ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Invasive kudzu is major factor in surface ozone pollution, study shows
• Scientists identify mechanism T-cells use to block HIV
• Physicists' findings about helium could lead to more accurate temperature
• Low umbilical cord pH at birth linked to death and brain damage
• New 'Tree of Life' established for one of the largest groups of bacteria
• The psychology of food cravings
• Newborn infants learn while asleep; Study may lead to later disability tests
• Eating processed meats, but not unprocessed red meats, may raise risk of heart disease and diabetes, study finds
• Warmest April Global Temperature on Record, NOAA says
• New species of human malaria recognized
• Cochlear implants slightly less beneficial in older patients
• Caffeine may slow Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, restore cognitive function, according to new evidence
• Urinary tract infections becoming harder to treat, researchers find
• Cassini Double Play: Enceladus and Titan
• Toothpaste with triclosan/copolymer kills harmful germs, study finds
• When plants attract bugs, it may be their own fault
• Focusing on appearance may reduce tanning in young women
• Newly discovered: the 'Pinocchio' of frogs, a gargoyle-faced gecko, and the world's smallest wallaby
• High-fat ketogenic diet effectively treats persistent childhood seizures, study finds
• Catalog details 1.25 million species of organisms across the world
• Sensor gives valuable data for neurological diseases and treatments
• Kids understand the relationship between humans and other animals
• Did the end of smallpox vaccination cause the explosive spread of HIV?
• Falling in old age linked to altered blood flow in brain
• Nomadic people's good health baffle scientists
• Bypass surgery compared to angioplasty
• Electric drive concepts for the cars of the future
• Gene that ties stress to obesity and diabetes discovered
• Pesticide exposure may contribute to ADHD, study finds
• Women clear winners with heart failure device, study finds
• New advances in science of the ultra-small promise big benefits for cancer patients
• Metabolic vulnerability in tuberculosis and potential drug target discovered
• New freehand ultrasound system improves work flow and reduces scan time
• Ethics experts call for refocus of scientific review to ensure integrity of research process
• Fish facing reflections become feisty but fearful
• Combination therapy targets stubborn leukemia stem cells
• Plumage-color traits more extreme over time
• Advanced radiation techniques reduce side effects in head and neck cancer treatment
• Chemist stitches up speedier chemical reactions: New details about the Piers catalyst to help chemical industry improve products
• Quality of child care linked to academic achievement: Behaviors persist into adolescence
• Geologists show unprecedented warming in Africa's Lake Tanganyika; Valuable fish stocks at risk
• Immune system transplanted to cure rare disease
• Resilience factor low in depression, protects mice from stress
• Lung disease may be genetic, despite lack of family history
• Scientists home in on lithium battery safety flaws
• Charting the development of human populations in the north and south of the Mediterranean region

Invasive kudzu is major factor in surface ozone pollution, study shows Posted: 18 May 2010 11:00 AM PDT Kudzu, an invasive vine that is spreading across the southeastern United States and northward, is a major contributor to large-scale increases of the pollutant surface ozone, according to a new study.

Scientists identify mechanism T-cells use to block HIV Posted: 18 May 2010 11:00 AM PDT Scientists have found a new role for a host protein that provides further insight into how CD8+ T-cells work to control HIV and other infections. Study authors say the finding may yield new strategies for prevention or treatment.

Physicists' findings about helium could lead to more accurate temperature Posted: 18 May 2010 11:00 AM PDT Most of us know helium as a gas for filling party balloons or for making your voice temporarily sound like a cartoon character's. Now researchers report new findings about helium that may lead to more accurate standards for how temperature and pressure are measured.

Low umbilical cord pH at birth linked to death and brain damage Posted: 18 May 2010 11:00 AM PDT Low umbilical cord blood pH at birth is strongly associated with serious outcomes such as infant death, brain damage and the development of cerebral palsy in childhood, concludes a new study.

New 'Tree of Life' established for one of the largest groups of bacteria Posted: 18 May 2010 11:00 AM PDT A new "tree of life" has been constructed by researchers for the gamma-proteobacteria, a large group of medically and scientifically important bacteria. By building powerful phylogenetic trees, scientists are able to quickly identify similarities and differences between the make-up of many different organisms, crucial information in the search for treatments to fight anything from the bugs that cause food poisoning to the pathogens that cause life-threatening diseases.

The psychology of food cravings Posted: 18 May 2010 11:00 AM PDT Why do we get intense desires to eat certain foods? Food cravings are a common experience and recent studies have been examining the psychology underlying food cravings and how they may be controlled.

Newborn infants learn while asleep; Study may lead to later disability tests Posted: 18 May 2010 08:00 AM PDT Sleeping newborns are better learners than thought, according to new research. The study could lead to identifying those at risk for developmental disorders such as autism and dyslexia.

Eating processed meats, but not unprocessed red meats, may raise risk of heart disease and diabetes, study finds Posted: 18 May 2010 08:00 AM PDT In a new study, researchers have found that eating processed meat, such as bacon, sausage or processed deli meats, was associated with a 42 percent higher risk of heart disease and a 19 percent higher risk of type 2 diabetes.

Warmest April Global Temperature on Record, NOAA says Posted: 18 May 2010 08:00 AM PDT The combined global land and ocean surface temperature was the warmest on record for both April and for the period from January-April, according to NOAA. Additionally, last month's average ocean surface temperature was the warmest on record for any April, and the global land surface temperature was the third warmest on record.

New species of human malaria recognized Posted: 18 May 2010 08:00 AM PDT Scientists investigating ovale malaria, a form of the disease thought to be caused by a single species of parasite, have confirmed that the parasite is actually two similar but distinct species which do not reproduce with each other.

Cochlear implants slightly less beneficial in older patients Posted: 18 May 2010 08:00 AM PDT Older adults appear to benefit significantly from cochlear implants, but not as much as younger patients who had similar levels of hearing impairment before surgery, according to a new study.

Caffeine may slow Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, restore cognitive function, according to new evidence Posted: 18 May 2010 05:00 AM PDT Although caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive drug worldwide, its potential beneficial effect for maintenance of proper brain functioning has only recently begun to be adequately appreciated. Substantial evidence from epidemiological studies and fundamental research in animal models suggests that caffeine may be protective against the cognitive decline seen in dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Urinary tract infections becoming harder to treat, researchers find Posted: 18 May 2010 05:00 AM PDT Genes that make bacteria resistant to antibiotics can be transferred between humans and other animals, say researchers. The findings will help health experts to assess how using antibiotics in food-producing animals can affect the treatment of common human infections.

Cassini Double Play: Enceladus and Titan Posted: 18 May 2010 05:00 AM PDT About a month and a half after its last double flyby, NASA's Cassini spacecraft will be turning another double play this week, visiting the geyser moon Enceladus and the hazy moon Titan. The alignment of the moons means that Cassini can catch glimpses of these two contrasting worlds within less than 48 hours, with no maneuver in between.

Toothpaste with triclosan/copolymer kills harmful germs, study finds Posted: 18 May 2010 05:00 AM PDT Toothpaste that contains triclosan/copolymer is better than regular fluoride toothpastes at killing the kinds of bacteria that live in people's mouths, according to a new study.

When plants attract bugs, it may be their own fault Posted: 18 May 2010 05:00 AM PDT In new research in greenhouses on two types of impatiens plants, Cajun Carmine had significantly less damage from western flower thrips than Dazzler White and demonstrated that impatiens emit volatiles that attract the thrips.

Focusing on appearance may reduce tanning in young women Posted: 18 May 2010 05:00 AM PDT Focusing on the negative effects indoor tanning can have on appearance appears to reduce indoor tanning behavior, even among young women who report that they tan to relax or alleviate seasonal mood disorders, according to a new report.

Newly discovered: the 'Pinocchio' of frogs, a gargoyle-faced gecko, and the world's smallest wallaby Posted: 18 May 2010 02:00 AM PDT A scientific expedition to a pristine wilderness once dubbed "The Lost World" by Western media has revealed a stunning diversity of spectacular species, many of which are believed to be new to science. The array of new species -- which include several new mammals, a reptile, an amphibian, no fewer than twelve insects, and the remarkable discovery of a new bird -- was found by a collaborative team of international and Indonesian scientists.

High-fat ketogenic diet effectively treats persistent childhood seizures, study finds Posted: 18 May 2010 02:00 AM PDT The high-fat ketogenic diet can dramatically reduce or completely eliminate debilitating seizures in most children with infantile spasms, whose seizures persist despite medication, according to a new study.

Catalog details 1.25 million species of organisms across the world Posted: 18 May 2010 02:00 AM PDT A catalog detailing 1.25 million species of organisms across the world is releasing a special edition to mark the International Year of Biodiversity.

Sensor gives valuable data for neurological diseases and treatments Posted: 18 May 2010 02:00 AM PDT A new biosensor can measure whether neurons are performing correctly when communicating with each other, giving researchers a tool to test the effectiveness of new epilepsy or seizure treatments.

Kids understand the relationship between humans and other animals Posted: 18 May 2010 02:00 AM PDT Parents, educators and developmental psychologists have long been interested in how children understand the relationship between human and non-human animals. The consensus was that as children begin reasoning about the biological world, they adopt only one vantage point, favoring humans over non-human animals when it comes to learning about properties of animals. Researchers challenge this long-held assumption in a new study, examining the reasoning patterns of children as young as three years old.

Did the end of smallpox vaccination cause the explosive spread of HIV? Posted: 17 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT Vaccinia immunization, as given to prevent the spread of smallpox, produces a five-fold reduction in HIV replication in the laboratory. Researchers suggest that the end of smallpox vaccination in the mid-20th century may have caused a loss of protection that contributed to the rapid contemporary spread of HIV.

Falling in old age linked to altered blood flow in brain Posted: 17 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT A new study shows that altered blood flow in the brain due to high blood pressure and other conditions may lead to falls in elderly people. Each year, unintentional falls in the United States account for more than 16,000 deaths and 1.8 million emergency room visits.

Nomadic people's good health baffle scientists Posted: 17 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT The human body is a true miracle. Nadja Knoll recently found new proof of that statement in the nomadic Maasai people of Kenya in Eastern Africa. The German nutritionist analyzed the diet of a nomadic tribe in the Kajiado District. The surprising results of the field study show that the Maasai are in a good health status in spite of a limited diet.

Bypass surgery compared to angioplasty Posted: 17 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT A new study compares the safety and efficacy of heart bypass surgery to angioplasty with drug-eluting stents in patients with left main coronary artery disease, a diagnosis affecting thousands of individuals. Drug-eluting stents are treated with a medication that helps keep the artery from reclosing.

Electric drive concepts for the cars of the future Posted: 17 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT The prospects look good that wheel hub motors will successfully become the accepted drive concept for electric vehicles. Researchers are now engineering these motors, which are integrated into the car's wheels.

Gene that ties stress to obesity and diabetes discovered Posted: 17 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT Scientists have identified a gene that links mental stress to such metabolic diseases as obesity, diabetes and arteriosclerosis.

Pesticide exposure may contribute to ADHD, study finds Posted: 17 May 2010 08:00 PM PDT A team of scientists has discovered that exposure to organophosphate pesticides is associated with increased risk of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children.

Women clear winners with heart failure device, study finds Posted: 17 May 2010 08:00 PM PDT For women with mild heart failure, device therapy is an extremely attractive option to prevent progression of the disease. A new study found that women with mild heart disease who had a cardiac resynchronization device combined with a defibrillator (CRT-D) implanted had a 70 percent reduction in heart failure alone and a 72 percent reduction in death from any cause. This is the first study in which a heart failure therapy has proven more effective in women than in men.

New advances in science of the ultra-small promise big benefits for cancer patients Posted: 17 May 2010 08:00 PM PDT A $145-million U.S. Federal Government effort to harness the power of nanotechnology to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer is producing innovations that will radically improve care for the disease. That's the conclusion of an update on the status of the program, called the National Cancer Institute Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer.

Metabolic vulnerability in tuberculosis and potential drug target discovered Posted: 17 May 2010 08:00 PM PDT The cause of tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), a slow-growing aerobic bacterium that divides every 16 to 20 hours. Scientists know that carbon metabolism plays a significant role in the ability of Mtb to replicate and persist in the body and that fatty acids are the major source of carbon and energy during infection. However, the specific enzymes required for the metabolism of fatty acids have not been completely defined. New research sheds light on a previously unrecognized aspect of fatty acid metabolism that could potentially lead to new targets for drug therapy.

New freehand ultrasound system improves work flow and reduces scan time Posted: 17 May 2010 08:00 PM PDT Researchers have developed an automated 3-D mapping and labeling system that reduces scan time and improves the work flow, efficiency, and accuracy of routine freehand ultrasound exams, according to a new study.

Ethics experts call for refocus of scientific review to ensure integrity of research process Posted: 17 May 2010 08:00 PM PDT In a paper published this week in the journal Science, experts caution that important ethical issues in the testing of new therapies like stem cells may not be receiving the attention they deserve. The authors examine the way scientists, physicians, and regulators evaluate risk and benefit when testing new drugs in human beings for the first time.

Fish facing reflections become feisty but fearful Posted: 17 May 2010 05:00 PM PDT Fish faced with their reflection in a mirror get aggressive, but also show an unexpected element of fear, which they don't show when fighting a real foe. The discovery raises the possibility that other lower invertebrates such as frogs, lizards and birds may also be able detect nuances more subtle than they've been given credit for.

Combination therapy targets stubborn leukemia stem cells Posted: 17 May 2010 05:00 PM PDT New research discovers a combination of drugs that may prove to be a more effective treatment for a lethal form of leukemia. The study reports that the new therapeutic strategy effectively targets notoriously intractable leukemia stem cells that often escape standard treatment and are a main factor in disease relapse.

Plumage-color traits more extreme over time Posted: 17 May 2010 05:00 PM PDT Ever since Darwin, researchers have tried to explain the enormous diversity of plumage color traits in birds. Now researchers are adding something new to this particular field of research, which is so rich in tradition, by demonstrating how a bird can become red instead of yellow.

Advanced radiation techniques reduce side effects in head and neck cancer treatment Posted: 17 May 2010 05:00 PM PDT Researchers have applied advanced radiation techniques for head and neck cancer to avoid treating critical structures that affect swallowing and eating. A new study shows these principles and techniques treated the cancer effectively while greatly reducing long-term swallowing complications.

Chemist stitches up speedier chemical reactions: New details about the Piers catalyst to help chemical industry improve products Posted: 17 May 2010 05:00 PM PDT Some people have streets named after them. Warren Piers, a chemistry professor at the University of Calgary, has a catalyst penned after him. And in a new paper, Piers reveals the inner workings of the Piers catalyst at a molecular level of detail not previously available.

Quality of child care linked to academic achievement: Behaviors persist into adolescence Posted: 17 May 2010 05:00 PM PDT Teens who were in high-quality child care settings as young children scored slightly higher on measures of academic and cognitive achievement and were slightly less likely to report acting-out behaviors than peers who were in lower-quality child care arrangements during their early years, according to the latest analysis of a long-running study.

Geologists show unprecedented warming in Africa's Lake Tanganyika; Valuable fish stocks at risk Posted: 17 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT Geologists have documented that Lake Tanganyika in east Africa has experienced unprecedented warming in the last century. Using core samples obtained from the lake bed, the team determined the lake is currently the warmest it has been in the last 1,500 years. The warming likely is affecting the valuable fish stocks upon which millions of people depend.

Immune system transplanted to cure rare disease Posted: 17 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT Researchers have identified a previously undiagnosed condition and successfully treated it by performing an experimental stem cell transplant.

Resilience factor low in depression, protects mice from stress Posted: 17 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT Scientists have discovered a mechanism that helps to explain resilience to stress, vulnerability to depression and how antidepressants work. The new findings, in the reward circuit of mouse and human brains, have spurred a high tech dragnet for compounds that boost the action of a key gene regulator there, called deltaFosB. Triggering deltaFosB, which is depleted in post-mortem brains of depressed patients, protected mice from developing a depression-like syndrome following chronic social stress.

Lung disease may be genetic, despite lack of family history Posted: 17 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT Patients who encounter serious lung diseases in middle age, despite an absence of family history or other predisposing factors, may still have their genes to blame, according to a new study.

Scientists home in on lithium battery safety flaws Posted: 17 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT Scientists have developed a simple, accurate way of "seeing" chemistry in action inside a lithium-ion battery.

Charting the development of human populations in the north and south of the Mediterranean region Posted: 17 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT The Mediterranean is the birthplace of ancient peoples and cultures, but has it acted as a bridge or a barrier in the genetic history of northern and southern populations? Gene flow and population structure on the north and south shores of the Mediterranean form the basis of new research.

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