ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Watching a living brain in the act of seeing -- with single-synapse resolution
• Curcumin nanoparticles 'open up' resistant cancers
• Purple pokeberries hold secret to affordable solar power worldwide
• New reliable method based on patients’ gait helps to diagnose fibromyalgia
• Researchers preparing for Blue Waters: Most powerful supercomputer in the world
• Out of mind, out of sight: Blinking eyes indicate mind wandering
• Healthy person's genome analyzed to predict risk for diseases, responses to treatments
• Tiny particles may help surgeons by marking brain tumors
• World first remote heart operation carried out in UK using robotic arm
• Smoking during radiation therapy for head and neck cancers linked to poorer outcomes
• Scientist tracks origins of bootleg honey from China
• Organic snackers underestimate calories, study shows
• Sign language study shows multiple brain regions wired for language
• Study challenges prevailing view that common diseases are usually caused by common mutations
• A clamp for emerging flu viruses: Researchers unravel secret of innate immune response
• Potential treatment for bone death in the hip from osteonecrosis
• Carbon, nitrogen link may provide new ways to mitigate pollution problems
• It's not what politicians say but what we hear
• First case of animals making their own essential nutrients: carotenoids
• Low vitamin D levels are related to MS brain atrophy, cognitive function, studies show
• ACE measurements and STEREO vision build space weather forecasting system
• High doses of B vitamins associated with increased decline in kidney function for patients with kidney disease from diabetes
• DNA And Its Complexes
• Fibromyalgia affects mental health of those diagnosed and their spouses, study finds
• 'Survivor' black holes may be mid-sized
• Scientists 'see' molecular signals of eye disease before symptoms arise with new tool
• Genome sequence marks big leap forward for frog researchers
• A single protein regulates two immune pathways
• Crude oil no longer needed for production of plastics
• Lottery game helps to assess brain damage following stroke
• Migratory behaviour affects the size of bird brains
• Our genes can be set on pause: Embryonic stem cells reveal oncogene's secret growth formula
• Nude-colored hospital gowns could help doctors better detect hard-to-see symptoms
• New genetic link to scleroderma discovered
• Study gives green light to plants’ role in global warming
• Use of alternative therapy for pain treatment increases with age and wealth
• Scientists report first genome sequence of frog: Genome of Xenopus tropicalis will advance frog genetics
• Why cholesterol damages arteries: Cholesterol crystals lead to life-threatening inflammation in blood vessel walls
• Developing world will produce double the e-waste of developed countries by 2016, study predicts
• Quick new screening exam could save thousands of people from bowel cancer
• Nano-infused filters prove effective
• Animals' 'right to privacy' denied by wildlife documentary makers, academic argues
• Deliver drugs within the body with precision with the help of liposomes?
• MS study suggests key role of environmental factor in the disease
• Military develops multi-purpose 'green' decontaminants for terrorist attack sites
• 'Epigenetic' concepts offer new approach to degenerative disease
• Peat moss could be new tool for oil-spill clean-ups
• Hormone spray improves male sensitivity, German research finds

Watching a living brain in the act of seeing -- with single-synapse resolution Posted: 30 Apr 2010 08:00 AM PDT Scientists report evidence that individual neurons carry out significant aspects of visual processing. Their novel microscopy method makes it possible to observe individual synapses on a single neuron in a living mammalian brain. Focusing on neurons involved in processing movement-related signals, they discovered that an individual neuron integrates inputs from many synapses into a single output -- a decision, in essence, made by a single nerve cell.

Curcumin nanoparticles 'open up' resistant cancers Posted: 30 Apr 2010 08:00 AM PDT Pre-treatment with curcumin, a component of the spice turmeric, makes ovarian cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Researchers found that delivering the curcumin via very small (less than 100nm) nanoparticles enhanced the sensitizing effect.

Purple pokeberries hold secret to affordable solar power worldwide Posted: 30 Apr 2010 08:00 AM PDT Pokeberries -- the weeds that children smash to stain their cheeks purple-red and that Civil War soldiers used to write letters home -- could be the key to spreading solar power across the globe, according to researchers.

New reliable method based on patients’ gait helps to diagnose fibromyalgia Posted: 30 Apr 2010 08:00 AM PDT A researcher from Spain has designed a reliable method that -- combined with the diagnostic criteria of the American College of Reumathology -- helps to diagnose fibromyalgia on the basis of patients' walk parameters, i.e. their gait.

Researchers preparing for Blue Waters: Most powerful supercomputer in the world Posted: 30 Apr 2010 08:00 AM PDT Researchers are preparing their computational chemistry tools for the Blue Waters supercomputer and its quadrillion calculations per second. Blue Waters is expected to be the most powerful supercomputer in the world for open scientific research when it comes online in 2011.

Out of mind, out of sight: Blinking eyes indicate mind wandering Posted: 30 Apr 2010 08:00 AM PDT When your mind wanders, you're not paying attention to what's going in front of you. A new study suggests that it's not just the mind, it's the body, too; when subjects' minds wandered, they blinked more, setting up a tiny physical barrier between themselves and the outside world.

Healthy person's genome analyzed to predict risk for diseases, responses to treatments Posted: 30 Apr 2010 05:00 AM PDT For the first time, researchers have used a healthy person's complete genome sequence to predict his risk for dozens of diseases and how he will respond to several common medications.

Tiny particles may help surgeons by marking brain tumors Posted: 30 Apr 2010 05:00 AM PDT Researchers have developed a way to enhance how brain tumors appear in MRI scans and during surgery, making the tumors easier for surgeons to identify and remove. Scientists are experimenting with different nanoparticles that they hope may one day be injected into the blood of patients and help surgeons remove lethal brain tumors known as glioblastomas.

World first remote heart operation carried out in UK using robotic arm Posted: 30 Apr 2010 05:00 AM PDT A pioneering world first robotics system operation is to be conducted at Glenfield Hospital Leicester in the UK. The system is novel because it allows a doctor to carry out a common heart treatment procedure remotely using a robotic arm.

Smoking during radiation therapy for head and neck cancers linked to poorer outcomes Posted: 30 Apr 2010 05:00 AM PDT Smokers who don't quit before radiation therapy for throat, mouth and other head and neck cancers fair significantly worse than those who do, researchers have found.

Scientist tracks origins of bootleg honey from China Posted: 30 Apr 2010 05:00 AM PDT One scientist spends hours at a time peering at slides of pollen samples, comparing them to track down the origins of honey with questionable heritage. Some of the samples contain labels from other countries when in fact they originated in China but were re-routed to avoid tariffs of up to 500 percent, he says.

Organic snackers underestimate calories, study shows Posted: 30 Apr 2010 05:00 AM PDT Researchers show that "organic" labels on snack foods can lead people to underestimate the number of calories in their snacks by up to 40%.

Sign language study shows multiple brain regions wired for language Posted: 30 Apr 2010 02:00 AM PDT A new study finds that there is no single advanced area of the human brain that gives it language capabilities above and beyond those of any other animal species. Instead, humans rely on several regions of the brain, each designed to accomplish different primitive tasks, in order to make sense of a sentence.

Study challenges prevailing view that common diseases are usually caused by common mutations Posted: 30 Apr 2010 02:00 AM PDT In findings that may speed the search for disease-causing genes, a new study challenges the prevailing view that common diseases are usually caused by common gene variants (mutations). Instead, say genetics researchers, the culprits may be numerous rare variants, located in DNA sequences farther away from the original "hot spots" than scientists have been accustomed to look. The study team successfully tested their approach using real sequencing data from patients with hearing loss.

A clamp for emerging flu viruses: Researchers unravel secret of innate immune response Posted: 30 Apr 2010 02:00 AM PDT When the human body becomes infected with new influenza viruses, the immune system rapidly activates an inborn protective mechanism to inhibit the intruding pathogen. A protein known as Mx plays an important role in this process, keeping the spread of viruses in check. Exactly how Mx accomplishes this task was previously unknown. Now virologists and structural biologists have unraveled the structure of the Mx protein and are able to explain how it develops its anti-viral effect.

Potential treatment for bone death in the hip from osteonecrosis Posted: 30 Apr 2010 02:00 AM PDT Researchers have found a potential new treatment for osteonecrosis, or the death of bone tissue, in people who are treated with steroids for several common medical conditions. There are currently no treatment options for people with this debilitating disease.

Carbon, nitrogen link may provide new ways to mitigate pollution problems Posted: 30 Apr 2010 02:00 AM PDT A new study exploring the growing worldwide problem of nitrogen pollution from soils to the sea shows that global ratios of nitrogen and carbon in the environment are inexorably linked, a finding that may lead to new strategies to help mitigate regional problems ranging from contaminated waterways to human health.

It's not what politicians say but what we hear Posted: 30 Apr 2010 02:00 AM PDT There is increasing evidence that individuals interpret the same election message in different ways, according to their personal political views, say experts.

First case of animals making their own essential nutrients: carotenoids Posted: 29 Apr 2010 11:00 PM PDT The insects known as aphids can make their own essential nutrients called carotenoids, according to new research. No other animals are known to make the potent antioxidants, which are crucial for life. Until now scientists thought the only way animals could obtain the orangey-red compounds was from their diet. Carotenoids are building blocks for molecules crucial for vision, healthy skin, bone growth and other key physiological functions.

Low vitamin D levels are related to MS brain atrophy, cognitive function, studies show Posted: 29 Apr 2010 11:00 PM PDT Low vitamin D levels may be associated with more advanced physical disability and cognitive impairment in persons with multiple sclerosis, studies conducted by neurologists have shown.

ACE measurements and STEREO vision build space weather forecasting system Posted: 29 Apr 2010 11:00 PM PDT Scientists have used observations from NASA's STEREO and ACE satellites to come up with more accurate predictions of when blasts of solar wind will reach Earth, Venus and Mars.

High doses of B vitamins associated with increased decline in kidney function for patients with kidney disease from diabetes Posted: 29 Apr 2010 11:00 PM PDT Patients with diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease caused by diabetes) who received high dose B-vitamin therapy experienced a more rapid decline in kidney function and had a higher rate of heart attack and stroke than patients who received placebo, according to a study.

DNA And Its Complexes Posted: 29 Apr 2010 11:00 PM PDT Throughout life, DNA repair mechanisms go to work during exposure (UV radiation, etc.) in order to protect the human genetic code. This role is assured by the NER complex. Scientists have just shown that NER's role goes well beyond repairing DNA: it regulates transcription, the first stage for all processes necessary for life.

Fibromyalgia affects mental health of those diagnosed and their spouses, study finds Posted: 29 Apr 2010 11:00 PM PDT Researchers are examining how the diagnosis of fibromyalgia can affect marriages. Initial findings reveal that diagnosed spouses have considerably higher levels of depressive symptoms and pain and report more marital instability and anger than their spouses. For both spouses, the symptoms can trigger increased emotional withdrawal and mental strain.

'Survivor' black holes may be mid-sized Posted: 29 Apr 2010 08:00 PM PDT New evidence from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and ESA's XMM-Newton strengthens the case that two mid-sized black holes exist close to the center of a nearby starburst galaxy. These "survivor" black holes avoided falling into the center of the galaxy and could be examples of the seeds required for the growth of supermassive black holes in galaxies, including the one in the Milky Way.

Scientists 'see' molecular signals of eye disease before symptoms arise with new tool Posted: 29 Apr 2010 08:00 PM PDT Forget what you know about how diseases are diagnosed -- new research details a noninvasive ground-breaking tool that detects signs of disease at early molecular stages before symptoms can be seen using traditional methods.

Genome sequence marks big leap forward for frog researchers Posted: 29 Apr 2010 08:00 PM PDT An African clawed frog has joined the spotted green puffer fish, the honeybee, and the human among the ranks of more than 175 organisms that have had their genetic information nearly completely sequenced. The research could help scientists better understand the factors causing the vast die-off of amphibians around the globe and also gives scientists a new tool to understand how our genes work at the most basic level.

A single protein regulates two immune pathways Posted: 29 Apr 2010 08:00 PM PDT Researchers have identified a protein called NLRC5, a member of the NOD-like protein family, that is involved in inhibition of protein complexes key to critical pathways of innate immunity called NF-κB and type I interferon signaling.

Crude oil no longer needed for production of plastics Posted: 29 Apr 2010 08:00 PM PDT Each year the world produces about 130 million kilo of ethene, the most important raw material for plastics. This gigantic industry is currently dependent on crude oil. And that is running out. Researchers might have found a solution for this problem. With a new reactor ethene can be produced from natural gas and, therefore, in the future from biogas as well.

Lottery game helps to assess brain damage following stroke Posted: 29 Apr 2010 08:00 PM PDT Patients recovering from stroke sometimes behave as if completely unaware of one half of the world: colliding with obstacles on their left, eating food only from the right side of their plate, or failing to dress their left side. This puzzling phenomenon is termed "spatial neglect" and it affects roughly 45% of patients suffering from a stroke in the right side of the brain. The condition can indicate a long road to recovery, but researchers have now developed a quick and simple lottery game, which can be used to assess the extent of these symptoms and potentially aid the design of rehabilitation programs.

Migratory behaviour affects the size of bird brains Posted: 29 Apr 2010 05:00 PM PDT Researchers have shed new light on the evolution of brain size in birds. Scientists have known for some time that migratory birds have smaller brains than their resident relatives. Now a new study looks into the reasons and concludes that the act of migrating leads to a reduced brain size. Authors point to the fact that the causes could be due to a need to reduce energetic, metabolic and cognitive costs. To reach these conclusions, scientists reconstructed the evolutionary history of one of the most numerous orders of birds, the passeriformes, a group which includes swallows, tits and crows.

Our genes can be set on pause: Embryonic stem cells reveal oncogene's secret growth formula Posted: 29 Apr 2010 05:00 PM PDT New evidence in embryonic stem cells shows that mammalian genes may all have a layer of control that acts essentially like the pause button on your DVR. The researchers say the results show that the pausing phenomenon, previously thought to be a peculiarity of particular genes, is actually a much more general feature of the genome.

Nude-colored hospital gowns could help doctors better detect hard-to-see symptoms Posted: 29 Apr 2010 05:00 PM PDT Changing the hue of hospital gowns and bed sheets to match a patient's skin color could greatly enhance a physician's ability to detect cyanosis and other health-related skin color changes, according to a new study.

New genetic link to scleroderma discovered Posted: 29 Apr 2010 05:00 PM PDT Scientists have identified a new genetic link to the systemic form of scleroderma. Researchers believe a thorough understanding of the genetic nature of the disease is crucial to developing a cure.

Study gives green light to plants’ role in global warming Posted: 29 Apr 2010 05:00 PM PDT Plants remain an effective way of tackling global warming despite emitting small amounts of an important greenhouse gas, a study has shown.

Use of alternative therapy for pain treatment increases with age and wealth Posted: 29 Apr 2010 05:00 PM PDT One out of 3 patients with chronic pain reported using complementary and alternative medicine therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic visits for pain relief.

Scientists report first genome sequence of frog: Genome of Xenopus tropicalis will advance frog genetics Posted: 29 Apr 2010 02:00 PM PDT Because of its large eggs, Xenopus laevis -- the African clawed frog -- has become a popular model for studying embryo development and cell biology. It's smaller cousin, X. tropicalis, is now gaining converts, however, because, with its diploid rather than polyploidy genome, it is easier to insert or block genes in order to determine their function. The X. tropicalis genome is now the first amphibian genome to be sequenced.

Why cholesterol damages arteries: Cholesterol crystals lead to life-threatening inflammation in blood vessel walls Posted: 29 Apr 2010 02:00 PM PDT The presence of crystalline cholesterol in the walls of our arteries is a major cause of life-threatening inflammation. This has been demonstrated in a new study.

Developing world will produce double the e-waste of developed countries by 2016, study predicts Posted: 29 Apr 2010 02:00 PM PDT Developing countries will be producing at least twice as much electronic waste (e-waste) as developed countries within the next 6-8 years, according to a new study. It foresees in 2030 developing countries discarding 400 million-700 million obsolete personal computers per year compared to 200 million-300 million in developed countries.

Quick new screening exam could save thousands of people from bowel cancer Posted: 29 Apr 2010 02:00 PM PDT A five-minute screening test could cut the risk of developing bowel cancer by a third and save thousands of lives from what is the UK's second biggest cancer killer, according to new research.

Nano-infused filters prove effective Posted: 29 Apr 2010 02:00 PM PDT Researchers have found a way to make carbon nanotube membranes that could find wide application as extra-fine air filters and as scaffolds for catalysts that speed chemical reactions.

Animals' 'right to privacy' denied by wildlife documentary makers, academic argues Posted: 29 Apr 2010 02:00 PM PDT Animals' 'right to privacy' is being denied by makers of television wildlife documentaries, an academic in the UK argues.

Deliver drugs within the body with precision with the help of liposomes? Posted: 29 Apr 2010 11:00 AM PDT Scientists have defined the workings of a new technique for making liquid-filled vesicles called liposomes, "fat bubbles" that may one day be used to precisely deliver drugs within the body. The new insight could help make a microchip-scale liposome manufacturing process practical.

MS study suggests key role of environmental factor in the disease Posted: 29 Apr 2010 11:00 AM PDT Scientists are reporting what they say is compelling evidence that some powerful non-heritable, environmental factor likely plays a key role in the development of multiple sclerosis.

Military develops multi-purpose 'green' decontaminants for terrorist attack sites Posted: 29 Apr 2010 11:00 AM PDT Chemists with the United States military have developed a set of ultra-strength cleaners that could be used in the aftermath of a terrorist attack. The new formulas are tough enough to get rid of nerve gas, mustard gas, radioactive isotopes, and anthrax. But they are also non-toxic, based on ingredients found in foods, cosmetics, and other consumer products.

'Epigenetic' concepts offer new approach to degenerative disease Posted: 29 Apr 2010 11:00 AM PDT In studies on cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders and other degenerative conditions, some scientists are moving away from the "nature-versus-nurture" debate and are finding you're not a creature of either genetics or environment, but both -- with enormous implications for a new approach to health.

Peat moss could be new tool for oil-spill clean-ups Posted: 29 Apr 2010 11:00 AM PDT A small company in eastern Norway has developed a peat moss mixture with unusually good absorbent qualities. The material could be a useful tool for clearing up oil-spills after minor incidents or major catastrophes.

Hormone spray improves male sensitivity, German research finds Posted: 29 Apr 2010 11:00 AM PDT Many women have no doubt been waiting a long time for this: the neuropeptide oytocin enhances male empathy. This substance also increases sensitivity to so-called "social multipliers," such as approving or disapproving looks, according to a new study.

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