ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Cluster spacecraft takes first look at charged particles that drive brightest aurora
• Scientists find key to gene that promotes cancer metastasis
• Move over predators: Plants can control the food chain too -- from the bottom up
• Experimental immune-boosting drug worsens tuberculosis in mice
• Physicist sees terahertz imaging as ultimate defense against terrorism
• Work pressures lower nicotine dependence, study finds
• Undersea superhighway: Long-distance larvae speed to new undersea vent homes
• New test takes guesswork out of diagnosing early-stage Alzheimer's disease
• Genes under control: Scientists develop gene switch for chloroplasts in plant cells
• Oral Vaccine May Reduce Exacerbations in Patients with COPD
• Harnessing the Web and supercomputers to track pathogens as they evolve
• Patients with amnesia still feel emotions, despite memory loss
• First direct recording made of mirror neurons in human brain
• Food combination associated with reduced Alzheimer's disease risk identified in new study
• Conservation scientists call for 'biodiversity barometer'
• Link between acid reflux and sleep apnea challenged
• Exposure to nitrogen dioxide lowers in vitro fertilization success
• Pediatricians find link between cumulative hardships and health in low-income young children
• Pre-history of life: Elegantly simple organizing principles seen in ribosomes
• Fight-or-flight hormones help tumor cells escape to spread
• Tainted produce more likely for shoppers in low-income neighborhoods, study suggests
• Many adults unaware they may be suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Bringing better grapes a step closer to reality
• Over half of women in abusive relationships still saw their male partners as dependable
• Massive Arctic ice cap is shrinking, study shows; Rate accelerating since 1985
• Better way to predict prognosis in pediatric leukemia patients
• Of dollars and scents: Tracking the elusive sandalwood oil
• Clinical trial to test whether vaccine can effectively treat melanoma
• Sugarcane OK in standing water, helps protect Everglades
• HPV vaccination more likely if mothers approve, study finds
• When social fear is missing, so are racial stereotypes, shows study of children with Williams syndrome
• Healing a broken heart with stem cells?
• How dangerous are air pollutants really?
• Temperature-dependent drug may prevent blood clots during therapeutic hypothermia
• Robots with better observation
• Social networking utilized by academic to improve student satisfaction
• Baby stars in the Rosette cloud
• Prevalence of HIV in Africa is leading to new strains of Salmonella, say scientists
• A well-defended territory is what some female hummingbirds find most attractive in a mate
• Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections affected by stress
• Wireless nano sensors could save bridges, buildings
• Measuring the suicidal mind
• Clovis mammoth hunters: Out with a whimper or a bang?
• Targeting the blood-brain barrier may delay progression of Alzheimer's disease
• Computer model helps biologists understand how coral dies in warming waters
• Ventricular assist device gives man chance to resume an active life
• Rewiring of gene regulation across 300 million years of evolution
• Adolescent drinking adds to risk of breast disease, breast cancer

Cluster spacecraft takes first look at charged particles that drive brightest aurora Posted: 13 Apr 2010 11:00 AM PDT Scientists have made the first direct observations of charged particles that lead to some of the brightest aurora using the Cluster spacecraft.

Scientists find key to gene that promotes cancer metastasis Posted: 13 Apr 2010 11:00 AM PDT The molecular machinery that switches on a gene known to cause breast cancer to spread and invade other organs has been identified by an international team of scientists.

Move over predators: Plants can control the food chain too -- from the bottom up Posted: 13 Apr 2010 11:00 AM PDT Most studies of food webs look at how predators at the top of the food chain control prey and plant populations below them. But a new study shows how plants at the bottom of the food chain have evolved mechanisms that influence ecosystem dynamics as well.

Experimental immune-boosting drug worsens tuberculosis in mice Posted: 13 Apr 2010 11:00 AM PDT An experimental drug that boosts production of the immune system protein interferon worsens tuberculosis in mice, according to scientists.

Physicist sees terahertz imaging as ultimate defense against terrorism Posted: 13 Apr 2010 11:00 AM PDT A physics professor sees the use of terahertz rays as a critical technology in the defense against suicide bombers and other terrorist activities. He recently described experimental results from a digital video camera invented in their laboratory that uses a terahertz imaging system. One day such a device could be used to scan airport passengers quickly and efficiently.

Work pressures lower nicotine dependence, study finds Posted: 13 Apr 2010 11:00 AM PDT It is often thought that smoking is used as a coping strategy to deal with work stress. However, the pressures of work can actually lower a smoker's nicotine dependence, contrary to popular belief. The surprising finding contradicts even the study researchers' hypothesis.

Undersea superhighway: Long-distance larvae speed to new undersea vent homes Posted: 13 Apr 2010 08:00 AM PDT Working in a rare, "natural seafloor laboratory" of hydrothermal vents that had just been rocked by a volcanic eruption, scientists have discovered what they believe is an undersea superhighway carrying tiny life forms unprecedented distances to inhabit the post-eruption site.

New test takes guesswork out of diagnosing early-stage Alzheimer's disease Posted: 13 Apr 2010 08:00 AM PDT A new test developed by Japanese scientists may revolutionize how and when physicians diagnose Alzheimer's disease. According to new research, the new test measures proteins in the spinal fluid known to be one of the main causes of brain degeneration and memory impairment in Alzheimer's patients: high molecular weight A-Beta oligomers.

Genes under control: Scientists develop gene switch for chloroplasts in plant cells Posted: 13 Apr 2010 08:00 AM PDT The organelles of photosynthesis -- the chloroplasts -- have their own DNA, messenger RNA and ribosomes for forming proteins. Scientists have now discovered how to regulate the formation of proteins in the chloroplasts. They can use so-called riboswitches to switch the genes in the chloroplasts of tobacco plants on and off. These riboswitches could provide future benefit by making plants capable of delivering drugs or raw materials, or by improving the biological safety of genetically modified plants.

Oral Vaccine May Reduce Exacerbations in Patients with COPD Posted: 13 Apr 2010 08:00 AM PDT A novel vaccine may help reduce the number and severity of exacerbations in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Harnessing the Web and supercomputers to track pathogens as they evolve Posted: 13 Apr 2010 08:00 AM PDT Supramap, a powerful new Web-based application that tracks pathogens in time and space as they evolve, will revolutionize the response to pathogens that cause disease by helping public health officials and national security experts predict and respond to novel infectious diseases. This is the first time that any user can input raw genetic sequences of a pathogen's strains into the program to build a phylogenetic tree based on mutations that is projected onto a map.

Patients with amnesia still feel emotions, despite memory loss Posted: 13 Apr 2010 08:00 AM PDT A new study offers some good news for caregivers and loved ones of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Patients might forget a joke or a meaningful conversation -- but even so, the warm feelings associated with the experience can stick around and boost their mood.

First direct recording made of mirror neurons in human brain Posted: 13 Apr 2010 05:00 AM PDT For the first time, researchers have made the first direct recording of mirror neurons in the living human brain, thus providing definitive proof of their existence. Mirror neurons fire not only when we perform a particular action, but also when we watch someone else perform that same action, and if defective, are thought to play a role in autism.

Food combination associated with reduced Alzheimer's disease risk identified in new study Posted: 13 Apr 2010 05:00 AM PDT Individuals whose diet includes more salad dressing, nuts, fish, poultry and certain fruits and vegetables and fewer high-fat dairy products, red meats, organ meats and butter appear less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, according to a new report.

Conservation scientists call for 'biodiversity barometer' Posted: 13 Apr 2010 05:00 AM PDT For the first time scientists have put a figure on how much it would cost to learn about the conservation status of millions of species, some of which have yet to be identified. The price tag is $60 million, according to a team of scientists.

Link between acid reflux and sleep apnea challenged Posted: 13 Apr 2010 05:00 AM PDT New research suggests that a causal link between gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may not exist.

Exposure to nitrogen dioxide lowers in vitro fertilization success Posted: 13 Apr 2010 05:00 AM PDT Exposure to an increased level of air pollutants, especially nitrogen dioxide, has been associated with lower likelihoods of successful pregnancy among women undergoing in vitro fertilization, according to a team of fertility researchers.

Pediatricians find link between cumulative hardships and health in low-income young children Posted: 13 Apr 2010 05:00 AM PDT Pediatric researchers have found that the cumulative effects of crowded and unstable housing and uncertain supplies of food and heat act together to decrease the chances of normal growth and development and good physical health among infants and toddlers. The findings bring attention to remediable conditions that influence the health, development and growth of America's youngest children.

Pre-history of life: Elegantly simple organizing principles seen in ribosomes Posted: 13 Apr 2010 02:00 AM PDT With few exceptions, all known forms of life on our planet rely on the same genetic code to specify the amino acid composition of proteins. Although different hypotheses abound, just how individual amino acids were assigned to specific three-letter combinations or codons during the evolution of the genetic code is still subject to speculation.

Fight-or-flight hormones help tumor cells escape to spread Posted: 13 Apr 2010 02:00 AM PDT Chronic stress triggers a chain of molecular events that protects breakaway ovarian cancer cells from destruction, a team of researchers reports.

Tainted produce more likely for shoppers in low-income neighborhoods, study suggests Posted: 13 Apr 2010 02:00 AM PDT No one wants a mixed salad tossed with extra bacteria, mold and yeast, but those are just what you might find when you try to eat a healthier diet in poorer neighborhoods. A new study shows that the level of bacteria found on the fresh produce can vary according to the income level of the neighborhoods where it is for sale.

Many adults unaware they may be suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Posted: 13 Apr 2010 02:00 AM PDT As many as 20 percent of adults with known risk factors are currently undiagnosed but suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to a new research article.

Bringing better grapes a step closer to reality Posted: 13 Apr 2010 02:00 AM PDT A team of agricultural researchers has found a way to speed up grape breeding by developing a way to identify genetic markers in the grapevine's genome that can be linked with specific traits, such as fruit quality, environmental adaptation, and disease and pest resistance.

Over half of women in abusive relationships still saw their male partners as dependable Posted: 13 Apr 2010 02:00 AM PDT It's well known that many women remain in abusive relationships with their male partners. A new study suggests that many who live with chronic psychological abuse still see certain positive traits in their abusers -- such as dependability and being affectionate -- which may partly explain why they stay.

Massive Arctic ice cap is shrinking, study shows; Rate accelerating since 1985 Posted: 12 Apr 2010 11:00 PM PDT Warmer summers are accelerating the rate at which the Devon Island ice cap is losing mass, according to new research. The study's authors say that although the extent and depth of the cap have been declining since measurements began in 1961, the trend has increased since 1985.

Better way to predict prognosis in pediatric leukemia patients Posted: 12 Apr 2010 11:00 PM PDT Researchers may have found a way to more accurately predict treatment outcomes in young leukemia patients using information from a common and simple complete blood count test, also known as a CBC.

Of dollars and scents: Tracking the elusive sandalwood oil Posted: 12 Apr 2010 11:00 PM PDT Roger Turpening has made a career of searching for hidden things of great value, many of them deep underground and traded on commodities exchanges. Now he is applying his seismic imaging skills in pursuit of another kind of oil, one that grows in trees.

Clinical trial to test whether vaccine can effectively treat melanoma Posted: 12 Apr 2010 11:00 PM PDT A nationwide Phase III clinical trial is under way to determine whether a promising vaccine for advanced melanoma can effectively treat the deadly skin cancer.

Sugarcane OK in standing water, helps protect Everglades Posted: 12 Apr 2010 11:00 PM PDT A study by agricultural scientists shows that sugarcane can tolerate flooded conditions for up to two weeks. That's good news for growers who are using best management practices for controlling phosphorous runoff into the Everglades.

HPV vaccination more likely if mothers approve, study finds Posted: 12 Apr 2010 11:00 PM PDT College women were more likely to be vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) if their mothers communicated with them about sex and if they thought their mothers would approve of their getting vaccinated.

When social fear is missing, so are racial stereotypes, shows study of children with Williams syndrome Posted: 12 Apr 2010 08:00 PM PDT Children with the genetic condition known as Williams syndrome have unusually friendly natures because they lack the sense of fear that the rest of us feel in many social situations. Now, a study suggests that children with Williams Syndrome are missing something else the rest of us have from a very tender age: the proclivity to stereotype others based on their race.

Healing a broken heart with stem cells? Posted: 12 Apr 2010 08:00 PM PDT Some patients with heart muscles seriously affected by coronary heart disease may soon be able to benefit from an innovative treatment. Researchers are evaluating the safety, feasibility and efficacy of injecting stem cells into the hearts of patients while they are undergoing coronary bypass surgery. These stem cells could improve healing of the heart and its function.

How dangerous are air pollutants really? Posted: 12 Apr 2010 08:00 PM PDT How severely do smog, diesel exhaust and secondhand smoke damage the lungs? What do pollen or nanoparticles trigger when they infiltrate the human body through inhaling? Researchers in Germany are presenting a new test system that can be used to investigate these questions.

Temperature-dependent drug may prevent blood clots during therapeutic hypothermia Posted: 12 Apr 2010 08:00 PM PDT Scientists have developed what may be the first temperature-dependent drug that starts working at the cooler temperatures of therapeutic hypothermia and stops when body temperature is raised to a normal level. The drug may prevent blood clots during therapeutic hypothermia by blocking platelets from clumping together.

Robots with better observation Posted: 12 Apr 2010 08:00 PM PDT A new 3D sensor will enable robots to observe their environment in a more natural and human-like manner. The TACO project will make it possible to apply current robots in more sophisticated markets so that they will play a major role in the fields of cleaning, construction, maintenance, security, health care, entertainment and personal assistance in the future.

Social networking utilized by academic to improve student satisfaction Posted: 12 Apr 2010 08:00 PM PDT Social media could provide a solution for dealing with dissatisfaction among students on the levels of academic feedback they receive at university. A researcher is trialling the use of social media to enhance feedback - through the provision of 'feed forward'.

Baby stars in the Rosette cloud Posted: 12 Apr 2010 05:00 PM PDT Herschel's latest image reveals the formation of previously unseen large stars, each one up to ten times the mass of our Sun. These are the stars that will influence where and how the next generation of stars are formed.

Prevalence of HIV in Africa is leading to new strains of Salmonella, say scientists Posted: 12 Apr 2010 05:00 PM PDT Scientists in the UK have discovered that dangerous strains of Salmonella are beginning to emerge in people infected with HIV in Africa.

A well-defended territory is what some female hummingbirds find most attractive in a mate Posted: 12 Apr 2010 05:00 PM PDT Scientists recently discovered that it is in the best interest of male purple-throated caribs to defend and maintain a territory with a high density of nectar-producing flowers. Why? Because it is the quality of this territory -- rather than flashy plumage or elaborate courtship displays -- that attracts the most females.

Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections affected by stress Posted: 12 Apr 2010 05:00 PM PDT PANDAS is an abbreviation for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections. This diagnosis was created when clinicians observed that following streptococcal infections, which include strep throat, scarlet fever, and impetigo, children developed tics and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Wireless nano sensors could save bridges, buildings Posted: 12 Apr 2010 05:00 PM PDT Could inexpensive wireless sensors based on nanotechnology be used to alert engineers to problematic cracks and damage to buildings, bridges, and other structures before they become critical? A feasibility study would suggest so.

Measuring the suicidal mind Posted: 12 Apr 2010 05:00 PM PDT An implicit association between death/suicide and self may be a behavioral marker for suicide attempt. Participants presenting to the emergency room after a suicide attempt had a stronger implicit association between death/suicide and self than did participants presenting with other psychiatric emergencies. Participants with strong associations between death/suicide and self were more likely to make a suicide attempt within the next six months than were those who had stronger associations between life and self.

Clovis mammoth hunters: Out with a whimper or a bang? Posted: 12 Apr 2010 02:00 PM PDT Researchers has revisited the evidence pointing to a cataclysmic event thought by many scientists to have wiped out the North American mega fauna -- such as mammoths, saber tooth cats, giant ground sloths and dire wolves -- along with the Clovis hunter and gatherer culture some 13,000 years ago. Their findings make an impact scenario as the cause of the Pleistocene extinctions appear less likely.

Targeting the blood-brain barrier may delay progression of Alzheimer's disease Posted: 12 Apr 2010 02:00 PM PDT Researchers may be one step closer to slowing the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. An animal study shows that by targeting the blood-brain barrier, researchers are able to slow the accumulation of a protein associated with the progression of the illness.

Computer model helps biologists understand how coral dies in warming waters Posted: 12 Apr 2010 02:00 PM PDT Researchers have found a new tool to help marine biologists better grasp the processes under the sea: They have created mathematical models to unveil the bacterial community dynamics behind afflictions that bleach and kill coral.

Ventricular assist device gives man chance to resume an active life Posted: 12 Apr 2010 02:00 PM PDT After receiving only the fourth US implant of a new-generation, Utah-made ventricular assist device, an Idaho man with heart failure is looking forward to resuming an active life following an operation on March 17 at University of Utah Hospital.

Rewiring of gene regulation across 300 million years of evolution Posted: 12 Apr 2010 02:00 PM PDT Researchers have discovered a remarkable amount of plasticity in how transcription factors, the proteins that bind to DNA to control the activation of genes, maintain their function over large evolutionary distances.

Adolescent drinking adds to risk of breast disease, breast cancer Posted: 12 Apr 2010 02:00 PM PDT Girls and young women who drink alcohol increase their risk of benign breast disease, according to a new study. Benign breast disease increases the risk for developing breast cancer.

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