Sunday, May 24, 2009

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News


Primate Eye Evolution: Small Evolutionary Shifts Make Big Impacts -- Like Developing Night Vision

Posted: 24 May 2009 02:00 PM PDT

Minor differences in the timing of cell proliferation can explain the large differences found in the eyes of two species -- owl monkeys and capuchin monkeys -- that evolved from a common ancestor.

Mutant Genes In High-risk Childhood Leukemias Identified

Posted: 24 May 2009 02:00 PM PDT

Scientists have pinpointed a new class of gene mutations, which identify cases of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia that have a high risk of relapse and death. The finding suggests specific drugs that could treat this high-risk leukemia subtype in children, particularly because such drugs are already in clinical trials for similar blood diseases in adults.

Synthetic Catalyst Mimics Nature's 'Hydrogen Economy'

Posted: 24 May 2009 02:00 PM PDT

By creating a model of the active site found in a naturally occurring enzyme, chemists have described a catalyst that acts like nature's most pervasive hydrogen processor.

TB Vaccine Gets Its Groove Back

Posted: 24 May 2009 02:00 PM PDT

Investigators have cracked one of clinical medicine's enduring mysteries -- what happened to the tuberculosis vaccine. The once-effective vaccine no longer prevents the bacterial lung infection that kills more than 1.7 million people worldwide each year. Their solution could lead to an improved TB vaccine and also may offer a novel platform for vaccines against other pathogens.

Seeing Beyond The Invisible: Uncovering Our Planet’s Past To Help Predict Its Future

Posted: 24 May 2009 02:00 PM PDT

A novel method of reconstructing missing data will shed new light on how and why our climate moved us on from ice ages to warmer periods as researchers will be able to calculate lost information and put together a more complete picture.

'Intoxication' May Not Always Be Visible

Posted: 24 May 2009 02:00 PM PDT

One well-known and often deadly consequence of alcohol intoxication is impaired driving. Yet still today, it is difficult for even trained observers to fully identify "intoxication," given that so many factors contribute to it. This review examines the very definition of intoxication, as well as methods designed to prevent impaired driving.

Giant Galaxy Messier 87 Finally Sized Up

Posted: 24 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT

Using ESO's Very Large Telescope, astronomers have succeeded in measuring the size of giant galaxy Messier 87 and were surprised to find that its outer parts have been stripped away by still unknown effects. The galaxy also appears to be on a collision course with another giant galaxy in this very dynamic cluster.

Gene Signature Helps Predict Breast Cancer Prognosis

Posted: 24 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT

Researchers have uncovered a gene signature that may help predict clinical outcomes in certain types of breast cancer. They report that this gene signature -- which is associated with the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-²) signaling pathway -- correlates with reduced relapse-free survival in patients with breast cancer, especially in those with estrogen receptor (ER) positive tumors.

How Solid Is Concrete's Carbon Footprint?

Posted: 24 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT

Many scientists currently think at least 5 percent of humanity's carbon footprint comes from the concrete industry, both from energy use and the carbon dioxide byproduct from the production of cement, one of concrete's principal components.

Molecular Pathway Behind Invasive Prostate Cancers

Posted: 24 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT

Cancer and cell biologists have identified a new molecular pathway key to the development of invasive prostate cancers.

Optimal Trip And Load Planning

Posted: 24 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT

How can companies maximize truck capacity utilization and at the same time plan trips so that the burden on the environment and transport costs are reduced? A new software system couples cargo space utilization and trip planning.

Lower Legal Drinking Age Increases Unplanned Pregnancies And Pre-term Births Among Young People

Posted: 24 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT

Amid renewed calls to consider reducing the legal drinking age, a new study finds that lower drinking ages increase unplanned pregnancies and pre-term births among young people.

Thieving Whale Caught On Video Gives Rare Clues About Hunting Strategy, Sound Production

Posted: 24 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT

A marine mammal videotaped stealing fish provides information about animal's physical features.

Prevalence Of Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Agent In Britain Remains Uncertain

Posted: 24 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT

First results from a large tissue survey in Britain of the agent that causes variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) are unable so far to establish that the prevalence is lower than that given by previous estimates, concludes a new study.

Finishing Touches: New Alloys Offer Alternative To Chrome

Posted: 24 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT

Chrome has been used to add a protective coating and shiny luster to a wide range of metal products. But those features come at a heavy cost. The industrial process to create chrome is dangerous for workers and pollutes the environment. Now researchers have developed a new nickel-tungsten alloy that is not only safer than chrome but also more durable.

3-D Kidney Atlas Created For Researchers And Physicians

Posted: 24 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT

Renal diseases shall be diagnosed earlier and treated more successfully in the future. Towards this aim, researchers have been working for years to create a three-dimensional virtual "Kidney Atlas."

Research Shows Efficiency Of Huelva-grown Shrub In Recovery Of Polluted Soil

Posted: 24 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT

Researchers in Spain have verified in controlled trials the efficiency of Erica andevalensis, or heather from Andévalo -- an endemic shrub from the province of Huelva and the Portuguese area of the Alentejo -- in the recovery of soils contaminated with heavy metals.

Psychological Impact Of Child Abuse

Posted: 24 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT

A history of child abuse significantly impacts the wide range of challenges facing depressed inpatients, according to new research.

No comments: