ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Frog legs trade may facilitate spread of pathogens
• On your last nerve: Researchers advance understanding of stem cells
• Why Israeli rodents are more cautious than Jordanian ones
• New cause of osteoporosis: Mutation in a miroRNA
• Bacterially produced antifungal on skin of amphibians may protect against lethal fungus
• Ancestry attracts, but love is blind
• Spinal cord injuries: Experimental drug may restore function of nerves
• Braking news: Particles from car brakes harm lung cells
• Let them eat snail: Nutritional giant snails could address malnutrition
• Solving the 50-year-old puzzle of thalidomide
• Spotting evidence of directed percolation
• Sounds can penetrate deep sleep and enhance associated memories upon waking
• After mastodons and mammoths, a transformed landscape
• Laser therapy can aggravate skin cancer, study finds
• Unknowingly consuming endangered tuna
• Newer heart devices significantly improve survival, complication rate and quality of life
• Proton's party pals may alter its internal structure
• Examining mathematical abilities in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
• Engineers use aerospace approach to design wave energy system
• Insulin linked to core body temperature
• On the origin of nematodes: Phylogenetic tree of world's most numerous group of animals
• Current cigarette smokers at increased risk of seizures
• How crops survive drought
• Heavy criticism from a parent can increase aggressive behavior in children
• Rich ore deposits linked to ancient atmosphere
• First reconstitution of an epidermis from human embryonic stem cells
• Defects in carbon nanotubes could lead to improved charge and energy storage systems
• Explanation for rapid maturation of neurons at birth
• Maize cell wall genes identified, giving boost to biofuel research
• Preventing H1N1 spread to health care workers: Dilemma, debate and confusion
• Cigarettes harbor many pathogenic bacteria
• Causative gene of rare disorder discovered by sequencing only protein-coding regions of genome
• Sustainable farming may help maintain healthy climate
• Should children undergo surgery without a long period of fasting after feeding?
• New nanomethod paves the way for new measuring technology and hypersensitive sensors
• Mother's depression a risk factor in childhood asthma symptoms, study suggests
• Paleontologists find extinction rates higher in open-ocean settings during mass extinctions
• Adding tools against breast tumors
• When East meets West: Why consumers turn to alternative medicine
• Rethinking the antibody-dependent enhancement dengue hemorrhagic fever model
• New maize map to aid plant breeding efforts
• Intervention can reduce hostile perceptions in children with prenatal alcohol exposure
• Scientists crack corn code: Reference genome of maize, most important US crop
• Oil from biotech soybeans increases key omega-3 fatty acid in humans
• Reflux esophagitis due to immune reaction, not acute acid burn
• Surgery not linked to memory problems in older patients
• Building the smart home wirelessly
• Women can quit smoking and control weight gain

Frog legs trade may facilitate spread of pathogens Posted: 20 Nov 2009 05:00 PM PST Most countries throughout the world participate in the $40-million-per-year culinary trade of frog legs in some way, with 75 percent of frog legs consumed in France, Belgium and the United States. Scientists have found that this trade is a potential carrier of pathogens deadly to amphibians.

On your last nerve: Researchers advance understanding of stem cells Posted: 20 Nov 2009 05:00 PM PST Researchers have identified a gene that tells embryonic stem cells in the brain when to stop producing nerve cells called neurons. The research is a significant advance in understanding the development of the nervous system, which is essential to addressing conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.

Why Israeli rodents are more cautious than Jordanian ones Posted: 20 Nov 2009 05:00 PM PST Rodent, reptile and ant lion species behave differently on either side of the Israel-Jordan border. Researchers found that Israeli gerbils are more cautious than their Jordanian friends, and the funnel-digging ant lion population in Israel is unmistakably larger than in Jordan.

New cause of osteoporosis: Mutation in a miroRNA Posted: 20 Nov 2009 05:00 PM PST Many biological processes are controlled by small molecules known as microRNAs. Researchers have now identified a previously unknown microRNA (miR-2861) as crucial to bone maintenance in mice and humans; significantly, expression of functional miR-2861 was absent in two related adolescents with primary osteoporosis.

Bacterially produced antifungal on skin of amphibians may protect against lethal fungus Posted: 20 Nov 2009 05:00 PM PST A new study suggests that naturally occurring bacteria on the skin of salamanders could help protect other amphibians, including some species of endangered frogs, from a lethal skin disease.

Ancestry attracts, but love is blind Posted: 20 Nov 2009 05:00 PM PST People preferentially marry those with similar ancestry, but their decisions are not necessarily based on hair, eye or skin color. Research shows that Mexicans mate according to proportions of Native-American to European ancestry, while Puerto Ricans are more likely to settle down with someone carrying a similar mix of African and European genes.

Spinal cord injuries: Experimental drug may restore function of nerves Posted: 20 Nov 2009 02:00 PM PST Researchers have shown how an experimental drug might restore the function of nerves damaged in spinal cord injuries by preventing short circuits caused when tiny "potassium channels" in the fibers are exposed.

Braking news: Particles from car brakes harm lung cells Posted: 20 Nov 2009 02:00 PM PST Real-life particles released by car brake pads can harm lung cells in vitro. Researchers found that heavy braking, as in an emergency stop, caused the most damage, but normal breaking and even close proximity to a disengaged brake resulted in potentially dangerous cellular stress.

Let them eat snail: Nutritional giant snails could address malnutrition Posted: 20 Nov 2009 02:00 PM PST A nutritionist in Nigeria says that malnutrition and iron deficiency in schoolchildren could be reduced in her country by baking up snail pie. She explains snail is not only cheaper and more readily available than beef but contains more protein.

Solving the 50-year-old puzzle of thalidomide Posted: 20 Nov 2009 02:00 PM PST Resurgence of thalidomide use in Africa and South America raises the urgent need to isolate the negative side effects by identifying the drug's "common mechanism."

Spotting evidence of directed percolation Posted: 20 Nov 2009 02:00 PM PST Convincing experimental evidence has finally been found for directed percolation, a phenomenon that turns up in computer models of the ways diseases spread through a population or how water soaks through loose soil.

Sounds can penetrate deep sleep and enhance associated memories upon waking Posted: 20 Nov 2009 02:00 PM PST They were in a deep sleep, yet sounds, such as a teakettle whistle, somehow penetrated their slumber. The 25 sounds were reminders of earlier spatial learning, though the research participants were unaware of the sounds as they slept. Yet, upon waking, memory tests showed that spatial memories had changed. Deep sleep, then, is actually is a key time for memory processing, the study suggests.

After mastodons and mammoths, a transformed landscape Posted: 20 Nov 2009 11:00 AM PST Roughly 15,000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age, North America's vast assemblage of large animals -- including such iconic creatures as mammoths, mastodons, camels, horses, ground sloths and giant beavers -- began their precipitous slide to extinction.

Laser therapy can aggravate skin cancer, study finds Posted: 20 Nov 2009 11:00 AM PST High irradiances of low-level laser therapy should not be used over melanomas. Researchers studied the pain relieving, anti-inflammatory "cold laser," finding that it caused increased tumor growth in a mouse model of skin cancer.

Unknowingly consuming endangered tuna Posted: 20 Nov 2009 11:00 AM PST New DNA barcoding shows that nearly a third of the tuna plated in sushi restaurants was bluefin -- even if it was not labeled bluefin on the menu.

Newer heart devices significantly improve survival, complication rate and quality of life Posted: 20 Nov 2009 11:00 AM PST A new generation of implanted devices that help a failing heart function properly is significantly more effective than the previous version, making these new devices an appropriate permanent therapy for many of the more than 5 million Americans who suffer from heart failure.

Proton's party pals may alter its internal structure Posted: 20 Nov 2009 11:00 AM PST A recent experiment has found that a proton's nearest neighbors in the nucleus of the atom may modify the proton's internal structure.

Examining mathematical abilities in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder Posted: 20 Nov 2009 11:00 AM PST Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) have a number of cognitive deficits. Mathematical ability seems particularly damaged in children with FASD. A new study supports the importance of the left parietal area for mathematical abilities in children with FASD.

Engineers use aerospace approach to design wave energy system Posted: 20 Nov 2009 08:00 AM PST The ocean is a potentially vast source of electric power, yet as engineers test new technologies for capturing it, the devices are plagued by battering storms, limited efficiency and the need to be tethered to the seafloor.

Insulin linked to core body temperature Posted: 20 Nov 2009 08:00 AM PST Scientists have discovered a direct link between insulin -- a hormone long associated with metabolism and metabolic disorders such as diabetes -- and core body temperature. While much research has been conducted on insulin since its discovery in the 1920s, this is the first time the hormone has been connected to the fundamental process of temperature regulation.

On the origin of nematodes: Phylogenetic tree of world's most numerous group of animals Posted: 20 Nov 2009 08:00 AM PST Scientists have published the largest nematode phylogenetic tree up until now. It contains over 1,200 species and is entirely based on the analysis of DNA sequence data.

Current cigarette smokers at increased risk of seizures Posted: 20 Nov 2009 08:00 AM PST A recent study determined there is a significant risk of seizure for individuals who currently smoke cigarettes. This is the first prospective study to examine the potential risks associated with cigarette smoking, caffeine intake, and alcohol consumption as they independently relate to epilepsy.

How crops survive drought Posted: 20 Nov 2009 08:00 AM PST Breakthrough research done earlier this year by a plant cell biologist has greatly accelerated scientists' knowledge on how plants and crops can survive difficult environmental conditions like drought. In drought conditions certain receptor proteins in plants perceive ABA, causing them to inhibit an enzyme called a phosphatase. The receptor protein is at the top of a signaling pathway in plants, functioning like a boss relaying orders to the team below that then executes particular decisions in the cell. Now recent published studies show how those orders are relayed at the molecular level.

Heavy criticism from a parent can increase aggressive behavior in children Posted: 20 Nov 2009 08:00 AM PST Heavy criticism from a parent can increase aggressive behavior in some children.

Rich ore deposits linked to ancient atmosphere Posted: 20 Nov 2009 05:00 AM PST Much of our planet's mineral wealth was deposited billions of years ago when Earth's chemical cycles were different from today's. Using geochemical clues from rocks nearly 3 billion years old, a group of scientists have made the surprising discovery that the creation of economically important nickel ore deposits was linked to sulfur in the ancient oxygen-poor atmosphere.

First reconstitution of an epidermis from human embryonic stem cells Posted: 20 Nov 2009 05:00 AM PST Researchers in France have just succeeded in recreating a whole epidermis from human embryonic stem cells. The goal is to one day be able to propose this unlimited resource of cells as an alternative treatment in particular for victims of third degree burns.

Defects in carbon nanotubes could lead to improved charge and energy storage systems Posted: 20 Nov 2009 05:00 AM PST Most people would like to be able to charge their cell phones and other personal electronics quickly and not too often. A recent discovery made by engineers could lead to carbon nanotube-based supercapacitors that could do just this.

Explanation for rapid maturation of neurons at birth Posted: 20 Nov 2009 05:00 AM PST So a baby can detect outside signals, the brain cells use a a "pump" that drains chloride out of newborn neurons, making these highly chaotic, developing cells quiet down. Researchers have figured out the genetic control of the pump in rodents.

Maize cell wall genes identified, giving boost to biofuel research Posted: 20 Nov 2009 05:00 AM PST Scientists have identified and grouped the genes thought to be responsible for cell wall development in maize, an effort that expands their ability to discover ways to produce the biomass best suited for biofuels production.

Preventing H1N1 spread to health care workers: Dilemma, debate and confusion Posted: 20 Nov 2009 05:00 AM PST A new article brings to light the gaps in knowledge on the transmission of the influenza virus and its impact on decisions about how best to protect health care workers. Infectious diseases specialists look at the ongoing debate in light of the H1N1 pandemic, what past research tells us about the spread of influenza and what is missing in the debate.

Cigarettes harbor many pathogenic bacteria Posted: 20 Nov 2009 02:00 AM PST Cigarettes are widely contaminated with bacteria, including some known to cause disease in people, concludes a new study conducted by an environmental health researcher and microbial ecologists. The research team describes the study as the first to show that "cigarettes themselves could be the direct source of exposure to a wide array of potentially pathogenic microbes among smokers and other people exposed to secondhand smoke."

Causative gene of rare disorder discovered by sequencing only protein-coding regions of genome Posted: 20 Nov 2009 02:00 AM PST More that 7,000 rare disorders in aggregate affect millions of people. Researchers have now shown that it may be possible to more quickly identify the causative gene for many of these disorders by sequencing only the protein-coding regions of the genome. This can be done on unrelated individuals, thereby avoiding the need for large families for such studies. Results show that exome-sequencing might help identify the genetic cause of thousands of disorders.

Sustainable farming may help maintain healthy climate Posted: 20 Nov 2009 02:00 AM PST Sustainable farming, initially adopted to preserve soil quality for future generations, may also play a role in maintaining a healthy climate, according to researchers.

Should children undergo surgery without a long period of fasting after feeding? Posted: 20 Nov 2009 02:00 AM PST Children can tolerate the stress of surgery when they are fed until two hours before surgery, because there was no difference regarding stomach residue and metabolic changes among patients that underwent surgery after fasting for short and long periods. There is no need for more than two hours of fasting before inguinoscrotal region surgery. Further studies in surgical patients should help to substantiate the safety and clinical benefits of this new concept.

New nanomethod paves the way for new measuring technology and hypersensitive sensors Posted: 20 Nov 2009 02:00 AM PST Researchers have developed a new measurement technology that makes use of optical resonances in nanoparticles. The method, which opens new possibilities in the field of catalytics.

Mother's depression a risk factor in childhood asthma symptoms, study suggests Posted: 20 Nov 2009 02:00 AM PST Maternal depression can worsen asthma symptoms in their children, according to new research.

Paleontologists find extinction rates higher in open-ocean settings during mass extinctions Posted: 19 Nov 2009 11:00 PM PST Researchers have uncovered a strikingly pattern for ancient mass extinctions: extinctions rates during mass extinctions were significantly higher in open-ocean-facing settings than in epicontinental seas, indicating that open-ocean settings were more susceptible to the mass-extinction-causing agents.

Adding tools against breast tumors Posted: 19 Nov 2009 11:00 PM PST At the end of a 10-year, coast-to-coast study of women with an unusual form of breast cancer, medical researchers are making the case for a particular combination of treatments to stop the tumors in their tracks.

When East meets West: Why consumers turn to alternative medicine Posted: 19 Nov 2009 11:00 PM PST Alternative health remedies are increasingly important in the health care marketplace. A new study explores how consumers choose among the many available remedies.

Rethinking the antibody-dependent enhancement dengue hemorrhagic fever model Posted: 19 Nov 2009 11:00 PM PST New research challenges the dogma of the antibody-dependent enhancement model for the development of dengue hemorrhagic fever.

New maize map to aid plant breeding efforts Posted: 19 Nov 2009 11:00 PM PST A massive survey of genetic diversity in maize has produced a gene map that should pave the way to significant improvements in a plant that is a major source of food, fuel, animal feed and fiber around the world.

Intervention can reduce hostile perceptions in children with prenatal alcohol exposure Posted: 19 Nov 2009 11:00 PM PST Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has been linked to significant impairments in social skills. Researchers have found that a social- skills intervention called Children's Friendship Training can lead to a decrease in hostile attributions or perceptions of children with PAE.

Scientists crack corn code: Reference genome of maize, most important US crop Posted: 19 Nov 2009 08:00 PM PST A four-year, multi-institutional effort co-led by three Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory scientists culminated today in publication of a landmark series of papers in the journal Science revealing in unprecedented detail the DNA sequence of maize. Maize, or corn, as it is commonly called by North American consumers, is one of the world's most important plants and the most valuable agricultural crop grown in the United States, representing $47 billion in annual value.

Oil from biotech soybeans increases key omega-3 fatty acid in humans Posted: 19 Nov 2009 08:00 PM PST A modified soybean oil increased the level of an omega-3 fatty acid in humans more than regular soybean oil. The modified oil may provide a plant-based alternative source of omega-3s. However, the oil's health effectiveness as a food ingredient remains to be proven.

Reflux esophagitis due to immune reaction, not acute acid burn Posted: 19 Nov 2009 08:00 PM PST Contrary to current thinking, a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease might not develop as a direct result of acidic digestive juices burning the esophagus, researchers have found in an animal study.

Surgery not linked to memory problems in older patients Posted: 19 Nov 2009 08:00 PM PST For years, it has been widely assumed that older adults may experience memory loss and other cognitive problems following surgery. But a new study questions that assumption. In the 575 patients they studied, the investigators did not detect any long-term cognitive declines attributable to surgery.

Building the smart home wirelessly Posted: 19 Nov 2009 08:00 PM PST Like the paperless office, the smart home has been a long time coming, but a new article suggests that radio tags coupled with mobile communications devices could soon provide seamless multimedia services to the home.

Women can quit smoking and control weight gain Posted: 19 Nov 2009 08:00 PM PST Many women don't quit smoking because they are afraid of gaining weight. That's because nicotine suppresses appetite and boosts a smoker's metabolism. But a new meta-analysis shows that women who quit smoking while receiving treatment for weight control are better able to control their weight gain and are more successful at quitting cigarettes. The finding disproves clinical guidelines that say trying to diet and quit smoking at the same time will sabotage efforts to ditch cigarettes.

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