ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• First Electronic Quantum Processor Created
• Nanotechnology Combats Fatal Brain Infections
• 'Bycatch' Whaling A Growing Threat To Coastal Whales
• Eczema Patients Most At Risk For Dangerous Viral Infections
• First Global Map Of Ammonia Emissions Measured From Space Reveals New Hotspots
• Why Do Subordinates In Many Animal Species Accept Social Position Without A Fight?
• Site For Alcohol's Action In The Brain Discovered
• New Trigger For Chronic Inflammation In Rheumatoid Arthritis Discovered
• 'Mixed Reality' Human Helps Medical Students Learn To Do Intimate Exams
• Chain Reaction Of The Immune System Frozen
• Energy-saving Method Checks Refrigerant Level In Air Conditioners
• Language Change Can Be Traced Using Gigantic Text Archives
• Synthetic Biology: Gene Therapy Gets Under The Skin
• Lean Mass Better For Developing Bones In Young People
• Can A Little Extra Weight Protect People From Early Death? Underweight, Extremely Obese Die Earlier Than People Of Normal Weight
• Blood Flow In Alzheimer's Disease
• Fly Larvae Shun The Light
• Intensive In-hospital Support Doubles Likelihood Of Smoking Cessation In Heart Patients
• Nematode Courting Caught On Camera
• Advanced Nerve Cell System Could Help Cure Diabetic Neuropathy, Related Diseases
• Student’s Design Helps Piece Together Parts Of The Alzheimer’s Puzzle
• Inflammation Markers Linked More With Fatal Than Nonfatal Cardiovascular Events In Elderly
• Bringing Boys And Girls To Computer Science With 'Alice'
• Partner Relationship As A Buffer Against Stress
• Complications Early In Pregnancy Or In Previous Pregnancies Adversely Affect Existing Or Subsequent Pregnancies
• Plant Protein 'Doorkeepers' Block Invading Microbes, Study Finds
• International Space Hotel Envisioned
• What Makes A Great Soccer Player?
• Women More Accurate At Hammering A Nail Than Men In Good Light

First Electronic Quantum Processor Created Posted: 29 Jun 2009 08:00 AM PDT Researchers have created the first rudimentary solid-state quantum processor, and used the two-qubit superconducting chip to successfully run elementary algorithms, demonstrating quantum information processing with a solid-state device for the first time.

Nanotechnology Combats Fatal Brain Infections Posted: 29 Jun 2009 08:00 AM PDT Scientists have developed novel peptide nanoparticles that effectively seek out and destroy bacteria and fungal cells that could cause fatal infections.

'Bycatch' Whaling A Growing Threat To Coastal Whales Posted: 29 Jun 2009 08:00 AM PDT Scientists are warning that a new form of unregulated whaling has emerged along the coastlines of Japan and South Korea, where the commercial sale of whales killed as fisheries "bycatch" is threatening coastal stocks of minke whales and other protected species.

Eczema Patients Most At Risk For Dangerous Viral Infections Posted: 29 Jun 2009 08:00 AM PDT Eczema patients at risk for serious viral infections have more severe disease, are more likely to be allergic to food and other allergens, and have a frequent history of staph infections, according to researchers. The findings could help identify people at risk for serious complications of smallpox vaccinations, and point to defects in the skin barrier and antimicrobial-protein production as possible causes for the increased susceptibility.

First Global Map Of Ammonia Emissions Measured From Space Reveals New Hotspots Posted: 29 Jun 2009 08:00 AM PDT The first complete map of global ammonia emissions has recently been achieved using to satellite data. It reveals an underestimation of some of the ammonia concentrations detected by current inventories, and identifies new hotspots.

Why Do Subordinates In Many Animal Species Accept Social Position Without A Fight? Posted: 29 Jun 2009 08:00 AM PDT In many animal species stable hierarchies are routinely formed in which some individuals seem to slip naturally into their dominant role whereas others resign themselves to play the part of lowly subordinates. Why do subordinates embrace this fate so readily instead of putting up a fight?

Site For Alcohol's Action In The Brain Discovered Posted: 29 Jun 2009 05:00 AM PDT Alcohol's inebriating effects are familiar to almost everyone. But the molecular details of alcohol's impact on brain activity remain a mystery. A new study brings us closer to understanding how alcohol alters the way brain cells work.

New Trigger For Chronic Inflammation In Rheumatoid Arthritis Discovered Posted: 29 Jun 2009 05:00 AM PDT A signal molecule made by the human body that triggers the immune system into action may be important in rheumatoid arthritis, according to new research. The authors say that if scientists could block this signal, it may be possible to develop more effective arthritis treatments.

'Mixed Reality' Human Helps Medical Students Learn To Do Intimate Exams Posted: 29 Jun 2009 05:00 AM PDT Intimate procedures such as breast exams, while a routine and critical part of medical care, are notoriously tough to teach. Engineers have now crafted a solution: a hybrid computer/mannequin that helps train students not only how to correctly perform a breast exam — but also how to talk to, and glean information from, the patient during the procedure.

Chain Reaction Of The Immune System Frozen Posted: 29 Jun 2009 05:00 AM PDT Scientists have succeeded in freezing a chain reaction of the immune system. This achievement marks a breakthrough in the field of immunology.

Energy-saving Method Checks Refrigerant Level In Air Conditioners Posted: 29 Jun 2009 05:00 AM PDT Engineers have developed a technique that saves energy and servicing costs by indicating when air conditioners are low on refrigerant, preventing the units from working overtime.

Language Change Can Be Traced Using Gigantic Text Archives Posted: 29 Jun 2009 05:00 AM PDT Historical collections that include everything ever written in a dozen American and British newspapers since they started are now available electronically. Researchers have now carried out the first comprehensive study that makes use of this resource in order to track changes in language usage, a method that makes it possible to attain an entirely new degree of precision in dating.

Synthetic Biology: Gene Therapy Gets Under The Skin Posted: 29 Jun 2009 02:00 AM PDT Vaseline, a known molecule from apples and a gene network encapsulated in algal gelatin are the components of a possible gene therapy which literally gets under the skin. An important part in this is played by phloretin, an antioxidant found in apples which makes cell walls more permeable and is used in cosmetics as an anti-wrinkle agent.

Lean Mass Better For Developing Bones In Young People Posted: 29 Jun 2009 02:00 AM PDT New research shows that a child with leaner body mass, or muscle, builds bigger bones than a child who weighs the same but has a greater percentage of fat.

Can A Little Extra Weight Protect People From Early Death? Underweight, Extremely Obese Die Earlier Than People Of Normal Weight Posted: 29 Jun 2009 02:00 AM PDT Underweight people and those who are extremely obese die earlier than people of normal weight -- but those who are overweight actually live longer than people of normal weight. Those are the findings of a new study.

Blood Flow In Alzheimer's Disease Posted: 29 Jun 2009 02:00 AM PDT Scientists have discovered that endothelin converting enzyme-2 (ECE-2) may cause the decrease in cerebral blood flow seen in Alzheimer's disease.

Fly Larvae Shun The Light Posted: 29 Jun 2009 02:00 AM PDT Drosophila larvae avoid light during the foraging stage of their development. New research shows that both 5-HT (serotonergic) and corazonergic neurons have a role in regulating this behavior.

Intensive In-hospital Support Doubles Likelihood Of Smoking Cessation In Heart Patients Posted: 29 Jun 2009 02:00 AM PDT Patients admitted to hospital with coronary artery disease are twice as likely to quit smoking after receiving intensive smoking cessation support compared to minimal support, found a new study.

Nematode Courting Caught On Camera Posted: 28 Jun 2009 11:00 PM PDT Researchers studying the nervous control of nematode mating behavior have produced video footage of a male worm preparing to mate with a hermaphrodite. Researchers investigated the role of the excitatory neurotransmitter acetylcholine in regulating tail muscles to achieve an exploratory embrace.

Advanced Nerve Cell System Could Help Cure Diabetic Neuropathy, Related Diseases Posted: 28 Jun 2009 11:00 PM PDT Researchers have created the first lab-grown motor nerves that are insulated and organized the same way they are in the body. The group's model system could dramatically improve understanding of the causes of myelin-related conditions such as multiple sclerosis, diabetic neuropathy and Guillian-Barré syndrome, potentially enabling the discovery and testing of new drug therapies.

Student’s Design Helps Piece Together Parts Of The Alzheimer’s Puzzle Posted: 28 Jun 2009 11:00 PM PDT Extensive research in care homes across South East England has prompted a student to design a jigsaw puzzle especially for people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The puzzle, which features easy-to-handle pieces, features images specially selected to trigger memories in older people affected with the illness.

Inflammation Markers Linked More With Fatal Than Nonfatal Cardiovascular Events In Elderly Posted: 28 Jun 2009 11:00 PM PDT For elderly people at risk of cardiovascular disease, the presence of inflammatory markers in the blood can identify that an individual is at a higher risk of a fatal rather than a nonfatal heart attack or stroke.

Bringing Boys And Girls To Computer Science With 'Alice' Posted: 28 Jun 2009 11:00 PM PDT A nationwide study is using the power of storytelling to draw younger students into programming. An animation program called "Alice," allows student programmers of all ages to create their own worlds without realizing they're actually writing code.

Partner Relationship As A Buffer Against Stress Posted: 28 Jun 2009 11:00 PM PDT A good partner relationship can act as a buffer for those exposed to work-related stress. The relationship reduces the negative effects of this kind of stress on our health. But poor relationships will amplify the negative effects, says a young researcher.

Complications Early In Pregnancy Or In Previous Pregnancies Adversely Affect Existing Or Subsequent Pregnancies Posted: 27 Jun 2009 09:00 PM PDT Complications in early pregnancy or in previous pregnancies can predict the likelihood of further problems in current or subsequent pregnancies, according to new research. The findings will help clinicians to predict more easily which women might need greater care and supervision during pregnancy, as well as enabling new research to improve clinical management of such high risk patients.

Plant Protein 'Doorkeepers' Block Invading Microbes, Study Finds Posted: 27 Jun 2009 09:00 PM PDT A group of plant proteins that "shut the door" on bacteria that would otherwise infect the plant's leaves has been identified for the first time.

International Space Hotel Envisioned Posted: 27 Jun 2009 09:00 PM PDT Plans for a new international space hotel students have been unveiled by students this month as part of a project for their Masters degree. Students had to grapple with the challenges of designing that could function in a zero gravity environment.

What Makes A Great Soccer Player? Posted: 27 Jun 2009 09:00 PM PDT Scientists are studying footballing ability (soccer ability) to gain insight into the role that skill plays in the physical performance of vertebrates. The results show that skill is as important, if not more important, than athletic ability. The study also suggests a scientific method that could help professional football clubs in the selection and identification of new talent.

Women More Accurate At Hammering A Nail Than Men In Good Light Posted: 27 Jun 2009 09:00 PM PDT Scientists are studying hammering ability as a model for difficult motor tasks. The results indicate that there is a surprising difference in performance between the sexes, and that this difference is dependent in turn on the hammering conditions.

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ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

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• Dolphins Get A Lift From Delta Wing Technology
• Superfood Soy Linked To Reduction In Smoker's Lung Damage Risk
• Mars Rover Yielding New Clues While Lodged In Martian Soil
• Measuring Brain Atrophy In Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment
• Scientists Reach Milestone In Study Of Emergent Magnetism
• Why Saints Sin And Sinners Get Saintly
• Why A Low-Calorie Diet Extends Lifespans: Critical Enzyme Pair Identified
• New Gene Discovery Links Obesity To The Brain
• Implant Bacteria, Beware: Researchers Create Nano-sized Assassins
• Mad Cow And Related Diseases: Copper Linked To Normal Functioning Of Prions
• Air Pollution From Freeway Extends One And A Half Miles Away
• Early Alzheimer's: Not Remembering What Is Important To Remember
• Ulysses Hears The Siren's Song: End Of Mission To Chart Unexplored Regions Of Space
• Statins Can Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease, According To New Study
• More Gene Mutations Linked To Autism Risk
• Gastrin Plays Significant Role In Helicobacter-induced Stomach Cancer
• Fecal DNA Sampling Provides Extremely Accurate Estimates Of Tiger Populations
• Nicotine Dependence Remains Prevalent Despite Recent Declines In Cigarette Use
• QuikScat Finds Tempests Brewing In 'Ordinary' Storms

Dolphins Get A Lift From Delta Wing Technology Posted: 28 Jun 2009 02:00 PM PDT Dolphins are supremely agile swimmers, but it wasn't clear how their fins help them maneuver though water. Building scale models of whale and dolphins' fins, a team of US scientists has found that some dolphins' fins work just like delta wing aircraft.

Superfood Soy Linked To Reduction In Smoker's Lung Damage Risk Posted: 28 Jun 2009 02:00 PM PDT People who eat lots of soy products have better lung function, and are less likely to develop the smoking-associated lung disease COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). A new study has shown that consumption of a wide variety of soy products can be associated with a reduction in the risk of COPD and other respiratory symptoms.

Mars Rover Yielding New Clues While Lodged In Martian Soil Posted: 28 Jun 2009 02:00 PM PDT NASA's Mars rover Spirit, lodged in Martian soil that is causing traction trouble, is taking advantage of the situation by learning more about the Red Planet's environmental history.

Measuring Brain Atrophy In Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment Posted: 28 Jun 2009 02:00 PM PDT Scientists have shown that a fully automated procedure called Volumetric MRI -- which measures the "memory centers" of the brain and compares them to expected size -- is effective in predicting the progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease. The procedure can be readily used in clinics to measure brain atrophy, and may help physicians to predict decline in MCI patients.

Scientists Reach Milestone In Study Of Emergent Magnetism Posted: 28 Jun 2009 02:00 PM PDT Studying simple metallic chromium, scientists have discovered a pressure-driven quantum critical regime and has achieved the first direct measurement of a "naked" quantum singularity in an elemental magnet.

Why Saints Sin And Sinners Get Saintly Posted: 28 Jun 2009 02:00 PM PDT A new study suggests that people with ample moral self-worth in one aspect of their lives can slip into immorality or opposite behavior in other areas -- their abundant self-esteem somehow pushing them to balance out all that goodness. Conversely, the study shows, people who engage in immoral behavior cleanse themselves with good work to restore an ideal level of moral self-worth.

Why A Low-Calorie Diet Extends Lifespans: Critical Enzyme Pair Identified Posted: 28 Jun 2009 08:00 AM PDT Experiment after experiment confirms that a diet on the brink of starvation expands lifespan in mice and many other species. But the molecular mechanism that links nutrition and survival is still poorly understood. Now, researchers have identified a pivotal role for two enzymes that work together to determine the health benefits of diet restriction.

New Gene Discovery Links Obesity To The Brain Posted: 28 Jun 2009 08:00 AM PDT A variation in a gene that is active in the central nervous system is associated with increased risk for obesity, according to a new study. The research adds to evidence that genes influence appetite and that the brain plays a key role in obesity.

Implant Bacteria, Beware: Researchers Create Nano-sized Assassins Posted: 28 Jun 2009 08:00 AM PDT Infected implants now have a foe. Researchers have created a nanoparticle that can penetrate a bacterial-produced film on prosthetics and kill the bacteria. The finding is the first time that iron-oxide nanoparticles have been shown to eliminate a bacterial infection on an implanted prosthetic device.

Mad Cow And Related Diseases: Copper Linked To Normal Functioning Of Prions Posted: 28 Jun 2009 08:00 AM PDT Researchers have discovered a link between copper and the normal functioning of prion proteins, which are associated with transmissible spongiform encephalopathy diseases such as Cruetzfeldt-Jakob in humans or "mad cow" disease in cattle. Their work could have implications for patients suffering from these diseases, as well as from other prion-related diseases such as Alzheimers or Parkinson's.

Air Pollution From Freeway Extends One And A Half Miles Away Posted: 28 Jun 2009 08:00 AM PDT Scientists have found that during the hours before sunrise, freeway air pollution extends much further than previously thought. Pollutants were found 1.5 miles from I-10 in California during early morning hours.

Early Alzheimer's: Not Remembering What Is Important To Remember Posted: 28 Jun 2009 08:00 AM PDT People in very early stages of Alzheimer's disease already have trouble focusing on what is important to remember, psychologists report.

Ulysses Hears The Siren's Song: End Of Mission To Chart Unexplored Regions Of Space Posted: 28 Jun 2009 02:00 AM PDT Upon receipt of the last command from Earth, the transmitter on Ulysses will switch off on 30 June, bringing one of the most successful and longest missions in spaceflight history to an end. Ulysses, which operated for more than 18 years, had charted the unexplored regions of space above the poles of the sun.

Statins Can Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease, According To New Study Posted: 28 Jun 2009 02:00 AM PDT High cholesterol levels are considered to be a risk factor not only for cardiovascular disease including stroke, but also for the development of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, many cholesterol lowering drugs, including statins, have been developed in recent years. In addition to the cholesterol reducing effect of statins scientists have demonstrated that statins can protect nerve cells against damage which we know to occur in the brain of Alzheimer's disease patients.

More Gene Mutations Linked To Autism Risk Posted: 28 Jun 2009 02:00 AM PDT More pieces in the complex autism inheritance puzzle are emerging in the latest gene study of autism spectrum disorders. This study identified 27 different genetic regions where rare copy number variations -- missing or extra copies of DNA segments -- occurred in the genes of children with ASDs, but not in healthy controls. The copy number variations are thought to interfere with gene function, disrupting the production of proteins necessary for normal neurological development.

Gastrin Plays Significant Role In Helicobacter-induced Stomach Cancer Posted: 28 Jun 2009 02:00 AM PDT Scientists have studied the role of Helicobacter infection in the development of stomach cancer, and found that the hormone gastrin, which stimulates secretion of gastric acid, plays a key role in the development of Helicobacter-induced stomach cancer, may have distinct effects on carcinogenesis in different parts of the stomach.

Fecal DNA Sampling Provides Extremely Accurate Estimates Of Tiger Populations Posted: 28 Jun 2009 02:00 AM PDT High-tech DNA fecal sampling will help save tigers. Researchers will be able to accurately count and assess tiger populations by identifying individual animals from the unique DNA signature found in their dung.

Nicotine Dependence Remains Prevalent Despite Recent Declines In Cigarette Use Posted: 28 Jun 2009 02:00 AM PDT Despite recent declines in cigarette use in the US, nicotine dependence has remained steady among adults and has actually increased among some groups. The finding suggests that public health initiatives have been far more successful in preventing Americans from taking up smoking than in persuading hardcore smokers to stop.

QuikScat Finds Tempests Brewing In 'Ordinary' Storms Posted: 26 Jun 2009 09:00 PM PDT "June is busting out all over," as the song says, and with it, U.S. residents along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts begin to gaze warily toward the ocean, aware that the hurricane season is revving up. In the decade since NASA's QuikScat satellite and its SeaWinds scatterometer launched in June 1999, the satellite has measured the wind speed and wind direction of these powerful storms, providing data that are increasingly used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Hurricane Center and other world forecasting agencies. The data help scientists detect these storms, understand their wind fields, estimate their intensity and track their movement.

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