ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• New bacterial behavior: Puzzling 'dance' of electricity-producing bacteria near energy sources
• Reproductive germ cells survive and thrive in transplants, even among species
• Sucker-footed bats don't use suction after all
• Biological catch-22 prevents induction of antibodies that block HIV
• Research may lead to better UV/radiation blocking in eye glasses
• The importance of attractiveness depends on where you live
• Secrets of mysterious 'night-shining' clouds unlocked by NASA's AIM satellite and models
• Gene identified as cause of some forms of intellectual disability
• Accelerated aging: Researchers identify traits of people with rare syndrome
• Scientists uncover protective mechanism against liver cancer
• World's longest laser -- 270 km long -- created
• Couples who do the dishes together stay happier
• Scientists decode memory-forming brain cell conversations
• Why being a boy is a risk factor among premature births
• From greenhouse to icehouse: Reconstructing the environment of the Voring Plateau
• More blood vessels in hormone-resistant prostate tumors
• Formula that can ID music industry payola developed
• Killer cookies: To resist temptation, exaggerate the threat
• Icy moons of Saturn and Jupiter may have conditions needed for life
• Researchers find high leptin levels may protect against Alzheimer's disease and dementia
• More insight into radioactive salt marshes
• Low cholesterol transfer protein activity associated with heart disease risk
• Latest results from lunar mission unveiled by NASA
• Insomnia symptoms linked with medical complaints in young school-aged children
• Tremors between slip events: More evidence of great quake danger to Seattle
• First immunological clue to why some H1N1 patients get very ill or die
• NASA outlines recent breakthroughs in greenhouse gas research
• Study points way to development of drugs for deadly childhood leukemia
• Species distribution models are of only limited value for predicting future mammal distributions
• Music and the arts fight depression, promote health
• Prussian blue salt linked to origin of life
• More than 90 percent of people with gum disease are at risk for diabetes, study finds
• From fruit fly wings to heart failure: Notch is key signalling pathway for heart development and healing
• Kidney disease patients benefit from surgery to prevent stroke
• DNA needs a good editor: Researchers unravel the mysteries of DNA packaging
• Does scent enhance consumer product memories?
• How do salamanders grow a new leg? Protein mechanisms behind limb regeneration
• Link between sirtuins and life extension strengthened
• Gravestones Talking through Time
• Master gene Math1 controls framework for perceiving external and internal body parts
• New discoveries could improve climate projections
• Moral dilemma scenarios prone to biases
• Mammoths hung on longer? Late-surviving megafauna exposed by ancient DNA in frozen soil
• Nanoprobes hit targets in tumors, could lessen chemo side effects
• Global warming could significantly impact US wine and corn production, scientists say
• Tracking new cancer-killing particles with MRI
• Reducing TV time helps adults burn more calories, study finds

New bacterial behavior: Puzzling 'dance' of electricity-producing bacteria near energy sources Posted: 16 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST Geobiologists have observed a new behavior of metal-metabolizing bacteria, with implications for design of microbial fuel cells. The bacterial 'dance' has been dubbed the electric slide, officially named electrokinesis.

Reproductive germ cells survive and thrive in transplants, even among species Posted: 16 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST Reproductive researchers have succeeded in isolating and transplanting pure populations of the immature cells that enable male reproduction in two species -- humans and mice. The germline stem cells, taken from testis biopsies, demonstrated viability following transplantation to mouse testes, providing hope to prepubescent men risking infertility due to cancer treatment.

Sucker-footed bats don't use suction after all Posted: 16 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST In first-time experiments in the wild, a researcher has discovered that a species of bat in Madagascar uses wet adhesion to attach itself to surfaces. The finding explains why the bat -- unlike almost all others -- roosts head-up. It also helps to explain how it differs from a similar head-up roosting species.

Biological catch-22 prevents induction of antibodies that block HIV Posted: 16 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST Scientists seeking to understand how to make an AIDS vaccine have found the cause of a major roadblock. It turns out that the immune system can indeed produce cells with the potential to manufacture powerful HIV-blocking antibodies -- but at the same time, the immune system works equally hard to make sure these cells are eliminated before they have a chance to mature.

Research may lead to better UV/radiation blocking in eye glasses Posted: 16 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST Adding cerium oxide to phosphate glass rather than the commonly used silicate glass may make glasses that block ultraviolet light and have increased radiation damage resistance while remaining colorless, according to researchers. These cerium-containing phosphate glasses have many commercial applications for use in windows, sunglasses and solar cells.

The importance of attractiveness depends on where you live Posted: 16 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST Do good-looking people really benefit from their looks, and in what ways? Researchers found that yes, attractive people do tend to have more social relationships and therefore an increased sense of psychological well-being.

Secrets of mysterious 'night-shining' clouds unlocked by NASA's AIM satellite and models Posted: 16 Dec 2009 08:00 AM PST NASA's Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere satellite has captured five complete polar seasons of noctilucent or "night-shining" clouds with an unprecedented horizontal resolution of 3 miles by 3 miles. Results show that the cloud season turns on and off like a "geophysical light bulb" and they reveal evidence that high altitude mesospheric "weather" may follow similar patterns as our ever-changing weather near the Earth's surface.

Gene identified as cause of some forms of intellectual disability Posted: 16 Dec 2009 08:00 AM PST A gene involved in some forms of intellectual disability has been identified. The gene is called TRAPPC9 and may be associated with hundreds of thousands of cases of intellectual disability world-wide.

Accelerated aging: Researchers identify traits of people with rare syndrome Posted: 16 Dec 2009 08:00 AM PST Researchers have provided the most extensive account to date of the unique observable characteristics seen in patients with an extremely rare premature aging syndrome.

Scientists uncover protective mechanism against liver cancer Posted: 16 Dec 2009 08:00 AM PST Scientists have identified a protein switch that helps prevent liver damage, including inflammation, fibrosis and cancer. The findings suggest that a better understanding of how the protein, TAK1, works could lead to new insights into the development of liver disease and cancer.

World's longest laser -- 270 km long -- created Posted: 16 Dec 2009 08:00 AM PST A 270-kilometer optical fiber has been transformed into the world's longest laser, a feat its inventors believe will lead to a radical new outlook on information transmission and secure communications.

Couples who do the dishes together stay happier Posted: 16 Dec 2009 08:00 AM PST A new study reveals that couples who share the responsibility for paid and unpaid work report higher average measures of happiness and life satisfaction than those in other family models.

Scientists decode memory-forming brain cell conversations Posted: 16 Dec 2009 05:00 AM PST The conversations neurons have as they form and recall memories have been decoded by scientists. The breakthrough in recognizing in real time the formation and recollection of a memory opens the door to objective, thorough memory studies and eventually better therapies, say the researchers.

Why being a boy is a risk factor among premature births Posted: 16 Dec 2009 05:00 AM PST Among premature births -- children born before the 37th week of pregnancy -- newborn boys have a poorer prognosis than newborn girls. Physicians have explored why being male constitutes a risk factor for greater morbidity in these infants.

From greenhouse to icehouse: Reconstructing the environment of the Voring Plateau Posted: 16 Dec 2009 05:00 AM PST The analysis of microfossils found in ocean sediment cores is illuminating the environmental conditions that prevailed at high latitudes during a critical period of Earth history.

More blood vessels in hormone-resistant prostate tumors Posted: 16 Dec 2009 05:00 AM PST Patients with advanced prostate cancer are often treated with hormones, but when the tumors start growing again they have more and different blood vessels, reveals research from Sweden. This discovery paves the way for new treatments for hormone-resistant prostate cancer.

Formula that can ID music industry payola developed Posted: 16 Dec 2009 05:00 AM PST Researchers have invented a statistical method that can detect payola-like corruption in the music industry, a system that gives law enforcement an inexpensive statistical guide to identify potential music corruption and to better target more traditional and much more costly hands-on evidence-gathering.

Killer cookies: To resist temptation, exaggerate the threat Posted: 16 Dec 2009 05:00 AM PST Your ability to resist that tempting cookie depends on how a big a threat you perceive it to be, according to a new study.

Icy moons of Saturn and Jupiter may have conditions needed for life Posted: 16 Dec 2009 02:00 AM PST Planetary scientist Francis Nimmo will outline the impact of ice dynamics on the habitability of the moons of Saturn and Jupiter on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union in San Francisco.

Researchers find high leptin levels may protect against Alzheimer's disease and dementia Posted: 16 Dec 2009 02:00 AM PST Researchers have found that higher leptin (a protein that controls weight and appetite) levels were associated with a lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The study may open pathways for possible preventive and therapeutic interventions.

More insight into radioactive salt marshes Posted: 16 Dec 2009 02:00 AM PST A researcher has analyzed gamma radiation in salt marshes. The development of salt marshes, vegetated areas periodically flooded by the sea, occurs differently than was previously thought. Knowledge of salt marshes is essential for the development of dynamic but safe coastal zone management.

Low cholesterol transfer protein activity associated with heart disease risk Posted: 16 Dec 2009 02:00 AM PST Although seen as a potential heart disease therapy, raising high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by inhibiting activity of a transfer protein may not be effective, a new study suggests. Scientists found an association between low plasma cholesterol ester transfer protein activity and increased risk of heart disease in the Framingham Heart Study population.

Latest results from lunar mission unveiled by NASA Posted: 16 Dec 2009 02:00 AM PST NASA's current mission in orbit around the moon, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, has been providing crucial insights about our nearest celestial neighbor since its launch in June. At a recent scientific meeting, researchers unveiled the latest findings from three instruments of the powerful suite of seven aboard the satellite. LRO is expected to return more data about the moon than all previous orbital missions combined.

Insomnia symptoms linked with medical complaints in young school-aged children Posted: 16 Dec 2009 02:00 AM PST Significant associations exist between parent-reported insomnia symptoms and medical complaints of gastrointestinal regurgitation and headaches in young school-aged children, a new study shows.

Tremors between slip events: More evidence of great quake danger to Seattle Posted: 15 Dec 2009 11:00 PM PST Scientists have discovered more small seismic tremor events lasting one to 70 hours that occur in somewhat regular patterns in a megathrust earthquake zone in Washington state and British Columbia.

First immunological clue to why some H1N1 patients get very ill or die Posted: 15 Dec 2009 11:00 PM PST Scientists have found the first potential immunological clue of why some people develop severe pneumonia when infected by the pandemic H1N1 virus.

NASA outlines recent breakthroughs in greenhouse gas research Posted: 15 Dec 2009 11:00 PM PST Researchers studying carbon dioxide, a leading greenhouse gas and a key driver of global climate change, now have a new tool at their disposal: daily global measurements of carbon dioxide in a key part of our atmosphere. The data are courtesy of the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument on NASA's Aqua spacecraft.

Study points way to development of drugs for deadly childhood leukemia Posted: 15 Dec 2009 11:00 PM PST A new study could point the way to the development of better drugs to fight a deadly form of childhood leukemia called mixed-lineage leukemia (MLL).

Species distribution models are of only limited value for predicting future mammal distributions Posted: 15 Dec 2009 11:00 PM PST Species distribution models are of only limited use in predicting the future distribution of mammals. This is the finding of a study of the climate niches of 140 indigenous European mammals. The researchers analyzed data on species distribution, climate, land cover and topography, as well as the phylogenetic information of the species. Judging by the large differences in climate niches even for closely related species, mammals seem to adapt fast to changing climatic conditions.

Music and the arts fight depression, promote health Posted: 15 Dec 2009 11:00 PM PST If you paint, dance or play a musical instrument – or just enjoy going to the theater or to concerts -- it's likely that you feel healthier and are less depressed than people who don't, a survey of nearly 50,000 individuals of all socio-economic backgrounds from a county in mid-Norway shows.

Prussian blue salt linked to origin of life Posted: 15 Dec 2009 08:00 PM PST Scientists have shown that hydrogen cyanide, urea and other substances considered essential to the formation of the most basic biological molecules can be obtained from the salt Prussian blue. In order to carry out this study the scientists recreated the chemical conditions of the early Earth.

More than 90 percent of people with gum disease are at risk for diabetes, study finds Posted: 15 Dec 2009 08:00 PM PST An overwhelming majority of people who have periodontal disease are also at high risk for diabetes and should be screened for diabetes, a nursing-dental research team has found. The researchers also determined that half of those at risk had seen a dentist in the previous year, concluded that dentists should consider offering diabetes screenings in their offices, and described practical approaches to conducting diabetes screenings in dental offices.

From fruit fly wings to heart failure: Notch is key signalling pathway for heart development and healing Posted: 15 Dec 2009 08:00 PM PST Scientists are the first to prove that the Notch signaling pathway targets heart muscle cells and thus reveal its crucial role in heart development and repair.

Kidney disease patients benefit from surgery to prevent stroke Posted: 15 Dec 2009 08:00 PM PST Physicians should be comfortable referring some patients with chronic kidney disease for effective stroke prevention surgery, according to a new study. The findings indicate that CKD patients gain a significant benefit from the procedures without an increased risk of dying from surgical complications.

DNA needs a good editor: Researchers unravel the mysteries of DNA packaging Posted: 15 Dec 2009 08:00 PM PST Groundbreaking findings reveal a new mechanism to explain how splicing works. Researchers have discovered that the structure of DNA itself affects the ways RNA is spliced. The findings promise to bring scientists closer to understanding diseases like cystic fibrosis and certain forms of cancer that result from the failure of the human body to edit sequences properly.

Does scent enhance consumer product memories? Posted: 15 Dec 2009 08:00 PM PST It may seem odd to add scent to products like sewing thread, automobile tires, and tennis balls, as some companies have done. But a new study says scent helps consumers remember product information.

How do salamanders grow a new leg? Protein mechanisms behind limb regeneration Posted: 15 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST The most comprehensive study to date of the proteins in a species of salamander that can regrow appendages may provide important clues to how similar regeneration could be induced in humans.

Link between sirtuins and life extension strengthened Posted: 15 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST New research strengthens the link between longevity proteins called sirtuins and the lifespan-extending effects of calorie restriction.

Gravestones Talking through Time Posted: 15 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST A visit to your local graveyard can provide not only a history lesson, but a science lesson as well. Historians have long scoured old burial sites to piece together the stories of those who rest there, but today scientists are learning much more from those letters carved in stone. Gravestones are telling the story of changes in Earth's atmospheric chemistry and rainfall. Moreover, scientists are asking for your help to read the stones.

Master gene Math1 controls framework for perceiving external and internal body parts Posted: 15 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST Math1 is a master hub for the genes that control various parts of neural networks for hearing, balance, the unconscious sense of one's position in space called proprioception and in a new finding, interoception, which is associated with activities such as awakening because of a full bladder or a distended colon, according to new research.

New discoveries could improve climate projections Posted: 15 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST New discoveries about the deep ocean's temperature variability and circulation system could help improve projections of future climate conditions.

Moral dilemma scenarios prone to biases Posted: 15 Dec 2009 05:00 PM PST Picture the following hypothetical scenario: A trolley is headed toward five helpless victims. The trolley can be redirected so that only one person's life is at stake. Psychologists and philosophers have been using moral dilemmas like this for years asking, would you redirect the train?

Mammoths hung on longer? Late-surviving megafauna exposed by ancient DNA in frozen soil Posted: 15 Dec 2009 02:00 PM PST Woolly mammoths and ancient horses may have survived longer than scientists currently think, according to new research on ancient DNA fragments found in Alaskan soil samples.

Nanoprobes hit targets in tumors, could lessen chemo side effects Posted: 15 Dec 2009 02:00 PM PST Tiny nanoprobes have shown to be effective in delivering cancer drugs more directly to tumor cells -- mitigating the damage to nearby healthy cells -- and new research has shown that the nanoprobes are getting the drugs to right cellular compartments.

Global warming could significantly impact US wine and corn production, scientists say Posted: 15 Dec 2009 02:00 PM PST Environmental scientists have used a very high-resolution computer model to forecast the impact of climate change on US wine and corn production. The experiment focuses on the regional impact of climate change on agriculture in the United States over the next three decades, from wine grapes on the West Coast to maple syrup in the Northeast.

Tracking new cancer-killing particles with MRI Posted: 15 Dec 2009 02:00 PM PST Researchers have created a single nanoparticle that can be tracked in real time with MRI as it homes in on cancer cells, tags them with a fluorescent dye and kills them with heat. The all-in-one particle is one of the first examples from a growing field called "theranostics" that develops technologies physicians can use to diagnose and treat diseases in a single procedure.

Reducing TV time helps adults burn more calories, study finds Posted: 15 Dec 2009 02:00 PM PST Adults who used an electronic lock-out system to reduce their television time by half did not change their calorie intake but did expend more energy over a three-week period, according to a new study.

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