ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• First ever southern tyrannosaur dinosaur discovered
• Potential new target for treating rheumatoid arthritis
• Words influence infants' cognition from first months of life
• 1918 and 2009 pandemic influenza viruses lack a sugar topping
• World oil reserves at 'tipping point'
• Exposure to fast food can make us impatient
• After growth spurt, supermassive black holes spend half their lives veiled in dust
• Novel Parkinson's treatment strategy involves cell transplantation
• Blueprint for 'artificial leaf' mimics Mother Nature
• Researchers discover fundamental step in immune-system development
• New insights into the 3-D organization of the human genome
• Memory decline linked to an inability to ignore distractions
• Pollution from Asia circles globe at stratospheric heights
• Genetic variation linked to possible protection against sudden cardiac arrest
• Could robots and smart devices help older people look after themselves?
• Inflammation research opens route to better pain relief
• Virtual biopsy probe system is 'almost perfect' in detecting precancerous polyps during colonoscopy
• Teen bloggers show little risky behavior online, study finds
• Safer nuclear reactors with self-healing nanocrystalline materials
• New cancer biomarker may herald personalized medicine
• More economical process for making ethanol from nonfood sources
• Benefits of osteoporosis treatments outweigh possible risk of rare femoral fractures, study suggests
• Eleven questions for the next decade of geographical sciences
• When will children disobey parents? It depends on the rule
• Developing a test to save eyesight by detecting glaucoma years earlier
• World's largest particle collider may unlock secrets of universe
• Trans fats linked to increased endometriosis risk and omega-3-rich food linked to lower risk
• Intentional variation increases result validity in mouse testing
• Child health may suffer in a booming economy, study finds
• Scientists uncover cells that mend a broken heart
• Human brain becomes tuned to voices and emotional tone of voice during infancy
• Shoes: A treatment for osteoarthritis in the knees?
• El Niño's last hurrah?
• Packing your troubles away actually works, study finds
• Surgeons transplant new trachea into child using his own stem cells to rebuild airway
• Why young are most affected by swine flu revealed in virus structure
• Controlling x-rays with light: Step toward controlling how matter behaves
• Children with food allergies should carry two doses of emergency medicine, experts urge
• NASA Mars rover getting smarter as it gets older
• Virtual driving leads psychologists to the cells that sense direction in the brain: Path cells
• Astronomers confirm Einstein's theory of relativity and accelerating cosmic expansion

First ever southern tyrannosaur dinosaur discovered Posted: 26 Mar 2010 08:00 AM PDT Scientists have found the first ever evidence that tyrannosaur dinosaurs existed in the southern continents. They identified a hip bone found at Dinosaur Cove in Victoria, Australia, as belonging to an ancestor of Tyrannosaurus rex.

Potential new target for treating rheumatoid arthritis Posted: 26 Mar 2010 08:00 AM PDT By enhancing the activity of immune cells that protect against runaway inflammation, researchers may have found a novel therapy for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Researchers now reveal how treating these immune cells with an investigational drug wards off inflammation by holding a particular enzyme at bay.

Words influence infants' cognition from first months of life Posted: 26 Mar 2010 08:00 AM PDT Researchers have found that even before infants begin to speak, words play an important role in their cognition. For 3-month-old infants, words influence performance in a cognitive task in a way that goes beyond the influence of other kinds of sounds, including musical tones.

1918 and 2009 pandemic influenza viruses lack a sugar topping Posted: 26 Mar 2010 08:00 AM PDT Although they emerged more than 90 years apart, the influenza viruses responsible for the pandemics of 1918 and 2009 share a structural detail that makes both susceptible to neutralization by the same antibodies.

World oil reserves at 'tipping point' Posted: 26 Mar 2010 08:00 AM PDT The world's capacity to meet projected future oil demand is at a tipping point, according to new research.

Exposure to fast food can make us impatient Posted: 26 Mar 2010 08:00 AM PDT Fast food has become an industry that has widespread influence on what and how we eat. The original idea behind fast food is to increase efficiency, allowing people to quickly finish a meal so they can move on to other matters. Researchers, however, have found that the mere exposure to fast food and related symbols can make people impatient, increasing preference for time saving products, and reducing willingness to save.

After growth spurt, supermassive black holes spend half their lives veiled in dust Posted: 26 Mar 2010 05:00 AM PDT Supermassive black holes found at the centers of distant galaxies undergo huge growth spurts as a result of galactic collisions, according to a new study.

Novel Parkinson's treatment strategy involves cell transplantation Posted: 26 Mar 2010 05:00 AM PDT Scientists have used a novel cell-based strategy to treat motor symptoms in rats with a disease designed to mimic Parkinson's disease. The strategy suggests a promising approach, the scientists say, for treating symptoms of Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases and disorders, including epilepsy.

Blueprint for 'artificial leaf' mimics Mother Nature Posted: 26 Mar 2010 05:00 AM PDT Scientists have presented a design strategy to produce the long-sought artificial leaf, which could harness Mother Nature's ability to produce energy from sunlight and water in the process called photosynthesis. The new recipe, based on the chemistry and biology of natural leaves, could lead to working prototypes of an artificial leaf that capture solar energy and use it efficiently to change water into hydrogen fuel, they stated.

Researchers discover fundamental step in immune-system development Posted: 26 Mar 2010 05:00 AM PDT Researchers have discovered a fundamental step in the development of the immune system, one that allows B cells to mature and fight disease by producing effective antibodies. Immunologists have demonstrated that immature B cells in the bone marrow must receive a positive signal, mediated by the Erk protein, before they can migrate to the spleen where they mature and are activated.

New insights into the 3-D organization of the human genome Posted: 26 Mar 2010 05:00 AM PDT Insights into the genomics of the human nucleolus have been revealed in a study by researchers in Germany and Spain. The research sheds new light on the functional organization of human genetic material.

Memory decline linked to an inability to ignore distractions Posted: 26 Mar 2010 05:00 AM PDT One of the most common complaints among healthy older adults relates to a decline in memory performance. This decline has been linked to an inability to ignore irrelevant information when forming memories.

Pollution from Asia circles globe at stratospheric heights Posted: 26 Mar 2010 02:00 AM PDT The economic growth across much of Asia is coming with a troubling side-effect: pollutants from the region are being wafted up to the stratosphere during monsoon season. The new finding provides additional evidence of the global nature of air pollution.

Genetic variation linked to possible protection against sudden cardiac arrest Posted: 26 Mar 2010 02:00 AM PDT Scientists have found that a genetic variation is associated with lower risk of sudden cardiac arrest, a disorder that gives little warning and is fatal in about 95 percent of cases.

Could robots and smart devices help older people look after themselves? Posted: 26 Mar 2010 02:00 AM PDT Researchers are taking part in a European project aimed at creating an intelligent system comprising a robot and smart sensors that can support independent living for elderly people.

Inflammation research opens route to better pain relief Posted: 26 Mar 2010 02:00 AM PDT Scientists have discovered how two proteins play a key role in the way we feel pain, offering new targets on which drug development can be focused.

Virtual biopsy probe system is 'almost perfect' in detecting precancerous polyps during colonoscopy Posted: 26 Mar 2010 02:00 AM PDT The newest generation of "virtual biopsy" colonoscopy probes being tested demonstrate that it might soon be possible to use such a device to determine whether a colon polyp is benign and not remove it for biopsy. Currently, all colon polyps are extracted during a colonoscopy and sent to a pathologist for examination, which adds time, expense, and some surgical risk, to the procedure.

Teen bloggers show little risky behavior online, study finds Posted: 26 Mar 2010 02:00 AM PDT An study of 100 teen bloggers from around the United States found that the vast majority use blogs to nurture relationships with their peers and build a sense of community -- rather than to admit misbehavior. This preliminary study suggests that blogging could be used therapeutically to help troubled teens express themselves in positive ways.

Safer nuclear reactors with self-healing nanocrystalline materials Posted: 25 Mar 2010 11:00 PM PDT Self-repairing materials within nuclear reactors may one day become a reality as a result of research by Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists. Researchers report a surprising mechanism that allows nanocrystalline materials to heal themselves after suffering radiation-induced damage.

New cancer biomarker may herald personalized medicine Posted: 25 Mar 2010 11:00 PM PDT Scientists have shown how simple diagnostic tests to identify which patients will respond to which cancer drugs can be developed, potentially ushering in a new era of personalized cancer medicine.

More economical process for making ethanol from nonfood sources Posted: 25 Mar 2010 11:00 PM PDT Scientists have discovered a way to lower the cost of converting wood, corn stalks and other materials into ethanol fuel. Their process reduces amounts of costly enzymes needed to break down tough cell fibrous matter in biomass for fermentation into alcohol.

Benefits of osteoporosis treatments outweigh possible risk of rare femoral fractures, study suggests Posted: 25 Mar 2010 11:00 PM PDT The occurrence of an unusual type of fracture of the femur, or the thigh bone, is very low in patients with osteoporosis, including those treated with the drug family known as bisphosphonates, according to a new study.

Eleven questions for the next decade of geographical sciences Posted: 25 Mar 2010 11:00 PM PDT Eleven questions that should shape the next decade of geographical sciences research were identified in a new report. Reflecting a time when populations are moving and natural resources are being depleted, the questions aim to provide a more complete understanding of where and how landscapes are changing to help society manage and adapt to the transformation of Earth's surface.

When will children disobey parents? It depends on the rule Posted: 25 Mar 2010 11:00 PM PDT A study of 60 4- to 7-year-olds that considers the connections between control over issues within children's personal domain, identity, and emotional well-being has found that children make important distinctions between different kinds of rules. Using role-playing situations, the researchers learned how children would act and feel when a parent forbids them from engaging in a desired activity. The findings suggest that children make important distinctions between different kinds of rules when reasoning about decisions and emotions.

Developing a test to save eyesight by detecting glaucoma years earlier Posted: 25 Mar 2010 08:00 PM PDT Scientists are reporting progress toward a test that could revolutionize the diagnosis of glaucoma -- the second leading cause of vision loss and blindness worldwide -- by detecting the disease years earlier than usually happens at present.

World's largest particle collider may unlock secrets of universe Posted: 25 Mar 2010 08:00 PM PDT New insights into the Big Bang, the mysterious properties of dark matter and perhaps even extra dimensions in the universe could be discovered by the Large Hadron Collider, the world's highest-energy particle accelerator.

Trans fats linked to increased endometriosis risk and omega-3-rich food linked to lower risk Posted: 25 Mar 2010 08:00 PM PDT New research suggests women whose diets are rich in foods containing omega-3 oils might be less likely to develop endometriosis, while those whose diets are heavily laden with trans fats might be more likely to develop the debilitating condition. The study is the largest to have investigated the link between diet and endometriosis risk and the first prospective study to identify a modifiable risk factor for the condition.

Intentional variation increases result validity in mouse testing Posted: 25 Mar 2010 08:00 PM PDT For decades, the traditional practice in animal testing has been standardization, but a new study has shown that adding as few as two controlled environmental variables to preclinical mice tests can greatly reduce costly false positives, the number of animals needed for testing and the cost of pharmaceutical trials.

Child health may suffer in a booming economy, study finds Posted: 25 Mar 2010 08:00 PM PDT A short-term economic boom is not always a good thing for children in developing nations, according to a new study. The study found that when Colombia's coffee trade suddenly booms, illness and mortality rates among children increase in coffee-producing counties.

Scientists uncover cells that mend a broken heart Posted: 25 Mar 2010 05:00 PM PDT Humans have very limited ability to regenerate heart muscle cells, which is a key reason why heart attacks that kill cells and scar heart tissue are so dangerous. But damaged heart muscles in the amazing, highly regenerative zebrafish have given scientists a few ideas that may lead to new directions in clinical research and better therapy after heart attacks.

Human brain becomes tuned to voices and emotional tone of voice during infancy Posted: 25 Mar 2010 05:00 PM PDT New research finds that the brains of infants as young as seven months old demonstrate a sensitivity to the human voice and to emotions communicated through the voice that is remarkably similar to what is observed in the brains of adults. The study probes the origins of voice processing in the human brain and may provide important insight into neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.

Shoes: A treatment for osteoarthritis in the knees? Posted: 25 Mar 2010 05:00 PM PDT Flip-flops and sneakers with flexible soles are easier on the knees than clogs or even special walking shoes, a study has found. And that's important, because loading on the knee joints is a key factor in the development of osteoarthritis.

El Niño's last hurrah? Posted: 25 Mar 2010 05:00 PM PDT El Niño 2009-2010 just keeps hanging in there. Recent sea-level height data from the NASA/European Ocean Surface Topography Mission/Jason-2 oceanography satellite show that a large-scale, sustained weakening of trade winds in the western and central equatorial Pacific during late-January through February has triggered yet another strong, eastward-moving wave of warm water, known as a Kelvin wave.

Packing your troubles away actually works, study finds Posted: 25 Mar 2010 05:00 PM PDT Finding it hard to get over a failed love interest? Just can't get details of a bad financial move out of your head? A new study suggests you might want to stick something related to your disappointment in a box or envelope if you want to feel better.

Surgeons transplant new trachea into child using his own stem cells to rebuild airway Posted: 25 Mar 2010 02:00 PM PDT Scientists and surgeons have led a revolutionary operation to transplant a new trachea into a child, using the child's own stem cells to rebuild the airway in the body.

Why young are most affected by swine flu revealed in virus structure Posted: 25 Mar 2010 02:00 PM PDT Scientists have solved the structure of a key protein from the virus that caused last year's "swine flu" influenza epidemic. The structure reveals that the virus shares many features with influenza viruses common in the early 20th century, helping to explain why, in general, older individuals have been less severely affected by the recent outbreak than younger ones.

Controlling x-rays with light: Step toward controlling how matter behaves Posted: 25 Mar 2010 02:00 PM PDT Controlling x-rays with ultrashort slices of light is a step toward controlling how matter behaves, shaping x-rays with other x-rays, and eventually directing the paths chemical reactions can take. Working with the femtosecond beamline at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Advanced Light Source, a team of scientists shows how it can be done.

Children with food allergies should carry two doses of emergency medicine, experts urge Posted: 25 Mar 2010 02:00 PM PDT In a large six-year review of emergency department data, researchers found that many children with severe food-related allergic reactions need a second dose of epinephrine, suggesting that patients carrying EpiPens should carry two doses instead of one.

NASA Mars rover getting smarter as it gets older Posted: 25 Mar 2010 02:00 PM PDT NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity, now in its seventh year on Mars, has a new capability to make its own choices about whether to make additional observations of rocks that it spots on arrival at a new location. Software uploaded this winter is the latest example of NASA taking advantage of the twin Mars rovers' unanticipated longevity for real Martian test drives of advances made in robotic autonomy for future missions.

Virtual driving leads psychologists to the cells that sense direction in the brain: Path cells Posted: 25 Mar 2010 02:00 PM PDT Psychologists have used implantable electrodes and a first-person driving game to identify the cells of the brain that indicate travel in a clockwise or counterclockwise motion, called "path cells."

Astronomers confirm Einstein's theory of relativity and accelerating cosmic expansion Posted: 25 Mar 2010 11:00 AM PDT An international team of astronomers has confirmed that the expansion of the universe is accelerating after looking at data from the largest-ever survey conducted by the Hubble Space Telescope. The researchers have, for the first time ever, used Hubble data to probe the effects of the natural gravitational "weak lenses" in space and characterize the expansion of the universe.

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