ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Chimp and human Y chromosomes evolving faster than expected
• New finding in cell migration may be key to preventing clots, cancer spread
• Contaminated House Dust Linked to Parking Lots with Coal Tar Sealant
• Spinal cement may provide real support for cancer patients
• Sniffing out terrorists
• Captured by true crime: Why women are drawn to tales of rape, murder and serial killers
• Alligators breathe like birds, study finds
• Seeing a diagnosis: How an eye test could aid Alzheimer's detection
• Sky Map: Solar scientists use 'magnetic mirror effect' to reproduce IBEX observation
• Blood test may aid in lung cancer diagnosis and reduce unnecessary invasive procedures
• 'World's least known bird' discovered breeding in Afghanistan
• Parkinson’s patients who are pathological gamblers also display abnormal social behaviour
• Unlocking the mystery of the duck-billed platypus' venom
• Benefits of calcium and vitamin D in preventing fractures confirmed
• No-sweat pressure sensors
• Graves' eye disease: Immune cell linked to inflammation and scarring identified
• Chromosomes make a rapid retreat from nuclear territories
• Weekend strokes may receive more aggressive treatment
• Biologists wake dormant viruses and uncover mechanism for survival
• Cancer cells co-opt fat metabolism pathway to become more malignant
• Saving gorillas, elephants starts with understanding their human neighbors
• EGFR gene signature predicts non-small cell lung cancer prognosis
• Appliance rebates waste government money
• Words used to describe substance-use patients can alter attitudes, contribute to stigma
• Neural thermostat keeps brain running efficiently
• Role of key protein in ALS and frontotemporal dementia identified
• Key mechanism for the proliferation of Epstein-Barr virus discovered
• A paracrine pathway regulates pancreatic cancer cell invasion
• New system helps explain salmon migration
• Sticking to diets is about more than willpower -- complexity matters
• Parasitic wasps' genomes provides new insights into pest control, genetics
• Angiotensin receptor blockers associated with lower risk of Alzheimer's disease
• Climate conditions in 2050 crucial to avoid harmful impacts in 2100
• Next-generation sequencing used to rapidly discover genetic cause of devastating disorder
• Heat and moisture from Himalayas could be a key cause of the South Asian monsoon
• Most (56 percent) of young adults in new sexual relationship infected with HPV, study finds
• Protein needed to develop auditory neurons identified
• New insight on how trees have evolved to obtain light and photosynthesize at the greatest rate
• Raising kids may lower blood pressure
• Haiti earthquake occurred in complex, active seismic region
• First satellite map of Haiti earthquake
• Industry corruption, shoddy construction likely contributed to Haiti quake devastation

Chimp and human Y chromosomes evolving faster than expected Posted: 15 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST The first comprehensive comparison of Y chromosomes from two species sheds new light on Y chromosome evolution. Contrary to a widely held scientific theory that the mammalian Y chromosome is slowly decaying or stagnating, new evidence suggests that in fact the Y is actually reinventing itself through continuous, wholesale renovation.

New finding in cell migration may be key to preventing clots, cancer spread Posted: 15 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST Researchers have discovered how cells in the body flatten out as they adhere to internal bodily surfaces, the first step in a wide range of important processes including clot formation, immune defense, wound healing, and the spread of cancer cells.

Contaminated House Dust Linked to Parking Lots with Coal Tar Sealant Posted: 15 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST Coal-tar-based sealcoat -- the black, shiny substance sprayed or painted on many parking lots, driveways, and playgrounds -- has been linked to elevated concentrations of the contaminants polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in house dust. Apartments with adjacent parking lots treated with the coal-tar based sealcoat contained house dust with much higher concentrations of PAHs than apartments next to other types of parking lots according to new research.

Spinal cement may provide real support for cancer patients Posted: 15 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST New technologies used to repair spinal fractures could soon be helping patients suffering from the bone marrow cancer multiple myeloma.

Sniffing out terrorists Posted: 15 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST A new intelligent system has been developed to help identify terrorists carrying explosives. Sensitive electronic noses capture the smell of the explosives; the system processes the acquired data, correlates it with individuals' movements ... and ultimately tracks down the suspects.

Captured by true crime: Why women are drawn to tales of rape, murder and serial killers Posted: 15 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST Women are more drawn to true crime books than are men, according to new research.

Alligators breathe like birds, study finds Posted: 15 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Scientists discovered that air flows in one direction as it loops through the lungs of alligators, just as it does in birds. The study suggests this breathing method may have helped the dinosaurs' ancestors dominate Earth after the planet's worst mass extinction 251 million years ago.

Seeing a diagnosis: How an eye test could aid Alzheimer's detection Posted: 15 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST A simple and inexpensive eye test could aid detection and diagnosis of major neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's at an earlier stage than is currently possible, according to new research.

Sky Map: Solar scientists use 'magnetic mirror effect' to reproduce IBEX observation Posted: 15 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Ever since NASA's Interstellar Boundary Explorer, or IBEX, mission scientists released the first comprehensive sky map of our solar system's edge in particles, solar physicists have been busy revising their models to account for the discovery of a narrow "ribbon" of bright emission that was completely unexpected and not predicted by any model at the time.

Blood test may aid in lung cancer diagnosis and reduce unnecessary invasive procedures Posted: 15 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Of the nearly 150,000 abnormal chest X-rays performed each year in the United States, 25 percent of patients will display only benign lung pathologies on further surgical examination.

'World's least known bird' discovered breeding in Afghanistan Posted: 15 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Researchers have discovered for the first time the breeding area of the large-billed reed warbler -- dubbed in 2007 as "the world's least known bird species" -- in the remote and rugged Wakhan Corridor of the Pamir Mountains of north-eastern Afghanistan.

Parkinson’s patients who are pathological gamblers also display abnormal social behaviour Posted: 15 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST People with Parkinson's Disease are more likely to display abnormal social behaviour and make poor decisions in ambiguous circumstances if they are pathological gamblers. A number of studies have already associated pathological gambling with Parkinson's, suggesting that it is a frequent impulse control disorder associated mainly with dopamine replacement therapy. The findings of this new research suggest that this particular drug therapy can induce dysfunction in the areas of the brain that control 'affective decision making'.

Unlocking the mystery of the duck-billed platypus' venom Posted: 15 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST Abandon any notion that the duck-billed platypus is a soft and cuddly creature -- maybe like Perry the Platypus in the Phineas and Ferb cartoon. The males can deliver a mega-sting that causes immediate, excruciating pain, like hundreds of hornet stings, leaving victims incapacitated for weeks. Now scientists are reporting an advance toward deciphering the chemical composition of the venom, with the first identification of a dozen protein building blocks.

Benefits of calcium and vitamin D in preventing fractures confirmed Posted: 15 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST Taking both calcium and vitamin D supplements on a daily basis reduces the risk of bone fractures, regardless of whether a person is young or old, male or female, or has had fractures in the past, a large study of nearly 70,000 patients from throughout the United States and Europe has found.

No-sweat pressure sensors Posted: 15 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST Microelectronic chips used to take pressure readings are very delicate. A new technology has been developed that makes pressure sensors more robust, enabling them to continue operating normally at temperatures up to 250 degrees Celsius.

Graves' eye disease: Immune cell linked to inflammation and scarring identified Posted: 15 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST A cell type that causes significant scarring in lung disease appears to have a similar effect in Graves' disease, researchers have found. The cells, called fibrocytes, are present at a higher than normal frequency in patients with Graves' disease, according to a new study, the first to associate fibrocytes with this autoimmune disease.

Chromosomes make a rapid retreat from nuclear territories Posted: 15 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST Chromosomes move faster than we first thought. New findings show the way chromosomes move around the nucleus when leaving the proliferative stage of the cell cycle and entering quiescence -- and the unexpected speed at which they move.

Weekend strokes may receive more aggressive treatment Posted: 15 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST Stroke patients admitted to the hospital on the weekend appear more likely to receive the clot-dissolving medication tissue plasminogen activator than patients admitted during the week, according to a new study. However, stroke death rates appear similar among weekend and weekday admissions.

Biologists wake dormant viruses and uncover mechanism for survival Posted: 15 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST It is known that viral "squatters" comprise nearly half of our genetic code. These genomic invaders inserted their DNA into our own millions of years ago when they infected our ancestors. But just how we keep them quiet and prevent them from attack was more of a mystery until researchers revived them.

Cancer cells co-opt fat metabolism pathway to become more malignant Posted: 15 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST An enzyme that normally helps break down stored fats goes into overdrive in some cancer cells, making them more malignant, according to new findings.

Saving gorillas, elephants starts with understanding their human neighbors Posted: 15 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Understanding local human cultures is key to preserving gorillas, elephants and other wildlife in African parks and reserves, according to new research.

EGFR gene signature predicts non-small cell lung cancer prognosis Posted: 15 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a validated therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer. Researchers have now discovered a 93-gene signature that is associated with the presence of EGFR mutations in tumors from lung cancer patients and is a favorable prognostic marker in patients with early stage lung cancer.

Appliance rebates waste government money Posted: 15 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST For every $100 of taxpayer money spent on refrigerators under the U.S. federal appliance rebate program, $6 is entirely lost, say two economists.

Words used to describe substance-use patients can alter attitudes, contribute to stigma Posted: 15 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Changing the words used to describe someone struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction may significantly alter the attitudes of health care professionals, even those who specialize in addiction treatment.

Neural thermostat keeps brain running efficiently Posted: 14 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST Our energy-hungry brains operate reliably and efficiently while processing a flood of sensory information, thanks to a sort of neuronal thermostat that regulates activity in the visual cortex, researchers have found.

Role of key protein in ALS and frontotemporal dementia identified Posted: 14 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST Scientists have identified the reason a key protein plays a major role in two neurodegenerative diseases. They have found how the protein TDP-43 may cause the neurodegeneration associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitin-positive inclusion bodies (FTLDu).

Key mechanism for the proliferation of Epstein-Barr virus discovered Posted: 14 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST Scientists in Germany have elucidated a crucial mechanism in the lytic cycle of Epstein-Barr virus. Researchers have identified the function of a protein which plays a critical role in the proliferation of the virus. The Epstein-Barr virus can induce cancer. The findings represent a major step forward in understanding tumor development.

A paracrine pathway regulates pancreatic cancer cell invasion Posted: 14 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST Pancreatic cancer cell invasion along nerves is regulated by a paracrine pathway that involves glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, which may be a possible target for preventing the invasion, according to a new study.

New system helps explain salmon migration Posted: 14 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST The new Juvenile Salmon Acoustic Telemetry System is better suited to track the migration of juvenile salmon in deep, fast-moving rivers than comparable methods, suggests new research.

Sticking to diets is about more than willpower -- complexity matters Posted: 14 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST Cognitive scientists compared the dieting behavior of women following two radically different diets. The more complicated people found their diet plans, the sooner they were likely to bail. "For people on a more complex diet that involves keeping track of quantities and items eaten, their subjective impression of the difficulty of the diet can lead them to give up on it," said one researcher.

Parasitic wasps' genomes provides new insights into pest control, genetics Posted: 14 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST Parasitic wasps kill pest insects, but their existence is largely unknown to the public. Now, scientists have sequenced the genomes of three parasitoid wasp species, revealing many features that could be useful to pest control and medicine, and to enhance our understanding of genetics and evolution.

Angiotensin receptor blockers associated with lower risk of Alzheimer's disease Posted: 14 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST Researchers have found that angiotensin receptor blockers -- a particular class of anti-hypertensive medicines -- are associated with a striking decrease in the occurrence and progression of dementia.

Climate conditions in 2050 crucial to avoid harmful impacts in 2100 Posted: 14 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST While governments around the world continue to explore strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a new study suggests policymakers should focus on what needs to be achieved in the next 40 years in order to keep long-term options viable for avoiding dangerous levels of warming. The study is the first of its kind to use a detailed energy system model to analyze the relationship between mid-century targets and the likelihood of achieving long-term outcomes.

Next-generation sequencing used to rapidly discover genetic cause of devastating disorder Posted: 14 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST Scientists have discovered a genetic mutation that causes Joubert Syndrome, a devastating inherited neurological disorder. They identified this mutation using whole exome sequencing -- a rapid "next-gen" sequencing approach that minimizes time and cost. The mutation, which causes a single nucleotide change in the TMEM216 gene, has a high carrier rate of 1:92 among Ashkenazi Jews.

Heat and moisture from Himalayas could be a key cause of the South Asian monsoon Posted: 14 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST Climate scientists suggest that the Tibetan Plateau -- thought to be the primary source of heat that drives the South Asian monsoon -- may have far less of an effect than the Himalayas and other surrounding mountains. As the monsoon brings needed rainfall and water to billions of people each year, understanding its proper origin, especially in the context of global climate change, is crucial for the future sustainability of the region.

Most (56 percent) of young adults in new sexual relationship infected with HPV, study finds Posted: 14 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST A groundbreaking study of couples by researchers in Canada found more than half (56 percent) of young adults in a new sexual relationship were infected with human papillomavirus. Of those, nearly half (44 percent) were infected with an HPV type that causes cancer.

Protein needed to develop auditory neurons identified Posted: 14 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST Loss of spiral ganglion neurons or hair cells in the inner ear is the leading cause of congenital and acquired hearing impairment. Researchers have found that Sox2, a protein that regulates stem cell formation, is involved in spiral ganglion neuron development.

New insight on how trees have evolved to obtain light and photosynthesize at the greatest rate Posted: 14 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST Although scientists understand core processes such as photosynthesis, they do not have a full understanding of issues such as how plants maximize their photosynthetic capacity. Mathematical models for the distribution of light within the canopy predict that the photosynthetic rate of the entire canopy is maximized when the specific leaf area is lowest for leaves at the top of the canopy. This research provides new insight into the mechanism by which trees have evolved to obtain light and photosynthesize at the greatest rate.

Raising kids may lower blood pressure Posted: 14 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST A new study has found a link between parenthood and lower blood pressure. The effect was more pronounced among women. The findings were not related to factors like employment status, number of kids and the age of children.

Haiti earthquake occurred in complex, active seismic region Posted: 14 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST The magnitude 7.0 earthquake that triggered disastrous destruction and mounting death tolls in Haiti this week occurred in a highly complex tangle of tectonic faults near the intersection of the Caribbean and North American crustal plates, according to a quake expert.

First satellite map of Haiti earthquake Posted: 14 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST A major 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince on 12 January, causing major casualties and damage. The quake was followed by several aftershocks with magnitudes over 5.0.

Industry corruption, shoddy construction likely contributed to Haiti quake devastation Posted: 14 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST The death toll in the massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti Jan. 12 is expected to continue to rise in the coming days, likely in large part because of corruption and resulting shoddy construction practices in the poor Caribbean nation, according to a seismologist.

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