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'Pleasant Touch' Decoded: Signals From Stroking Skin Have Direct Route To Brain Posted: 15 Apr 2009 11:00 AM PDT Nerve signals that tell the brain that we are being slowly stroked on the skin have their own specialized nerve fibers in the skin. The discovery may explain why touching the skin can relieve pain.

Vaccine Developed For E. Coli Diarrheal Diseases That Kill Millions Of Children Posted: 15 Apr 2009 11:00 AM PDT Researchers have developed a working vaccine for a strain of E. coli that kills 2 million to 3 million children each year in the developing world.

Born To Be Caught: Largemouth Bass Vulnerability To Being Caught By Anglers Is A Heritable Trait Posted: 15 Apr 2009 11:00 AM PDT In an experiment spanning over 20 years, researchers have found that vulnerability to being caught by anglers is a heritable trait in largemouth bass.

Use Of Pancreatic Islets Show Promise In Diabetes Research, Treatments Posted: 15 Apr 2009 11:00 AM PDT The use of pancreatic islets (hormone-producing cells) is increasing in diabetes research and may play an important role in future treatments, according to a new article.

Mimicry At Molecular Level Protects Genome Integrity Posted: 15 Apr 2009 11:00 AM PDT Mimicry is common in nature, where it is used as a key survival mechanism. Now scientists have discovered molecular mimicry in a genetic integrity pathway, which is implicated in many human diseases, from cancer to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases.

Weather: People's Misperceptions Cloud Their Understanding Of Rainy Weather Forecasts Posted: 15 Apr 2009 11:00 AM PDT If Mark Twain were alive today he might rephrase his frequently cited observation about everyone talking about the weather but not doing anything about it to say, "Everyone reads or watches weather forecasts, but many people don't understand them."

Factors Other Than Genes Could Cause Obesity, Insulin Study Shows Posted: 15 Apr 2009 08:00 AM PDT Researchers have uncovered new evidence suggesting factors other than genes could cause obesity, finding that genetically identical cells store widely differing amounts of fat depending on subtle variations in how cells process insulin.

Stem Cell Transplantation Helps Patients With Diabetes Become Insulin Free Posted: 15 Apr 2009 08:00 AM PDT The majority of patients with type 1 diabetes who underwent a certain type of stem cell transplantation became insulin free, several for more than three years, with good glycemic control, and also increased C-peptide levels, an indirect measure of beta-cell function, according to a new article.

Brain's Cognitive System Processes Vowels And Consonants At Different Speeds Posted: 15 Apr 2009 08:00 AM PDT The brain distinguishes between vowels and consonants differently, according to new research. Neuronal mechanisms change when they are processed and, when it comes to lexical access; both have a different status in our mind, thus contributing differently to this basic process of visual word recognition.

Test Quickly Assesses Whether Alzheimer's Drugs Are Hitting Their Target Posted: 15 Apr 2009 08:00 AM PDT A test developed by physician-scientists may help quickly asses whether certain Alzheimer's drugs are hitting their target.

Biofuels Could Hasten Climate Change Posted: 15 Apr 2009 08:00 AM PDT A new study finds that it will take more than 75 years for the carbon emissions saved through the use of biofuels to compensate for the carbon lost when biofuel plantations are established on forestlands. If the original habitat was peatland, carbon balance would take more than 600 years.

Many Consumers Ignore Food Product Recalls Posted: 15 Apr 2009 08:00 AM PDT Despite widespread awareness of recent foodborne illness outbreaks and a sense that the number of food recalls is increasing, about half of Americans say that food recalls have had no impact on their lives. Only about 60 percent of the studied sample reported ever having looked for recalled food in their homes, and only 10 percent said they had ever found a recalled food product.

Solar Storms: Coronal Mass Ejections Viewed In Detail By NASA Spacecraft Posted: 15 Apr 2009 05:00 AM PDT Twin NASA spacecraft have provided scientists with their first view of the speed, trajectory, and three-dimensional shape of powerful explosions from the sun known as coronal mass ejections, or CMEs. This new capability will dramatically enhance scientists' ability to predict if and how these solar tsunamis could affect Earth.

Alzheimer Cell Death In Zebrafish: Demise Of Neurons Observed Live For The First Time Posted: 15 Apr 2009 05:00 AM PDT Alzheimer's disease has reached epidemic proportions in western society. Researchers have now developed the first animal model that directly traces the demise of neurons in the brain, and thereby allows better testing of the action of potential drugs.

Global Warming: Heat Could Kill Drought-stressed Trees Fast Posted: 15 Apr 2009 05:00 AM PDT Widespread die-off of pinyon pine across the southwestern United States during future droughts will occur at least five times faster if climate warms by 4 degrees Celsius, even if future droughts are no worse than droughts of the past century, scientists have discovered.

Two New Hereditary Corneal Disorders Discovered Posted: 15 Apr 2009 05:00 AM PDT Two new familial disorders affecting the cornea have been discovered. The discovery of these two similar but separate disorders have led to additional research being planned in ten further families.

California's Central Coast Earthquake Hazards: New Information About Recently Identified Faults Posted: 15 Apr 2009 05:00 AM PDT Seismologists are re-evaluating the earthquake potential of the Central Coast, a very complex tectonic region located west of the San Andreas Fault, between Monterey Bay and the Western Transverse Ranges. This area of increasing population growth ranks as one of the top 40 US metropolitan areas with significant earthquake risk.

Power Of Imagination Is More Than Just A Metaphor Posted: 15 Apr 2009 05:00 AM PDT The results of a new study show that simply imagining a posture may have effects that are similar to actually assuming the pose, suggesting that our "peripersonal space" (the space around our body) can be extended into a space where an imagined posture would take us. The researchers note there may be advantages to having this ability, such as determining if an action is realistic and helping us to avoid collisions.

Stem Cells Jumpstart Bone's Healing Process Posted: 15 Apr 2009 02:00 AM PDT Rarely will physicians use the word "miraculous" when discussing patient recoveries. But that's the very phrase orthopedic physicians and scientists are using in upstate New York to describe their emerging stem cell research that could have a profound impact on the treatment of bone injuries. Results from preliminary work show patients confined to wheelchairs were able to walk or live independently again because their broken bones finally healed.

Experimental Insulin-like Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor Reduced Pancreatic Cancer Growth Posted: 15 Apr 2009 02:00 AM PDT Researchers are testing a fully human monoclonal antibody that inhibits the activity of insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1 and IGF-2) and appears to reduce pancreatic cancer cells in early testing, according to a new article.

Snacking On High GI Foods During Late Pregnancy May Lead To The Birth Of A Heavier Baby With An Increased Risk Of Childhood Obesity Posted: 15 Apr 2009 02:00 AM PDT Mothers who snack on high GI (Glycaemic Index) foods like chocolate and white bread during later pregnancy may give birth to heavier babies with a greater risk of childhood obesity, according to new research. The research into sheep models of pregnancy discovered that high GI snack diets among ewes during the third trimester of pregnancy resulted in a heavier birth weight and postnatal growth rate of newborn lambs. According to the scientists, the sheep model used in the scientific study is instructive of the relationship between a human mothers' diet, the birth weight of their child, and the risk of childhood obesity.

New, Simple Method Identifies Preterm Infants At Risk Of Eye Disease Posted: 15 Apr 2009 02:00 AM PDT A simple way of establishing which preterm infants are at risk of developing the eye disease ROP is to follow their weight gain. A new study suggests that following weekly weight development might replace the need for considerably more expensive ophthalmological examinations.

Working On The Future Internet: Linking People, Devices, Telecoms And Data Networks Into One, Vast Network Of Networks Posted: 15 Apr 2009 02:00 AM PDT Researchers have created a new software abstraction called Autonomic Communication Elements which will enable ecosystems for service networks, and make the future 'internet of things' a reality, now.

Depression After Heart Disease Ups Risk Of Heart Failure Posted: 15 Apr 2009 02:00 AM PDT Patients with heart disease who are subsequently diagnosed with depression are at greater risk for heart failure, a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood throughout the body, according to a new study.

Cuts In Greenhouse Gas Emissions Would Save Arctic Ice, Reduce Sea Level Rise Posted: 14 Apr 2009 11:00 PM PDT The impact of global warming can be greatly diminished if nations cut emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases by 70 percent this century, according to a new study. The most dangerous potential aspects of climate change, including massive losses of Arctic ice and significant sea-level rise, could be partially avoided.

Low Glycemic Breakfast May Increase Benefits Of Working Out Posted: 14 Apr 2009 11:00 PM PDT Individuals trying to shed fat may consider choosing Low Glycemic Index foods eaten prior to when they exercise.

Field Stations Foster Serendipitous Discoveries In Environmental, Biological Sciences Posted: 14 Apr 2009 11:00 PM PDT North America's biological field stations have long been home to a rich legacy of research results, scientists say, making them important places for serendipitous discoveries in the biological and environmental sciences.

Compendium Of Pancreatic Cancer Biomarkers Established As Strategic Approach To Early-detection Posted: 14 Apr 2009 11:00 PM PDT A cancer scientist has convinced an international group of scientists to delay their race to find new cancer biomarkers and instead begin a 7,000-hour slog through a compendium of 50,000 scientific articles already published to assemble, decode and analyze the molecules that might herald the furtive presence of pancreatic cancer.

Nimbus And Cloud Computing Meet STAR Production Demands Posted: 14 Apr 2009 11:00 PM PDT The advantages of cloud computing were dramatically illustrated by researchers working on the STAR nuclear physics experiment. Nimbus is an open source cloud computing infrastructure that provides tools allowing users to deploy virtual machines on resources, similar to Amazon's EC2, as well as user-level tools such as the Nimbus Context Broker that combines several deployed virtual machines into "turnkey" virtual clusters.

Family Ties Provide Protection Against Young Adult Suicidal Behavior Posted: 14 Apr 2009 11:00 PM PDT Adolescents and young adults typically consider peer relationships to be all important. However, it appears that strong family support, not peer support, is protective in reducing future suicidal behavior among young adults when they have experienced depression or have attempted suicide.

For Cancer Cells, Genetics Alone Is Poor Indicator For Drug Response Posted: 14 Apr 2009 08:00 PM PDT Researchers have discovered that the genetic identity of a tumor cell is an incomplete predictor for how it will respond to certain treatments. In the case of one particular new and highly touted cancer treatment, genetically identical cancer cells responded differently. These variations resulted from random cell-to-cell differences, such as how many protein copies each cell had at the time of treatment. What's more, these non-genetic characteristics were passed on to subsequent generations of cells, establishing a transient heritability.

Reserves Found To Be 'Effective Tool' For Reducing Fires In Brazilian Rainforests Posted: 14 Apr 2009 08:00 PM PDT Rainforest reserves -- even those disturbed by roads -- provide an important buffer against fires that are devastating parts of the Brazilian Amazon, according to a new study.

New Risk Variant For Atopic Dermatitis Identified Posted: 14 Apr 2009 08:00 PM PDT Scientists have identified a gene variant on chromosome 11 that is associated with an increased risk of atopic dermatitis. In a large genome-wide study the researchers scanned the genomes of more than 9,600 participants from Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. Their findings cast new light on the pathogenesis of the disease. They hope the study will lead to a new approach to targeted therapy for this chronic skin disorder.

Bridging The Gap Between Wireless Sensor Networks And The Scientists Who Use Them Posted: 14 Apr 2009 08:00 PM PDT A new, simpler programming language for wireless sensor networks is designed for easy use by geologists who might use them to monitor volcanoes and biologists who rely on them to understand birds' nesting behaviors, for example. Researchers have written the language with the novice programmer in mind.

Where You Live May Affect Your State Of Mind Posted: 14 Apr 2009 08:00 PM PDT Stress and depression vary by region, according to new study. Frequent mental distress, defined as having 14 or more days in the previous month when one felt burdened by stress, depression or emotional problems, is not evenly distributed across the United States. Adult prevalence of frequent mental distress was 9.4% overall, ranging from 6.6% in Hawaii to 14.4% in Kentucky.

Cure For Honey Bee Colony Collapse? Posted: 14 Apr 2009 05:00 PM PDT For the first time, scientists have isolated a parasite from professional apiaries suffering from honey bee colony depopulation syndrome. They then went on to treat the infection with complete success.

New Alternative To Biopsy Detects Subtle Changes In Cancer Cells, Study Shows Posted: 14 Apr 2009 05:00 PM PDT A drop of blood or a chunk of tissue smaller than the period at the end of this sentence may one day be all that is necessary to diagnose cancers and assess their response to treatment, say researchers.

Owls' Dawn And Dusk Concerts Promote Visual Communication Posted: 14 Apr 2009 05:00 PM PDT Researchers in Spain describe the evolution of white throat badges in association with dawn and dusk vocal signals in certain species of nocturnal bird, which maximize the potential for these species to communicate during hours when light is low.

Avastin Effective At Delaying Brain Tumor Progression In Recurrent Disease Posted: 14 Apr 2009 05:00 PM PDT The use of Avastin alone to treat a subgroup of recurrent Grade 3 brain tumors showed it was safe and effective at delaying tumor progression, according to a retrospective study of 22 patients.

Nano Changes Rise To Macro Importance In A Key Electronics Material Posted: 14 Apr 2009 05:00 PM PDT By combining the results of a number of powerful techniques for studying material structure at the nanoscale, researchers believe they have settled a long-standing debate over the source of the unique electronic properties of a material with potentially great importance for wireless communications.

Some Alternative Therapies Can Be Safe, Effective For Children, According To Pediatrics Professor Posted: 14 Apr 2009 05:00 PM PDT Today, more children than ever are being treated with complementary and alternative therapies. Recent studies indicate that about 30 percent of healthy children and up to 50 percent of children with chronic disease are using some kind of alternative therapy.

Spectacular Flaring In Extragalactic Jet From M87's Black Hole Posted: 14 Apr 2009 02:00 PM PDT A flare-up in a jet of matter blasting from a monster black hole is giving astronomers an incredible light show. The outburst is coming from a blob of matter, called HST-1, embedded in the jet, a powerful narrow beam of hot gas produced by a supermassive black hole residing in the core of the giant elliptical galaxy M87. HST-1 is so bright that it is outshining even M87's brilliant core, whose monster black hole is one of the most massive yet discovered.

Colon Cancer Shuts Down Receptor That Could Shut It Down Posted: 14 Apr 2009 02:00 PM PDT Though a high-fiber diet has long been considered good for you and beneficial in staving off colon cancer, researchers have discovered a reason why: roughage activates a receptor with cancer-killing potential.

High-tech Speed Bump Detects Damage To Army Vehicles Posted: 14 Apr 2009 02:00 PM PDT Researchers have developed a technology that detects damage to critical suspension components in military vehicles simply by driving over a speed-bump-like "diagnostic cleat" containing sensors.

Aspirin And Similar Drugs May Be Associated With Brain Microbleeds In Older Adults Posted: 14 Apr 2009 02:00 PM PDT Individuals who take aspirin or other medications that prevent blood clotting by inhibiting the accumulation of platelets appear more likely to have tiny, asymptomatic areas of bleeding in the brain, according to a new report.

Removing Toxic Mercury From Fish Oil While Retaining Beneficial Omega-3 Fatty Acids Posted: 14 Apr 2009 02:00 PM PDT Many people now take fish oil in supplements or foods, convinced of the benefits shown in a number of medical studies. However, there are also dangers associated with fish oils because the fish which are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as mackerel, trout, tuna and salmon, often accumulate toxic substances in them because of their position in the food chain.

Junk Food Makes Kids Fatter, But Happier, Study Suggests Posted: 14 Apr 2009 02:00 PM PDT Children who ate fast food and drank soft drinks were more likely to be overweight, but they were also less likely to be unhappy. The analysis also highlighted a number of factors influencing children's body weight, eating patterns and happiness. For example, mothers' consumption of fast food and soft drinks predicted her child's eating habits. Those children who ate fast food were more likely to also consume soft drinks. Children from lower income households were more likely to have unhealthy dietary habits and be overweight or obese.

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