Monday, June 29, 2009

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News


First Electronic Quantum Processor Created

Posted: 29 Jun 2009 08:00 AM PDT

Researchers have created the first rudimentary solid-state quantum processor, and used the two-qubit superconducting chip to successfully run elementary algorithms, demonstrating quantum information processing with a solid-state device for the first time.

Nanotechnology Combats Fatal Brain Infections

Posted: 29 Jun 2009 08:00 AM PDT

Scientists have developed novel peptide nanoparticles that effectively seek out and destroy bacteria and fungal cells that could cause fatal infections.

'Bycatch' Whaling A Growing Threat To Coastal Whales

Posted: 29 Jun 2009 08:00 AM PDT

Scientists are warning that a new form of unregulated whaling has emerged along the coastlines of Japan and South Korea, where the commercial sale of whales killed as fisheries "bycatch" is threatening coastal stocks of minke whales and other protected species.

Eczema Patients Most At Risk For Dangerous Viral Infections

Posted: 29 Jun 2009 08:00 AM PDT

Eczema patients at risk for serious viral infections have more severe disease, are more likely to be allergic to food and other allergens, and have a frequent history of staph infections, according to researchers. The findings could help identify people at risk for serious complications of smallpox vaccinations, and point to defects in the skin barrier and antimicrobial-protein production as possible causes for the increased susceptibility.

First Global Map Of Ammonia Emissions Measured From Space Reveals New Hotspots

Posted: 29 Jun 2009 08:00 AM PDT

The first complete map of global ammonia emissions has recently been achieved using to satellite data. It reveals an underestimation of some of the ammonia concentrations detected by current inventories, and identifies new hotspots.

Why Do Subordinates In Many Animal Species Accept Social Position Without A Fight?

Posted: 29 Jun 2009 08:00 AM PDT

In many animal species stable hierarchies are routinely formed in which some individuals seem to slip naturally into their dominant role whereas others resign themselves to play the part of lowly subordinates. Why do subordinates embrace this fate so readily instead of putting up a fight?

Site For Alcohol's Action In The Brain Discovered

Posted: 29 Jun 2009 05:00 AM PDT

Alcohol's inebriating effects are familiar to almost everyone. But the molecular details of alcohol's impact on brain activity remain a mystery. A new study brings us closer to understanding how alcohol alters the way brain cells work.

New Trigger For Chronic Inflammation In Rheumatoid Arthritis Discovered

Posted: 29 Jun 2009 05:00 AM PDT

A signal molecule made by the human body that triggers the immune system into action may be important in rheumatoid arthritis, according to new research. The authors say that if scientists could block this signal, it may be possible to develop more effective arthritis treatments.

'Mixed Reality' Human Helps Medical Students Learn To Do Intimate Exams

Posted: 29 Jun 2009 05:00 AM PDT

Intimate procedures such as breast exams, while a routine and critical part of medical care, are notoriously tough to teach. Engineers have now crafted a solution: a hybrid computer/mannequin that helps train students not only how to correctly perform a breast exam — but also how to talk to, and glean information from, the patient during the procedure.

Chain Reaction Of The Immune System Frozen

Posted: 29 Jun 2009 05:00 AM PDT

Scientists have succeeded in freezing a chain reaction of the immune system. This achievement marks a breakthrough in the field of immunology.

Energy-saving Method Checks Refrigerant Level In Air Conditioners

Posted: 29 Jun 2009 05:00 AM PDT

Engineers have developed a technique that saves energy and servicing costs by indicating when air conditioners are low on refrigerant, preventing the units from working overtime.

Language Change Can Be Traced Using Gigantic Text Archives

Posted: 29 Jun 2009 05:00 AM PDT

Historical collections that include everything ever written in a dozen American and British newspapers since they started are now available electronically. Researchers have now carried out the first comprehensive study that makes use of this resource in order to track changes in language usage, a method that makes it possible to attain an entirely new degree of precision in dating.

Synthetic Biology: Gene Therapy Gets Under The Skin

Posted: 29 Jun 2009 02:00 AM PDT

Vaseline, a known molecule from apples and a gene network encapsulated in algal gelatin are the components of a possible gene therapy which literally gets under the skin. An important part in this is played by phloretin, an antioxidant found in apples which makes cell walls more permeable and is used in cosmetics as an anti-wrinkle agent.

Lean Mass Better For Developing Bones In Young People

Posted: 29 Jun 2009 02:00 AM PDT

New research shows that a child with leaner body mass, or muscle, builds bigger bones than a child who weighs the same but has a greater percentage of fat.

Can A Little Extra Weight Protect People From Early Death? Underweight, Extremely Obese Die Earlier Than People Of Normal Weight

Posted: 29 Jun 2009 02:00 AM PDT

Underweight people and those who are extremely obese die earlier than people of normal weight -- but those who are overweight actually live longer than people of normal weight. Those are the findings of a new study.

Blood Flow In Alzheimer's Disease

Posted: 29 Jun 2009 02:00 AM PDT

Scientists have discovered that endothelin converting enzyme-2 (ECE-2) may cause the decrease in cerebral blood flow seen in Alzheimer's disease. 

Fly Larvae Shun The Light

Posted: 29 Jun 2009 02:00 AM PDT

Drosophila larvae avoid light during the foraging stage of their development. New research shows that both 5-HT (serotonergic) and corazonergic neurons have a role in regulating this behavior.

Intensive In-hospital Support Doubles Likelihood Of Smoking Cessation In Heart Patients

Posted: 29 Jun 2009 02:00 AM PDT

Patients admitted to hospital with coronary artery disease are twice as likely to quit smoking after receiving intensive smoking cessation support compared to minimal support, found a new study.

Nematode Courting Caught On Camera

Posted: 28 Jun 2009 11:00 PM PDT

Researchers studying the nervous control of nematode mating behavior have produced video footage of a male worm preparing to mate with a hermaphrodite. Researchers investigated the role of the excitatory neurotransmitter acetylcholine in regulating tail muscles to achieve an exploratory embrace.

Advanced Nerve Cell System Could Help Cure Diabetic Neuropathy, Related Diseases

Posted: 28 Jun 2009 11:00 PM PDT

Researchers have created the first lab-grown motor nerves that are insulated and organized the same way they are in the body. The group's model system could dramatically improve understanding of the causes of myelin-related conditions such as multiple sclerosis, diabetic neuropathy and Guillian-Barré syndrome, potentially enabling the discovery and testing of new drug therapies.

Student’s Design Helps Piece Together Parts Of The Alzheimer’s Puzzle

Posted: 28 Jun 2009 11:00 PM PDT

Extensive research in care homes across South East England has prompted a student to design a jigsaw puzzle especially for people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The puzzle, which features easy-to-handle pieces, features images specially selected to trigger memories in older people affected with the illness.

Inflammation Markers Linked More With Fatal Than Nonfatal Cardiovascular Events In Elderly

Posted: 28 Jun 2009 11:00 PM PDT

For elderly people at risk of cardiovascular disease, the presence of inflammatory markers in the blood can identify that an individual is at a higher risk of a fatal rather than a nonfatal heart attack or stroke.

Bringing Boys And Girls To Computer Science With 'Alice'

Posted: 28 Jun 2009 11:00 PM PDT

A nationwide study is using the power of storytelling to draw younger students into programming. An animation program called "Alice," allows student programmers of all ages to create their own worlds without realizing they're actually writing code.

Partner Relationship As A Buffer Against Stress

Posted: 28 Jun 2009 11:00 PM PDT

A good partner relationship can act as a buffer for those exposed to work-related stress. The relationship reduces the negative effects of this kind of stress on our health. But poor relationships will amplify the negative effects, says a young researcher.

Complications Early In Pregnancy Or In Previous Pregnancies Adversely Affect Existing Or Subsequent Pregnancies

Posted: 27 Jun 2009 09:00 PM PDT

Complications in early pregnancy or in previous pregnancies can predict the likelihood of further problems in current or subsequent pregnancies, according to new research. The findings will help clinicians to predict more easily which women might need greater care and supervision during pregnancy, as well as enabling new research to improve clinical management of such high risk patients.

Plant Protein 'Doorkeepers' Block Invading Microbes, Study Finds

Posted: 27 Jun 2009 09:00 PM PDT

A group of plant proteins that "shut the door" on bacteria that would otherwise infect the plant's leaves has been identified for the first time.

International Space Hotel Envisioned

Posted: 27 Jun 2009 09:00 PM PDT

Plans for a new international space hotel students have been unveiled by students this month as part of a project for their Masters degree. Students had to grapple with the challenges of designing that could function in a zero gravity environment.

What Makes A Great Soccer Player?

Posted: 27 Jun 2009 09:00 PM PDT

Scientists are studying footballing ability (soccer ability) to gain insight into the role that skill plays in the physical performance of vertebrates. The results show that skill is as important, if not more important, than athletic ability. The study also suggests a scientific method that could help professional football clubs in the selection and identification of new talent.

Women More Accurate At Hammering A Nail Than Men In Good Light

Posted: 27 Jun 2009 09:00 PM PDT

Scientists are studying hammering ability as a model for difficult motor tasks. The results indicate that there is a surprising difference in performance between the sexes, and that this difference is dependent in turn on the hammering conditions.

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