ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• XMM-Newton Takes Astronomers To A Black Hole's Edge
• Dementia Drugs May Put Some Patients At Risk
• Sulfur In Just One Hair Could Blow A Terrorist’s Alibi
• Statins May Have A Negative Impact In Multiple Sclerosis Patients
• Well Water Can Pose Health Risks To Young Children
• Assisted Reproduction Increasing: Almost 250,000 Babies Born In One Year
• Melting Greenland Ice Sheets May Threaten Northeast United States, Canada
• DNA Compounds Could Help Treat Lupus
• Capturing The Birth Of A Synapse: Mechanism Locking Two Neurons Found
• Refusing Immunizations Puts Children At Increased Risk Of Pertussis Infection, Study Finds
• What Goes Down, Must Come Up: Earth's Leaky Mantle
• Brain Activation Can Predict Strategies People Use To Make Risky Decisions
• Clearest Images Of Starburst Galaxies Reveal New Picture Of Early Universe
• Technique Eradicates Problems In Most Patients With Barrett's Esophagus
• Europe's Gravity Mission GOCE Achieves Drag-free Perfection
• Pediatrician Creates Easier Way To Identify Kids' High Blood Pressure
• Geographic Isolation Drives Evolution Of Hot Springs Microbe
• Following A Healthy Lifestyle Is On Decline In U.S.
• Shellfish Face An Uncertain Future In High Carbon Dioxide World
• Genetic Cause For Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Identified
• Fast And Cheap Forecasting System For Mediterranean Cyclones
• Relatives Of A Young Person Who Dies Suddenly Should Have Cardiological And Genetic Examination
• Investigating The Development Of Mechanosensitivity
• Supermarket Discounts Promote Unhealthy Choices, New Zealand Study Finds
• More Genetic Differences Between Mice And Humans Than Previously Thought
• Less-toxic Drug Prolongs Survival In Metastatic Breast Cancer
• European Shipping Routes Linked To Locations With High Nitrogen Dioxide Pollution
• Discovery Of Faulty Genes Could Reveal Risk Of Bone Disease
• World's Highest-resolution Commercial Satellite
• Are Humans Genetically Programmed To Care About Long-term Future And Climate Change?
• Genetic Basis Of Musical Aptitude: Neurobiology Of Musicality Related To Intrinsic Attachment Behavior
• Premature Ejaculation May Be A Genetic Disorder
• High Torque Electric Motor Being Tested
• New Mouse Model Provides Insight Into Genetic Neurological Disorders
• Flexible Monitors For Future Battlefields
• Half Of Your Friends Lost In Seven Years, Social Network Study Finds
• New Extinct Lemur Species Discovered In Madagascar
• Green Tea Extract Shows Promise In Leukemia Trials
• In-depth Look At Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine Life, Ecosystems
• Identification Of Genetic Variants Affecting Age At Menopause Could Help Improve Fertility Treatment
• World's Highest-resolution Projector
• Lessons From The Vaccine-autism Wars
• Giant Dinosaur Posture Is All Wrong: Sauropods Held Their Heads High, Research Finds
• Healing With Light? Optical Technology Controls Living Cells
• Watermelons Tapped For Ethanol
• Heart Muscle Protein Can Replace Its Missing Skeletal Muscle Counterpart To Give Mice With Myopathy Long And Active Life
• Vehicles That Drive Themselves
• Cancer Drug Causes Patient To Lose Fingerprints And Be Detained By US Immigration

XMM-Newton Takes Astronomers To A Black Hole's Edge Posted: 28 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT Using new data from ESA's XMM-Newton spaceborne observatory, astronomers have probed closer than ever to a supermassive black hole lying deep at the core of a distant active galaxy.

Dementia Drugs May Put Some Patients At Risk Posted: 28 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT Effects associated with several commonly-prescribed dementia drugs may be putting elderly people at risk, says a geriatrics professor.

Sulfur In Just One Hair Could Blow A Terrorist’s Alibi Posted: 28 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT A team of Spanish and British scientists has developed a "laser ablation" method that makes it possible to detect variations in the sulfur isotopes of a single hair over time. This information shows up changes in a person's eating habits and their movements between different countries, which could help police to undermine the alibis of international terrorists.

Statins May Have A Negative Impact In Multiple Sclerosis Patients Posted: 28 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT Statins, a commonly prescribed class of drugs used by millions worldwide to effectively lower blood cholesterol levels, may actually have a negative impact in multiple sclerosis patients treated with high daily dosages.

Well Water Can Pose Health Risks To Young Children Posted: 28 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT Private well water should be tested yearly, and in some cases more often, according to new guidance offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Assisted Reproduction Increasing: Almost 250,000 Babies Born In One Year Posted: 28 May 2009 08:00 AM PDT Assisted reproductive technology is responsible for an estimated 219,000 to 246,000 babies born each year worldwide according to an international study. The study also finds that the number of ART procedures is growing steadily: in just two years (from 2000 to 2002) ART activity increased by more than 25 percent.

Melting Greenland Ice Sheets May Threaten Northeast United States, Canada Posted: 28 May 2009 05:00 AM PDT A melting of the Greenland ice sheet this century may drive more water than previously thought toward the already threatened coastlines of New York, Boston, Halifax, and other cities in the northeastern United States and in Canada, according to new research.

DNA Compounds Could Help Treat Lupus Posted: 28 May 2009 05:00 AM PDT Scientists have generated DNA-like compounds that effectively inhibit the cells responsible for the most common and serious form of lupus. The findings could eventually lead to new treatments for this difficult disease, which affects up to one million Americans.

Capturing The Birth Of A Synapse: Mechanism Locking Two Neurons Found Posted: 28 May 2009 05:00 AM PDT Researchers have identified the locking mechanism that allows some neurons to form synapses to pass along essential information. Mutations of genes that produce a critical cell-adhesion molecule involved in the work were previously linked to autism.

Refusing Immunizations Puts Children At Increased Risk Of Pertussis Infection, Study Finds Posted: 28 May 2009 05:00 AM PDT A new study finds that children of parents who refuse vaccines are 23 times more likely to get whooping cough compared to fully immunized children.

What Goes Down, Must Come Up: Earth's Leaky Mantle Posted: 28 May 2009 05:00 AM PDT A conundrum has long vexed geoscientists: How to reconcile convection of the Earth's mantle with observations of ancient noble gases in volcanic rocks. Solving the problem requires that the recycling of tectonic plates into the Earth's lower mantle is balanced by hot, buoyant mantle plumes that rise with little mixing to the Earth's surface, producing volcanic island chains like Hawaii.

Brain Activation Can Predict Strategies People Use To Make Risky Decisions Posted: 28 May 2009 05:00 AM PDT Watching people's brains in real time as they handle a set of decision-making problems can reveal how different each person's strategy can be, according to neuroscientists.

Clearest Images Of Starburst Galaxies Reveal New Picture Of Early Universe Posted: 28 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT Astronomers and physicists built an innovative new telescope called BLAST (Balloon-borne Large-Aperture Sub-millimeter Telescope) and launched it to the edge of the atmosphere, where it discovered previously unidentified dust-obscured, star-forming galaxies that could help illuminate the origins of the universe.

Technique Eradicates Problems In Most Patients With Barrett's Esophagus Posted: 28 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT A procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to treat Barrett's esophagus, a condition caused by acid reflux (severe heartburn), can eliminate signs of the potentially cancer-causing disorder and reduce the risk that the disease will progress. The procedure, called radiofrequency ablation, could mean patients have an alternative to surgery for treating Barrett's esophagus.

Europe's Gravity Mission GOCE Achieves Drag-free Perfection Posted: 28 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT ESA's gravity mission GOCE has achieved a first in the history of satellite technology. The sophisticated electric propulsion system has shown that it is able to keep the satellite completely free from drag as it cuts through the remnants of Earth's atmosphere – paving the way for the best gravity data ever.

Pediatrician Creates Easier Way To Identify Kids' High Blood Pressure Posted: 28 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT Pediatricians now have a new and simple way to diagnose a serious problem facing our nation's children. Nearly 75 percent of cases of hypertension and 90 percent of cases of prehypertension in children and adolescents go undiagnosed. Researchers hope a simplified chart will improve diagnosis.

Geographic Isolation Drives Evolution Of Hot Springs Microbe Posted: 28 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT Sulfolobus islandicus, a microbe that can live in boiling acid, is offering up its secrets to researchers hardy enough to capture it from the volcanic hot springs where it thrives. In a new study, researchers report that populations of S. islandicus are more diverse than previously thought, and that their diversity is driven largely by geographic isolation.

Following A Healthy Lifestyle Is On Decline In U.S. Posted: 28 May 2009 02:00 AM PDT Despite the well-known benefits of having a lifestyle that includes physical activity, eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, moderate alcohol use and not smoking, only a small proportion of adults follow this healthy lifestyle pattern, and in fact, the numbers are declining, according to a new study. Lifestyle choices are associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as diabetes.

Shellfish Face An Uncertain Future In High Carbon Dioxide World Posted: 27 May 2009 11:00 PM PDT Overfishing and disease have decimated shellfish populations in many of the world's temperate estuarine and coastal ecosystems. Scientists have now discovered another serious threat to these valuable filter feeders -- rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide that contribute to the acidification of open ocean, coastal and estuarine waters.

Genetic Cause For Primary Biliary Cirrhosis Identified Posted: 27 May 2009 11:00 PM PDT Researchers have discovered a novel molecular path that predisposes patients to develop primary biliary cirrhosis, a disease that mainly affects women and slowly destroys their livers. Primary biliary cirrhosis has no known cause.

Fast And Cheap Forecasting System For Mediterranean Cyclones Posted: 27 May 2009 11:00 PM PDT Scientists have developed a new methodology to improve forecasting success between 48 and 24 hours before cyclones occur in the Mediterranean Sea. The researchers have used a low-cost means of statistically calculating the sensitivity of the real atmosphere in order to make climatologically-precise cyclone predictions.

Relatives Of A Young Person Who Dies Suddenly Should Have Cardiological And Genetic Examination Posted: 27 May 2009 11:00 PM PDT Relatives of a young person who dies suddenly should always be referred for cardiological and genetic examination in order to identify if they too are at risk of sudden death. Although new research has shown that inherited heart disease was present in over 30 percent of the families of sudden unexplained death victims, the majority of such relatives were currently not being referred for examination.

Investigating The Development Of Mechanosensitivity Posted: 27 May 2009 11:00 PM PDT Researchers have gained crucial insight into how mechanosensitivity arises. By measuring electrical impulses in the sensory neurons of mice, neurobiologists and pain researchers were able to directly elucidate, for the first time, the emergence of mechanosensitivity.

Supermarket Discounts Promote Unhealthy Choices, New Zealand Study Finds Posted: 27 May 2009 11:00 PM PDT Supermarket shoppers may be encouraged to buy sugar-filled, calorie-rich drinks by discounts and promotions, according to New Zealand research. A study has found healthy drinks were less likely to be discounted in supermarkets. And the amount of the discount was greater on products higher in fat, sugar and energy.

More Genetic Differences Between Mice And Humans Than Previously Thought Posted: 27 May 2009 08:00 PM PDT A new article explores exactly what distinguishes our genome from that of the lab mouse. In the first comprehensive comparison between the genes of mice and humans, scientists reveal that there are more genetic differences between the two species than had been previously thought.

Less-toxic Drug Prolongs Survival In Metastatic Breast Cancer Posted: 27 May 2009 08:00 PM PDT A less toxic, solvent-free chemotherapy drug more effectively prevents the progression of metastatic breast cancer and has fewer side effects than a commonly used solvent-based drug. Abraxane prolonged progression-free survival by almost seven months compared with Taxotere, which is part of a class of solvent-based drugs called taxanes.

European Shipping Routes Linked To Locations With High Nitrogen Dioxide Pollution Posted: 27 May 2009 08:00 PM PDT A synoptic view of European shipping routes can be seen for the first time thanks to a new map created using seven years of radar data from ESA's Envisat satellite. Despite the fact that ships are more energy efficient than other forms of commercial transportation, many marine engines operate on extremely dirty fuel that causes large emissions of air pollutants like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.

Discovery Of Faulty Genes Could Reveal Risk Of Bone Disease Posted: 27 May 2009 08:00 PM PDT The discovery of faulty genes by researchers in England could help people with Paget's disease, a painful bone condition. Three genes have been found to be associated with the disease which, if detected early enough in people, could hasten diagnosis and treatment.

World's Highest-resolution Commercial Satellite Posted: 27 May 2009 08:00 PM PDT Since the early 1960s, super powerful spy satellites have been the stuff of the military and intelligence communities. Now two U.S. companies have launched commercial imaging satellites that offer the same sort of space-based images of the Earth to the public. One of these companies recently launched the highest-resolution commercial imaging satellite in the world.

Are Humans Genetically Programmed To Care About Long-term Future And Climate Change? Posted: 27 May 2009 08:00 PM PDT Humans may be programmed by evolution to care about the long-term future, suggests new research. A study finds that individuals may have an innate tendency to care about the long-term future of their communities, over timescales much longer than an individual's lifespan. This in turn may help to explain people's wish to take action over long-term environmental problems.

Genetic Basis Of Musical Aptitude: Neurobiology Of Musicality Related To Intrinsic Attachment Behavior Posted: 27 May 2009 05:00 PM PDT Music is social communication between individuals -- humming of lullabies attach infant to parent and singing or playing music adds croup cohesion. The neurobiology of music perception and production is likely to be related to the pathways affecting intrinsic attachment behavior, suggests a recent Finnish study. The study gives new information about genetic background of musical aptitude.

Premature Ejaculation May Be A Genetic Disorder Posted: 27 May 2009 05:00 PM PDT Premature ejaculation can be embarrassing, but a new study suggests that it might be a genetic disorder.

High Torque Electric Motor Being Tested Posted: 27 May 2009 05:00 PM PDT A lightweight electric motor is set to power a new four-seat coupé, with track tests scheduled for the end of 2009.

New Mouse Model Provides Insight Into Genetic Neurological Disorders Posted: 27 May 2009 05:00 PM PDT Neurosensory diseases are difficult to model in mice because their symptoms are complex and diverse. The genetic causes identified are often lethal when transferred to a mouse. The lack of animal models slows progress in understanding and treating the diseases. By strategically altering a protein-making molecule, a mouse was made to help understand nervous system diseases that impair feeling and cause paralysis of the arms and legs in humans.

Flexible Monitors For Future Battlefields Posted: 27 May 2009 05:00 PM PDT Among the technological demands of an increasingly sophisticated U.S. military force is the need for futuristic computer displays. While existing flat-panel, light-emitting diodes (LED) displays are good for most commercial purposes, they may not be optimized for the modern battlefield; they could be too heavy and too fragile, for instance.

Half Of Your Friends Lost In Seven Years, Social Network Study Finds Posted: 27 May 2009 05:00 PM PDT Had a good chat with someone recently? Has a good friend just helped you to do up your home? Then you will be lucky if that person still does that in seven years time. Sociologist Gerald Mollenhorst investigated how the context in which we meet people influences our social network. One of his conclusions: you lose about half of your close network members every seven years.

New Extinct Lemur Species Discovered In Madagascar Posted: 27 May 2009 02:00 PM PDT A third species of an extinct group of large lemurs has just been uncovered in the northwest of Madagascar. Dubbed Palaeopropithecus kelyus, this new specimen is smaller than the two species of these 'large sloth lemurs' already known and its diet made up of harder-textured foodstuffs. This discovery supports the idea of a richer biodiversity in recent prehistory (late Pleistocene and beginning of the Holocene).

Green Tea Extract Shows Promise In Leukemia Trials Posted: 27 May 2009 02:00 PM PDT Researchers are reporting positive results in early leukemia clinical trials using the chemical epigallocatechin gallate, an active ingredient in green tea.

In-depth Look At Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine Life, Ecosystems Posted: 27 May 2009 02:00 PM PDT A new report on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands provides the sharpest picture yet of the region's marine life and ecosystems. The report examines the geographic distribution of the island chain's marine life and habitats, and the conditions that determine where they are found.

Identification Of Genetic Variants Affecting Age At Menopause Could Help Improve Fertility Treatment Posted: 27 May 2009 02:00 PM PDT For the first time, scientists have been able to identify genetic factors that influence the age at which natural menopause occurs in women. A greater understanding of the factors influencing age at menopause might eventually help to improve the clinical treatment of infertile women.

World's Highest-resolution Projector Posted: 27 May 2009 02:00 PM PDT If one were to stack 16 of the world's best high-definition projectors side-by-side (and on top of each other), the combined image projected would contain 33 megapixels. This is the resolution achieved by the world's highest-resolution projector, just created.

Lessons From The Vaccine-autism Wars Posted: 27 May 2009 02:00 PM PDT Researchers have investigated why the debunked vaccine-autism theory won't go away. Medical anthropologists, science historians, vaccine experts, social scientists, and pediatricians explore the factors keeping the dangerous notion alive -- and its proponents so vitriolic.

Giant Dinosaur Posture Is All Wrong: Sauropods Held Their Heads High, Research Finds Posted: 27 May 2009 11:00 AM PDT Famous depictions of the largest of all known dinosaurs, from film and television to museum skeletons, have almost certainly got it wrong, according to new research. Now scientists are saying the low-necked pose of sauropods is a mistake: new evidence indicates that they held their necks aloft like giraffes and all other living land vertebrates, making them up to 15 meters tall.

Healing With Light? Optical Technology Controls Living Cells Posted: 27 May 2009 11:00 AM PDT Star Trek scanners that fix injuries with beams of light may not be science fiction after all. A new optical technology that lines up living cells and controls their movements has opened the door to better artificial tissues and wounds that heal faster with less scarring.

Watermelons Tapped For Ethanol Posted: 27 May 2009 11:00 AM PDT With their sweet, refreshing juices and succulent interior, watermelons are a favorite summertime treat, especially around July 4th. But now this Independence Day favorite could become even more of a patriotic commodity. The simple sugars in watermelon juice can be made into ethanol.

Heart Muscle Protein Can Replace Its Missing Skeletal Muscle Counterpart To Give Mice With Myopathy Long And Active Life Posted: 27 May 2009 11:00 AM PDT A heart muscle protein can replace its missing skeletal muscle counterpart to give mice with myopathy a long and active life.

Vehicles That Drive Themselves Posted: 27 May 2009 11:00 AM PDT The thought of a car or truck that can drive itself is at once both exciting and frightening. Autonomous vehicle navigation, as the technology is known, may make life more convenient if it allows people to kick back and enjoy a good book or movie while their cars guide themselves through rush-hour traffic. But what happens if it starts to rain or if traffic suddenly picks up?

Cancer Drug Causes Patient To Lose Fingerprints And Be Detained By US Immigration Posted: 27 May 2009 11:00 AM PDT Immigration officials held a cancer patient for four hours before they allowed him to enter the US because one of his cancer drugs caused his fingerprints to disappear. His oncologist is now advising all cancer patients who are being treated with the commonly used drug, capecitabine, to carry a doctor's letter with them if they want to travel to the US.

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