ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Second smallest exoplanet spotted: Discovery highlights new potential for eventually finding Earth-mass planets
• Surplus of serotonin receptors may explain failure of antidepressants in some patients
• Yoga reduces cytokine levels known to promote inflammation, study shows
• Toward a less expensive version of the anti-flu drug Tamiflu
• Arctic could face warmer and ice-free conditions
• U.S. adult obesity still high, but recent data suggest rates may have stabilized
• From the ancient Amazonian Indians: 'Biochar' as a modern weapon against global warming
• Some antiviral drugs could make diseases worse, new study suggests
• Environment plays key role in developing reading skills, study finds
• Drug shows promise as new treatment for gut tumor
• Quantum computer calculates exact energy of molecular hydrogen
• Friendship may help stem rise of obesity in children, study finds
• Giant magnetic loop sweeps through space between stellar pair
• Mutations in different cells cooperate to set the stage for cancer
• Raft or bridge: How did iguanas reach tiny Pacific islands?
• Race, obesity affect outcomes among diabetics following prostatectomy
• Large changes in climate likely over next century, daily carbon dioxide measurements suggest
• Who's afraid of the HPV vaccine?
• Understanding why leopards can't change their spots
• New compound improves cognitive decline, symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in rodents
• Thyme oil can inhibit COX2 and suppress inflammation
• New ALS drug slips through telling Phase II clinical trials
• The Plant Cell's Corset
• Significant urban-rural disparities in injury mortality seen in China
• Soybean genome sequenced: Analysis reveals pathways for improving biodiesel, disease resistance, and reducing waste runoff
• Molecular security system that protects cells from potentially harmful DNA discovered
• Sunflower genome holds the promise of sustainable agriculture
• Report recommends steps to tackle hepatitis B and C
• Global Warming: Is making carbon 'SAFE' the answer?
• Exercise associated with preventing, improving mild cognitive impairment
• How galaxies form: New research resolves conflict in theory
• Neuroimaging may shed light on how Alzheimer's disease develops
• Missing 500-Years of Loggias, Porticos Described
• Assessing Eyesight and Ethnic Group Norms in Young Children
• New models allow proper assessment of IT risks
• Study examines prescribing of antipsychotic medications for nursing home residents
• Northern forests do not benefit from lengthening growing season, study finds
• Small-cell lung cancer breakthrough: MicroRNAs key to identifying patients resistant to 'first-line' chemotherapy
• How one form of natural vitamin E protects brain after stroke
• Few breast cancer surgeons follow quality of care standards, study finds
• Sweet corn study provides large-scale picture of better fields
• Environmentally-friendly policies: You say offset, I say tax? Labels and political affiliation may affect preferences
• Why do people 'play the longshot' but buy insurance? It's in our genes
• Why light worsens migraine headaches
• For this microbe, cousins not particularly welcome
• Sudden death in cocaine abusers: Study reveals role played by illegal drug

Second smallest exoplanet spotted: Discovery highlights new potential for eventually finding Earth-mass planets Posted: 14 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Astronomers using the highly sensitive 10-meter Keck I telescope atop Hawaii's Mauna Kea have detected an extrasolar planet with a mass just four times that of Earth. The planet, which orbits its parent star HD156668 about once every four days, is the second-smallest world among the more than 400 exoplanets (planets located outside our solar system) that have been found to date.

Surplus of serotonin receptors may explain failure of antidepressants in some patients Posted: 14 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST An excess of one type of serotonin receptor in the center of the brain may explain why antidepressants fail to relieve symptoms of depression for 50 percent of patients, a new study shows. The study is the first to find a causal link between receptor number and antidepressant treatment and may lead to more personalized treatment.

Yoga reduces cytokine levels known to promote inflammation, study shows Posted: 14 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Regularly practicing yoga exercises may lower a number of compounds in the blood and reduce the level of inflammation that normally rises because of both normal aging and stress, a new study has shown. The study showed that women who routinely practiced yoga had lower amounts of the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in their blood.

Toward a less expensive version of the anti-flu drug Tamiflu Posted: 14 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Scientists have developed an alternative method for producing the active ingredient in Tamiflu, the mainstay for fighting H1N1 and other forms of influenza. The new process could expand availability of the drug by reducing its cost, which now retails for as about $8 per dose.

Arctic could face warmer and ice-free conditions Posted: 14 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST There is increased evidence that the Arctic could face seasonally ice-free conditions and much warmer temperatures in the future. Scientists documented evidence that the Arctic Ocean and Nordic Seas were too warm to support summer sea ice during the mid-Pliocene warm period (3.3 to 3 million years ago). This period is characterized by warm temperatures similar to those projected for the end of this century, and is used as an analog to understand future conditions.

U.S. adult obesity still high, but recent data suggest rates may have stabilized Posted: 14 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST The prevalence of adults in the US who are obese is still high, with about one-third of adults obese in 2007-2008, although new data suggest that the rate of increase for obesity in the US in recent decades may be slowing, according to a new study.

From the ancient Amazonian Indians: 'Biochar' as a modern weapon against global warming Posted: 14 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST Scientists are reporting that "biochar" -- a material that the Amazonian Indians used to enhance soil fertility centuries ago -- has potential in the modern world to help slow global climate change. Mass production of biochar could capture and sock away carbon that otherwise would wind up in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas.

Some antiviral drugs could make diseases worse, new study suggests Posted: 14 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST New research raises concerns about an emerging strategy for stopping viral infections. According to the study, medications that cause viruses to die off by forcing their nucleic acid to mutate rapidly might actually, in some instances, cause them to emerge from the process even more virulent than before drug treatment.

Environment plays key role in developing reading skills, study finds Posted: 14 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST While genetics play a key role in children's initial reading skills, a new study of twins is the first to demonstrate that environment plays an important role in reading growth over time. The results give further evidence that children can make gains in reading during their early school years, above and beyond the important genetic factors that influence differences in reading.

Drug shows promise as new treatment for gut tumor Posted: 14 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST Bortezomib, a drug that already is an approved therapy for some cancers, also might be an effective secondary treatment for a rare tumor of the gastrointestinal tract, say researchers.

Quantum computer calculates exact energy of molecular hydrogen Posted: 14 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST In an important first for a promising new technology, scientists have used a quantum computer to calculate the precise energy of molecular hydrogen. This groundbreaking approach to molecular simulations could have profound implications not just for quantum chemistry, but also for a range of fields from cryptography to materials science.

Friendship may help stem rise of obesity in children, study finds Posted: 14 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST Parents are acutely aware of the influence of friends on their children's behavior -- how they dress, how they wear their hair, whether they drink or smoke. A new laboratory-based study has shown that friends also may influence how much adolescents eat.

Giant magnetic loop sweeps through space between stellar pair Posted: 14 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST An intercontinental radio-telescope system has revealed a giant magnetic loop sweeping through the space between a pair of stars in the famous naked-eye system Algol.

Mutations in different cells cooperate to set the stage for cancer Posted: 14 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Cancer biologists have long known that it takes the cooperation of multiple cancer-causing genes to cause cancer. Now researchers have shown that the cooperating mutations can occur in neighboring cells. Stress induces signals that cause cells to develop into tumors, researchers have discovered.

Raft or bridge: How did iguanas reach tiny Pacific islands? Posted: 14 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Scientists have long puzzled over how iguanas, a group of lizards mostly found in the Americas, came to inhabit the isolated Pacific islands of Fiji and Tonga. For years, the leading explanation has been that progenitors of the island species must have rafted there, riding across the Pacific on a mat of vegetation or floating debris. But new research suggests a more grounded explanation.

Race, obesity affect outcomes among diabetics following prostatectomy Posted: 14 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Obese white men who have both diabetes and prostate cancer have significantly worse outcomes following radical prostatectomy than do men without diabetes who undergo the same procedure, according to new research.

Large changes in climate likely over next century, daily carbon dioxide measurements suggest Posted: 14 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Researchers studying climate now have a new tool at their disposal: daily global measurements of carbon dioxide and water vapor in a key part of Earth's atmosphere. The data confirm the mainstream scientific view that large changes in the climate are likely over the next century.

Who's afraid of the HPV vaccine? Posted: 14 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST New research shows that people tend to match their risk perceptions about policy issues with their cultural values, which may explain the intense disagreement about proposals to vaccinate elementary-school girls against human-papillomavirus (HPV). The study also says people's values shape their perceptions of expert opinion on the vaccine.

Understanding why leopards can't change their spots Posted: 14 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST New research reveals something about how cats end up with spots and stripes. It demonstrates for the first time that at least three different genes are involved in the emergence of stripes, spots and other markings on domestic cats. Researchers have also determined the genomic location of two of these genes, which will allow for further studies that could shine scientific light on various human skin disorders.

New compound improves cognitive decline, symptoms of Alzheimer's disease in rodents Posted: 14 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST A fast-acting compound that appears to improve cognitive function impairments in mice similar to those found in patients with progressive Alzheimer's disease has been identified by scientists. Researchers hope to one day replicate the result in humans.

Thyme oil can inhibit COX2 and suppress inflammation Posted: 14 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST Researchers have found that six essential oils -- from thyme, clove, rose, eucalyptus, fennel and bergamot -- can suppress the inflammatory COX-2 enzyme, in a manner similar to resveratrol, the chemical linked with the health benefits of red wine. They also identified that the chemical carvacrol was primarily responsible for this suppressive activity.

New ALS drug slips through telling Phase II clinical trials Posted: 14 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST A drug already used to treat symptoms of epilepsy has potential to slow the muscle weakening that comes with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), scientists report after completing a Phase II clinical trial -- an early, small-scale test to show if the drug works and continues to be safe.

The Plant Cell's Corset Posted: 14 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST We still have a lot to discover about the mechanism in plants that ensures cell growth in a specific direction. However it is clear that a structure of parallel protein tubes plays an important role. According to researchers, small 'catastrophic collisions' are a crucial part of the process leading to its creation.

Significant urban-rural disparities in injury mortality seen in China Posted: 14 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST The death rate from injuries in rural areas of China is higher than in urban areas, according to a new study. Rural males of all ages were 47 percent more likely to die from injuries than urban males, and the overall rate in rural females was 33 percent higher than in urban females.

Soybean genome sequenced: Analysis reveals pathways for improving biodiesel, disease resistance, and reducing waste runoff Posted: 14 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Soybean, one of the most important global sources of protein and oil, is now the first legume species with a published complete draft genome sequence.

Molecular security system that protects cells from potentially harmful DNA discovered Posted: 14 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Researchers have discovered a molecular security system in human cells that deactivates and degrades foreign DNA. This discovery could open the door to major improvements in genetic engineering and gene therapy technologies.

Sunflower genome holds the promise of sustainable agriculture Posted: 14 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST The sunflower family includes a number of valuable food crops. Yet the sunflower family is the only one of a handful of economically important plant families where a reference genome is not available to enable the breeding of crops better suited to their growing environment or consumers tastes. A new research project will create a reference genome for the sunflower family.

Report recommends steps to tackle hepatitis B and C Posted: 14 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Stepped-up vaccination requirements, a boost in resources for prevention and treatment, and a public awareness campaign similar to the effort that dispelled the stigma of HIV/AIDS are needed to curb the health threats posed by hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Global Warming: Is making carbon 'SAFE' the answer? Posted: 14 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Mandating fossil fuel producers to sequester (bury) a steadily increasing fraction of the carbon they extract would be a simple, effective, and fair way of sharing out the pain of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to a leading group of climate researchers.

Exercise associated with preventing, improving mild cognitive impairment Posted: 14 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Moderate physical activity performed in midlife or later appears to be associated with a reduced risk of mild cognitive impairment, whereas a six-month high-intensity aerobic exercise program may improve cognitive function in individuals who already have the condition, according to two reports.

How galaxies form: New research resolves conflict in theory Posted: 13 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST The cold dark matter theory has been used for more than 20 years to explain how the smooth universe from the big bang evolved into the galaxy-rich cosmos we see today. But there was a problem: the theory suggested most galaxies should have far more stars and dark matter at their cores than they actually do. New research solves the problem.

Neuroimaging may shed light on how Alzheimer's disease develops Posted: 13 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST Current Alzheimer's disease research indicates that accumulation of amyloid-beta (AB) protein plaques in the brain is central to the development of AD. While previously presence of these plaques could only be confirmed at autopsy. Positron emission tomography provides researchers with an opportunity to test the amyloid hypothesis as it occurs in living patients. A new study summarizes the results of experiments using the AB tracer Pittsburgh Compound-B.

Missing 500-Years of Loggias, Porticos Described Posted: 13 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST Using texts and images, a researcher has for the first time reconstructed the time when the use of porticos -- roof-covered structures supported by columns -- gave way to loggias, or recessed porticos.

Assessing Eyesight and Ethnic Group Norms in Young Children Posted: 13 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST How common are vision disorders in infants and young children, and do rates differ by ethnic group?

New models allow proper assessment of IT risks Posted: 13 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST IT projects often go off the rails unnecessarily. Budgets are exceeded or projects come thundering to a halt. A Dutch researcher argues that the risks for projects can be calculated much more accurately, and that businesses must intervene much faster at the point when a project goes off the rails.

Study examines prescribing of antipsychotic medications for nursing home residents Posted: 13 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST Older adults newly admitted to nursing homes with high rates of antipsychotic prescribing in the previous year are more likely to receive antipsychotic agents, according to a new study. Of these treated patients, some had no identified clinical indication for this therapy.

Northern forests do not benefit from lengthening growing season, study finds Posted: 13 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST Forests in northern areas are stunted, verging on the edge of survival. It has been anticipated that climate change improves their growth conditions. A new study shows that due to their genetic characteristics trees are unable to properly benefit from the lengthening growing season. Furthermore, the researchers were surprised to find that the mortality of established trees considerably promotes the adaptation of forests to the changing environment.

Small-cell lung cancer breakthrough: MicroRNAs key to identifying patients resistant to 'first-line' chemotherapy Posted: 13 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST Researchers have identified a way to predict which patients with small-cell lung cancer may be resistant to first-line chemotherapy.

How one form of natural vitamin E protects brain after stroke Posted: 13 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST Blocking the function of an enzyme in the brain with a specific kind of vitamin E can prevent nerve cells from dying after a stroke, new research suggests. In a study using mouse brain cells, scientists found that the tocotrienol form of vitamin E, an alternative to the popular drugstore supplement, stopped the enzyme from releasing fatty acids that eventually kill neurons.

Few breast cancer surgeons follow quality of care standards, study finds Posted: 13 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST Most breast cancer surgeons' practices do not follow standards associated with the best quality of care, according to a new study. These standards include consulting with other specialists and providing resources and education to help patients make treatment decisions.

Sweet corn study provides large-scale picture of better fields Posted: 13 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST In what amounted to a kind of census of sweet corn grown for processing, three years of data from 175 fields in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota shed light on what works and what doesn't. Along with identifying the most troublesome weeds, the results also revealed some of the more complicated relationships among factors influencing both weed control and sweet corn yield in the Midwest.

Environmentally-friendly policies: You say offset, I say tax? Labels and political affiliation may affect preferences Posted: 13 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST New findings suggest a strong link between our political affiliation and how we react to certain labels. When choosing among two items, Democratic, Republican, and Independent volunteers tended to select a more expensive, albeit environmentally-friendly, product if the surcharge was labeled as a "carbon offset." When the surcharge was labeled as a "carbon tax," Democratic volunteers still opted for the costlier item, but Republican and Independent participants were more likely to choose the cheaper item.

Why do people 'play the longshot' but buy insurance? It's in our genes Posted: 13 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST Why do some people like to take risks by playing "longshot" payoffs while, on the other hand, taking the opposite tack by buying insurance to reduce risks? A team of economists and molecular geneticists says the answer can be found in our genetic makeup.

Why light worsens migraine headaches Posted: 13 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST Scientists have identified a new visual pathway that underlies sensitivity to light during migraine in both blind individuals and in individuals with normal eyesight.

For this microbe, cousins not particularly welcome Posted: 13 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST A bacterial species that depends on cooperation to survive is discriminating when it comes to the company it keeps. Scientists have learned Myxococcus xanthus cells are able to recognize genetic differences in one another that are so subtle, even the scientists studying them must go to great lengths to tell them apart.

Sudden death in cocaine abusers: Study reveals role played by illegal drug Posted: 13 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST Forensic pathologists have shown that over three per cent of all sudden deaths in south-west Spain are related to the use of cocaine. They believe their findings can be extrapolated to much of the rest of Europe, indicating that cocaine use is a growing public health problem in Europe and that there is no such thing as "safe" recreational use of small amounts of the drug.

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