ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

---

• Organic transistor paves way for new generations of neuro-inspired computers
• Stem cell breakthrough: Bone marrow cells are the answer
• Breakthrough heart scanner will allow earlier diagnosis
• Change in mammography guidelines questioned
• Better food makes high-latitude animals bigger
• Sweet future: Fluctuating blood glucose levels may affect decision making
• Developmental delay may explain behavior of easygoing bonobo apes
• 'Overweight' adults age 70 or older are less likely to die over a 10-year period
• What you eat after exercise matters
• Technique for preserving pre-transplant livers improves outcomes and organ pool
• How many argon atoms can fit on the surface of a carbon nanotube?
• A mind at rest strengthens memories, researchers find
• Lead may be the culprit in ADHD
• Disarming specialized stem cells might combat deadly ovarian cancer
• With climate change, some birds are taking off for migration sooner; not reaching destinations earlier
• Nutritional drink for Alzheimer's patients evaluated in clinical trial
• Solutions to climate change: Using trees and grasses to capture carbon and produce energy
• Attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings may reduce depression symptoms
• Stopping schizophrenia before it starts
• Blood test can predict rheumatoid arthritis before symptoms arise
• Potential new target for drugs to treat iron deficiency and overload discovered
• Researchers trace effects of genetic defect in myotonic muscular dystrophy
• Major step towards low-power all-optical switching for optical communications
• Most parents don't realize their 4- or 5-year-olds are overweight or obese
• Atoms and Molecules: Using magnetic toys as inspiration, researchers tease out structures of self-assembled clusters
• New compound could be alternative strategy for preventing HIV infection
• Can men be trusted to take male contraceptive pill?
• Mortality rates for pediatric rheumatology patients significantly lower than previously reported
• Rheumatoid arthritis doesn't hinder computing skills, study shows
• Survey reveals ways to enhance teens' interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics
• Language structure is partly determined by social structure
• Degree of obesity raises risk of stroke, regardless of gender, race
• Female athletes injured more than male athletes
• New Vaccine Strategy May Protect Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus
• Proteins' dynamic motion important in body's immune response
• Go easy on the environment -- and our wallets, says Generation Y
• In sync: Squid, glowing companions march in genetic harmony
• Prenatal exposure to phthalates affects childhood neurodevelopment
• Engineered metamaterials enable remarkably small antennas
• Rotavirus vaccine offers new tool to combat severe diarrhea in developing world
• Student-built Rubik's Cube size satellite selected for flight by NASA
• Prenatal alcohol exposure can alter the brain's developing pain regulatory system
• Mouse skin cells turned directly into neurons, skipping IPS stage
• Surgery helps chronic sinusitis sufferers get relief
• Deadly fish virus now found in all Great Lakes
• Leukemia cells metabolize fat to avoid cell death
• Virus-like particle vaccine protects monkeys from chikungunya virus
• Brain scientists extend map of fear memory formation

Organic transistor paves way for new generations of neuro-inspired computers Posted: 29 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST For the first time, researchers have developed a transistor that can mimic the main functionalities of a synapse. This organic transistor, based on pentacene and gold nanoparticles and known as a NOMFET (Nanoparticle Organic Memory Field-Effect Transistor), has opened the way to new generations of neuro-inspired computers, capable of responding in a manner similar to the nervous system.

Stem cell breakthrough: Bone marrow cells are the answer Posted: 29 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST Using cells from mice, scientists discovered a new strategy for making embryonic stem cell transplants less likely to be rejected by a recipient's immune system. This strategy involves fusing bone marrow cells to embryonic stem cells. Once fused, hybrid cells have DNA from both donor and recipient, raising hopes that immune rejection of embryonic stem cell therapies can be avoided without drugs.

Breakthrough heart scanner will allow earlier diagnosis Posted: 29 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST An innovative cardiac scanner will dramatically improve the process of diagnosing heart conditions.

Change in mammography guidelines questioned Posted: 29 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST The methodology and evidence behind a widely publicized change in national mammography guidelines is questionable, according to a new review.

Better food makes high-latitude animals bigger Posted: 29 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST New research suggests that animals living at high latitudes grow better than their counterparts closer to the equator because higher-latitude vegetation is more nutritious. The study presents a novel explanation for Bergmann's Rule, the observation that animals tend to be bigger at higher latitudes.

Sweet future: Fluctuating blood glucose levels may affect decision making Posted: 29 Jan 2010 11:00 AM PST People's preferences for current vs. later rewards may be influenced by blood glucose levels: Volunteers who drank a regular soda (and therefore had higher blood glucose levels) were more likely to select receiving more money at a later date while the volunteers who drank a diet soda (containing artificial sweetener) were likelier to opt for receiving smaller sums of money immediately.

Developmental delay may explain behavior of easygoing bonobo apes Posted: 29 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST New research suggests that evolutionary changes in cognitive development underlie the extensive social and behavioral differences that exist between two closely related species of great apes. The study enhances our understanding of our two closest living relatives, chimpanzees and the lesser-known bonobos, and may provide key insight into human evolution.

'Overweight' adults age 70 or older are less likely to die over a 10-year period Posted: 29 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Adults aged over 70 years who are classified as overweight are less likely to die over a 10-year period than adults who are in the "normal" weight range, according to a new study.

What you eat after exercise matters Posted: 29 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Many of the health benefits of aerobic exercise are due to the most recent exercise session (rather than weeks, months and even years of exercise training), and the nature of these benefits can be greatly affected by the food we eat afterwards.

Technique for preserving pre-transplant livers improves outcomes and organ pool Posted: 29 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Preserving organs on ice prior to transplantation, an approach known as cold storage or CS, has been the standard practice in liver transplant for 20 years. Now there is new evidence that a technique called hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) may offer an improvement, according to the first-ever study comparing the impact of the two techniques on transplant outcomes.

How many argon atoms can fit on the surface of a carbon nanotube? Posted: 29 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Scientists have devised a way to explore how phase transitions -- changes of matter from one state to another without altering chemical makeup -- function in less than three dimensions and at the level of just a few atoms.

A mind at rest strengthens memories, researchers find Posted: 29 Jan 2010 08:00 AM PST Our memories are strengthened during periods of rest while we are awake, researchers have found. The findings expand our understanding of how memories are boosted -- previous studies had shown this process occurs during sleep, but not during times of awake rest.

Lead may be the culprit in ADHD Posted: 29 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is among the costliest of behavioral disorders. New research suggests that the culprit may be an old villain -- lead -- and what's more it explains the causal pathway from exposure to disability.

Disarming specialized stem cells might combat deadly ovarian cancer Posted: 29 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST Eliminating cancer stem cells within a tumor could hold the key to successful treatments for ovarian cancer, which has been notoriously difficult to detect and treat, according to new findings.

With climate change, some birds are taking off for migration sooner; not reaching destinations earlier Posted: 29 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST Migrating birds can and do keep their travel dates flexible, a new study reveals. But in the case of pied flycatchers, at least, an earlier takeoff hasn't necessarily translated into an earlier arrival at their destination. It appears the problem is travel delays the birds are experiencing as a result of harsh weather conditions on the final leg of their journey through Europe.

Nutritional drink for Alzheimer's patients evaluated in clinical trial Posted: 29 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST A nationwide clinical trial of a nutritional drink is under way to determine whether it can improve cognitive performance in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's.

Solutions to climate change: Using trees and grasses to capture carbon and produce energy Posted: 29 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST A unique research project in the UK is investigating how coppiced trees and grass crops can be used both to generate renewable energy and to trap carbon in the soil over the long term.

Attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings may reduce depression symptoms Posted: 29 Jan 2010 05:00 AM PST One of many reasons that attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings helps people with alcohol use disorders stay sober appears to be alleviation of depression. Researchers found that study participants who attended AA meetings more frequently had fewer symptoms of depression -- along with less drinking -- than did those with less AA participation.

Stopping schizophrenia before it starts Posted: 29 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Scientists have found that schizophrenia can be "prevented" with the early-life provision of anti-schizophrenic drugs in laboratory animals.

Blood test can predict rheumatoid arthritis before symptoms arise Posted: 29 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Researchers have identified several cytokines, cytokine-related factors, and chemokines that increase significantly prior to rheumatoid arthritis disease onset. These findings confirm those of earlier studies which suggest that the risk of developing RA can be predicted and disease progression may be prevented.

Potential new target for drugs to treat iron deficiency and overload discovered Posted: 29 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST The discovery of a major player in the body's regulation of iron levels should provide a new target for drugs that prevent common iron deficiency as well as rare, potentially deadly iron overload, researchers said.

Researchers trace effects of genetic defect in myotonic muscular dystrophy Posted: 29 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Research on the genetic defect that causes myotonic muscular dystrophy has revealed that the mutation disrupts an array of metabolic pathways in muscle cells through its effects on two key proteins.

Major step towards low-power all-optical switching for optical communications Posted: 29 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Researchers have developed an ultra-small and fast electrically pumped all-optical memory on a silicon chip with record low power consumption. This result paves the way for optical packet switching with drastically reduced overall power consumption in high-speed, high-data rate optical telecommunication systems.

Most parents don't realize their 4- or 5-year-olds are overweight or obese Posted: 29 Jan 2010 02:00 AM PST Half of the mothers who took part in a study thought that their obese four or five year-old was normal weight, as did 39 percent of the fathers. When it came to overweight children, 75 percent of mothers and 77 percent of fathers thought that their child was normal weight. Researchers also found that the parents of overweight and obese children were significantly heavier than the parents of normal weight children.

Atoms and Molecules: Using magnetic toys as inspiration, researchers tease out structures of self-assembled clusters Posted: 28 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST Scientists have discovered new clues to how and why groups of atoms and molecules may favor less symmetrical and more complex, flexible geometric patterns. The answer relates to a familiar concept in physics -- entropy. The researchers literally first caught sight of the link by using magnetic "stick and ball" construction toys.

New compound could be alternative strategy for preventing HIV infection Posted: 28 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST With the help of effective drug therapies, HIV patients are living longer, healthier lives. Now, researchers want to improve these drug therapies and develop alternative preventative strategies, such as vaginal gels and creams that contain the same or related compounds used in treatments for people infected with HIV. A new compound being developed is more potent and longer-lasting than current HIV therapies.

Can men be trusted to take male contraceptive pill? Posted: 28 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST New research in the UK casts doubt on whether men can be trusted to take the male contraceptive pill, which is currently undergoing trials. The findings show that while men said they would welcome it, women thought their partners could not be trusted to take the contraceptive pill regularly, leading to unplanned pregnancy.

Mortality rates for pediatric rheumatology patients significantly lower than previously reported Posted: 28 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST A recent study found that the overall mortality rate in the US for all pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases was not worse than the age and sex-adjusted population. Furthermore, mortality rates were significantly lower than reported in previous studies of rheumatic diseases and conditions that are associated with increased mortality.

Rheumatoid arthritis doesn't hinder computing skills, study shows Posted: 28 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST Workers with rheumatoid arthritis were comparable to non-impaired individuals in keyboarding speed, according to a new study. Individuals who were trained in touch typing demonstrated faster typing speeds than those using a visually-guided ("hunt and peck") method, regardless of impairment.

Survey reveals ways to enhance teens' interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics Posted: 28 Jan 2010 11:00 PM PST The nation is hoping for a bright future. Many believe the key to strengthening the US economy and competing globally lies in fostering an innovative culture and educating America's youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). According to an annual survey that gauges Americans' perceptions about invention and innovation, teens are enthusiastic about these subjects, with 77 percent interested in pursuing a STEM career.

Language structure is partly determined by social structure Posted: 28 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST Psychologists argue that human languages may adapt more like biological organisms than previously thought and that the more common and popular the language, the simpler its construction to facilitate its survival.

Degree of obesity raises risk of stroke, regardless of gender, race Posted: 28 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST The higher a person's degree of obesity, the higher their risk of stroke -- regardless of sex or race. Stroke is more likely among obese blacks than obese whites. Effects of obesity on stroke incidence are likely related to the increased incidence of cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Female athletes injured more than male athletes Posted: 28 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST Female athletes experience dramatically higher rates of specific musculoskeletal injuries and medical conditions compared to male athletes. That's because many training programs developed for female athletes are built on research using young adult males and don't take the intrinsic biological differences between the sexes into account.

New Vaccine Strategy May Protect Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus Posted: 28 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST A new vaccine strategy inducing antibodies capable of blocking interaction among disease-causing proteins may offer a safe and effective approach against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Proteins' dynamic motion important in body's immune response Posted: 28 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST New research reveals the importance of dynamic motion by proteins involved in the body's immune response.

Go easy on the environment -- and our wallets, says Generation Y Posted: 28 Jan 2010 08:00 PM PST When it comes to saving the environment, Generation Y is all for it -- as long as it comes with an economic benefit, according to new research.

In sync: Squid, glowing companions march in genetic harmony Posted: 28 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST Most humans are blissfully unaware that we owe our healthful existence to trillions of microbes that make their home in the nooks and crannies of the human body, primarily the gut. During evolutionary history, humans and bacteria have forged a mutually beneficial coexistence that provides the microbes' room and board in exchange for an array of biochemical services that help support everything from the digestion of food to a robust immune system. But the intimate details of the relationship -- how the cells of the host and the cells of the bacteria coexist and interact -- are murky.

Prenatal exposure to phthalates affects childhood neurodevelopment Posted: 28 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST A new study has found higher prenatal exposure to phthalates -- manmade chemicals that interfere with hormonal messaging -- to be connected with disruptive and problem behaviors in children between the ages of 4 and 9 years.

Engineered metamaterials enable remarkably small antennas Posted: 28 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST In an advance that might interest Q-Branch, the gadget makers for James Bond, researchers have designed and tested experimental antennas that are highly efficient and yet a fraction of the size of standard antenna systems with comparable properties.

Rotavirus vaccine offers new tool to combat severe diarrhea in developing world Posted: 28 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST Diarrhea caused by rotavirus infection could be significantly reduced in the developing world with the use of a vaccine to prevent the condition according to new research.

Student-built Rubik's Cube size satellite selected for flight by NASA Posted: 28 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST A tiny communications satellite designed and built by undergraduates has been selected to be launched into orbit in November as part of a NASA space education initiative.

Prenatal alcohol exposure can alter the brain's developing pain regulatory system Posted: 28 Jan 2010 05:00 PM PST Prenatal alcohol exposure is widely known to impair brain development in exposed offspring. Rodent studies have shown that developmental deficits in newborns related to altered levels of a brain chemical called serotonin, leading to subsequent alterations in patterns of neonatal acute pain responses and/or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress reactivity. New findings show a "blunted response" to an acutely painful event in alcohol-exposed human newborns, indicating that prenatal alcohol exposure may alter the brain's developing pain regulatory system.

Mouse skin cells turned directly into neurons, skipping IPS stage Posted: 28 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Scientists have succeeded in transforming mouse skin cells in a laboratory dish directly into functional nerve cells with the application of just three genes. The cells make the change without first becoming a pluripotent type of stem cell -- a step long thought to be required for cells to acquire new identities.

Surgery helps chronic sinusitis sufferers get relief Posted: 28 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Up to 76 percent of patients with chronic rhionsinusitis reported improved quality of life following endoscopic surgery. Prior to surgery, adults with chronic rhinosinusitis typically have lower quality of life scores than patients with congestive heart failure, angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or back pain.

Deadly fish virus now found in all Great Lakes Posted: 28 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST A deadly fish virus that was first discovered in the Northeast in 2005 has been found for the first time in fish from Lake Superior, report researchers. That means that the virus has now been documented in all of the Great Lakes.

Leukemia cells metabolize fat to avoid cell death Posted: 28 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Leukemia cells, like most cancers, are addicted to glucose to generate their energy, but new research shows for the first time that these cells also rely on fatty acid metabolism to grow and to evade cell death.

Virus-like particle vaccine protects monkeys from chikungunya virus Posted: 28 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST An experimental vaccine developed using noninfectious virus-like particles (VLP) has protected macaques and mice against chikungunya virus, a mosquito-borne pathogen that has infected millions of people in Africa and Asia and causes debilitating pain, researchers have found.

Brain scientists extend map of fear memory formation Posted: 28 Jan 2010 02:00 PM PST Draw a map of the brain when fear and anxiety are involved, and the amygdala looms large. But scientists have now extended the brain's fear map to include the prelimbic cortex. Researchers found that mice lacking a critical growth factor in the prelimbic cortex have trouble remembering to fear electric shocks. The discovery could help improve diagnosis and treatment for anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and phobias.

You are subscribed to email updates from ScienceDaily: Latest Science News To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610