ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Global Solar Wind Plasma Output At 50-Year Low, Ulysses Spacecraft Reveals Posted: 25 Sep 2008 10:00 AM CDT Data from the Ulysses spacecraft, a joint NASA-European Space Agency mission, show the sun has reduced its output of solar wind to the lowest levels since accurate readings became available. The sun's current state could reduce the natural shielding that envelops our solar system.

Obesity Surgery Performed Through Vagina, U.S. First Posted: 25 Sep 2008 10:00 AM CDT Surgeons have performed the nation's first gastrectomy, a partial removal of the stomach, through the vagina. This new "natural orifice" technique may be an attractive alternative for the 200,000 U.S. patients who undergo surgery for the treatment of obesity each year.

Severe Climate Change Costs Forecast For Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Tennessee, North Dakota, And Other U.S. States Posted: 25 Sep 2008 10:00 AM CDT The economic impact of climate change will cost a number of US states billions of dollars, and delaying action will raise the price tag, concludes the latest series of reports produced by the University of Maryland's Center for Integrative Environmental Research. The new reports project specific long-term direct and ripple economic effects on North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. In most cases, the price tag could run into billions of dollars.

New Instrument Can Quickly Examine Multiple Proteins In A Single Cancer Sample Posted: 25 Sep 2008 10:00 AM CDT Researchers have demonstrated a new instrument that makes it possible to detect and quantify multiple different clinically important proteins in a single tumor sample using conventional staining. Currently, pathologists usually need a separate tissue slice for each protein they want to examine, making it impossible to see how molecules interact within individual cells.

New European Record Efficiency For Solar Cells Achieved: 39.7% Posted: 25 Sep 2008 10:00 AM CDT At 39.7% efficiency for a multi-junction solar cell, researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems have exceeded their own European record of 37.6% which they achieved just a short time ago. III-V semiconductor multi-junction solar cells are used in photovoltaic concentrator technology for solar power stations.

Political Conservatives Fear Chaos; Liberals Fear Emptiness Posted: 25 Sep 2008 10:00 AM CDT Political conservatives operate out of a fear of chaos and absence of order while political liberals operate out of a fear of emptiness, a new study finds. Social scientists long have assumed that liberals are more rational and less fearful than conservatives, but new research finds that both groups view the world as "a dangerous place." To better understand the differences, researchers asked 128 socially active churchgoers: what if there were no God?

Missing Link Of Neutron Stars? Bizarre Hibernating Stellar Magnet Discovered Posted: 25 Sep 2008 07:00 AM CDT Astronomers have discovered a most bizarre celestial object that emitted 40 visible-light flashes before disappearing again. It is most likely to be a missing link in the family of neutron stars, the first case of an object with an amazingly powerful magnetic field that showed some brief, strong visible-light activity.

New Virus Is Culprit, Not Bystander, In Deadly Skin Cancer Posted: 25 Sep 2008 07:00 AM CDT Scientists are uncovering more evidence that a virus they recently discovered is the cause of Merkel cell carcinoma, an aggressive and deadly form of skin cancer. The findings put to rest the possibility that MCV infects tumors that already have formed. If that were the case, the virus would be a passenger rather than the driver of the disease.

Impact Of Beetle Kill On Rocky Mountain Weather, Air Quality Posted: 25 Sep 2008 07:00 AM CDT By killing large swaths of forests in the Rocky Mountains, mountain pine beetles may be altering local weather patterns and air quality. Scientists are exploring how the loss of trees and other vegetation influences rainfall, temperatures, smog, and other aspects of the atmosphere.

Study Of 'Big Eaters' Could Lead To Better Asthma Treatments Posted: 25 Sep 2008 07:00 AM CDT A new study into the role of a particular immune cell in the lungs could lead to better treatments for the 5 million people in the UK affected by asthma.

Ocean Floor Geysers Warm Flowing Sea Water Posted: 25 Sep 2008 07:00 AM CDT Earth scientists have reported movement of warmed sea water through the flat, Pacific Ocean floor off Costa Rica. The movement is greater than that off midocean volcanic ridges. The finding suggests possible marine life in a part of the ocean once considered barren.

Caffeine Experts Call For Warning Labels For Energy Drinks Posted: 25 Sep 2008 07:00 AM CDT Scientists who have spent decades researching the effects of caffeine report that a slew of caffeinated energy drinks now on the market should carry prominent labels that note caffeine doses and warn of potential health risks for consumers.

Essential Gene For Forming Ears Of Corn Discovered Posted: 25 Sep 2008 04:00 AM CDT Plant geneticists have identified a gene called sparse inflorescence1, or spi1, that is essential in controlling development of the maize plant. It is involved in the synthesis of the growth hormone auxin, which among other things helps to shape structures such as leaves or the female organs (ears) and male organs (tassels) of corn.

Rare Genetic Disorder Gives Clues To Autism, Epilepsy, Mental Retardation Posted: 25 Sep 2008 04:00 AM CDT Studying a rare genetic disorder called tuberous sclerosis complex, researchers have uncovered a possible cause of some neurodevelopmental disorders: structural abnormalities in neurons. The growth of too many axons, resulting in an exuberance of brain connections, supports recent thinking that autism, epilepsy and mental retardation (all common complications of TSC) stem at least partly from abnormal brain connectivity. The researchers also found, in mice, that normal neuronal structure can potentially be restored.

Genome Of One Of World's Most Common And Destructive Plant Parasites Sequenced Posted: 25 Sep 2008 04:00 AM CDT Scientists have completed the genome sequence and genetic map of one of the world's most common and destructive plant parasites -- Meloidogyne hapla, a microscopic, soil-dwelling worm known more commonly as the northern root-knot nematode.

HPV DNA Test Identifies Cervical Pre-cancerous Disease In Developing Countries With 90% Success Rate Posted: 25 Sep 2008 04:00 AM CDT Results of the first study to determine the accuracy of a new rapid screening test for HPV created specifically for use in the developing world, have shown it to be 90 percent accurate in detecting precancerous cervical disease when tested on a group of local women in Shanxi province, eastern China.

Split In Perception Of Similarity Could Double Web Advertising Posted: 25 Sep 2008 04:00 AM CDT Psychology researchers have found a radical 50/50 split in how people decide "What makes two things seem similar?". This research could mean that some advertisers and marketers could be failing to reach up to half of their potential audience and it could double the number of opportunities available in key web advertising methods such as Google AdWords.

Presidential Debates Likely To Be As Significant As 1960 Kennedy-Nixon Debate Posted: 25 Sep 2008 04:00 AM CDT With many polls showing presidential candidates Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain in a dead heat, many are predicting that the first presidential debate on Sep. 26 could be a turning point in the election. In addition, with the surprising selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate, the St. Louis vice presidential debate could be the most viewed in US history.

World’s Largest Tsunami Debris Discovered Posted: 25 Sep 2008 01:00 AM CDT A line of massive boulders on the western shore of Tonga may be evidence of the most powerful volcano-triggered tsunami found to date. Up to 9 meters (30 feet) high and weighing up to 1.6 million kilograms (3.5 million pounds), the seven coral boulders are located 100 to 400 meters (300 to 1,300 feet) from the coast.

New Drug Target For Inflammatory Disease Discovered Posted: 25 Sep 2008 01:00 AM CDT Researchers have defined a cellular process that promotes inflammation and, at the same time, found an important starting point for identifying and testing new drugs for diseases such as sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.

Old Growth Forest Must No Longer Be Ignored In Carbon Balances Posted: 25 Sep 2008 01:00 AM CDT Ancient forests, which accumulate large quantities of carbon over the centuries, should be taken into account in global carbon balance assessments. However, such old growth forests were not included in the Kyoto protocol.

Isoflavone Dietary Supplement Improves Functioning Of Arteries In Stroke Patients Posted: 25 Sep 2008 01:00 AM CDT A dietary supplement containing isoflavone -- a chemical found in soybeans, chickpeas, legumes and clovers -- can improve artery function in stroke patients according to new research.

Purifying Nanorods: Big Success With Tiny Cleanup Posted: 25 Sep 2008 01:00 AM CDT Chemists have discovered a novel method to produce ultra-pure gold nanorods -- tiny, wand-like nanoparticles that are being studied in dozens of labs worldwide for applications as broad as diagnosing disease and improving electronic viewscreens. The method removes more than 99 percent of impurities from nanorods.

Strong Leaders Who Punish Freeloaders And Cheats Can Benefit Society: UBC Research Posted: 25 Sep 2008 01:00 AM CDT A strong leader who punishes cheats and freeloaders can increase the cooperation and riches enjoyed by the rest of the group, according to psychology and economics research.

Mars Polar Cap Mystery Solved: Why Southern Ice Cap Is 'Misplaced' Posted: 24 Sep 2008 10:00 PM CDT Scientists are now able to better explain why Mars's residual southern ice cap is misplaced, thanks to data from ESA's Mars Express spacecraft -- the martian weather system is to blame. And so is the largest impact crater on Mars -- even though it is nowhere near the south pole.

Compounds That Prevent Nerve Damage Discovered Posted: 24 Sep 2008 10:00 PM CDT Scientists have made a significant finding that could lead to better drugs for several degenerative diseases including Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Compounds that block the activity of a specific enzyme prevented brain injury and greatly improved survival in fruit flies that had the same disease process found in Huntington's disease.

European Research Effort Tackles Dangerous Mould Posted: 24 Sep 2008 10:00 PM CDT Ubiquitous fungus Aspergillus fumigatus poses an increasing threat to patients with compromised immune systems. The European Science Foundation has launched a new Research Networking Programme, FUMINOMICS, to study the basic genetic and molecular mechanisms employed by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus when infecting host cells.

What Is The Best Strategy For Treating Helicobacter Pylori? Posted: 24 Sep 2008 10:00 PM CDT The best treatment for Helicobacter pylori is not yet established. The organism is becoming resistant to some of the treatments. This study compared the standard three drug treatment with a four drug treatment in a rural hospital in UK. They concluded that four drugs remain the best option for white Caucasians in rural UK, except for some the side effects.

Lack Of Large-scale Experiments Slows Progress Of Environmental Restoration Posted: 24 Sep 2008 10:00 PM CDT A new study finds that environmental restoration research using large experimental tests has been limited. The study maintains that for restoration to progress as a science and a practice, more research should be done on whole ecosystems with large experiments.

Holiday Drug Taking Linked To Acts Of Violence Posted: 24 Sep 2008 10:00 PM CDT A new study shows that high levels of drug and alcohol consumption are behind the growth in violence among young tourists. The research work, focusing on Mallorca and Ibiza in Spain, shows that 5% of tourists visiting these areas become involved in some kind of violence during their stay. Ecstasy was the only drug consumed that the scientists have not linked to violent acts.

Formula Discovered For Longer Plant Life Posted: 24 Sep 2008 07:00 PM CDT Molecular biologists have discovered how the growth of leaves and the aging process of plants are coordinated.

Scientists Deliver Toxic Genes To Effectively Kill Pancreatic Cancer Cells Posted: 24 Sep 2008 07:00 PM CDT Investigators have achieved a substantial "kill" of pancreatic cancer cells by using nanoparticles to successfully deliver a deadly diphtheria toxin gene. The findings reflect the first time this unique strategy has been tested in pancreatic cancer cells, and the success seen offers promise for future pre-clinical animal studies, and possibly, a new clinical approach.

Human Or Animal Faces Associated With At Least 90 Percent Of Cars By One-third Of Population Posted: 24 Sep 2008 07:00 PM CDT A new study investigated whether people ascribed certain traits to cars, as they do to human faces. One-third of the subjects associated a human or animal face with at least 90 percent of the cars. All subjects marked eyes (headlights), a mouth (air intake/grille), and a nose in more than 50 percent of the cars. Overall, people agreed which type of car possesses certain traits. The authors found that people liked cars most which had a wide stance, a narrow windshield, and/or widely spaced, narrow headlights.

Stopping Smoking Reduces Postoperative Complications, Study Shows Posted: 24 Sep 2008 07:00 PM CDT Patients who stop smoking four weeks before an operation reduce the risk of complications, according to a new research. Moreover, many of those who receive help with this ahead of operations remain non-smokers for a long time afterwards.

New, More Sensitive Nanotechnology Test For Chemical DNA Modifications Developed Posted: 24 Sep 2008 07:00 PM CDT Researchers have developed a novel test to screen for chemical modifications to DNA known as methylation. The technology potentially could be used both for early cancer diagnoses and for assessing patients' response to cancer therapies.

New Life For Middle English: Norwegian Detective Work Gives New Knowledge Of The English Language Posted: 24 Sep 2008 07:00 PM CDT After several years of detective work, philologists have collected a unique collection of texts online. Now they're about to start the most comprehensive analysis of middle English ever.

Deep Interior Of Neptune, Uranus And Earth May Contain Some Solid Ice Posted: 24 Sep 2008 04:00 PM CDT The deep interior of Neptune, Uranus and Earth may contain some solid ice.

Plant Antioxidant May Protect Against Radiation Exposure Posted: 24 Sep 2008 04:00 PM CDT Resveratrol, the natural antioxidant commonly found in red wine and many plants, may offer protection against radiation exposure, according to a new study. When altered with acetyl, resveratrol administered before radiation exposure proved to protect cells from radiation in mouse models.

Flooding Might Help Lower Gas Emission From Wetlands Posted: 24 Sep 2008 04:00 PM CDT River floods and storms that send water surging through swamps and marshes near rivers and coastal areas might cut in half the average greenhouse gas emissions from those affected wetlands, according to recent research. A study suggests that pulses of water through wetlands result in lower average emissions of greenhouse gases over the course of the year compared to the emissions from wetlands that receive a steady flow of water.

Breast MRI Scan Could Determine Need For Radiation Therapy Posted: 24 Sep 2008 04:00 PM CDT For women whose breast cancer has spread to their lymph nodes, a magnetic resonance imaging scan could replace exploratory surgery as the method for determining whether those women need radiation therapy to treat their disease, according to a study.

New Technology Takes On Food Safety, Wastage And Inaccurate 'Best Before' Dates Posted: 24 Sep 2008 04:00 PM CDT Advances in sensing technology will help to reduce the wastage from 'farm to fork' that's contributing to the UK's £10 billion food wastage bill.

'Casual' Smokers Have A Greater Risk Of Hazardous Drinking And Alcohol-use Disorders Posted: 24 Sep 2008 04:00 PM CDT Smokers are more likely to drink and drink heavily, and heavy smokers also tend to be heavy drinkers. New findings indicate that nondaily or "casual" smoking among young adults confers a greater risk of hazardous drinking and alcohol-use disorders. Casual smokers were 16 times more likely than non-smokers to be hazardous drinkers, and five times more likely to meet criteria for an AUD.

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