ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Artificial antibodies hold biomedical promise
• New steps toward a universal flu vaccine
• Commonly used atrazine herbicide adversely affects fish reproduction
• Sari cloth a simple sustainable protector from cholera
• Are invasive species bad? Not always, say researchers
• Severity of binge eating disorder linked to childhood sexual or emotional abuse, researchers find
• Artificial butterfly in flight and filmed
• Genetic link to infectious disease susceptibility revealed
• Body's own molecular protection against arthritis discovered
• Popular autism diet does not demonstrate behavioral improvement
• Stripes offer clues to superconductivity
• Shyness negatively affects marital quality
• Possible new class of supernovae puts calcium in your bones
• Muscle loss in elderly linked to blood vessels' failure to dilate
• Scientists use biomedical technique to image marine worm
• Multivitamins can add sparkle for healthy young people
• Nuclear magnetic resonance aids in drug design
• Preschool depression: The importance of early detection of depression in young children
• Wild birds opt for conventional food over organic, study shows
• Progress in exploring new avenues for brain repair: Astroglia reprogrammed to generate synapse-forming neurons
• A fat cell grows up: Stages from early to mature cell offer clues for anti-obesity drug development
• Drug in new class of targeted therapies shows early promise against blood-related cancers
• Costs and benefits of testosterone in birds
• Parent involvement continues to be important in elementary years
• Nanotech discovery could lead to breakthrough in infrared satellite imaging technology
• Parallel brainstem circuit discovery suggests new path in Parkinson's research
• Scientists offer new take on selective fishing
• Post-transplant drug may also help patients with common genetic kidney disease
• Growers can boost benefits of broccoli and tomatoes
• Poor children more vulnerable to effects of poor sleep
• Stem cells from adipose tissue turned into cardiac myocytes: Achievement paves way for future heart disease therapies
• Smallest waterlily in the world brought back from the brink of extinction at Kew Gardens
• Oncolytic viruses mediating anti-tumor immunity in human cancer patients
• Leading scientists call for more effort in tackling rising ocean acidity
• Medicalizing human conditions: A growth industry -- but what does it cost?
• Mysterious ball lightning: Illusion or reality?
• Experts call for urgent action to tackle strong links between impotence and heart disease
• Male antelopes deceive females to increase their chances of mating
• Signaling protein spurs spread of prostate cancer, scientists find
• New method could stop shark oil being used in cosmetics and vaccines
• Suicide risk for seniors moving into residential homes
• Prehistoric fish extinction paved the way for modern vertebrates; Event of unknown origin occurred as first vertebrates tested land
• Altered brain development found in children with newly diagnosed epilepsy
• New technique enables drugs tests via exhaled breath
• High prevalence of depression after traumatic brain injury, study finds
• Strong evidence on climate change underscores need for actions to reduce emissions and begin adapting to impacts, report finds
• Time to rethink causes, possible treatments of mental disorders, experts say

Artificial antibodies hold biomedical promise Posted: 20 May 2010 11:00 AM PDT Researchers have developed a much faster and simpler way of making synthetic antibodies, by carrying out the usual steps in reverse. They have developed a technique for constructing peptide sequences, then linking them together to form a synthetic antibody, or synbody, that can bind with one or more protein molecules contained in the vast repository of human proteins -- the proteome.

New steps toward a universal flu vaccine Posted: 20 May 2010 11:00 AM PDT Researchers have developed a novel influenza vaccine that could represent the next step towards a universal influenza vaccine eliminating the need for seasonal immunizations.

Commonly used atrazine herbicide adversely affects fish reproduction Posted: 20 May 2010 11:00 AM PDT Atrazine, one of the most commonly used herbicides in the world, has been shown to affect reproduction of fish, according to a new study.

Sari cloth a simple sustainable protector from cholera Posted: 20 May 2010 11:00 AM PDT A five-year follow up study in Bangladesh finds that women are literally wearing the answer to better health for themselves, their families and even their neighbors. Using the simple sari to filter household water protects not only the household from cholera, but reduces the incidence of disease in neighboring households that do not filter.

Are invasive species bad? Not always, say researchers Posted: 20 May 2010 11:00 AM PDT New research challenges the notion that invasive species can't coexist with native animals. The researchers studied the Asian shore crab, which has proliferated along the Atlantic shore. They explain why the crab has been successful in its new home without hurting native species.

Severity of binge eating disorder linked to childhood sexual or emotional abuse, researchers find Posted: 20 May 2010 11:00 AM PDT Researchers in Canada have discovered a link between childhood sexual and emotional abuse and binge eating disorder in adulthood.

Artificial butterfly in flight and filmed Posted: 20 May 2010 08:00 AM PDT A group of Japanese researchers have succeeded in building a fully functional replica model -- an ornithopter -- of a swallowtail butterfly, and they have filmed their model butterfly flying.

Genetic link to infectious disease susceptibility revealed Posted: 20 May 2010 08:00 AM PDT Researchers have identified new genetic variants that increase susceptibility to several infectious diseases including tuberculosis and malaria.

Body's own molecular protection against arthritis discovered Posted: 20 May 2010 08:00 AM PDT Scientists have discovered that a natural molecule in the body counters the progression of osteoarthritis. The findings could one day lead to new therapies for some common diseases of aging.

Popular autism diet does not demonstrate behavioral improvement Posted: 20 May 2010 08:00 AM PDT A popular belief that specific dietary changes can improve the symptoms of children with autism was not supported by a tightly controlled study, which found that eliminating gluten and casein from the diets of children with autism had no impact on their behavior, sleep or bowel patterns.

Stripes offer clues to superconductivity Posted: 20 May 2010 08:00 AM PDT Magnetic stripes hint at the origin of superconductivity in ceramics.

Shyness negatively affects marital quality Posted: 20 May 2010 08:00 AM PDT Shyness can influence the quality of an ongoing relationship -- even one as important as marriage -- according to a new study.

Possible new class of supernovae puts calcium in your bones Posted: 20 May 2010 05:00 AM PDT Astronomers have discovered several examples of an unusual type of exploding star that may be a new class of supernovae spewing calcium into the galaxy, which eventually ends up in all of us. Researchers studied one supernova detected in 2005, and concluded that it resulted from the thermonuclear explosion of a helium layer on a low mass white dwarf.

Muscle loss in elderly linked to blood vessels' failure to dilate Posted: 20 May 2010 05:00 AM PDT Researchers have found that muscle loss in the elderly is directly linked to decreased post-meal expansion in blood vessels that supply nutrients to muscles.

Scientists use biomedical technique to image marine worm Posted: 20 May 2010 05:00 AM PDT Scientists have, for the first time, successfully imaged the internal tissues of a soft-bodied marine worm at high resolution using a technique borrowed from biomedical science.

Multivitamins can add sparkle for healthy young people Posted: 20 May 2010 05:00 AM PDT The effects of multivitamins are most often researched in the elderly. This is one of very few studies to assess the relationship between supplementation with vitamins/minerals and psychological functioning in healthy groups of non-elderly adults. This study shows how a proprietary multivitamin and mineral supplement improves mood and mental performance while also reducing stress, mental tiredness and fatigue in healthy males.

Nuclear magnetic resonance aids in drug design Posted: 20 May 2010 05:00 AM PDT A new study is using nuclear magnetic imaging, to move drug design into groundbreaking consideration of the dynamic flexibility of drugs and their targets.

Preschool depression: The importance of early detection of depression in young children Posted: 20 May 2010 05:00 AM PDT It is difficult to imagine a depressed third-grader. It is even more difficult to imagine a depressed preschooler. Although childhood depression is a well-recognized and treated disorder, only recently have research studies begun looking at depression in children younger than six years old. However, due to the potentially long-lasting effect of preschool depression, early identification and intervention become very important.

Wild birds opt for conventional food over organic, study shows Posted: 20 May 2010 02:00 AM PDT The nutritional benefits of organic food have been called into question by new research which shows wild garden birds prefer conventional seed to that which has been organically- grown. A three-year study by Newcastle University has found that wild birds are not swayed by the organic label, but instead prefer the more protein-rich, conventional food that will help them to survive the winter.

Progress in exploring new avenues for brain repair: Astroglia reprogrammed to generate synapse-forming neurons Posted: 20 May 2010 02:00 AM PDT Scientists report a major step forward in discovering a therapy for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or stroke. The researchers were able to convert glial cells of the brain into two different functional classes of neurons.

A fat cell grows up: Stages from early to mature cell offer clues for anti-obesity drug development Posted: 20 May 2010 02:00 AM PDT In a finding with potential drug-development implications, researchers report the discovery of an intermediate state between early-stage fat cells and fully mature ones that is only present transiently during the fat-cell formation process. This intermediate state is induced by hormones related to cortisol, which are known to contribute to obesity and metabolic disturbances in people.

Drug in new class of targeted therapies shows early promise against blood-related cancers Posted: 20 May 2010 02:00 AM PDT A Phase I clinical trial of SNS-032, one of the first in a new class of drugs that inhibit cyclin-dependent kinases, demonstrated the drug's safety and potential clinical action against advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Costs and benefits of testosterone in birds Posted: 20 May 2010 02:00 AM PDT Do nice guys finish last, or will the meek inherit the earth? A new study suggests that, at least for birds, the right answer is somewhere in between.

Parent involvement continues to be important in elementary years Posted: 20 May 2010 02:00 AM PDT Children whose parents were more involved across elementary school had fewer problem behaviors and better social skills, but that children's academics weren't affected. The study followed 1,300 children from 10 US cities from birth to fifth grade.

Nanotech discovery could lead to breakthrough in infrared satellite imaging technology Posted: 19 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT Researchers have developed a new nanotechnology-based "microlens" that uses gold to boost the strength of infrared imaging and could lead to a new generation of ultra-powerful satellite cameras and night-vision devices. By leveraging the unique properties of nanoscale gold to "squeeze" light into tiny holes in the surface of the device, the researchers have doubled the detectivity of a quantum dot-based infrared detector.

Parallel brainstem circuit discovery suggests new path in Parkinson's research Posted: 19 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT Neurobiology researchers report they've identified a nervous system pathway that runs parallel to brainstem locomotion command circuitry in vertebrates. Biologists say the finding may suggest new ways for treating symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Scientists offer new take on selective fishing Posted: 19 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT A new, less selective approach to commercial fishing is needed to ensure the ongoing productivity of marine ecosystems and to maintain biodiversity, according to new research.

Post-transplant drug may also help patients with common genetic kidney disease Posted: 19 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT The immunosuppressive drug sirolimus considerably improves the kidney health of patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), according to a new study. The results suggest that this agent may be a promising treatment option for patients with ADPKD -- the most common genetic kidney disease and a major cause of kidney failure.

Growers can boost benefits of broccoli and tomatoes Posted: 19 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT Agronomic practices can greatly increase the cancer-preventive phytochemicals in broccoli and tomatoes. The highest levels of detoxifying enzymes were found in rats that ate selenium-treated broccoli.

Poor children more vulnerable to effects of poor sleep Posted: 19 May 2010 11:00 PM PDT Researchers studying 140 children in third to fifth grades found that elementary-school-age children from poor families are more vulnerable to the effects of poor sleep than their peers. Researchers gathered information using parents' and children's reports, as well as motion sensors worn by the children at night to examine their sleep.

Stem cells from adipose tissue turned into cardiac myocytes: Achievement paves way for future heart disease therapies Posted: 19 May 2010 08:00 PM PDT Spanish researchers have employed for the first time adult cells extracted from a human heart to turn stem cells from adipose tissue into cardiac myocytes. In other words, they have managed to "reprogram" adult stem cells -- an achievement that promises to improve treatments for heart disease.

Smallest waterlily in the world brought back from the brink of extinction at Kew Gardens Posted: 19 May 2010 08:00 PM PDT The world's smallest waterlily -- a rare species from Rwanda -- has been brought back from the brink of extinction at Kew Gardens; a fitting success story to celebrate International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, 2010.

Oncolytic viruses mediating anti-tumor immunity in human cancer patients Posted: 19 May 2010 08:00 PM PDT Researchers developing new cancer therapeutics based on the next generation oncolytic viruses have published initial results that demonstrate an anti-tumor immunity of oncolytic viruses -- published for the first time in humans -- and indicate the strong efficacy of the next generation viruses against solid tumor cancers.

Leading scientists call for more effort in tackling rising ocean acidity Posted: 19 May 2010 08:00 PM PDT Ten years ago, ocean acidification was a phenomenon only known to small group of ocean scientists. It's now recognized as the hidden partner of climate change, prompting calls for an urgent, substantial reduction in carbon emissions to reduce future impacts. Scientists from the European Science Foundation at European Maritime Day 2010 give a comprehensive view of current research and highlight the need for a integrated effort internationally to research and monitor ocean acidification effects.

Medicalizing human conditions: A growth industry -- but what does it cost? Posted: 19 May 2010 08:00 PM PDT Menopause. Normal pregnancy. Infertility. ADHD. Erectile dysfunction. Over the last several decades, these conditions have come to be defined and treated as medical problems. They've been "medicalized." In the first study of its kind, researchers used national data to estimate the costs of these and a handful of other common conditions on escalating US health care spending.

Mysterious ball lightning: Illusion or reality? Posted: 19 May 2010 05:00 PM PDT Ball lightning is a rare circular light phenomenon occurring during thunderstorms. Scientists have been puzzled by the nature of these apparent fire balls for a long time. Now physicists have calculated that the magnetic field of long lightning strokes may produce the image of luminous shapes, also known as phosphenes, in the brain. This finding may offer an explanation for many ball lightning observations.

Experts call for urgent action to tackle strong links between impotence and heart disease Posted: 19 May 2010 05:00 PM PDT International experts are calling for all men experiencing impotence to undergo thorough medical assessments, after an extensive review showed that a significant proportion of men with erectile dysfunction (ED) exhibit early signs of coronary artery disease. Men with ED will often develop coronary symptoms within two to three years of impotence and actually experience a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack, within three to five years.

Male antelopes deceive females to increase their chances of mating Posted: 19 May 2010 05:00 PM PDT Scientists have discovered that male topi antelopes deceive their female counterparts in order to increase their chances of mating.

Signaling protein spurs spread of prostate cancer, scientists find Posted: 19 May 2010 05:00 PM PDT Researchers have found that Stat5, a signaling protein previously found to be key to survival of prostate cancer, is also involved in metastasis.

New method could stop shark oil being used in cosmetics and vaccines Posted: 19 May 2010 05:00 PM PDT A new method of analyzing squalene and squalane, oils often used in the production of cosmetics and vaccines, can show whether they came originally from the liver oil of deepwater sharks or from olive oil.

Suicide risk for seniors moving into residential homes Posted: 19 May 2010 05:00 PM PDT Whether by choice or necessity, more older adults are now living in residential homes. And while the residences themselves are designed to be appealing, the underlying reasons that precipitate moving into a residential home, as well as the ensuing adjustment process, often result in stress that can sometimes lead to suicidal behavior.

Prehistoric fish extinction paved the way for modern vertebrates; Event of unknown origin occurred as first vertebrates tested land Posted: 19 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT A mass extinction of fish 360 million years ago hit the reset button on Earth's life, setting the stage for modern vertebrate biodiversity, a new study reports. The mass extinction scrambled the species pool near the time at which the first vertebrates crawled from water towards land, scientists report. Those few species that survived the bottleneck were the evolutionary starting point for all vertebrates -- including humans -- that exist today.

Altered brain development found in children with newly diagnosed epilepsy Posted: 19 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT A newly published study reports that children with new/recent onset epilepsy have significantly slowed expansion of white matter volume compared to healthy children over a two year interval. The reduced white matter volume may affect brain connectivity and influence cognition.

New technique enables drugs tests via exhaled breath Posted: 19 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT Researchers in Sweden have developed a new technique that makes drug testing possible through exhaled air for the first time. By examining people who had received emergency care for an amphetamine overdose, the researchers found that in all cases there were traces of amphetamine and metamphetamine in the exhaled breath.

High prevalence of depression after traumatic brain injury, study finds Posted: 19 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT During the year following hospitalization for a traumatic brain injury, a majority of patients experienced major depression, according to a new study.

Strong evidence on climate change underscores need for actions to reduce emissions and begin adapting to impacts, report finds Posted: 19 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT As part of its most comprehensive study of climate change to date, the National Research Council has issued three reports emphasizing why the United States should act now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop a national strategy to adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate change.

Time to rethink causes, possible treatments of mental disorders, experts say Posted: 19 May 2010 02:00 PM PDT It is time to reassess mental disorders, recognizing that these are disorders of brain circuits likely caused by development processes, according to a new commentary.

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