ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Mysterious Space Blob Discovered At Cosmic Dawn Posted: 23 Apr 2009 11:00 AM PDT Astronomers have discovered a mysterious, giant object that existed when the universe was only 800 million years old. Dubbed an extended "Lyman-Alpha blob," it is a huge body of gas. It is named Himiko for a legendary Japanese queen and stretches for 55 thousand light years, a record for that early point in time. Its length is comparable to the radius of the Milky Way's disk.

Too Much Or Too Little Sleep Increases Risk Of Diabetes Posted: 23 Apr 2009 11:00 AM PDT Scientists have found that people who sleep too much or not enough are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance. The risk is 2.5 times higher for people who sleep less than seven hours or more than eight hours a night.

Antioxidant Found In Berries, Other Foods Prevents UV Skin Damage That Leads To Wrinkles Posted: 23 Apr 2009 11:00 AM PDT Using a topical application of the antioxidant ellagic acid, researchers markedly prevented collagen destruction and inflammatory response -- major causes of wrinkles -- in both human skin cells and the sensitive skin of hairless mice following continuing exposure to UV-B, the sun's skin-damaging ultraviolet radioactive rays.

Human Stem Cells Promote Healing Of Diabetic Ulcers Posted: 23 Apr 2009 11:00 AM PDT Scientists have found that human fetal stem cells can effectively be used to treat back leg ischemic ulcers in a model of type 1 diabetes.

Increasing Levels Of Rare Element Found Worldwide Posted: 23 Apr 2009 11:00 AM PDT Researchers have determined that the presence of the rare element osmium is on the rise globally. They trace this increase to the consumption of refined platinum, the primary ingredient in catalytic converters, the equipment commonly installed in cars to reduce smog.

Our Penchant For Rarity Could Threaten Conservation Efforts Posted: 23 Apr 2009 11:00 AM PDT Rare plant and animal species are like rare stamps or coins: they are perceived to be inherently more valuable to people, whatever they look like. Researchers have found that people are more attracted to species labeled "rare" than those labeled "common" even when they do not know which species are involved. The study shows that this irrational value conferred to unknown items only for the sake of rarity is both an asset and a threat for conservation.

Fossil Evidence Of Missing Link In The Origin Of Seals, Sea Lions, Walruses Found In Canadian Arctic Posted: 23 Apr 2009 08:00 AM PDT Researchers from the United States and Canada have found a fossil skeleton of a newly discovered carnivorous animal, Puijila darwini. New research suggests Puijila is a "missing link" in the evolution of the group that today includes seals, sea lions, and the walrus.

New Ebolavirus Vaccine Protects Against Lethal Infection in Animal Models Posted: 23 Apr 2009 08:00 AM PDT A new experimental Ebola vaccine is one step closer to realization, having proven its ability to protect against lethal infections in animal models.

How Quiet Sounds Are Magnified By 'Flexoelectric Motors' In The Ear Posted: 23 Apr 2009 08:00 AM PDT Researchers have learned how quiet sounds are magnified by bundles of tiny, hair-like tubes atop "hair cells" in the ear: when the tubes dance back and forth, they act as "flexoelectric motors" that amplify sound mechanically. "We are reporting discovery of a new nanoscale motor in the ear," says the study's principal author.

First Compound For Receptors In Schizophrenia And Alzheimer's Holds Promise Posted: 23 Apr 2009 08:00 AM PDT Compounds that activate two specific CNS receptors, causing them to release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, are effective in treating the cognitive and motor problems related to both schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease can cause gastrointestinal and other side effects. Thanks to the discovery of a truly selective agonist that targets only the M1 receptor, this may change.

New Era Of Research Begins As World's First Hard X-ray Laser Achieves 'First Light' Posted: 23 Apr 2009 08:00 AM PDT The world's brightest X-ray source sprang to life last week at the U.S. Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) offers researchers the first-ever glimpse of high-energy or "hard" X-ray laser light produced in a laboratory.

Do Good Looks Get High School Students Good Grades? Posted: 23 Apr 2009 08:00 AM PDT Although previous studies show that physical attractiveness is associated with success in the labor markets, this study posits that grooming and personality are stronger predictors of academic success in high school for boys and girls, respectively. Accordingly, students may be able to "trade-off" different personal characteristics to improve academic achievement, which in turn may influence future success in college, employment and family formation.

Time For A New Theory Of Gravitation? Satellite Galaxies Challenge Newtonian Model Posted: 23 Apr 2009 05:00 AM PDT The high speed of stars and apparent presence of 'dark matter' in the satellite galaxies that orbit our Milky Way Galaxy presents a direct challenge to Newton's theory of gravitation, according to physicists from Germany, Austria and Australia.

Benefit Of Grapes May Be More Than Skin Deep: Lower Blood Pressure, Reduced Heart Damage Posted: 23 Apr 2009 05:00 AM PDT New animal studies show a grape-enriched diet can help lower blood pressure and reduce damage by boosting defenders against damaging oxidative stress.

Researchers Fire The Starting Gun For The Great Turtle Race Posted: 23 Apr 2009 05:00 AM PDT Leatherbacks are the largest turtles on Earth with evolutionary roots that go back more than 100 million years. But their numbers, particularly in the Pacific, are declining at an alarming rate due to egg harvest, fishery bycatch, coastal development, and highly variable food availability. Researchers have attached satellite transmitters to track them in the Great Turtle Race.

Treatment Combination Lethal To Pancreatic Cancer Cells Formulated Posted: 23 Apr 2009 05:00 AM PDT A combination of two targeted therapies packs a powerful punch to kill pancreatic cancer cells in the laboratory, researchers report. With further testing of these drugs that are from classes of pharmaceuticals already used in patients, the research may lead to new treatment opportunities for patients with pancreatic cancer, which is extremely difficult to treat.

Golf Course Irrigation: Save Up To 25% Of Water Using Wireless Sensors Posted: 23 Apr 2009 05:00 AM PDT Scientists have developed an irrigation management system that would be easy to install on golf courses. It is based on networks of wireless sensors.

Think Memory Worsens With Age? Then Yours Probably Will Posted: 23 Apr 2009 05:00 AM PDT Thinking your memory will get worse as you get older may actually be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Researchers have found that senior citizens who think older people should perform poorly on tests of memory actually score much worse than seniors who do not buy in to negative stereotypes about aging and memory loss.

Study Challenges Notions Of How Genes Are Controlled In Mammals Posted: 23 Apr 2009 02:00 AM PDT Scientists have probed further into the human genome than ever before. They have discovered how genes are controlled in mammals, as well as the tiniest genetic element ever found.

Adolescent Binge Drinking May Compromise The Brain's White Matter, Necessary For Information Relay Posted: 23 Apr 2009 02:00 AM PDT White matter integrity is essential for the efficient relay of information within the brain. Researchers have examined white matter integrity among adolescent binge drinkers. Findings show that adolescents with histories of binge drinking have a lower coherence of white matter fibers.

New Imaging Analysis Predicts Brain Tumor Survival Posted: 23 Apr 2009 02:00 AM PDT As early as one week after beginning treatment for brain tumors, a new imaging analysis method was able to predict which patients would live longer, researchers have found.

Gene Variants Associated With The Most Common Adult Leukemia Confirmed Posted: 23 Apr 2009 02:00 AM PDT Researchers have found that patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia are more likely to have similar DNA changes or variants in up to six genes, compared to people who do not have the cancer.

Hydrogen Protects Nuclear Fuel In Final Storage Posted: 23 Apr 2009 02:00 AM PDT When Sweden's spent nuclear fuel is to be permanently stored, it will be protected by three different barriers. Even if all three barriers are damaged, the nuclear fuel will not dissolve into the groundwater, according to new research.

Majority Of Doctors Skeptical Of Organ Transplantation Practices In China Posted: 23 Apr 2009 02:00 AM PDT The globalization of health care and the growth of "transplant tourism" (traveling abroad to purchase donor organs and undergo organ transplantation) have outpaced the implementation of internationally accepted ethical standards for procurement of organs for transplantation.

First 'Garden Hose’ Jet Trail Nebula Discovered Posted: 22 Apr 2009 11:00 PM PDT Using the NASA Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) satellite, a team of astronomers have discovered an object predicted, but never seen before – a 'jet trail' nebula. The nebula represents a completely new class of object.

Discovering Genes That Protect Against Aging Posted: 22 Apr 2009 11:00 PM PDT Scientists have developed a new method to help researchers identify genes that can help protect the body during the aging process.

Kyoto Treaty Is ‘Failing The World’s Poor’, Say Scientists Posted: 22 Apr 2009 11:00 PM PDT Initiatives aimed at cutting emissions while encouraging economic development are failing the world's poorest countries, leading scientists from Oxford University are warning.

Genetic Variations In MiRNA Processing Pathway And Binding Sites Help Predict Ovarian Cancer Risk Posted: 22 Apr 2009 11:00 PM PDT Genetic variations in the micro-RNA processing pathway genes and miRNA binding sites predict a woman's risk for developing ovarian cancer and her prospects for survival, researchers report.

Saving Time And Money With Semantic Design Posted: 22 Apr 2009 11:00 PM PDT Whether designing the sleek body of a new Ferrari or laying out a mold for its brake casings, engineers spend an inordinate amount of time searching through design data. A new semantic engineering environment promises to save time and boost productivity.

Media Ignores Health Consequences Of Drinking And Driving Among Young Celebrities, Report Finds Posted: 22 Apr 2009 11:00 PM PDT The recent drinking and driving arrests of celebrities -- Paris Hilton, Nicole Ritchie, Michelle Rodriguez and Lindsay Lohan -- yielded widespread news coverage, however, very little of it offered any public health context, according to a new report.

New Biomarker May Predict Leukemia Aggressiveness Posted: 22 Apr 2009 08:00 PM PDT Scientists have evidence of a potential new biomarker to predict the aggressiveness of an often difficult-to-treat form of leukemia. They found that high levels of a particular enzyme in the blood are an indicator that chronic lymphocytic leukemia -- the most common form of adult leukemia -- will be aggressive and in need of immediate treatment.

Fish Researcher Demonstrates First 'Non-visual Feeding' By African Cichlids Posted: 22 Apr 2009 08:00 PM PDT Most fish rely primarily on their vision to find prey to feed upon, but biologists have demonstrated that a group of African cichlids feeds by using its lateral line sensory system to detect minute vibrations made by prey hidden in the sediments.

Transplanted Liver Cells Function In Older Animals But Do Not Proliferate As Much As In Younger Ones Posted: 22 Apr 2009 08:00 PM PDT Hepatocyte transplantation has been successful in a number of animal models, raising hopes that use of cells could overcome the shortage of donor livers and the problems of surgery, but the procedure has not been as successful in humans. Was the problem related to the age of the donor? Scientists believe they know the answer. Age of the donor makes no difference, but age of the recipient makes a big one.

Online Reporting System Could Track Surgical Complications Posted: 22 Apr 2009 08:00 PM PDT A Web-based reporting system may help clinicians track surgical complications and detect patterns of adverse events, identifying opportunities to improve the quality of care, according to a new article.

Moms Who Breastfeed Less Likely To Develop Heart Attacks Or Strokes Posted: 22 Apr 2009 08:00 PM PDT The longer women breastfeed, the lower their risk of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular disease, researchers report. Postmenopausal women who breastfed for at least one month had lower rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Women who had breastfed for more than a year were 10 percent less likely to have had a heart attack, stroke or developed heart disease than women who had never breastfed.

Agents That Speed Up Destruction Of Proteins Linked To Alzheimer's Discovered Posted: 22 Apr 2009 05:00 PM PDT Taking a new approach to the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease, scientists have found that drug-like compounds can speed up destruction of the amyloid beta proteins that form plaque in the brains of patients with the disorder.

Risk Of Vibration-induced Vascular Injuries Linked To Vibration Frequency Differences Posted: 22 Apr 2009 05:00 PM PDT A new study directly links the different physical responses of tissue that occur with exposure to different vibration frequencies with biological mechanisms underlying the development of vascular dysfunction, such as loss of dexterity.

Unregulated Biofuel Crops Pose Invasive Pest Risk Posted: 22 Apr 2009 05:00 PM PDT Researchers have examined the impact of unregulated planting of biofuel crops for their potential invasiveness and raised concerns about their impacts on Hawaii's environment. Their findings conclude that biofuel crops proposed for use in the Hawaiian Islands are two to four times more likely to establish wild populations or be invasive in Hawaii and in other tropical areas when compared to a random sample of other introduced plants.

Witnessing Violence Affects Kids' Health Posted: 22 Apr 2009 05:00 PM PDT School-aged children who witness violence in urban communities show symptoms of post-traumatic stress. They also suffer physiological effects with a disruption to their normal cortisol production pattern during the day, which may have long-term negative effects on their health.

As World Warms, Water Levels Dropping In Major Rivers Posted: 22 Apr 2009 02:00 PM PDT Rivers in some of the world's most populous regions are losing water, according to a comprehensive study of global stream flows.

Natural Protein May Halt Colorectal Cancer's Spread Posted: 22 Apr 2009 02:00 PM PDT A protein, CXCL12, that normally controls intestinal cell movement, has the potential to halt colorectal cancer spreading. The finding represents a potential mechanism by which CXL12 may slow cancer spreading. Controlling this process could lead to new biological therapies for colorectal cancers.

New Way To Distinguish Cancerous From Normal Cells Posted: 22 Apr 2009 02:00 PM PDT Researchers have discovered a previously unknown feature that distinguishes cancer from normal cells: the difference in cell surface properties.

How P53 Mutations Link To High-grade Breast Cancer, Poor Outcomes Posted: 22 Apr 2009 02:00 PM PDT In what is believed to be the largest study of its kind in the US, researchers have found that almost 26 percent of women studied who have breast cancer have mutations in a gene important in controlling cell growth and death, and that patients with mutations in this gene -- known as p53 -- had poorer outcomes including a significantly increased risk of death from the cancer.

Lip-reading Computers Can Detect Different Languages Posted: 22 Apr 2009 02:00 PM PDT Scientists have created lip-reading computers that can distinguish between different languages.

Sexual Harassment From Males Prevents Female Bonding, Fish Study Shows Posted: 22 Apr 2009 02:00 PM PDT The extent to which sexual harassment from males can damage relationships between females is revealed in a new study. The research uncovers the effect of sexual harassment on the ability of female fish to form social bonds with each other.

You are subscribed to email updates from ScienceDaily: Latest Science News To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Inbox too full? Subscribe to the feed version of ScienceDaily: Latest Science News in a feed reader.
If you prefer to unsubscribe via postal mail, write to: ScienceDaily: Latest Science News, c/o Google, 20 W Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610