ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Why Locusts Abandon A Solitary Life For The Swarm Posted: 30 Dec 2008 05:00 PM PST By applying an old theory that has been used to explain water flow through soil and the spread of forest fires, researchers may have an answer to a perplexing ecological and evolutionary problem: why locusts switch from an innocuous, solitary lifestyle to form massive swarms that can devastate crops and strip fields bare.

Common Food Additive Found To Increase Risk And Speed Spread Of Lung Cancer Posted: 30 Dec 2008 05:00 PM PST New research in an animal model suggests that a diet high in inorganic phosphates, which are found in a variety of processed foods including meats, cheeses, beverages and bakery products, might speed growth of lung cancer tumors and may even contribute to the development of those tumors in individuals predisposed to the disease.

Flowering Plants Speed Post-surgery Recovery Posted: 30 Dec 2008 05:00 PM PST Contact with nature has long been suspected to increase positive feelings, reduce stress, and provide distraction from the pain associated with recovery from surgery. Now, research has confirmed the beneficial effects of plants and flowers for patients recovering from abdominal surgery.

Pre-existing Diabetes For Persons Diagnosed With Cancer Associated With Increased Risk Of Death Posted: 30 Dec 2008 05:00 PM PST Patients with diabetes at the time of a cancer diagnosis have an increased risk of death compared to patients without diabetes, according to a meta-analysis of studies.

How Small Can Computers Get? Computing In A Molecule Posted: 30 Dec 2008 05:00 PM PST Over the last 60 years, ever-smaller generations of transistors have driven exponential growth in computing power. Could molecules, each turned into miniscule computer components, trigger even greater growth in computing over the next 60?

Bizarre Reproductive Techniques Discovered For Deep-ocean Squid Posted: 30 Dec 2008 05:00 PM PST Males that produce sperm packages that can penetrate deep into the skin. Females with bellies full of stored sperm. Males that seriously injure the females during mating. This is just a selection of the bizarre reproductive techniques that marine biologist Henk-Jan Hoving has discovered with different species of deep-ocean squid.

Competition, Not Climate Change, Led To Neanderthal Extinction, Study Shows Posted: 30 Dec 2008 11:00 AM PST Neanderthal extinction was principally a result of competition with Cro-Magnon populations, rather than the consequences of climate change, according to a new study.

Both Major Theories About Human Cellular Aging Supported By New Research Posted: 30 Dec 2008 11:00 AM PST Aging yeast cells accumulate damage over time, but they do so by following a pattern laid down earlier in their life by diet as well as the genes that control metabolism and the dynamics of cell structures such as mitochondria, the power plants of cells.

Pollen Grain Study Yields New Picture Of Ice Age Posted: 30 Dec 2008 11:00 AM PST According to a new analysis of deposits of pollen grains, it is possible that all of Sweden was virtually free of ice for long periods during the latest ice age. The findings show that the glaciation might have started some 20,000 later than was previously assumed.

Area Of Brain Key To Choosing Words Identified Posted: 30 Dec 2008 11:00 AM PST Psychologists have now clearly identified the parts of the brain involved in the process of choosing appropriate words during speech.

Facial Expressions Of Emotion Are Innate, Not Learned Posted: 30 Dec 2008 05:00 AM PST Facial expressions of emotion are hardwired into our genes, according to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. The research suggests that facial expressions of emotion are innate rather than a product of cultural learning.

Anti-fungal Drug Offers Great Benefits To Some With Severe Asthma, Study Suggests Posted: 30 Dec 2008 05:00 AM PST Some patients with severe asthma who also have allergic sensitivity to certain fungi enjoy great improvements in their quality of life and on other measures after taking an anti-fungal drug, according to new research.

Berry Compound Reduces Aging Effect Posted: 30 Dec 2008 05:00 AM PST Aged laboratory animals that ate a diet rich in the berry and grape compound pterostilbene performed better than those in a group that did not eat the enriched diet, scientists with the Agricultural Research Service have reported. Pterostilbene reversed measurable negative effects of aging on brain function and behavioral performance.

Breast Cancer: Diet High In Vegetables, Fruit And Fiber May Cut Risk Of Cancer Recurrence In Women Without Hot Flashes Posted: 30 Dec 2008 05:00 AM PST A secondary analysis of a large, multicenter clinical trial has shown that a diet loaded with fruits, vegetables and fiber and somewhat lower in fat compared to standard federal dietary recommendations cuts the risk of recurrence in a subgroup of early-stage breast cancer survivors -- women who didn't have hot flashes -- by approximately 31 percent. These patients typically have higher recurrence and lower survival rates than breast cancer patients who have hot flashes.

Diverse Landscapes Are Better: Policymakers Urged To Think Broadly About Biofuel Crops Posted: 30 Dec 2008 05:00 AM PST Scientists have found that growing more corn to produce ethanol, creating less diverse landscapes, reduces the ability of beneficial insects to control pests, a loss valued at about $58 million per year in the four states studied.

T'is The Season To Be Jolly? Posted: 30 Dec 2008 05:00 AM PST As the party season approaches, a timely reminder of the issues surrounding the binge drinking culture are again highlighted by research into "young people and alcohol" a team lead by Professor Christine Griffin, at the University of Bath. The research suggests several considerations for future policy.

Nanotechnology May Be Used For Food Safety Posted: 29 Dec 2008 11:00 PM PST A microscopic biological sensor that detects Salmonella bacteria in lab tests has been developed. The sensor could be adapted to detect other foodborne pathogens as well.

Molecule That Targets Brain Tumors Identified Posted: 29 Dec 2008 11:00 PM PST Researchers have discovered a molecule that targets glioblastoma, a highly deadly form of cancer.

Climate Change Effects On Imperiled Sierra Frog Examined Posted: 29 Dec 2008 11:00 PM PST Climate change can have significant impacts on high-elevation lakes and imperiled Sierra Nevada Yellow-legged frogs that depend upon them.

Voriconazole: A Highly Potent Treatment For Fungal Infections Posted: 29 Dec 2008 11:00 PM PST The effectiveness of voriconazole in combating fungal infections has been confirmed by a new study to be featured in the International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents.

Multilingual Culture and Heritage Internet Search System Developed Posted: 29 Dec 2008 11:00 PM PST European researchers say they are pushing online culture and heritage research way beyond Google by using a smart search system that is multilingual, multimedia and optimized for cultural heritage. Better yet, this promising system has wide application in other fields.

Gardening Provides Recommended Physical Activity For Older Adults Posted: 29 Dec 2008 11:00 PM PST Gardening is a very popular leisure activity for adults aged 65 or older in the United States. A recent study set out to determine if gardening enables older adults to meet the physical activity recommendation set forth by the CDC and the ACSM.

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