ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Tiny Juvenile Dinosaur Fossil Sheds Light On Evolution Of Plant Eaters Posted: 24 Oct 2008 10:00 AM CDT Scientists have identified one of the smallest dinosaur skulls ever discovered as coming from a very young Heterodontosaurus, an early dinosaur. This juvenile weighed about 200 grams. This skull suggests how and when the family of herbivorous dinosaurs that includes Heterodontosaurus made the transition from eating meat to eating plants.

New Hope For Multiple Sclerosis Sufferers Posted: 24 Oct 2008 10:00 AM CDT A drug which was initially designed to treat a form of leukemia has also proven effective against combating the debilitating neurological disease multiple sclerosis.

Science Of Speed: Building The Fastest Car In The World Posted: 24 Oct 2008 10:00 AM CDT When Andy Green puts his foot on the accelerator and tries to break the land speed record in 2011, he can be sure that some of the UK's top scientists have done everything possible to make sure he achieves his goal, and is safe in the process.

Heart Failure Patients Have Higher Risk Of Fractures Posted: 24 Oct 2008 10:00 AM CDT Heart failure patients have four times the risk of fractures and 6.3 times the risk of hip fracture as other heart patients. Heart failure patients should be screened and treated for osteoporosis if necessary, researchers said.

Digesting The Termite Digestome: A Way To Make Biofuels? Posted: 24 Oct 2008 10:00 AM CDT If the biofuel known as bioethanol is to make a major contribution to our fuel supplies, then we may well require the assistance of some tiny insect helpers, says an assistant professor of entomology.

Genomic Changes Found In Brains Of People Who Commit Suicide Posted: 24 Oct 2008 10:00 AM CDT New light is being shed on the complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors as the result of growth in the field of epigenetics.

Deprived Of A Sense Of Smell, Worms Live Longer Posted: 24 Oct 2008 07:00 AM CDT Many animals live longer when raised on low calorie diets. But now researchers have shown that they can extend the life spans of roundworms even when the worms are well fed -- it just takes a chemical that blocks their sense of smell.

Safer, More Effective TB Vaccine For HIV-positive People Developed Posted: 24 Oct 2008 07:00 AM CDT Scientists have engineered a new tuberculosis vaccine specifically designed for HIV-positive people that was shown to be safer and more potent than the current TB vaccine in pre-clinical trials.

New Coral Reef Discovered In The Seychelles Posted: 24 Oct 2008 07:00 AM CDT Researchers have discovered a previously unknown coral reef in the Seychelles. Diving revealed an extensive coral reef to the south of the island, at a depth which would not be visible to the occasional snorkeler, according to researchers.

Sun-damaged Skin Responds Well To Laser Treatment Posted: 24 Oct 2008 07:00 AM CDT Researchers have found scientific evidence that the appearance of sun-damaged skin may be improved by treatment with a topical product that increases the skin's sensitivity to light, followed by laser therapy.

Scientist Uses Tracer To Predict Ancient Ocean Circulation Posted: 24 Oct 2008 07:00 AM CDT Measuring a chemical tracer in samples of ancient fish scales, bones and teeth, researchers have studied circulation in the Late Cretaceous North Atlantic Ocean. The Late Cretaceous was a time with high atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide and warm temperatures. Understanding such ancient greenhouse climates is important for predicting what may happen in the future. The new findings contradict some previous models.

Mouse Genes Guide Search For Human Anxiety Disorder Genes Posted: 24 Oct 2008 07:00 AM CDT We are all familiar with the question "Are you a man or a mouse?" What if the answer is "a little of both"? Because of the power of molecular genetics research in animals and the maturation of animal models, the path to identifying genes involved in particular types of behavior, such as fear, is much clearer in animals than in humans. There is new evidence that the genes implicated in these animal models may be directly applicable to humans.

Naturally Produced 'Rotten Egg' Gas Helps Control Blood Pressure In Body, Researchers Find Posted: 24 Oct 2008 04:00 AM CDT Anyone with a nose knows the rotten-egg odor of hydrogen sulfide, a gas generated by bacteria living in the human colon. Now scientists have discovered that cells inside the blood vessels of mice -- as well as in people, no doubt -- naturally make the gassy stuff, and that it controls blood pressure. Researchers have discover that hydrogen sulfide is a major regulator of blood pressure.

First Gene For Clubfoot Identified Posted: 24 Oct 2008 04:00 AM CDT Clubfoot, one of the most common birth defects, has long been thought to have a genetic component. Now, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis report they have found the first gene linked to clubfoot in humans.

When Under Attack, Plants Can Signal Microbial Friends For Help Posted: 24 Oct 2008 04:00 AM CDT Researchers have discovered that when the leaf of a plant is under attack by a pathogen, it can send out an S.O.S. to the roots for help, and the roots will respond by secreting an acid that brings beneficial bacteria to the rescue.

Knocking The 'Sox' Off Cancer And Lymphatic Disorders Posted: 24 Oct 2008 04:00 AM CDT Researchers have identified a gene critical for the development of the lymphatic system in a discovery that will have implications for treatment of cancer and lymphatic disorders and other diseases.

3-D Doppler Ultrasound Helps Identify Breast Cancer Posted: 24 Oct 2008 04:00 AM CDT Three-dimensional power Doppler ultrasound helps radiologists distinguish between malignant and benign breast masses, according to a new study.

Race And Insurance Status Associated With Death From Trauma Posted: 24 Oct 2008 04:00 AM CDT African American and Hispanic patients are more likely to die following trauma than white patients, and uninsured patients have a higher death risk when compared with those who have health insurance, according to a new report.

Good Vibrations Of Nearby Stars: Satellite Data Sheds New Light On The Sun Posted: 24 Oct 2008 01:00 AM CDT Some of the first data collected by the CoRoT space telescope mission, launched in December 2006, provides valuable information about the physical vibrations and surface characteristics of nearby stars that are similar to our sun, researchers say. This novel information illustrates the great value of space-based observations, and provides astronomers with insights into the interior of our sun, other stars, and the overall evolution of our galaxy.

New Way Of Inhibiting The Cell Cycle Shows Promise In Cancer Patients In A Phase I Clinical Trial Posted: 24 Oct 2008 01:00 AM CDT A new anti-cancer compound that works by blocking a part of the cell's machinery that is crucial for cell division has shown promising results in a phase I clinical trial in patients who have failed to respond to other treatments.

Extinction Risks High For Social Species Such As The African Wild Dog Posted: 24 Oct 2008 01:00 AM CDT Because African wild dogs face bigger competitors like lions, whose larger stomachs handle large irregular meals, the African wild dog evolved a runner's metabolism (lithe, smaller stomachs) and formed large packs. In packs they reduce costs and ensure a regular supply of food. But in packs less than five, they end up in poverty traps, less well fed, less able to have pups, and spiral downward. This study reveals an extinction risk for social species.

Getting To Grips With The Complexity Of Disease Proteins Posted: 24 Oct 2008 01:00 AM CDT New research into how proteins in human cells interact and 'talk' to each other is leading to a better understanding of how drug molecules work and should result in more effective therapies, according to scientist.

Fisheries Management And Environmental Conditions: Win-win For Baltic Cod Posted: 24 Oct 2008 01:00 AM CDT Politics have played a critical role in the increase of the cod stock in the Baltic Sea, but environmental conditions are equally important. Only the synergies from these two factors have resulted in a stock increase that exceeds the sums of both factors. The study is highly relevant for the management decision on Baltic cod, which will be taken by the Council of Ministers on October 27th 2008.

Overweight Women Find Health Care Access And Attitudes A Constant Struggle Posted: 24 Oct 2008 01:00 AM CDT Shame, embarrassment, distress, anger. Those are just some of the emotions overweight women expressed when they were asked to talk about their health care experiences. It's vital to tackle the issue, say researchers, as other studies show that when women have bad experiences they may avoid or delay health care.

New Candidate Genes For Schizophrenia Identified Posted: 23 Oct 2008 10:00 PM CDT Researchers have identified three new candidate genes for schizophrenia that may contribute to a better understanding of how the disease evolves.

Heart Valves That Grow With The Patient Posted: 23 Oct 2008 10:00 PM CDT Three scientists have developed and successful transplanted tissue-engineered biological cardiac valves for children that grow with the patients.

Exercise Gives Longer Life For People With Heart Disease Posted: 23 Oct 2008 10:00 PM CDT Exercising once a week can help prolong life expectancy for people with heart disease, according to a new study.

Unique Properties Of Boron Harnessed To Develop New Drugs And Diagnostics Posted: 23 Oct 2008 10:00 PM CDT Researchers are on the verge of unleashing the power of the element boron in a new generation of drugs and therapies, as decades of research begins to bear fruit. Boron has to date far been one of biology's best kept secrets, but is now attracting fast growing research interest and investment from the pharmaceutical industry in the quest for novel drugs to tackle cancer and infectious diseases, potentially overcoming limitations and side effects of current products.

Extra Cash From Government Program Linked To Higher Risk Of Adult Obesity Posted: 23 Oct 2008 10:00 PM CDT Adults are not seeing the same benefits as children in a popular poverty-alleviation program that gives cash to impoverished families in exchange for participation in health-promoting activities, according to a new study. The study found that the cash component of the program, launched by the Mexican government and modeled worldwide, is linked to a greater risk of obesity and higher blood pressure in adults.

Biologists Discover Gene Behind 'Plant Sex Mystery' Posted: 23 Oct 2008 07:00 PM CDT An enigma -- unique to flowering plants -- has been solved by researchers from the UK and South Korea. Scientists already knew that flowering plants require not one, but two sperm cells for successful fertilisation. The mystery of this 'double fertilization' process was how each single pollen grain could produce 'twin' sperm cells.

Overweight Mums Have Chubby Babies, Study Suggests Posted: 23 Oct 2008 07:00 PM CDT Researchers have highlighted a link between childhood obesity and a mother's diet before and during pregnancy. The work in animals proves that overweight expectant mothers are more likely to have babies with more body fat, who are at greater risk of diabetes and lipid metabolic disorders later in life.

Building A Better Bee Posted: 23 Oct 2008 07:00 PM CDT A researcher known for her honey bee line "New World Carniolans" has crossed her bees with their Old World counterparts to enhance their positive characteristics.

Increased Rate Of Common Birthmarks Linked To Rise In Number Of Low Birth Weight Infants In US Posted: 23 Oct 2008 07:00 PM CDT Low birth weight is the most significant factor for the development of infantile hemangiomas, a common birthmark, according to a new study.

Smart Fabrics Make Clever (Medical) Clothing Posted: 23 Oct 2008 07:00 PM CDT European researchers have developed a smart fabric that can monitor muscular overload and help prevent repetitive strain injury or RSI. But that is just the beginning. The team is also exploring a pregnancy belt to monitor baby's heartbeat, clothing to help coach hockey, and shirts that monitor muscle fatigue during training.

'Dry Cleaning Effect' Explained By Forgetful Researcher Posted: 23 Oct 2008 07:00 PM CDT Researchers have described how dueling brain systems may explain why you forget to drop off the dry cleaning and may point to ways that substance abusers and people with obsessive compulsive disorder can overcome bad habits.

World's Most Advanced Microscope Unveiled Posted: 23 Oct 2008 04:00 PM CDT The most advanced and powerful electron microscope on the planet -- capable of unprecedented resolution -- has been installed in the new Canadian Center for Electron Microscopy at McMaster University. It is so powerful it can probe the spaces between atoms.

Individual's Gene Variations Linked To Likelihood Of Surviving Cancer Posted: 23 Oct 2008 04:00 PM CDT New research shows that certain genes can influence a person's likelihood to contract particular diseases, cancer for example. The finding demonstrates that genetic markers may also show a person's likelihood to survive the disease.

Rare Corals Breed Their Way Out Of Trouble Posted: 23 Oct 2008 04:00 PM CDT Rare corals may be smarter than we thought. Faced with a dire shortage of mates of their own kind, new research suggests they may be able to cross-breed with certain other coral species to breed themselves out of a one-way trip to extinction. This finding has raised hopes for the ability of the world's corals to withstand the rigors of changing climates and human impacts.

Skin Creams Can Make Skin Drier Posted: 23 Oct 2008 04:00 PM CDT Many people have noticed that as soon as you start using a skin cream, you have to continue with it; if you stop lubricating, your skin becomes drier than when you started. And now there is research to confirm for the first time that normal skin can become drier from creams.

Nanomaterials May Have Large Environmental Footprint Posted: 23 Oct 2008 04:00 PM CDT Environmental gains derived from the use of nanomaterials may be offset in part by the process used to manufacture them, according to research published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology.

Developing Depression After A Heart Attack Increases One’s Risk Of Death Or Readmission Posted: 23 Oct 2008 04:00 PM CDT Science has found many links between depression and other serious medical illnesses, such as cancer, stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. For example, people who develop depression following a heart attack (myocardial infarction) or chest pain (angina) have an elevated risk of cardiac death or hospital readmission over the following year.

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