Thursday, October 02, 2008

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

First Detection Of Magnetic Field In Distant Galaxy Surprises Astronomers

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 01:00 PM CDT

Using a powerful radio telescope to peer into the early universe, a team of California astronomers has obtained the first direct measurement of a nascent galaxy's magnetic field as it appeared 6.5 billion years ago.

Vitamin C Supplements May Reduce Benefit From Wide Range Of Anti-cancer Drugs

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 01:00 PM CDT

In pre-clinical studies, vitamin C appears to substantially reduce the effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs, say researchers.

Cells Coordinate Gene Activity With FM Bursts, Scientists Find

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 01:00 PM CDT

How a cell achieves the coordinated control of a number of genes at the same time has long puzzled scientists. Researchers have discovered a surprising answer. Just as human engineers control devices ranging from dimmer switches to retrorockets using frequency modulated signals, cells tune the expression of groups of genes using discrete bursts of activation.

Colon Cancer: Researchers Take Important Steps Forward In Understanding Cause

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 01:00 PM CDT

Scientists investigating a molecule known to play a key role in causing colon cancer have made a series of ground-breaking discoveries that could have major implications for future treatment of the disease.

Keeping Computing Compatible

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 01:00 PM CDT

As distributed computing becomes universal, the programs that make devices work really have to work together. European researchers have gone back to basics to create a development toolkit that guarantees this sort of compatibility.

Driving Fatalities Surge On US Presidential Election Days

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 01:00 PM CDT

Researchers have found an increased risk of fatal motor vehicle crashes on United States presidential election days.

Short RNAs Show A Long History: MicroRNAs Found In Animals That Appeared A Billion Years Ago

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 10:00 AM CDT

MicroRNAs, the tiny molecules that fine-tune gene expression, were first discovered in 1993. But it turns out they've been around for a billion years. MicroRNAs and piRNAs, two classes of small RNAs that regulate genes, have been discovered within diverse animal lineages, implying that they have been present since the ancestor of all animals (about a billion years ago).They may have been shaping gene expression throughout the evolution of animals, contributing to the emergence of new species and perhaps even the emergence of multicellular animal life.

Groundbreaking Discovery May Lead To Stronger Antibiotics

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 10:00 AM CDT

The last decade has seen a dramatic decline in the effectiveness of antibiotics, resulting in a mounting public health crisis across the world. A new breakthrough provides physicians and patients a potential new approach toward the creation of less resistant and more effective antibiotics.

Ecologists Allay Fears For Farmland Birds From Wind Turbines

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 10:00 AM CDT

Wind farms pose less of a threat to farmland birds than previously feared, new research has found. The study helps resolve a potentially major environmental conflict: how to meet renewable energy targets at the same time as reversing dramatic declines in biodiversity on European farmland.

Changing Dosing, Administration Of Anthrax Vaccine Reduces Side Effects

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 10:00 AM CDT

Reducing the number of doses of an anthrax vaccine and changing its administration to intramuscular injection resulted in comparable measures of effectiveness but with fewer adverse events, according to a study in the Oct. 1 issue of JAMA.

Why Metal Alloys Degrade And Fail

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 10:00 AM CDT

Metal alloys can fail unexpectedly in a wide range of applications -- from jet engines to satellites to cell phones -- and new research helps to explain why.

Strict Societies May Foster Violent Drinking Cultures

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 10:00 AM CDT

Countries with strict social rules and behavioral etiquette such as the United Kingdom may foster drinking cultures characterized by unruly or bad behavior, according to a new report on alcohol and violence.

HIV/AIDS Pandemic Began Around 1900, Earlier Than Previously Thought; Urbanization In Africa Marked Outbreak

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 07:00 AM CDT

Painstaking reconstruction of viral DNA and RNA sequences from decades-old tissue samples is beginning to yield a clearer picture of HIV's evolutionary history from its beginnings.

New Genes Linked To Gout

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 07:00 AM CDT

Researchers have identified two new genes -- and confirmed the role of a third gene -- associated with increased risk of higher levels of uric acid in the blood, which can lead to gout, a common, painful form of arthritis. Combined, the three genetic variations were associated with up to a 40-fold increased risk in developing gout.

Extinct May Not Be Forever For Some Species Of Galapagos Tortoises

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 07:00 AM CDT

Yale scientists report that genetic traces of extinct species of Galapagos tortoises exist in descendants now living in the wild, a finding that could spur breeding programs to restore the species.

HIV Drug Maraviroc Effective For Drug-resistant Patients

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 07:00 AM CDT

As many as one quarter of HIV patients have drug resistance, limiting their treatment options and raising their risk for AIDS and death. Now, maraviroc, the first of a new class of HIV drugs called CCR5 receptor antagonists, has been shown to be effective over 48 weeks for drug-resistant patients with R5 HIV-1, a variation of the virus found in more than half of HIV-infected patients.

DNA Tests Could Help Predict, Prevent Harmful Algal Blooms

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 07:00 AM CDT

DNA test could be used to detect harmful algal blooms across the globe, an article the International Journal of Environment and Pollution.

Getting Help For Depression And Anxiety Has Significant Long-term Benefits

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 07:00 AM CDT

Researchers have recently studied the long term effects of taking antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. They found people who were not using antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications were three times more likely to be suffering from depression or anxiety 10 years later.

Specific Gene Found In Adolescent Men With Delinquent Peers

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 04:00 AM CDT

Birds of a feather flock together, according to the old adage, and adolescent males who possess a certain type of variation in a specific gene are more likely to flock to delinquent peers, according to a landmark study.

Saliva Proteins Could Help Detection Of Oral Cancer

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 04:00 AM CDT

Clinicians could detect oral squamous cell carcinoma, a form of oral cancer, using a simple test that detects proteins in saliva, according to a report in the Oct. 1, 2008, issue of Clinical Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. This work was led by David T. Wong, D.M.D., D.M.Sc., professor and associate dean for research, at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry.

Space Scientists Set For Second Spacecraft Flyby Of Mercury

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 04:00 AM CDT

NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft, which is toting an $8.7 million University of Colorado at Boulder instrument to measure Mercury's wispy atmosphere and blistering surface, will make its second flyby of the mysterious, rocky planet Oct. 6.

Physical Therapists Say Appropriate Exercise Can Help Prevent ACL Injuries In Female Athletes

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 04:00 AM CDT

The American Physical Therapy Association is urging female athletes -- particularly soccer players -- to consider a new warm-up program to help lower their growing risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.

From Mothballs To Mobilization: Taking The Salt Out Of Sea Water

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 04:00 AM CDT

The United Nations estimates that 1.1 billion people across the globe lack access to sustainable, clean drinking water. How can science help provide more drinkable water for a growing population on an Earth with limited fresh surface-water and groundwater resources? One researcher shows that desalinization -- removing salt from ocean water to create fresh water -- is a practical way to meet the growing human need.

Society's Lack Of Knowledge Of Food Allergies Can Greatly Impact Those Afflicted With Food Allergies

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 04:00 AM CDT

Society's lack of knowledge of food allergies can greatly impact those afflicted with food allergies.

Canada's Shores Saved Animals From Devastating Climate Change 252 Million Years Ago

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 01:00 AM CDT

Scientists have solved part of the mystery of where marine organisms that recovered from the biggest extinction on earth were housed. The researchers discovered that the shorelines of ancient Canada provided a refuge for marine organisms that escaped annihilation during the Permian-Triassic extinction event.

Hormone Replacement Therapy And Heart Attack Risk: Danish Study Provides New Information

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 01:00 AM CDT

The largest study to look at the effects of hormone replacement therapy after the Women's Health Initiative was stopped early, has shown there is no overall increased risk of heart attacks for women taking HRT. However, the risk varies depending on the age of the women and the method used for taking HRT.

Vegetation Hardly Affected By Extreme Flood Events: Impacts On Flora And Fauna Of The Elbe Flood Of 2002

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 01:00 AM CDT

Extreme flood events in floodplain grasslands affect carabid beetles and molluscs more than plants. Biologists did several years of observations before and after the Elbe floods of August 2002 in this study. Flow variations are known to be most important drivers in structuring riverine communities. However, until now, the effects of extreme flood events on the flora and fauna of floodplains have been largely unknown, despite the fact that such events are likely to become more frequent as a result of climate change.

Don't Forget The Vitamin A When Working With Its Carrier Protein

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 01:00 AM CDT

In a recent study, researchers discovered that not only was the carrier protein for vitamin A, retinol-binding protein (RBP), elevated in obese individuals compared to leaner controls, but some of it was not attached to vitamin A. This is called apo-RBP by vitamin A scientists. Further research is needed to determine whether this RBP is bound to some other compound in the circulation.

Using Molecules To Measure Rate Of Flow

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 01:00 AM CDT

Researchers have developed a new measurement technique based on following molecules in a (turbulent) airflow. Its main advantage is that no measuring instruments or small particles, such as glass beads, need to be inserted into the flow. These techniques fail if, for example, the particle density is too low or the measurement techniques influence the flow.

News Media Often Do Not Report Potential Sources Of Bias In Medical Research

Posted: 02 Oct 2008 01:00 AM CDT

An analysis of news media coverage of medical studies indicates that news articles often fail to report pharmaceutical company funding and frequently refer to medications by their brand names, both potential sources of bias, according to a study in the Oct. 1 issue of JAMA.

'Hub' Of Fear Memory Formation Identified In Brain Cells

Posted: 01 Oct 2008 10:00 PM CDT

A protein required for the earliest steps in embryonic development also plays a key role in solidifying fear memories in the brains of adult animals, scientists have revealed. An apparent "hub" for changes in the connections between brain cells, beta-catenin could be a potential target for drugs to enhance or interfere with memory formation.

During Exercise, Human Brain Shifts Into High Gear On 'Alternative Energy'

Posted: 01 Oct 2008 10:00 PM CDT

The brain, just like muscles, works harder during strenuous exercise and is fueled by lactate, rather than glucose. This helps explain why the brain is able to work properly when the body's demands for fuel and oxygen are highest. It also goes a step further to show that the brain shifts into a higher gear in terms of activity.

New Way To Make Malaria Medicine Also First Step In Finding New Antibiotics

Posted: 01 Oct 2008 10:00 PM CDT

Microbiologists have developed a way to mass-produce an antimalarial compound, potentially making the treatment of malaria less expensive.

Occupational Therapy Gets People With Osteoarthritis Moving

Posted: 01 Oct 2008 10:00 PM CDT

An occupational therapist-led approach -- called activity strategy training -- could provide patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis the opportunity to lead more active lives and even improve their overall health, according to a new study.

Commercial Aquatic Plants Offer Cost-effective Method For Treating Wastewater

Posted: 01 Oct 2008 10:00 PM CDT

Constructed wetlands (CWs) have been promoted as inexpensive, low-technology approaches to treating agricultural, industrial and municipal wastewater to comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations. CWs, or marshes built to treat contaminated water, incorporate soil and drainage materials, water, plants and microorganisms. "Surface-flow" constructed wetlands resemble shallow freshwater marshes and generally require a large land area for wastewater treatment. More effective for greenhouse and nursery operations with limited production space and expensive land are a type of constructed wetland called "subsurface flow."

Restless Nights Put Older Adults At Risk For Depression Recurrence

Posted: 01 Oct 2008 10:00 PM CDT

Poor sleep among the elderly is common, but it may also be a precursor of the first signs of depression.

Disease Diagnosis In Just 15 Minutes? Biosensor Technology Uses Antibodies To Detect Biomarkers Much Faster

Posted: 01 Oct 2008 07:00 PM CDT

Testing for diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis could soon be as simple as using a pregnancy testing kit. Scientists have developed a biosensor technology that uses antibodies to detect biomarkers -- molecules in the human body which are often a marker for disease -- much faster than current testing methods.

Colon Cancer Link To Obesity Uncovered

Posted: 01 Oct 2008 07:00 PM CDT

It has already been proven that obesity is influenced by genetics, and colon cancer is influenced by genetics. A new study makes a three-way scientific connection between genetic variation, obesity and colon cancer risk.

Baseball: Head-first Slide Is Quicker

Posted: 01 Oct 2008 07:00 PM CDT

With baseball playoffs heating up and the World Series right around the corner, it's guaranteed that fans will see daring slides, both feet-first and head-first, and even slides on bang-bang plays at first. Who gets there faster, the head-first slider or the feet-first? The heads first player, says an engineering professor and big-time baseball fan. It's a matter of the player's center of gravity.

Surgical Treatment Provides New Option For Some Colorectal Cancer Patients

Posted: 01 Oct 2008 07:00 PM CDT

A surgical technique not traditionally used in advanced abdominal cancer may be a viable treatment option for some patients previously thought to be untreatable, offering the real possibility of extending survival for those patients.

Reversible 3D Cell Culture Gel Invented

Posted: 01 Oct 2008 07:00 PM CDT

A unique user-friendly gel that can liquefy on demand, with the potential to revolutionize three-dimensional cell culture for medical research, has been invented.

Gender Is A Relative Term In Politics, Study Finds

Posted: 01 Oct 2008 07:00 PM CDT

For only the second time in presidential debate history, a female nominee will take the stage to spar with a male opponent. A revealing study has found that male and female candidates, when debating head-to-head, actually adopt each other's traditional communication styles.

Infrared Echoes Give NASA's Spitzer A Supernova Flashback

Posted: 01 Oct 2008 04:00 PM CDT

Hot spots near the shattered remains of an exploded star are echoing the blast's first moments, say scientists using data from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope.

Immune System Can Hurt As Well As Help Fight Cancer, Study Shows

Posted: 01 Oct 2008 04:00 PM CDT

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that some proteins of the immune system can promote tumor growth. Investigators found that instead of fighting tumors, the protein C5a, which is produced during an immune response to a developing tumor, helps tumors build molecular shields against T-cell attack.

Honey Effective In Killing Bacteria That Cause Chronic Sinusitis

Posted: 01 Oct 2008 04:00 PM CDT

Honey is very effective in killing bacteria in all its forms, especially the drug-resistant biofilms that make treating chronic rhinosinusitis difficult, according to new research.

Scientists Establish New Blood Test To Better Evaluate Prostate Cancer

Posted: 01 Oct 2008 04:00 PM CDT

An international study led by researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research will pave the way for a test to be used to better tailor treatments and hopefully extend the survival of men with aggressive forms of metastatic prostate cancer.

Scientists Go Green With Gold, Distribute Environmentally Friendly Nanoparticles

Posted: 01 Oct 2008 04:00 PM CDT

Until recently, scientists couldn't create gold nanoparticles without producing synthetic chemicals that had negative impacts on the environment. A new method not only eliminates any negative environmental impact, but also has resulted in national and international recognition for the lead scientist.

New Life Found In Ancient Tombs

Posted: 01 Oct 2008 04:00 PM CDT

Life has been discovered in the barren depths of Rome's ancient tombs, proving catacombs are not just a resting place for the dead. The two new species of bacteria found growing on the walls of the Roman tombs may help protect our cultural heritage monuments, according to research published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.

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