ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Ancient Oak Trees Help Reduce Global Warming Posted: 28 Jun 2008 07:00 PM CDT The battle to reduce carbon emissions is at the heart of many eco-friendly efforts, and researchers have discovered that nature has been lending a hand. They have discovered that trees submerged in freshwater aquatic systems store carbon for thousands of years, a significantly longer period of time than trees that fall in a forest, thus keeping carbon out of the atmosphere.

Device Blocking Stomach Nerve Signals Shows Promise In Obesity Posted: 28 Jun 2008 07:00 PM CDT A new implantable medical device shows promise as a reversible and less extreme alternative to existing bariatric surgeries, according to new findings.

Blue Light Used To Harden Tooth Fillings Stunts Tumor Growth Posted: 28 Jun 2008 07:00 PM CDT A blue curing light used to harden dental fillings also may stunt tumor growth, Medical College of Georgia researchers say.

Safer, More Efficient Medication For Hepatitis B Treatment Found Posted: 28 Jun 2008 07:00 PM CDT Patients with hepatitis B who did not respond to lamivudine therapy had a better virological response after switching to entecavir for a year.

Algae From The Ocean May Offer A Sustainable Energy Source Of The Future Posted: 28 Jun 2008 07:00 PM CDT New research could help with the large-scale cultivation and manufacturing of oil-rich algae in oceans for biofuel. Algae are a diverse and simple group of organisms that live in or near water. Certain algal species are high in oil content that could be converted into such fuels as biodiesel, according researchers. Algae also have several environmentally-friendly advantages over corn or other plants used for biofuels, including not needing soil or fresh water to grow.

Personalizing Medicine: New Research Shows Potential Of Targeted Therapies For Cancer Posted: 28 Jun 2008 07:00 PM CDT A new study shows the potential to pre-target the treatment of cancer cells -- bringing personalized medicine one step closer from the laboratory to patients. By combining new molecular imaging techniques with targeted therapy, pre-targeting offers cancer patients a more individualized treatment that can increase the effectiveness of therapies and minimize discomfort experienced during treatment.

Quantum Computing Breakthrough Arises From Unknown Molecule Posted: 28 Jun 2008 01:00 PM CDT The odd behavior of a molecule in an experimental silicon computer chip has led to a discovery that opens the door to quantum computing in semiconductors. Researchers describe how they have created a new, hybrid molecule in which its quantum state can be intentionally manipulated -- a required step in the building of quantum computers.

Starvation Hormone Makes For Small Mice, Study Finds Posted: 28 Jun 2008 01:00 PM CDT Chronically high levels of a recently discovered starvation hormone markedly stunt the growth of mice, reveals a new study. The liver-produced hormone known as FGF21 does so by causing the mice to become resistant to growth hormone.

Hidden Facial Cheek Fat Compartments Are Key To Youthful Appearance Posted: 28 Jun 2008 01:00 PM CDT Rejuvenating newly identified fat compartments in the facial cheeks can help reduce the hollowed look of the face as it ages, according to new research by plastic surgeons at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

Ronin An Alternate Control For Embryonic Stem Cells Posted: 28 Jun 2008 01:00 PM CDT Like the masterless samurai for whom it is named, the protein Ronin chooses an independent path, maintaining embryonic stem cells in their undifferentiated state and playing essential roles in genesis of embryos and their development, said researchers who reported on this novel cellular regulator in the journal Cell.

Ancient Mexican Maize Varieties: Sequencing Of Ancient Corn Landraces To Ensure Genetic Diversity And Resources Posted: 28 Jun 2008 01:00 PM CDT Because of its importance as food, the need to improve yield, and the challenges presented by changing climate, the maize genome of the B73 cultivar is being sequenced. However, because maize has a complex genome and many varieties, the genome sequence from just one variety will not be adequate to represent the diversity of maize worldwide. Mexican scientists are also sequencing and analyzing the genomes of the ancient landraces to recapture the full genetic diversity of this complex and adaptable crop.

Binge Drinking Due To 'Copying' Behavior Posted: 28 Jun 2008 01:00 PM CDT The rise in binge drinking in the young is a "fashion phenomenon" where drinkers are copying their associates' behavior, new research carried out in the UK has shown. Researchers say the findings have major implications for Government policy makers charged with tackling the problem, which has longer-term and costly health implications.

How Neural Activity Spurs Blood Flow In The Brain Posted: 28 Jun 2008 07:00 AM CDT Neuroscientists have pinpointed exactly how neural activity boosts blood flow to the brain. The finding has important implications for our understanding of common brain imaging techniques such as fMRI, which uses blood flow in the brain as a proxy for neural activity.

Overcrowding And Understaffing In Hospitals Increases Levels Of MRSA Infections Posted: 28 Jun 2008 07:00 AM CDT A review article authored by a University of Queensland academic has found overcrowding and understaffing in hospitals are two key factors in the transmission of MRSA infections worldwide.

Sudden Hearing Loss Could Indicate Future Stroke Posted: 28 Jun 2008 07:00 AM CDT Patients hospitalized for sudden hearing loss were more likely to suffer a later stroke than some other patients. The findings haven't been duplicated in other research and should be interpreted cautiously. Researchers suggest patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss be evaluated for stroke risk factors.

SEX4, Starch And Phosphorylation: Molecular Mechanisms Of Starch Breakdown In Plants Posted: 28 Jun 2008 07:00 AM CDT Mutational and structural analyses by Dr. Zeeman and his colleagues have revealed that starch degradation in Arabidopsis leaves at night differs significantly from the versions traditionally described in textbooks.

The Validity Of Epo Testing For Athletes Posted: 28 Jun 2008 07:00 AM CDT Epo is a hormone sometimes misused by athletes to boost their endurance. Since the test to identify the drug's presence was introduced in 2000, 33 labs have been accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency to administer the procedure. A research team has examined test results at two WADA labs, and found the detection power at the labs was poor.

Unique Pheromone Detection System Uncovered Posted: 27 Jun 2008 07:00 PM CDT Researchers have overturned the current theory of how a pheromone works at the molecular level to trigger behavior in fruit flies. The finding, if it proves true in other species, might lead to new ways to manipulate the actions of harmful insects.

Scientists Discover How An Injured Embryo Can Regenerate Itself Posted: 27 Jun 2008 07:00 PM CDT Scientists have developed a mathematical model to describe interactions that occur within genetic networks of an embryo, answering the age-old question of how half embryos are able to maintain their tissues and organs in the correct proportions despite being smaller than a normal sized embryo. Understanding the processes that govern embryonic cell development, may lead, in the future, to scientists being able to repair injured tissues.

Pumice As A Time Witness Posted: 27 Jun 2008 07:00 PM CDT Chemical fingerprints of volcanic eruptions and numerous pumice lump finds from archaeological excavations illustrate relations between individual advanced civilizations in the Eastern Mediterranean. Thanks to new tests and to the provenancing of the respective pumice samples to partially far-reaching volcanic eruptions, it became possible to redefine a piece of cultural history from the second millenium B.C.

Hard Work While Fatigued Affects Blood Pressure Posted: 27 Jun 2008 07:00 PM CDT When fatigued individuals perceive a task as being achievable and worth doing, they increase their effort to make up for their diminished capability due to fatigue. As a result, blood pressure tends to rise and remain elevated until the task is completed or individuals stop trying because they think success is impossible or too difficult to be justified.

Asteroid-hunting Satellite A World First Posted: 27 Jun 2008 07:00 PM CDT Canada is building the world's first space telescope designed to detect and track asteroids as well as satellites. Called NEOSSat, this spacecraft will provide a significant improvement in surveillance of asteroids that pose a collision hazard with Earth and innovative technologies for tracking satellites in orbit high above our planet.

Too Many Choices Can Spoil The Research Posted: 27 Jun 2008 07:00 PM CDT The more choices people get, the less consistent they are in making those choices, according to a new study. The study's findings may affect the way researchers examine consumer choices.

Super-sensitive Explosives Detector Demonstrated Posted: 27 Jun 2008 04:00 PM CDT Using a laser and a device that converts reflected light into sound, researchers at the US Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory can detect explosives at distances exceeding 20 yards.

Higher Coffee Consumption Associated With Lower Liver Cancer Risk Posted: 27 Jun 2008 04:00 PM CDT A new large, prospective population-based study confirms an inverse relationship between coffee consumption and liver cancer risk. The study also found that higher levels of gamma-glutamyltransferase in the blood were associated with an increased risk of developing the disease.

A Look Into The Nanoscale Posted: 27 Jun 2008 04:00 PM CDT Researchers have captured time-series snapshots of a solid as it evolves on the ultra-fast timescale. Using femtosecond X-ray free electron laser (FEL) pulses, the team is able to observe condensed phase dynamics such as crack formation, phase separation, rapid fluctuations in the liquid state or in biologically relevant environments.

Promising Cancer Drug Target In Prostate Tumors Identified Posted: 27 Jun 2008 04:00 PM CDT Scientists report they have blocked the development of prostate tumors in cancer-prone mice by knocking out a molecular unit they describe as a "powerhouse" that drives runaway cell growth. The researchers say the growth-stimulating molecule called p110beta -- part of a cellular signaling network disrupted in several common cancers -- is a promising target for novel cancer therapies designed to shut it down.

Capturing DNA Molecules In A Nanochannel Posted: 27 Jun 2008 04:00 PM CDT An electric voltage can be used to propel DNA molecules through a channel a few nanometers deep, or to stop them in their tracks. In a strong electric field the molecules judder along the channel, while in weaker fields they move more smoothly. This enables DNA fragments to be 'captured' on a chip and separated for analysis.

How Effective Are Underage Drinking Prevention Programs? Posted: 27 Jun 2008 04:00 PM CDT Underage drinking is a national concern that led the US surgeon general to issue a "Call to Action to Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking" last year. Now, a new report assesses the effectiveness of underage drinking prevention programs and provides a better idea of how to achieve key goals outlined by the surgeon general.

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