ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Last Neanderthals in Europe died out 37,000 years ago
• Gimmick-free weight-loss pill in the works
• Surprising discovery: X-rays drive formation of new crystals; crystals resemble some biological structures
• Arthritis: Environmental exposure to hairspray, lipstick, pollution, can trigger autoimmune diseases
• Computer mimics nature by watching TV
• Mixed-handed children more likely to have mental health, language and scholastic problems, study finds
• Venus flytrap for nuclear waste: New material finds 'needle in a haystack,' shows promise for clean-up
• Changes in body fluid odors indicate presence of lung cancer tumors
• Scientists return to Haiti to assess possibility of another major quake
• Small clusters of islet amyloid polypeptides may contribute to diabetes
• Scientists achieve first rewire of genetic switches
• 'Poop' dermatitis linked to fashionable toilet seats, harsh chemicals
• Is the Hobbit's brain unfeasibly small?
• Groundbreaking research shows platelets can reproduce in circulation
• Caucasians and Asians don't examine faces in the same way
• Cancer protein: molecule long believed to need a partner in crime can, in fact, start chain of events on its own
• Natural pest control saves coffee berry
• Psychodynamic psychotherapy brings lasting benefits, new study finds
• Single photons observed at seemingly faster-than-light speeds
• Engineering a new way to study hepatitis C
• Study documents reaction rates for three chemicals with high global warming potential
• Discovery of epigenetic memory during breast cancer
• Early detection of brain aneurysms is aim of advanced computing project
• Fast food menus with calorie information lead to lower calorie selections for young children
• In bats and whales, convergence in echolocation ability runs deep
• Gastric ulcer bacteria turn immune defense inwards
• Advanced engine-control system reduces biodiesel fuel consumption and emissions
• Disease severity in H1N1 patients
• Sweet success for sustainable biofuel research
• Reproductive coercion often is accompanied by physical or sexual violence, study finds
• Men feel less guilt, study suggests
• Overcoming taxane resistance in cancer
• Hacking into cells' communications system could lead to new drugs to tackle neurodegeneration
• Oncology: Genetic variability in a tumor as an indicator of patient risk
• Monitoring peatland from Earth and space
• Stress hormone key to alcohol dependence discovered
• Dinosaur extinction grounded ancient birds, new research finds
• To restore vision, implant preps and seeds a damaged eye
• New measurement technique will help in fight against cancer
• Childhood obesity alone may increase risk of later cardiovascular disease
• Sodium contents of processed foods decoded
• Most adults misunderstand standard warnings on prescriptions
• How to measure attention span of a fly: Implications for ADHD, autism in humans
• Blood pressure control abnormal in newborns of smoking mothers
• Scientists develop new CT scanner to image nuclear weapon components
• Gene therapy study seeks to improve brain function in Alzheimer's disease
• Bigger corn plants bully smaller neighbors in no-till fields
• Facebook or MySpace, youths' use reflect face-to-face interactions

Last Neanderthals in Europe died out 37,000 years ago Posted: 27 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST The last Neanderthals in Europe died out at least 37,000 years ago -- and both climate change and interaction with modern humans could be involved in their demise, according to new research.

Gimmick-free weight-loss pill in the works Posted: 27 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST A Canadian research team is developing a pill composed of leptin, the protein that tells our brain to stop eating.

Surprising discovery: X-rays drive formation of new crystals; crystals resemble some biological structures Posted: 27 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST X-rays can do a lot of useful things, but who knew they could cause crystals to form? Researchers have discovered that X-rays can trigger the formation of a new type of crystal: charged cylindrical filaments ordered like a bundle of pencils experiencing repulsive forces, which is unknown in crystals. The results open the door to using X-rays to control the structure of materials or to develop novel biomedical therapies.

Arthritis: Environmental exposure to hairspray, lipstick, pollution, can trigger autoimmune diseases Posted: 27 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST Our immediate environment interacts with our genetic programming and can determine if we will succumb to an autoimmune disease, according to new research.

Computer mimics nature by watching TV Posted: 27 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST Computer scientists in the UK have developed a new way of making life-like animations of trees using video footage of the real thing.

Mixed-handed children more likely to have mental health, language and scholastic problems, study finds Posted: 27 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST Children who are mixed-handed, or ambidextrous, are more likely to have mental health, language and scholastic problems in childhood than right- or left-handed children, according to a new study. The researchers behind the study suggest that their findings may help teachers and health professionals to identify children who are particularly at risk of developing certain problems.

Venus flytrap for nuclear waste: New material finds 'needle in a haystack,' shows promise for clean-up Posted: 27 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Like a Venus flytrap, a new material permanently traps only its desired prey, the radioactive ion cesium, and not harmless sodium ions. The material can remove 100 percent of the cesium -- found in nuclear waste but very difficult to clean up -- from a sodium-heavy solution. It is cesium itself that triggers a structural change in the material, causing it to snap shut its pores and trap the cesium ions.

Changes in body fluid odors indicate presence of lung cancer tumors Posted: 27 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST New animal research demonstrates that body fluid odors can be used to identify animals with lung cancer tumors. The findings set the stage for studies to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers in the urine of human lung cancer patients.

Scientists return to Haiti to assess possibility of another major quake Posted: 27 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST A team funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) is returning to Haiti this week to investigate the cause of the Jan. 12, magnitude 7 earthquake there.

Small clusters of islet amyloid polypeptides may contribute to diabetes Posted: 27 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Researchers have discovered that small clusters (oligomers) of islet amyloid polypeptides (IAPPs) may contribute to the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Scientists achieve first rewire of genetic switches Posted: 27 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Researchers have successfully carried out the first rewire of genetic switches, creating what could be a vital tool for the development of new drugs and even future gene therapies.

'Poop' dermatitis linked to fashionable toilet seats, harsh chemicals Posted: 27 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Considered a dermatological nuisance that was long gone, skin irritations caused by toilet seats appear to be making a comeback in pediatricians' offices, according to new research.

Is the Hobbit's brain unfeasibly small? Posted: 27 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST Homo floresiensis, a pygmy-sized small-brained hominin popularly known as 'the Hobbit' was discovered five years ago, but controversy continues over whether the small brain is actually due to a pathological condition. How can its tiny brain size be explained? Researchers have tackled this question in the context of a comprehensive assessment of the evolution of brain and body size throughout the larger primate family.

Groundbreaking research shows platelets can reproduce in circulation Posted: 27 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST Scientists have discovered that platelets are able to reproduce themselves in the circulation.

Caucasians and Asians don't examine faces in the same way Posted: 27 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST Caucasians and Asians don't examine faces in the same way, according to new research.

Cancer protein: molecule long believed to need a partner in crime can, in fact, start chain of events on its own Posted: 27 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST In a new study, a research team is challenging a prevailing belief about the behavior of a human protein linked to the formation of cancer, possibly breathing new life into the search for therapies that will inhibit that protein from "turning on" genes involved in abnormal cell proliferation.

Natural pest control saves coffee berry Posted: 27 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST A predator for the devastating coffee berry borer has just been discovered in Africa. Researchers have identified a previously unknown predatory thrips which feeds on the eggs and larvae of the coffee berry borer.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy brings lasting benefits, new study finds Posted: 27 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST Psychodynamic psychotherapy is effective for a wide range of mental health symptoms, including depression, anxiety, panic and stress-related physical ailments, and the benefits of the therapy grow after treatment has ended, according to new research.

Single photons observed at seemingly faster-than-light speeds Posted: 27 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Researchers have managed to speed up photons to seemingly faster-than-light speeds through a stack of materials by adding a single, strategically placed layer.

Engineering a new way to study hepatitis C Posted: 27 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Researchers have successfully grown hepatitis C virus in otherwise healthy liver cells in the laboratory, an advance that could allow scientists to develop and test new treatments for the disease.

Study documents reaction rates for three chemicals with high global warming potential Posted: 27 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST A new study provides new information about the rates at which three of the most powerful greenhouse gases are destroyed by a chemical reaction that takes place in the upper atmosphere.

Discovery of epigenetic memory during breast cancer Posted: 27 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Researchers have determined how the TGFB-Smad signaling pathway, which is over activated in late-stage cancers, is responsible for the "epigenetic memory" that maintains unique patterns of regulatory DNA hypermethylation causing silencing of critical genes that facilitate breast cancer progression.

Early detection of brain aneurysms is aim of advanced computing project Posted: 27 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Preventing deadly ruptures of the blood vessels in the brain is the aim of a new project to help radiologists detect aneurysms with far greater speed and accuracy.

Fast food menus with calorie information lead to lower calorie selections for young children Posted: 27 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST In a new study, the amount of calories selected by parents for their child's hypothetical meal at McDonald's restaurants were reduced by an average of 102 calories when the menus clearly showed the calories for each item. This is the first study to suggest that labeled menus may lead to significantly reduced calorie intake in fast food restaurant meals purchased for children.

In bats and whales, convergence in echolocation ability runs deep Posted: 26 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST Only some bats and toothed whales rely on sophisticated echolocation, in which they emit sonar pulses and process returning echoes, to detect and track down small prey. Now, two new studies show that bats' and whales' remarkable ability and the high-frequency hearing it depends on are shared at a much deeper level than anyone would have anticipated -- all the way down to the molecular level.

Gastric ulcer bacteria turn immune defense inwards Posted: 26 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST Despite a strong response from our immune defence, the body is unable to rid itself of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. One reason for this is that this bacterium encourages elements of the immune response to remain in tissue, activating the wrong immune cells. New research results are paving the way for a future vaccine.

Advanced engine-control system reduces biodiesel fuel consumption and emissions Posted: 26 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST Researchers have developed an advanced "closed-loop control" approach for preventing diesel engines from emitting greater amounts of smog-causing nitrogen oxides when running on biodiesel fuels.

Disease severity in H1N1 patients Posted: 26 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST A new study concerning the severity of H1N1 influenza has found that admissions to an intensive care unit were associated with a longer interval between symptom onset and treatment with antivirals and with presence of an underlying medical condition. People of First Nations ethnicity were also found to be at higher risk of severe H1N1 infection compared to people of other ethnic origins.

Sweet success for sustainable biofuel research Posted: 26 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST Scientists have found a way to increase fermentable sugar stores in plants which could lead to plant biomass being easier to convert into eco-friendly sustainable biofuels.

Reproductive coercion often is accompanied by physical or sexual violence, study finds Posted: 26 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST Young women and teenage girls often face efforts by male partners to sabotage birth control or coerce pregnancy -- including damaging condoms and destroying contraceptives -- and these efforts, defined as "reproductive coercion," frequently are associated with physical or sexual violence, a study has found.

Men feel less guilt, study suggests Posted: 26 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST Although changing social and cultural contexts mean guilt has less power today than it once did, a new study has shown that in the West this emotion is "significantly higher" among women. The main problem, according to the experts, is not that women feel a lot of guilt (which they do), but rather that many males feel "too little".

Overcoming taxane resistance in cancer Posted: 26 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST Taxanes have become front-line therapy for a variety of metastatic cancers, but resistance can develop, a frequent problem in breast, ovarian, prostate and other cancers. Now, researchers report a protein involved in taxane resistance that could potentially be targeted with drugs, making a cancer more susceptible to chemotherapy, and could potentially also serve as a biomarker in monitoring response to treatment.

Hacking into cells' communications system could lead to new drugs to tackle neurodegeneration Posted: 26 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST By determining the structure of DAPK bound to calmodulin, scientists in Germany have found a way to hack into a vital cellular communications system, raising the possibility of developing new drugs to tackle disorders like neurodegeneration, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Oncology: Genetic variability in a tumor as an indicator of patient risk Posted: 26 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST Every cell within a tumor is not genetically identical and this genetic heterogeneity is thought to underlie tumor progression and resistance to therapeutics. A team of researchers has now developed methods to quantitatively describe intratumor genetic heterogeneity in primary human tumors.

Monitoring peatland from Earth and space Posted: 26 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST Scientists have developed a technique for monitoring the condition of peatlands by capturing images from Earth and space to measure spatial patterning. This method could help monitor peatland damage. Such disruption is contributing to global warming, as peatlands can release the carbon they absorb and store if they are damaged by drainage or peat extraction processes.

Stress hormone key to alcohol dependence discovered Posted: 26 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST Scientists have found that a specific stress hormone, the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), is key to the development and maintenance of alcohol dependence in animal models. Chemically blocking the stress factor also blocked the signs and symptoms of addiction, suggesting a potentially promising area for future drug development.

Dinosaur extinction grounded ancient birds, new research finds Posted: 26 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST An abundance of food and lack of predators following the extinction of dinosaurs saw previously flighted birds fatten up and become flightless, according to new research from Australia.

To restore vision, implant preps and seeds a damaged eye Posted: 26 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST A tiny eye implant that clears scar tissue and delivers progenitor cells designed to replace photoreceptors damaged by disease passes early tests.

New measurement technique will help in fight against cancer Posted: 26 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST A new technique to catch cancer early has taken an important step forward thanks to the UK's National Physical Laboratory. NPL's "phantoms" will ensure an exciting new screening technique can be relied upon by hospitals to identify early signs of cancer.

Childhood obesity alone may increase risk of later cardiovascular disease Posted: 26 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST By as early as 7 years of age, being obese may raise a child's risk of future heart disease and stroke, even in the absence of other cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, according to a new study.

Sodium contents of processed foods decoded Posted: 26 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST A new database provides descriptive data and the tools and information needed for continued monitoring of food sodium content.

Most adults misunderstand standard warnings on prescriptions Posted: 26 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST Replacing confusing language and icons on standard warnings labels for prescription medicine and listing only the most important warnings could make a big difference in how well patients understand the instructions that are critical to their health, according to a new study. More than half of adults misunderstand common standard drug warnings. Researchers worked with patients and graphic designers to simplify and redesign the confusing language and icons of warning labels.

How to measure attention span of a fly: Implications for ADHD, autism in humans Posted: 26 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST An Australian-German team of scientists has found a way to measure the attention span of a fly. The findings could lead to further advances in the understanding of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism in humans.

Blood pressure control abnormal in newborns of smoking mothers Posted: 26 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Blood pressure control in infants of smoking mothers is abnormal compared to that of infants from non-smoking parents. The blood pressure response to postural changes -- tilting and changing from upright to lying down -- was opposite in babies of smokers than in babies of nonsmokers. Blood pressure "reprogramming" in infants of smokers persisted at least until age 1, and could be an early marker for susceptibility to high blood pressure later in life.

Scientists develop new CT scanner to image nuclear weapon components Posted: 26 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST The U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has announced that it recently completed the installation and successful startup of a new surveillance diagnostic tool that is capable of detecting aging defects on critical components in the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile.

Gene therapy study seeks to improve brain function in Alzheimer's disease Posted: 26 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Alzheimer's disease (AD) researchers are testing the effectiveness of gene therapy for the first time to treat patients with this common brain disease. A total of 12 institutions are participating in a nationwide study to test the experimental medication, CERE-110.

Bigger corn plants bully smaller neighbors in no-till fields Posted: 26 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST It might not look like there's much going on in those roadside corn fields, but a researcher has shown that corn plants are in a fierce battle with each other for resources.

Facebook or MySpace, youths' use reflect face-to-face interactions Posted: 26 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Though parents often have concerns about letting their teens use social media Web sites like Facebook and MySpace, a new study suggests that well-adapted youth with positive friendships will use these sites to further enhance the positive relationships they already have. However, teens who have behavioral problems and difficulty making friends, may be more inclined to use social media in negative and sometimes aggressive ways.

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