ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

NASA's Electronic Nose May Provide Neurosurgeons With A New Weapon Against Brain Cancer Posted: 04 May 2009 11:00 AM PDT An unlikely multidisciplinary scientific collaboration has discovered that an electronic nose developed for air quality monitoring on Space Shuttle Endeavour can also be used to detect odor differences in normal and cancerous brain cells. The results of the pilot study open up new possibilities for neurosurgeons in the fight against brain cancer.

Why Invasive Plants Take Over Posted: 04 May 2009 11:00 AM PDT New research shows that two key causes of plant invasion -- escape from natural enemies, and increases in plant resources -- act in concert. This result helps to explain the dramatic invasions by exotic plants occurring worldwide. It also indicates that global change is likely to exacerbate invasion by exotic plants.

Injured Marines At Risk For Abnormal Bone Growth Posted: 04 May 2009 11:00 AM PDT Marines and other military personnel who are wounded in combat as the result of a high-energy trauma, such as a bomb blast, are likely to develop an abnormality known as heterotopic ossification. In this condition, bone forms within the soft tissues, such as muscle located near a fracture or other bone injury.

Climate Change Threatens Unique Ecosystems of World's Largest Lake, Lake Baikal Posted: 04 May 2009 11:00 AM PDT The diverse biota of Lake Baikal, the world's largest lake, will come under severe pressure as the climate becomes warmer and wetter, because the food web relies on a long period of ice cover to shelter microbes that generate the annual production of organic carbon. The lake's top predator is also vulnerable to a reduction in ice cover. Pollution and expected wind changes further threaten the lake's ecology.

People Of Higher Socioeconomic Status Choose Better Diets, But Pay More Per Calorie Posted: 04 May 2009 11:00 AM PDT As people become more educated, studies have demonstrated that they tend to choose foods that are lower in calories but higher in nutrients. They also pay more. Researchers compared the eating habits and food costs of a sample of 164 adults in the Seattle, Washington area.

Earth Still Recovering From A Glacial Hangover Posted: 04 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT A new explanation for the cause of changes in the chemical makeup of the oceans through recent Earth history has been put forward. Scientists suggest that adjustments in ocean chemistry through recent geological time are driven by variations in the intensity of chemical breakdown of continental rocks by rain and ground water.

Urine Screening Test May One Day Predict Coronary Artery Disease Posted: 04 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT Seventeen specific protein fragments seem to distinguish people who have coronary artery disease from those who don't. A small study indicates that a newly created urine analysis may identify patients with these proteins and accurately diagnose atherosclerosis in 84 percent of the cases. These data encourage further development of a urine-based screening method for non-invasive diagnosis of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.

Matrix Protein Key To Fighting Viruses Posted: 04 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT A new approach could help scientists to intercept one of the viruses that cause respiratory disease and a third of common colds, before it begins spreading, according to new research.

DNA Barcoding Of Mosquito Species Deployed In Bid To End Elephantiasis Posted: 04 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT Researchers are pioneering the use of DNA "barcodes" to map menacing mosquito species in West Africa that spread lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis. The ability to precisely identify mosquito species is a promising advance in the battle against LF, an often disfiguring disease that today threatens 1 billion people across roughly 80 countries.

Students Make Atari Games Look Like Atari Again Posted: 04 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT One of the main themes of Racing the Beam is the strong affinity between the Atari VCS and the CRT television. The system was designed around the TV and it interfaces with that display in an unusual and specific way.

Caffeine Withdrawal Headache Explained: Your Brain On -- And Off -- Caffeine Posted: 04 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT Using EEG, ultrasound to examine blood flow velocity and questionnaires, researchers found physiological evidence of the likely mechanism underlying the common "caffeine withdrawal headache," as well as a surprise finding.

Human Brain Can Recognize Objects Much Faster Than Some Have Thought Posted: 04 May 2009 05:00 AM PDT Some experts believe that vision isn't possible without feedback from higher levels of the brain, but a study now demonstrates that the brain can rapidly recognize objects under a variety of conditions at a very early processing stage. The study involved patients with epilepsy who were undergoing high-resolution brain mapping prior to neurosurgery.

New Diagnostic Advance Seen For Head, Throat Cancer Posted: 04 May 2009 05:00 AM PDT Pharmacy researchers have announced the discovery of a genetic regulator that is expressed at higher levels in the most aggressive types of head and neck cancers, in work that may help to identify them earlier or even offer a new therapy at some point in the future.

Catching The Lightwave: Nano-mechanical Sensors 'Wired' By Photonics Posted: 04 May 2009 05:00 AM PDT As researchers push towards detection of single molecules, single electron spins and the smallest amounts of mass and movement, researchers have demonstrated silicon-based nanocantilevers, smaller than the wavelength of light, that operate on photonic principles eliminating the need for electric transducers and expensive laser setups. The work ushers in a new generation of tools for ultra-sensitive measurements at the atomic level.

Simple Blood Test Proves Powerful Ally In The Fight Against Malaria Posted: 04 May 2009 05:00 AM PDT Scientists have shown that rapid diagnostic tests for malaria infection can provide valuable support for health care in low and mid-income countries in the fight against the disease. The RDT procedure is based on a simple blood test and, according to the results, helps to ensure that a greater number of patients receive the right treatment at no extra cost for the health care services.

New Technique For Modifying Plant Genes Developed Posted: 04 May 2009 05:00 AM PDT Researchers have used a genome engineering tool they developed to make a model crop plant herbicide-resistant without significant changes to its DNA. The new tool could help provide sustainable food, fuel and fiber.

High School Teachers Influence Student Views Of Evolution & Creationism Posted: 04 May 2009 05:00 AM PDT College students' views about evolution and creationism are often shaped by what they learned in their high school biology classes, according to a new study.

Birds Raised In Complete Isolation Evolve 'Normal' Species Song Over Generations Posted: 04 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT Biologists have discovered that zebra finches raised in isolation will, over several generations, produce a song similar to that sung by the species in the wild. The experiment provides new insights into how genetic background, learning abilities and environmental variation might influence how birds evolve "song culture" -- and provides some pointers to how human languages may evolve.

Potential Preventative Therapy For Type 1 Diabetes Posted: 04 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT Scientists believe they may have found a preventative therapy for Type 1 diabetes, by making the body's killer immune cells tolerate the insulin-producing cells they would normally attack and destroy, prior to disease onset.

Food Science Students Invent Easy-To-Use Meat Seasoning Posted: 04 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT Summertime and the living is easy. You are in the mood to grill. But wait. All you have is a slab of unmarinated meat. It's okay. Students have invented Spice n Easy, flavor spikes that will quickly and easily flavor your meat. No overnight soaking. No cleanup. You are ready to cook.

Suppressor Of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS)-1 Inhibits Prostate Cancer Growth Posted: 04 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT Researchers in Austria have discovered that SOCS-1 negatively regulates prostate cancer proliferation. SOCS family members are expressed in a variety of cancers, including chronic myeloid leukemia, melanoma, and prostate cancer.

Key Function In Protein, Cell Transcription Identified Posted: 04 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT Researchers have figured out a mechanism involved in marking where assembly instructions are located in a cell's DNA.

Poor Sleep Quality Leads To Poorer Prognosis After Stroke Posted: 04 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT Stroke victims tend to do worse if they also have diagnosed or undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea prior to having the stroke, according to a new study.

Parkinson's: Neurons Destroyed By Three Simultaneous Strikes Posted: 03 May 2009 11:00 PM PDT In a study that reveals the clearest picture to date of neuron death in Parkinson's disease, researchers have found that a trio of culprits acting in concert is responsible for killing the brain cells. The study showed that three molecules -- the neurotransmitter dopamine, a calcium channel, and a protein called alpha-synuclein -- act together to kill the neurons. A new theory of Parkinson's disease gives researchers fresh ideas for treatments.

Atomic Physics Study Sets New Limits On Hypothetical New Particles Posted: 03 May 2009 11:00 PM PDT Physicists are reporting a refined analysis of experiments on violation of mirror symmetry in atoms that sets new constraints on a hypothesized particle, the extra Z-boson.

SPARC (Secreted Protein Acidic And Rich In Cysteine) In Kidney Disease Posted: 03 May 2009 11:00 PM PDT Researchers have found that SPARC, a counter-adhesive protein, may contribute to kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is associated with significant injury and loss of podocytes, which are cells crucial for filtering the blood of toxins.

There’s Money In Managing Manure When It’s Done Right Posted: 03 May 2009 11:00 PM PDT New and expanding swine production facilities in North Carolina are required to use manure management systems that meet the strictest environmental performance standards in the nation. Fortunately, scientists have developed a system that exceeds state benchmarks for controlling pollutants from swine farms.

Pacifiers No Barrier To Breastfeeding Success Posted: 03 May 2009 11:00 PM PDT Many women have heard of the benefits of breastfeeding and pacifier use in reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) as well as other advantages. But many may question the effects of pacifiers on breastfeeding success. Mothers need not worry about that, according to a review of relevant studies.

Dolphins Maintain Round-the-clock Visual Vigilance Posted: 03 May 2009 08:00 PM PDT Even when a dolphin sleeps, half of its brain remains conscious. Knowing this, biologists wondered whether dolphins tire of keeping an eye on things. Monitoring for physical signs of sleep deprivation, researchers tested dolphins' reactions to visual and sound stimuli over a five-day period, and found that the animals were as sharp after five days as they had been at the beginning.

Personalized Treatment For Early Lung Cancer Posted: 03 May 2009 08:00 PM PDT Cancer vaccines and targeted therapies are beginning to offer new treatment options following surgery for patients with early stages of lung cancer, according to experts.

Swine Flu Update: At Least 18 Counties Affected; Human-to-Pig Infection Reported In Canada Posted: 03 May 2009 08:00 PM PDT The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that as of 1600 GMT, 3 May 2009, 18 countries have officially reported 898 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.

Molecule That Increases The Risk Of Cardiac Insufficiency Identified Posted: 03 May 2009 08:00 PM PDT Scientists have identified a key enzyme in the development of cardiac insufficiency. This enzyme is involved in the accumulation of fibrous tissues in the hearts of patients with chronic cardiac diseases and deterioration of heart functions.

What Regulates MicroRNAs? When Cells Reach Out And Touch Posted: 03 May 2009 08:00 PM PDT MicroRNAs are single-stranded snippets that, not long ago, were given short shrift as genetic junk. Now that studies have shown they regulate genes involved in normal functioning as well as diseases such as cancer, everyone wants to know: What regulates microRNAs?

Shift In Computer Simulation Superiority Posted: 03 May 2009 08:00 PM PDT Science and engineering are advancing rapidly in part due to ever more powerful computer simulations, yet the most advanced supercomputers require programming skills that all too few US researchers possess. At the same time, affordable computers and committed national programs outside the US are eroding American competitiveness in number of simulation-driven fields.

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