ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Why females live longer than males: is it due to the father's sperm?
• Aspirin, Tylenol may decrease effectiveness of vaccines
• Shark fins traced to their geographic origin for first time using DNA tools
• Tumor-attacking virus strikes with 'one-two punch'
• Marine aquaculture could feed growing world population
• Loneliness can be contagious
• In carbon dioxide-rich environment, some ocean dwellers increase shell production
• Genetic pattern indicates early-stage lung cancer
• Innovation puts next-generation solar cells on the horizon
• Death-inducing proteins key to complications of bone marrow transplantation
• Crime scene measurements can be taken from a single image
• Psychologists suggest parents should wait to teach toddlers self-control
• CSI Sharks: New forensic technique gives clues about sharks from bite damage
• Scientists identify possible therapy target for aggressive cancer
• Scientists reveal malaria parasites' tactics for outwitting our immune systems
• Can heart disease treatments combat age-related macular degeneration?
• Artificial refuges created to save the reptiles of Doñana, Spain
• Binge drinking youths find getting old a drag
• Infections are common in ICUs worldwide, study finds
• Heart failure linked to gene variant affecting vitamin D activation
• ERK's got rhythm: Protein that controls cell growth found to cycle in and out of cell nucleus
• High urea levels in chronic kidney failure might be toxic after all
• GOES-14 (O) moving into on-orbit storage around Earth
• New safety concern related to antipsychotic treatment
• Too much physical activity may lead to arthritis, study suggests
• Sugary cola drinks linked to higher risk of gestational diabetes
• Clinical trials launched for treating most aggressive brain tumor with personalized cell vaccines
• CDC confirms four new cases of oseltamivir (Tamiflu)-resistant H1N1
• Data from outer space open new frontiers for researchers
• Facebook profiles capture true personality, according to new psychology research
• Resonating feathers produce courtship song in rare bird
• New mechanism of blocking HIV-1 from entering cells identified
• First comprehensive review of the state of Antarctica's climate
• Elastography reduces unnecessary breast biopsies
• Traditional wood-carving craft industry goes high-tech
• New discoveries about the experience of anger
• How did flowering plants evolve to dominate Earth?
• Will copper keep us safe from the superbugs?
• Western diets turn on fat genes: Energy-dense foods may activate genes that ultimately make us obese
• Glucose intolerance in pregnancy associated with postpartum cardiovascular risk
• Blushing dusty nebula
• Believers' inferences about God's beliefs are uniquely egocentric
• Shape shifters: Researchers create new breed of antennas
• Heavy metal paradox could point toward new therapy for Lou Gehrig's disease
• New source discovered for generation of nerve cells in brain
• New study released on World AIDS Day measures HIV anti-retroviral regimens' safety and efficacy
• First metallic nanoparticles resistant to extreme heat
• Homicide rates linked to trust in government, sense of belonging, study suggests

Why females live longer than males: is it due to the father's sperm? Posted: 02 Dec 2009 08:00 AM PST Researchers in Japan have found that female mice produced by using genetic material from two mothers but no father live significantly longer than mice with the normal mix of maternal and paternal genes. Their findings provide the first evidence that sperm genes may have a detrimental effect on lifespan in mammals.

Aspirin, Tylenol may decrease effectiveness of vaccines Posted: 02 Dec 2009 08:00 AM PST With flu season in full swing and the threat of H1N1 looming, demand for vaccines is at an all-time high. Although those vaccines are expected to be effective, researchers have found further evidence that some over-the-counter drugs, such as aspirin and Tylenol, that inhibit certain enzymes could impact the effectiveness of vaccines.

Shark fins traced to their geographic origin for first time using DNA tools Posted: 02 Dec 2009 08:00 AM PST Millions of shark fins are sold annually to satisfy the demand for shark fin soup, a Chinese delicacy. Now, scientists using DNA tools have figured out how to trace sharks' fins from the Hong Kong market all the way back to the sharks' homes, and have found that endangered populations are still being exploited. These findings highlight the need for better protection from international trade.

Tumor-attacking virus strikes with 'one-two punch' Posted: 02 Dec 2009 08:00 AM PST Cancer researchers developed a tumor-attacking virus that kills brain-tumor cells and blocks tumor blood-vessel growth. The research shows that viruses designed to kill cancer cells -- oncolytic viruses -- might be more effective against aggressive brain tumors if they can also inhibit blood-vessel growth. The study showed that an oncolytic virus containing the gene for this protein, called vasculostatin, eliminated human glioblastoma tumors growing in some animals and significantly slowed tumor recurrence in others.

Marine aquaculture could feed growing world population Posted: 02 Dec 2009 08:00 AM PST Marine aquaculture could play a large role in feeding humanity in the coming decades, although substantial changes will be needed to reduce its reliance on terrestrial agriculture and other external feed subsidies.

Loneliness can be contagious Posted: 02 Dec 2009 08:00 AM PST Loneliness, like a bad cold, can spread among groups of people, new research shows. Using longitudinal data from a large-scale study that has been following health conditions for more than 60 years, a team of scholars found that lonely people tend to share their loneliness with others. Gradually over time, a group of lonely, disconnected people moves to the fringes of social networks.

In carbon dioxide-rich environment, some ocean dwellers increase shell production Posted: 02 Dec 2009 05:00 AM PST In a striking finding that raises new questions about carbon dioxide's impact on marine life, scientists report that some shell-building creatures -- such as crabs, shrimp and lobsters -- unexpectedly build more shell when exposed to ocean acidification caused by elevated levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Genetic pattern indicates early-stage lung cancer Posted: 02 Dec 2009 05:00 AM PST Researchers have identified immune system markers in the blood which indicate early-stage lung tumors in people at high risk for developing lung cancer.

Innovation puts next-generation solar cells on the horizon Posted: 02 Dec 2009 05:00 AM PST Scientists have developed an innovative way to boost the output of the next generation of solar cells. They have produced tandem dye-sensitized solar cells with a three-fold increase in energy conversion efficiency compared with previously reported tandem dye-sensitized solar cells.

Death-inducing proteins key to complications of bone marrow transplantation Posted: 02 Dec 2009 05:00 AM PST Treatment for a number of cancers and other medical conditions is transplantation with bone marrow from a genetically nonidentical individual. Researchers have now identified several molecules involved in a process that contributes to two medical complications that occur in patients following allo-BMT, susceptibility to infections and recurrence of cancers. Some of these molecules might prove good drug targets to improve outcome following allo-BMT.

Crime scene measurements can be taken from a single image Posted: 02 Dec 2009 05:00 AM PST Researchers in Spain have developed a procedure to enable forensic police to extract metric data from crime scenes using just a single photograph. Their proposal makes it possible to reconstruct a crime scene in 3-D.

Psychologists suggest parents should wait to teach toddlers self-control Posted: 02 Dec 2009 05:00 AM PST Psychologists suggest that it may be detrimental to the developing brain to push it toward maturity too soon.

CSI Sharks: New forensic technique gives clues about sharks from bite damage Posted: 02 Dec 2009 02:00 AM PST Hit-and-run attacks by sharks can be solved with a new technique that identifies the culprits by the unique chomp they put on their victims, according to a University of Florida researcher and shark expert.

Scientists identify possible therapy target for aggressive cancer Posted: 02 Dec 2009 02:00 AM PST Researchers have found that a naturally occurring protein -- transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-ß1) -- which normally suppresses the growth of cancer cells, causes a rebound effect after a prolonged exposure. Cancer cells go into overdrive and become even more aggressive and likely to spread, the researchers report.

Scientists reveal malaria parasites' tactics for outwitting our immune systems Posted: 02 Dec 2009 02:00 AM PST Malaria parasites are able to disguise themselves to avoid the host's immune system, according to new research.

Can heart disease treatments combat age-related macular degeneration? Posted: 02 Dec 2009 02:00 AM PST Can treatments that reduce risks for cardiovascular disease also help combat age-related macular degeneration, an eye disease that affects millions of Americans? CVD and AMD share some risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure and inflammation.

Artificial refuges created to save the reptiles of Doñana, Spain Posted: 02 Dec 2009 02:00 AM PST The Aznalcóllar mining accident more than 11 years ago, which contaminated part of the Doñana National Park, also damaged reptile habitat there. Now a team of Spanish researchers, who have been studying the reptile community since 2000, have shown, by setting up artificial refuges, that the disappearance of natural refuges had a serious impact on lizard and snake numbers.

Binge drinking youths find getting old a drag Posted: 02 Dec 2009 02:00 AM PST Young men who believe that happiness declines with age are more likely to engage in risky health behaviors such as binge drinking. Their misguided negative view of the aging process may act as a disincentive to behave 'sensibly' and encourage them to make the most of the present in anticipation of 'miserable' old age, according to new findings.

Infections are common in ICUs worldwide, study finds Posted: 01 Dec 2009 11:00 PM PST An international study that examined the extent of infections in nearly 1,300 intensive care units in 75 countries found that about 50 percent of the patients were considered infected, with infection associated with an increased risk of death in the hospital, according to a new study.

Heart failure linked to gene variant affecting vitamin D activation Posted: 01 Dec 2009 11:00 PM PST Previous studies have shown a link between low vitamin D status and heart disease. Now a new study shows that patients with high blood pressure who possess a gene variant that affects an enzyme critical to normal vitamin D activation are twice as likely as those without the variant to have congestive heart failure.

ERK's got rhythm: Protein that controls cell growth found to cycle in and out of cell nucleus Posted: 01 Dec 2009 11:00 PM PST Time-lapsed video of individual breast tissue cells reveals a never-before-seen event in the life of a cell: a protein that cycles between two major compartments: the nucleus, where genes are turned on and off, and the cell proper, where proteins work together to keep the cell functioning. The results give researchers a more complete view of the internal signals that cause breast tissue cells to grow, events that go awry in cancer.

High urea levels in chronic kidney failure might be toxic after all Posted: 01 Dec 2009 11:00 PM PST It is thought that the elevated levels of urea (the byproduct of protein breakdown that is excreted in the urine) in patients with end-stage kidney failure are not particularly toxic. However, researchers have now generated evidence in mice that high levels of urea are indeed toxic. Blocking the effects of high levels of urea might therefore be of benefit to patients with end-stage kidney disease.

GOES-14 (O) moving into on-orbit storage around Earth Posted: 01 Dec 2009 11:00 PM PST The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite named GOES-14 is being placed in on-orbit storage this month to await its call to duty.

New safety concern related to antipsychotic treatment Posted: 01 Dec 2009 11:00 PM PST Overall, antipsychotic medications are reasonably effective, and fairly well tolerated treatments for mood and psychotic disorders. However, treatment with a number of antipsychotic medications is associated with weight gain, and for some, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. In a new article, researchers discuss this cluster of metabolic side effects and how it may contribute to the risk for diabetes, hypertension, and other medical disorders associated with heart disease.

Too much physical activity may lead to arthritis, study suggests Posted: 01 Dec 2009 08:00 PM PST Middle-aged men and women who engage in high levels of physical activity may be unknowingly causing damage to their knees and increasing their risk for osteoarthritis, according to a new study.

Sugary cola drinks linked to higher risk of gestational diabetes Posted: 01 Dec 2009 08:00 PM PST Researchers have found for the first time that drinking more than 5 servings of sugar- sweetened cola a week prior to pregnancy appears to significantly elevate the risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy.

Clinical trials launched for treating most aggressive brain tumor with personalized cell vaccines Posted: 01 Dec 2009 08:00 PM PST Researchers have launched a series of clinical trials in order to assess the efficacy of an immunotherapy treatment. This approach involves the application of personalized vaccines -- produced from healthy and tumor cells from the patient him or herself -- and designed to combat glioblastomas, one of the most aggressive and frequent malignant tumors.

CDC confirms four new cases of oseltamivir (Tamiflu)-resistant H1N1 Posted: 01 Dec 2009 08:00 PM PST Tests performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at the request of infectious disease experts have confirmed that isolates from four patients with H1N1 influenza at Duke University Hospital during October and November were found to be resistant to oseltamivir (Tamiflu).

Data from outer space open new frontiers for researchers Posted: 01 Dec 2009 08:00 PM PST The latest data delivered back to Earth by the Herschel Space Observatory -- launched in May by the European Space Agency -- have opened a new window on galaxies.

Facebook profiles capture true personality, according to new psychology research Posted: 01 Dec 2009 08:00 PM PST Online social networks such as Facebook are being used to express and communicate real personality, instead of an idealized virtual identity, according to new research from psychologists.

Resonating feathers produce courtship song in rare bird Posted: 01 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST Four years ago, a researcher reported a bizarre example of sexual selection in a rare South American bird: The male attracts the female by rubbing specialized wing feathers -- more than 100 cycles per second -- to create a high hum, similar to a sustained violin note. While the researchers speculated how the sound was created, they have since proven that the club-winged manakin's feathers resonate at a particular frequency to create the tone.

New mechanism of blocking HIV-1 from entering cells identified Posted: 01 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST Researchers have found a novel mechanism by which drugs block HIV-1 from entering host cells.

First comprehensive review of the state of Antarctica's climate Posted: 01 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST The first comprehensive review of the state of Antarctica's climate and its relationship to the global climate system has just been published. The review -- Antarctic Climate Change and the Environment -- presents the latest research from the icy continent, identifies areas for future scientific research, and addresses the urgent questions that policy makers have about Antarctic melting, sea-level rise and biodiversity.

Elastography reduces unnecessary breast biopsies Posted: 01 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST Elastography is an effective, convenient technique that, when added to breast ultrasound, helps distinguish cancerous breast lesions from benign results, according to an ongoing study.

Traditional wood-carving craft industry goes high-tech Posted: 01 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST Mary and Joseph, the angels, the manger -- at Christmas time, lots of people still decorate their homes with high-quality wooden figures depicting the nativity scene. Now, the wood carvers of South Tyrol are moving over to high-tech production methods.

New discoveries about the experience of anger Posted: 01 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST Younger people, those with children and less-educated individuals are more likely to experience anger, according to new research that examines one of the most common negative emotions in society.

How did flowering plants evolve to dominate Earth? Posted: 01 Dec 2009 02:00 PM PST Scientists have discovered the evolutionary step which allowed flowering plants to become the most abundant and ecologically successful group of plants on Earth.

Will copper keep us safe from the superbugs? Posted: 01 Dec 2009 02:00 PM PST New research suggests that copper might have a role in the fight against health care-associated infections.

Western diets turn on fat genes: Energy-dense foods may activate genes that ultimately make us obese Posted: 01 Dec 2009 02:00 PM PST Those extra helpings of gravy and dessert at the holiday table are even less of a help to your waistline than previously thought. These foods hit you with a double-whammy as the already difficult task of converting high-fat and high-sugar foods to energy is made even harder because these foods also turn our bodies into "supersized fat-storing" machines.

Glucose intolerance in pregnancy associated with postpartum cardiovascular risk Posted: 01 Dec 2009 02:00 PM PST Women who have gestational glucose intolerance (a condition less severe than gestational diabetes) exhibit multiple cardiovascular risk factors as early as three months after birth, according to a new study.

Blushing dusty nebula Posted: 01 Dec 2009 02:00 PM PST A recent NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image of part of NGC 7023, or the Iris Nebula, highlights a perfect dust laboratory in the sky.

Believers' inferences about God's beliefs are uniquely egocentric Posted: 01 Dec 2009 02:00 PM PST Religious people tend to use their own beliefs as a guide in thinking about what God believes, but are less constrained when reasoning about other people's beliefs, according to a new study.

Shape shifters: Researchers create new breed of antennas Posted: 01 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST Antennas aren't just for listening to the radio anymore. They're used in everything from cell phones to GPS devices. New research is revolutionizing the field of antenna design -- creating shape-shifting antennas that open the door to a host of new uses in fields ranging from public safety to military deployment.

Heavy metal paradox could point toward new therapy for Lou Gehrig's disease Posted: 01 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST New discoveries have been made about how an elevated level of lead, which is a neurotoxic heavy metal, can slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease -- findings that could point the way to a new type of therapy.

New source discovered for generation of nerve cells in brain Posted: 01 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST Scientists have made a significant advance in understanding regeneration processes in the brain. The researchers discovered progenitor cells which can form new glutamatergic neurons following injury to the cerebral cortex.

New study released on World AIDS Day measures HIV anti-retroviral regimens' safety and efficacy Posted: 01 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST A study released on World AIDS Day reports that viral failure, the point at which medication can no longer suppress the HIV infection, was twice as likely and happened sooner among patients initiating anti-retroviral therapy with high viral loads who were given Epzicom when compared to similar patients treated with Truvada.

First metallic nanoparticles resistant to extreme heat Posted: 01 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST Scientists overcame a major hurdle plaguing the development of nanomaterials such as those that could lead to more efficient catalysts used to produce hydrogen and render car exhaust less toxic. The researchers reported the first demonstration of high-temperature stability in metallic nanoparticles, the vaunted next-generation materials hampered by a vulnerability to extreme heat.

Homicide rates linked to trust in government, sense of belonging, study suggests Posted: 01 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST When Americans begin routinely complaining about how they hate their government and don't trust their leaders, it may be time to look warily at the homicide rate. A historian tried to make sense of changing homicide rates by sifting through records of tens of thousands of homicides in the United States and western Europe over the past four centuries.

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