Tuesday, May 26, 2009

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

New Memory Material May Hold Data For One Billion Years

Posted: 26 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT

Packing more digital images, music, and other data onto silicon chips in USB drives and smart phones is like squeezing more strawberries into the same size supermarket carton. The denser you pack, the quicker it spoils. The 10 to 100 gigabits of data per square inch on today's memory cards has an estimated life expectancy of only 10 to 30 years. And the electronics industry needs much greater data densities for tomorrow's iPods, smart phones, and other devices.

Menopause Transition May Cause Trouble Learning

Posted: 26 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT

The largest study of its kind to date shows that women may not be able to learn as well shortly before menopause compared to other stages in life.

Why The Thumb Of The Right Hand Is On The Left Hand Side

Posted: 26 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT

It is the concentration of a few signaling molecules that determines the fate of individual cells during the early development of organisms. Molecular biologists report that a variety of molecular mechanisms accounts for the interpretation of the concentration of the signaling molecule Hedgehog.

Immune Genes Adapt To Parasites

Posted: 26 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT

Thank parasites for making some of our immune proteins into the inflammatory defenders they are today, according to a population genetics study in the Journal of Experimental Medicine. The study also suggests that you might blame parasites for sculpting some of those genes into risk factors for intestinal disorders.

Long-sought Way To Make 'Nano-raspberries' May Fight Foggy Windows And Eyeglasses

Posted: 26 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT

In an advance toward preventing car windshields and eyeglasses from fogging up, researchers in China are reporting development of a new way to make raspberry-shaped nanoparticles that can give glass a permanent antifogging coating. 

Psychologists Find That Head Movement Is More Important Than Gender In Nonverbal Communication

Posted: 26 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT

Psychologists and computer scientists have found that gender is less important than head motion in the nonverbal dynamics of how people converse.

Tool-making Birds: Necessity Is The Mother Of Invention For Clever Rooks

Posted: 26 May 2009 05:00 AM PDT

Researchers have found that rooks, a member of the crow family, are capable of using and making tools, modifying them to make them work and using two tools in a sequence.

Cholesterol-lowering Drugs May Help Prevent Stroke Recurrence, Study Suggests

Posted: 26 May 2009 05:00 AM PDT

People who take cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins after a stroke may be less likely to have another stroke later, according to new research.

Climate History Of Arctic Illuminated By Study Of 3.6-Million-Year-Old Meteorite Impact Crater In Siberia

Posted: 26 May 2009 05:00 AM PDT

Scientists have studied the El'gygytgyn meteorite impact crater in Arctic Siberia. They found, from analyses of the drill cores, new information about the formation of the impact crater, as well as information they can use more fully to understand the climate history of the Arctic.

Nervous System May Be Culprit In Deadly Muscle Disease

Posted: 26 May 2009 05:00 AM PDT

Long considered a "muscle" disorder, Pompe disease may have a previously unknown neural component. In mouse models of the disease, researchers have discovered that signals from the spinal cord are too weak to reach the diaphragm -- the muscle that controls breathing. The finding suggests that therapies to treat the disease will need to take the central nervous system into account in order to be fully effective.

Beetles To Be Used To Show Consequences Of Inbreeding

Posted: 26 May 2009 05:00 AM PDT

They are cursed the world over for contaminating food supplies and are a huge commercial pest, but the humble flour beetle is about to play a significant role in the management of endangered species. The flour beetle -- or Tribolium castaneum -- will be the model in a major new study into the consequences of inbreeding.

Higher Risk Of Falls Due To Dizziness In Middle-aged And Older Americans

Posted: 26 May 2009 05:00 AM PDT

A full third of American adults, 69 million men and women over age 40, are up to 12 times more likely to have a serious fall because they have some form of inner-ear dysfunction that throws them off balance and makes them dizzy. Millions are unaware of danger from vestibular dysfunction; diabetes is a risk factor, along with age.

Link Between Sociality And Brain Increase In Carnivores Questioned By Evolutionary Biologists

Posted: 26 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT

Packs of hunting dogs, troops of baboons, herds of antelope: when people observe social animals, they are often struck by how intelligent they seem, and recent studies suggest that sociality has played a key role in the evolution of larger brain size among several orders of mammals. But new research calls this hypothesis into question -- at least for carnivores.

Younger Men With Advanced Prostate Cancer Have Shorter Survival Times

Posted: 26 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT

While young men with prostate cancer have a low risk of dying early, those with advanced forms of cancer do not live as long as older men with similar forms of the disease.

Elderly Women With 'Dowager's Hump' May Be At Higher Risk Of Earlier Death

Posted: 26 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT

Hyperkyphosis, or "dowager's hump" -- the exaggerated forward curvature of the upper spine seen commonly in elderly women -- may predict earlier death in women whether or not they have vertebral osteoporosis.

Action Of Ghrelin Hormone Increases Appetite And Favors Accumulation Of Abdominal Fat

Posted: 26 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT

The ghrelin hormone not only stimulates the brain giving rise to an increase in appetite, but also favous the accumulation of lipids in visceral fatty tissue, located in the abdominal zone and considered to be the most harmful.

Proteomics: Finding The Key Ingredients Of Disease

Posted: 26 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT

New findings show how to improve protein analysis to tease out relevant potential disease-causing molecules. The goal of proteomics is to characterize all the proteins that are encoded from human DNA, similar to how all genes were identified as a result of the Human Genome Project.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy Appears Beneficial For Long-term Treatment Of Insomnia

Posted: 26 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT

For patients with persistent insomnia, a combination of cognitive behavior therapy and the medication zolpidem for 6 weeks was associated with improvement in sleep, although for a longer treatment period CBT alone was more beneficial, according to a new study.

Rapid Climate Change Forces Scientists To Evaluate 'Extreme' Conservation Strategies

Posted: 25 May 2009 11:00 PM PDT

Scientists are, for the first time, objectively evaluating ways to help species adapt to rapid climate change and other environmental threats via strategies that were considered too radical for serious consideration as recently as five or 10 years ago. Among these radical strategies currently being considered is so-called "managed relocation." Managed relocation, which is also known as "assisted migration," involves manually moving species into more accommodating habitats where they are not currently found.

Australian Team Reveals World-first Discovery In A 'Floppy Baby' Syndrome

Posted: 25 May 2009 11:00 PM PDT

In a world first, West Australian scientists have cured mice of a devastating muscle disease that causes a "floppy baby" syndrome -- a breakthrough that could ultimately help thousands of families across the globe.

Repeated Fire And Drought: A Menace For Mediterranean Forests

Posted: 25 May 2009 11:00 PM PDT

Is fire an enemy of Mediterranean forests or a natural regulating factor of the ecosystem? What is the effect of climate change on the interactions? Researchers have found that it is a question of frequency, itself related to the stock of organic matter which determines life in soil. The results obtained have created new possibilities for better management of the most fragile ecosystems.

Drug For Urination Difficulties Linked With Complications After Cataract Surgery

Posted: 25 May 2009 11:00 PM PDT

Use of the medication tamsulosin to treat male urination difficulties within two weeks of cataract surgery is associated with an increased risk of serious postoperative ophthalmic adverse events such as retinal detachment or lost lens, according to a new study.

Integrated Microbial Genomes Expert Review Goes Primetime

Posted: 25 May 2009 11:00 PM PDT

After a genome is sequenced and automatically annotated, researchers often manually review the predicted genes and their functions in order to improve accuracy and coverage across the vast genetic code of the particular target organism or community of organisms. These annotations drive the publication of high-profile science relevant to advancing bioenergy research and our understanding of biogeochemistry—the biological, chemical, physical, and geological processes that regulate our environment.

More To 'Second Life' Than Just Sex

Posted: 25 May 2009 11:00 PM PDT

Researchers have found that a wide array of health-related activity occurs in the 3-D virtual world of Second Life.

Fire And Water Reveal New Archaeological Dating Method

Posted: 25 May 2009 08:00 PM PDT

Scientists have developed a new way of dating archaeological objects -- using fire and water to unlock their "internal clocks."

Shared Genetic Link Between Dental Disease Periodontitis And Heart Attack Discovered

Posted: 25 May 2009 08:00 PM PDT

The relationship between the dental disease periodontitis and coronary heart disease has been known for several years. Although a genetic link seemed likely, until now its existence was uncertain. Now, for the first time, scientists have discovered a genetic relationship between the two conditions.

Using 'Dominance' To Explain Dog Behavior Is Old Hat

Posted: 25 May 2009 08:00 PM PDT

A new study shows how the behavior of dogs has been misunderstood for generations: in fact using misplaced ideas about dog behavior and training is likely to cause rather than cure unwanted behavior. The findings challenge many of the dominance related interpretations of behavior and training techniques suggested by current TV dog trainers.

Mock CPR Drills In Kids Show Many Hospital Residents Fail In Key Skills

Posted: 25 May 2009 08:00 PM PDT

New research exposes alarming gaps in training hospital residents in "first response" emergency treatment of staged cardiorespiratory arrests in children, while at the same time offering a potent recipe for fixing the problem.

Telemedicine May Improve Care For School Children With Diabetes

Posted: 25 May 2009 08:00 PM PDT

Type 1 diabetes is the most common chronic childhood disease. The management of this serious medical condition includes regular fingerstick glucose measurements, multiple daily injections of insulin, and frequent insulin dose adjustments. Because children spend a great deal of their time in school, school nurses often supervise medical decisions and diabetes care. Some researchers believe that the use of telecommunication technology may make diabetes care easier for some children.

Sleeping Through Dialysis: No Nightmare For Kidney Patients

Posted: 25 May 2009 08:00 PM PDT

Dialysis takes hours of kidney disease patients' time several days a week, so why not do it at night while sleeping? Overnight dialysis is more convenient for some patients and offers significant benefits over shorter daytime treatments, according to a new study. The findings indicate that overnight dialysis is a viable alternative for patients with irreversible kidney disease, particularly in dialysis clinics where there are constraints on time and resources.

Opposites Attract: How Genetics Influences Humans To Choose Their Mates

Posted: 25 May 2009 05:00 PM PDT

New light has been thrown on how humans choose their partners. Research has shown that people with diverse major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs) were more likely to choose each other as mates than those whose MHCs were similar, and that this was likely to be an evolutionary strategy to ensure healthy reproduction.

Mystery Of Potentially Fatal Reaction To Smallpox Vaccine Solved

Posted: 25 May 2009 05:00 PM PDT

Researchers have pinpointed the cellular defect that increases the likelihood, among eczema sufferers, of developing eczema vaccinatum, a severe and potentially fatal reaction to the smallpox vaccine. The research was conducted in mouse models. The network is working toward the development of a new smallpox vaccine that could be administered to eczema sufferers.

HIV's March Around Europe Mapped

Posted: 25 May 2009 05:00 PM PDT

Those traveling abroad should take seriously advice to pack their condoms and keep their needles to themselves. Research shows that tourists, travelers and migrants from Greece, Portugal, Serbia and Spain actively export HIV-1 subtype B to other European nations.

HRT-breast Cancer Risk Stays Same, Regardless Of Family History, Study Finds

Posted: 25 May 2009 05:00 PM PDT

The risk of developing breast cancer due to taking hormone replacement therapy appears to be the same for women with a family history of the disease and without a family history, a new study concluded.

Nimbus Rises In World Of Cloud Computing

Posted: 25 May 2009 05:00 PM PDT

Cloud computing is a hot topic in the technology world these days. Even if you're not a tech-phile, chances are if you've watched a lot of television or skimmed a business magazine, you've heard someone talking about cloud computing as the way of the future. While it's difficult to predict the future, a new cloud computing infrastructure is demonstrating that cloud computing's potential is being realized now.

Blood Tests And Better Communication Skills Could Cut Over-prescribing Of Antibiotics

Posted: 25 May 2009 05:00 PM PDT

Improving communications skills and the use of a simple blood test could help cut the growing number of inappropriate prescriptions of antibiotics, researchers have discovered.

Historic Hubble Servicing Mission 4 Ends With Successful Landing

Posted: 25 May 2009 02:00 PM PDT

The historic and successful Hubble Servicing Mission 4 concluded with a trouble-free Space Shuttle landing on Sunday. During a series of unprecedented spacewalks, astronauts replaced and repaired a total of four instruments. The Wide Field Camera 3 and Cosmic Origins Spectrograph were installed and the Advanced Camera for Surveys and Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph were successfully repaired.

Function Of Key Protein In Cancer Spread Described

Posted: 25 May 2009 02:00 PM PDT

New research may help lay the groundwork for the development of a compound to prevent the spread of cancer.

Mockingbirds In Fickle Climates Sing Fancier Tunes

Posted: 25 May 2009 02:00 PM PDT

Why are some birds simple singers and others vocal virtuosos? Researchers suspect that inconsistent climates may play a role.

Study Calls For 'As Soon As Possible' Treatment Standard For Heart Attack Patients

Posted: 25 May 2009 02:00 PM PDT

Once in hospital, heart attack patients should be treated without delay to cut their risk of death, ideally within even less than the 90 minutes currently recommended by clinical guidelines, say researchers.

Multiferroics: Making A Switch The Electric Way

Posted: 25 May 2009 02:00 PM PDT

Researchers have demonstrated that electric fields can be used as ON/OFF switches in multiferroic materials, a development that holds promise for future magnetic data storage and spintronic devices.

Siblings Of Children With Cancer Feel Left Out

Posted: 25 May 2009 02:00 PM PDT

Siblings of cancer victims often feel left out and have nobody to share their grief with. However, the illness may help strengthen the bond between a healthy and a cancer-stricken sibling.

Automated Analysis Of MR Images May Identify Early Alzheimer’s Disease

Posted: 25 May 2009 11:00 AM PDT

Analyzing MRI studies of the brain may allow diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and of mild cognitive impairment, a lesser form of dementia that precedes the development of Alzheimer's by several years.

Novel Approach Estimates Nanoparticles In Environment

Posted: 25 May 2009 11:00 AM PDT

Without knowing how much of an industrial chemical is being produced, it is almost impossible for scientists to determine if it poses any threat to the environment or human health. Civil engineers now believe they have come up with a novel way of estimating how much of one such material -- titanium dioxide -- is being generated, laying the groundwork for future studies to assess any possible risks.

MRSA: Potentially Deadly Infection, Once Seen Primarily In Hospitalized Patients, Now Linked To Common Foot Conditions

Posted: 25 May 2009 11:00 AM PDT

More Americans are developing drug-resistant staph infections, known as MRSA, from common, relatively minor foot problems such as cuts, cracks in the skin, athlete's foot and ingrown toenails. Foot and ankle surgeons are noting an increase in community-associated MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Tumor Growth And Chemo Response May Be Predicted By Mathematical Model

Posted: 25 May 2009 11:00 AM PDT

The aggressiveness of tumors and their susceptibility to chemotherapy may become easier to predict based on a mathematical model.

Medical Records: Internet-savvy Consumers Will Trade Some Privacy In Order To Gain Transparency, Full Access To Medical Records

Posted: 25 May 2009 11:00 AM PDT

A qualitative study provides key insights into consumer preferences, suggesting that patients want full access to all of their medical records, are willing to make some privacy concessions in the interest of making their medical records completely transparent, and that, going forward, fully expect that computers will play a major role in their medical care, even substituting for face-to-face doctor visits.
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)