ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Fly the eco-friendly skies: Airplanes that would use 70 percent less fuel than current models
• Between the genes: Making sense of genomic 'dark matter'
• Asteroid caught marching across Tadpole Nebula
• Surprising infection inducing mechanism found in bacteria
• NASA, Google data show North Korea logging in protected area
• 'Experienced' female lizards attract greater attention from male lizards
• Dopamine system in highly creative people similar to that seen in schizophrenics, study finds
• Preserving memory with age: Two methods of extending life span have very different effects
• Long-lasting sensory loss in World Trade Center workers from airborne toxins after 9/11 attacks
• Challenging the use of routine repeated chest X-rays in certain patients
• NOAA extends fishing closed area to portion of loop current as precaution in wake of Gulf of Mexico oil spill
• Significant number of fathers experience prenatal, postpartum depression, study finds
• Hammerhead shark study shows cascade of evolution affected size, head shape
• New study characterizes cognitive and anatomic differences in Alzheimer's disease gene carriers
• Using a pest's chemical signals to control it
• Regular use of aspirin increases risk of Crohn's disease by 5 times, study finds
• Control of cell movement with light accomplished in living organisms
• Behavior therapy effective in reducing tics in children with Tourette syndrome, study finds
• Birds and mammals share a common brain circuit for learning
• Sleep apnea may increase insulin resistance
• Scientists reveal secret of nanoparticle crystallization in real time
• Some patients with hepatitis B faring better after liver transplant
• Software tool helps tap into the power of graphics processing
• Asking 'why' instead of 'how' helps consumers achieve goals of saving money or losing weight
• Volume and depth of the world's oceans calculated
• Stem cells restore tissue affected by acute lung injury
• Three new monitor lizards from the Philippines identified
• Varicose vein study shows radiofrequency ablation causes less post-operative pain
• Between shoot and root, researcher unlocks new tool for biofuel industry
• I like it, but I don't know why: How does conditioning affect consumer choice?
• Demoting a dinosaur: New fossil material redefines Azendohsaurus as a peculiar early reptile
• Heavy exercise may produce asthma-like symptoms even in healthy children, study finds
• Egyptian blue found in Romanesque altarpiece
• Push to understand basis of childhood brain tumors leads to a new treatment target
• 'Happy ending' gives recyclable products higher status
• Majority of young victims of unintentional shootings shot by another youth, study finds
• Whole Earth Telescope watching 'dancing' stars
• Hearing loss may be associated with use of erectile dysfunction drug Viagra, study finds
• Spicing the meat also cuts the cancer risk, research suggests
• Electrical muscle stimulation can prevent limb and respiratory muscle weakness in ICU patients, study finds
• New nanoscale electrical phenomenon discovered
• Have we met? Research finds 'missing social knowledge'
• Greenland rapidly rising as ice melt continues
• Gene fusions may be the 'smoking gun' in prostate cancer development
• Cholesterol crystals incite inflammation in coronary arteries, research finds
• Nerves under control: Potential treatment for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
• Climate change played major role in mass extinction of mammals 50,000 years ago, study finds
• Good results of bad habits? Research explains paradox

Fly the eco-friendly skies: Airplanes that would use 70 percent less fuel than current models Posted: 19 May 2010 11:00 AM PDT In what could set the stage for a fundamental shift in commercial aviation, a team of researchers has designed a green airplane that is estimated to use 70 percent less fuel than current planes while also reducing noise and emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Between the genes: Making sense of genomic 'dark matter' Posted: 19 May 2010 11:00 AM PDT Scientists have uncovered some of the secrets behind what molecular biologists call "dark matter" transcripts. The term "dark matter" refers to the genomic output that does not originate from known genes, arising instead from regions that were once thought of as nothing more than "junk DNA." When genetic signals, namely RNA transcripts, were discovered coming from these areas, many believed there was a whole new mystery to solve, and that much more was going on than originally expected.

Asteroid caught marching across Tadpole Nebula Posted: 19 May 2010 11:00 AM PDT A new infrared image from NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, showcases the Tadpole nebula, a star-forming hub in the Auriga constellation about 12,000 light-years from Earth. As WISE scanned the sky, it happened to catch an asteroid in our solar system passing by.

Surprising infection inducing mechanism found in bacteria Posted: 19 May 2010 11:00 AM PDT A new study demonstrates that bacteria have a surprising mechanism to transfer virulent genes causing infections. The researchers describe an unprecedented evolutionary adaptation and could contribute to finding new ways of treating and preventing bacterial infections.

NASA, Google data show North Korea logging in protected area Posted: 19 May 2010 11:00 AM PDT Using NASA satellite data and Google Earth, a Purdue University researcher has reported finding evidence that North Korea has been logging in what is designated as a protected United Nations forest preserve.

'Experienced' female lizards attract greater attention from male lizards Posted: 19 May 2010 11:00 AM PDT Female sagebrush lizards with greater courtship experience are more likely to be courted by their male counterparts, according to a recent study.

Dopamine system in highly creative people similar to that seen in schizophrenics, study finds Posted: 19 May 2010 08:00 AM PDT New research shows a possible explanation for the link between mental health and creativity. By studying receptors in the brain, researchers in Sweden have managed to show that the dopamine system in healthy, highly creative people is similar in some respects to that seen in people with schizophrenia.

Preserving memory with age: Two methods of extending life span have very different effects Posted: 19 May 2010 08:00 AM PDT If you lived longer, would you still remember everything? It depends. Two methods of extending life span have very different effects on memory performance and decline with age, researchers show in a new study.

Long-lasting sensory loss in World Trade Center workers from airborne toxins after 9/11 attacks Posted: 19 May 2010 08:00 AM PDT Workers exposed to the complex mixture of toxic airborne chemicals following the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City had a decreased ability to detect odors and irritants two years after the exposure, new research shows.

Challenging the use of routine repeated chest X-rays in certain patients Posted: 19 May 2010 08:00 AM PDT A high school student presents findings on the medical necessity and cost effectiveness of repeated chest X-rays in children who are dependent on home mechanical ventilation.

NOAA extends fishing closed area to portion of loop current as precaution in wake of Gulf of Mexico oil spill Posted: 19 May 2010 08:00 AM PDT NOAA has extended the boundaries of the closed fishing area in the Gulf of Mexico into the northern portion of the loop current as a precautionary measure to ensure that seafood from the Gulf will remain safe for consumers. Though the latest analysis shows that the bulk of the oil remains dozens of miles from the loop current, the new boundaries address the possibility that a tendril of light oil has entered or will enter the loop current.

Significant number of fathers experience prenatal, postpartum depression, study finds Posted: 19 May 2010 08:00 AM PDT About 10 percent of fathers experience prenatal or postpartum depression, with rates being highest in the 3 to 6 month postpartum period, according to an analysis of previous research.

Hammerhead shark study shows cascade of evolution affected size, head shape Posted: 19 May 2010 05:00 AM PDT The ancestor of all hammerhead sharks probably in Earth's oceans about 20 million years ago and was as big as some contemporary hammerheads, according to a new study.

New study characterizes cognitive and anatomic differences in Alzheimer's disease gene carriers Posted: 19 May 2010 05:00 AM PDT In the most comprehensive study to date, neurologists have clearly identified significant differences in the ways that Alzheimer's disease affects patients with and without the apolipoprotein E e4 gene, a known genetic risk factor for the neurodegenerative disease, using a combination of cognitive and neuroanatomic measures. The study found that this gene influences the way the disease manifests, even at its mildest clinical stages.

Using a pest's chemical signals to control it Posted: 19 May 2010 05:00 AM PDT Agricultural scientists are tapping into the biochemistry of one of the world's most damaging insect pests to develop a biocontrol agent that may keep the pest away from gardens and farms.

Regular use of aspirin increases risk of Crohn's disease by 5 times, study finds Posted: 19 May 2010 05:00 AM PDT People who take aspirin regularly for a year or more may be at an increased risk of developing Crohn's disease, according to a new study.

Control of cell movement with light accomplished in living organisms Posted: 19 May 2010 05:00 AM PDT A new technique uses light to manipulate the activity of a protein at precise times and places within a living cell, providing a new tool for scientists who study the fundamentals of protein function.

Behavior therapy effective in reducing tics in children with Tourette syndrome, study finds Posted: 19 May 2010 05:00 AM PDT A multisite study has developed an effective, non-medication treatment for children and adolescents with Tourette syndrome and related tic disorders that shows improvement similar to that found in recent anti-tic medication studies.

Birds and mammals share a common brain circuit for learning Posted: 19 May 2010 02:00 AM PDT Bird song learning is a model system for studying the general principles of learning, but attempts to draw parallels between learning in birds and mammals have been difficult because of anatomical brain differences between the two species. A new study helps solve this problem, by identifying specific classes of neurons within the brains of songbirds and matching them to their mammalian counterparts.

Sleep apnea may increase insulin resistance Posted: 19 May 2010 02:00 AM PDT Sleep apnea may cause metabolic changes that increase insulin resistance, according to researchers. The intermittent hypoxia associated with sleep apnea causes a distinct drop in insulin sensitivity in mice, even though chronic hypoxia, such as that associated with high altitude, did not.

Scientists reveal secret of nanoparticle crystallization in real time Posted: 19 May 2010 02:00 AM PDT A collaboration between the Advanced Photon Source and Center for Nanoscale Materials at U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory has enabled researchers to "see" the crystallization of nanoparticles in unprecedented detail.

Some patients with hepatitis B faring better after liver transplant Posted: 19 May 2010 02:00 AM PDT Treatment to reduce recurrence of hepatitis B appears to improve liver transplant outcomes for some patients, according to a new study.

Software tool helps tap into the power of graphics processing Posted: 19 May 2010 02:00 AM PDT Today's computers rely on powerful graphics processing units (GPUs) to create the spectacular graphics in video games. In fact, these GPUs are now more powerful than the traditional central processing units. As a result, computer developers are trying to tap into the power of these GPUs. Researchers have now developed software that make it easier for traditional software programs to take advantage of the powerful GPUs, increasing complex computing brainpower.

Asking 'why' instead of 'how' helps consumers achieve goals of saving money or losing weight Posted: 19 May 2010 02:00 AM PDT People who become focused on how to achieve a goal may have a harder time achieving their aims than people who think abstractly about why they want to do something, according to a new study.

Volume and depth of the world's oceans calculated Posted: 18 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT How high is the sky? Scientists have a pretty good handle on that one, what with their knowledge of the troposphere, stratosphere an the other "o-spheres." Now, thanks to new work, they are closing in on the other half of that age-old query: How deep is the ocean? The researchers report that the world's total ocean volume is less than the most recent estimates by a volume equivalent to about five times the Gulf of Mexico, or 500 times the Great Lakes. While that might seem a lot at first glance, it is only about 0.3% lower than the estimates of 30 years ago.

Stem cells restore tissue affected by acute lung injury Posted: 18 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT Human stem cells administered intravenously can restore alveolar epithelial tissue to a normal function in a novel ex vivo perfused human lung after E. coli endotoxin-induced acute lung injury (ALI), according to new research.

Three new monitor lizards from the Philippines identified Posted: 18 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT Scientists in Germany have described two new monitor lizard species (Varanus spp.) and one new subspecies from the Philippines. Their comprehensive study of the Philippine water monitors revealed that despite the recently discovered new and fruit-eating monitor species from the main island of Luzon by an American-Philippine research team, the real diversity of these giant lizards in the archipelago has not yet been understood.

Varicose vein study shows radiofrequency ablation causes less post-operative pain Posted: 18 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT Patients who received radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins reported less post-procedural pain than those treated with endovenous laser ablation. However, both groups reported the same clinical and quality of life improvements at six weeks.

Between shoot and root, researcher unlocks new tool for biofuel industry Posted: 18 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT A new study has found that the protein ICR1 controls the way auxin moves throughout a plant affecting its development. When this protein is genetically engineered into valuable biofuel crops such as corn, sugarcane or experimentals like switchgrass, farmers can expect to get a far larger yield than what they harvest today, research suggests.

I like it, but I don't know why: How does conditioning affect consumer choice? Posted: 18 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT Even when they are exposed to conflicting information about products, consumers are greatly affected by images attached to brands, according to a new study.

Demoting a dinosaur: New fossil material redefines Azendohsaurus as a peculiar early reptile Posted: 18 May 2010 08:00 PM PDT Once thought to be a dinosaur, Azendohsaurus is now considered a very early and unusual plant-eating reptile. New fossil material suggests that this species, first described more than a decade ago, is not a dinosaur.

Heavy exercise may produce asthma-like symptoms even in healthy children, study finds Posted: 18 May 2010 08:00 PM PDT Children who undergo brief periods of intense exercise may exhibit lung dysfunction or other symptoms similar to those experienced by asthma patients, even when no history of asthma exists, according to a new study.

Egyptian blue found in Romanesque altarpiece Posted: 18 May 2010 08:00 PM PDT Archeologists have discovered remains of Egyptian blue in a Romanesque altarpiece in the church of Sant Pere de Terrassa. This blue pigment was used from the days of ancient Egypt until the end of the Roman Empire, but was not made after this time. So how could it turn up in a 12th-century church?

Push to understand basis of childhood brain tumors leads to a new treatment target Posted: 18 May 2010 08:00 PM PDT The most comprehensive analysis yet of the genetic imbalances at the heart of childhood brain tumors known as high-grade gliomas identified a cancer gene that is unusually active in some tumors and is now the focus of a clinical trial.

'Happy ending' gives recyclable products higher status Posted: 18 May 2010 08:00 PM PDT An industrial design researcher surveyed people's emotional attachment to various materials and found they valued those that could be recycled, reused or "relifed" over those that ended up in landfill. She suggests products should be make with materials appropriate to their lifespan.

Majority of young victims of unintentional shootings shot by another youth, study finds Posted: 18 May 2010 08:00 PM PDT Over three-quarters of youths under age 15 who die in firearm accidents are shot by another person, usually another youth, according to new research.

Whole Earth Telescope watching 'dancing' stars Posted: 18 May 2010 05:00 PM PDT After billions of years of twinkling and shining, some stars in the heavens appear to "dance" as they wind down. Maybe not like Elvis or Michael Jackson, but they definitely have a rhythmic beat, and some may even spin like a top.

Hearing loss may be associated with use of erectile dysfunction drug Viagra, study finds Posted: 18 May 2010 05:00 PM PDT New findings indicate a potential for long-term hearing loss following use of Viagra, and possibly following use of other phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors drugs such as Cialis and Levitra, although results on those drugs are inconclusive.

Spicing the meat also cuts the cancer risk, research suggests Posted: 18 May 2010 05:00 PM PDT Spices will do more than just enhance the taste of ground beef. They may also cut down on the risk of compounds that can cause cancer, according to new research.

Electrical muscle stimulation can prevent limb and respiratory muscle weakness in ICU patients, study finds Posted: 18 May 2010 05:00 PM PDT Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) can prevent critical illness polyneuromyopathy (CIPNM), according to Greek researchers. CIPNM is an acquired limb and respiratory muscle weakness that is a common and serious problem among intensive care unit patients, and can result in prolonged ICU and hospital stay. EMS can also shorten the duration of weaning from mechanical ventilation and the length of ICU stay.

New nanoscale electrical phenomenon discovered Posted: 18 May 2010 05:00 PM PDT At the scale of the very small, physics can get peculiar. A biomedical engineering professor has discovered a new instance of such a nanoscale phenomenon -- one that could lead to faster, less expensive portable diagnostic devices and push back frontiers in building micro-mechanical and "lab-on-a-chip" devices.

Have we met? Research finds 'missing social knowledge' Posted: 18 May 2010 05:00 PM PDT The face looks familiar but... Just as humans don't always know their neighbors, new research shows even the most social of animals don't always recognize individuals they regularly encounter, the first known evidence of "missing social knowledge" in non-human primates.

Greenland rapidly rising as ice melt continues Posted: 18 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT Scientists say Greenland's ice is melting so quickly that the land underneath is rising at an accelerated pace. The idea behind the study is that if Greenland is losing its ice cover, the resulting loss of weight causes the rocky surface beneath to rise.

Gene fusions may be the 'smoking gun' in prostate cancer development Posted: 18 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT Prostate cancer treatments that target the hormone androgen and its receptor may be going after the wrong source, according to a new study. It suggests that the gene fusion -- not the androgen receptor -- is the real smoking gun that should be targeted by treatments.

Cholesterol crystals incite inflammation in coronary arteries, research finds Posted: 18 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT Cholesterol crystals, known to be a catalyst for heart attacks and strokes, also cause cells to send out danger signals that can lead to the inflammation and hardening of arteries, according to new research. The discovery provides new insights into how arteries harden and gives hope for new and early treatments.

Nerves under control: Potential treatment for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease Posted: 18 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT The proper transmission of nerve signals along body nerves requires an insulation layer, named myelin sheath. To be efficient this sheath is designed to have a certain thickness and researchers have now discovered that proteins Dlg1 and PTEN interact to control the myelin sheath thickness. Their discovery improves our understanding of Charcot-Marie-Tooth neurodegenerative diseases and open a new avenue in the potential treatment of these incurable and debilitating diseases.

Climate change played major role in mass extinction of mammals 50,000 years ago, study finds Posted: 18 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT Scientists have discovered that climate change played a major role in causing mass extinction of mammals in the late quaternary era, 50,000 years ago. Their study takes a new approach to this hotly debated topic by using global data modeling to build continental 'climate footprints.'

Good results of bad habits? Research explains paradox Posted: 18 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT When people are under chronic stress, they tend to smoke, drink, use drugs and overeat to help cope with stress. These behaviors trigger a biological cascade that helps prevent depression, but they also contribute to a host of physical problems that eventually contribute to early death.

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