ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Speed Limit To The Pace Of Evolution, Biologists Say
• Hidden Solar Cells: 3-D System Based On Optical Fiber Could Provide New Options For Photovoltaics
• Adapting Space-industry Technology To Treat Breast Cancer
• Art Restoration: Technique Removes Old Polymer Layers From Sensitive Historic Artworks
• Childhood Physical Abuse Linked To Arthritis, Study Finds
• African Desert Rift Confirmed As New Ocean In The Making
• Antibiotic Use During Pregnancy And Birth Defects: Study Examines Associations
• Wolves, Moose And Biodiversity: An Unexpected Connection
• Developmental Drug May Help Bone Fractures Heal After Radiation Exposure
• Bacteria 'Launch A Shield' To Resist Attack
• Deep Brain Stimulation Gives Hope For Very Severe Depression
• Nasca People Of Ancient Peru: Forest Clearances Sealed Civilization's Downfall
• Pancreatic Cancer: Discovery Offers Potential New Treatment
• Cucumber Genome Published: Guide To Pumpkin, Melon And Plant Vascular System
• Initial Results Show Pregnant Women Mount Strong Immune Response To 1 Dose Of 2009 H1N1 Vaccine
• Trident Laser Accelerates Protons To Record Energies
• Decrease In Physical Activity May Not Be A Factor In Increased Obesity Rates Among Adolescents
• Snows Of Kilimanjaro Shrinking Rapidly, And Likely To Be Lost
• Smokers With Common Autoimmune Disorder At Higher Risk For Skin Damage
• Lessons From Oil Industry May Help Address Groundwater Crisis
• Eosinophils In Allergy And Asthma
• Breakthrough In Industrial-scale Nanotube Processing
• Losing Your Tongue: World's Top Endangered Language Experts Gather
• Origin Of Cosmic Rays: VERITAS Telescopes Help Solve 100-year-old Mystery
• Gamma Knife Treatment For Glioblastomas Shows Promising Results
• The Entwined Destinies Of Humankind And Leprosy Bacteria
• Bowels Of Infection: Cytomegalovirus Infection May Exacerbate Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Assuring Quality In Lightweight Construction
• Drug Company-sponsored Events For Health Professionals Fail To Disclose Financial Ties, Analysis Finds
• 'Ultra-primitive' Particles Found In Comet Dust
• Proton Therapy Is Well-tolerated In Prostate Cancer Patients
• SMOS Satellite Successfully Launched: First-ever Satellite To Attempt To Measure Ocean Salinity From Space
• Mending Meniscals In Children, Improving Diagnosis And Recovery
• Data Point To Some Improvements In China's Environment
• The New Myths Of Gifted Education
• NASA's Fermi Telescope Detects Gamma Rays From 'Star Factories' In Other Galaxies
• Flu Vaccine Given To Women During Pregnancy Keeps Infants Out Of The Hospital, Study Suggests
• Links Between City Walkability And Air Pollution Exposure Revealed
• Mortality Rates Reduced Among Children Whose Mothers Received Iron-folic Acid Supplements
• Science Begins At The World's Most Powerful X-ray Laser
• Brain Tumors In Childhood Leave A Lasting Mark On Cognition, Life Status
• Terrible Teens Of T. Rex: Young Tyrannosaurs Did Serious Battle Against Each Other
• Digital 'Plaster' For Monitoring Vital Signs Undergoes First Clinical Trials
• Amnesia-Like Behavior Returns On Mars Rover Spirit
• Undetectable PSA After Radiation Is Possible And Predicts Good Patient Outcomes
• Charles Darwin Really Did Have Advanced Ideas About The Origin Of Life
• Chronically Ill May Be Happier If They Give Up Hope

Speed Limit To The Pace Of Evolution, Biologists Say Posted: 03 Nov 2009 11:00 AM PST A major conclusion of the work is that for some organisms, possibly including humans, continued evolution will not translate into ever-increasing fitness. Moreover, a population may accrue mutations at a constant rate --- a pattern long considered the hallmark of "neutral" or non-Darwinian evolution --- even when the mutations experience Darwinian selection.

Hidden Solar Cells: 3-D System Based On Optical Fiber Could Provide New Options For Photovoltaics Posted: 03 Nov 2009 11:00 AM PST Converting sunlight to electricity might no longer mean large panels of photovoltaic cells atop flat surfaces like roofs.

Adapting Space-industry Technology To Treat Breast Cancer Posted: 03 Nov 2009 11:00 AM PST Researchers are collaborating on a study to determine if an imaging technique used by NASA to inspect the space shuttle can be used to predict tissue damage often experienced by breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. The study is examining the utility of three-dimensional thermal tomography in radiation oncology.

Art Restoration: Technique Removes Old Polymer Layers From Sensitive Historic Artworks Posted: 03 Nov 2009 11:00 AM PST Italian researchers have developed a technique to effectively remove old polymer layers from sensitive historic artworks. The new cleaning system involves only a tiny proportion of volatile organic compounds.

Childhood Physical Abuse Linked To Arthritis, Study Finds Posted: 03 Nov 2009 11:00 AM PST Adults who had experienced physical abuse as children have 56 percent higher odds of osteoarthritis compared to those who have not been abused, according to a new study.

African Desert Rift Confirmed As New Ocean In The Making Posted: 03 Nov 2009 08:00 AM PST In 2005, a gigantic, 35-mile-long rift broke open the desert ground in Ethiopia. At the time, some geologists believed the rift was the beginning of a new ocean as two parts of the African continent pulled apart, but the claim was controversial. Now, scientists from several countries have confirmed that the volcanic processes at work beneath the Ethiopian rift are nearly identical to those at the bottom of the world's oceans.

Antibiotic Use During Pregnancy And Birth Defects: Study Examines Associations Posted: 03 Nov 2009 08:00 AM PST Penicillin and several other antibacterial medications commonly taken by pregnant women do not appear to be associated with many birth defects, according to a new report. However, other antibiotics, such as sulfonamides and nitrofurantoins, may be associated with several severe birth defects and require additional scrutiny.

Wolves, Moose And Biodiversity: An Unexpected Connection Posted: 03 Nov 2009 08:00 AM PST Moose eat plants; wolves kill moose. What difference does this classic predator-prey interaction make to biodiversity? A large and unexpected one, say wildlife biologists.

Developmental Drug May Help Bone Fractures Heal After Radiation Exposure Posted: 03 Nov 2009 08:00 AM PST A drug currently under development may help bone fractures heal more quickly after radiation exposure, according to a new study. This drug could be beneficial both in patient care situations and for emergency preparedness.

Bacteria 'Launch A Shield' To Resist Attack Posted: 03 Nov 2009 08:00 AM PST Bacteria that cause chronic lung infections can communicate with each other to form a deadly shield against the body's natural defenses. Studying these interactions could lead to new ways of treating bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.

Deep Brain Stimulation Gives Hope For Very Severe Depression Posted: 03 Nov 2009 08:00 AM PST Thanks to a new method, there is a reason for hope for patients with very severe depression. Physicians in Germany have treated ten patients with deep brain stimulation. Subsequent to this treatment, the patients' depression improved significantly in half of the patients. All patients had suffered from very severe depression for many years and did not respond to any other therapies.

Nasca People Of Ancient Peru: Forest Clearances Sealed Civilization's Downfall Posted: 03 Nov 2009 05:00 AM PST An ancient South American civilisation which disappeared around 1,500 years ago helped to cause its own demise by damaging the fragile ecosystem that held it in place, a study has found. Archaeologists examining the remains of the Nasca, who once flourished in the valleys of south coastal Peru, have uncovered a sequence of human-induced events which led to their "catastrophic" collapse around 500 AD.

Pancreatic Cancer: Discovery Offers Potential New Treatment Posted: 03 Nov 2009 05:00 AM PST Tiny particles that can carry drugs and target cancer cells may offer treatment hope for those suffering with pancreatic cancer. New research reveals that tumor-penetrating microparticles (TPM) have been specifically designed to break through hard-to-infiltrate barriers and deliver drugs more effectively and efficiently than the standard form of chemotherapy such as those injected through a vein.

Cucumber Genome Published: Guide To Pumpkin, Melon And Plant Vascular System Posted: 03 Nov 2009 05:00 AM PST The genome of the cucumber has been sequenced by an international consortium lead by Chinese and US institutions. The cucumber genome will give insight into the genetics of the whole cucurbit family, which includes pumpkins and squash, melon and watermelon, and be a platform for research in plant biology.

Initial Results Show Pregnant Women Mount Strong Immune Response To 1 Dose Of 2009 H1N1 Vaccine Posted: 03 Nov 2009 05:00 AM PST Healthy pregnant women mount a robust immune response following just one dose of 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine, according to initial results from an ongoing clinical trial.

Trident Laser Accelerates Protons To Record Energies Posted: 03 Nov 2009 05:00 AM PST An international team of physicists has succeeded in using intense laser light to accelerate protons to energies never before achieved. Using this technique, scientists can now accelerate particles to extremely high velocities that would otherwise only be possible using large accelerator facilities. Physicists around the world are examining laser particle acceleration and laser produced radiation for potential future uses in cancer treatment.

Decrease In Physical Activity May Not Be A Factor In Increased Obesity Rates Among Adolescents Posted: 03 Nov 2009 05:00 AM PST Decreased physical activity may have little to do with the recent spike in obesity rates among US adolescents, according to researchers.

Snows Of Kilimanjaro Shrinking Rapidly, And Likely To Be Lost Posted: 03 Nov 2009 02:00 AM PST The remaining ice fields atop famed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania could be gone within two decades and perhaps even sooner, based on the latest survey of the ice fields remaining on the mountain . The findings indicate a major cause of this ice loss is very likely to be the rise in global temperatures. Although changes in cloudiness and precipitation may also play a role, they appear less important, particularly in recent decades.

Smokers With Common Autoimmune Disorder At Higher Risk For Skin Damage Posted: 03 Nov 2009 02:00 AM PST As if there weren't enough reasons to stop smoking, researchers have just found another. A new study has clearly linked skin damage and rashes to smoking in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Lessons From Oil Industry May Help Address Groundwater Crisis Posted: 03 Nov 2009 02:00 AM PST Although declining streamflows and half-full reservoirs have gotten most of the attention in water conflicts around the United States, some of the worst battles of the next century may be over groundwater, experts say -- a critical resource often taken for granted until it begins to run out. But lessons learned as oil was running out may offer some solutions.

Eosinophils In Allergy And Asthma Posted: 03 Nov 2009 02:00 AM PST Researchers have discovered that eosinophils may play a pivotal role in immune development.

Breakthrough In Industrial-scale Nanotube Processing Posted: 03 Nov 2009 02:00 AM PST Scientists have unveiled a method for the industrial-scale manufacturing of pure carbon-nanotube fibers, a breakthrough that could lead to revolutionary advances in materials science, power distribution and nanoelectronics. The method builds upon tried-and-true processes the chemical industry has used for decades to produce polymer fibers.

Losing Your Tongue: World's Top Endangered Language Experts Gather Posted: 03 Nov 2009 02:00 AM PST More than 50 international experts in endangered languages are convening to take the first step in cataloging endangered and dying languages in a comprehensive online database.

Origin Of Cosmic Rays: VERITAS Telescopes Help Solve 100-year-old Mystery Posted: 02 Nov 2009 11:00 PM PST Nearly 100 years ago, scientists detected the first signs of cosmic rays -- subatomic particles that zip through space at nearly the speed of light. The most energetic cosmic rays hit with the punch of a 98-mph fastball, even though they are smaller than an atom. Astronomers questioned what force could accelerate particles to such a speed. New evidence from the VERITAS telescopes shows that cosmic rays likely are powered by exploding stars and stellar "winds."

Gamma Knife Treatment For Glioblastomas Shows Promising Results Posted: 02 Nov 2009 11:00 PM PST Researchers report promising results from a cutting-edge research study that treated the aggressive brain tumors glioblastoma multiforme using a novel type of imaging called MR spectroscopy coupled with high dose radiation in the form of Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Patients' survival rates increased by almost four months (3.7 months) compared with patients who were treated with traditional conventional radiotherapy alone.

The Entwined Destinies Of Humankind And Leprosy Bacteria Posted: 02 Nov 2009 11:00 PM PST Leprosy still affects hundreds of thousands of people today throughout the entire world. An international team has traced the history of the disease from ancient Egypt to today and in doing so has made a public health study essential for combating the disease.

Bowels Of Infection: Cytomegalovirus Infection May Exacerbate Inflammatory Bowel Disease Posted: 02 Nov 2009 11:00 PM PST New research suggests that latent cytomegalovirus infection may exacerbate inflammatory bowel disease.

Assuring Quality In Lightweight Construction Posted: 02 Nov 2009 11:00 PM PST Aerospace, automotive and airplane construction count on lightweight construction. But to make sure that lightening the load does not come at the cost of safety, researchers are working on new quality assurance systems for material testing.

Drug Company-sponsored Events For Health Professionals Fail To Disclose Financial Ties, Analysis Finds Posted: 02 Nov 2009 11:00 PM PST Australian reporting standards for disclosing the ties between pharmaceutical companies and health professionals are not comprehensive enough, according to a new analysis.

'Ultra-primitive' Particles Found In Comet Dust Posted: 02 Nov 2009 08:00 PM PST Dust samples collected from the stratosphere have yielded an unexpectedly rich trove of relicts from the ancient cosmos, scientists report. The dust includes presolar grains and material from interstellar molecular clouds. This "ultra-primitive" material likely wafted into the atmosphere after the Earth passed through the trail of an Earth-crossing comet in 2003, giving scientists a rare opportunity to study cometary dust in the laboratory.

Proton Therapy Is Well-tolerated In Prostate Cancer Patients Posted: 02 Nov 2009 08:00 PM PST Proton beam therapy can be safely delivered to men with prostate cancer and has minimal urinary and rectal side effects, according to a new study.

SMOS Satellite Successfully Launched: First-ever Satellite To Attempt To Measure Ocean Salinity From Space Posted: 02 Nov 2009 08:00 PM PST A rocket carrying the European Space Agency's Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity satellite blasted off successfully today. SMOS is the first-ever satellite to attempt to measure ocean salinity from space. It will provide global maps of soil moisture over land and surface salinity over the ocean.

Mending Meniscals In Children, Improving Diagnosis And Recovery Posted: 02 Nov 2009 08:00 PM PST A new study shows an increase in meniscal tears in children, especially those that play sports.

Data Point To Some Improvements In China's Environment Posted: 02 Nov 2009 08:00 PM PST A recent assessment finds some positive trends among indicators of biodiversity loss in China -- notably, growth in forest coverage and improvements in marine ecosystems. However, other indicators, such as the rate of discovery of invasive species, are worsening. Many animals are under growing threat.

The New Myths Of Gifted Education Posted: 02 Nov 2009 08:00 PM PST More than 25 years after myths about gifted education were first explored, they are all still with us and new ones have been added, according to new research.

NASA's Fermi Telescope Detects Gamma Rays From 'Star Factories' In Other Galaxies Posted: 02 Nov 2009 05:00 PM PST Nearby galaxies undergoing a furious pace of star formation also emit lots of gamma rays, say astronomers using NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. Two so-called "starburst" galaxies, plus a satellite of our own Milky Way galaxy, represent a new category of gamma-ray-emitting objects detected both by Fermi and ground-based observatories.

Flu Vaccine Given To Women During Pregnancy Keeps Infants Out Of The Hospital, Study Suggests Posted: 02 Nov 2009 05:00 PM PST Infants born to women who received influenza vaccine during pregnancy were hospitalized at a lower rate than infants born to unvaccinated mothers, according to preliminary results of an ongoing study.

Links Between City Walkability And Air Pollution Exposure Revealed Posted: 02 Nov 2009 05:00 PM PST A new study compares neighborhoods' walkability (degree of ease for walking) with local levels of air pollution and finds that some neighborhoods might be good for walking, but have poor air quality.

Mortality Rates Reduced Among Children Whose Mothers Received Iron-folic Acid Supplements Posted: 02 Nov 2009 05:00 PM PST Offspring whose mothers had been supplemented with iron-folic acid during pregnancy had dramatically reduced mortality through age 7.

Science Begins At The World's Most Powerful X-ray Laser Posted: 02 Nov 2009 05:00 PM PST The first experiments are now underway using the world's most powerful X-ray laser, the Linac Coherent Light Source, located at the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Illuminating objects and processes at unprecedented speed and scale, the LCLS has embarked on groundbreaking research in physics, structural biology, energy science, chemistry and a host of other fields.

Brain Tumors In Childhood Leave A Lasting Mark On Cognition, Life Status Posted: 02 Nov 2009 05:00 PM PST Brain tumors in childhood cast a long shadow on survivors. The first study of the lasting impact of these tumors -- the most common solid malignancies in childhood -- shows that survivors have ongoing cognitive problems. They also have lower levels of education, employment and income than their siblings and survivors of other types of cancer, according to a new article.

Terrible Teens Of T. Rex: Young Tyrannosaurs Did Serious Battle Against Each Other Posted: 02 Nov 2009 02:00 PM PST Teenage tyrannosaurs got into some serious fights with their peers. The evidence can be found on Jane, a prized juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex, discovered in 2001 in Montana. The dinosaur's fossils show that it sustained a serious bite that punctured through the bone of its upper jaw and snout. The researchers determined that another juvenile tyrannosaur was responsible for the injury.

Digital 'Plaster' For Monitoring Vital Signs Undergoes First Clinical Trials Posted: 02 Nov 2009 02:00 PM PST A wireless digital "plaster" that can monitor vital signs continuously and remotely is being tried out with patients and healthy volunteers in a new clinical trial run by researchers in the UK. The digital "plaster" or "patch" is a disposable device that sticks to a patient's chest. It is designed to allow patients to have their health monitored continuously without being wired up to bulky, fixed monitoring machines.

Amnesia-Like Behavior Returns On Mars Rover Spirit Posted: 02 Nov 2009 02:00 PM PST Until Oct. 24, NASA's Mars Exploration Rover had gone more than six months without an episode of amnesia-like symptoms like those that appeared on four occasions earlier this year. In these amnesia events, Spirit fails to record data from the day's activities onto the type of computer memory -- non-volatile "flash" memory -- that can retain the data when the rover powers down for its energy-conserving periods of "sleep."

Undetectable PSA After Radiation Is Possible And Predicts Good Patient Outcomes Posted: 02 Nov 2009 02:00 PM PST Researchers report that radiation therapy alone can reduce prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels below detectable amounts in prostate cancer patients. Patients who have an undetectable level of PSA after therapy have less chance of biochemical failure than other patients and a good chance of being cured.

Charles Darwin Really Did Have Advanced Ideas About The Origin Of Life Posted: 02 Nov 2009 02:00 PM PST When Charles Darwin published The Origin of Species 150 years ago, he deliberately avoided the subject of the origin of life. This, coupled with the mention of the 'Creator' in the last paragraph of the book, led us to believe he was not willing to commit on the matter. An international team now refutes that idea and shows that the British naturalist did explain in other documents how our first ancestors could have come into being.

Chronically Ill May Be Happier If They Give Up Hope Posted: 02 Nov 2009 02:00 PM PST Holding on to hope may not make patients happier as they deal with chronic illness or diseases, new research shows.

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