher intake of white meat appeared to be associated with a slightly decreased risk for overall death and cancer death.

Gulf War Veterans Display Abnormal Brain Response To Specific Chemicals Posted: 24 Mar 2009 05:00 AM PDT Scientists have pinpointed damage inside the brains of veterans suffering from Gulf War syndrome -- a finding that links the illness to chemical exposures and may lead to diagnostic tests and treatments.

Augmented Reality Under Water Posted: 24 Mar 2009 05:00 AM PDT Scientists have created an Augmented Reality system for use under water. A diver's mask with a special display lets the diver see his or her real submarine surroundings overlaid with computer-generated virtual scenes. In the pilot application, an AR game, the player sees a coral reef with shoals, mussels and weeds, instead of a plain indoor pool. Applications for professional divers are being investigated.

Dance By Protein Linked To Parkinson's And Alzheimer's Diseases Reveals Unprecedented Twists And Turns Posted: 24 Mar 2009 05:00 AM PDT Much remains to be understood about what role alpha-synuclein, a protein mostly associated with Parkinson's disease, plays in the brain, either in a normal or diseased state. Researchers have now used high-sensitivity single-molecule methods to show that it is a highly mobile protein, and can rapidly switch shapes depending on its environment.

No Small Measure: Origins Of Nanorod Diameter Discovered Posted: 24 Mar 2009 05:00 AM PDT A new study answers a key question at the very heart of nanotechnology: Why are nanorods so small? Researchers have discovered the origins of nanorod diameter, demonstrating that the competition and collaboration among various mechanisms of atomic transport hold the key to nanorod size. The researchers say it is the first study to identify the fundamental reasons why nearly all nanorods have a diameter on the order of 100 nanometers.

Stroke Survivors Improve Balance With Tai Chi Posted: 24 Mar 2009 05:00 AM PDT A new study of stroke survivors found they did better at balance control after practicing tai chi than did a control group doing more conventional exercises. Tai chi requires no equipment and can be practiced at home, making it an inexpensive form of therapy.

No More Cold Sores? Scientists Find Cellular Process That Fights Herpes Virus Posted: 24 Mar 2009 02:00 AM PDT Scientists have discovered a new way for our immune system to combat the elusive virus responsible for cold sores: type 1 herpes simplex. A group of virus hunters has identified a cellular process that seeks out and fights herpes.

Increasing Number Of Americans Have Insufficient Levels Of Vitamin D Posted: 24 Mar 2009 02:00 AM PDT Average blood levels of vitamin D appear to have decreased in the United States between 1994 and 2004, according to a new article.

Magnetic Properties Of Iron-based Superconductors Explored Posted: 24 Mar 2009 02:00 AM PDT Scientists have proposed theoretical models to explain the normal magnetic properties in iron-based superconductors. This research builds on earlier work by the same scientists proposing a theoretical model for superconductivity in newly discovered iron-based superconductors.

Lung Cancer: Molecular Scissors Determine Therapy Effectiveness Posted: 24 Mar 2009 02:00 AM PDT Metastasizing cancer cells use a kind of molecular scissors to cut a trail for the cancer when it invades surrounding tissue. Scientists have now shown that this cutting tool, called u-PAR, might be an indicator of therapy effectiveness in non-small cell lung cancer: the more u-PAR tumor cells produce, the less the anti-cancer drug cetuximab is effective.

Understanding Channel-Like Erosion Posted: 24 Mar 2009 02:00 AM PDT A new article examines how groundwater flow beneath the surface of the earth impacts the rate of erosion. The topic has local interest because it has recently been observed that significant erosion is occurring on New Orleans area levees primarily caused by seepage driven flow.

Public Nuisance Laws Can Control Damage To Ecosystems Posted: 24 Mar 2009 02:00 AM PDT Scientists and legal experts in the U.K. have found a legal route to limit damage to the environment -- such as uncontrolled scallop dredging, using the common law of public nuisance. They have shown that the use of 'ecosystem services' can extend the reach of the common law. This can support public nuisance actions relating to damage to ecosystems, and assist in framing legal action to resist the damage or claim compensation.

New 'Green' Pesticides Are First To Exploit Plant Defenses In Battle Of The Fungi Posted: 23 Mar 2009 11:00 PM PDT Exploiting a little-known punch/counterpunch strategy in the ongoing battle between disease-causing fungi and crop plants, scientists in Canada are reporting development of a new class of "green" fungicides that could provide a safer, more environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional fungicides.

New TB Test Developed That Will Dramatically Cut Diagnosis Time Posted: 23 Mar 2009 11:00 PM PDT Researchers have developed an on-site method to quickly diagnose tuberculosis (TB) and expose the deadly drug-resistant strains that can mingle undetected with treatable TB strains. Tiny viruses are engineered to inject TB bacteria with green-glowing protein for a fast, on-site diagnosis.

Fish Health Claims May Cause More Environmental Harm Than Good, Researchers Say Posted: 23 Mar 2009 11:00 PM PDT The health benefits of fish consumption have been over-dramatized and have put increased pressure on wild fish, according to a new research.

New Tumor Markers Determine Therapy Intensity Posted: 23 Mar 2009 11:00 PM PDT Characteristic changes in the DNA of medulloblastoma, the most frequent malignant brain tumor in childhood, indicate precisely how aggressively the tumor will continue to spread and what the chances of disease relapse are. Researchers have discovered this correlation. With this new set of tumor markers, the intensity of treatment can be adjusted individually and the potentially damaging effects reduced.

'Delicious' New Grape Debuts Posted: 23 Mar 2009 11:00 PM PDT Researchers have introduced "Delicious," a new muscadine grape cultivar. "Delicious" ripens early, produces high yields and is disease-resistant. The black fruit features exceptional taste and texture with an edible skin, making it well-suited for fresh fruit consumption and the potential for wine production. The name "Delicious" was selected based on the comments of vineyard visitors who sampled the fruit.

Physical Abuse Raises Women's Health Costs Over 40 Percent Posted: 23 Mar 2009 11:00 PM PDT Women experiencing physical abuse from intimate partners spent 42 percent more on health care per year than non-abused women, according to a long-term study of more than 3,000 women. And the costs don't end when the abuse does. The study revealed that women who suffered physical abuse five or more years earlier still spent 19 percent more per year on health care than women who were never abused.

Gliding Bristletails Give Clues On Evolution Of Flight Posted: 23 Mar 2009 08:00 PM PDT Biologists are providing new insights on the evolution of winged flight. The scientists observed how arboreal bristletails -- evolutionary precursors to insects -- in the Amazon Forest can leap tree trunk to tree trunk by manipulating a filament on their bodies as a primitive rudder system.

6.5 Million More Patients Might Benefit From Statins To Prevent Heart Attacks, Strokes Posted: 23 Mar 2009 08:00 PM PDT Millions more patients could benefit from taking statins, drugs typically used to prevent heart attacks and strokes, than current prescribing guidelines suggest, Johns Hopkins doctors report in a new study.

Flies May Spread Drug-resistant Bacteria From Poultry Operations Posted: 23 Mar 2009 08:00 PM PDT Researchers found evidence that houseflies collected near broiler poultry operations may contribute to the dispersion of drug-resistant bacteria and thus increase the potential for human exposure to drug-resistant bacteria. The findings demonstrate another potential link between industrial food animal production and exposures to antibiotic resistant pathogens.

Obesity Gene Associated With Susceptibility To Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Posted: 23 Mar 2009 08:00 PM PDT Researchers have shown that a gene implicated in the development of obesity is also associated with susceptibility to polycystic ovary syndrome. The FTO gene has recently been shown to influence a person's predisposition to obesity, and is now the first gene to be associated convincingly with susceptibility to PCOS.

Maggot Therapy Similar To Standard Care For Leg Ulcers Posted: 23 Mar 2009 08:00 PM PDT Larval (maggot) therapy has similar health benefits and costs compared with a standard treatment for leg ulcers, find two studies.

Drug Being Used To Improve Cognition Affects Dopamine, Suggesting Potential For Abuse Posted: 23 Mar 2009 08:00 PM PDT Preliminary research in healthy men suggests that the narcolepsy drug modafinil, increasingly being used to enhance cognitive abilities, affects the activity of dopamine in the brain in a way that may create the potential for abuse and dependence, according to a new study.

New Stem Cell Therapy May Lead To Treatment For Deafness Posted: 23 Mar 2009 05:00 PM PDT Researchers have successfully isolated human auditory stem cells from fetal cochleae (the auditory portion of the inner ear) and found they had the capacity to differentiate into sensory hair cells and neurons.

Potential Target For Cancer, Wound Healing And Fibrosis Discovered Posted: 23 Mar 2009 05:00 PM PDT New research provides insights that may help scientists design novel approaches to control wound healing and fight diseases such as cancer and fibrosis.

Dancing 'Adatoms' Help Chemists Understand How Water Molecules Split Posted: 23 Mar 2009 05:00 PM PDT Single oxygen atoms dancing on metal oxide have helped chemists better understand how water splits into oxygen and hydrogen. In the process, the scientists have visualized a chemical reaction that had previously only been talked about. The scientists made the discovery while studying the basics of how titanium dioxide -- a compound sometimes found in sunscreen -- breaks down water, reactions that are central to processes such as hydrogen production, decomposing pollutants, and solar energy.

Steroid Nasal Wash Appears To Improve Health Of Patients With Chronic Rhinosinusitis Posted: 23 Mar 2009 05:00 PM PDT A nasal wash containing the corticosteroid budesonide appears to reduce symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis without suppressing the function of the adrenal glands, a known complication of this type of drug that would indicate absorption throughout the whole body, according to a new report.

Vigilant Windows Know The Difference Between A Would-be Robber And A Neighborhood Cat Posted: 23 Mar 2009 05:00 PM PDT Is someone sneaking around in front of the window trying to break in? Windows and doors are now being sensitized to suspicious movements: they can detect whether and how quickly something is moving. If it is a person, the system sounds an alarm.

Effects Of Stress Last For Life In Birds Posted: 23 Mar 2009 05:00 PM PDT Researchers have discovered the first direct evidence that exposure to stress in young birds affects the way they react to stress when adult. This research greatly improves our understanding of how the environment during development influences birds' subsequent physiology, health and survival.

Artificial Genetics: New Type Of DNA Has 12 Chemical Letters Instead Of Usual 4 Posted: 23 Mar 2009 02:00 PM PDT In a dramatic rewrite of the recipe for life, scientists from Florida describe the design of a new type of DNA with 12 chemical letters instead of the usual four. This artificial genetic system already is helping to usher in the era of personalized medicine for millions of patients with HIV, hepatitis and other diseases, they say.

Genomic Fossils In Lemurs Shed Light On Origin And Evolution Of HIV And Other Primate Lentiviruses Posted: 23 Mar 2009 02:00 PM PDT A retrovirus related to HIV became stably integrated into the genome of several lemurs around 4.2 million years ago, according to new research. The analysis of prosimian immunodeficiency virus offers new insights into the evolution of lentiviruses.

Superbug Complicates Treatment Of Infections In Cystic Fibrosis Posted: 23 Mar 2009 02:00 PM PDT "Superbugs" from the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) could affect treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). Mannitol inhalation for CF works by attracting moisture into the lungs, thinning the mucus produced. Researchers report that when Bcc are grown on mannitol they produce exopolysaccharide which could contribute to the very problem that the mannitol therapy was designed to solve.

Special Yogurt Fights Stomach Ulcer Bacteria Posted: 23 Mar 2009 02:00 PM PDT A new type of yogurt appears to benefit your gut. Results of the first human clinical studies confirm that the new yogurt fights the bacteria that cause gastritis and stomach ulcers with what researchers describe as almost vaccine-like effects, scientists in Japan are reporting.

Stem Cell Infusion And Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Improve Islet Function In Diabetes Posted: 23 Mar 2009 02:00 PM PDT A study examining if patients with type 2 diabetes could benefit from patient self-donated stem cell infusion combined with before and after hyperbaric (above normal pressure) oxygen treatment has found significant patient benefits in terms of improved glycemic control and reduced insulin requirements. The treatment could reduce morbidity and mortality, researchers suggested, as the treatments might induce the growth of blood vessels in the pancreas and provide an anti-inflammatory effect.

New Patch: Extending Useful Life Of Aircraft, Increase Their Reliability And Reduce Repair Costs Posted: 23 Mar 2009 02:00 PM PDT Scientists are developing a new technology for repairing aircraft by means of composite patches applied to both aluminum and to the new generation of compound materials aircraft. The goal of the project is to extend the life of the aircraft, increase their reliability and reduce the costs of repairs.

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