ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Unusual snail shell could be a model for better armor
• Researchers find a treatment for deadly brain tumor
• Copper-free click chemistry used in mice
• African sleeping sickness: Loosely coiled DNA helps trypanosomes make their escape
• Friendly bacteria love the humble apple
• Our memory of time is shortened when we believe products and events are related
• New theory on the origin of primates
• 1918 and 2009 H1N1 flu probably not spread by birds
• Exotic symmetry seen in ultracold electrons
• Novel mouse model of demyelinating disorder
• Painless plasma jets could replace dentist's drill
• Treating panic disorder on the web
• Gene linked to schizophrenia may reduce cancer risk
• When the smoke clears: Molecular link between tobacco carcinogen and cancer
• New superconductivity mechanism found in iron compound
• Informative method to identify biomarkers for guiding therapy decisions
• Today's threat: Computer network terrorism
• Sweating out the cravings
• New visible light photocatalyst kills bacteria, even after light turned off
• Cardiologists discover 'pouch' in heart that may raise stroke risk
• Big plant-eating birds that dwell with others on islands live longest
• Three esophageal cancer cell lines commonly used in research prove to be from other cancers
• How clean is your knife?
• Eating habits of female soccer players and consequences for sporting activity
• Gorillas carry malignant malaria parasite, study reports
• FDA says bisphenol A (BPA) exposure is of 'some concern' for infants and children
• Novel zoom objective with deformable mirrors
• Does electro-acupuncture prevent prolonged postoperative ileus?
• Researcher discovers Ebola's deadly secret
• Siblings play formative, influential role as 'agents of socialization'
• Face recognition ability inherited separately from IQ
• 'Jekyll and Hyde' cell may hold key to muscular dystrophy, fibrosis treatment
• Measuring carbon dioxide over the ocean
• Novel and simple formula to predict treatment success in chronic hepatitis C
• Open access drug discovery database launches with half a million compounds
• Reasons explored for making child repeat first grade
• Common stomach pathogen may protect against tuberculosis, researchers find
• New findings may shed light on brain and spinal cord birth defects
• Celebrating the fifth anniversary of Huygens' Titan touchdown
• Etiological role for H. pylori in autoimmune gastritis
• Making it easier to save energy
• Healthcare professionals failing to tell patients they are not fit to drive, UK study finds
• Scientists identify Ecuador's Yasuni National Park as one of most biodiverse places on Earth
• Cancer Genome Atlas identifies distinct subtypes of deadly brain cancer
• Volcanic hazard map produced for island of Gran Canaria
• New target for central nervous system drug development
• More reliable forecasts for water flows can reduce price of electricity
• Social TV viewing is disappearing

Unusual snail shell could be a model for better armor Posted: 20 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST Deep within the Kairei Indian hydrothermal vent field, two-and-one-half miles below the central Indian Ocean, scientists have discovered a gastropod mollusk, whose armor could improve load-bearing and protective materials in everything from aircraft hulls to sports equipment.

Researchers find a treatment for deadly brain tumor Posted: 20 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST New research has identified a treatment in animal models for glioblastomas -- deadly brain tumors which, once diagnosed, offer a poor prognosis and relatively short life expectancy. Using a synthetic form of a naturally-occurring hormone combined with chemotherapy, researchers were able to inhibit tumor growth and achieve a 25 percent cure rate.

Copper-free click chemistry used in mice Posted: 20 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST Researchers have developed a unique, copper-free version of the molecular synthesis technique known as click chemistry to create biomolecular probes for in vivo studies of live mice.

African sleeping sickness: Loosely coiled DNA helps trypanosomes make their escape Posted: 20 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST To escape the grip of the human immune system, Trypanosoma brucei, which causes African sleeping sickness, performs its acclaimed disappearing act. Every time the host's immune cells get close to eliminating the infection, a small number of trypanosomes avoid detection by changing their surface 'coat.' Now, after 30 years of contradictory and inconclusive findings, researchers reveal that trypanosomes' ability to strategically coil their DNA is part of the mechanism by which they make their stealthy escape.

Friendly bacteria love the humble apple Posted: 20 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST Why does an apple a day keep the doctor away? New research contributes to our understanding of why eating apples is good for you.

Our memory of time is shortened when we believe products and events are related Posted: 20 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST When we believe two events are connected -- such as drinking caffeine and getting a burst of energy -- we tend to compress time, according to a new study.

New theory on the origin of primates Posted: 20 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST New biogeographic evidence supports the origin of primates in the Jurassic and the evolution of the modern primate groups -- prosimians, tarsiers, and anthropoids -- by the early Cretaceous.

1918 and 2009 H1N1 flu probably not spread by birds Posted: 20 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST The two strains of the H1N1 influenza virus responsible for the 1918 and 2009 global flu pandemics do not cause disease in birds. It is unlikely that birds played a role in the spread of the H1N1 virus in these pandemics, according to new research.

Exotic symmetry seen in ultracold electrons Posted: 20 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST An exotic type of symmetry -- suggested by string theory and theories of high-energy particle physics, and also conjectured for electrons in solids under certain conditions -- has been observed experimentally for the first time.

Novel mouse model of demyelinating disorder Posted: 20 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST In a new study, researchers describe how mutation of a gene called ZFP191 leads to disordered central nervous system myelination in mice -- reminiscent of what is seen in human multiple sclerosis patients.

Painless plasma jets could replace dentist's drill Posted: 20 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Plasma jets capable of obliterating tooth decay-causing bacteria could be an effective and less painful alternative to the dentist's drill, according to a new study.

Treating panic disorder on the web Posted: 20 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST An online treatment system for patients suffering with panic disorder and anxiety problems combine biofeedback therapy with web technologies, and allows patients and medical professionals to communicate effectively, according to new research.

Gene linked to schizophrenia may reduce cancer risk Posted: 20 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST A specific form of a gene that puts people on the road to schizophrenia may protect against some forms of cancer.

When the smoke clears: Molecular link between tobacco carcinogen and cancer Posted: 20 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST New research has uncovered a potential mechanism by which the tobacco-specific carcinogen NNK promotes lung tumor formation and development.

New superconductivity mechanism found in iron compound Posted: 20 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST A surprising discovery by researchers of electronic liquid crystal states in an iron-based, high-temperature superconductor is another step toward understanding superconductivity and using it in such applications as power transmission.

Informative method to identify biomarkers for guiding therapy decisions Posted: 20 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST A randomized biomarker-stratified design, which uses the biomarker to guide analysis but not treatment assignment, provides a rigorous assessment of the utility of a potential biomarker for guiding therapy, according to a new article.

Today's threat: Computer network terrorism Posted: 20 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST "Carry out all my demands or the entire country's electricity will be cut off." Is this another line from a suspense film, or is it a palpable threat made possible with a computer keyboard? "Today, there is a growing trend amongst hackers around the world to threaten national infrastructures for ransom," says an expert in information war.

Sweating out the cravings Posted: 20 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST Supervised exercise in addition to pharmacological agents like nicotine replacement therapy helps smoking cessation, improves physical fitness, and delays weight gain in women smokers, new research shows.

New visible light photocatalyst kills bacteria, even after light turned off Posted: 20 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST In the battle against bacteria, researchers have developed a powerful new weapon -- an enhanced photocatalytic disinfection process that uses visible light to destroy harmful bacteria and viruses, even in the dark.

Cardiologists discover 'pouch' in heart that may raise stroke risk Posted: 20 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Cardiologists have found a pouchlike structure inside the heart's left atrial chamber that may be a potent source of stroke-causing blood clots.

Big plant-eating birds that dwell with others on islands live longest Posted: 20 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Large, social, vegetarian, island-dwelling birds live longer than other birds, reports a new study that examined the relationships between evolution and life spans in birds.

Three esophageal cancer cell lines commonly used in research prove to be from other cancers Posted: 20 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Three frequently used human esophageal adenocarcinoma cell lines used for research were confirmed as being from other tumor types. Two of the cell lines have been used in 11 US patents and more than 100 published studies.

How clean is your knife? Posted: 20 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST A new fast-acting disinfectant that is effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi and prions could help to reduce the spread of deadly infections in hospitals, according to new research.

Eating habits of female soccer players and consequences for sporting activity Posted: 20 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST To be a good sportsperson, apart from having talent and being fit and in-training, eating habits are also important. Researchers concluded that just by changing one or two bad habits sportswomen could achieve a body that suffers less during matches, thus increasing the possibility of enhancing sporting performance.

Gorillas carry malignant malaria parasite, study reports Posted: 20 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST The parasite that causes malignant malaria in humans has been detected in gorillas, along with two new species of malaria parasites, researchers report.

FDA says bisphenol A (BPA) exposure is of 'some concern' for infants and children Posted: 20 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST The FDA has shifted its stance on bisphenol A (BPA) and said that exposure to the chemical is of "some concern" for infants and children. Previously, the agency's stance was the chemical posed no risk to humans; this stance was consistent with the chemical industry's stance.

Novel zoom objective with deformable mirrors Posted: 20 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST Unmanned aerial vehicles UAVs deployed on landscape analysis missions carry optical measuring equipment that is required to operate free of chromatic aberration. Researchers have now designed an all-reflective zoom objective with deformable mirrors.

Does electro-acupuncture prevent prolonged postoperative ileus? Posted: 20 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST Postoperative ileus is a common problem in patients who have major abdominal surgery. The duration is usually short, but prolonged postoperative ileus (PPOI) may lead to increased hospital stay and costs. Acupuncture is often used to treat gastrointestinal disorders in China, but it is still not known whether it is effective for preventing or treating PPOI. Information from a study group may help surgeons choose appropriate therapy for PPOI after abdominal surgery.

Researcher discovers Ebola's deadly secret Posted: 20 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST Iowa State University researcher Gaya Amarasinghe has led scientists to uncover how the deadly Zaire Ebola virus decoys cells and eventually kills them. He had previously solved the structure of a critical part of an Ebola protein known as VP35, which is involved in host immune suppression. Now he knows how VP35 is able to do it.

Siblings play formative, influential role as 'agents of socialization' Posted: 20 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST What we learn from our siblings when we grow up has -- for better or for worse -- a considerable influence on our social and emotional development as adults.

Face recognition ability inherited separately from IQ Posted: 20 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Recognizing faces is an important social skill, but not all of us are equally good at it. Some people are unable to recognize even their closest friends (a condition called prosopagnosia), while others have a near-photographic memory for large numbers of faces. Now a twin study shows that face recognition is heritable, and that it is inherited separately from general intelligence or IQ.

'Jekyll and Hyde' cell may hold key to muscular dystrophy, fibrosis treatment Posted: 20 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Researchers have identified fat-producing cells that possess "dual-personalities" and may further the development of treatments for muscle diseases such as muscular dystrophy and fibrosis.

Measuring carbon dioxide over the ocean Posted: 20 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Reliable measurements of the air-sea flux of carbon dioxide -- an important greenhouse gas -- are needed for a better understanding of the impact of ocean-atmosphere interactions on climate. A new method promises to make this task considerably easier.

Novel and simple formula to predict treatment success in chronic hepatitis C Posted: 20 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST A study group from Japan used only simple clinical data to predict the treatment success of peg-interferon plus ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C with a formula using a logistic regression model. The results suggested that a novel formula combined with viral kinetics provides a clear direction of therapy for each patient and enables the best tailored treatment.

Open access drug discovery database launches with half a million compounds Posted: 20 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST ChEMBLdb, a vast online database of information on the properties and activities of drugs and drug-like small molecules and their targets, has just launched with information on over half a million compounds. The data lie at the heart of translating information from the human genome into successful new drugs in the clinic.

Reasons explored for making child repeat first grade Posted: 20 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Reasons for requiring a child to repeat the first grade may go far beyond the basic "three R's," reveals a study by two education psychologists. They say parents must often shoulder at least part of the blame or credit.

Common stomach pathogen may protect against tuberculosis, researchers find Posted: 19 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST It's been implicated as the bacterium that causes ulcers and the majority of stomach cancers, but new studies have found that Helicobacter pylori also may play a protective role -- against the worldwide killer, tuberculosis.

New findings may shed light on brain and spinal cord birth defects Posted: 19 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST New research provides intriguing insight into how the nervous system forms during very early embryonic development. The study sheds light on a process called neural tube closure which, when disrupted, causes congenital birth defects of the brain and spinal cord, including anencephaly and spina bifida.

Celebrating the fifth anniversary of Huygens' Titan touchdown Posted: 19 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST On 14 January 2005, ESA's Huygens probe descended to the surface of Titan, Saturn's largest moon. Planetary scientists from around the world have gathered in Barcelona to discuss the legacy of Huygens and to consider future Titan exploration missions.

Etiological role for H. pylori in autoimmune gastritis Posted: 19 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST Autoimmune type atrophic gastritis is a severe gastric atrophy associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. The reason for the disappearance of acid secreting cells from gastric mucosa is not fully understood, but the role of Helicobacter pylori in initiating the mucosal damage is suspected in animal studies. A study found signs of previous H. pylori infection in patients with autoimmune type atrophic gastritis.

Making it easier to save energy Posted: 19 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST Scientists in Germany are developing programs that help show at a glance how much energy devices -- such as cell phones -- are consuming.

Healthcare professionals failing to tell patients they are not fit to drive, UK study finds Posted: 19 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST Many healthcare professionals are failing to advise people with medical conditions that could affect their ability to drive whether they should get behind the wheel, according to research from the UK.

Scientists identify Ecuador's Yasuni National Park as one of most biodiverse places on Earth Posted: 19 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST A team of scientists has documented that Yasuni National Park, in the core of the Ecuadorian Amazon, shatters world records for a wide array of plant and animal groups, from amphibians to trees to insects. The authors also conclude that proposed oil development projects represent the greatest threat to Yasuni and its biodiversity.

Cancer Genome Atlas identifies distinct subtypes of deadly brain cancer Posted: 19 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST The most common form of malignant brain cancer in adults, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is not a single disease but appears to be four distinct molecular subtypes, according to a study by the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network.

Volcanic hazard map produced for island of Gran Canaria Posted: 19 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST Researchers have defined the age, location, size and geochemistry of the volcanoes of Gran Canaria during the Holocene, 11,000 years ago, in order to draw up a map of volcanic hazards for the island. The research shows that the area of greatest volcanic activity is one of the most heavily populated areas in the north east of the island, which has suffered 24 eruptions over the period studied.

New target for central nervous system drug development Posted: 19 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST Scientists have discovered that the small molecule withaferin-A simultaneously targets two intermediate filaments, GFAP and vimentin, which are implicated in reactive gliosis, a damaging biological process common to a variety of diseases of the central nervous system and eye.

More reliable forecasts for water flows can reduce price of electricity Posted: 19 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST Brazil, Canada, China, the US, Russia, Norway, Japan, and Sweden are among the largest producers of hydroelectric power in the world. One problem for hydroelectric power companies is that the great variations in the river flow and the lack of long-term forecasts make it difficult for power companies to determine how much water in their dams should be saved or released.

Social TV viewing is disappearing Posted: 19 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST We are watching television together less and less often. "We are becoming more and more individualistic also in our choice of TV programs," according to new research.

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