ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Large Hadron Collider Set To Unveil A New World Of Particle Physics Posted: 21 Aug 2008 01:00 PM CDT The field of particle physics is poised to enter unknown territory with the startup of a massive new accelerator -- the Large Hadron Collider -- in Europe this summer. On Sept. 10, LHC scientists will attempt to send the first beam of protons speeding around the accelerator.

Diabetes Transmitted From Parents To Children, New Research Suggests Posted: 21 Aug 2008 01:00 PM CDT A new study suggests an unusual form of inheritance may have a role in the rising rate of diabetes, especially in children and young adults, in the United States.

Future Impact Of Global Warming Is Worse When Grazing Animals Are Considered, Scientists Suggest Posted: 21 Aug 2008 01:00 PM CDT The impact of global warming in the Arctic may differ from the predictions of computer models, according to new research, which shows that grazing animals will play a key role in reducing the anticipated expansion of shrub growth in the region, thus limiting the shrubs' predicted and beneficial carbon-absorbing effect.

How Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes Bone Loss Posted: 21 Aug 2008 01:00 PM CDT Researchers have discovered key details of how rheumatoid arthritis destroys bone, according to a study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. The findings are already guiding attempts to design new drugs to reverse RA-related bone loss and may also address more common forms of osteoporosis with a few adjustments.

A Better Way To Make Hydrogen From Biofuels Posted: 21 Aug 2008 01:00 PM CDT Researchers here have found a way to convert ethanol and other biofuels into hydrogen very efficiently. A new catalyst makes hydrogen from ethanol with 90 percent yield, at a workable temperature, and using inexpensive ingredients. The new catalyst is much less expensive than others being developed around the world, because it does not contain precious metals, such as platinum or rhodium.

Oetzi The Iceman Dressed Like A Herdsman Posted: 21 Aug 2008 01:00 PM CDT A famous Neolithic Iceman is dressed in clothes made from sheep and cattle hair, a new study shows. The researchers say their findings support the idea that the Iceman was a herdsman, and that their technique has use in the modern clothing industry.

That Tastes ... Sweet? Sour? No, It's Definitely Calcium! Posted: 21 Aug 2008 10:00 AM CDT Chemists are reporting a discovery that could expand the palate of human tastes, such as sweet, sour or salty, to include a new flavor that could be called "calcium."

Scent Of Skin Cancer Discovered Posted: 21 Aug 2008 10:00 AM CDT Odors from skin can be used to identify basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer, according to new research. The findings may enable doctors in the future to diagnose skin cancer quickly and accurately by waving a handheld scanner or sensor above the skin. Earlier work identified almost 100 different chemical compounds coming from skin.

New 'Nano-positioners' May Have Atomic-scale Precision Posted: 21 Aug 2008 10:00 AM CDT Engineers have created a tiny motorized positioning device that has twice the dexterity of similar devices being developed for applications that include biological sensors and more compact, powerful computer hard drives. The device, called a monolithic comb drive, might be used as a "nanoscale manipulator" that precisely moves or senses movement and forces.

Cervical Cancer Prevention Should Focus On Vaccinating Adolescent Girls, Report Says Posted: 21 Aug 2008 10:00 AM CDT The cost-effectiveness of vaccination in the US against human papillomavirus, a sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer, will be optimized by achieving universal vaccine coverage in young adolescent girls, by targeting initial "catch-up" efforts to vaccinate women younger than 21 years of age, and by revising current screening policies, according to an analysis by Harvard School of Public Health researchers.

New Instrument To Control The Size Of Nanoclusters Could Lead To Reduced Pollution From Petroleum Products Posted: 21 Aug 2008 10:00 AM CDT A new instrument enables researchers to make nanoclusters of 10 to 100 atoms with atomic precision. A new model of nanocatalysts of molybdenum sulfide is the first step in developing the next generation of materials to be used in hydrodesulfurization, a process that removes sulfur, a pollutant, from natural gas and petroleum products.

One Sleepless Night Increases Dopamine In The Human Brain Posted: 21 Aug 2008 10:00 AM CDT Just one night without sleep can increase the amount of the chemical dopamine in the human brain, according to new imaging research in the Journal of Neuroscience. Because drugs that increase dopamine, like amphetamines, promote wakefulness, the findings offer a potential mechanism explaining how the brain helps people stay awake despite the urge to sleep. However, the study also shows that the increase in dopamine cannot compensate for the cognitive deficits caused by sleep deprivation.

Creating Unconventional Metals: Quantum Halfway House Between Magnet And Semiconductor Discovered Posted: 21 Aug 2008 07:00 AM CDT The semiconductor silicon and the ferromagnet iron are the basis for much of mankind's technology, used in everything from computers to electric motors. Scientists now report that they have combined these elements with a small amount of another common metal, manganese, to create a new material which is neither a magnet nor an ordinary semiconductor.

Making 'Good' Fat From Muscle And Vice Versa Posted: 21 Aug 2008 07:00 AM CDT A surprise discovery -- that calorie-burning brown fat can be produced experimentally from muscle precursor cells in mice -- raises the prospect of new ways to fight obesity and overweight, report Dana-Farber scientists. They demonstrated that a previously known molecular switch, PRDM16, regulates the creation of brown fat from immature muscle cells. They also determined that the process is a two-way street: Knocking out PRDM16 in brown fat cells can convert them into muscle cells.

New Test To Diagnose Osteoarthritis Early Posted: 21 Aug 2008 07:00 AM CDT A newly developed medical imaging technology may provide doctors with a long-awaited test for early diagnosis of osteoarthritis, according to researchers. By far the most common form of arthritis, OA causing joint pain and disability for more than half of those over age 65 -- nearly 21 million people in the United States alone, the scientists say. Their study will be presented in August at the American Chemical Society national meeting in Philadelphia.

Brain Cells Called Astrocytes Undergo Reorganization And May Engulf Attacking T Cells Posted: 21 Aug 2008 07:00 AM CDT When virally infected cells in the brain called astrocytes come in contact with antiviral T cells of the immune system, they undergo a unique series of changes that dramatically reorganize their shape and function, according to researchers. Intriguingly, the new data indicate that astrocytes may defend themselves from attacking T cells by engulfing (gobbling up) the aggressors.

Polymer Electric Storage, Flexible And Adaptable Posted: 21 Aug 2008 07:00 AM CDT The proliferation of solar, wind and even tidal electric generation and the rapid emergence of hybrid electric automobiles demands flexible and reliable methods of high-capacity electrical storage. Now materials scientists are developing ferroelectric polymer-based capacitors that can deliver power more rapidly and are much lighter than conventional batteries.

Alcohol Dependence Among Women Is Linked To Delayed Childbearing Posted: 21 Aug 2008 07:00 AM CDT Alcohol use can cause reproductive dysfunctions for both teenage and adult females. A new study is the first to examine alcohol's effects on childbearing onset across reproductive development. Findings show that, for women, alcoholism is linked with delayed childbearing.

Most Black Holes Might Come In Only Small And Large Posted: 21 Aug 2008 04:00 AM CDT Black holes are sometimes huge cosmic beasts, billions of times the mass of our sun, and sometimes petite with just a few times the sun's mass. But do black holes also come in size medium? A new study suggests that, for the most part, the answer is no.

Removing Tumors Through The Nose: Neurosurgeon Uses Smaller Openings To Reach The Brain Posted: 21 Aug 2008 04:00 AM CDT Dr. Edward Duckworth is part of a new generation of neurosurgeons who are making brain surgery a lot easier on patients. Rather than cutting out large sections of the skull or face, Duckworth is reaching the brain through much smaller openings. And in certain cases, he goes through the nose to get to the brain.

Tailor-made Functional Garments For Olympic Horses Posted: 21 Aug 2008 04:00 AM CDT When the horses and competitors go through their paces at the Summer Olympics in Hong Kong in 2008, it will be very hot and very humid -- just as it is every summer there. Three special blankets will offer the Swiss teams' tournament horses some respite from the elements. When the animals move from their air-conditioned stables to the tournament venue, they will be protected from the brilliant sunshine by cooling covers.

Surgery May Be Considered For Extreme Face Pain, New Guideline Says Posted: 21 Aug 2008 04:00 AM CDT A new guideline developed by the American Academy of Neurology finds surgery may be considered for people who suffer from extreme, electric shock-like pain in their face and do not respond well to drugs. The guideline on treating trigeminal neuralgia is published in the August 20, 2008, online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Structure Of Gold Nanoparticles Solved Posted: 21 Aug 2008 04:00 AM CDT Researchers have solved the structure of gold nanoparticles. Results of the study may yield important advances in medicine, biomolecule research and nanoelectronics.

Sports Stadiums Serve Alcohol To Minors And Intoxicated Fans, Study Suggests Posted: 21 Aug 2008 04:00 AM CDT In a novel study looking at the propensity of illegal alcohol sales at sports stadiums, researchers reported that nearly one in five people posing as underage drinkers, and three out of four seemingly intoxicated "fans" were able to buy alcohol at professional sporting events. They also found that location mattered: sales were more likely if the attempt took place in the stadium stands rather than at a concession booth.

Study Identifies Protein That Produces 'Good' Fat: Finding May Lead To Ways To Treat, Prevent Obesity Posted: 21 Aug 2008 01:00 AM CDT A study by researchers at the Joslin Diabetes Center has shown that a protein known for its role in inducing bone growth can also help promote the development of brown fat, a "good" fat that helps in the expenditure of energy and plays a role in fighting obesity.

Codeine Not Safe For All Breastfeeding Moms And Their Babies Posted: 21 Aug 2008 01:00 AM CDT Using pain treatments which contain codeine may be risky for some breastfeeding mothers, according to new research. The research suggests that the codeine used in some pain relief drugs can actually have harmful and even fatal results for infants when ingested by some breastfeeding mothers.

Southampton Wind Tunnel Blows Gold In Beijing Posted: 21 Aug 2008 01:00 AM CDT Engineers using the University of Southampton's R J Mitchell wind tunnel have helped the British Cycling team win Gold in Beijing.

Primary Care Health Consultations Can Be Cost-effective And May Help Reduce Cardiovascular Risk, Say Doctors Posted: 21 Aug 2008 01:00 AM CDT Primary care health consultations can be cost-effective and may help reduce cardiovascular risk, say doctors New research published today in Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, published by SAGE

New Way To Build Data Centers: Use Commodity Network Elements Posted: 21 Aug 2008 01:00 AM CDT Computer scientists have proposed a new way to build data centers that could save companies money and deliver more computing capability to end-users.

Education Needed To Decrease Teens' Misconception About Emergency Contraception Posted: 21 Aug 2008 01:00 AM CDT Targeted health education may help urban, minority adolescent women better understand how the emergency contraception pill works and eliminate some misconceptions about side effects, confidentiality and accessibility, according to a study by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Strawberry-flavored Banana? Biochemists Manipulate Fruit Flavor Enzymes Posted: 20 Aug 2008 10:00 PM CDT Would you like a lemony watermelon? How about a strawberry-flavored banana? Biochemists say the day may be coming when scientists will be able to fine tune enzymes responsible for flavors in fruits and vegetables. In addition, it could lead to environmentally-friendly pest control.

Low Level Cadmium Exposure Linked To Lung Disease Posted: 20 Aug 2008 10:00 PM CDT New research suggests that cadmium is one of the critical ingredients causing emphysema, and even low-level exposure attained through second-hand smoke and other means may also increase the chance of developing lung disease.

Decline And Slow Recovery of Atlantic Salmon Illuminated With Tagging Posted: 20 Aug 2008 10:00 PM CDT For years scientists have struggled to understand the decline and slow recovery of Atlantic salmon, a once abundant and highly prized game and food fish native to New England rivers. Biologists agree that poor marine survival is affecting salmon in the US and Canada, but specific causes are difficult to determine in the ocean. Small acoustic tags and associated technology may provide some answers.

Lack Of Tuberculosis Trials In Children Unacceptable, Experts Argue Posted: 20 Aug 2008 10:00 PM CDT Ensuring the involvement of children in the evaluation of tuberculosis treatment is critical as we move forward in developing effective responses to active and drug-susceptible tuberculosis, argues a new essay in PLoS Medicine.

Simple And Secure Networked Home Posted: 20 Aug 2008 10:00 PM CDT Most people will only start to control equipment remotely in their homes when they believe it is simple and safe to do so. A newly developed control system provides personalized answers.

Study Outlines Teens' Preferences And Trade-offs For Freedom From Acne Posted: 20 Aug 2008 10:00 PM CDT Teens report that they would pay about $275 to have never had acne, and are willing to pay considerably more to be acne-free than to have 50 percent clearance of their acne or to have clear skin with acne scars, according to a report in the August issue of Archives of Dermatology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Hubble Sees Magnetic Monster In Erupting Galaxy Posted: 20 Aug 2008 07:00 PM CDT The Hubble Space Telescope has found the answer to a long-standing puzzle by resolving giant but delicate filaments shaped by a strong magnetic field around the active galaxy NGC 1275. It is the most striking example of the influence of these immense tentacles of extragalactic magnetic fields, say researchers.

Stem Cell Indicator For Bowel Cancer Should Lead To Better Survival Rates Posted: 20 Aug 2008 07:00 PM CDT Stem cell scientists have developed a more accurate way of identifying aggressive forms of bowel cancer, which should eventually lead to better treatment and survival rates.

Dirty Smoke From Ships Found To Degrade Air Quality In Coastal Cities Posted: 20 Aug 2008 07:00 PM CDT Chemists have measured for the first time the impact that dirty smoke from ships cruising at sea and generating electricity in port can have on the air quality of coastal cities. The scientists report that the impact of dirty smoke from ships burning high-sulfur fuel can be substantial, on some days accounting for nearly one-half of the fine, sulfur-rich particulate matter in the air known to be hazardous to human health.

Tracking A Crop Disease Could Save Millions Of Lives Posted: 20 Aug 2008 07:00 PM CDT Scientists have discovered why one of the world's most important agricultural diseases emerged, according to research published in the Journal of General Virology. Maize streak virus (MSV) causes the main virus disease of Africa's most important food crop. By comparing the genome of the virus to those of its less harmful relatives, scientists have discovered how and why MSV became a serious pest and spread so rapidly across Africa.

New 'Catch-and-tell' Molecules Send Out Light Signals When They Catch Chemicals In Blood Posted: 20 Aug 2008 07:00 PM CDT Scientist have created 'intelligent' molecules. The new 'catch and tell' sensor molecules send out light signals when they catch chemicals in blood.

False Memories Affect Behavior Posted: 20 Aug 2008 07:00 PM CDT Do you know someone who claims to remember their first day of kindergarten? Or a trip they took as a toddler? While some people may be able to recall trivial details from the past, laboratory research shows that the human memory can be remarkably fragile and even inventive. New research shows that it is possible to change long-term behaviors using a simple suggestive technique.

Microorganisms That Convert Hydrocarbons To Natural Gas Isolated Posted: 20 Aug 2008 04:00 PM CDT When a group of University of Oklahoma researchers began studying the environmental fate of spilt petroleum, a problem that has plagued the energy industry for decades, they did not expect to eventually isolate a community of microorganisms capable of converting hydrocarbons into natural gas.

Arsenic Exposure Could Increase Diabetes Risk Posted: 20 Aug 2008 04:00 PM CDT Inorganic arsenic, commonly found in ground water in certain areas, may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to a new study.

Pesticide Build-up Could Lead To Poor Honey Bee Health Posted: 20 Aug 2008 04:00 PM CDT Honey bees industriously bring pollen and nectar to the hive, but along with the bounty comes a wide variety of pesticides, according to Penn State researchers. Add the outside assault to the pesticides already in the waxy structure of the hive, and bee researchers see a problem difficult to evaluate and correct. However, an innovative approach may mitigate at least some beeswax contamination.

Infection Blocks Lung's Protective Response Against Tobacco Smoke Posted: 20 Aug 2008 04:00 PM CDT An infection that often goes undetected can block the lung's natural protective response against tobacco smoke, according to researchers at National Jewish Health. Mice exposed to tobacco smoke infected with the common lung pathogen Myclplasma pneumoniae fail to mount the protective antioxidant response in the lungs that mice do when exposed to tobacco smoke alone. The findings suggest one mechanism that may cause a minority of smokers to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chemist Travels World To Study Mysterious Properties Of Neutrinos Posted: 20 Aug 2008 04:00 PM CDT In the quest to better understand one of nature's most "ghostly" elementary particles -- the neutrino -- scientists at the US Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory are spreading their expertise from the mines of Canada to the mountains of China.

Switching It Up: How Memory Deals With A Change In Plans Posted: 20 Aug 2008 04:00 PM CDT How do our brains switch so elegantly and quickly from one well-entrenched plan to a newer one in reaction to a sudden change in circumstances?

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