ScienceDaily: Latest Science News

Next Generation Cloaking Device Demonstrated Posted: 16 Jan 2009 11:00 AM PST A device that can bestow invisibility to an object by "cloaking" it from visual light is closer to reality. After being the first to demonstrate the feasibility of such a device by constructing a prototype in 2006, a team of Duke University engineers has produced a new type of cloaking device, which is significantly more sophisticated at cloaking in a broad range of frequencies.

Epilepsy Linked To Genetic Defect On Chromosome 15 Posted: 16 Jan 2009 11:00 AM PST Scientists find link between genetic defect on chromosome 15 and epilepsy. A subset of patients with epilepsy lack a certain part of this chromosome. The loss of small chromosomal segments, called microdeletions by geneticists, has previously not been connected with common disorders.

Common Soil Mineral Degrades The Nearly Indestructible Prion Posted: 16 Jan 2009 11:00 AM PST In the rogues' gallery of microscopic infectious agents, the prion is the toughest hombre in town. Warped pathogens that lack both DNA and RNA, prions are believed to cause such fatal brain ailments as chronic wasting disease (CWD) in deer and moose, mad cow disease in cattle, scrapie in sheep and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans. Now researchers have found that a common soil mineral, an oxidized from of manganese known as birnessite, can penetrate the prion's armor and degrade the protein.

New Generation Of Salmonella-based, Single Dose Vaccine Candidates To Fight Infant Pneumonia Posted: 16 Jan 2009 11:00 AM PST One of the major challenges in modern vaccinology is to engineer vectors that are highly infectious, yet don't cause illness. Now scientists have unveiled what may prove a winning strategy in the fight against infant bacterial pneumonia.

Free-range Chickens Are More Prone To Disease Posted: 16 Jan 2009 11:00 AM PST Chickens kept in litter-based housing systems, including free-range chickens, are more prone to disease than chickens kept in cages, according to a new study.

Switchboard In The Brain Helps Us Learn And Remember At The Same Time Posted: 16 Jan 2009 11:00 AM PST The brain is in a constant struggle between learning new experiences and remembering old experiences, PLoS Biology reports. Most social interactions require the rapid exchange of new and old information. Normal conversation requires that while listening to the new information, we are already retrieving information for a reply. Yet, some memory theories assume that these different modes of memory cannot happen at the same time and compete for priority within our brain.

Mars May Still Be A Living Planet, Methane In Atmosphere Reveals Posted: 16 Jan 2009 08:00 AM PST Scientists has achieved the first definitive detection of methane in the atmosphere of Mars. This discovery indicates the planet is either biologically or geologically active. If microscopic Martian life is producing the methane, it likely resides far below the surface where it is warm enough for liquid water to exist.

Odors Can Alter Gene Expression In An Olfactory Neuron Posted: 16 Jan 2009 08:00 AM PST In a study of how sensory neurons in the microscopic worm C. elegans process smell, researchers have discovered the first evidence that a chemical in the environment changes gene expression within a sensory organ in its own specific way. The investigators also report that in contrast to previous studies showing that Pumilio proteins suppress gene expression, the proteins are activators of expression in the worm's olfactory sensory cell.

New Tool Gives Researchers A Glimpse Of Biomolecules In Motion Posted: 16 Jan 2009 08:00 AM PST Using nanoscale "test tubes" researchers have demonstrated how terahertz spectroscopy can reveal the dynamic behavior of biomolecules like amino acids and proteins in water, important data for understanding their complex molecular behavior.

Largest Ever Prospective Medical Study Shows Epidurals And Spinal Anesthetics Are Safer Than Previously Reported Posted: 16 Jan 2009 08:00 AM PST The largest ever prospective study into the major complications of epidurals and spinal anesthetics concludes that previous studies have over-estimated the risks of severe complications of these procedures. The study concludes that the estimated risk of permanent harm following a spinal anesthetic or epidural is lower than 1 in 20,000 and in many circumstances the estimated risk is considerably lower.

Global Warming Linked To European Viral Epidemic Posted: 16 Jan 2009 08:00 AM PST An epidemic of the viral disease nephropathia epidemica has been linked to increases in the vole population caused by hotter summers, milder winters and increased seedcrop production by broadleaf trees. Research links outbreaks of this rodent-borne disease to known effects of global warming.

Tequila Boom Triggers Social, Environmental Hangover In Mexico Posted: 16 Jan 2009 08:00 AM PST New research shows that tequila's surge in popularity over the past 15 years has been a boon for industry, but is triggering a significant hangover of social and environmental problems in the region of Mexico where the once-notorious liquor is produced.

Microscopic 'Hands' For Building Tomorrow’s Machines Posted: 16 Jan 2009 05:00 AM PST In a finding straight out of science fiction, chemical and biomolecular engineers in Maryland are describing development of microscopic, chemically triggered robotic "hands" that can pick up and move small objects. They could be used in laboratory-on-a-chip applications, reconfigurable microfluidic systems, and micromanufacturing, the researchers say.

Evolutionary Keys To Common Birth Disorders Discovered Posted: 16 Jan 2009 05:00 AM PST Scientists have revealed that duplication and diversification of protein regions ("modules") within ancient master control genes is key to the understanding of certain birth disorders. Tracing the history of these changes within the proteins coded by the Msx gene family over the past 600 million years has also provided additional evidence for the ancient origin of the human mouth.

Molecular Origin Of Blood Stem Cells Unlocked Posted: 16 Jan 2009 05:00 AM PST A research team led by a Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology, has identified the location and developmental timeline in which a majority of bone marrow stem cells form in the mouse embryo. The findings, appearing in the journal Nature, highlight critical steps in the origin of hematopoietic (or blood) stem cells.

New Infant Formula Safety Advice Could Prevent Infant Suffering Posted: 16 Jan 2009 05:00 AM PST Wheat-based infant follow-on formulas are better reconstituted with fruit juice and should be stored in the fridge at 4°C to prevent growth of meningitis bacteria, according to recent research.

Americans Eager To Reduce Their Energy Use Posted: 16 Jan 2009 05:00 AM PST Many Americans have already taken action to reduce their energy use and many others would do the same if they could afford to, according to a national survey conducted by Yale and George Mason universities.

Letting Infants Watch TV Can Do More Harm Than Good Posted: 16 Jan 2009 05:00 AM PST A leading child expert is warning parents to limit the amount of television children watch before the age of two, after an extensive review showed that it can do more harm than good to their ongoing development.

Cooling The Planet By Growing The Right Crops Posted: 16 Jan 2009 02:00 AM PST By carefully selecting which varieties of food crops to cultivate, much of Europe and North America could be cooled by up to 1 degree Celsius during the summer growing season, say researchers. This is equivalent to an annual global cooling of over 0.1 degrees Celsius, almost 20 percent of the total global temperature increase since the Industrial Revolution. Unlike growing biofuels, such a plan could be achieved without disrupting food production.

'Window Into The Brain' Reveals Deadly Secrets Of Malaria Posted: 16 Jan 2009 02:00 AM PST Looking at the retina in the eyes of patients with cerebral malaria has provided scientists with a vital insight into why malaria infection in the brain is so deadly. Researchers in Malawi have shown for the first time in patients that the build-up of infected blood cells in the narrow blood vessels of the brain leads to a potentially lethal lack of oxygen to the brain.

Speech Disorders Can Be Assessed From A Distance, Research Finds Posted: 16 Jan 2009 02:00 AM PST There should be no barriers to providing high-quality speech pathology services, according to one Australian researcher. Her work has found that speech and language disorders can be validly and reliably assessed over the internet using a telerehabilitation application.

Molecular Insight Into How A Heart Failure Drug In Clinical Trials Works Posted: 16 Jan 2009 02:00 AM PST Individuals who have persistent high blood pressure are at increased risks of a number of serious medical conditions, including heart failure. One of the factors that contributes to such heart failure is thickening of the muscle wall of the heart.

Mass Production Micro-hybrid Technology Set To Cut Emissions And Fuel Use In Cars Posted: 16 Jan 2009 02:00 AM PST Engineers are developing a compact, fully integrated and low-cost start-stop system for cars to replace conventional alternators in mass production. This second-generation starter alternator reversible system is intended to enable the European automotive industry to meet new EU emissions legislation and significantly reduce fuel consumption without needing to redesign the engine. Additionally, it will fulfill global demands for more energy-efficient vehicles.

Free Exercise And Nutrition Program In Brazil Could Serve As Model In United States Posted: 16 Jan 2009 02:00 AM PST What if free exercise classes were offered in public spaces such as parks, beaches and recreation centers? When a city government in Brazil tried such a program, it greatly increased physical activity among community members. A group of health researchers who studied the program believes it could also work in US cities with warm climates.

Protein That Amplifies Cell Death Discovered: Potentially A New Way To Kill Cancer Cells Posted: 15 Jan 2009 11:00 PM PST Scientists have identified a small intracellular protein that helps cells commit suicide. In response to stress or as a natural part of aging, many cells undergo programmed suicide, also known as apoptosis. Cancer cells often become immortal and dangerous by developing the ability to suppress apoptosis.

Pediatric Vaccine Effectively Prevents Pneumococcal Meningitis, Study Suggests Posted: 15 Jan 2009 11:00 PM PST A standard pediatric vaccine used to prevent several common types of life-threatening infections also effectively reduced the rates of pneumococcal meningitis in children and adults, according to a new study in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study, based on a detailed review of pneumococcal meningitis cases, also noted an increase in strains of pneumococcal meningitis not susceptible to the vaccine and those resistant to antibiotics.

New Method Accelerates Stability Testing Of Soy-based Biofuel Posted: 15 Jan 2009 11:00 PM PST Researchers have developed a method to accelerate stability testing of biodiesel fuel made from soybeans and identified additives that enhance stability at high temperatures, work that could help overcome a key barrier to the practical use of biofuels.

Scientists Identify New Congenital Neutropenia Syndrome And Causative Gene Mutation Posted: 15 Jan 2009 11:00 PM PST Scientists have discovered a new syndrome associated with severe congenital neutropenia, a rare disorder in which children lack sufficient infection-fighting white cells, and identified the genetic cause of the syndrome.

Biologist Enhances Use Of Bioinformatic Tools And Achieves Precision In Genetic Annotation Posted: 15 Jan 2009 11:00 PM PST Biologists have enhanced the use of bioinformatic tools for the identification and annotation of certain fungal and bacterial genes.

New Evidence That Humans Make Aspirin's Active Principle -- Salicylic Acid Posted: 15 Jan 2009 08:00 PM PST Scientists in the United Kingdom are reporting new evidence that humans can make their own salicylic acid (SA) -- the material formed when aspirin breaks down in the body. SA, which is responsible for aspirin's renowned effects in relieving pain and inflammation, may be the first in a new class of bioregulators, according to a new study.

Early Childhood Diet May Influence Future Health Posted: 15 Jan 2009 08:00 PM PST Surprising new research published in the Journal of Physiology, indicates a direct connection between an adult's propensity to put on weight and our early childhood diet.

Unique Skeletal Muscle Design Contributes To Spine Stability Posted: 15 Jan 2009 08:00 PM PST The novel design of a deep muscle along the spinal column called the multifidus muscle may in fact be key to spinal support and a healthy back, according to researchers. Their findings about the potentially important "scaffolding" role of this poorly understood muscle has been published on line in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.

Few DNA Repair Genes Maintain Association With Cancer In Field Synopsis Posted: 15 Jan 2009 08:00 PM PST Variants of numerous DNA repair genes initially appeared to be statistically significantly associated with cancer risk in epidemiological studies. When the data from individual studies are pooled, however, few DNA repair gene variants appear truly associated with increased cancer risk, according to a new field synopsis.

Structural Defects Introduced Into Carbon Nanotubes Could Lead The Way To Carbon Nanotube Circuits Posted: 15 Jan 2009 08:00 PM PST Structural defects introduced into carbon nanotubes could lead the way to carbon nanotube circuits, new research shows.

Contrary To Earlier Predictions, Older Driver Fatal Crashes Trend Down Posted: 15 Jan 2009 08:00 PM PST Despite growing numbers on the road, fewer older drivers died in crashes and fewer were involved in fatal collisions during 1997-2006 than in years past, a new Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study reports. Crash deaths among drivers 70 and older fell 21 percent during the period, reversing an upward trend, even as the population of people 70 and older rose 10 percent.

Primate Culture Is Just A Stone's Throw Away From Human Evolution, Study Finds Posted: 15 Jan 2009 05:00 PM PST For 30 years, scientists have been studying stone-handling behavior in several troops of Japanese macaques to catch a unique glimpse of primate culture. By watching these monkeys acquire and maintain behavioral traditions from generation to generation, the scientists have gained insight into the cultural evolution of humans.

Midlife Coffee And Tea Drinking May Protect Against Late-life Dementia Posted: 15 Jan 2009 05:00 PM PST Midlife coffee drinking can decrease the risk of dementia/Alzheimer's disease later in life. The study found that coffee drinkers at midlife had lower risk for dementia and AD later in life compared to those drinking no or only little coffee. The lowest risk (65% decreased) was found among moderate coffee drinkers (drinking 3-5 cups of coffee/day).

Thomas Harriot: A Telescopic Astronomer Before Galileo Posted: 15 Jan 2009 05:00 PM PST This year the world celebrates the International Year of Astronomy (IYA2009), marking the 400th anniversary of the first drawings of celestial objects through a telescope. This first has long been attributed to Galileo Galilei, the Italian who went on to play a leading role in the 17th century scientific revolution. But astronomers and historians in the UK are keen to promote a lesser-known figure, English polymath Thomas Harriot, who made the first drawing of the Moon through a telescope several months earlier, in July 1609.

Why Bladder Cancer Is Deadlier For Some Posted: 15 Jan 2009 05:00 PM PST Bladder cancer is much more likely to be deadly for women and African-Americans, but the reasons long believed to explain the phenomenon account for only part of the differences for such patients compared to their white and male counterparts, according to new results.

Physicists Resolve Confounding Paradox Of Quantum Theory Posted: 15 Jan 2009 05:00 PM PST University of Toronto quantum physicists Jeff Lundeen and Aephraim Steinberg have shown that Hardy's paradox, a proposal that has confounded physicists for over a decade, can be confirmed and ultimately resolved, a task which had seemingly been impossible to perform.

Expect More Speeding Tickets in Weak Economy Posted: 15 Jan 2009 05:00 PM PST When local revenue falls, traffic citations go up. Researchers have found statistical evidence that local governments use traffic citations to make up for revenue shortfalls. So as the economy tanks, motorists may be more likely to see red and blue in the rearview.

Medieval Walls In Spain Contain Bits Of Bone Posted: 15 Jan 2009 02:00 PM PST In a macabre discovery fit for Indiana Jones, archaeologists in Spain unearthed a 14th century brick oven with a unique role -- to bake bones. Scientists report that the animal bones were burnt in the oven and mixed with other materials to produce a protective coating to strengthen the grand medieval walls of what is today Granada, Spain. Scientists now describe how they found these materials thanks to a powerful new testing method.

Invisible Surgery: Appendix Removed Through Patient's Vagina Posted: 15 Jan 2009 02:00 PM PST Breaking new ground in what many surgeons consider the next frontier in minimally invasive surgery, surgeons have successfully performed an appendectomy with no abdominal incision. The appendix was removed through a small incision in the patient's vagina.

Orbiting Carbon Observatory Will Help Track Sources Of Rising Carbon Dioxide Posted: 15 Jan 2009 02:00 PM PST Scientists still do not know precisely where all the carbon dioxide in our atmosphere comes from and where it goes. Now, they soon expect to get some answers to these and other compelling carbon questions, thanks to the Orbiting Carbon Observatory, a new Earth-orbiting NASA satellite set to launch in early 2009.

Prolonged Nevirapine In Breast-fed Babies Prevents HIV Infection But Leads To Drug-resistant HIV Posted: 15 Jan 2009 02:00 PM PST Babies born to HIV-positive mothers and given the antiretroviral drug nevirapine through the first six weeks of life to prevent infection via breast-feeding are at high risk for developing drug-resistant HIV if they get infected anyway, a team of researchers report. But the investigators highlight the proven superiority of the six-week regimen in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission in breast-fed infants.

Nations That Sow Food Crops For Biofuels May Reap Less Than Previously Thought Posted: 15 Jan 2009 02:00 PM PST Global yields of most biofuels crops, including corn, rapeseed and wheat, have been overestimated by 100 to 150 percent or more, suggesting many countries need to reset their expectations of agricultural biofuels to a more realistic level.

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